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Family Baggage
Harriet Turner knows all about journeys. She’s arranged hundreds of them for her family’s travel agency. Now Harriet is joining her adopted sister, Lara, to lead a group through the Cornish countryside. But when Lara fails to appear at the airport as planned, Harriet finds herself in uncharted territory and suddenly alone with a busload of eccentric seniors. As the tour wends its way through the picturesque landscape, Harriet must uncover her sister’s whereabouts and confront long-held family secrets involving Lara’s arrival twenty-five years ago . . . not to mention keeping track of more baggage–real and emotional–than she ever expected.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
101 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
About the author
Monica McInerney
46 books1,133 followerswww.monicamcinerney.com
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Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
instagram.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
December 2, 2015
This is the kind of book to read when you need something light, interesting and entertaining. The story revolves around the comings and goings of an extended family whose members are sometimes happy and sometimes sad, just like real life. I very much enjoyed the romance between Harriet and Patrick and smiled a lot at the wacky members of the tour group. This would make an excellent beach read for the Christmas holidays!
November 25, 2023
4.5 stars
Monica McInerney’s books are always a lovely and gentle read and Family Baggage was no exception.
Set in Australia, England and Ireland
Family drama, family secrets, tricky situations, twists aplenty, romance, travel (organised bus tour), humour and mystery is what you get in this light and heartwarming story.
A perfect read while lazying at the beach or pool or just about anywhere really.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Catherine Milte
Duration: 15 hrs, 20min. 1.50x Speed
Monica McInerney’s books are always a lovely and gentle read and Family Baggage was no exception.
Set in Australia, England and Ireland
Family drama, family secrets, tricky situations, twists aplenty, romance, travel (organised bus tour), humour and mystery is what you get in this light and heartwarming story.
A perfect read while lazying at the beach or pool or just about anywhere really.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Catherine Milte
Duration: 15 hrs, 20min. 1.50x Speed
March 10, 2010
4.5 stars. Another great read from Monica McInerney. I seriously wonder why she's not a more well-known author, at least not in the US. Her books are so sweet, full of heart, and incredibly engrossing.
Family Baggage deals with the Turner family. The three Turner siblings, along with their adopted sister, have grown up working for the family's travel agency in Australia. Now that the siblings are all grown up and in their 30's, they are scattered across the globe. Harriet Turner is tapped to lead a tour group around England, highlighting the locations where an old TV show was filmed; the tour is filled with seniors who are almost obsessed with the cheesy show that ran for two seasons fifteen years ago. Harriet's adopted sister, Lara, is supposed to be a tour guide as well, but Lara never shows up, nor does she respond to any attempted communication, prompting Harriet to get in touch with her two brothers and set off a hunt for Lara's whereabouts. There are hidden family secrets, changing familial relationships, and romance as the book goes on.
The narration jumps around between the various characters, but it wasn't confusing at all; each was introduced sufficiently with plenty of backstory that made a definite impression and kept me from confusing them with each other. I loved the way the siblings' relationships were portrayed, and the author did a great job hinting at secrets that would be revealed later. Each character had something different going on that needed to be overcome or addressed, and although each problem was unique, they all tied together quite nicely. The setting of the book was also great; I could just imagine a group of seniors on a trip to follow in the footsteps of some long-ago TV show. The settings were described beautifully, making me want to go to the locations and see it for myself! I felt happy when I finished the book, as the resolution was quite nice, leaving just enough loose ends to be believable. I'd definitely recommend this book to others.
Family Baggage deals with the Turner family. The three Turner siblings, along with their adopted sister, have grown up working for the family's travel agency in Australia. Now that the siblings are all grown up and in their 30's, they are scattered across the globe. Harriet Turner is tapped to lead a tour group around England, highlighting the locations where an old TV show was filmed; the tour is filled with seniors who are almost obsessed with the cheesy show that ran for two seasons fifteen years ago. Harriet's adopted sister, Lara, is supposed to be a tour guide as well, but Lara never shows up, nor does she respond to any attempted communication, prompting Harriet to get in touch with her two brothers and set off a hunt for Lara's whereabouts. There are hidden family secrets, changing familial relationships, and romance as the book goes on.
The narration jumps around between the various characters, but it wasn't confusing at all; each was introduced sufficiently with plenty of backstory that made a definite impression and kept me from confusing them with each other. I loved the way the siblings' relationships were portrayed, and the author did a great job hinting at secrets that would be revealed later. Each character had something different going on that needed to be overcome or addressed, and although each problem was unique, they all tied together quite nicely. The setting of the book was also great; I could just imagine a group of seniors on a trip to follow in the footsteps of some long-ago TV show. The settings were described beautifully, making me want to go to the locations and see it for myself! I felt happy when I finished the book, as the resolution was quite nice, leaving just enough loose ends to be believable. I'd definitely recommend this book to others.
