The Widows' Wine Club

by Julia Jarman

The beginning of Janet, Viv and Zelda’s friendship could not have been less promising…

Navigating their new lives as widows, the three women venture to the same dreary bereavement group in a chilly church hall. But what bonds them is not their shared predicament, but instead how quickly they all decide to flee the depressing gathering, choosing instead to share a bottle of wine. The Three Muscat-eers is born.

The women may be down but they’re not out; in their sixties but certainly not past it. They agree a mission: to find fulfilment as single women and recover their joie de vivre. And as they start to feel ready to face the world again, the friends support each other to dive headlong into new hobbies, new adventures, and even to dip their toes into the wonderful world of dating again.

When one of the ladies gets life-changing news, there’s only one thing for it. The Widows’ Wine Club closes rank, and it’s ‘one for all and all for one’. Because when they stick together, there’s nothing the friends can’t achieve.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Literary Fiction, Book Club

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2023

About the author

Julia Jarman is a British author of books for children of all reading ages and ability.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked up The Widows' Wine Club, I was looking for a fun story about three supportive friends who are now alone after the loss of their husband. In this book, I got some of that, but also some jealousy, sleeping around and things that I wasn't looking for. Janet, Viv and Zelda met at a group for widows and decided that the group was not what they were looking for, but enjoyed each other's company. They became their own group, The Three Muscat-eers, sharing a bottle of wine and company. It all sounds fun, until their needs and wants took different directions. As one begins dating and fooling around, there were some disagreements and when one of the men in their building was trying to date more than one of them, there was some jealousy. As with good friends, when they are needed, they come running and close rank to support one of their own.

The story is told from all three of the women's point of view. Each woman has a different background and situation, but they still become friends and confidants. After being widowed in their 60s, this group helps each woman survive and flourish with each other's support. There was humor, some sadness, points where I got angry, and some joy. You can see that my emotions were all over the place. I did like all the women and they were realistic and relatable. The problems they had in life could happen to anyone and that made me relate to them more. Being a widow in my 60s, I know how important it is to have friends to do things with and I loved that part of the book. Overall, I enjoyed this one, just not as much as I had hoped.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Three Muscateers—three widows, three sets of different circumstances

Different enough to be interesting but I kept losing which character was which. I almost feel I need to read it again to follow who’s who.
I do know that three women came together to form a support group, going to the pub for lunch etc. Better than the local widow’s group in the church hall.
All three had recently lost their husbands and now had to find a way to face their new lives.
Viv Halliday is a knowledgeable gardener. Zelda Fielding is setting herself up with internet dates and searching the web for her unknown father. Janet had a controlling husband who it turned out was having affairs, and their son is just as controlling.
How their lives unfold is the new challenge.

A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that you have been waiting for and didn't even know it! Pour yourself a glass of red/white or a cuppa and settle in for a fun read that deals with the heavy topic of surviving loss and the grief stages that come with it. You wouldn't think that a book about becoming and surviving widowhood would be humorous, but you would be wrong! After spending a lifetime with their mates, each of the three main characters have lost their mates and stumble into an unlikely friendship born from looking for support on how to live through surviving the loss of their spouses. Each woman has a different background and situation, but they still manage to become close friends and confidants. Through this unlikely bonding, each woman is able to not only survive but grow and flourish with the support of their widowed friends. It was wonderful to read a book with mature main characters that end up with a "second act" in life as they lost their spouses and have to find their way now on their own. You will run the gambit of emotions so having tissues to dab your eyes isn't a bad idea, but by far be prepared for random outbursts of laughter. I am truly a fan of this author from this day forward as she captured the fears, hopes, dreams, sadness, guilt and love extremely well and wrote an extremely impactful story about friendship! I can't wait to find more books from this author!

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Widows Wine Club - Julia Jarman

What a joy this book is!

Three sixty something women, all recently widowed meet at the local church social group for , yep, you guessed it, widows.
Finding it all a bit dull, the three women sneak off and make their own fun.

