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The Midlife Trilogy #3
A Midlife Gamble
Helen Winters can’t ignore the ache in her heart. With one beloved friend facing a shocking diagnosis and the other still walking on eggshells after their blowout fight, the bubbly fifty-year-old craves the lost comfort of their familiar dynamic. So when someone suggests a trio of tickets to Vegas, the determined woman hopes the trip will rescue their decades-long friendship. Landing in Sin City, Helen struggles to reclaim her devil-may-care university spirit. And as everyone plays their cards close to their vest and tries to make it alone, she worries that time is running out for reconciliation. Will laughter, tears, and shared vulnerabilities help them salvage their lifelong bond? A Midlife Road Trip is the emotional third tale in the Midlife Trilogy women’s fiction series. If you like witty and mature heroines, wrestling with hard truths, and friendships that run deep, then you’ll love Cary J Hansson’s heartrending conclusion.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2023
581 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Cary J. Hansson
11 books103 followersI'm a fifty something mum of three, an ex-dancer, actress, waitress, cleaner, TV presenter, double-glazing sales rep, fax machine operator. You name it and I’ve cleaned it, served it, sent it or sold it.
I write stories about ordinary people, living lives of extraordinary courage and I can promise only two things: no knights in shining armour and no flying cars. My fictional characters save themselves, as in the end we all must do.
A Midlife Holiday is my debut. Here's what people are saying:
“I haven’t devoured a book in one sitting for a long time but I literally could not put this down. It shouldn’t be so rare (or refreshing) to read about the lives of middle-aged women, but it is. Cary J Hansson handles her subject matter with authenticity, providing some seldom heard (yet much-needed) commentary on midlife. The book is compulsively readable ... funny, brutally honest, extremely relatable and a perfect summer read." SouthAsia Magazine
"A fantastic page-turner filled with humor, life lessons, and enlightenment. The book has a beautiful storyline interpreted by well-developed characters. It was also realistic and unpredictable. I am nowhere near fifty, but the midlife crisis is real. The author was also spot-on with friendships. Sustaining friendships isn’t easy, let alone managing them for three decades. " Readers Favorite
I write stories about ordinary people, living lives of extraordinary courage and I can promise only two things: no knights in shining armour and no flying cars. My fictional characters save themselves, as in the end we all must do.
A Midlife Holiday is my debut. Here's what people are saying:
“I haven’t devoured a book in one sitting for a long time but I literally could not put this down. It shouldn’t be so rare (or refreshing) to read about the lives of middle-aged women, but it is. Cary J Hansson handles her subject matter with authenticity, providing some seldom heard (yet much-needed) commentary on midlife. The book is compulsively readable ... funny, brutally honest, extremely relatable and a perfect summer read." SouthAsia Magazine
"A fantastic page-turner filled with humor, life lessons, and enlightenment. The book has a beautiful storyline interpreted by well-developed characters. It was also realistic and unpredictable. I am nowhere near fifty, but the midlife crisis is real. The author was also spot-on with friendships. Sustaining friendships isn’t easy, let alone managing them for three decades. " Readers Favorite
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 2, 2023
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the readalong hosted by Tandem Collective UK.
A Midlife Gamble is the third book in a trilogy about three female middle-aged friends; Caro, Helen, and Kay. Each of the friends has a lot going on in their separate lives ( Caros lost her mother, Helen is getting a divorce, and Kay has received a terminal cancer diagnosis). The three decide to take a trip to Vegas with the addition of Marianne. But the trip doesn't pan out as they hoped and each of them is holding back from the others. I did get frustrated at times with Helen and Caro with their constant arguments but this didn't put me off the book after the surprise of an unexpected ending! I loved how this book makes you reevalue your own life and shows that friends may grow apart as they age with life and circumstances, but that true friendship can override all.
