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The Silver Ladies Do Lunch
When Lin, Josie and Minnie left Miss Hamilton’s class at Middleton Ferris County Primary School, sixty years ago, they could only dream about what the future had in store for them. The one thing they knew for certain was that their friendship would thrive. Years later and life hasn’t always been kind. Josie is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Harry a year after his sudden demise. Lin is hoping to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary with husband Neil, but he’s suddenly keeping secrets and telling her lies, so she’s suspecting the worst And as for Minnie, well she loves her life in Oxford academia, but with no family to call her own, she sometimes wonders if the sacrifices were all worthwhile. So, when the ninety-year-old Miss Hamilton – or Cecily as she lets them call her now – glides gracefully back into their lives on her glamorous purple mobility scooter, the ladies are in need of inspiration and fun. And over their regular lunches, the friends start to dream of leaving the past in the past and embracing the future, because there’s nothing you can’t achieve with good friends at your side. Judy Leigh is back with the perfect blend of fun and friendship, capers and caring. The perfect feel-good story for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins. Readers love Judy ‘I have been a fan of Judy's work for quite a while now. I love the way in which she writes such fun, feel good, heart-warming and uplifting stories.’ ‘ The Golden Oldies’ Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout.’ ‘A lovely warm read about family and closeness. This author never disappoints, always a joy to find one of her books which I haven’t read.’ ‘Such a good read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their lives as we are gradually introduced. It's refreshing to have a cast of older characters in the lead - reminds everyone that life isn't over when you reach middle age and beyond.’ ‘A captivating cosy read written with warmth and humour—friendship, emotion, love, joy, and laughter are abundant throughout the pages of this wonderful story.’ Praise for Judy ‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life… a wonderful escapade’ Fiona Gibson
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2023
3028 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Judy Leigh
34 books402 followersJudy Leigh has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional Writing.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
October 2, 2023
When I am looking for a fun, entertaining story containing mature female characters, I know I just need to pick up a Judy Leigh book. The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a story of three friends who went to primary school together and are still friends 60 years later. They all took different routes, with Josie now a widow, Lin marrying another classmate and getting ready to celebrate her 50th anniversary, and Minnie who became an academic, teaching at Oxford and never marrying. They still meet up for Lunch regularly to share what is happening in their lives as well as their concerns where they offer advice and support. They are in a bit of a rut, when their teacher, Miss Hamilton shows up in their village with her purple mobility scooter and sense of adventure. Will she get the women to leave their comfort zone.
This was another fun story by Judy Leigh. I loved learning about these women and their lives. Being a widow in my 60s, I enjoy reading about women who don't let the grass grow under their feet and still enjoy life. We all have doubts as these three do, but is is great to see them support one another and be willing to try something new. This book is character driven and what wonderful characters Judy Leigh has developed. They are women I would like to be friends with. They have the normal flaws (jealousy, doubt, loneliness etc.) which just makes them more realistic and relatable. This one didn't have the wild adventures that are in her other books, but it was still a wonderful story with themes of friendship, following dreams, family, and living life to the fullest. If you like books with women of a certain age, then I recommend you pick up The Silver Ladies Do Lunch.
This was another fun story by Judy Leigh. I loved learning about these women and their lives. Being a widow in my 60s, I enjoy reading about women who don't let the grass grow under their feet and still enjoy life. We all have doubts as these three do, but is is great to see them support one another and be willing to try something new. This book is character driven and what wonderful characters Judy Leigh has developed. They are women I would like to be friends with. They have the normal flaws (jealousy, doubt, loneliness etc.) which just makes them more realistic and relatable. This one didn't have the wild adventures that are in her other books, but it was still a wonderful story with themes of friendship, following dreams, family, and living life to the fullest. If you like books with women of a certain age, then I recommend you pick up The Silver Ladies Do Lunch.
August 27, 2023
Not for me, but the review is for my brother!
My frustrations with this book surprise me having chosen it because of rave reviews.
I am delighted to read about intelligent, energetic women in their 70s with stronger, long-lasting friendships, but the characters irritated me.
Minnie is a self-absorbed Oxford scholar who didn't realise for 60 years that her escape from her restrictive family left behind her sister in a place of misery and small village life. Minnie decided to look after her sister, but by relocating her to Oxford. Why couldn't Minnie care for Tina in Tina's home?? Probably not enough people in the village appreciate Minnie's ability to throw out insults in Latin (she always follows with the English translation to add to the insult that the person cannot understand Latin). Only people in Oxford appreciate Minnie intelligence, Doc Marten wearing, book reading, Latin spouting narcissistic nonsense.
Lin and her refusal to ask her husband what he was up to. Why?, when it was clear it was for their 50th anniversary. This perfect man who only cares for her, but when she has doubts she won't speak to him about them. Instead she cries, gets drunk, and refuses to speak to him. And is anyone that bad a cook? I say this having married a man who boiled salad when we first met. But he can warm a croissant without burning it.
Josie is repeatedly offered only friendship by another older gentleman, also widowed, also lonely. But she says no and never lets him finish his sentence. He is only asking for friendship. Josie has to reject him in case he wants more. Let the poor man speak before assuming he wants a sexual relationship. He repeatedly says he loves his wife and there will be no other for him.
George turned into a pompous bigot. But then he got a new lady so they invited them over for lunch.
And Nadine the pig. Sleeping on a bed in a barge????
Irritating book that felt like there was so much potential reflecting on the importance of friendship at all ages. Widowed or lonely people finding new interests and outlooks. The pregnant single woman could have been an excellent plot about the challenges of single parenting but an ex-boyfriend appeared and took on her and the baby. (why was the father allowed to escape completely Scot free? No requirements to acknowledge or support his child??)
The whole village is filled with whimsical characters and friends. Most villages I know have the normal fair share of the mad, the bad and the weird. But not here!
My frustrations with this book surprise me having chosen it because of rave reviews.
I am delighted to read about intelligent, energetic women in their 70s with stronger, long-lasting friendships, but the characters irritated me.
Minnie is a self-absorbed Oxford scholar who didn't realise for 60 years that her escape from her restrictive family left behind her sister in a place of misery and small village life. Minnie decided to look after her sister, but by relocating her to Oxford. Why couldn't Minnie care for Tina in Tina's home?? Probably not enough people in the village appreciate Minnie's ability to throw out insults in Latin (she always follows with the English translation to add to the insult that the person cannot understand Latin). Only people in Oxford appreciate Minnie intelligence, Doc Marten wearing, book reading, Latin spouting narcissistic nonsense.
Lin and her refusal to ask her husband what he was up to. Why?, when it was clear it was for their 50th anniversary. This perfect man who only cares for her, but when she has doubts she won't speak to him about them. Instead she cries, gets drunk, and refuses to speak to him. And is anyone that bad a cook? I say this having married a man who boiled salad when we first met. But he can warm a croissant without burning it.
Josie is repeatedly offered only friendship by another older gentleman, also widowed, also lonely. But she says no and never lets him finish his sentence. He is only asking for friendship. Josie has to reject him in case he wants more. Let the poor man speak before assuming he wants a sexual relationship. He repeatedly says he loves his wife and there will be no other for him.
