Your Preview Verdict: Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron

Elizabeth Strout meets Marian Keyes in this wonderful, joyful, funny debut novel from Australian author Jacquie Byron.

What a warming, uplifting and funny story. Based on three generations all with their own problems and how they deal with them. But in the end they see that each can help the other through the tough times and start to enjoy the future. It touched home to me on so many levels. Truly love this book. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars

Whatever the reason, when you live alone you become the gatekeeper. You decide who to let into your life, to visit, to communicate with. You decide how you interact with the world. Franny Calderwood is living her life, maintaining a routine of activities that do not include family and friends. She is still trying to deal with the loss of her husband. New neighbours see her begin to change, but her drinking causes her to have an accident and she has to re-evaluate her life. Finding a letter written several years before his death makes her really see herself. Happy Hour is a great read. Many of the ideas gel with me and ring true of the single life. A very enjoyable read. Anne, NSW, 5 Stars

I love this book! I was engaged from the first page due to our heroine of the story, Franny. Franny is the most engaging, delightful & charming character. Three years ago, a life changing event turned her world upside down & left a giant hole in her heart that she has found difficult to move forward from. She & her late husband used to be a large part of the social scene, they had many friends & had bright plans for their future. After the loss of her husband, Franny cut herself off from old friends, her social circles & became somewhat reclusive, however, this changes when a new family moves in next door. The ‘Happy Hour’ is Franny’s journey through grief & learning to move forward. This book had me laughing at Franny’s antics, feeling sadness at her pain & wanting to read more about this truly interesting & engaging character. Wendy, WA, 5 Stars

Happy Hour is an easy but interesting read. Franny is a colourful character learning to live life without her much loved husband Frank. It is Franny’s story of how she is hiding away from the world so as not to be reminded of how much Frank is missed. When a single mother, Sally moves in next door with 2 children Josh and Dee. Both of the children are really likeable and add humour into the story.The children force their way into Franny’s life. I loved the characters and their struggles were very relatable. The main theme of the book for me was coping grief. Even though grief is a heavy topic the story is often funny and very entertaining. For me this would be an excellent book to take on a weekend away to relax with. Leanne, SA, 5 Stars

As loveable as Franny is, she was becoming her own worst enemy. As a reader, one can see the pitfalls as they were developing and we’re left saying ‘no, no, no’ in our minds as the inevitable train wreck occurs; because we’re all human and we know pain and sorrow. We can empathise with Franny and as we’re spectators in her life, it’s easy to have a mental dialogue on how to act differently. At times very raw, Jacquie Byron brought Franny and her foibles to life on the page. The story is one such possible path that opens when one’s suffered the loss of a life partner. It reveals the journey and the seemingly unknown ripple effect on others when the sufferer of loss is swallowed up by a rabbit-hole of their own sorrow. At times laugh out loud and others, a sad reality check of life events. Merilyn, WA, 5 Stars

Franny Calderwood has turned her back on the world. Having lost her husband, Frank, in tragic circumstances three years earlier, Franny copes the only way she knows how. Having removed herself from the life she once new, Franny lives her life in decadent seclusion, with only her two dogs, Whisky and Soda for company. When the Salernos move next door, Franny is pulled into the drama of their lives. Mother, Sallyanne, Teenager Dee and eight-year-old Josh integrate themselves into Franny’s life despite her determination not to get involved. I loved this story. It is at times very sad, and also hilariously funny. Despite the circumstances, Franny and the Salernos learn that they do need each other. Josh in particular takes a genuine liking to Franny and endears himself to her. My favourite part of the story is when Franny, Dee and Josh create his costume for book week. The creation is amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is a tremendous insight into people and the lives and families we choose to create for ourselves. Carolyn, WA, 5 Stars

