In this delightful debut novel from Australian author Jacquie Byron, Franny Calderwood, a 65-year-old widow who lost her husband Frank tragically three years ago, copes with her loss by shutting herself off from the world. With gin in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, Franny lives a life of isolation with only her dogs Whisky and Soda, a stuffed cat, and cocktails for companionship.

However, Franny's self-imposed solitude is disrupted when the Salernos move in next door. Sallyanne, a beleaguered mother, her angry teenage daughter Dee, and their quirky eight-year-old son Josh pull Franny into the drama of their lives. Despite her determination to remain independent, Franny's humorous remarks and culinary experiments conceal deep-seated trauma and pain. When her idiosyncratic behavior endangers her life, she must face the consequences of her choices. While Frank may be gone, must Franny's spirit also perish with him?

Happy Hour is a heartwarming and comical tale about one woman, two dogs, and a family next door. It offers a fresh perspective on grief, loss, love, and friendship.