George turned into a pompous bigot. But then he got a new lady so they invited them over for lunch.
And Nadine the pig. Sleeping on a bed in a barge????
Irritating book that felt like there was so much potential reflecting on the importance of friendship at all ages. Widowed or lonely people finding new interests and outlooks. The pregnant single woman could have been an excellent plot about the challenges of single parenting but an ex-boyfriend appeared and took on her and the baby. (why was the father allowed to escape completely Scot free? No requirements to acknowledge or support his child??)
The whole village is filled with whimsical characters and friends. Most villages I know have the normal fair share of the mad, the bad and the weird. But not here!
May 30, 2023
4.5/5 Stars! I've truly fallen in love with these books about women of a "certain age" by Judy Leigh. Being older myself, I really can appreciate older protagonists. You can read my full review here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/05/3...
August 30, 2023
Boring
It could have been such a great story yet it dragged on and on repeating the same things over and over.
It could have been such a great story yet it dragged on and on repeating the same things over and over.
June 2, 2023
I know I'm in for a treat when I have one of Judy Leigh's books to read - and this one was delicious!
It's been six decades since Lin, Josie and Minnie left primary school and their beloved Miss Hamilton behind; one thing was a certainty - they would remain friends. Despite Minnie, the academic among them living and working in Oxford, she travels back to Middleton Ferris regularly to be with her friends. Josie is grieving for her husband who died suddenly a year ago while Lin was looking forward to her golden wedding anniversary, but now she's not so sure they're going to make it. Neil, her husband, has become very furtive and secretive - surely he couldn't be having an affair, could he?
With terrific characters, a fabulous setting and so very much going on, this is very typical of a Judy Leigh novel. Plenty to think about and entertain the reader, this is an easy book to just sink into and let it take you on it's journey. I have already recommend this to friends who I know have a 'thing' about Dr Martens boots (no spoilers) but, for me, Nadine was definitely the star of the show! Appealing to all ages, this is such a wonderful read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you haven't yet read one of Judy's books, then this is a perfect place to start! Five very sparkly stars!
It's been six decades since Lin, Josie and Minnie left primary school and their beloved Miss Hamilton behind; one thing was a certainty - they would remain friends. Despite Minnie, the academic among them living and working in Oxford, she travels back to Middleton Ferris regularly to be with her friends. Josie is grieving for her husband who died suddenly a year ago while Lin was looking forward to her golden wedding anniversary, but now she's not so sure they're going to make it. Neil, her husband, has become very furtive and secretive - surely he couldn't be having an affair, could he?
With terrific characters, a fabulous setting and so very much going on, this is very typical of a Judy Leigh novel. Plenty to think about and entertain the reader, this is an easy book to just sink into and let it take you on it's journey. I have already recommend this to friends who I know have a 'thing' about Dr Martens boots (no spoilers) but, for me, Nadine was definitely the star of the show! Appealing to all ages, this is such a wonderful read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you haven't yet read one of Judy's books, then this is a perfect place to start! Five very sparkly stars!
November 19, 2023
What a disappointment! I read another book of hers written five years ago that I thought was fun, light, and entertaining. So I figured I would try another book of hers. I can’t believe it was written by the same author and that it was a later book. I would expect an author to improve. The characters were lackluster and often completely disappointing in their attitudes, actions, and interactions. I felt like the characters often were stupid in their decisions and their opinions, and the story dragged on for me. It also felt disjointed between all the characters’ story lines going on. I won’t be reading any more of her books. This one ruined it for me.
June 2, 2023
I’m not sure there are many of us these days with friendships that have endured since childhood, but Lin, Minnie and Josie are the exception. We meet them first at Middleton Ferris primary school, delighted to meet their inspirational and thoroughly lovely new teacher, Miss Hamilton – and now, although Minnie has moved to Oxford, they meet up regularly sixty years later for regular lunch dates, and are as close as they ever were. Josie, recently widowed after a long and happy marriage, has just returned from a solo cruise – missing her husband being there to share all the new experiences, but making new friends. Lin has been married to Neil for almost fifty years – but she’s beginning to wonder whether he might be getting fed up with her not having a more exciting life. Minnie has stayed single, but very much enjoys playing the field – until she comes across a man who might just have potential to become someone special. And Miss Hamilton – they can now call her Cecily – is back in the village too, full of life in her nineties, joining them for their lunch dates.
It’s a fairly uncomplicated story, following their friendship as they join forces to support young Florence at a difficult time in her life and help Lin keep things together as she increasingly fears the imminent end of her marriage. But the whole book also paints a lovely picture of village life, with an established community that certainly has its share of the quirky, eccentric and different (every individual beautifully drawn) but can most definitely pull together when they need to.
And I must say I found the whole book totally delightful – although I will admit that the large cast of characters did make it a touch more of a challenge to keep track and differentiate between them until I was a little way into the story. I really felt for Josie, beginning to find her feet, but still waking to Harry’s smile from the photo on her bedside table – and really enjoyed her relationship with Fergal, a friendship frowned upon by some but that has also endured since their schooldays (even if his attendance was a touch sporadic, until Miss Hamilton’s intervention). Lin, it has to be said, did need rather a lot of support and reassurance – although I enjoyed the way her storyline developed, my sympathy was just a little strained at times – but I entirely loved Minnie and her plans for a romantic adventure (and her thoroughly lovely target too).
As always, there’s a great deal of humour – the running story of Nadine, the farmer’s much-loved pig, was just magic – beautifully balanced by the moments of seriousness and sadness, and with the next smile never too far away. And if the three schoolfriends have storylines that prove it’s never too late to live a little and look forward to a happy future, Cecily provides even more proof of that – she might be on a mobility scooter, but it’s certainly no barrier to living life to the full. The focus on family and friendship is simply perfect – and although life in Middleton Ferris might have its downsides along with its positives, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there. This was yet another really lovely read from an author who unfailingly writes books that I enjoy – and one I’d certainly very much recommend to others.
It’s a fairly uncomplicated story, following their friendship as they join forces to support young Florence at a difficult time in her life and help Lin keep things together as she increasingly fears the imminent end of her marriage. But the whole book also paints a lovely picture of village life, with an established community that certainly has its share of the quirky, eccentric and different (every individual beautifully drawn) but can most definitely pull together when they need to.
And I must say I found the whole book totally delightful – although I will admit that the large cast of characters did make it a touch more of a challenge to keep track and differentiate between them until I was a little way into the story. I really felt for Josie, beginning to find her feet, but still waking to Harry’s smile from the photo on her bedside table – and really enjoyed her relationship with Fergal, a friendship frowned upon by some but that has also endured since their schooldays (even if his attendance was a touch sporadic, until Miss Hamilton’s intervention). Lin, it has to be said, did need rather a lot of support and reassurance – although I enjoyed the way her storyline developed, my sympathy was just a little strained at times – but I entirely loved Minnie and her plans for a romantic adventure (and her thoroughly lovely target too).