April 17, 2013
I like Monica Mc Inerney’s books. This is typical Monica McInerney – warm, fun, sad in parts but with an added touch of mystery. It shows a close family though not without their squabbles, jealousies and differences. The Turner family run travel agency specialising in tour guides.
Harriet has had problems of her own in the past after the death of both parents a couple of months apart and a grudge she is holding from around that time. When she is asked to suddenly take on a tour with Lara after James breaks his leg and cannot do it, she agrees even though she has her doubts about her ability to cope after a meltdown the previous year.
When she arrives in England Lara, her foster sister who joined the Turner family as a child, is missing and no-one knows where she is or how to locate her. Harriet is left to manage the tour on her own with 12 elderly people from her town of Merryn Bay, all avid fans of the TV show Willoughby, and Patrick Shawcross who played the main character in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I was left wondering about why James was in hospital for so long. Broken leg is not usually that much of a drama. But that is a minor quibble in what was a hugely enjoyable read.
Harriet has had problems of her own in the past after the death of both parents a couple of months apart and a grudge she is holding from around that time. When she is asked to suddenly take on a tour with Lara after James breaks his leg and cannot do it, she agrees even though she has her doubts about her ability to cope after a meltdown the previous year.
When she arrives in England Lara, her foster sister who joined the Turner family as a child, is missing and no-one knows where she is or how to locate her. Harriet is left to manage the tour on her own with 12 elderly people from her town of Merryn Bay, all avid fans of the TV show Willoughby, and Patrick Shawcross who played the main character in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I was left wondering about why James was in hospital for so long. Broken leg is not usually that much of a drama. But that is a minor quibble in what was a hugely enjoyable read.
July 26, 2010
Never having read any of Monica McInerney's books before, I didn't know what to expect with Family Baggage. I have to say, the first chapter kept me only mildly interested. However, the further I read, the more I enjoyed the story. For anyone interested in the dynamics of a large extended family, this book will provide a fun, interesting read. The characters really grew on me - none were stereotypes and I particularly enjoyed the Patrick Shawcross character. Although I suspected the truth about the main area of conflict pretty early on, that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story and how it unfolded. Any book that can make me both laugh out loud and get teary-eyed certainly gets my appreciation. My only complaint - no hospital would have kept James there for so many days!!!
I will certainly be checking out Ms. McInerney's other books.
I will certainly be checking out Ms. McInerney's other books.
July 22, 2016
I've always enjoyed reading books by Monica McInerney and this one is no different. Lovable characters set against a beautifully described backdrop; I fell headfirst into this book and can't wait to read more by her.
July 22, 2016
While there may have been interesting characters in this novel, sadly they were never much visible behind the extremely ponderous writing. A much better edit was needed to move this along. It was dull. It told told told and rarely showed.
July 6, 2012
Loved this one so much.
October 17, 2015
A really good book - easy to read, touches on many themes and leaves you smiley and teary!
March 7, 2022
I really enjoyed Family Baggage by Monica McInerney. I enjoyed her mix of characters, they were nicely fleshed out and the plot in general was well-paced and each storyline came together in a well-crafted way. I especially liked the way chapters focused on different members of the family, which gave some insight into each of them. Gloria and her husband Kevin were a lovely couple to read about, and I particularly enjoyed the way McInerney wrote the young Harriet's chapters. They were very touching and spot on for a young girl. I will definitely be on the look out for more of McInerney's books.
July 26, 2024
Long, slow, predictable and boring
January 11, 2026
I absolutely love this author. Her books are so heart warming and 'true'. I have read a few now and may have to get some more. Delightful book 😊
December 13, 2017
Why? This has sat on my actual TBR shelf for quite a few years! I was wondering about what to read next and saw there is a bit of a romance in this book while the couple are travelling. Perfect for the Better World reading challenge I thought! Besides I have never read Monica McInerney, but seen noted many good things about her books.
Plot. This is a book about a family! A grown up family who are in the Travel business. There are two men, two women - one of whom came to the family when she was eight - Lara. As a travel tour around Cornwall and Devon is to take place centred on an old TV show, Lara goes missing. Harriet is leading the tour and is worried about Lara as is Austin one of the brothers. So there is a little romance, (Harriet and the star of the TV show) a mystery, secrets and family relationships in the mix.
What Appeals to me? I found it a little slow, but the variety of characters was fun, the mystery and secret kept me going and the whole family aspect with its exploration of loss and grief was interesting. Plus how we often make judgements about others that is quite far from the actual truth.
And so... At some point in time I will be happy to venture into reading another Monica McInerney book .
Plot. This is a book about a family! A grown up family who are in the Travel business. There are two men, two women - one of whom came to the family when she was eight - Lara. As a travel tour around Cornwall and Devon is to take place centred on an old TV show, Lara goes missing. Harriet is leading the tour and is worried about Lara as is Austin one of the brothers. So there is a little romance, (Harriet and the star of the TV show) a mystery, secrets and family relationships in the mix.
