Australian author, Jodi Gibson, will release her second novel a contemporary women's fiction titled The Five Year Plan on September 2021. Newly signed to Brio Books (now affiliated with Booktopia's publishing arm), Jodi's second novel is a story with a touch of humour and a lot of heart. The perfect escape from today's uncertain times.
Jodi's aim to create fiction with all the feels is evident in The Five Year Plan, where readers are whisked away from their everyday life and dunked into a feel-good story of food, travel, and romance.
'There's nothing more I like in a book than being totally transported into someone else's life,' says Jodi. 'And with international travel off the cards for the next little while, at least readers can enjoy some arm-chair travel to the beautiful Puglia region of Italy on the Mediterranean coast with this story.'
The Five Year Plan follows the story of Demi Moretti, a thirty-something Melbourne native who thinks her five year plan to success in life, work, and relationships is bang on track. That is, until it's not. When her life dramatically changes course and her plans are derailed, Demi travels to Italy to immerse herself in her family's heritage and culture in the hope that while she's abroad she can get her plan back on track. However, long held family feuds, a love triangle from the past and an unexpected new friend in Leo, come together to make Demi question everything—especially her five year plan.
Focusing on themes such as plans vs fate, family heritage, and succession, The Five Year Plan isn't just a fluffy read, but one that makes for interesting discussion and self-analysis for the reader.
'There are certainly decisions and choices that are taken out of Demi's hands in the novel that cause her to reflect on her own values and morals versus family traditions. And then there's the question of fate vs choice or free will. Do we make our own fate? Sometimes without even knowing it?' Jodi poses.
And while these are great questions, Jodi's ultimate aim for the book was to make it an enjoyable, escapist read. 'I like to say that my book won't change the world, but it will hopefully change your day.'
The Five Year Plan will be released by Brio Books on 7th September 2021 and is now available for pre-order through Booktopia, local independent book stores, and online platforms. Advanced copies are now available
