Gone with the Penguins

Veronica McCreedy #3

by Hazel Prior

Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.

Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything...

Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays.

When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there.

Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning...

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Animals, Humor, Nature

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2024

About the author

Hazel Prior is the author of ELLIE AND THE HARP MAKER and Richard & Judy Book Club number one bestseller AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS (UK title)/HOW THE PENGUINS SAVED VERONICA (US title). Her third book, CALL OF THE PENGUINS, is a continuation of Veronica's adventures. LIFE AND OTTER MIRACLES came out last year and the third in the penguin trilogy, GONE WITH THE PENGUINS is out now. As well as writing, Hazel is a freelance harpist. She lives on Exmoor, in England, with her husband and a huge, ginger cat.

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘It is never too late to be what you might have been.’ George Eliot

When I heard there was a third instalment of this series coming, I could hardly contain myself. I fell in love with the first 2 books and never expected there to be a third, so this was a very pleasant surprise from the outset.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is still feisty as ever at the age of 87. She is back and determined, as always, to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.

‘The McCreedy spirit rises within me, undaunted, irrepressible. I am very, very far from feeble. And I
shall prove it.’

In this instalment, a new adventure calls and proves tougher than ever. Not only is Veronica jetting off to the Galapagos to visit a new species of penguin but they also discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat. But have no fear, Veronica is BACK and ready for ACTION. She is on another mission to save the penguins 🐧

‘And I, Veronica McCreedy, the first Penguin Ambassador in the world, will also be going on a sponsored
walk. To raise funds for the Lochnamorghy Sea Life Centre. To save the penguins.’

Their sponsored walk takes them across the globe…they have walked in their homeland, beside the Scottish sea. They’ve walked in equatorial forests and volcanic plains of the Galapagos. Then off to the Falkland Islands and finally the frozen wastelands of Antarctica, amidst the icebergs and snowdrifts. “We will walk amongst the penguins. And we will walk for the penguins.”

They walk and walk, as the Emperor penguins do, to raise money to save the endangered penguins. However, it is not only Veronica on this mission, she has two side kicks - Eileen (her carer) and, ten-year old, Daisy. For Eileen this trip is of particular interest as she is used to tending to Veronica’s mansion. Her usual day to day life is made up of scrubbing at a spot of mould at the windowsill and next thing she knows it shes splashing around in the sea with penguins on the other side of the world. However, I especially enjoyed seeing the whole experience through the eyes of a ten year old child. It was gave a fun and positive spin on an important topic.

‘As you see, we are a trio of feisty females of three different generations.’

Their mission, by no means, runs smoothly. There is injuries, blood, missing penguins, and a WHOLE LOT of emotion. But, what really makes these books enjoyable and incredibly entertaining is the loveable characters within. 🥹

Overall, I really enjoyed not only this book but the trilogy as a whole. In this finale, I felt blessed to rejoin the same characters from the past and I instantly found myself thrown back into Veronica’s world with the penguins. There is something so joyful and uplifting about these books. Yet, Hazel also carries out an important job of highlighting the endangered species in the world today. Although this book is a wonderful piece of fiction, it is based on real life issues and features them in a very approachable manner.

‘The key is to continue pushing forward, even in the fear of multiple setbacks.’

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

WHERE ARE MY PENGUIN FANS? 🐧 I have a slight obsession with them - especially Adélies 😍