As always, there’s a great deal of humour – the running story of Nadine, the farmer’s much-loved pig, was just magic – beautifully balanced by the moments of seriousness and sadness, and with the next smile never too far away. And if the three schoolfriends have storylines that prove it’s never too late to live a little and look forward to a happy future, Cecily provides even more proof of that – she might be on a mobility scooter, but it’s certainly no barrier to living life to the full. The focus on family and friendship is simply perfect – and although life in Middleton Ferris might have its downsides along with its positives, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there. This was yet another really lovely read from an author who unfailingly writes books that I enjoy – and one I’d certainly very much recommend to others.
February 16, 2024
Loved it!! Xx
May 30, 2023
I have absolutely loved reading this book, an addictive feel good book about a group of friends who regularly meet up for lunch. Josie, Lin and Minnie went to primary school together and have remained the best of friends for sixty years. Back in primary school little did they know of where their lives would take them, but they loved being in Miss Hamilton’s class. Years later, school days well forgotten life has been hard for the ladies. Josie is recently widowed, she lost her beloved husband, Harry just over a year ago. Lin is about to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary to her beloved Neil and Minnie is still loving the Oxford academia life and had remained single. The ladies regularly meet up for lunch and it’s at these lunches that Miss Hamilton or as she now insists being called, Cecily returns to their lives on her mobility scooter. Cecily cannot wait to reunite with her pupils and decides to embrace the village of Middleton Ferris once more with her love and songs.
With Lin and Neil about to celebrate their wedding anniversary, Neil starts to keep secrets and starts lying to Lin about his whereabouts. Is her marriage in trouble ? Is he having an affair ?
Josie has just returned from a cruise on which she went alone in memory of her beloved Harry, he always wanted to go on a cruise and what a fitting way to remember him by doing something he would have loved. On her return, Josie is starting to feel so alone, they never had any children so now it’s just her, her friends mean even more too her. Will Josie find love again ?
Minnie has always loved her books, her life is mainly spent learning more about the romans or languages. Until harsh words from her sister make her rethink her life. Would it be so different falling in love.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is brilliant for a feel good read which you can quickly get engrossed into. I hope some day that the villagers of Middleton Ferris return.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me access to this book.
With Lin and Neil about to celebrate their wedding anniversary, Neil starts to keep secrets and starts lying to Lin about his whereabouts. Is her marriage in trouble ? Is he having an affair ?
Josie has just returned from a cruise on which she went alone in memory of her beloved Harry, he always wanted to go on a cruise and what a fitting way to remember him by doing something he would have loved. On her return, Josie is starting to feel so alone, they never had any children so now it’s just her, her friends mean even more too her. Will Josie find love again ?
Minnie has always loved her books, her life is mainly spent learning more about the romans or languages. Until harsh words from her sister make her rethink her life. Would it be so different falling in love.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is brilliant for a feel good read which you can quickly get engrossed into. I hope some day that the villagers of Middleton Ferris return.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me access to this book.
September 12, 2023
disappointedly boring
Ordinary. No intrigue or originality. It felt like, ‘this happened, then this happened, then this happened’. Maybe if I was from England the fun of knowing the different places would have made it more interesting. I read the book in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep because it put me to sleep instead of stimulating me. There was no excitement in anticipation about what comes next.
Ordinary. No intrigue or originality. It felt like, ‘this happened, then this happened, then this happened’. Maybe if I was from England the fun of knowing the different places would have made it more interesting. I read the book in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep because it put me to sleep instead of stimulating me. There was no excitement in anticipation about what comes next.
May 23, 2023
It is always wonderful to see the older generation get some attention in fiction. We are all aging and at one point we’ll be standing where these characters are but let’s hope we have the infectious humour, wise-old-owl insight and fireworks passion these ladies possess! Lin, Josie and Minnie have been old friends since Primary School. They each have had their share of trials but when their feisty, faithful and fervent ninety year old teacher glides back into town, and into their lives, new adventures begin to take shape over cups of tea. Cecily (Miss Hamilton) is quite the unforgettable character and her responses deliver lots of laughter and cheers with her unabashed attitudes and intended actions.
This is an endearing story about lasting friendship of old friends but it also about embracing new faces into their circle. And facing the challenges of life are not so bad when you have the support of friends and family. The future, too, is brighter with the help of many hands and giving hearts.
Josie has lost her husband and is still in mourning after a year but she takes a Caribbean Cruise and meets an interesting man who wants to write a book. He has lost his partner and is in deep sadness but Josie cheers him up. They share each other’s stories, receive comfort and bring a little joy back into each other’s lives.
Lin is getting ready for her fiftieth anniversary but discovers Neil, her husband, has been lying to her. She stumbles across evidence that raises hot relentless suspicion in her mind and she begins to imagine all sorts of things. Anger sparks, too. Has her husband betrayed her? Does he have another women on the side? Lin’s imagination runs wild and her friends try to help her remain calm. But her doubts about the sincerity of his love trigger a range of mixed emotions. The questions in her mind certainly have a field day with her! Later on, we discover his activity, as does she. And it will quite literally knock her off her feet!
Minnie loves her academic world of Oxford. She loves the smell, charm and wonder of books! They make ‘her heart race’. She drinks up the knowledge she finds between their covers. It offers her great joy. But with all she’s gained in these inanimate beloved companions, has she missed out on human love? It seems the more she distances herself from men, the more they pursue her? She is happier in the company of books. But has she sacrificed too much? Not everything. For she has solid friendships and reminds Lin and Josie of Miss Hamilton’s words written in their notebooks when they were primary students. ‘A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.’ This line is a theme that resounds and reappears more than once in this story.
It is a lively slice of small town magic. A large number of characters keep you hopping and clearing the cobwebs from your mind. But I think besides Cecily, Dangerous Dave and his daughter Florence are my close favourites. How he graciously handles her predicament and how the community rally around to help her, is quite heart-warming. Florence’s unexpected news pulls the community together, gives them purpose, and proves to be the heartbeat of the story.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a caring, cosy, characterful story full of wit, wisdom, non-judgemental attitude, support, charm and feel-good experiences. Troubles are softened by a great band of friends who rally around to buoy those who are disheartened, dishonoured and distraught. This novel offers a warm-hug-message to a world that often does not care about its neighbours. It shows us that offering a kind word and pitching in to help those in distress is so much more pleasing and rewarding than being judgemental. We are all on this planet together so why not be the best friend, family member or neighbour possible! 4 Strong Happy Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Boldwood Books & Netgalley for my review copy.
This is an endearing story about lasting friendship of old friends but it also about embracing new faces into their circle. And facing the challenges of life are not so bad when you have the support of friends and family. The future, too, is brighter with the help of many hands and giving hearts.
Josie has lost her husband and is still in mourning after a year but she takes a Caribbean Cruise and meets an interesting man who wants to write a book. He has lost his partner and is in deep sadness but Josie cheers him up. They share each other’s stories, receive comfort and bring a little joy back into each other’s lives.
Lin is getting ready for her fiftieth anniversary but discovers Neil, her husband, has been lying to her. She stumbles across evidence that raises hot relentless suspicion in her mind and she begins to imagine all sorts of things. Anger sparks, too. Has her husband betrayed her? Does he have another women on the side? Lin’s imagination runs wild and her friends try to help her remain calm. But her doubts about the sincerity of his love trigger a range of mixed emotions. The questions in her mind certainly have a field day with her! Later on, we discover his activity, as does she. And it will quite literally knock her off her feet!