A Midlife Gamble is the third book in a trilogy about three female middle-aged friends; Caro, Helen, and Kay. Each of the friends has a lot going on in their separate lives ( Caros lost her mother, Helen is getting a divorce, and Kay has received a terminal cancer diagnosis). The three decide to take a trip to Vegas with the addition of Marianne. But the trip doesn't pan out as they hoped and each of them is holding back from the others. I did get frustrated at times with Helen and Caro with their constant arguments but this didn't put me off the book after the surprise of an unexpected ending! I loved how this book makes you reevalue your own life and shows that friends may grow apart as they age with life and circumstances, but that true friendship can override all.
May 21, 2023
I absolutely loved it!
This is the third book in the midlife trilogy series and it did not disappoint. I just devoured it, couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh and cry, especially the ending with a twist. A beautifully written story about the power of friendships.
We see the return of Kate, Helen, Caro and newest addition Marianne who embark on a surprise trip to Vegas where lots of things happen.
Highly recommend reading.
Thanks to Cary for an arc of #AMidlifeGamble.
This is the third book in the midlife trilogy series and it did not disappoint. I just devoured it, couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh and cry, especially the ending with a twist. A beautifully written story about the power of friendships.
We see the return of Kate, Helen, Caro and newest addition Marianne who embark on a surprise trip to Vegas where lots of things happen.
Highly recommend reading.
Thanks to Cary for an arc of #AMidlifeGamble.
October 21, 2023
Honestly, the first half I wasn't really loving as it was very sad with Kays diagnosis, but when they went to Vegas, it did pick up. I liked Marianne and thought she brought some fun to the story. It made me laugh in places, and overall, it was a good read. The only thing I didn't like was all the arguments between Helen and Caro.
June 14, 2023
Thank you to the author for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review!
This is the last book in the trilogy. Following the friendship and individual lives of Helen, Caro and Kay. All are so different from the other but they've all got their own struggles and live very different lives. Even more so now that Helen is divorcing Lawrencr, Caro's mum has died and Kay has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis. Can they all come together to give Kay the time of her life?
I loved the first book in the trilogy and jumped at the chance of Following these three again.
This book, as I have mentioned, is the last one but it can be read as a stand alone something which this author has got down to a tee. Although by reading the other two you will feel far more involved in this stage of the characters midlife.
This book really shows you how three people can live such separate lives but still unite in their friendship. Even though their are rough times, arguments and disagreements. It also shows you how short life is and how important communication is to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings which can just grow and grow.
Furthermore this book is a page turner with so many twists and turns. I picked it up at every opportunity and read it within 48 hours. The author has a nack of presenting you with two or three ways the book may go but then abruptly turning it a third way which you really don't expect. Part 4 gives you the biggest turn yet for the trilogy.
Although it didn't prevent the book being a page turner. I did find the first half extremely repetitive with nothing new being given to you. The characters moved around but the same questions and topics were given constantly. Once you get past this the second half has so many new things happening, character growth and changes in their lives. It almost feels very rushed which is a shame and could have been prevented if the first half shared some of these.
Since then the author also has written some short stories in the gen x series. Which give more details on some characters within the tribology such as: Shook, Lisa and the purple Irises. I am heading off to buy these now!
This is the last book in the trilogy. Following the friendship and individual lives of Helen, Caro and Kay. All are so different from the other but they've all got their own struggles and live very different lives. Even more so now that Helen is divorcing Lawrencr, Caro's mum has died and Kay has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis. Can they all come together to give Kay the time of her life?
I loved the first book in the trilogy and jumped at the chance of Following these three again.
This book, as I have mentioned, is the last one but it can be read as a stand alone something which this author has got down to a tee. Although by reading the other two you will feel far more involved in this stage of the characters midlife.
This book really shows you how three people can live such separate lives but still unite in their friendship. Even though their are rough times, arguments and disagreements. It also shows you how short life is and how important communication is to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings which can just grow and grow.