[Zoe Forever Reading 16 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been dreading this day for so long. The day when I finish this gorgeous Trilogy. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Veronica and the journey she’s taken me on. I cried 4 times during this book!! I have loved this trilogy so much. I want to thank Hazel for bringing Veronica and her story to us. I feel so attached to Pip, Mac and all the other penguins 🐧 Gone with the Penguins is a very heartwarming book of friendship, love, conservation and the determination to save our Penguins and raise awareness. The amount of research Hazel must have done for this book is clear to see throughout. In Gone with the Penguins there are some extremely important topics covered with the importance of conservation and the impacts of climate change. I will definitely be reading this trilogy again and I really hope we get to hear more from them in the future. Maybe seeing Daisy when she’s a bit older and seeing where she is now. And of course seeing Pip again.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank author Hazel Prior for giving me Veronica, Daisy, Eileen, Pip, and all of the rest of the people and penguins I've come to care about in her trio of books: How the Penguins Saved Veronica, Call of the Penguins, and Gone with the Penguins. I just finished reading the final book, a bit teary-eyed, with so much love for these stories and characters. There is so much wisdom, along with an abundance of heart, in all three books. If you love nature, if you particularly like penguins, if you like stories that show growth and change in their characters, then you would love these books, too. #gonewiththepenguins #penguins #falklands #galapagos #antarctica

[Elentarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures of feisty 87-year-old Veronica McCreedy, newly appointed Penguin Ambassador, continue in this third tale of penguins and determination. When Veronica discovers that the local Sea Life Centre is going to be closed, she is determined to save it, and the penguins that live there, with the help of 10-year old Daisy and her housekeeper/assistant/carer Eileen… and a community sponsored fundraising walk. This fundraising walk takes the trio from Scotland, to the penguin habitats of the Galapagos Islands, then the Falkland Islands and eventually the Antarctic.

I enjoyed this book. The novel is written from the perspective of Eileen and Veronica, interspersed with effervescent blog entries by Daisy. Eileen gets more page time and character growth, so does Veronica for that matter. Daisy is the usual precocious 10-year old excited to see everything. Events don’t always go as planned in this novel, which was nice – things don’t always go as planned in real life either. I loved the ending, even though it’s probably not terribly realistic, but it’s nice to think something like that could happen. A charming, but not overly saccharine, finale to the Veronica McCreedy Penguin trilogy.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Gone with the Penguins, by Hazel Prior, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.This is the third book in a series. I have not read the other books in the series. Penguins are so cute! Veronica McCreedy is a penguin ambassador. Veronica goes to Antarctica to fund raise for the penguins. I thought this was an ok read, predictable at times, an unbelievable at times.

[Nichola Gorji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I am absolutely bereft now I’ve read the final instalment of this amazing trilogy. I loved it so much! I cried sad but mostly happy tears and I thought the ending was just perfection. I’m going to miss Mrs McCreedy and her zest for life. She is such an inspirational character that I will always remember and cherish. Thank you to Hazel Prior for sharing this incredible story with us. 5 stars

[Stella Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all three of these books. They have been a joy to read. Lovely characters, it will make you laugh and cry. A lovely ending to a brilliant series. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Joan McNicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in the series starring Veronica McCreedy who is a force of nature. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Gone with” is the third book featuring Veronica McCreedy. You will not have got this far in the series without falling in love with this gutsy, determined, impassioned and very human ‘old’ lady who champions penguins and the environment. Veronica is something of an international treasure and embarking on the third adventure I felt nervous as to what Hazel might do with her character - she is rather old after all! I felt the weight of Hazel’s choices - the reader has by now invested so much in Veronica and the penguins!

Veronica is fighting against the closure of a local wildlife sanctuary and likely euthanasia of its penguin occupants. She has recently been appointed Penguin Ambassador and feels the responsibility of her title. She determines to raise funds through a sponsored walk alongside little Daisy and Eileen who the reader has met in previous books. Unfortunately the walk is not raising enough funds and Veronica decides on more drastic action. In the meantime she is filming in Antartica and Galapagos Islands and she’s hoping to see Pip the penguin again.

On her website Hazel writes, “I have done my best to write what is true, what is lovely, what is important and what is fun..” I don’t think you could caption “Gone with The Penguins” any better than this. With my passion for animal welfare I am always impressed by how well Hazel researches her subjects and presents such a balanced view. This is heaven for penguin lovers and the literary equivalent of a David Attenborough documentary! There is plenty of ‘lovely’ and lots of ‘love’ and the penguins are guaranteed fun. Do you ever skip to the end? There were points at this book where I found it almost impossible not to - I had to know!