Minnie loves her academic world of Oxford. She loves the smell, charm and wonder of books! They make ‘her heart race’. She drinks up the knowledge she finds between their covers. It offers her great joy. But with all she’s gained in these inanimate beloved companions, has she missed out on human love? It seems the more she distances herself from men, the more they pursue her? She is happier in the company of books. But has she sacrificed too much? Not everything. For she has solid friendships and reminds Lin and Josie of Miss Hamilton’s words written in their notebooks when they were primary students. ‘A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.’ This line is a theme that resounds and reappears more than once in this story.
It is a lively slice of small town magic. A large number of characters keep you hopping and clearing the cobwebs from your mind. But I think besides Cecily, Dangerous Dave and his daughter Florence are my close favourites. How he graciously handles her predicament and how the community rally around to help her, is quite heart-warming. Florence’s unexpected news pulls the community together, gives them purpose, and proves to be the heartbeat of the story.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a caring, cosy, characterful story full of wit, wisdom, non-judgemental attitude, support, charm and feel-good experiences. Troubles are softened by a great band of friends who rally around to buoy those who are disheartened, dishonoured and distraught. This novel offers a warm-hug-message to a world that often does not care about its neighbours. It shows us that offering a kind word and pitching in to help those in distress is so much more pleasing and rewarding than being judgemental. We are all on this planet together so why not be the best friend, family member or neighbour possible! 4 Strong Happy Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Boldwood Books & Netgalley for my review copy.
December 15, 2025
I loved the idea of four women in their 70s celebrating that their lives were far from over, but if this book was a movie it would fail the Bechdel Test. It seemed like very single conversation, including their internal monologues, was about men - starting from when they were 10 years old and in primary school talking about which boys were smelly and which one had “come to bed eyes” (seriously?!) all the way through to their 70s where their concerns were did their husband still love them, were they interesting enough for a man to like them, did men like them too much, how much they missed/loved their husbands.
Millie shows the most promise - she’s a scholar in Oxford who has embraced being independent and single, but then meets a man working on a local production of Julius Caesar who she thinks is interesting and twists her life around him. At one point in the book she laments that men fall in love with her without her even trying, completely ignoring the fact that she:
- spent time in the classical Rome section of a museum specifically to research things repeated to Caesar so she could be an interesting conversationalist for him
- snuck into a play rehearsal to watch him work
- went to the first performance of the play so she could impress him with her knowledge
- re-read her Pliny, again to impress him.
Not one of the women has or discovers a new hobby or interest. None of them try something new. They drink tea, talk about men, think about men and get gossiped about by men. That’s it. Even my gran, at the age of 99, had more diverse interests than this lot. By 25% of the way through the book I was hoping it would suddenly switch genres and a body would turn up in their daffodils, prompting them to Miss Marple their way through solving the crime, but alas the biggest excitement came from the shenanigans of a pet pig.
Millie shows the most promise - she’s a scholar in Oxford who has embraced being independent and single, but then meets a man working on a local production of Julius Caesar who she thinks is interesting and twists her life around him. At one point in the book she laments that men fall in love with her without her even trying, completely ignoring the fact that she:
- spent time in the classical Rome section of a museum specifically to research things repeated to Caesar so she could be an interesting conversationalist for him
- snuck into a play rehearsal to watch him work
- went to the first performance of the play so she could impress him with her knowledge
- re-read her Pliny, again to impress him.
Not one of the women has or discovers a new hobby or interest. None of them try something new. They drink tea, talk about men, think about men and get gossiped about by men. That’s it. Even my gran, at the age of 99, had more diverse interests than this lot. By 25% of the way through the book I was hoping it would suddenly switch genres and a body would turn up in their daffodils, prompting them to Miss Marple their way through solving the crime, but alas the biggest excitement came from the shenanigans of a pet pig.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
I loved that the main characters Josie, Lin and Minnie had been friends from their schooldays and living in a village knew everyone and everything that was going on. Great excitement when their former favourite teacher Miss Hamilton moves back to the village and meets up with The Silver Ladies much to their delight. Great true to life storyline about how life has treated “The Silver Ladies “, the village has a lovely community feel and the characters are larger than life, a wonderful story about friendships.
October 24, 2023
A really lovely, life affirming read. A group of school friends are still good friends and now they're in their seventies. One is a widow, another heading towards her golden wedding anniversary and a third loving live as an academic in Oxford. Then their primary school teacher arrives back in the village and they start spending time together.
May 20, 2023
Having read a few of Ms. Leigh’s books previously, I knew to expect quirky and heartwarming characters, and this book did not disappoint. Although the book begins in a Primary School classroom with Miss Hamilton as the new teacher for many of the characters in 1959, the majority of the book, while still taking place in Middleton Ferris, features the characters as grown, senior adults. Miss Hamilton also reappears as an elderly character often included with the Silver Ladies.
Lin, Josie and Minnie are the original Silver Ladies who do lunch, working through life’s challenges. Some of the men they went to primary with, such as Fergal Toomey and Dangerous Dave, now have grown children who also feature in the story, such as Dave’s daughter Florence.
There are romantic storylines for most of the characters, young and older, which drew me in, and humorous anecdotes aplenty. One of my very favorite “characters” is Nadine, the marauding and. beloved pig.
As well, the character tidbits the author feeds us are wonderful—such as that Minnie “adores” the smell or fragrance of books. Another example is that Minnie speaks through her letter slot, retired as she is, in order to deter the amorous Felix, telling him he’s “a fascinating man” for someone else. Perfection!
I am a devotee of Ms. Leigh’s books and The Silver Ladies Do Lunch was another very good one. Highly recommend. My thanks to #NetGalley and #Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
Lin, Josie and Minnie are the original Silver Ladies who do lunch, working through life’s challenges. Some of the men they went to primary with, such as Fergal Toomey and Dangerous Dave, now have grown children who also feature in the story, such as Dave’s daughter Florence.
There are romantic storylines for most of the characters, young and older, which drew me in, and humorous anecdotes aplenty. One of my very favorite “characters” is Nadine, the marauding and. beloved pig.
As well, the character tidbits the author feeds us are wonderful—such as that Minnie “adores” the smell or fragrance of books. Another example is that Minnie speaks through her letter slot, retired as she is, in order to deter the amorous Felix, telling him he’s “a fascinating man” for someone else. Perfection!
I am a devotee of Ms. Leigh’s books and The Silver Ladies Do Lunch was another very good one. Highly recommend. My thanks to #NetGalley and #Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
December 23, 2024
Enjoyed reading about sights around Oxford since I had been there recently.
October 2, 2023
This was a delightful book. Great characters especially 88 year old Nan. She is a pistol with lots of funny sayings! I Highly recommend this book for a light read and a cheesy bad guy. It is set in England so there are lots of cute English words and phrases.
November 9, 2023
An amusing story
A tale of long standing friendships and relationships within a small community. A pleasant &easy read from the author,Judy Leigh.
A tale of long standing friendships and relationships within a small community. A pleasant &easy read from the author,Judy Leigh.
May 17, 2023
I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review
-There are multiple characters and at some point I was really confused with the names, nicknames, new last names, etc. I still have no idea who Nigella is. The main ones are Josie - Harry's widow, Minnie & Tina, Lin & Neil, Florence and Miss Hamilton.
