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The Golden Gals' French Adventure
Sixty-nine-year-old Fliss has lived a life! A career running her own successful business, a beautiful home, a wardrobe full of designer clothes – Fliss has everything she ever wanted. So why does she feel so lonely?
Sixty-six-year-old Shirl didn’t expect to be looking after a baby again, let alone a grown woman who should know better. But with her daughter Gemma struggling to adapt to motherhood, and her boss Fliss increasingly reliant on Shirl to run her life, Shirl never gets a moment to herself.
Fliss might not be great at life’s chores, but she is great at seizing opportunities, so when the chance for a jaunt to France’s beautiful Brittany comes her way, she decides it’s just what she and Shirl need. And as the sun-soaked town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer begins to work its magic on the women, they realise there’s another way to live.
From cake-laden patisseries, to joyous local fetes, from food, views and beaches to die for, to a community quick to embrace them, not to mention some rather fine French men for company, perhaps it’s not too late for Fliss and Shirl to embrace a new adventure and look forwards to a totally different future.
Let Judy Leigh whisk you off to the beaches and beauty of Brittany. Warmhearted, funny and uplifting. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.
Readers love Judy
‘Why did it have to end lol. I tried to slow down the pace but this author draws you in straight from the beginning and you feel straight away that you know the characters where they live everything! Such talent is envied!’
‘This is another one of Judy’s terrific reads that is more than thoroughly enjoyable. It's more than a story- it's perhaps a message to all of us about “Carpe Diem” and taking hold of life with both hands whilst we can. The characters are wonderful and leap from the page like old friends.’
‘Over the last couple of years, Judy Leigh (also writing as Elena Collins) has become one of my favourite authors. I love how she has older characters living their best lives and I try to read all her books… Judy’s characters are so well drawn that you warm to them straight away and are interested in their stories. Her style of writing is beautifully readable and her descriptions of people are particularly good.’
‘This was a book I had trouble putting down! Thoroughly enjoyed the twist and turns. Can recommend for a good read.’
‘I’ve loved every one of the author’s contemporary second chance romances, but I really think I might have found my new favourite. The characters were simply wonderful and soon found their places in my heart, their wealth of life experience and paths to future happiness so very easy to identify with, and the whole story had a warmth and lightness of touch that I found totally adorable.’
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
Sixty-six-year-old Shirl didn’t expect to be looking after a baby again, let alone a grown woman who should know better. But with her daughter Gemma struggling to adapt to motherhood, and her boss Fliss increasingly reliant on Shirl to run her life, Shirl never gets a moment to herself.
Fliss might not be great at life’s chores, but she is great at seizing opportunities, so when the chance for a jaunt to France’s beautiful Brittany comes her way, she decides it’s just what she and Shirl need. And as the sun-soaked town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer begins to work its magic on the women, they realise there’s another way to live.
From cake-laden patisseries, to joyous local fetes, from food, views and beaches to die for, to a community quick to embrace them, not to mention some rather fine French men for company, perhaps it’s not too late for Fliss and Shirl to embrace a new adventure and look forwards to a totally different future.
Let Judy Leigh whisk you off to the beaches and beauty of Brittany. Warmhearted, funny and uplifting. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.
Readers love Judy
‘Why did it have to end lol. I tried to slow down the pace but this author draws you in straight from the beginning and you feel straight away that you know the characters where they live everything! Such talent is envied!’
‘This is another one of Judy’s terrific reads that is more than thoroughly enjoyable. It's more than a story- it's perhaps a message to all of us about “Carpe Diem” and taking hold of life with both hands whilst we can. The characters are wonderful and leap from the page like old friends.’
‘Over the last couple of years, Judy Leigh (also writing as Elena Collins) has become one of my favourite authors. I love how she has older characters living their best lives and I try to read all her books… Judy’s characters are so well drawn that you warm to them straight away and are interested in their stories. Her style of writing is beautifully readable and her descriptions of people are particularly good.’
‘This was a book I had trouble putting down! Thoroughly enjoyed the twist and turns. Can recommend for a good read.’
‘I’ve loved every one of the author’s contemporary second chance romances, but I really think I might have found my new favourite. The characters were simply wonderful and soon found their places in my heart, their wealth of life experience and paths to future happiness so very easy to identify with, and the whole story had a warmth and lightness of touch that I found totally adorable.’
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
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
1073 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Judy Leigh
22 books408 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 127 reviews
June 17, 2024
3.5 Stars
The Golden Gals' French Adventure is entertaining, light women's fiction that women of a certain age will appreciate. We are introduced to two colorful and very different characters. Fliss is more difficult to relate to. She drinks heavily, chases men of any age, drives a sports car, throws her money around, and is unhjappy and lonely. Shirl is her house cleaner and often picks up the pieces of Fliss's life. Shirl is dependable, responsible, grounded, and kind. She juggles her demanding job as house cleaner with helping her adult single daughter raise her baby.
Fliss is invited to France by an old friend. She thinks it would be fun to bring Shirl (because Shirl is her only true friend). Complications arise when Shirl's daughter takes a vacation with her boyfriend and leaves the baby with Shirl. Not to be deterred, Fliss convinces Shirl to bring the baby. Of course, Fliss had no idea what bringing a baby might entail. But off the three go on their French vacation.
Their host and the setting (coastal France) is lovely and once they meet his friends, Fliss and Shirl (and baby) each find different reasons to enjoy their vacation and extend their stay.
Fans of Judy Leigh will love this new release. If you enjoy colorful characters and themes of found family, friendship, finding new reasons to enjoy life, and later-in-life romance, you might enjoy The Golden Gals French Adventure.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheGoldenGalsFrenchAdventure upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
The Golden Gals' French Adventure is entertaining, light women's fiction that women of a certain age will appreciate. We are introduced to two colorful and very different characters. Fliss is more difficult to relate to. She drinks heavily, chases men of any age, drives a sports car, throws her money around, and is unhjappy and lonely. Shirl is her house cleaner and often picks up the pieces of Fliss's life. Shirl is dependable, responsible, grounded, and kind. She juggles her demanding job as house cleaner with helping her adult single daughter raise her baby.
Fliss is invited to France by an old friend. She thinks it would be fun to bring Shirl (because Shirl is her only true friend). Complications arise when Shirl's daughter takes a vacation with her boyfriend and leaves the baby with Shirl. Not to be deterred, Fliss convinces Shirl to bring the baby. Of course, Fliss had no idea what bringing a baby might entail. But off the three go on their French vacation.
Their host and the setting (coastal France) is lovely and once they meet his friends, Fliss and Shirl (and baby) each find different reasons to enjoy their vacation and extend their stay.
Fans of Judy Leigh will love this new release. If you enjoy colorful characters and themes of found family, friendship, finding new reasons to enjoy life, and later-in-life romance, you might enjoy The Golden Gals French Adventure.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheGoldenGalsFrenchAdventure upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
October 25, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this one!! Thought it would be just a fluffy vacation read but the story was heartwarming and I want the kind of life Fliss and Shirl end up living!
