In her second novel following Super Bloom, Megan Tady whisks readers away to the picturesque village of Zermatt, Switzerland, where an unexpected avalanche becomes the catalyst for healing a fractured mother-daughter relationship. Bluebird Day by Megan Tady follows Claudine Potts, a former Olympic skiing champion turned virtual cycling instructor, and her estranged daughter Wylie, an aspiring artist trapped in the world of competitive fitness.
Setting the Scene: A Perfect Storm
The novel opens with both women at crossroads in their lives. Claudine, despite her successful career pivot to CycleTron instruction, yearns to reconnect with her daughter. Meanwhile, Wylie struggles under the weight of her controlling boyfriend Dan’s expectations while pursuing a career in art that she hopes will finally earn her mother’s approval.
When Dan’s injury prevents him from competing in an upcoming fitness competition in Berlin, Wylie makes the bold decision to ask her mother to be her partner. What follows is an unexpected detour to Switzerland that becomes much more than either woman bargained for when an avalanche traps them in Zermatt.
Strengths: Where the Novel Shines
Authentic Character Development
Tady excels at crafting complex, flawed characters who feel remarkably real. Claudine’s journey from the “Stone-Cold Killer” of the slopes to a more vulnerable version of herself is particularly well-executed. The author deftly peels back the layers of both women’s personas, revealing the insecurities and unspoken desires that drive their actions.
Rich Supporting Cast
The novel benefits tremendously from its colorful cast of secondary characters. From the free-spirited Bibbidi and her wife Erin to the charming a cappella singer Calvin, each character adds depth and perspective to the central mother-daughter narrative. The hostel’s staff, particularly Koa with his environmental consciousness, brings both comic relief and thoughtful commentary on climate change’s impact on winter sports.
Vivid Setting
Tady’s description of Zermatt is masterful, painting a picture so vivid readers can almost feel the crunch of snow beneath their feet. The author’s attention to detail regarding skiing terminology and culture lends authenticity to the narrative without overwhelming readers unfamiliar with the sport.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The novel occasionally suffers from uneven pacing, particularly in the middle section. Some readers might find the build-up to certain revelations a bit prolonged, though the payoff generally justifies the wait.
Predictable Elements
While the central conflict resolution is satisfying, some plot points follow familiar patterns in the genre. The romantic subplot, though sweet, treads familiar territory.
Themes and Deeper Meanings
The novel expertly explores several compelling themes:
- The complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships
- The weight of family legacies and expectations
- The courage required to choose authenticity over others’ expectations
- The impact of secrets on relationships
- Environmental consciousness and the preservation of winter sports
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Tady’s prose is crisp and engaging, with a particular talent for dialogue that rings true. Her background as a journalist shows in her attention to detail and ability to weave complex themes into an accessible narrative. The alternating perspectives between Claudine and Wylie provide valuable insights into both characters’ motivations and fears.
Final Verdict
Bluebird Day by Megan Tady is a worthy addition to the contemporary women’s fiction genre. While it may not break entirely new ground, it delivers a satisfying blend of family drama, romance, and personal growth against a wonderfully realized winter setting.
Who Should Read This Book?
This novel will appeal to:
- Fans of mother-daughter relationship stories
- Readers who enjoy winter sports settings
- Those who appreciate stories about family secrets and reconciliation
- Fans of authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry
Similar Books Worth Exploring
- The Mother’s Promise by Sally Hepworth
- The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
- The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms
In Conclusion
Bluebird Day proves that Megan Tady’s debut success with Super Bloom was no fluke. She has crafted a warm, engaging story that expertly balances lighter moments with deeper emotional revelations. While some plot elements may feel familiar to genre fans, the unique setting and well-drawn characters make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its honest portrayal of the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, and how the weight of expectations can both bind and separate them. Through Claudine and Wylie’s journey, Tady reminds us that sometimes being trapped by circumstances beyond our control can lead to the freedom we never knew we needed.