Franny and her loveable pooches, Soda and Whisky, feel like familiar neighbours from just down the road. This devastating and uplifting tale of incredible loss and finding a purpose to live occurs in the bayside suburb of Cheltenham. Franny, a woman who has lived an incredible life must navigate the toughest period of her own without her beloved Frank. It is the remarkable life of Franny and her journey to living, not just existing, that inspires this reader to take stock of her own life. Jacquie Byron’s debut novel is a fantastic reminder of the gift of life and the unlikely bonds formed from unexpected places. Franny, an inspiring and vivacious heroine with a wicked sense of humour, takes readers on a journey of grief, once-in-a-lifetime-love and a journey of healing. The comforting backdrop of familiar Melbourne surrounds leaves this reader with a strong desire to make the most of life post-lockdown, starting with an overdue trip to the Botanic Gardens. Lisa, VIC, 5 Stars

Franny is a grieving widow who loves a drink, her two pooches and misses her beloved Frank. She isn’t one to be reckoned with and you can’t help but fall in love her; although sometimes you do feel like reaching into the pages and steering her in a different direction to the route she has chosen to take. Franny is set to self-destruct and really doesn’t care who she hurts along the way. She is sad and lonely and too proud to admit it. At the heart of it though, she truly is a very kind and loving person, however she has her guard up, not wanting to let people get too close in case she loses them too. Then one day a family of three move into the house next door and Franny soon finds herself unintentionally stepping into a role she can’t quite comprehend. Happy Hour explores the emotional roller-coaster of love and loss, of learning to say goodbye and accepting that it is okay to live life to the fullest when the one person you want to share your journey with is no longer here. This is a delightful book that you will be sad to finish. Nicole, NSW, 5 Stars

What an enjoyable roller coaster of emotions we get to go on with the amazing Franny. She is beautifully written as a strong, yet flawed woman deeply grieving the death of centre of her universe. Even when she is making the “wrong choices” it is so easy to empathise with her reasons. I laughed and cried my way through this story, loving not only Franny but the wonderful cast of friends and enemies she has gathered. Lisa, QLD, 5 Stars

This books has to be in my top 5 for this year! You wouldn’t believe it is the author’s debut novel! The story follows the main character Franny as she deals with the grief of losing her husband. Alternately funny and heartbreaking, always emotional, the novel brilliantly depicts the themes of loss, friendship and forgiveness. I found the characters likeable and most importantly realistic in their flaws and strengths, it was easy to imagine yourself in their situation. Cheers to Franny and the author! Marjolaine, WA, 5 Stars

From the beginning you start to picture Franny as a bossy, unhappy and unlikeable old lady. But as the story develops you start to see she is not the strong, independent person she portrays herself to be. When new neighbours move in next door, Franny starts question her own self isolation. An easy to read and enjoyable book which I just wanted to keep reading. Cath, QLD, 5 Stars

Well this was a lockdown treat which I thoroughly enjoyed, Happy Hour centres around Franny who is navigating the loss of her husband by retreating into her Melbourne home, enjoying copious amounts of alcohol and generally avoiding any human contact, preferring instead to focus her attention on her beloved dogs! Of course her hermit-like status becomes seriously challenged when new neighbours move in and begin to make their presence felt. What ensues is at times hilarious and at times very poignant chain of events which ultimately resolve Franny’s somewhat sad situation. Wonderful characters and a local Melbourne flavour made this a real winner for me. I loved it! Anne-Marie, VIC, 5 Stars

After the death of her beloved husband Frank, Franny deals with her grief in her own way – with cocktails and shutting out those around her. With her dogs Whisky and Soda she enjoys a life of good food, wine and solitude. However when new neighbours turn up, a recently separated mum, a purple haired teenager and an artistic 8 year old, her solitude is under threat. Does she help the Salernos family with their life changes or do they help her? In life there is loss, but there is also living. While we can’t change the past, we can decide the future. A wonderfully written book with bonus recipes. Nicole, VIC, 5 Stars

Very rarely does a book invoke sobbing but the passion and soul in this book sure did. Grief manifests itself in so many different forms and has no timeline or rule book. Happy Hour was a joy to read from page one and to say I have learnt a few things about human nature, is an understatement. Humans need each other to grow and support each other through our life journeys. Thoroughly recommend this beautiful work of art. Shelley, NSW, 5 Stars