August 26, 2024
Sixty-nine-year-old Fliss is lonely. She sold her business, so has money, but lives alone and doesn't have any friends. She spends her nights picking up men in bars. Sixty-six-year-old Shirl works for Fliss, but wasn't expecting to be at her beck and call. She also didn't expect to be looking after a baby, but seems to have become the caregiver of her granddaughter while her daughter Gemma figures out her life. When Fliss gets the opportunity to vacation in Brittany, she asks Shirl to come with her. Fliss, Shirl and her granddaughter head to Plouvannec-Sur-Mer for a vacation that will change all their lives.
I really enjoy Judy Leigh's books, as they star women my age. I like reading about mature characters not giving up, but going out and having fun, adventure and maybe even romance. Fliss was a bit hard to like at first, but she grows on you as the story progresses. She is a bit judgmental, but eventually Shirl rubs off on her and she relaxes a little. Shirl is open, kind, and caring, which is how she ends up taking her granddaughter with her to France. This book had lots of fun characters, some a bit eccentric, but all wanting to live life to the fullest and have fun. Each of the women find something that they enjoy about the small town and reasons to enjoy their trip, even to the point of maybe staying after their time is up. There is fun, humor, found family, friendship, finding what you really want out of life, new beginnings and more all wrapped up in a well written story. I enjoyed this light hearted women's fiction story and look forward to Judy Leigh's book.
I really enjoy Judy Leigh's books, as they star women my age. I like reading about mature characters not giving up, but going out and having fun, adventure and maybe even romance. Fliss was a bit hard to like at first, but she grows on you as the story progresses. She is a bit judgmental, but eventually Shirl rubs off on her and she relaxes a little. Shirl is open, kind, and caring, which is how she ends up taking her granddaughter with her to France. This book had lots of fun characters, some a bit eccentric, but all wanting to live life to the fullest and have fun. Each of the women find something that they enjoy about the small town and reasons to enjoy their trip, even to the point of maybe staying after their time is up. There is fun, humor, found family, friendship, finding what you really want out of life, new beginnings and more all wrapped up in a well written story. I enjoyed this light hearted women's fiction story and look forward to Judy Leigh's book.
December 1, 2024
The Golden Gal's French Adventure by Judy Leigh is the first book I have read by this author. I don't know if I will read more of her books, because I spent most of the book wanting to throw my Kindle across the room.
This book is set in both England and France, and many of the main characters are in their sixties and above. I was expecting the book to be humorous, and I didn't find anything humorous about it. I soon understood that it was a second chance or crossroads story for the majority of the characters, but I disliked many of them so much I just didn't care. The redemption arc came far too late to save the story for me in terms of enjoyment.
Ms. Leigh is certainly a talented writer. Perhaps the problem lies in the fact that she crafted her characters so well that I could recognize myself and members of my family in their strengths and weaknesses and character flaws.
This book is set in both England and France, and many of the main characters are in their sixties and above. I was expecting the book to be humorous, and I didn't find anything humorous about it. I soon understood that it was a second chance or crossroads story for the majority of the characters, but I disliked many of them so much I just didn't care. The redemption arc came far too late to save the story for me in terms of enjoyment.
Ms. Leigh is certainly a talented writer. Perhaps the problem lies in the fact that she crafted her characters so well that I could recognize myself and members of my family in their strengths and weaknesses and character flaws.
March 12, 2025
Cute, light reading. Two senior British women take a vacation to a small seaside town in France. One woman is wealthy and the other is her maid/driver who is also bringing her granddaughter whom she is babysitting. They meet many lovely characters in the town and are staying with an old friend. This is a novel about “found families.”
June 5, 2024
As a more mature reader, one of the (many) things I love about the author’s books is how very easy she makes it to identify with her wonderfully drawn older characters. But Fliss at first, I’ll admit, was rather more of a challenge – jetting off on a whim, predatory with every man who crosses her radar, living in her posh house, driving her e-type Jag (when she hasn’t drunk herself under the table), splashing her cash around. But it didn’t take me long to view her very differently – she’s also desperately lonely, has no idea what she should be doing with her life of leisure, and relies really heavily on the friendship and emotional support of her cleaner Shirl.
Shirl herself doesn’t have the easiest life – as well as being at Fliss’s beck and call, her daughter Gemma is constantly taking advantage, dumping her with baby daughter Macey Roux while she heads off to live her life. But she’s such a lovely woman, never without her smile – and Fliss really does appreciate her more than she knows. So much, in fact, that when she has the opportunity to stay at a friend’s home in Brittany, there’s no-one else she’d rather take with her – and hey, why not, the baby too. And their stay in Plouvannec is an absolute joy from beginning to end, as they become very much part of the small and tight community while strengthening their friendship, opening themselves up to new experiences, and discovering what makes them both happy.
And they’re surrounded by the most fantastic cast of characters. Manu has already embraced the slower pace of life, sharing his home with his 94-year-old father, while helping him fend off the over-enthusiastic attentions of widow Clothilde (who really could teach Fliss a thing or two) – while brother Theo can’t see, at first, just how good it can feel to take your foot off the accelerator. Although language can sometimes be a barrier (but more so for Fliss, although she tries so very hard), Shirl immerses herself in village life – helping out Joel, owner of the Le Shack restaurant, as he prepares for a crucial cookery challenge, making a friend of shy boulangerie owner Gisele, resisting the attentions of ex-mayor Bernard who rather mistakenly (and entertainingly) thinks he has a particularly good grasp of English. At first, Fliss just enjoys salivating over hunky young Bastien doing his yoga moves on the beach, counting the minutes to her next drink, and wondering whether there’s any chance of rekindling her former affair with Manu – but as Brittany begins to work its particular kind of magic, her whole focus changes, and the warm and loveable person she really is begins to emerge.
There was so much I loved about this book – the humour as sparkling as ever, those moments of poignancy that sometimes brought a tear, the community that was such a delight to be part of, the way the characters evolved, the focus on family and friendship, the light touches of romance. And, most certainly, the Brittany setting. The descriptions are so vivid and detailed that they really bring it to life, make you feel you’re there sharing the characters’ journeys – and all those festival events really took me back to my memories of my time there, dancing at the Fest Noz as an exchange student in the dim and distant past.
There’s a realness about every single individual in this story – and while I grew to entirely love both Fliss and Shirl, feeling so deeply invested in their respective happy endings, reaching the end honestly felt like leaving my own friends behind. And yes, I know, every book the author writes becomes my new personal favourite, but this one was such a special treat – one that any reader would thoroughly enjoy, but an absolutely essential addition to every older reader’s summer reading list.