Furthermore this book is a page turner with so many twists and turns. I picked it up at every opportunity and read it within 48 hours. The author has a nack of presenting you with two or three ways the book may go but then abruptly turning it a third way which you really don't expect. Part 4 gives you the biggest turn yet for the trilogy.
Although it didn't prevent the book being a page turner. I did find the first half extremely repetitive with nothing new being given to you. The characters moved around but the same questions and topics were given constantly. Once you get past this the second half has so many new things happening, character growth and changes in their lives. It almost feels very rushed which is a shame and could have been prevented if the first half shared some of these.
Since then the author also has written some short stories in the gen x series. Which give more details on some characters within the tribology such as: Shook, Lisa and the purple Irises. I am heading off to buy these now!
January 10, 2024
This trilogy is about 3 women in their 50s who met in college and have grown and evolved in life, love, family, and careers. Their friendship spans over 30 years and makes me hope I have the same bonds when I am their age.
April 25, 2024
Book 3 of the trilogy. Another fun listen.
December 29, 2023
Adored this trilogy!
I have loved reading about the lives, loves and friendship shared by Helen, Katy & Caro (binge read in 2 1/2 days!)
.
As a 50-something woman in my prime, it spoke to me over and over, making me laugh, cry and sigh in recognition.
I highly recommend these books 📚 👌
I have loved reading about the lives, loves and friendship shared by Helen, Katy & Caro (binge read in 2 1/2 days!)
.
As a 50-something woman in my prime, it spoke to me over and over, making me laugh, cry and sigh in recognition.
I highly recommend these books 📚 👌
June 5, 2023
completed the trilogy
Having read the first two books I was eager to complete the trilogy, but have to say definitely not as good as books 1+ 2, sorry, just my opinion, feel a bit disappointed, really expected more, hence 3 stars.
Having read the first two books I was eager to complete the trilogy, but have to say definitely not as good as books 1+ 2, sorry, just my opinion, feel a bit disappointed, really expected more, hence 3 stars.
August 11, 2024
I read the first 2 books in the series and enjoyed them, disappointed with this 3rd book. You definitely need to read the other books in order to understand the 3rd. I found that the 3rd book was more difficult to follow and not well written. It takes place in Las Vegas, yet American characters use British English jargon. The dialogue was all over the place. The cliff hangers were clumsy and confusing. If there was a 4th book, I probably wouldn't read it after the way this one went.
May 26, 2025
Cute series
In this book the women pick up where they left off in the last book.
Kay is sick. This new information forces both Caro and Helen to put aside the what happened in order to be there for Kay. But when old secrets finally come to light, Helen is devastated by Caro's actions.
A good read. Just needs to double check the proofreading and spelling errors.
In this book the women pick up where they left off in the last book.
Kay is sick. This new information forces both Caro and Helen to put aside the what happened in order to be there for Kay. But when old secrets finally come to light, Helen is devastated by Caro's actions.
A good read. Just needs to double check the proofreading and spelling errors.
December 24, 2023
Liked the series
3.5 I enjoyed the characters throughout the series, but this one dragged a bit. A few pages could have been removed.
3.5 I enjoyed the characters throughout the series, but this one dragged a bit. A few pages could have been removed.
April 19, 2024
2.5 maybe-the twist at the end after the plane ride was not plausible and even hurtful. The first two books are better!!
March 22, 2024
I guess you could say I'm reviewing the entire Midlife Trilogy in one review, because I read the first two during my slight unplanned hiatus from blogging and their reviews wound up being really quick goodreads reviews. I didn't do them justice, and that isn't fair because this is a really wonderful series. All three books follow three friends: Helen, Caro and Kay. Each woman is unique to her own experiences, but they have a bond forged by almost a lifetime of shared history. The Midlife Trilogy begins with A Midlife Holiday, in which the three friends go together to Cyprus, each one simultaneously escaping the difficulties of their middle-aged existences and searching for some meaning in their monotonous but complicated lives. Some serious stuff happens, and then that brings us to the second book in the series, A Midlife Baby. That title probably perked you up, didn't it? Things get even more complicated in this book and some serious shocks get thrown our way culminating in quite the cliff-hanger. In A Midlife Gamble, we find the quintessential final book. Suspense, raw emotion, and an explosive conclusion that's really quite satisfying. Continue Reading at https://libgirlbooks.com.
