“Rita Lussier’s And Now, Back to Me is a loving, heartfelt journey of the empty nest: marriage, kids, career, aging parents, and the warm embrace of community.”—Matt Bombeck, writer and son of Erma Bombeck

“As someone who recently became an empty nester and is approaching retirement, I so appreciated reading about Rita’s journey through this challenging but invigorating time of life. Rita shows us how responsibilities will change, relationships will shift, and opportunities will emerge, and she points out that we need to be prepared to be kind to ourselves as we navigate this uncharted territory. So much of what she shares resonates with my own experiences. Her insights helped me to face the future with optimism.”—Cynthia Dawson Bonn, Dean of Admission, The University of Rhode Island

“And Now, Back to Me made me laugh, cry and most of all relate. This beautifully written memoir is a collection of essays that tell the story of every woman—or at least many of us—who combine career and family. It explores the mixed joy of reclaiming independence when the last child leaves the house and the ache of taking care of aging parents, all with honesty, insight and tenderness. A great read and a great gift for so many women you know.”—Jan Brogan, author of The Combat Zone: Murder, Race and Boston’s Struggle for Justice

“It feels like Rita has taken the hand of every mother, to reassure us that even when our kids are fully grown, we get to keep growing too.”—Liz Gumbinner, writer, creative director, and former editor-in-chief of Cool Mom Picks

“With the wit and warmth of Erma Bombeck, Rita Lussier brings us a collection of heartfelt, relatable, and often hilarious stories from the world of the empty nest. If you’ve ever looked at your once-bustling home and wondered what’s next, this book is for you. With a perfect balance of humor and insight, And Now, Back to Me captures the ups and downs of rediscovering yourself after the kids leave, from the odd joys of an empty house to unexpected adventures of self-discovery. . . . each story is funny, thoughtful, and filled with that perfect touch of real life that makes you feel like you’re not alone . . . A must-read for anyone navigating (or soon to be navigating) the empty nest, this book is a reminder that life after the kids is just the beginning.”—Robin Kall, creator of Reading with Robin

“The bittersweet emotions of letting go of our grown children are nothing new, but journalist Rita Lussier refreshes those familiar feelings with sharp, clear-eyed humor, insight, and uncommon grace. In her words, parents see where they have been and where nature insists that they go.”—Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of The Deep End of the Ocean



“Rita Lussier has the gift of taking the ordinary events of our lives, be it a daughter’s return on college break, the illness of a pet, dinner with a spouse, or coffee with a friend, and writing about them in an extraordinary way that allows us to feel them fresh as an early-morning run.”—Joel Rawson, former executive editor of The Providence Journal

“Rita Lussier’s poignant memoir offers a revealing, intimate look into life’s crossroads moments and the choices that define us. It’s a captivating read about the power of shaping the life you desire. With emotional honesty and reflection, she takes the reader on a journey of the heart.”—Teri Rizvi, director of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop and author of One Heart with Courage: Essays and Stories

“And Now, Back to Me will resonate with any woman experiencing the many changes that come with our midlife stretch—the pull of children and partners, aging parents, society, and our expectations of ourselves. Through beautiful, authentic, and occasionally melancholic vignettes, Ms. Lussier encourages us to find joy in the everyday moments, in those around us, and especially in our own journeys, past, present, and future.”—Amy Baumgartel Singer, Director of College Counseling, The Wheeler School, Providence, Rhode Island

“Just in time for my emptying nest, And Now, Back to Me inspired with its wit, optimism, and wisdom. While anyone might enjoy Rita Lussier’s collection of stories, they are especially meaningful for those contending with the empty nest, aging bodies, ailing parents, and, perhaps, having more time on our hands. These personal stories invite us to get to know ourselves in new ways, reinvent our lives and careers, and choose how we spend our time in the meaningful next stage of life.”—Lisa Tener, author of Stevie Award winner Breathe. Write. Breathe.: 18 Energizing Practices to Spark Your Writing and Free Your Voice