Shirl herself doesn’t have the easiest life – as well as being at Fliss’s beck and call, her daughter Gemma is constantly taking advantage, dumping her with baby daughter Macey Roux while she heads off to live her life. But she’s such a lovely woman, never without her smile – and Fliss really does appreciate her more than she knows. So much, in fact, that when she has the opportunity to stay at a friend’s home in Brittany, there’s no-one else she’d rather take with her – and hey, why not, the baby too. And their stay in Plouvannec is an absolute joy from beginning to end, as they become very much part of the small and tight community while strengthening their friendship, opening themselves up to new experiences, and discovering what makes them both happy.
And they’re surrounded by the most fantastic cast of characters. Manu has already embraced the slower pace of life, sharing his home with his 94-year-old father, while helping him fend off the over-enthusiastic attentions of widow Clothilde (who really could teach Fliss a thing or two) – while brother Theo can’t see, at first, just how good it can feel to take your foot off the accelerator. Although language can sometimes be a barrier (but more so for Fliss, although she tries so very hard), Shirl immerses herself in village life – helping out Joel, owner of the Le Shack restaurant, as he prepares for a crucial cookery challenge, making a friend of shy boulangerie owner Gisele, resisting the attentions of ex-mayor Bernard who rather mistakenly (and entertainingly) thinks he has a particularly good grasp of English. At first, Fliss just enjoys salivating over hunky young Bastien doing his yoga moves on the beach, counting the minutes to her next drink, and wondering whether there’s any chance of rekindling her former affair with Manu – but as Brittany begins to work its particular kind of magic, her whole focus changes, and the warm and loveable person she really is begins to emerge.
There was so much I loved about this book – the humour as sparkling as ever, those moments of poignancy that sometimes brought a tear, the community that was such a delight to be part of, the way the characters evolved, the focus on family and friendship, the light touches of romance. And, most certainly, the Brittany setting. The descriptions are so vivid and detailed that they really bring it to life, make you feel you’re there sharing the characters’ journeys – and all those festival events really took me back to my memories of my time there, dancing at the Fest Noz as an exchange student in the dim and distant past.
There’s a realness about every single individual in this story – and while I grew to entirely love both Fliss and Shirl, feeling so deeply invested in their respective happy endings, reaching the end honestly felt like leaving my own friends behind. And yes, I know, every book the author writes becomes my new personal favourite, but this one was such a special treat – one that any reader would thoroughly enjoy, but an absolutely essential addition to every older reader’s summer reading list.
June 8, 2024
The Golden Gals' French Adventure 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
Sixty-nine-year-old Fliss has lived a life! A career running her own successful business, a beautiful home, a wardrobe full of designer clothes – Fliss has everything she ever wanted. So why does she feel so lonely?
Sixty-six-year-old Shirl didn’t expect to be looking after a baby again, let alone a grown woman who should know better. But with her daughter Gemma struggling to adapt to motherhood, and her boss Fliss increasingly reliant on Shirl to run her life, Shirl never gets a moment to herself.
Fliss might not be great at life’s chores, but she is great at seizing opportunities, so when the chance for a jaunt to France’s beautiful Brittany comes her way, she decides it’s just what she and Shirl need. And as the sun-soaked town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer begins to work its magic on the women, they realise there’s another way to live.
From cake-laden patisseries, to joyous local fetes, from food, views and beaches to die for, to a community quick to embrace them, not to mention some rather fine French men for company, perhaps it’s not too late for Fliss and Shirl to embrace a new adventure and look forwards to a totally different future.
My Opinion
Judy Leigh is back with another delightful novel. Judy has once again written about some older characters, but in no way does the reader suffer - our lead characters still keep us our toes.
Overall this was a nice, relaxing book to read and it will whisk you away to France. This is going to make for a great holiday read. I have read quite a few books by Judy Leigh and I always keep coming back for more - they all make for lovely reads.
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
Sixty-nine-year-old Fliss has lived a life! A career running her own successful business, a beautiful home, a wardrobe full of designer clothes – Fliss has everything she ever wanted. So why does she feel so lonely?
Sixty-six-year-old Shirl didn’t expect to be looking after a baby again, let alone a grown woman who should know better. But with her daughter Gemma struggling to adapt to motherhood, and her boss Fliss increasingly reliant on Shirl to run her life, Shirl never gets a moment to herself.
Fliss might not be great at life’s chores, but she is great at seizing opportunities, so when the chance for a jaunt to France’s beautiful Brittany comes her way, she decides it’s just what she and Shirl need. And as the sun-soaked town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer begins to work its magic on the women, they realise there’s another way to live.
From cake-laden patisseries, to joyous local fetes, from food, views and beaches to die for, to a community quick to embrace them, not to mention some rather fine French men for company, perhaps it’s not too late for Fliss and Shirl to embrace a new adventure and look forwards to a totally different future.
My Opinion
Judy Leigh is back with another delightful novel. Judy has once again written about some older characters, but in no way does the reader suffer - our lead characters still keep us our toes.
Overall this was a nice, relaxing book to read and it will whisk you away to France. This is going to make for a great holiday read. I have read quite a few books by Judy Leigh and I always keep coming back for more - they all make for lovely reads.
Rating 4/5
June 5, 2024
I am sure that you all know that I am a sucker for anything to do with France. It turns out I am a sucker for Judy Leigh books too, so a Judy Leigh book set predominantly in France....winner, winner!!
69 year old Fliss appears to have it all. Appearances can be deceiving though. She has run a successful business, she has amazing shoes, a glamourous wardrobe, a lovely house, she can pop over to Paris whenever it suits her, and she can attract unsuitable men without even really trying. What she doesn't have is any true friendships, or anyone to share her life with.
Thankfully Fliss has a Shirl. Shirl is her cleaner, driver, confidante and anything else that she needs. Shirl is also a mum, and grandma. She is the kind of woman who will do anything for anyone, to the point that it might seem as though she is being taken advantage of. She's been known to pick up an inebriated Fliss from late night drinking session, and still be on call to be chief babysitter for her cute granddaughter, Macey Roux.
Shirl also challenges Fliss to do better, to be better. After Fliss meets an old flame in Paris, she is impressed by his change of outlook. Manu invites Fliss to his hometown of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer in Brittany, and so she convinces Shirl to come with her, even if it means that Macey Roux has to come with them.
In the town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer, Fliss and Shirl get to meet a wide array of French characters including Manu's feisty father Maurice who is doing his best to hide from Clotilde, who wants to kiss him whenever she can, Manu's grumpy brother Theo, Joel who owns the local restaurant, and not to forget Bernard who learnt English from an old novel and therefore has quite an odd grasp of the language.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2024...
69 year old Fliss appears to have it all. Appearances can be deceiving though. She has run a successful business, she has amazing shoes, a glamourous wardrobe, a lovely house, she can pop over to Paris whenever it suits her, and she can attract unsuitable men without even really trying. What she doesn't have is any true friendships, or anyone to share her life with.
Thankfully Fliss has a Shirl. Shirl is her cleaner, driver, confidante and anything else that she needs. Shirl is also a mum, and grandma. She is the kind of woman who will do anything for anyone, to the point that it might seem as though she is being taken advantage of. She's been known to pick up an inebriated Fliss from late night drinking session, and still be on call to be chief babysitter for her cute granddaughter, Macey Roux.