June 24, 2024
I loved the Vegas adventure!
I really enjoyed this last book of this series. These ladies annoyed me too many times to count.
I don’t understand how Helen had the affair & returned home with her wacko husband. He appeared to be so controlling I wondered if he would harm her. Both of her girlfriends have homes & she could have couch surfed. The husband shows his posterior one last time & Caro finally shuts him down.
Caro was a stereotypical female executive but had an inner child that needed love and attention. The story would read differently if she’d used a surrogate. Given the intensity of her attachment to Helen and Lawrence I’m surprised the story didn’t take a BIG CHILL resolution. 😉 I was so happy she got her HEA.
Kay, the one with the most going on is the best drawn character of the three. Balancing a special needs adult child, a full time teaching job, and caring for her demented mom makes her a saint to some but that level of stress destroys you. Marianne turns out to be the fourth leg of the friendship table and finally this table is level. I’d love to meet her family.
My nerves were shot knowing Kay banging on her chest meant something. The plane ride home, Wow. The ending had me crying.
I didn’t see the shoe vending machines in Vegas. Now I have to go back. ( like these ladies I found it too overwhelming.)
I really enjoyed this last book of this series. These ladies annoyed me too many times to count.
I don’t understand how Helen had the affair & returned home with her wacko husband. He appeared to be so controlling I wondered if he would harm her. Both of her girlfriends have homes & she could have couch surfed. The husband shows his posterior one last time & Caro finally shuts him down.
Caro was a stereotypical female executive but had an inner child that needed love and attention. The story would read differently if she’d used a surrogate. Given the intensity of her attachment to Helen and Lawrence I’m surprised the story didn’t take a BIG CHILL resolution. 😉 I was so happy she got her HEA.
Kay, the one with the most going on is the best drawn character of the three. Balancing a special needs adult child, a full time teaching job, and caring for her demented mom makes her a saint to some but that level of stress destroys you. Marianne turns out to be the fourth leg of the friendship table and finally this table is level. I’d love to meet her family.
My nerves were shot knowing Kay banging on her chest meant something. The plane ride home, Wow. The ending had me crying.
I didn’t see the shoe vending machines in Vegas. Now I have to go back. ( like these ladies I found it too overwhelming.)
May 23, 2023
What can I say - I loved this very fitting and emotional end to a trilogy that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't want it to finish as I knew it was the last time I would spend any time with Caro, Helen and Kay.
This book manages to be equal parts totally realistic (in its portrayal of friendships as you get older) and totally extraordinary (in terms of the scrapes the trio find themselves in) and marries them perfectly...were some of the things that happened hard to believe? Yes, but it's fully plausible that these fearless strong women would absolutely find the hard to believe situations and jump into them, knowing they had the safety harness of each other to save them. The straining, but never breaking, of that safety harness is one of the things that I have loved so much about these books. Real friendship isn't neat and tidy with easy to see beginnings and endings, it ebbs and flows but you're always sure it's still there.
The ending had me turning pages likes a woman demented, kudos to Cary for that. And it's set in Vegas, one of my favourite places in the world, so that was a bonus.
This book manages to be equal parts totally realistic (in its portrayal of friendships as you get older) and totally extraordinary (in terms of the scrapes the trio find themselves in) and marries them perfectly...were some of the things that happened hard to believe? Yes, but it's fully plausible that these fearless strong women would absolutely find the hard to believe situations and jump into them, knowing they had the safety harness of each other to save them. The straining, but never breaking, of that safety harness is one of the things that I have loved so much about these books. Real friendship isn't neat and tidy with easy to see beginnings and endings, it ebbs and flows but you're always sure it's still there.
