The premise for this fourth novel from West Sussex author Isabel Ashdown is shocking... yet this is not a shocking read, but a rather delightful one. Refreshingly, there is no abuse or nastiness fuelling the actions of the three central characters. Wren, her husband Rob and their best friend Laura are all likeable, which makes Ashdown's task of creating credibility for Wren's flight all the more impressive... The narrative links together seamlessly, ranging from past to present with ease, as the reader gradually pieces together the truth. Beautifully written and brimming with emotional honesty, this is the most engaging and enjoyable novel I’ve read this year.

One of the most perceptive and engaging authors writing today... Ashdown portrays the intensity of... relationships superbly and is cannily accurate on the minutiae and complexity of family life, particularly in the secrecy and turbulence which underlies even apparently happy marriages... As the past, which haunts all the characters, is gradually revealed, the book develops real depth and complexity and I was totally captivated... An excellent read.

How I loved this book. Isabel Ashdown has an uncanny knack of telling a story that leaves you satisfied and still curious, wondering about the characters long after the book has finished. A perfect summer read.

A brilliantly told and intriguingly posed narrative about friendship, relationships and family life. Weaving together the perspectives of all of the main players in this novel, Ashdown skilfully builds a perceptive, compelling narrative that explores the past and present of these characters and reveals the secrets and truths of what takes place. Ashdown’s novel exemplifies contemporary fiction that explores the dynamics and complexities of family life.

It requires masterful storytelling to keep a secret for over 300 pages. The story that unfolds in Flight mirrors relationships that most of us have experienced over the years. The dynamics changing as we grow older and move away to follow our dreams and own lives. However, the dynamics of this particular relationship between Laura, Rob and Wren are complex and when one of them leaves the relationship without warning it has a profound effect on the other two.

The first mystery that is sustained until the very end of the book is the reason for Wren’s decision to leave her husband and young baby abruptly without explanation. The second mystery arrives in the form of a letter twenty years after Wren’s disappearance and has the power to shake the foundation of all their lives.

I found it very easy to become engaged with the characters of Wren, Laura and Rob. All individually interesting who find strength in their friendship and times of crisis. Their relationship is explored from their individual perspectives and in the opinions about each other which illustrate how much we may not know about our best friends. The story flows smoothly towards its unexpected finale and I was particularly delighted to be taken by surprise by the revelations.

I recommend the book on many levels. It is very well written, the characters are multi-layered and the story provides enough twists and turns to keep your attention to the last page.

An extremely thought-provoking story that explores the darkest corners of motherhood and friendship. This is a book that hooked me in from page one and had me frantically turning the pages as the story unfolded with unexpected twists and discoveries that shocked me to the core... Flight is exquisitely written. Isabel Ashdown is a very accomplished author and has created a complex, yet beautifully woven story of love and relationships that is both heart-breaking and thought-provoking. Her characters are imperfect, somewhat flawed but oh so human. The story flows perfectly, and the ending is unexpected yet quite perfect.

Hard to put down... a story of friendship and love, of loss and reunion. Isabel Ashdown's are special books. I think Flight may be the best so far and that is saying something.