Friendships soon blossom and as life moves on, Viv, Janet and Zelda form a strong bond together, to make sense of the past and to take on whatever new challenges life has to throw at them.

I love a book with older ladies leading the way. It’s so refreshing to read about women who have a wealth of life experience, and are still vibrant and alive.

The girl, or should I say woman power in this story is truly uplifting.
#TheWidowsWineClub is a warm hearted tale that really champions the power of friendship.

Julia Jarman has a captivating writing style. Her words are funny and wise and kept me turning the pages.

This is a book that made me laugh, it put a lump in my throat and most of all gave me hope that I’ll still be drinking wine and laughing with my friends for many years to come.

A joyous romp of a read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.

[Marianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not a book for me. The three “friends” on which the book was based, appeared to be frenemies and rather snarky to each other, even though the author kept reiterating their friendship. The prose and storyline were confusing and skipped essential elements in the stories’ timeline. The book had a very British lean and I may have missed a lot of the author’s innuendos. I did not like nor enjoy the protagonists. Why, you ask, did I finish? It is the age old…I thought it would get better. A generous 2 stars, because it is not as bad as a Colleen Hoover book. I do not recommend this novel.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell did I just listen to?

This book lost me in the first half, just about brought me back in the second, and then lost me again for that ending.

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I very rarely leave a written review but this book compelled me to. What a load of absolute shite. Christ almighty I could have written a better novel whilst working my way through simultaneous salmonella and a tapeworm infection. I am so sorry Julia Jarman and I sincerely hope this wasn’t your first published book, so you have had some harsh feedback before, but dear god please please PLEASE go out into the world and experience real life before you ever pick up your notebook again.

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book for its unassuming theme. It offers such welcoming insights and humor into the subject of what happens to us after a mate is gone. Delightful and easy reading. Truly enjoyed the wit, wisdom and comraderie these women found in meeting in quite an extraordinary situation!

[Mara Kilgore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t explain this one…

[Pippa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very strange book, was here, there, and everywhere and not much of a storyline. Listened as an audiobook and found it hard to follow who was who but looking at reviews this wasn’t just me.
Was a nice story about friendship and older women but was hoping they wouldn’t all “rely” on men for their happiness as much.

[Amy Flanagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was on my frozen paper white. Finally finished. Three women who just can’t make up their minds. This book just jumps around and don’t know where the wine club comes in. Zelda, Vivian and Janet are the characters names.

[Shari Jaskiewicz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very poorly written. Characters were not brought to life. It was confusing and jumped around without giving enough background. Storylines were not realistic and frankly, unbelievable. Don’t waste your time.

[Carol Laverpool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice feel good book that explores friendships, aging, marriage, sickness and family dynamics. I thought it ended abruptly not tied up in a neat bow which it has the potential for. I'd still recommend as a good read.

[♡ Meli ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️3.0
RTC

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard feel good book. Did end with a bit of a cliffhanger though? Was he her dad? Guess we’ll never know. Xoxo gossip girl.

[Carole Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice easy read following the paths of 3 newly widowed women who become firm friends.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accidentally stumbled into the world of an older generation’s Colleen Hoover. Kindly stepping out now.

[Marg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Review to come

[Abby Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why am I constantly reading about widows? Unknown. That being said it was a decent book but a tad long

[Cathy Welton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read, hoping to get some insight on widows thoughts.

Needs some work on the editing, hard to remember who was with who?

Probably would have given a 2.5 if possible

[Molly Glanville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read was very witty. I just felt that the ending was quite rushed and there were a few twists that she could have ran with.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned of this book via this blog: http://www.theintrepidreader.com/

My Interest
I had hoped to get this one done for #readindies, and though I’m a little late I’m still going to count it. The title “Widows Wine Club” sounded like a fun thing that my friends and I would do in real life. As a women of a certain age, I have come to like books that aren’t about 20-somethings jumping in to bed with each other. That said, this book does “go there” a little in the bedroom–nothing too bad and it does go with the story.