Shirl also challenges Fliss to do better, to be better. After Fliss meets an old flame in Paris, she is impressed by his change of outlook. Manu invites Fliss to his hometown of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer in Brittany, and so she convinces Shirl to come with her, even if it means that Macey Roux has to come with them.
In the town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer, Fliss and Shirl get to meet a wide array of French characters including Manu's feisty father Maurice who is doing his best to hide from Clotilde, who wants to kiss him whenever she can, Manu's grumpy brother Theo, Joel who owns the local restaurant, and not to forget Bernard who learnt English from an old novel and therefore has quite an odd grasp of the language.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2024...
June 23, 2024
As usual Judy Leigh drew me in with a beautiful setting and fabulous characters. The village in Brittany was so well described I felt like I was there along with them all! I love that these stories are about people of retirement age who are still trying to find their own happiness and excitement. It gives hope that it is never too late to try something new or make a change, as Maurice says "my name is not in the obituaries, so today is a good day"!
Fliss and Shirl are poles apart from each other in how they see the world and play their part in it. However both are lonely in their own way and the trip to Brittany helps them to see a new way of loving life. It helps them find a second chance at happiness and makes them realise there is a lot to be celebrated and much more to be done. They are surrounded by a cast of loving, whimsical, funny and sometimes frustrating characters who help them to realise that life is not over and it is OK to try and become a better person no matter what age you are.
The whole story has a message of living life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity that comes your way and embracing simplicity, happiness and the love of family and friends.
I hope you too pick up this heart warming, fun filled frolicking story of friendship and love. It is well worth a read.
After all..... when a hog sees water, he washes.... IYKYK 😍
Fliss and Shirl are poles apart from each other in how they see the world and play their part in it. However both are lonely in their own way and the trip to Brittany helps them to see a new way of loving life. It helps them find a second chance at happiness and makes them realise there is a lot to be celebrated and much more to be done. They are surrounded by a cast of loving, whimsical, funny and sometimes frustrating characters who help them to realise that life is not over and it is OK to try and become a better person no matter what age you are.
The whole story has a message of living life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity that comes your way and embracing simplicity, happiness and the love of family and friends.
I hope you too pick up this heart warming, fun filled frolicking story of friendship and love. It is well worth a read.
After all..... when a hog sees water, he washes.... IYKYK 😍
June 3, 2024
4.75/5 stars. Yes, Judy's done it again, and now I'm dreaming of moving my retirement to some quaint village abroad! My full review is on my blog here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2024/06/0...
November 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
April 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It was slow in spots but the characters were so sweet and the storyline was just what I needed to forget my troubles.
October 14, 2025
Absolutely loved it right from the start.
I’ve loved every one of Judy Leigh books that I’ve read so much excitement in them x
I’ve loved every one of Judy Leigh books that I’ve read so much excitement in them x
July 15, 2025
I did not like the MC, her friend/employee, & her friend's daughter. This caused me not to like the story as much as I should have.
May 15, 2024
The Golden Girls French Adventure by Judy Leigh is a most charming contemporary novel that I absolutely loved. I sank into the tale like a cosy bathrobe. It was a pure delight.
Life is for living. Too often our lives are caught up with work and duty. As we get older, we have choices to make. In the tale we meet characters who are approaching seventy and at crossroads in life – to continue as they have always done? Or to take a new direction?
The two main characters are chalk and cheese – Fliss has had a successful business and a life that revolved around networking, spending money and drinking. Her life is lonely in retirement. Those whom she thought of as friends, turn out to merely be acquaintances who do not want to meet up, seeing as she is now serving no useful purpose to them.
The other character, Shirl, is Fliss’ cleaner. She is approaching sixty. She is more than just a cleaner, she is a true friend to Fliss. Shirl is a family woman. She still looks after her grown up daughter and granddaughter. Shirl is a kind hearted soul, taking pleasure in the simple things in life.
The unlikely pairing of Fliss and Shirl take a holiday to France, staying in the coastal house of a friend of Fliss. Here, the fresh air opens up more than lungs, it opens up both the women’s lives.
Judy Leigh shows the importance of having the correct priorities. “We lose the ability to relax by focusing too much on things that matter least – money, success.” Life is not about having loads of stuff. Life is about connecting with beating hearts.
All the characters are wonderfully drawn and realistic. Though approaching seventy, the characters still have a youthful zest for life. They have huge hearts and a lightness of spirit.
The Golden Girls French Adventure is such a fun read. It shows that life is for living, whatever your age.
The atmosphere of the French beachside escape has been perfectly captured by Judy Leigh. All the reader’s senses are assaulted by sun, sea, sand, companionship and love. The warmth of the welcome is matched by the warmth of the sun.
I absolutely adored The Golden Girls French Adventure. Books by Judy Leigh are always fun reads that leave me smiling and fill my heart with love.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Life is for living. Too often our lives are caught up with work and duty. As we get older, we have choices to make. In the tale we meet characters who are approaching seventy and at crossroads in life – to continue as they have always done? Or to take a new direction?
The two main characters are chalk and cheese – Fliss has had a successful business and a life that revolved around networking, spending money and drinking. Her life is lonely in retirement. Those whom she thought of as friends, turn out to merely be acquaintances who do not want to meet up, seeing as she is now serving no useful purpose to them.
The other character, Shirl, is Fliss’ cleaner. She is approaching sixty. She is more than just a cleaner, she is a true friend to Fliss. Shirl is a family woman. She still looks after her grown up daughter and granddaughter. Shirl is a kind hearted soul, taking pleasure in the simple things in life.
The unlikely pairing of Fliss and Shirl take a holiday to France, staying in the coastal house of a friend of Fliss. Here, the fresh air opens up more than lungs, it opens up both the women’s lives.
Judy Leigh shows the importance of having the correct priorities. “We lose the ability to relax by focusing too much on things that matter least – money, success.” Life is not about having loads of stuff. Life is about connecting with beating hearts.
All the characters are wonderfully drawn and realistic. Though approaching seventy, the characters still have a youthful zest for life. They have huge hearts and a lightness of spirit.
The Golden Girls French Adventure is such a fun read. It shows that life is for living, whatever your age.
The atmosphere of the French beachside escape has been perfectly captured by Judy Leigh. All the reader’s senses are assaulted by sun, sea, sand, companionship and love. The warmth of the welcome is matched by the warmth of the sun.
I absolutely adored The Golden Girls French Adventure. Books by Judy Leigh are always fun reads that leave me smiling and fill my heart with love.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
June 24, 2024
My Interest
Her new series fiction aside, I’ve read all but one of Judy Leigh’s fun books featuring women of a certain age–MY AGE and older. That’s why I like them. I enjoy books with characters of all ages, but these are special. They are unapologetically “feel good” books and I’ve needed tons of them since 2021.