-I loved the idea of long-term friendships. The Silver Ladies do lunch a lot and it was fun. Of course it doesn't go without a hitch (or two!).
-The book starts a few days in elementary school and fast-forwards 50-60 years later.
-There's a bit of day-to-day life, romance, family duties, mysteries in the sense of well-kept secrets, LGBT, grief, surprise pregnancy, cheating, etc. But there are too many lies in the book. Lying by omission, lying to hide a surprise, lying to keep the family happy, etc.
-There a many a time when I felt the author was unbelievable in her choice of action; let's not forget that most of them are over 70 so they don't flop on a picnic blanket, they can't dance for hours, or start to run after someone, even less rowing a boat.
-I could not stand Lin. She acted stupid or said stupid things ("Was it planned?" Of course not!). She's too needy. She cries ALL THE TIME, she can't even talk to her husband of 49 years to get some facts straight. The reality that she couldn't cook at all was repeated so many times that at 52% I had enough but it didn't stop there.
-Twice or thrice repeated information about Darryl and Charlotte. We hardly saw them so I didn't see the point.
-Finishes with a bit of a twist. Minnie made her bed and must lie in it now. I really liked Jensen.
-There are multiple characters and at some point I was really confused with the names, nicknames, new last names, etc. I still have no idea who Nigella is. The main ones are Josie - Harry's widow, Minnie & Tina, Lin & Neil, Florence and Miss Hamilton.
-I loved the idea of long-term friendships. The Silver Ladies do lunch a lot and it was fun. Of course it doesn't go without a hitch (or two!).
-The book starts a few days in elementary school and fast-forwards 50-60 years later.
-There's a bit of day-to-day life, romance, family duties, mysteries in the sense of well-kept secrets, LGBT, grief, surprise pregnancy, cheating, etc. But there are too many lies in the book. Lying by omission, lying to hide a surprise, lying to keep the family happy, etc.
-There a many a time when I felt the author was unbelievable in her choice of action; let's not forget that most of them are over 70 so they don't flop on a picnic blanket, they can't dance for hours, or start to run after someone, even less rowing a boat.
-I could not stand Lin. She acted stupid or said stupid things ("Was it planned?" Of course not!). She's too needy. She cries ALL THE TIME, she can't even talk to her husband of 49 years to get some facts straight. The reality that she couldn't cook at all was repeated so many times that at 52% I had enough but it didn't stop there.
-Twice or thrice repeated information about Darryl and Charlotte. We hardly saw them so I didn't see the point.
-Finishes with a bit of a twist. Minnie made her bed and must lie in it now. I really liked Jensen.
January 16, 2024
Sweet story
Loved that the story was about friendship that had lasted forever. It reminded me of my dear friends from Grade school. Characters in my age group going through life, including widowhood. As a widow in my 60s I really appreciated how 'real' these characters are.
Enjoyed it. A very easy read.
Loved that the story was about friendship that had lasted forever. It reminded me of my dear friends from Grade school. Characters in my age group going through life, including widowhood. As a widow in my 60s I really appreciated how 'real' these characters are.
Enjoyed it. A very easy read.
October 31, 2023
3 .5 stars
review soon
review soon
June 6, 2023
June 03, 2023
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch by Judy Leigh #Review
I am delighted to feature another uplifting novel by Judy Leigh, The Silver ladies Do Lunch. It was published on 2nd June by Boldwood Books.
When Lin, Josie and Minnie left Miss Hamilton’s class at Middleton Ferris County Primary School, sixty years ago, they could only dream about what the future had in store for them. The one thing they knew for certain was that their friendship would thrive.
Years later and life hasn’t always been kind. Josie is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Harry a year after his sudden demise. Lin is hoping to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary with husband Neil, but he’s suddenly keeping secrets and telling her lies, so she’s suspecting the worst And as for Minnie, well she loves her life in Oxford academia, but with no family to call her own, she sometimes wonders if the sacrifices were all worthwhile.
So, when the ninety-year-old Miss Hamilton – or Cecily as she lets them call her now – glides gracefully back into their lives on her glamorous purple mobility scooter, the ladies are in need of inspiration and fun. And over their regular lunches, the friends start to dream of leaving the past in the past and embracing the future, because there’s nothing you can’t achieve with good friends at your side.
My Thoughts
Friendship is right there in the centre of this story and runs throughout. It crosses the generations and ties people together through the years. The three women at the centre, Jodie, Lin and Minnie are all facing different challenges but their friendship since they were in primary school ties them together. Jodie is trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband. Lin finds herself suspicious of her husband of thirty years. Minnie, who has ‘escaped’ from their village to academia and Oxford, nevertheless finds her loyalty to her childhood home and friends something which overrides everything else.
There is a great deal of humour in the story, through events and also the characters of the villagers. This is a real feelgood story where you see the best in people for the most part. (Not everyone is exemplary of course but they are peripheral to village life). I found Minnie’s story the most interesting especially her relationship with her sister, Tina. Minnie has managed to escape from the pressures of her father but unfortunately her sister feels left behind. Minnie discovers that the girl she was is still there and she cares about her sister very much. Cicely, their teacher, is a positive influence throughout and almost feels like a fairy godmother, her affection for all her past students obvious. Finally, Florence is a young person who finds it in herself to rise to the occasion and face her future with courage. Looking to the future is something everyone learns to do and to be grateful for the good things in their lives.
In short: firm friends look to the future.
#blogtour
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch by Judy Leigh #Review
I am delighted to feature another uplifting novel by Judy Leigh, The Silver ladies Do Lunch. It was published on 2nd June by Boldwood Books.
When Lin, Josie and Minnie left Miss Hamilton’s class at Middleton Ferris County Primary School, sixty years ago, they could only dream about what the future had in store for them. The one thing they knew for certain was that their friendship would thrive.
Years later and life hasn’t always been kind. Josie is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Harry a year after his sudden demise. Lin is hoping to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary with husband Neil, but he’s suddenly keeping secrets and telling her lies, so she’s suspecting the worst And as for Minnie, well she loves her life in Oxford academia, but with no family to call her own, she sometimes wonders if the sacrifices were all worthwhile.
So, when the ninety-year-old Miss Hamilton – or Cecily as she lets them call her now – glides gracefully back into their lives on her glamorous purple mobility scooter, the ladies are in need of inspiration and fun. And over their regular lunches, the friends start to dream of leaving the past in the past and embracing the future, because there’s nothing you can’t achieve with good friends at your side.
My Thoughts
Friendship is right there in the centre of this story and runs throughout. It crosses the generations and ties people together through the years. The three women at the centre, Jodie, Lin and Minnie are all facing different challenges but their friendship since they were in primary school ties them together. Jodie is trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband. Lin finds herself suspicious of her husband of thirty years. Minnie, who has ‘escaped’ from their village to academia and Oxford, nevertheless finds her loyalty to her childhood home and friends something which overrides everything else.