‘what is true..what is important..” This book is being published at a time when another penguin species has been added to the extinction list due to over fishing, when the planet is reaching key turning points. Gently integrated into this wonderful story are some key messages about what it is to love, what it is to live and how much we need to change now. Bravo Hazel. This is the perfect finale! Veronica for President!! Warm, uplifting and hopeful and very very timely!!

[Nicola Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't have been more pleased when I heard that Hazel Prior had written a third book in the penguin trilogy. I loved reading Away with the Penguins and Call of the Penguins.

This book sees the return of all my favourite characters. Veronica McCreedy is a brilliant creation, she's determined and feisty, and her attitude to people and life always makes me smile. She's about to become the first Penguin Ambassador and alongside her hard-working helper, Eileen, and young Daisy, they pledge to try and save penguins at the local sea life centre. This takes them on their own march of the penguins, from the Galapagos Islands to the Falklands to Antarctica.

Gone with the Penguins was an absolute joy to read from start to finish. The characters are perfect, loveable but flawed, and the penguins are just gorgeous. I loved the journey that Veronica went on, not only her physical trek but also the developments in her personal life (which I cheered at and which made for a perfect finale).

I particularly enjoyed the settings and how the characters adapted to heat and extreme cold, how they all pulled together and supported each other, and Veronica's willingness to do whatever it took to save those Scottish penguins. It's such an uplifting read with lots of friendship and humour, and I enjoyed it very much indeed.

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 I remember enjoying the first book in the series, was less impressed with the second, and found this the most lukewarm of the lot. I’m not convinced this story needed a sequel, much less a trilogy.

What I noticed as I was reading:
🐧 Veronica is starting to get on my nerves. She’s so arrogant, rigid, rude, and old fashioned. Yes, it’s a caricature but it’s grating after three books. She has to ‘learn’ the same lesson over and over again and, frustratingly seems to reset to default at the beginning of each book making us retread the same ground with her each time. Not only does it get frustrating as a reader, it makes her a lot less sympathetic a lead character.
🐧 I didn’t love how much air time we spent on Eileen’s philandering husband, Daisy’s tedious whining, and Veronica’s silly ‘romance’ thread (which was totally lukewarm and forced). As the books have gone on, they have definitely become more melodramatic.
🐧 I find adults refusing to understand technology and thinking it’s cute or funny to be ignorant really tedious. Like, my grandad was older than Veronica and he was a competent macOS user. The constant ‘I’m SuCh A LuDdItE teehee’ was grating.
🐧 Since reading the first two books, I now live in South Ayrshire and am noticing some geographical discrepancies: Given Eileen lives in Kilmarnock, I assume Veronica is near-ish Irvine (as she’s coastal) and she takes a taxi from there to Edinburgh?! For LUNCH?! That’s like a four hour round trip?! In South America, Eileen refers to Ayrshire beaches as “cliffy”, but err, not really? Sure, we’ve got the Heads of Ayr but our beaches are mostly flat or a little hilly along the coast. Speaking of Scotland, unless it’s changed since I bought my house, the seller is responsible for the home report and survey, not the buyer. Buyers can get choose to get an independent one (as can their mortgage provider), but the seller has to provide a current one.
🐧 I didn’t vibe with the writing style in this book: it felt very young. Some of this could be attributed to adults relaying information to the child, Daisy, but much of it was simplistic, lacked finesse, and was saccharine and cloying. The educational inserts were ham-fisted and dumbed down which might not land with an adult audience. I also got really annoyed by the adults censoring their swearing in increasingly juvenile ways. In Patrick’s case especially, it made them read more like teenagers.
🐧 Weird religious undercurrent to this book that I don’t remember from the other two. There’s also some heavy-handed morality ‘lessons’ in the book that I didn’t care for in an adult book.
🐧 This is the second book I’ve read recently that seems to have overt product placement which feels a bit jarring given the attempted environmental and anti-consumption message. (Although let’s not look too closely at Veronica’s air and boat travel there 🥴)
🐧 That ending was not worth three books.