Fliss is bored. She’s sold her lingerie business, fallen off too many barstools and into the beds of a few too many men, but shopping–even shopping in Paris doesn’t give her the lift it once did. While on a short trip to Paris she looks up a former lover. He too has retired from his clothing business, but he has changed. He is living in a small town with people around him who have fun together. Fliss is dismissive….
Shirl is Fliss’ cleaning lady and driver. Lately, her life has become tiring. She loves her infant granddaughter Macy Rue, but Macy’s mother, Gemma isn’t pulling her weight as a new mother. Shirl finds herself back to motherhood fixing bottles, changing diapers, and getting up in the night.
When Fliss takes up her ex-lover, Emanuel–“Manu” on a short stay at his new place she insists Shirl come along. Little do the ladies know that their world is about to be rocked in the best possible way.
My Thoughts
Judy Leigh did a great job with this one! Fliss’ inner-voice reminding her of her mother’s harsh words was a great, believable extra for the story. Fliss, so successful, yet still wanting her mother’s approval gave an extra dimension to the story. I liked that Shirl was not bitter about her second husband’s marriage-ending problem. She had long-ago worked through it. These two facets to the characters made the story work so well. The story is a lite one, but much more real with this tiny bit of back story.
Reading about Gemma I thought back to winter of 2023 when my daughter was at home with her first baby and how hard it was. Shirl did what Grandma’s should do. I’ve never had a baby so I was next to useless! My kids came to me at ages 7 and 8. They could make themselves a sandwich, ride bikes, and share their opinions on everything!
I liked all of the characters and the town in Brittany. I wish all small towns were as welcoming. I’ve lived in mine for 16 years and some neighbors still won’t return a mere wave! (Others are wonderful–don’t worry). No matter, this is fiction–an escape.
And, how marvelous was the scene when Shirl meets that dreadful neighbor?
My Verdict
4.0
Her new series fiction aside, I’ve read all but one of Judy Leigh’s fun books featuring women of a certain age–MY AGE and older. That’s why I like them. I enjoy books with characters of all ages, but these are special. They are unapologetically “feel good” books and I’ve needed tons of them since 2021.
Fliss is bored. She’s sold her lingerie business, fallen off too many barstools and into the beds of a few too many men, but shopping–even shopping in Paris doesn’t give her the lift it once did. While on a short trip to Paris she looks up a former lover. He too has retired from his clothing business, but he has changed. He is living in a small town with people around him who have fun together. Fliss is dismissive….
Shirl is Fliss’ cleaning lady and driver. Lately, her life has become tiring. She loves her infant granddaughter Macy Rue, but Macy’s mother, Gemma isn’t pulling her weight as a new mother. Shirl finds herself back to motherhood fixing bottles, changing diapers, and getting up in the night.
When Fliss takes up her ex-lover, Emanuel–“Manu” on a short stay at his new place she insists Shirl come along. Little do the ladies know that their world is about to be rocked in the best possible way.
My Thoughts
Judy Leigh did a great job with this one! Fliss’ inner-voice reminding her of her mother’s harsh words was a great, believable extra for the story. Fliss, so successful, yet still wanting her mother’s approval gave an extra dimension to the story. I liked that Shirl was not bitter about her second husband’s marriage-ending problem. She had long-ago worked through it. These two facets to the characters made the story work so well. The story is a lite one, but much more real with this tiny bit of back story.
Reading about Gemma I thought back to winter of 2023 when my daughter was at home with her first baby and how hard it was. Shirl did what Grandma’s should do. I’ve never had a baby so I was next to useless! My kids came to me at ages 7 and 8. They could make themselves a sandwich, ride bikes, and share their opinions on everything!
I liked all of the characters and the town in Brittany. I wish all small towns were as welcoming. I’ve lived in mine for 16 years and some neighbors still won’t return a mere wave! (Others are wonderful–don’t worry). No matter, this is fiction–an escape.
And, how marvelous was the scene when Shirl meets that dreadful neighbor?
My Verdict
4.0
June 9, 2024
How refreshing to read a light-hearted story that isn’t full of violence and murder, and where sex is only hinted at. As an author, I know that the trend from publishers these days is to have stories full of drama. In this one, drama is minimal.
The Golden Gals are twice-divorced no-kids Fliss, a 69-year-old retired lingerie-selling businesswoman, and her housekeeper Shirl, who is in her mid-60s. Fliss is lonely, bored and disillusioned: she spends most nights (and a lot of money) drinking to excess in bars. Shirl, who is also twice-married, has two girls: the younger one, Gemma, lives at home with Shirl and Gemma’s 6-month-old baby Macy Roux. Shirl, who is a great cook, does a lot of childminding for Gemma. By and large, Shirl is content with her life, or is she?
When Fliss has a chance encounter with a former French associate, Manu, she notes how fit and well he looks. Manu attributes it to retirement in a small village in Brittany, where he is contented. The two have a bit of history after a brief fling, but now just friends. Manu gives Fliss his business card showing his address and invites her to come and stay anytime she likes. Fliss has a brilliant idea for a holiday and talks Shirl into going with her to Plouvannec-Sur-Mer at the end of July. The tickets are booked when Gemma drops a bombshell: she is taking off at the end of July to Greece with a new love interest, and Shirl will be left holding the baby.
When Shirl informs Fliss she has to stay at home with the baby, Fliss dismisses the objection and suggests taking Macy with them. What follows is a gentle rom-com for older readers (like me), with a few twists and turns. Shirl offers to help local café owner Joel with a cooking competition. The women find themselves enamoured of the French rural folk and country lifestyle. Will anything change for them?
Read this one with a good cup of tea or coffee and a morceau de chocolat.
The Golden Gals are twice-divorced no-kids Fliss, a 69-year-old retired lingerie-selling businesswoman, and her housekeeper Shirl, who is in her mid-60s. Fliss is lonely, bored and disillusioned: she spends most nights (and a lot of money) drinking to excess in bars. Shirl, who is also twice-married, has two girls: the younger one, Gemma, lives at home with Shirl and Gemma’s 6-month-old baby Macy Roux. Shirl, who is a great cook, does a lot of childminding for Gemma. By and large, Shirl is content with her life, or is she?
When Fliss has a chance encounter with a former French associate, Manu, she notes how fit and well he looks. Manu attributes it to retirement in a small village in Brittany, where he is contented. The two have a bit of history after a brief fling, but now just friends. Manu gives Fliss his business card showing his address and invites her to come and stay anytime she likes. Fliss has a brilliant idea for a holiday and talks Shirl into going with her to Plouvannec-Sur-Mer at the end of July. The tickets are booked when Gemma drops a bombshell: she is taking off at the end of July to Greece with a new love interest, and Shirl will be left holding the baby.
When Shirl informs Fliss she has to stay at home with the baby, Fliss dismisses the objection and suggests taking Macy with them. What follows is a gentle rom-com for older readers (like me), with a few twists and turns. Shirl offers to help local café owner Joel with a cooking competition. The women find themselves enamoured of the French rural folk and country lifestyle. Will anything change for them?
