A feelgood novel about second chances, quiet rebellion, and the surprising joy of choosing yourself.

After a life spent taking care of everyone else, one woman finally asks: what about me?

Joanne has always been the reliable one — the rock for her family, the silent cheerleader for her brother’s sports career, the supportive partner to her ambitious husband, and the ever-present mum to her bright and opinionated daughter. But now, in her forties, she feels adrift. Somewhere between school runs, marital routine, and yet another glass of Merlot, Joanne realizes she’s disappeared from her own life.

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Determined to shake things up, she makes a decision that shocks everyone around her — her puzzled husband, the brother she hasn’t spoken to in years, and her almost-eleven-year-old daughter… who surprisingly finds her mum’s new “fun-weird” side kind of cool.

Set between the windswept beaches of the Dutch coast and the sun-drenched countryside of rural France, Midlife, Mayhem and Merlot is a heartfelt and witty novel about second chances, quiet rebellion, and the joy of finally choosing yourself. It’s a story about rediscovering passion — not just for romance, but for life.

Perfect for fans of warm, character-driven stories with a humorous edge, this novel will resonate with readers who enjoy books about midlife reinvention, motherhood, family dynamics, and women rediscovering their strength.

Nanda Roep

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