There is a great deal of humour in the story, through events and also the characters of the villagers. This is a real feelgood story where you see the best in people for the most part. (Not everyone is exemplary of course but they are peripheral to village life). I found Minnie’s story the most interesting especially her relationship with her sister, Tina. Minnie has managed to escape from the pressures of her father but unfortunately her sister feels left behind. Minnie discovers that the girl she was is still there and she cares about her sister very much. Cicely, their teacher, is a positive influence throughout and almost feels like a fairy godmother, her affection for all her past students obvious. Finally, Florence is a young person who finds it in herself to rise to the occasion and face her future with courage. Looking to the future is something everyone learns to do and to be grateful for the good things in their lives.
In short: firm friends look to the future.
#blogtour
October 22, 2023
Judy Leigh’s books always leave me feeling hopeful, inspired and happy and her latest charming novel, The Silver Ladies Do Lunch, is no exception.
Lin, Josie and Minnie had met at primary school in Miss Hamilton’s class sixty years ago. A lot has changed in the intervening decades, however, the one constant for all three women has been their friendship which has sustained them through some good times and bad. The last couple of years have certainly posed plenty of challenges for the three of them. Widowed Josie is mourning the loss of her beloved husband who died suddenly over a year ago and left her heartbroken and devastated. Lin is about to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary, but she cannot shake off this feeling that all is not right with her marriage as her husband has started keeping secrets from her. Finally, Minnie has dedicated her entire life to her job in academia, but as fulfilling as her life in Oxford has been, with no family of her own, she has started to wonder whether it’s all been worth it.
The three of them are at a crossroads and wondering what the future holds, when Miss Hamilton – who now insists they call her Cecily – glides back into their lives. Cecily might be ninety, but she is full of spirit, vim and vigour. Still looking wonderfully graceful and elegant, Cecily inspires them to stop wallowing in the past and to embrace the future because life is for living and with good friends by your side, the world is your oyster and nothing is is impossible.
Judy Leigh gets it right every time! The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a fun and feel-good read that is just terrific. As always, Judy Leigh’s characters are real women facing problems and issues we can all relate to and sympathize with. Lin, Josie, Minnie and Cecily are flawed, human and complex characters readers will cheer on in their quest for happiness and fulfilment and they are protagonists who will leap off the page and straight into everyone’s heart.
A fabulous tale about enjoying life, friendships and not letting age dim one’s spirit, The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is another winner by Judy Leigh.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lin, Josie and Minnie had met at primary school in Miss Hamilton’s class sixty years ago. A lot has changed in the intervening decades, however, the one constant for all three women has been their friendship which has sustained them through some good times and bad. The last couple of years have certainly posed plenty of challenges for the three of them. Widowed Josie is mourning the loss of her beloved husband who died suddenly over a year ago and left her heartbroken and devastated. Lin is about to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary, but she cannot shake off this feeling that all is not right with her marriage as her husband has started keeping secrets from her. Finally, Minnie has dedicated her entire life to her job in academia, but as fulfilling as her life in Oxford has been, with no family of her own, she has started to wonder whether it’s all been worth it.
The three of them are at a crossroads and wondering what the future holds, when Miss Hamilton – who now insists they call her Cecily – glides back into their lives. Cecily might be ninety, but she is full of spirit, vim and vigour. Still looking wonderfully graceful and elegant, Cecily inspires them to stop wallowing in the past and to embrace the future because life is for living and with good friends by your side, the world is your oyster and nothing is is impossible.
Judy Leigh gets it right every time! The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a fun and feel-good read that is just terrific. As always, Judy Leigh’s characters are real women facing problems and issues we can all relate to and sympathize with. Lin, Josie, Minnie and Cecily are flawed, human and complex characters readers will cheer on in their quest for happiness and fulfilment and they are protagonists who will leap off the page and straight into everyone’s heart.
A fabulous tale about enjoying life, friendships and not letting age dim one’s spirit, The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is another winner by Judy Leigh.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2024
Join me in Middleton Ferris in Oxfordshire to enjoy a story of friends.
Meet the Silver Ladies—four ladies of a certain age: Josie, a widow of only one year; Lin, married to Neil who is devoted to her regardless of her lack of culinary skills; Minnie, the Doc Martin wearing, single, retired professor; and Cecily, their former teacher who taught them the importance of friendship.
Look in on all their childhood friends who still, along with many of their children, populate the little town.
Listen in on their opinions.
Cheating men: “all men who cheat are pigs.”
Charred food: “It’s burned to a cinder.” “I like my food well done. It’ll be all right—with ketchup.”
Unwed mother: “When will people learn that a pregnant woman is not a target for gossip? It’s a baby we’re talking about here.”
Passage of time: …everyone was so much older now, yet time had passed so quickly and she felt no different. It didn’t make sense.
Aging: “I hate getting older…there’s so much prejudice about aging—and so many problems.”
Friendship: “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.”
Relish the way their attitudes about friendship overflow the little group to affect so many other likable characters in the small town from Odile who runs the café to Dangerous Dave, the accident prone mechanic and his daughter Florence who was deceived by a charmer.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch has a lot of characters, but the important ones rise to the top. Relationships and circumstances tie them to the more minor characters as various threads emerge. When the author switches to a different thread, the reader becomes anxious to find out what happened to the characters in the previous thread. Never fear! Author Judy Leigh will not leave you hanging for long. I love the way she skillfully provides tension by alternating storylines.
This is my first read of this author who has written many books about women of a certain age. I will return for more of her stories that provide both depth and humor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Meet the Silver Ladies—four ladies of a certain age: Josie, a widow of only one year; Lin, married to Neil who is devoted to her regardless of her lack of culinary skills; Minnie, the Doc Martin wearing, single, retired professor; and Cecily, their former teacher who taught them the importance of friendship.
Look in on all their childhood friends who still, along with many of their children, populate the little town.
Listen in on their opinions.
Cheating men: “all men who cheat are pigs.”
Charred food: “It’s burned to a cinder.” “I like my food well done. It’ll be all right—with ketchup.”
Unwed mother: “When will people learn that a pregnant woman is not a target for gossip? It’s a baby we’re talking about here.”
Passage of time: …everyone was so much older now, yet time had passed so quickly and she felt no different. It didn’t make sense.
Aging: “I hate getting older…there’s so much prejudice about aging—and so many problems.”
Friendship: “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.”
Relish the way their attitudes about friendship overflow the little group to affect so many other likable characters in the small town from Odile who runs the café to Dangerous Dave, the accident prone mechanic and his daughter Florence who was deceived by a charmer.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch has a lot of characters, but the important ones rise to the top. Relationships and circumstances tie them to the more minor characters as various threads emerge. When the author switches to a different thread, the reader becomes anxious to find out what happened to the characters in the previous thread. Never fear! Author Judy Leigh will not leave you hanging for long. I love the way she skillfully provides tension by alternating storylines.