This book kept me enthralled. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion but it also left me feeling sad and a little frustrated. The interactions of the neighbours next door took me back to a time of growing up when your neighbours were part of all our families. This book covered many topics, including loss and addiction. It explored how letting others in can help us acknowledge our issues and recover. Really well written. Deb, SA, 5 Stars

Franny Calderwood is a 65 year old living her best life in isolation after her dear husband passed away tragically. She avoids those whom she once had socials with like the plague and ensures any phone calls she receives are kept at a minimum as she doesn’t want those who care about her to look upon her with sorrow and pity. Franny loves a good drink and keeps herself busy as the days go by, by taking her PRC l precious pooches for walks, having lunch at her favourite restaurant, visiting bookshops and the painting the day away. One day some new neighbours move in and Franny finds herself engaging in an unlikely friendship with the family which is totally out of her character. Through this you get to see the history behind the life she lived and the amount of pain she endured through various stages of her life. This book was such a great read! You’ll fall in love with Franny and the family next door, you’ll weep for her as well as laugh and will definitely want to re-read this captivating debut from Jacquie Byron. Francis, NSW, 5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book – a small but engaging set of characters exploring some ‘big picture’ life experiences. There was a bit of a TV soapie feel to it (the book would, in fact, make a great tv show) with an awful lot crammed into its pages, but it was an easy read, with well written dialogue and a satisfying ending. Franny is a funny, flawed woman and her conversations with her dogs and dead husband provide a lot of context to the events of the book. And of course, there were also some excellent recommendations around cocktails, gin and party foods! Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars

Happy Hour was just the read I needed to get through the latest lockdown. It was heart warming, witty and sensitive. I loved the amusing accounts of Franny’s adventures and the character felt very real (maybe too real to me). A fantastic read that I thoroughly recommend. Susan, NSW, 5 Stars

This book is a happy blend of serious and funny. It’s a heartwarming story about grief and unlikely friendships. It was easy to read and familiar without being predictable. Definitely worth a read. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars

I thought that this book gave a very realistic picture of a situation which faces many women who are suddenly widowed. Franny experiences many of the stereotypical reactions and retreats into her familiar home until new neighbours move in and slowly ease their way into her life and give her a completely new perspective. Elizabeth, NSW, 5 Stars

Happy Hour was an entertaining read with both humour and sadness. Franny’s grief at losing her beloved husband was overwhelming at times but her new neighbours broadened her outlook and life. Characters were well developed, including the two dogs Whiskey and Soda. I’d recommend this book to friends and family. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars

Happy Hour, a great story to read and enjoy, especially during another COVID-19 lockdown. People cope with grief in different ways. Sixty-five year old Franny Calderwood lives in Cheltenham, a Melbourne suburb. It is three years since her husband, Frank, was killed when out riding his bicycle and grief stricken Franny has cut herself off from family and friends. She has even had a security gate erected so that she can control who enters her property. Her companions are her dogs, Whisky and Soda, and photos of Frank displayed in each room of the house so that she can talk to him and discuss her problems. Franny also likes a drink or two or maybe three, hence the title of the book, Happy Hour. Franny’s life changes, however, when the Salferno family moves next door. Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron is a heart-warming, sensitive and amusing account of the life of an older woman dealing with grief and her attempts, with the help of family and friends, to eventually decide how she would really like to spend the rest of her life. Vicki, VIC, 5 Stars

Thank you Jacquie Byron, reading Happy Hour felt like a big warm hug at times. I found the characters real and relatable and appreciated Franny’s acerbic defensiveness. The story follows Franny’s ride while she navigates her grief yet it is not maudlin and depressing but hopeful and sensitive, illuminating the importance of love and friendship. A great read, I highly recommend Happy Hour. Lyn, VIC, 5 Stars

