Cary J Hansson

‘Years ago, watching a late-night movie, in which a mother had turned to her son and said, I have never loved you, Toby had yawned, declared the film unbelievable and taken himself off to bed. But Jo had watched to the end, a morbid curiosity carrying her through, because she’d known. Sometimes parents didn’t love their children.’Party-planner, Jo Swainson takes pride in her optimistic outlook. Nearly fifty, she has come to terms with both her childlessness and the estrangement from her cold mother, Bobbi. But after being blindsided by Bobbi’s sudden dementia diagnosis, she’s devastated when her husband announces that he’s leaving to start a family with another.Puzzled by a photo of a newborn in Bobbi’s handbag, she is further stunned to learn her mother was once hospitalised for a psychotic breakdown. Each revelation only leads to more mysteries, and Jo soon realises her mother is a stranger she longs to know. But with dementia tightening its grip, time is running out for both of them.Poignant and gripping, Cary J Hansson weaves a memorable tale both haunting and heartfelt. Tackling sensitive subjects in a relatable way, the reader is taken along a path of self-discovery where personal truths are challenged and enlightenment awaits at journey’s end.

Meryem has learned to look out for number one.Abducted as a teenager from England to Turkey, thirty years later she is finally free to live life on her own terms.She is divorced and wealthy, working a lucrative job in Dubai, when a whispered confession from her dying father turns her world upside down, and sets her on a path to discover the truth.The first step is a return to London, and her childhood friends, Alma and Sammy, with whom she embarks upon an impromptu 80s weekend, complete with a George Michael look-a-like, George Might-Be.But the women, once so close, struggle to reconnect as forgotten memories and shocking revelations surrounding Meryem's abduction tear open unhealed wounds, threatening to destroy any remnant of their old friendship.Beautifully and boldly written, Cary J Hansson merges history, everyday circumstances and aching tragedy into an unforgettable narrative.Back to Her Future is the compelling first novel in The Gen X Series of women's contemporary fiction. If you like scarred but resilient heroines, nostalgic interludes, and transformative epiphanies, then you'll love The Gen X Series.

Helen Winters can’t ignore the ache in her heart. With one beloved friend facing a shocking diagnosis and the other still walking on eggshells after their blowout fight, the bubbly fifty-year-old craves the lost comfort of their familiar dynamic. So when someone suggests a trio of tickets to Vegas, the determined woman hopes the trip will rescue their decades-long friendship. Landing in Sin City, Helen struggles to reclaim her devil-may-care university spirit. And as everyone plays their cards close to their vest and tries to make it alone, she worries that time is running out for reconciliation. Will laughter, tears, and shared vulnerabilities help them salvage their lifelong bond? A Midlife Gamble is the emotional third tale in the Midlife Trilogy women’s fiction series. If you like witty and mature heroines, wrestling with hard truths, and friendships that run deep, then you’ll love Cary J Hansson’s heartrending conclusion

Meet Helen. Back from her Cyprus holiday, feeling like a new woman, she's determined to reclaim her future and enjoy the second half of life! But just as the freedom of divorce is within her grasp, an unexpected surprise enters her life. Meet Caro. At fifty, wealthy and successful, she is on the verge of fulfilling what had seemed an impossible dream. Meet Kay. Fighting to find some time for herself, she is wracked with guilt at the decisions she must make on behalf of her elderly parents. Trying to walk the tricky tightrope of family responsibilities, Helen pours out her heart to her loyal girlfriends. But when the close group try to help her move forward, they find themselves instead on a direct path to conflict as strained friendships and family ties collide in an act of unforgivable pain.

Meet Helen. She worries that the walls are closing in. With her children grown and her selfish husband away again, she's full of regrets at not taking the exciting paths she dreamed about in her youth. So when the chance of a last-minute holiday to Cyprus with her two best friends is offered, she grabs it. Meet Caro.A successful city analyst. Single and childless, she's not in Cyprus for the glorious sunshine and crystal-blue waters. But her secret feels so shameful she can't bring herself to share it. Meet Kay. Sandwiched between the needs of a grown-up son with learning difficulties and elderly parents, all she wants to do is sleep in the sun, preferably all week. As Caro's secret emerges, tensions between the women explode. Friendship was easy when they were young, how can it be so hard now? Prepare to meet three new friends you'll feel you've known all your life!