The Story
Viv (two Viviens in one reading month), Janet, and Zelda encounter each other for the first time at the undertakers where each woman is selecting a coffin and accessories for her recently deceased husband’s funeral. Though they are in the same age bracket and live in the same town, they have not known each other. Thanks to a flyer for a recently widowed women’s group (no spoilers) they become friends and help each other navigate their new lives.

Eventually, of course, those lives include new men. This causes some predictable and some not-so-predictable conflicts and changes. Each lady deals with other personal issues, too. There are beloved pets, grandchildren, and their own children both those near and those who are far away to add into the picture.

Zelda has perhaps the most interesting story (no spoilers) but Janet and Viv are not without interesting backstories as well.

My Thoughts
I liked the women and enjoyed their friendships with each other–buying new undies for widowhood was so like me and my friends! I thought they had solid interests that made them people I’d want to know in real life. In spite of this, I thought the author over-reached on a couple of storylines–too ambitious and not enough time to make them solid and believable. The writing style could be a bit clunky too. Some name would be mentioned and I’d think “Now who is that” and then AFTER the mention the person’s relationship would be explained. At other times there just wasn’t enough to “ground” a story line–this was especially true of the end of Janet’s story. I also thought Alan’s last name [surname] was a bit much. The story is set in England, and was written by a British author, so I was pleased with how the author got around some of the US privacy rules to make Zelda’s story outcome happen. That was great.

Overall this was a fun book–the kind I enjoy often on my commute. I’d definitely try another book by this author–this was her first published book with Boldwood Books.

My Verdict
3.0
I listened to the audio version of this book.

[N.L. Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viv, Janet and Zelda, all have one thing in common, they are all widows. After attending a bereavement group the three decide to form a friendship of their own support network. This novel will explore the ups and downs and how through a sad loss friendships can be created and you can get through it.

These characters were fantastic and I loved their bond throughout. Jarman writes with humour as well as heart in this easy read which had me turning for ‘one more page,’ and telling me that life does go on.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Three very dissimilar widows cross paths at the funeral home after the deaths of their husbands. Janet, Zelda and Viv have had different marriages but no matter how good, or how bad, they are all going to experience shock at the things they did not know. It is a good thing that they meet again and form a support group that leads to deep friendship and loyalty.

It will be tested by illness and secrets and ghosts from the past but each, in her own way, finds her path and happiness and fulfillment after many trials and tribulations. The women are so well drawn that the reader is familiar with them very quickly and becomes invested in their challenges. It is a satisfying read filled with humour and pathos. I was riveted from beginning to end.

Five purrs and two paws up.

[Mary Kaye Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a bit tedious. Three main characters, all widows, form a friendship and support bond shortly after losing their husbands. Over time, they find they share some similar interests, and some not so similar. There were some funny interludes, and some sad, which was realistic. The problem I found was that several male characters were introduced , and it was difficult to keep up with which man was with which woman, which woman was narrating about the man, etc. It was all cute and 'clean', and perhaps the confusion is because I was listening to the story in audiobook format, where it is not so easy to turn back a page to re-orient to the story.

Then ending wraps up too quickly after some of the detailed earlier chapters. And why is the title the Women's Wine Club when they call themselves The Three Musketeers?

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "tag line" for this book on the book list was "A warm, laugh-out-loud debut" ....I very much disagree with this assessment of the book. I liked the book, but did not find it "funny." Yes, it had humor, but as a woman a bit older than the main characters, I found their situations familiar and nothing to laugh at. The main characters were three very different women who became widows almost at the same time (two even met at the funeral home when arranging for their husband's funerals.) Their grown children had their own lives to manage, so they each faced a new life alone after over 40 years of marriage. ----They formally met when they went to a "widows bereavement group" looking for help to cope with their new situations. The three women were each repulsed by the group, and found themselves escaping together for a glass of wine. In sharing their positions, they found themselves compatible and decided to establish their own support group to help each other. They had to learn to trust each other as well as themselves. They became friends and helped each other through various difficulties --- including getting back into the dating game. -- Yes there was humor, but it was a gentle "I understand" type. ---And as you would guess, they did find their way into happiness again - but it was a difficult road for each of them. They survived with the help of each other.

[Greenreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Widow's Wine Club is my first book by Julia Jarman. I was expecting a lighthearted, cosy read and that's what I got, but with depth of feeling too. The main characters, Viv, Janet and Zelda are all very different people and are thrown together by chance at a Widow's support group. They took one look at the group and turned away, and that could have been that, except they went on to form their own little group. It's definitely un unlikely friendship trope as the women don't really gel for a while. I liked Viv best, she was very down to earth. I liked that all the women had their own stories and that they helped each other out but it wasn't perfect or neat and tidy. I really enjoyed the different storyline ls and their trials and tribulations, or losses and gains as they spoke of them. There were some quite serious issues and obstacles and some humour too. I was pleased with the ending and the outcomes for the side characters as well as the main ones. I found myself getting more invested in the characters and their stories as I got further into the book. There was a lot of detail and maybe some stories didn't get enough attention but I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it.

[Jodie (That Happy Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Widows’ Wine Club” by Julia Jarman beautifully weaves the tale of Janet, Viv, and Zelda, navigating the complexities of widowhood with humor, resilience, and the bond of friendship. The unique approach of fleeing a dreary bereavement group in favor of forming the Three Muscat-eers over wine adds a delightful touch to the narrative.

The author skillfully portrays the distinct perspectives of Janet, Viv, and Zelda, offering a rich exploration of life after loss. The book’s embrace of diverse choices regarding love after widowhood reflects a nuanced understanding of individual journeys. The humor and emotional depth, including the challenges of infidelity and health issues, create a well-rounded narrative.

The minimal emphasis on family relationships allows the focus to remain on the widows’ journey, providing insight into their pasts. As a middle-aged woman, I appreciated the portrayal of mature characters, finding the story relatable and engaging. The camaraderie among the women, their adventures, and the ‘one for all and all for one’ spirit make this a heartwarming read for those who appreciate stories centred around friendship and mature characters.

[Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

KU Free Trial | DNF'd quickly | The three main characters are absolutely interchangeable, I got tired of having to keep flipping back to earlier scenes to figure out who was who. The synopsis implies that the bereavement group wasn't a good fit for them, so they bond, but actually they gave the bereavement group less than thirty seconds, during which they insult a neighbor and literally run out like they're being chased. Just that scene alone cemented my distaste for the women, and the following, where they don't know each other well enough to know the names of each other's dead husbands but are still flinging out personal details while crying and drinking and vacuuming (all at once? Were they shouting to be heard?) made it clear that I wasn't going to like the book. The writing is also not great, it reads like Jarman couldn't be bothered to write bridging scenes, she just wanted to do the interesting parts and breeze through the rest. Reviews here that describe the women as frenemies, mention jealousy, competition, and fighting over the same man, just reinforce that this is not for me and it shouldn't be recommended for people who enjoy Maddie Please etc.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three women meet at a group for newly bereaved widows. They think they have seen each other before- which they have inadvertently at the undertakers. On seeing that the club is full of fusty women playing cards they quickly head out for a coffee and so begins friendship. They have new lives to navigate and something to fill the hole that was their husband in one way or another. This tells of their adventures, of meeting new friends, of dating and so much more.
I really enjoyed this. There’s a camaraderie between the pages and even in the difficult times that sense of pick me up and someone there, even if they don’t quite see eye to eye, which I feel most will understand. There’s a sense of fun and humour, it's a book to lift the spirits and see the good in the world and the importance sometimes of friends who can take a step back and see the picture slightly differently. Of life and love, of hope and laughter. A wonderful tonic of a read I highly recommend
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