I know I am enjoying a book when I wake up thinking about it and wanting to sit and drink coffee whilst reading it. This was one of those books. Fran has such style and even though she tries to hide it, such a good heart. The totality of Fran is revealed fairly swiftly right from the start but the sadness at her very being was so beautifully written and a little unexpected. At one stage Dee says ‘Fran was there’ and I felt that said so much about the place she has in her neighbour’s lives. She of course had this place in her old friend’s lives and has allowed that place to be lost but she manages to recover so much of it. This book left me wanting to know what happens next to Fran and her friends and neighbours, especially, will Fran make a trip to Scotland taking Frank with her? Wendy, TAS, 5 Stars

Happy Hour is a story about grief and loss but also about the power of friendship and human connection. I laughed and cried along with Franny on her journey with her two faithful companions, Whisky and Soda. I felt the loss of the life she once had with Frank but delighted in her eccentricity and fierce independence. The ‘family next door’, with their own life challenges, chip away at the barriers Franny has built around her and bring laughter and love back into Franny’s life. The book is a celebration of life and the importance of treasuring it and the people in it. Denise, TAS, 5 Stars

Franny Calderwood’s world was turned upside down when her husband was killed in an accident. She was in so much pain she retreated from the world, from friends and indulged in alcohol just a tad too much, she was alone with her 2 dogs for company. This all started to change when a single mum with 2 children moved in next door. Their lives became intertwined with a couple of hiccups along the way. She slowly emerged, putting the past behind her and taking up life and love again. Through the love of 2 children and their mum Franny begins to thaw, having family and friends thrust upon her due to a fall, she does some soul searching and starts to reach out to friends, family, and resume normal life. I loved this book it said much about grieving, living and loving. Had you turning the page and enjoying the metamorphosis of Franny, and the lives she touched. Glenys, NSW, 5 Stars

A wonderful book about love, grief and the power of forgiveness. Interesting and likeable characters, totally relatable. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and thought it was a very satisfying ending. All in all a great read. Recommended. Ros, ACT, 5 Stars

Happy Hour doesn’t have anything very new to say, but it tells a lovely story that reminds us all of the value of human connections, and the fact that isolation is rarely a good strategy. This exploration of grief and friendship is a warm story well told. Franny’s grief, and the way she retreats from others is understandable. Even when Franny’s at her worst, she has a sense of humor which helps keep us on her side. Whether the Salernos want Franny as a friend is a question not often asked in this sort of novel. It highlights the negative ways she’s coping – notably her drinking – and how badly she’s affecting people around her. But this is about friendship. Franny’s old friends have not given up on her, despite her best efforts, and her new friends are reluctant to be driven off. Byron shows the strength that friendship can lend. This is an encouraging novel. Franny doesn’t solve all her problems in one fell swoop, but we leave her better than we found her. The novel concludes in a way that feels realistic but hopeful. I thoroughly enjoyed this and others, especially those who’ve experienced grief, will do so too. Lorraine, ACT, 5 Stars

I absolutely adored this book and could not put it down. The character descriptions were very depth, especially of the main character Franny and I was able to build up a fantastic picture in my mind, as if the characters were in the room with me. My favourite aspect of the book, was the realness of the characters. The author made it feel as if you were part of the story and it enabled me to become engrossed in the story and wanting to know what was going to happen next. It also made me wish that I had a neighbour like Franny. I will definitely be recommending this book to others. Rebecca, ACT, 5 Stars

A wickedly humorous and touching story of 65 year old Franny Calderwood, who has put herself into virtual social isolation since the death of her husband three years previously. Avoiding “unwanted sorrow and pity” of friends and family, she has taken to talking to husband Frank’s photos in every room and self-medicating with an extensive array of admirably fine wines, liquor and cocktails. Thus, she is almost a virtual recluse until a new family moves in next door. Perhaps she is not the tough cookie she acts like. Could she return to the family which cares for her? Could she even come around to forgive the young man responsible for Frank’s death? Teen, Dakota, next door is always on her phone and in your face. Her effeminate younger brother, Josh, suffers bullying, tragically even by his own father. And now-single mother, Sallyanne, needs support in many ways. Sympathy for all the characters is cleverly built. Jacquie Byron is an extraordinary writer, so capably capturing modern life and its tragedies with wit and warmth. That Franny is a children’s book author and illustrator and has an on line bibliophile-friends group of nine members and rails against outrageous FB posts makes me feel she is part of my own circle, or I would like her to be. Georgia, NSW, 5 Stars