Read this one with a good cup of tea or coffee and a morceau de chocolat.
July 15, 2024
Effervescent, entertaining and hugely enjoyable, The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is the latest surefire hit from the fabulous Judy Leigh!
At sixty-nine, Fliss has the world at her feet. She’s lived a full life and has a successful business, a beautiful home and a designer wardrobe most people would give their right arm for. However, even though Fliss has everything she has always wanted, lately she has been feeling lost, listless and lonely. Meanwhile, her fellow sexagenarian Shirl is also going through a tough time. With her daughter Gemma struggling to look after her baby, Shirl has found herself doing the lion’s share of caring for her grandchild and with her boss Fliss relying on her to run her life, she barely has a moment to herself.
Seeing how stressed Shirl is and keen to try and inject some fun and excitement into her life, Fliss decides to grab the bull by the horns and books a jaunt to Brittany for them. From the second they set foot in Plouvannec-Sur-Mer, Fliss and Shirl feel like they’ve been reborn. Free from the stresses of their daily lives, the two women begin to indulge themselves and realise that there is more to life than the hustle and bustle of the every day. Will Plouvannec-Sur-Mer give the women everything that’s been missing from their lives? Or will their French adventure end up causing them more heartbreak and headaches?
Judy Leigh’s books just keep on getting better and better. The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is a scintillating read that fizzes with wit, pathos and humour and will have readers roaring with laughter and wiping away a tear or two. With characters who will feel like old friends by the end of the book, a gloriously realized setting that whisks readers away and a story imbued with drama, hope and heart, The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is the unmissable new novel by Judy Leigh.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At sixty-nine, Fliss has the world at her feet. She’s lived a full life and has a successful business, a beautiful home and a designer wardrobe most people would give their right arm for. However, even though Fliss has everything she has always wanted, lately she has been feeling lost, listless and lonely. Meanwhile, her fellow sexagenarian Shirl is also going through a tough time. With her daughter Gemma struggling to look after her baby, Shirl has found herself doing the lion’s share of caring for her grandchild and with her boss Fliss relying on her to run her life, she barely has a moment to herself.
Seeing how stressed Shirl is and keen to try and inject some fun and excitement into her life, Fliss decides to grab the bull by the horns and books a jaunt to Brittany for them. From the second they set foot in Plouvannec-Sur-Mer, Fliss and Shirl feel like they’ve been reborn. Free from the stresses of their daily lives, the two women begin to indulge themselves and realise that there is more to life than the hustle and bustle of the every day. Will Plouvannec-Sur-Mer give the women everything that’s been missing from their lives? Or will their French adventure end up causing them more heartbreak and headaches?
Judy Leigh’s books just keep on getting better and better. The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is a scintillating read that fizzes with wit, pathos and humour and will have readers roaring with laughter and wiping away a tear or two. With characters who will feel like old friends by the end of the book, a gloriously realized setting that whisks readers away and a story imbued with drama, hope and heart, The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is the unmissable new novel by Judy Leigh.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2024
I am a big fan of Judy Leigh’s “it’s never too late” books, and The Golden Gals’ French Adventure was typically lovely and humorous. Really enjoyed it! The two female characters, Fliss and Shirl, are at opposite ends of the economic spectrum, Fliss being wealthy from her previous successful business, and Shirl being her cleaning lady and transportation home from alcohol-filled evenings at bars. Shirl also takes care of her own daughter, Gemma, who lives with her, and frequently babysits Gemma’s baby daughter, Macey Roux. Shirl has no time for fun, just work and caretaking, while Fliss gads about but is lonely, largely relying on Shirl for friendship and emotional support.
Fliss convinces Shirl to travel with her to Rose Falaise, Plouvannec-sur-Mer, France, and to stay in her friend Manu’s family home for a holiday. There they meet Maurice, Manu’s quirky 94-year old father, as well as his romantic pursuer, Clothilde, his late wife’s best friend. There are a host of great village characters as well—Joel, chef and owner of Le Shack restaurant, boulangerie owner Gisele, her son Bastien, and so on. These are well-drawn, as is Theo, Manu’s brother who comes to stay for awhile.
Ms. Leigh writes humor into the book which I love; For example, Bernard Barthez, former mayor, speaks rather stilted, past-century English consistently and when he invites Shirl to dinner says that Joel “is concocting some outdated diet at Le Shack.” Macey Roux is a typical baby and humorous, reacting in delight to sea waves, friendly faces, dropping food and being amazed it doesn’t return to her hand.
The wonderful thing about this book is that the characters evolve, see more fulfilling ways to live their lives and in some cases, find romance. My thanks to #Boldwood Books and #NetGalley for an advance copy of this uplifting book. It gave me many enjoyable hours of reading.
Fliss convinces Shirl to travel with her to Rose Falaise, Plouvannec-sur-Mer, France, and to stay in her friend Manu’s family home for a holiday. There they meet Maurice, Manu’s quirky 94-year old father, as well as his romantic pursuer, Clothilde, his late wife’s best friend. There are a host of great village characters as well—Joel, chef and owner of Le Shack restaurant, boulangerie owner Gisele, her son Bastien, and so on. These are well-drawn, as is Theo, Manu’s brother who comes to stay for awhile.
Ms. Leigh writes humor into the book which I love; For example, Bernard Barthez, former mayor, speaks rather stilted, past-century English consistently and when he invites Shirl to dinner says that Joel “is concocting some outdated diet at Le Shack.” Macey Roux is a typical baby and humorous, reacting in delight to sea waves, friendly faces, dropping food and being amazed it doesn’t return to her hand.
The wonderful thing about this book is that the characters evolve, see more fulfilling ways to live their lives and in some cases, find romance. My thanks to #Boldwood Books and #NetGalley for an advance copy of this uplifting book. It gave me many enjoyable hours of reading.
May 6, 2024
The author whisks the reader off to stunning Brittany and I have to say I didn’t want to come back. I fell hook, line and sinker for the area and the people.
Fliss is a fabulous character who was so much fun. She maybe be sixty-nine but has been living her life as if she was still in her twenties. I did feel a little sorry for her though. Where as she has done well for herself and money is of no worry to her as she has plenty of it, she hasn’t faired as well with what really matters, love and friendship. Her closest friend is Shirl who comes and cleans for her and goes above and beyond what a cleaner should do.
Shirl is so lovely who has always been a grafter and puts others before herself. I did wish she would say no more, especially to her daughter Gemma who really does take advantage of her. Her trip with Fliss is just what she needs and is wonderful seeing her blossoming in the gorgeous French setting.
There is an array of characters that we meet in Brittany and what follows is a gloriously uplifting and fun filled story that had my mouth watering as well as dreaming of sunnier climes and envisioning a beautiful beach and old-worldly buildings. It will have you wanting to pack your bags and book a trip.