Ultimately, this was a fine way to spend a rainy day and, while a bit long-winded at times, an easy read. On the whole, I’d have enjoyed the series more if it had been one book with a focus on the penguins and environmental theme rather than a drawn out trilogy that gets increasingly melodramatic as it goes on. I think this will appeal to more to women’s fiction and contemporary readers more than it did me. To Prior’s credit, if this gets more people clued up about global citizenship, the plight of penguins, and the importance of planetary stewardship, then I’m glad it exists!

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you, Penguin! 🐧

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 A very slow start

[Joanne Sidebottom · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.. Much the same as the other two books in the series🥱

[Stephanie Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to have the opportunity to read Gone with the Penguins, the third book in this delightful trilogy, and it most definitely didn't disappoint. We rejoin the indefatigable Veronica McCreedy as she travels across the globe with her long suffering, but oh so loyal housekeeper Eileen, and young Daisy, to collect her Penguin Ambassador award. Veronica, Eileen and Daisy are also on a mission to raise funds to prevent the closure of a local wildlife sanctuary where over twenty penguins face euthanasia if the sanctuary closes. In this story Eileen plays a more central role, I really enjoyed how her character developed throughout the adventure.

Although it is hard to imagine how an 87 year old woman could have the adventures Veronica has, and survive to tell the tales, I have absolutely loved her exploits. Importantly, there are some real life messages about conservation, climate change and how we must look after this wonderful planet of ours before it is too late. Not to mention some fascinating facts about the many different species of penguins. I also learnt there is the southern equivalent of the northern lights, the Aurora Australis.

So many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is brilliant! It does take you on a rollercoaster and I'm sure I was in a state of anxiety for a good chunk of the book - read it and you'll see why 🙂

This is part of a trilogy and I haven't read the other two books so wasn't sure if I'd feel like I was missing something. It's actually a great standalone book. Mrs McCreedy is a stoic misanthropist and intrigues me so I do want to pick up the other books to learn more about her adventures.

My initial impression of Mrs McCreedy was that she might be like Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping up Appearances but she's actually the real deal. She's stubborn and particular and reminds me a little of myself and a lot of my grandma 😂 I thought the dynamics between Mrs McCreedy, Eileen and Daisy were great and together they were good fun.

Mrs McCreedy's love for the penguins and need to save them is the driving force behind the adventures in the story and that's the journey you go along with as she's trying to save a number of penguins close to home - she's certainly determined but shows that it's not always easy even when trying to do your best and the right thing.

There's also Pip who she met on another of her adventures. 🐧

It's a real feel good book that reminds me of Born Free. (Showing my age😂) Not my usual genre but I still enjoyed it as it reminded me of family and the things we'd watch together. My son loved penguins so I think on an subconscious level that's why I picked it up. My grandma also loved watching Happy Feet and it's one of the last things I watched with her so I do feel a little connected to this type of tale. I also love animals more than people so me and Mrs McCreedy are very similar

[Rhona Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The charming story of crochety Veronica McCreedy, aged Ayrshire resident and how she becomes the first Penguin Ambassador. Veronica is part of a great cast of characters - faithful, if dull, Eileen (Veronica’s assistant/housekeeper); 10 year old Daisy, a cancer survivor and feisty young lady; Sir Robert (think Sir David Attenborough), a national treasure and wildlife documentarian; Eileen’s faithless husband Doug; and a host of penguins.

The local sea life centre is threatened by closure and Veronica cannot, as the World’s First Penguin Ambassador, let this happen on her watch. So, with the help of Eileen and Daisy, she sets on Operation PIP - Penguins In Peril - a unique sponsored walk.

This book is all about love in its many forms and about how love offers us so many chances, no matter what our age and stage. It’s nicely put together and full of quirky characters. The sense of a real team, as well as leadership and courage, are themes for groups to explore through a lighter novel than one of the classics. The characters are well developed, make mistakes, try new things and continue to grow.

