My Review:

How to Walk Away is a fast paced linear story, with flawed characters facing the challenges of tragedy, secrets and ultimately growth.  It is easy to read and perfect to bring along for a summer weekend away!

Occasionally predictable, yet continuously engaging, heartbreaking and humorous, we meet Margaret, a business school graduate about to be offered her first big job.  Her longtime neighbor turned boyfriend has been studying for his pilot’s license and he coaxes her into taking a joyride on a small plane where he has momentous plans to surprise her.  Her dreams are shattered when a tragic accident occurs, and they now have to struggle to accept the new reality.

At the same time Margaret’s sister shows up after being out of touch for 3 years to check in on her and reveal a family secret about their family.  Margaret reconnects with her seemingly rebellious sister and has to deal with her parents and their troubles, while trying to come to terms with her relationship and achieve some personal goals as the clock runs out.  Mixed with the tragedy and the family mystery, there is one love story fizzling and one brewing as Margaret alternately feels despair, motivation and then friendship with a handsome, Scottish physical therapist.

Katherine Center writes in a way that stirs up lots of emotions as we take the journey with Margaret.  The almost unbelievably ridiculous turn of events in this story and the emotional roller coaster kept me hooked.  Sometimes you just need to laugh, cry and get caught up in someone else’s crazy life, and How to Walk Away is a great choice!

Goodreads Summary

About the Author:

Katherine Center is the author of six novels about love and family, including The Bright Side of Disaster, The Lost Husband, Happiness for Beginners—and the upcoming How to Walk Away. Her work has appeared in Redbook, People, USA Today, Vanity Fair, InStyle, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Vassar College and the University of Houston’s Creative Writing Program. Katherine lives in Houston with her husband and two sweet children.