Relax and Read Book Club: On The Edge by Sarah Turner

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading On The Edge by Sarah Turner, about protagonist Joni, who has always felt like an outsider in her blended family, who goes on an unexpected week-long journey of self-discovery following the death of her beloved Nana.

"After loving Sarah Turners first book I had high hopes for her second and I was not disappointed. The characters were brilliant and so likeable and there were laugh out loud moments when reading. I didn’t want to put it down and it was a perfect holiday read - I definitely recommend - you will not be disappointed!" - Amazon customer review

What inspired you to write this book?

I love writing about families, working out the dynamics and strained relationships between family members as they tackle whatever life throws at them. My last book focused on special guardianship and when planning this book, I knew I wanted to include a blended family with step siblings who’d never really seen eye to eye.

Can you provide a brief overview of the book's storyline or central themes?

The main character, Joni, is almost 40 and has spent most of her adult life avoiding her family due to past events. When Joni’s beloved nana dies, she leaves behind something unexpected: an itinerary of pre-arranged activities for the whole family to complete over the course of a week. For control-freak Joni, this is her absolute worst nightmare but she tells herself it’s only one week. How hard can it be?

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them special to you?

My favourite character is Joni’s nephew, Stan, who is smart and funny and over the course of the week, reminds Joni what family really means. He was a joy to write and readers really seem to have taken him into their hearts, too.

Could you share insights into your daily writing process and routines?

My writing routine varies greatly depending on where I am in the editing process and also where I am in the school year – I have three children so school holiday book-writing looks very different! On a good week, I work three days from a co-working space as I find getting out of the house beneficial for both motivation and creative inspiration. I work better in the morning than the evening but when I’m up against a deadline, I have been known to pull an all-nighter. The beauty of writing is that you can do it from anywhere.

Who are some of your favourite authors or books, and how have they influenced your writing?

I read widely and particularly enjoy thrillers. Lisa Jewell, Clare Douglas, Nikki Smith and Gillian McAllister are all auto-buy authors for me. I also enjoy uplifting books and two of my recent favourites are The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey and Frank and Red by Matt Coyne. Every novel I read teaches me something new about what makes a story work.

Is there a particular spa treatment you enjoy, and what draws you to it?

An Indian Head Massage has got to be the most relaxing treatment of all time. I’ve only ever had two and have fallen asleep both times. I’m also a big fan of body scrub treatments – the softness afterwards is divine.

Lastly, what is your top tip for maintaining overall wellbeing, especially during busy times like writing and promoting a book?

Walking is my number one tip for pretty much everything. If I’m stressed, I go for a walk. If I’m sad, I go for a walk. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long walk or even an exciting route, just half an hour to move my body, clear my head and give myself a mental reset. The power of a simple walk is underrated, I think!

Photo by Rosie Parsons