The ending had me turning pages likes a woman demented, kudos to Cary for that. And it's set in Vegas, one of my favourite places in the world, so that was a bonus.
February 10, 2024
Giving this one a 3.5. While it was still good, this one just didn’t pack as much punch as the first two. It started off with Kay coming to terms with her terminal illness (melanoma), but it wasn’t the sad, heartbreaking book I was expecting which is good in some ways. I don’t think I was ready for such an emotional ending to the trilogy. Just like the other books, Caro and Helen are back at it again! Only this time they actually get to the root of their problems. I feel like they have danced around the elephant in the room since they were in college and only now that they are in their 50’s were they able to say and hear the things they needed to. In this book the girls decide to take a trip to Las Vegas as a last hoorah while Kay is in fairly good health. I thought they would cut up a little more like they did in Cyprus but they were pretty tame this go round. On the plane ride home ten author does shock the reader with something traumatic but not to worry, you later realize it didn’t actually happen which is so on brand for this group of ladies. I thought this trilogy was as cute and I’m glad I checked it out.
May 17, 2024
Good ending
The third book had moments of real emotions that did connect with the reader. Again a very slow pace like the two previous books. Unfortunately this interfered the delicate balance of emotions. However it also brought the point home that even the best friendships have moments of selfishness, misunderstandings and mistakes but real friends make it through and that it is having those real friends that becomes the reason we do make it through.
I would have rated it higher but didn’t for two reasons. One, the ending had a moment of implausibility that ruined the moment of real emotional connection and secondly, there were references to things that referred the reader to other books for the full benefit. This was done during the book itself and became annoying and too obvious a ploy to get the reader to purchase that other book. There is nothing wrong with this at the end of a book but not during the actual reading as it throws the reader out of the action.
Overall though an interesting read and ending to the trilogy.
The third book had moments of real emotions that did connect with the reader. Again a very slow pace like the two previous books. Unfortunately this interfered the delicate balance of emotions. However it also brought the point home that even the best friendships have moments of selfishness, misunderstandings and mistakes but real friends make it through and that it is having those real friends that becomes the reason we do make it through.
I would have rated it higher but didn’t for two reasons. One, the ending had a moment of implausibility that ruined the moment of real emotional connection and secondly, there were references to things that referred the reader to other books for the full benefit. This was done during the book itself and became annoying and too obvious a ploy to get the reader to purchase that other book. There is nothing wrong with this at the end of a book but not during the actual reading as it throws the reader out of the action.
Overall though an interesting read and ending to the trilogy.
May 27, 2023
Free courtesy of Cary J Hansson
What an amazing end to the story of Kay, Caro and Helen (mind you I won't complain if you want to write follow ups in the individuals next step).
With the dreaded news from Kay from the last book, Helen and Caro tries to make amends but Lawrence, Helen's soon to be ex-husband, causes another rift, just before Caro announces that she has booked the girls a holiday to Vegas.
They meet up with Marianne in Vegas and face all the issues they all have, can they all come together for Kay's sake.
I loved this book, it made me laugh and it definitely made me cry, As I am about the same age as the ladies I can definitely empathise with the things they deal with. It was a fitting end to the story with lots of twists and turns. After reading this though I definitely don't want to go to Vegas
I would recommend everyone to start from the beginning and follow these friends journey 💕
What an amazing end to the story of Kay, Caro and Helen (mind you I won't complain if you want to write follow ups in the individuals next step).
With the dreaded news from Kay from the last book, Helen and Caro tries to make amends but Lawrence, Helen's soon to be ex-husband, causes another rift, just before Caro announces that she has booked the girls a holiday to Vegas.
They meet up with Marianne in Vegas and face all the issues they all have, can they all come together for Kay's sake.