Cheers, it’s 6 o’clock somewhere! This is the main theme of this book and Franny knows how to make a mean gin and tonic and stretch happy hour into hours. Franny also likes to mix things up and have the odd whiskey, wine or bubbly to mostly try and deal with the grief of losing her beloved husband Frank. Set in a nice suburb in Melbourne the story revolves mostly around Franny partaking in happy hour, walking her two dogs Whiskey and Soda, dining out, yoga, but most importantly trying to avoid people sometimes in hilarious ways. Franny is cultured, well educated, witty and funny, but wants to be left alone. She does this successfully until a family of three move in next door and turn her life upside down and slowly she starts opening up her heart to Sallyanne, Dee and Josh who are also dealing with their own problems. I loved reading about Franny’s adventures and the author has really done an excellent job of telling a story that I didn’t want to end . The story also deals with moving on after loss, letting people back in and forgiveness. What a cracker of a debut novel and highly recommend. Tracy, WA, 5 Stars

Franny Calderwood is living alone with her dogs, content with life & content with her own company… albeit the loss of her husband. When her new Neighbours arrive, Sallyanne and her two children, Dee & Josh, Franny can’t avoid them. I found this book easy to read. It was a light hearted read with some laughter and tears. Quite thought-provoking at time. A great read. Thank you Better Reading Preview for the opportunity to review this book. Angie, QLD, 4 Stars

Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron is a story about love, loss, grief and friendship. Main character, Franny Calderwood, is grieving the sudden loss of her husband three years earlier and in trying to cope with the tragedy has withdrawn herself from family and friends. She is a loveable yet frustrating character who grows on you as the story develops. She is sarcastic and mean at times while generous and loving at others. Franny lives by herself and has decided she prefers the company of her two faithful dogs and a bottle of good wine than that of other people. When a friendly but troubled family move in next door Franny begins to realise that maybe life could be better with company. I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written with the central character being so complex and real. I loved experiencing the ups and downs Franny goes through as she tries to learn to live and love again after such devastating loss. The added snippets of her amazing cooking, recipes and decadent alcoholic drinks made it extra enjoyable for someone who loves the finer things in life. Mary-Jo, VIC, 4 Stars

Happy Hour was a delightful read. 65yo Franny is still grieving the death of her husband after three years by cutting off just about everyone she ever knew and/or loved and purely keeping company with her dogs. That is until the single mum and her two kids moved in next door. Franny’s gruff exterior soon melts away to show the somewhat teddy bear she really is. But never losing her flair or class nor changing some of her “habits”. The characters and their stories are very relatable. Really felt like I could know each and every one of them. Katrina, VIC, 4 Stars

For a debut novel this book is well written and enjoyable. Following the death of her husband Frances Calderwood has hidden away from life with the company of only her dogs and seeking comfort from drinking. That is until the arrival of her new neighbours, the Salernos. She ultimately becomes involved in their drama-filled lives which turns out to be a blessing in disguise, an avenue to share her grief through their friendship. Kerry, WA, 4 Stars

This novel is all about love, loss, friendship and survival. In her grieving state Franny is trying to push people away only to find her friends and new neighbours are not that easy to push away. Great read. Louise, NSW, 4 Stars

This is a book about grief and friendship. I loved everything about this debut novel. It covered some really big topics like how to process grief but it also had many elements of humour. This will definitely be a novel I will think about for a long time to come. Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars

Happy Hour is the story of Franny Calderwood, who is grieving the loss of her husband Frank and has retreated from the world spending most of her time with her dogs and a good drink. Franny’s world begins to change when new neighbours move in next door. As Franny gets to know her new neighbours her world starts to open up again, but not without a lot of resistance… and alcohol! I loved the character of Franny – she is funny, creative and has a big heart. The relationships she builds with the kids next door are beautiful and help her to embrace life again. Franny also grieves deeply and you learn that she is dealing with a lot more than losing her husband. There is a lot of joy amongst the grief and loss, this was a heartwarming read and a great first novel from Jacquie Byron. Belinda, SA, 4 Stars