What Appeals to me? I found it a little slow, but the variety of characters was fun, the mystery and secret kept me going and the whole family aspect with its exploration of loss and grief was interesting. Plus how we often make judgements about others that is quite far from the actual truth.
And so... At some point in time I will be happy to venture into reading another Monica McInerney book .
October 1, 2019
Monica McInerney knows how to tell a good story with lifelike characters. She provides tension to keep readers reading on to find out what happens.
February 11, 2012
First full-length book on my new Nook!
Family Baggage was different from the typical reasons I like McInerney's novels. It has the Australia/England dual setting and the light romance, but it also has a viewpoint I have never read before: tour guide. This past summer, my family and I went on a combo land/sea tour of Alaska, and while Harriet, McInerney's protagonist, is extremely different from the guide we had, I still enjoyed seeing the trip from that vantage point. While the book was slightly predictable and the end cleaned up a bit too neatly, I still enjoyed it. It isn't of the same caliber as Lauren Willig, but it is definitely still superb quality chick lit.
Family Baggage was different from the typical reasons I like McInerney's novels. It has the Australia/England dual setting and the light romance, but it also has a viewpoint I have never read before: tour guide. This past summer, my family and I went on a combo land/sea tour of Alaska, and while Harriet, McInerney's protagonist, is extremely different from the guide we had, I still enjoyed seeing the trip from that vantage point. While the book was slightly predictable and the end cleaned up a bit too neatly, I still enjoyed it. It isn't of the same caliber as Lauren Willig, but it is definitely still superb quality chick lit.
February 11, 2012
I am sort of wishy washy on this book because even though very well written I felt that it was slow going and just too long. It's a story about a family who owns a travel company and pretty much just crazy family drama. I really liked the last 200 pages but the first 300 were a little much. It took me forever to read the book because I wasn't really excited to find out what happened next, until I was nearing the end. It was touching and had some good twists. Would it be first on my list to recommend to people.... not really. If you are in for a lazy summer read, then go for it.
July 31, 2015
This was my first Monica McInerney book it started so slow it was like pulling teeth I was thinking it was going to take me weeks to get through it but after the first couple of chapters I couldn't stop. Its a great insight into how people, same family members in particular can perceive life so differently.
It touched on romance, mystery and strong family bond. Worth a read if you can past the slow start.
It touched on romance, mystery and strong family bond. Worth a read if you can past the slow start.
June 10, 2017
I had this book given to me and had started reading it another time. I didn't read much of it as I couldn't get into it. I thought I would try it again. When I started reading it this time I realized I really hadn't gotten very far the first time I read it.
I really liked it. It was a neat story and I liked the way the author intertwined the perspective from the different characters.
I really liked it. It was a neat story and I liked the way the author intertwined the perspective from the different characters.
May 17, 2019
This was the first McInerney book I've read but won't be the last. It has everything to enjoy about a family saga type book--romance, travel, and an interesting family. She's an author I will come back to again.
November 4, 2014
What a thoroughly likeable book this is. Yeah, it's predictable (mostly) but it is one of the more charming examples of the genre, and the family dynamics ring true.
Plus, there's Cornwall.
What's not to like?
Plus, there's Cornwall.
What's not to like?
May 16, 2017
This was a terrific book with a complicated family dynamic that really held my interest. I thought it would be lighter than it was, but I really enjoyed where the story went and it is a substantial read and much longer than I realized. Highly recommend it!!
January 27, 2018
Another easy to read book from Monica McInerney - warm, fun, sad in places and with a touch of mystery however I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others I’ve read as it was so slow in the beginning, a bit repetitive and predictable. The second half was much more enjoyable then the first.
April 25, 2018
Typically insightful McInerney. Good on close family relationships, the unsaid, the unseen, the unsaid and what that all adds up to between characters.
In this case a family of travel agents, willing and unwilling.
A nice balance of locations, this time Ireland, Australia and SW uk..Cornwall.
In this case a family of travel agents, willing and unwilling.
A nice balance of locations, this time Ireland, Australia and SW uk..Cornwall.
October 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Its about a family-run travel agency and their various speciality tours, lots of family baggage and a disastrous tour, pull together different family members in an emotional roller-coaster ride, and a bit of love chucked in too.
July 30, 2012
My favorite Monica McInerney book - so far!
July 14, 2017
Novel about a family who lives in Australia and owns a travel business.
August 11, 2017
Really good for a chic-lit easy read.
January 7, 2018
I liked this book much more than I assumed I would, although I did think there were a little more story lines to follow than normal. I dunno, that’s just me though.
May 8, 2018
You wanted to be on the Tour in this book. Great read from start to finish. Enjoyed every minute of reading this one.
May 29, 2018
Engrossing story, complete characters, people you'd want to meet and were rooting for. Excellent piece of fiction!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews