I never read Linda Holmes’ debut novel, Evvie Drake Starts Over. Now, after reading Flying Solo, I may have to go back and read the earlier book. The characters are so likable, and the friendships so solid in Flying Solo. I loved the quietness of the book, an atmosphere that Laurie Sassalyn, the protagonist would appreciate.

Laurie lives in Seattle, but she travels the world as a wildlife journalist. However, when her ninety-three-year-old Great Aunt Dot dies, Laurie is the one in the family who has the time and the interest to head to her hometown in Maine to clear out the house, and in Laurie’s heart, clear out the memories. Laurie grew up in Calcasset, but, with four brothers, she often fled to Dot’s house for quiet. Laurie always admired Dot’s independence. Dot traveled the world, had numerous friends, tried every craft. At almost forty, Laurie still sees Dot as a role model as to how to live as a single woman. When she finds a wooden duck, a decoy, in a trunk, though, she can’t help wondering why it seemed to be hidden, and why Laurie knew nothing about it.

Laurie had already called someone she calls “The Grim Reaper”, Matt from Save the Best, to take some of Dot’s things off her hands. He tells her the duck doesn’t seem to be worth much, but he’ll give her fifty dollars for it. It’s only afterwards that she thinks she might have made a mistake. That duck could have connections to a Maine artist. But, what was Dot’s connection?

This is a quiet book about reflection about life and independence and love. When Laurie returns to Calcasset, she’s once again in touch with her best friend, Junie, and the boy she always loved, Nick Cooper, the local librarian. But, Laurie broke up with Nick when they were in college. He would always love Calcasset. She dreamed of travel, and she couldn’t reconcile her love for Nick with her travels. That doesn’t mean Nick isn’t special. Now that she’s back, even for a short time, she has the time to spend with both Nick and Junie. And, when there are issues with the duck, she recruits her best friends and a couple others for a duck caper.

As I said, reflection about life, independence, love. What does it mean to be forty, a single woman who still yearns for a quiet life and independence, but loves the man that Nick has become? What do you have to give up if you’re part of a couple? Do you lose your independence?

Linda Holmes successfully ties together all of those themes with a group of charming friends and a few adventures. There’s laughter and thoughtful conversation in Flying Solo. It’s a special story of reflection. The book itself offers a quiet retreat from a hectic world.

Linda Holmes’ website is https://www.thisislindaholmes.com/

Flying Solo by Linda Holmes. Ballantine Books, 2022. ISBN 9780525619277 (hardcover), 310p.

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