This is my first read of this author who has written many books about women of a certain age. I will return for more of her stories that provide both depth and humor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 5, 2023
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch by Judy Leigh
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Lin, Josie and Minnie left Miss Hamilton’s class at Middleton Ferris County Primary School, sixty years ago, they could only dream about what the future had in store for them. The one thing they knew for certain was that their friendship would thrive. Years later and life hasn’t always been kind. Josie is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Harry a year after his sudden demise. Lin is hoping to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary with husband Neil, but he’s suddenly keeping secrets and telling her lies, so she’s suspecting the worst And as for Minnie, well she loves her life in Oxford academia, but with no family to call her own, she sometimes wonders if the sacrifices were all worthwhile. So, when the ninety-year-old Miss Hamilton – or Cecily as she lets them call her now – glides gracefully back into their lives on her glamorous purple mobility scooter, the ladies are in need of inspiration and fun. And over their regular lunches, the friends start to dream of leaving the past in the past and embracing the future, because there’s nothing you can’t achieve with good friends at your side.
My Opinion
Judy Leigh is a refreshing writer that writes about older characters. In this book it was lovely to read about Lin, Josie and Minnie and how they have all been friends since primary school. I have now read a few books by Judy Leigh and I have to say that I do not hesitate to pick up a book when Judy has written it. They are always such delightful reads that teach us that life doesn't have to become boring when you get old.
There is certainly a lot going on to keep the reader entertained and I am sure that the writing style will bring you back for future adventures. A true pleasure to read.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Lin, Josie and Minnie left Miss Hamilton’s class at Middleton Ferris County Primary School, sixty years ago, they could only dream about what the future had in store for them. The one thing they knew for certain was that their friendship would thrive. Years later and life hasn’t always been kind. Josie is still mourning the loss of her beloved husband Harry a year after his sudden demise. Lin is hoping to celebrate her fiftieth wedding anniversary with husband Neil, but he’s suddenly keeping secrets and telling her lies, so she’s suspecting the worst And as for Minnie, well she loves her life in Oxford academia, but with no family to call her own, she sometimes wonders if the sacrifices were all worthwhile. So, when the ninety-year-old Miss Hamilton – or Cecily as she lets them call her now – glides gracefully back into their lives on her glamorous purple mobility scooter, the ladies are in need of inspiration and fun. And over their regular lunches, the friends start to dream of leaving the past in the past and embracing the future, because there’s nothing you can’t achieve with good friends at your side.
My Opinion
Judy Leigh is a refreshing writer that writes about older characters. In this book it was lovely to read about Lin, Josie and Minnie and how they have all been friends since primary school. I have now read a few books by Judy Leigh and I have to say that I do not hesitate to pick up a book when Judy has written it. They are always such delightful reads that teach us that life doesn't have to become boring when you get old.
There is certainly a lot going on to keep the reader entertained and I am sure that the writing style will bring you back for future adventures. A true pleasure to read.
Rating: 4/5
April 30, 2023
I was hooked from the opening sentence. Is there anyone among us who didn't wonder who our teacher would be? Would they be nice, boring, or mean? Our school year would seem endless or brief based on who was sitting at that desk trying to look strict on the first day. Toss in oddball classmates, humor, crushes, and, best of all, best friends forever, and it'll take you right back to those good-old-days when you sat in a classroom. I've been behind both desks, so this was real for me.
Of course, we age. People come in and out of our lives. We meet the characters as children and follow them into their senior years. Author Judy Leigh does an excellent job introducing us to them, each quickly becoming well-rounded personalities in their own right. Miss Hamilton was a catalyst.
Although there are many moments within I'd love to share, after thinking about it, I decided sharing would dilute the pleasure of reading them raw, without preconceived notions in your minds. Old age isn't for sissies, there is loss and heartache along with joy and love.
Miss Hamilton, who rides back into their lives as a 90 year old on a flashy purple scooter and instructs them to now call her Cecily, is a wake-up catalyst. It was a delight hanging out with this bunch as they navigated real life, their aging bodies, did lunch, and surmounted obstacles. Easy? No. Life isn't always easy but they had each other's backs and, with the inspiration of a memorable teacher, looked forward to the future.
I can't thank #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks enough for introducing me this author. I loved it and while it'll obviously appeal more to golden oldies like me, there's a great deal within that should appeal to readers of all ages. I'll definitely be looking for Leigh's books to read in the future. I think I'll go round up some ladies and do lunch.
Of course, we age. People come in and out of our lives. We meet the characters as children and follow them into their senior years. Author Judy Leigh does an excellent job introducing us to them, each quickly becoming well-rounded personalities in their own right. Miss Hamilton was a catalyst.
Although there are many moments within I'd love to share, after thinking about it, I decided sharing would dilute the pleasure of reading them raw, without preconceived notions in your minds. Old age isn't for sissies, there is loss and heartache along with joy and love.
Miss Hamilton, who rides back into their lives as a 90 year old on a flashy purple scooter and instructs them to now call her Cecily, is a wake-up catalyst. It was a delight hanging out with this bunch as they navigated real life, their aging bodies, did lunch, and surmounted obstacles. Easy? No. Life isn't always easy but they had each other's backs and, with the inspiration of a memorable teacher, looked forward to the future.
I can't thank #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks enough for introducing me this author. I loved it and while it'll obviously appeal more to golden oldies like me, there's a great deal within that should appeal to readers of all ages. I'll definitely be looking for Leigh's books to read in the future. I think I'll go round up some ladies and do lunch.
May 29, 2023
I loved the premise of this book. As someone who has managed to keep friendships from my schooldays, this really resonated with me. I particularly loved the idea that because of living in the same village where they grew up, the friends also knew the boys from their school days.
Our main characters, Josie, Lin, and Minnie were firm friends despite Minnie having later attended the grammar school, reaching her potential and moving to Oxford. She’s single but has an amazing power over men, having them fall in love with her too easily. It’s a shame that she’s not interested in a long-term relationship.
Meeting regularly for lunch, the three friends are thrilled when their former teacher, Miss Hamilton, ‘call me Cecily’, moves back to the village and joins their friendship group. We learn that Josie has been a widow for just 12 months, and Lin is looking forward to celebrating her golden wedding anniversary, with husband Neil. If only he wasn’t acting suspiciously.
I’m not surprised, at all, by the fact that I loved this delightful book. There’s something rather special about Judy’s writing, and the way she can weave a seemingly effortless story is testament to her undeniable skillset.
The characters were all beautifully developed and I took to them all. That said, I had a real soft spot for Lin and found myself hoping that her suspicions about Neil would be misplaced. For me, the loveliest storyline surrounded Florence and her growing pregnancy. The way the characters gathered to support her was beautiful, and exactly the right tone for a book in this century.
If you’ve not read anything by Judy Leigh in the past, then this is a great book to begin with. There’s certainly plenty of life left in these Silver Ladies and also in their silver beaus
Our main characters, Josie, Lin, and Minnie were firm friends despite Minnie having later attended the grammar school, reaching her potential and moving to Oxford. She’s single but has an amazing power over men, having them fall in love with her too easily. It’s a shame that she’s not interested in a long-term relationship.
Meeting regularly for lunch, the three friends are thrilled when their former teacher, Miss Hamilton, ‘call me Cecily’, moves back to the village and joins their friendship group. We learn that Josie has been a widow for just 12 months, and Lin is looking forward to celebrating her golden wedding anniversary, with husband Neil. If only he wasn’t acting suspiciously.
I’m not surprised, at all, by the fact that I loved this delightful book. There’s something rather special about Judy’s writing, and the way she can weave a seemingly effortless story is testament to her undeniable skillset.