I loved this book, it made me laugh and it definitely made me cry, As I am about the same age as the ladies I can definitely empathise with the things they deal with. It was a fitting end to the story with lots of twists and turns. After reading this though I definitely don't want to go to Vegas
I would recommend everyone to start from the beginning and follow these friends journey 💕
May 30, 2023
Another great read from Cary Hansson.
A midlife gamble joins the lives of Caro, Helen and Kay for a third instalment.
Kay has received bad news and Caro and Helen are still not communicating after their fall out at the end of the second book.
However a friend in need is the jolt needed to get them back together and look out for each other, until another misunderstanding throws Helen into free fall about everything that’s gone on in her marriage to Lawrence.
The girls head off the Vegas on a trip of a lifetime, albeit with a bit of strained friendship for two of them. And Kay has also invited along Marianne, whom she befriended in Cyprus.
Their trip is interesting, has many twists and turns, but also shows the true importance of friendship against the odds.
I’ve loved reading this trilogy, it’s almost like catching up with friends, not always easy, we don’t always agree, but we care for them with all our hearts.
Another fantastic read. Perfect for summer.
A midlife gamble joins the lives of Caro, Helen and Kay for a third instalment.
Kay has received bad news and Caro and Helen are still not communicating after their fall out at the end of the second book.
However a friend in need is the jolt needed to get them back together and look out for each other, until another misunderstanding throws Helen into free fall about everything that’s gone on in her marriage to Lawrence.
The girls head off the Vegas on a trip of a lifetime, albeit with a bit of strained friendship for two of them. And Kay has also invited along Marianne, whom she befriended in Cyprus.
Their trip is interesting, has many twists and turns, but also shows the true importance of friendship against the odds.
I’ve loved reading this trilogy, it’s almost like catching up with friends, not always easy, we don’t always agree, but we care for them with all our hearts.
Another fantastic read. Perfect for summer.
June 11, 2023
A Midlife Gamble by Cary J Hansson
This is the third book about middle aged friends who have been best friends since university. The book finds them all at crisis point when one is given a terminal diagnosis whilst the other two have had a major fallout and are completely unaware of their best friends struggle. Will they overcome the breakdown of relations and be as one to help each in a major hour of need as they always did?
This book shows life at its worst moments through dark humour and and shows what lasting friendship is all about.
This book was very difficult to get into at the beginning but do stick with it because it does all eventually become clear. I would say it needs to be less disjointed in the style and easier to follow as the faint hearted will miss what is potentially a good read with humour, sadness, frustration and everything life throws us in between.
Due the dysfunctional start i would say 3.5/5
This is the third book about middle aged friends who have been best friends since university. The book finds them all at crisis point when one is given a terminal diagnosis whilst the other two have had a major fallout and are completely unaware of their best friends struggle. Will they overcome the breakdown of relations and be as one to help each in a major hour of need as they always did?
This book shows life at its worst moments through dark humour and and shows what lasting friendship is all about.
This book was very difficult to get into at the beginning but do stick with it because it does all eventually become clear. I would say it needs to be less disjointed in the style and easier to follow as the faint hearted will miss what is potentially a good read with humour, sadness, frustration and everything life throws us in between.
Due the dysfunctional start i would say 3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2023
I was honoured to be sent an ARC of this book to complete the Midlife trilogy I have devoured.
It is always great to revisit characters who feel like old friends, and this one is no different.
We meet Kat, Helen and Caro again, after that fateful holiday, where their friendship showed its frailty after thirty years.
However, friendship, true friendship, can overcome even the biggest hurdles.
There are old moments revisited, new battles to overcome, as well as a brilliant surprise trip to Vegas, where so much happens.
Ultimately a book about friendship, growing older and how friendships have to change, and the importance of trust and honesty.
Rather like the beautiful Japanese are of Kintsugi, repairing broken things with threads of gold, we see the fragments of this friendship slowly being glued back together with gold... but is gold strong enough to keep it together?