The Golden Gals French Adventure shows you that even in your sixties, you are still in your prime and it is never too late to go after what you want as well as find love. Friendship plays a strong role in the story also and everyone will wish they had a friend like Fliss and Shirl. A wonderful story that you can escape into that will have you smiling and warms your heart until it’s fit to burst. Loved it!
My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of the tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Fliss is a fabulous character who was so much fun. She maybe be sixty-nine but has been living her life as if she was still in her twenties. I did feel a little sorry for her though. Where as she has done well for herself and money is of no worry to her as she has plenty of it, she hasn’t faired as well with what really matters, love and friendship. Her closest friend is Shirl who comes and cleans for her and goes above and beyond what a cleaner should do.
Shirl is so lovely who has always been a grafter and puts others before herself. I did wish she would say no more, especially to her daughter Gemma who really does take advantage of her. Her trip with Fliss is just what she needs and is wonderful seeing her blossoming in the gorgeous French setting.
There is an array of characters that we meet in Brittany and what follows is a gloriously uplifting and fun filled story that had my mouth watering as well as dreaming of sunnier climes and envisioning a beautiful beach and old-worldly buildings. It will have you wanting to pack your bags and book a trip.
The Golden Gals French Adventure shows you that even in your sixties, you are still in your prime and it is never too late to go after what you want as well as find love. Friendship plays a strong role in the story also and everyone will wish they had a friend like Fliss and Shirl. A wonderful story that you can escape into that will have you smiling and warms your heart until it’s fit to burst. Loved it!
My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of the tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 24, 2024
I just love Judy's books!
WoW..........The Golden Gals' French Adventure by Judy Leigh was so good I ended up reading it in one day! it was a book that just grabbed me from the beginning till the end and a great pick me up book. Judy wrote this book from the heart and it was just beautifully written.
Sixty-nine-year-old Fliss has lived a life! a great life as a career running her own successful business, she has a beautiful home, a wardrobe full of designer clothes – Fliss has everything she ever wanted. But, So why does she feel so lonely?
Sixty-six-year-old Shirl didn’t expect to be looking after a baby again, she had done all of that with her daughter!!!! But her daughter Gemma struggling to adapt to motherhood, and her boss Fliss increasingly reliant on Shirl to run her life, and Shirl never gets a moment to herself.
So, when the chance for holiday to France’s beautiful Brittany comes Fliss 's her way, she decides it’s just what she and Shirl needs. A holiday to the beautiful town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer with Fliss's friends and she begins to work its magic on the Shirl to go with her. But, Gemma, Shirl's daughter has other plans of her own! and it does not include her baby daughter!
For a relaxing holiday for both Fliss and shirl and her grandchild in tow.But, once they are there they both realise there’s another way to live.
But, do they both embrace a new adventure and look forwards to a totally different future.
It was a lovely cosy happy read and a great holiday read and a great holiday read.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
WoW..........The Golden Gals' French Adventure by Judy Leigh was so good I ended up reading it in one day! it was a book that just grabbed me from the beginning till the end and a great pick me up book. Judy wrote this book from the heart and it was just beautifully written.
Sixty-nine-year-old Fliss has lived a life! a great life as a career running her own successful business, she has a beautiful home, a wardrobe full of designer clothes – Fliss has everything she ever wanted. But, So why does she feel so lonely?
Sixty-six-year-old Shirl didn’t expect to be looking after a baby again, she had done all of that with her daughter!!!! But her daughter Gemma struggling to adapt to motherhood, and her boss Fliss increasingly reliant on Shirl to run her life, and Shirl never gets a moment to herself.
So, when the chance for holiday to France’s beautiful Brittany comes Fliss 's her way, she decides it’s just what she and Shirl needs. A holiday to the beautiful town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer with Fliss's friends and she begins to work its magic on the Shirl to go with her. But, Gemma, Shirl's daughter has other plans of her own! and it does not include her baby daughter!
For a relaxing holiday for both Fliss and shirl and her grandchild in tow.But, once they are there they both realise there’s another way to live.
But, do they both embrace a new adventure and look forwards to a totally different future.
It was a lovely cosy happy read and a great holiday read and a great holiday read.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
September 5, 2025
Not as funny as I had thought it would be based on the one other book I had read by Judy Leigh, The Golden Gals’ French Adventure, is nevertheless an interesting story. It is the tale of Fliss and Shirl, two friends from North Clayworthy, England, who travel to Brittany on vacation. Fliss is retired, entitled, and rich. Shirl is down to earth and a good friend to Fliss who hires her as a chauffeur and cleaner. When Fliss decides to visit an old friend at his family home, she recruits Shirl to go with her. They take along Shirl’s granddaughter Macey Roux who is a delightful baby—except when she is teething. She captivates all on the trip, even Fliss who has never had anything to do with babies.
The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is character driven. The reader meets a variety of people, most of whom are likable. A few start out less so, but then there is character development. The adventures include the beach, historic sights, learning French, a cooking competition with a chef, delicious French food, Breton customs, a castle, and of course some romance. The welcoming Barron family is delighted to have guests. A subplot is that Macey Roux’s mother, Gemma, is in Corfu with a boyfriend who doesn’t know of the baby’s existence. How will the characters respond when the Corfu and Brittany holidays end? Will it be hard to give up the vacation fun or will they be ready to return to their lives in North Clayworthy with the thought of “there’s no place like home?”
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is character driven. The reader meets a variety of people, most of whom are likable. A few start out less so, but then there is character development. The adventures include the beach, historic sights, learning French, a cooking competition with a chef, delicious French food, Breton customs, a castle, and of course some romance. The welcoming Barron family is delighted to have guests. A subplot is that Macey Roux’s mother, Gemma, is in Corfu with a boyfriend who doesn’t know of the baby’s existence. How will the characters respond when the Corfu and Brittany holidays end? Will it be hard to give up the vacation fun or will they be ready to return to their lives in North Clayworthy with the thought of “there’s no place like home?”
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 7, 2024
Shirl works for Fliss who is in her seventies and well off having run and sold a successful lingerie business. Shirl has a daughter Gemma who has a young baby. Shirl however is the unpaid nanny and doing most of the childcare whilst Gemma romances her new chap who she hasn't yet told about her daughter. Fliss loved Paris in the past and now has a hankering to go back for a holiday and take Shirl with her. Shirl thinks this would be a wonderful opportunity and Gemma can look after her own baby for once, until Gemma announces her own holiday plans. Can Shirl finally get her longed for holiday and rest and Fliss get rid of her boredom?
