Emergency Exit Only

No evacuation plan, no safety net.

Amelia's quitting the daily grind to find her fantasy job.

But a shocking secret from the past shows her that where there's smoke, there's fire ...

And sometimes you just have to save yourself.

A hilarious, big-hearted story about second chances from the author of Terms of Inheritance

Amelia Harris has played it safe all her life - but when a minor accident lands her in hospital, she dramatically quits the tedious office job she's been working at for a decade.

When her mother, Toni, asks her what she wants to do, Amelia is at a loss. Out of sheer desperation, she tries her hand at the dream jobs she's always fantasised about. Soon Amelia's shadowing a thrilling cast of characters and professions - as a journalist, a florist, a wedding planner, a zookeeper, and more. Life couldn't be more exciting, especially when she meets the man of her dreams.

But when Toni drops a truth bomb about their family, Amelia's whole world tilts on its axis. Meanwhile, each new job starts taking on a life of its own. Has she created a monster?

As she's about to find out, where there's smoke, there's fire, and sometimes you just have to save yourself.

'Emily Henry in the Queensland sunshine ... The perfect summer read' Hannah May Reads

Praise for Terms of Inheritance

'A delightful debut from an exciting new voice in Australian fiction' Rachael Johns

'A touching family drama with deft moments of heartache, humour and warmth' Nicola Moriarty

'A darkly funny tale about the meaning of family and the meaning of life. A delight to read!' Petronella McGovern

'Moving, funny and sharp ... A a gorgeous novel for all mothers and daughters' Kelli Hawkins

'Funny, warm and wise ... What a joy' Meredith Jaffe

'A joyful rollercoaster ride about ambition, determination, honesty and the shifting dynamics of a family' Cass Moriarty

'Witty, warm and wise ... An uplifting story about family life as our biggest challenge and our greatest comfort.' Sara Foster

About the Author

Michelle Upton writes short stories and novels that examine our darkest fears and shine a light on hope and possibility. Born in Birmingham, England, she emigrated to Australia in 2007 and is now proud to call herself Australian. She has a Bachelor (Hons) degree in Literature with Psychology, and before having children, she was a primary school teacher. Michelle has had two short stories longlisted in the Australian Writers' Centre's Furious Fiction competition, and three of her short stories have won honourable mentions in the American Women on Writing competition. Her short story 'Relentless' was shortlisted and published in the 2013 Redlands Redlitzer Anthology.

She lives in Brisbane with her family.