There is nothing more exciting that reading a book by a debut novel and discovering it was just the bomb. Happy Hour is a debut novel written by Jacquie Byron about a 65 year old widow called Franny, who is a delightful character, that is content to talk to her two dogs Soda and Whisky and the numerous photos of her late husband Frank that are dotted around the house. I loved Franny, she knows what she wants, and mostly that is to get on with her life without the bother of others. The story is full of humour, so many parts of this book made me chuckle, one particular past I loved was her description of her Neighbours, The Prozesky’s, and how when they moved in her and her husband frank made up a story about them being Russian Spies. But its when the new neighbours move in things begin to shift in Franny’s way of thinking. I definitely recommend this novel, and look forward to what comes next from Jacquie Byron. Kate, TAS, 4 Stars

A lovely story of Franny Calderwood and her 2 dogs Whisky and Soda and how love and friendship evolves when a single mum of 2 move into next door. Franny is in mourning after her husband is killed a few years prior. Loved the aspect of happy hour at 6pm each night and the love Franny had for her late husband as she communicates with him through her photos of him scattered around her house. Loved how the friendship evolved with the children from next door and eventually the mother. A great read. Lizzie, SA, 4 Stars

It takes a talented writer to create an irascible, rude, frustrating character who slowly gets under your skin until you feel her raw emotions and start cheering for her. This is 65 year old wisecracking Franny in Jacquie Byron’s Happy Hour. The first chapter is funny, sad and meaningful, and sets the tone for the rest of the book. I was immersed straightaway. I really enjoyed this book. I laughed and cried with Franny and commiserated with those who knew it was grief masking the Franny they loved. Franny, hides behind a mask of self-imposed isolation and ‘decadent seclusion’ but self-pity never spills out into her occasional forays in public, although her erratic behaviour is sometimes hilarious with unintended consequences. Memorable characters and a believable plot make this an entertaining read with heart. Jennie, VIC, 4 Stars

Franny Calderwood lost her husband Frank 3 years ago after a tragic accident. Since his death Franny has removed herself from her friends and family. She has lived in isolation apart from her painting and solo restaurant meals. She finds solace in the bottle. Friends have tried to keep in touch without success. Franny doesn’t respond to invitations and makes elaborate excuses. A new family moves in next door and she finally allows them into her life and begins responding to them and other friends. Vivien, ACT, 4 Stars

The debut novel Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron is a delightful read on a rainy weekend with a glass of G & T or Pinot Franny style. The main character Franny is revealed to us as we follow her journey 3 years after losing her beloved husband Frank. Franny is flawed, as we all are, but when given the chance, has a heart of gold. Byron has explored the themes of grief and forgiveness, and the importance of keeping one’s heart open. You will laugh with Franny, and cry with Franny, as her heart breaks and reopens to life again. Fiona, SA, 4 Stars

This book covers some big topics, how to handle grief being the most obvious one. But this not a sanctimonious guide on how to “move on” with dignity. There were a number of moments when you think “oh, this is not going to end well Franny, don’t do it” but of course she does, and she endures the consequences. This is a great story, I read it in a couple of sittings as I simply had to know how Franny was faring. It is as funny and messy and full of love as I imagine one of Frank and Franny’s legendary dinner parties were. A book to read now, when so many of us are spending more time “at home”, and have come to value the importance of friends and family near and far. And what, at the end of the day, matters the most. Debra, NSW, 4 Stars

Happy Hour is a novel about grief and friendship, and how we cope with both! It tells how 65 year old Franny Calderwood is still learning to cope with her grief at losing her beloved husband three years earlier, mainly by isolating herself from those who care about her. New neighbours remind her what it means to care about others and be part of a community but it’s not without its ups and downs. This novel is perfect for readers of Liz Byrski. It’s a reminder to cherish what we have and know we are never truly alone. Elizabeth, WA, 3 Stars