One More Foxtrot: a tale of second chances

Betty Sees Chicago, Volume 2There was a headline on Google recently about speed dating for Seniors, reminding that I have not read much about Seniors and their adventures, especially their adventures in Chicago. But a person doesn’t have to be a Chicagoan to appreciate the novel One More Foxtrot by Joyce Hicks. It was such a pleasure, and after reading Escape from Assisted Living, I felt as if the characters were old friends. But the books can be read in order or if reading Foxtrot first, Escape from Assisted Living can then be read as a prequel.If one were to teach a course called Food in Literature, One More Foxtrot would be a perfect novel to incorporate into the course as the reader could salivate every few pages by reading about avocado toast, bananas foster, almond croissants, and more. Betty, the adventurous Senior creates friendships and takes us on excursions through the city while scenes alternate with Betty’s family in Elkhart, Indiana, her daughter a talented baker and chef. Plot and characters are delightfully convincing. I marvel at the author’s being able to write a book filled with endearing people who are quirky and surrounded by mystery and surprises. I feel confident that other readers will appreciate the novel as much as I do.R.J. Isackson

Octogenarian Betty’s life expands and blossoms under the tutelage of her more worldly Chicago friend Eleanor, and Betty’s daughter back in Elkhart Indiana comes under the influence of an unexpected young visitor who helps Betty’s daughter expand the range and appeal of her pastry shop’s offerings while also awakening her to new possibilities in her life. Throughout the story, the author takes us into the minds of all the characters -- young, middle-aged, old, female and male -- to give us a rich understanding of the characters’ thoughts and perspectives on the complex family situation Betty and her daughter separately grapple with until that situation comes to resolution in a surprising and very satisfying way. I am myself a septuagenarian and found the overall upbeat presentation of Betty’s adventures (e.g. with speed-dating) engaging and not overly cute. The story makes credible that there can be much to explore and enjoy as we grow ever older.

So glad to follow Betty on her adventure after "escape". The aging mother/daughter relationship is so relatable, as is the whole family dynamic in this book. An enjoyable read, with a little insight on growing up, getting old and opening your heart and mind to wherever life may lead you. I bought a book for me to read and pass to my friends, and one for my mom to share with hers.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and its delightful characters. Can't wait for the next adventure!

One More Foxtrot is a surprisingly endearing read, and I very much enjoyed this sequel to Escape from Assisted Living. I'm not at all the target audience for this book, but the author so cleverly creates a situation where the mother and daughter are unknowingly trying to hide the same secret from each other that I read almost the entire novel in a single sitting, just to see how the situation got resolved. With a cast of friendly characters and smart writing about the latter end of life, this is an altogether pleasant read that will leave you with a warm and satisfied feeling at the end.

Secrets can be interesting, especially when the only secret is that it isn't. In this story, an elderly (in age only) mother and her middle-age daughter attempt to protect each other from knowledge of the family scandal. Betty and Sharon are realistic and engaging characters, and I enjoyed watching the two women dance around the family secret while dealing with their own lives. This is a book that all women in middle and later life can enjoy.

One More Foxtrot has everything....laughter, interesting characters, tough family issues, meddling in-laws, stellar writing and take-away messages for everyone. Betty, a widow lady in her eighties has left a nice assisted living situation to return to Chigago on a mission. She wants to unravel a mystery she found in her husband's bank deposit box after his death. Meanwhile, her daughter and son-in-law are back in Elkhart, Indiana, worrying about her - and having life challenges of their own. Betty tries out opera, pedicures and speed-dating. Daughter Sharon and her husband Vince run businesses and host a puzzling young woman with a wild claim. Hicks offers a fast-paced tale featuring older adults as people with power over their own lifes, including the power to fall in love again. Even more important, the author crafts beautiful closure on a painful family secret that can now become a source of happiness. Excellent for book groups!

I just happened on this novel while searching through the books available to me through Amazon Prime, the plot sounded interesting and I noticed that Elkhart Indiana was mentioned, that being my hometown I downloaded it just for the heck of it, glad I did since it was very well written with a really good storyline, just the sort of book I like to read and it was fun to see Elkhart brought into the story so often but I think it's a good book that many would find enjoyable.