A lovely audio book, and I hope to read the other two books in this series shortly.

[Barb Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this sweet and hilarious story (book #3 in the series). Gone with the Penguins is another delightful adventure with the wonderfully persnickety Veronica McCreedy. Hazel Prior perfectly blends humor, heart, and penguins—such a charming, feel-good read. ❤️🐧

Favorite quotes:
"Walk, for tomorrow, for you may be lame. Admire the flowers, for tomorrow, you may be blind. Listen to the birds, for tomorrow you may be deaf. Hug those you love, for tomorrow they may be gone. So may you. It is more important to enjoy this moment than to worry about future ones or regret past ones."

"So every little act of goodnes plays it's part in making the world a better place. Everything counts--every thought, every word, every small act of kindness. And every life counts, too. Even that of a penguin."🐧
--Hazel Prior

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story! Although it is the third in the series of three books relating to Granny McCreedy and her passion for saving penguins, it stands alone and you do not have to have read the previous books to appreciate this one. I will definitely read the others in the series now, however.

It is clear that the author did a lot of research into the plight of Antarctic penguins. I learned a lot about these resilient and determined creatures and I’m now keen to learn more about penguins. I would love to see them for myself, however I think this is most unlikely at least in the foreseeable future, as a trip to the Antarctic is out of my reach financially!

I would definitely recommend this book to curl up with on a cold day under a heated blanket with a cup of tea, Darjeeling of course!) and a couple of chocolate digestives!

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to admit that this is the first of Hazel’s penguin trilogy that I have read and am so annoyed with myself for not reading the others before. I’ve read Call of The Otters and adored the writing and the story, so had to jump at the chance to read this when the invite came through.

Veronica is a cantankerous old lady, set in her ways, won’t ask for help and wants to save all the penguins herself. But Daisy and Eileen won’t let her, and so the trio set off on a hundred mile sponsored walk to save their local sea life centre, home to 24 penguins. So many things stand in their way and change them too along the way. Their walk is important to all of them for different reasons, and I cheered them on every mile.

I real enjoyed this story and will be picking up the others at the earliest opportunity. If you love penguins, you’ll love this too.

[Nutkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Hazel Prior really saved the best til last. I have loved all 3 books but this final book is the best and is a fitting final chapter for Veronica and her fabulous friends and family, including the penguins of course. This story has so many facets to it and the observations on human and penguin nature are exquisite.
So sad that it’s over I’d like to live in this world a little longer.

Leave your misconceptions about Granny McCreedy behind - this is not twee mush it’s a very powerful tale.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! I’m a big fan of penguins so this is right up my street and I had already read Away with the Penguins by the same author.

The character Veronica McCreedy was quite relatable and despite her bad tempers I really loved her especially her persistence and generosity.

The penguins in the story are made into quite the characters by the author and makes you really fall in love with them.

A really enjoyable read, grab your copy now!

[J Haydock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow start this one and I almost gave up on it a quarter of the way through. I kept going though and warmed to Veronica and Eileen and young Daisy. Reading this book was a wonderful reminder of my 2 year stint spent living in the Falklands. All the talk of penguins and sea lions brought back brilliant memories of trips to the outlying islands. A little bit of romance goes a long way and there was a happy ending to this story.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the third in a trilogy, which you may think is a strange point to begin reading.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect end to the trilogy. Along with the other books this was such an easy read, endearing, funny and sentimental. I’ve been reading a lot of dramas recently so this was such a refreshing change. I will miss Veronica, her friends and the penguins.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was lovely to be back in Veronica's world again - she's a great character who makes me smile. However, out of the three in the series, this fell a little flat for me. It felt a little drawn out and jumped from different characters and settings too much.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read anything by this author before but I definitely will be in the future. The story was easy to follow and heartwarming with a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scmaltzy, far fetched and pretty fabulous! Just what I need at the mo

[Lisa Shardlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I just adore Veronica and the penguins!

[Michaeleen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Rachel Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great end to the series