It is always great to revisit characters who feel like old friends, and this one is no different.
We meet Kat, Helen and Caro again, after that fateful holiday, where their friendship showed its frailty after thirty years.
However, friendship, true friendship, can overcome even the biggest hurdles.
There are old moments revisited, new battles to overcome, as well as a brilliant surprise trip to Vegas, where so much happens.
Ultimately a book about friendship, growing older and how friendships have to change, and the importance of trust and honesty.
Rather like the beautiful Japanese are of Kintsugi, repairing broken things with threads of gold, we see the fragments of this friendship slowly being glued back together with gold... but is gold strong enough to keep it together?
July 8, 2023
A midlife gamble was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy.
Over three novels we follow the ups and downs of three childhood friends. The story starts when all the characters are in their early fifties. The books are an authentic testament of how life is as we get older. The author does not sugarcoat any of the life tragedies or romanticise any of the relationships.
The three books take a deep dive into the complexities of friendship. The Authors skilfully describes what it is to be human. Our flaws, inadequacies, jealousy’s and insecurities are all examined within the context of close female friendships.
All three books were a great read, gripping and thoroughly enjoyable. The characters are believable and after the first book A Midlife Holiday I was totally invested and had to read the next two books to find out the fate of the friends.
Over three novels we follow the ups and downs of three childhood friends. The story starts when all the characters are in their early fifties. The books are an authentic testament of how life is as we get older. The author does not sugarcoat any of the life tragedies or romanticise any of the relationships.
The three books take a deep dive into the complexities of friendship. The Authors skilfully describes what it is to be human. Our flaws, inadequacies, jealousy’s and insecurities are all examined within the context of close female friendships.
All three books were a great read, gripping and thoroughly enjoyable. The characters are believable and after the first book A Midlife Holiday I was totally invested and had to read the next two books to find out the fate of the friends.
August 22, 2024
Back with an emotional third tale in the Midlife Trilogy women’s fiction! Wow! If you thought the second book was emotional then you haven’t read anything yet! It all comes to a head in this one!
I liked that this one dug deeper into the friendship dynamics of the three main characters. Helen, Caro and Kay have all been friends since university together. They have raised their families and careers together, and have been a great support for each other in different periods of life. Now, with one of them facing a shocking cancer diagnosis, they realize that friendship and life can be so fragile. This is hard to read about but also so roar and real! It was all sad as it had the right amount of splattering of hilarity throughout too. It is written from a great perspective. It really got me turning the pages to want to know more!
I liked that this one dug deeper into the friendship dynamics of the three main characters. Helen, Caro and Kay have all been friends since university together. They have raised their families and careers together, and have been a great support for each other in different periods of life. Now, with one of them facing a shocking cancer diagnosis, they realize that friendship and life can be so fragile. This is hard to read about but also so roar and real! It was all sad as it had the right amount of splattering of hilarity throughout too. It is written from a great perspective. It really got me turning the pages to want to know more!
June 4, 2023
I rate this 4.25. This is the last book in the trilogy, wow, what these women gone through.. I loved the way the characters developed, it is very well thought out. I can see how the title had to be changed the story just flow nicely into it. As a medic I can see how one of the main characters’ plot went before it happened, I just want to shout go to a doctor!!! The twist though was unexpected and it just makes me laugh. Without giving too much spoiler, I am still wondering how the ending came about.. It is my non working day, so perhaps I’ll ponder this more on my working day.
I’m partially sad and mostly happy that this trilogy has ended. I’ll have to consider if I’m ready to move to a different story 😉
Many thanks to Cary J Hansson for the advance copy in exchange for honest review.
I’m partially sad and mostly happy that this trilogy has ended. I’ll have to consider if I’m ready to move to a different story 😉
Many thanks to Cary J Hansson for the advance copy in exchange for honest review.
October 27, 2023
A surprise trip to vegas that doesn't go as planned!