The characters were all beautifully developed and I took to them all. That said, I had a real soft spot for Lin and found myself hoping that her suspicions about Neil would be misplaced. For me, the loveliest storyline surrounded Florence and her growing pregnancy. The way the characters gathered to support her was beautiful, and exactly the right tone for a book in this century.
If you’ve not read anything by Judy Leigh in the past, then this is a great book to begin with. There’s certainly plenty of life left in these Silver Ladies and also in their silver beaus
August 2, 2023
My mixed feeling for this book midway through were settled by the ending. I was frustrated with some of the characters in this story such as Florence, Minnie, Lin, and at times even Josie. The way Florence handled the paternity of her child frustrated me to no end but by the end I very much understood why she did that even if I do believe there should have been consequences for him. It is really like real life in that the man gets off scot free leaving a woman to deal with the backflash. I thought Lin was just genuinely stupid most of this book, or had 70+ years of undiagnosed ADHD. I mean, is there a cook anywhere that horrible? Don't answer that. Her image of Neil and then thinking of his "betrayal" really made her out to be the most insecure woman in the book. It was kind of obvious that he was doing a "thing" for their 50th anniversary. Minnie was just boring to read about. I'm glad she's narcissistic level smart, but I really didn't care how she would spend her days. Also why didn't Miss Hamilton do for Tina what she had done for Minnie in regards for pushing their POS father to get her into primary school as well? She was supposedly Tina's teacher the year after Minnie. Minnie was so self absorbed it took her 60 years to realize that her success basically screwed her sister for the rest of her life in a sense.
The Harvest Festival was a riot! George gained my rage quickly with Josie and she made me so frustrated by being very nice to him. He really was a misogynist in this book. The ending was actually amazing and saved my rating from being 3 stars. The little moment between Charlotte and Florence at the end was very nice and I'm glad that Lin, who couldn't even boil an f-ing egg, was able to make a full Caribbean feast for half the village. In her house.
The Harvest Festival was a riot! George gained my rage quickly with Josie and she made me so frustrated by being very nice to him. He really was a misogynist in this book. The ending was actually amazing and saved my rating from being 3 stars. The little moment between Charlotte and Florence at the end was very nice and I'm glad that Lin, who couldn't even boil an f-ing egg, was able to make a full Caribbean feast for half the village. In her house.
Read
June 4, 2023My Thoughts
“Friends show their love in times of trouble, so we share lunch as friends.”
The Silver Ladies are a group of friends who have stayed friends since primary school. Lin, Josie, and Minnie. Who regularly catch up and lunch at Odile's Cafe. (Love that Odile is an anagram of oldie 🤣)
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch follows the lives of Lin, Josie, and Minnie. But, also we get to know the the other characters who live in Middleton Ferris. A small community where everyone has grown up together. I could relate so well to the relationships and goings on in Middleton Ferris. Purely because I'm from a small town, I've kept in touch with my school friends. And, we basically all still live and know everything about each other.
Judy Leigh has a great knack of bringing a community to life through her words. There are so many characters to get know in the story but it's so easy to keep track of what's going on. You actually feel like you are a resident of Middleton Ferris.
I loved getting to know everyone. Florence's story and how she deals with her issues with the help of Adam. Oh dear lord everyone needs an Adam by their side. Dangerous Dave, Neil, Fergus, David the list of people I could talk about is endless. And I enjoyed being a part of their lives.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a great story, characters showing resilience in the face of troubles. Friendships are at the heart of the story.
"A good friend is like a four-leaf clover ; hard to find and lucky to have."
“Friends show their love in times of trouble, so we share lunch as friends.”
The Silver Ladies are a group of friends who have stayed friends since primary school. Lin, Josie, and Minnie. Who regularly catch up and lunch at Odile's Cafe. (Love that Odile is an anagram of oldie 🤣)
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch follows the lives of Lin, Josie, and Minnie. But, also we get to know the the other characters who live in Middleton Ferris. A small community where everyone has grown up together. I could relate so well to the relationships and goings on in Middleton Ferris. Purely because I'm from a small town, I've kept in touch with my school friends. And, we basically all still live and know everything about each other.
Judy Leigh has a great knack of bringing a community to life through her words. There are so many characters to get know in the story but it's so easy to keep track of what's going on. You actually feel like you are a resident of Middleton Ferris.
I loved getting to know everyone. Florence's story and how she deals with her issues with the help of Adam. Oh dear lord everyone needs an Adam by their side. Dangerous Dave, Neil, Fergus, David the list of people I could talk about is endless. And I enjoyed being a part of their lives.
The Silver Ladies Do Lunch is a great story, characters showing resilience in the face of troubles. Friendships are at the heart of the story.
"A good friend is like a four-leaf clover ; hard to find and lucky to have."
June 30, 2025
I wanted to finish the book. I did laugh at a few spots, but I didn’t have much patience for some of the characters. Maybe because I would love to have the friendship from primary school that they all shared.
We begin in 1959 at school with three ten-year-old girls who are friends – Josie, Lindy and Minnie. They are introduced to their new teacher for the year – Miss. Hamilton. After a lovely scene-setting chapter, we jump forward to the present day, when the girls are seventy-four years old. Josie is on a cruise in the Caribbean, but missing her late husband Harry. Lindy (now Lin) is trying to cook a meal for her husband Neil’s birthday. They have been married forty-nine years.
They are reunited with school friend Minnie at their Silver Ladies’ Lunch. While Lin and Josie still live in Middleton Ferris, Minnie moved to Oxford, studying at university and becoming an academic. Then another woman from their past enters the cafe.
Neil surprises Lin with a new car - the one they had when they got married. He had kept lying to her about where he was going to fix it up and she got all worried he was having an affair.
The new spify young couple ended in divorce because he cheated on her with Florence who has the baby and lets Andrew be the dad. They were dating before they broke up, before the 1 night thing with Dewey - Charlotte’s cheating husband.
Josie met a gay guy on the cruise who had just lost his partner. They hung out and she inspired him to finish the book he started. This friend from the cruise finished his book and sent her a copy
We begin in 1959 at school with three ten-year-old girls who are friends – Josie, Lindy and Minnie. They are introduced to their new teacher for the year – Miss. Hamilton. After a lovely scene-setting chapter, we jump forward to the present day, when the girls are seventy-four years old. Josie is on a cruise in the Caribbean, but missing her late husband Harry. Lindy (now Lin) is trying to cook a meal for her husband Neil’s birthday. They have been married forty-nine years.
They are reunited with school friend Minnie at their Silver Ladies’ Lunch. While Lin and Josie still live in Middleton Ferris, Minnie moved to Oxford, studying at university and becoming an academic. Then another woman from their past enters the cafe.
Neil surprises Lin with a new car - the one they had when they got married. He had kept lying to her about where he was going to fix it up and she got all worried he was having an affair.
The new spify young couple ended in divorce because he cheated on her with Florence who has the baby and lets Andrew be the dad. They were dating before they broke up, before the 1 night thing with Dewey - Charlotte’s cheating husband.
Josie met a gay guy on the cruise who had just lost his partner. They hung out and she inspired him to finish the book he started. This friend from the cruise finished his book and sent her a copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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