Family for Beginners: A Novel

Summary

This summer, USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan explores her most complex set of family dynamics yet. When Flora Donovan falls for widower Jack Parker, little does she realise how complicated stepping into the shoes of Jack’s late wife will be with his moody teenage daughter, and his wife’s BFF Clare. A powerful, witty and warm life-affirming exploration of loss, blended families, and the healing power of love.

On paper, florist Flora Donovan is living the dream. A job she loves, her own apartment and living in the most exciting city of all - New York. But secretly, all she yearns for connection. After losing her mom at a very young age, she’s never felt she’s quite belonged anywhere. Until she meets Jack Parker.

Jack’s teenage daughter Izzy is still reeling from the death of her own mother. Her mom was perfect - high-acheiving, poised, and all the things Izzy knows she’ll never be.The last thing she needs is her father meeting a new woman - especially one as determined to be nice to her as Flora. Can’t she see that the last thing Izzy wants is a substitute mother?

When Flora accepts Jack’s invitation to accompany the Parker family on their annual summer holiday to England’s Lakes District, tensions between Izzy and Flora hit boiling point. Flora is already halfway in love with Jack, but is their happines worth causing his daughter such distress? Hurting, scared and experiencing a summer romance of her own, Izzy can’t see that what she needs desperately is a friend. As the summer unfolds, from such emotionally charged beginnings, will these two women realise that together, their future is brighter?