I adored this book, it's not often that you see a story focused on older characters that is so entertaining. This read really had me thrown in to this friend group and immersed in the story line from chapter one. The author did an amazing job of not only portraying the friendship between these ladies but also showing them as individuals.
This book is part of a series but you can read is as a standalone like I did, it was super enjoyable this way and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This book had drama, heard topics and most of all strong friendship that can preserver through the hardest times.
After reading this book im definitely going to go back and read the previous ones in the series.
I adored this book, it's not often that you see a story focused on older characters that is so entertaining. This read really had me thrown in to this friend group and immersed in the story line from chapter one. The author did an amazing job of not only portraying the friendship between these ladies but also showing them as individuals.
This book is part of a series but you can read is as a standalone like I did, it was super enjoyable this way and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This book had drama, heard topics and most of all strong friendship that can preserver through the hardest times.
After reading this book im definitely going to go back and read the previous ones in the series.
May 17, 2023
This is the third book in the Midlife series and 50 something friends Helen and Caro have fallen out.
Their mutual friend Kay has been trying to cope alone with some bad news and really needs the support of her friends. When they find out will they be able to overcome their differences to help her?
This is a great story about the power of friendship and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. I loved the description of Vegas, which reminded me of my honeymoon years ago! There are also some other familiar characters who add to the subplot!
Thanks to Cary for the advance review copy of this book!
Their mutual friend Kay has been trying to cope alone with some bad news and really needs the support of her friends. When they find out will they be able to overcome their differences to help her?
This is a great story about the power of friendship and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. I loved the description of Vegas, which reminded me of my honeymoon years ago! There are also some other familiar characters who add to the subplot!
Thanks to Cary for the advance review copy of this book!
December 4, 2023
A Midlife Holiday, A Midlife Baby and A Midlife Gamble are nominally a trilogy. In fact, they are one really long novel, since the second and third start where the previous one ends. I read them consecutively as one book. The story is an interesting one about three women in their early 50s who have known each other for 30 years. Overall, I would recommend them even though the last third of the final book does become what I felt was somewhat maudlin and needlessly melodramatic. (That could very well just be me; I have been called a cynic many times over the years.) The writing holds up well over hundreds of pages and the characters remain consistent.
April 24, 2024
As I expected, the third book wasn't impressive at all. I couldn't, actually, finish it.
It was the worst of the series. The plot was sluggish and monotonous.
I think I did myself a favor when I stopped reading. It was a torture.
Definitely, not worth my time.
Overall, I didn't like the series, with, maybe, a little praise for the second book.
I found the relationship between the friends, especially Caro and Helen, to be strained and unnatural. The characters were unlikeable and I couldn't relate to any of them. The lack of more susbstantial backgroung information about their youth was essential and which led them being hollow and lifeless.
It was the worst of the series. The plot was sluggish and monotonous.
I think I did myself a favor when I stopped reading. It was a torture.
Definitely, not worth my time.
Overall, I didn't like the series, with, maybe, a little praise for the second book.
I found the relationship between the friends, especially Caro and Helen, to be strained and unnatural. The characters were unlikeable and I couldn't relate to any of them. The lack of more susbstantial backgroung information about their youth was essential and which led them being hollow and lifeless.
February 17, 2025
Three long-time friends in their early 50's go to Vegas together. One of the 3 is dying of cancer. An estrangement between 2 of the friends comes to a head, and is eventually discussed and put to bed.
It's a good book, but not recommended that you read it as a stand-alone. You need to read books 1 and 2 first.
There is some good insight here, about friendship, the legacy that can be left after death (living on in your loved-one's hearts, etc.) and the power of forgiveness. It's about starting over, as well.
Worth reading.
It's a good book, but not recommended that you read it as a stand-alone. You need to read books 1 and 2 first.
There is some good insight here, about friendship, the legacy that can be left after death (living on in your loved-one's hearts, etc.) and the power of forgiveness. It's about starting over, as well.
Worth reading.
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