I really enjoy Judy’s books as they are always that bit more than a story- they have a life message. I liked Shirl and Fliss, and Bernard slightly reminded me of “ Allo, Allo ''. Those of a certain age will know what I mean, I'm sure. I very much sympathised with Fliss's upbringing and how a parent can crush a child's confidence for life and how hard it is to change mindset. It’s a read with a smile and a message to live life to the full, and not to listen to those voices of the past that tell you, you can't. You can, you should and you will. One life live it. A brilliantly entertaining read I more than thoroughly enjoyed
I really enjoy Judy’s books as they are always that bit more than a story- they have a life message. I liked Shirl and Fliss, and Bernard slightly reminded me of “ Allo, Allo ''. Those of a certain age will know what I mean, I'm sure. I very much sympathised with Fliss's upbringing and how a parent can crush a child's confidence for life and how hard it is to change mindset. It’s a read with a smile and a message to live life to the full, and not to listen to those voices of the past that tell you, you can't. You can, you should and you will. One life live it. A brilliantly entertaining read I more than thoroughly enjoyed
June 4, 2024
What a treat to be reading another book from the mind of Judy Leigh. Packed with the kind of women that I would love to grab a drink with and try to absorb their life experiences. We meet Fliss and Shirl who know each other as a result of Shirl working as Fliss’s cleaner. That makes their relationship sound light as Shirl has become much more than a cleaner to Fliss, she’s like a best friend.
Fliss has worked hard and amassed a fortune, which means she will never need to work again. Sadly, she isn’t able to enjoy her retirement as she has no friends left to share her fun with. She loves going out and attracting men, but she craves the depth that a good friendship can offer. She’s lonely.
I just adored Fliss and imagined her a bit like Blanche Devereaux in the US TV series, The Golden Girls. Just the character as I didn’t envisage her that way. She was a hoot, though, and I genuinely laughed at some of her antics. Despite all of that, she had a generous heart and was determined to share her good fortune with her friend.
Silv, on the other hand, was from the opposite end of the scale. A hard worker with a modest home, a daughter, and a granddaughter, her family was her world and the centre of it. She was loyal to Fliss but remained mindful of the fact that she worked for her. The addition of Shirl’s granddaughter brought a delightful dimension to this terrific book.
As usual, Judy Leigh excelled at imagining her characters, and it was a treat to follow their adventures. Of course, I don’t include spoilers, but I can certainly promise a story filled with the very best kind of people, love, and a reminder that age is just a state of mind.
Fliss has worked hard and amassed a fortune, which means she will never need to work again. Sadly, she isn’t able to enjoy her retirement as she has no friends left to share her fun with. She loves going out and attracting men, but she craves the depth that a good friendship can offer. She’s lonely.
I just adored Fliss and imagined her a bit like Blanche Devereaux in the US TV series, The Golden Girls. Just the character as I didn’t envisage her that way. She was a hoot, though, and I genuinely laughed at some of her antics. Despite all of that, she had a generous heart and was determined to share her good fortune with her friend.
Silv, on the other hand, was from the opposite end of the scale. A hard worker with a modest home, a daughter, and a granddaughter, her family was her world and the centre of it. She was loyal to Fliss but remained mindful of the fact that she worked for her. The addition of Shirl’s granddaughter brought a delightful dimension to this terrific book.
As usual, Judy Leigh excelled at imagining her characters, and it was a treat to follow their adventures. Of course, I don’t include spoilers, but I can certainly promise a story filled with the very best kind of people, love, and a reminder that age is just a state of mind.
June 10, 2024
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This heartwarming novel follows two best friends in their sixties, Fliss and Shirl. Both feeling that they just need a little bit more from life, they decide to go on a trip to Brittany together.
After reading just the first two chapters, I found that I was smiling. I immediately warmed to Fliss and Shirl, as I found them both really fun and likeable. I chuckled at the dialogue, as some of Fliss and Shirl's conversations were really funny. They also had deeper, more meaningful exchanges that I enjoyed. It occurred to me that I might aspire to have a friendship just like Fliss and Shirl's, as I think that's what true friendship is about - friends that you can laugh with, but also confide in and support each other.
I also warmed to some of the other characters that appeared later in the story, and the French setting felt like a little escape. This book was a great mood booster for me, and I really enjoyed escaping with it for a while.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This heartwarming novel follows two best friends in their sixties, Fliss and Shirl. Both feeling that they just need a little bit more from life, they decide to go on a trip to Brittany together.
After reading just the first two chapters, I found that I was smiling. I immediately warmed to Fliss and Shirl, as I found them both really fun and likeable. I chuckled at the dialogue, as some of Fliss and Shirl's conversations were really funny. They also had deeper, more meaningful exchanges that I enjoyed. It occurred to me that I might aspire to have a friendship just like Fliss and Shirl's, as I think that's what true friendship is about - friends that you can laugh with, but also confide in and support each other.
I also warmed to some of the other characters that appeared later in the story, and the French setting felt like a little escape. This book was a great mood booster for me, and I really enjoyed escaping with it for a while.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
June 12, 2024
I downloaded this book as an additional ‘holiday read’ as I was going away for the weekend.
It certainly ticked the ‘Easy read’ box. Written with a light hand and amusing, rather than laugh out loud funny.
Set mainly in France, it did at times seem like a French lesson with the amount of French text that was included.
I never warmed to the main character Fliss, as a 70 year old, I expected a bit more maturity in both her actions and also, her movement. I thought I might warm to her as the story progressed, but I didn’t.
Shirl on the other hand was a delight, battling the conflict in her mind between personal feelings and family responsibilities, her daughter Gemma was also well written, with her tangles between romance and responsibilities as a single mother.
The other characters added a nice dimension and came across as ‘very French’.
It took quite a long while for anything of substance to happen in the book, but it did all tie up neatly at the end.
I did enjoy it as a read, it did exactly what I wanted it to do for me and whenever I picked it up, it gave me a kind of summer warmth.
It certainly ticked the ‘Easy read’ box. Written with a light hand and amusing, rather than laugh out loud funny.
Set mainly in France, it did at times seem like a French lesson with the amount of French text that was included.
I never warmed to the main character Fliss, as a 70 year old, I expected a bit more maturity in both her actions and also, her movement. I thought I might warm to her as the story progressed, but I didn’t.
Shirl on the other hand was a delight, battling the conflict in her mind between personal feelings and family responsibilities, her daughter Gemma was also well written, with her tangles between romance and responsibilities as a single mother.
The other characters added a nice dimension and came across as ‘very French’.
It took quite a long while for anything of substance to happen in the book, but it did all tie up neatly at the end.
I did enjoy it as a read, it did exactly what I wanted it to do for me and whenever I picked it up, it gave me a kind of summer warmth.
May 6, 2024
Absolutely and totally loved this latest from Judy Leigh!! Once started I was hooked into the story and the characters, and have had to research holidays in Brittany!!
Fliss has it all, a dream home, designer clothes and shoes, a successful business and career she has recently retired from and a wonderful cleaner Shirl who also drives her home when she’s had one too many on a night out.
Shirl is living with her daughter Gemma and granddaughter Macey Boux unexpectedly and is trying to do her best for them whilst working for Fliss.
When Fliss decides on a French adventure to Brittany with Shirl adventures abound along with a lot of baguettes and croissants!!
I so loved all the details of the festivities in Brittany, the wonderful characters throughout, the food and wine and tourist attractions, I quite felt I’d been on holiday myself with them all!!
A gorgeous warm hearted feel good read, consistently good writing, comfort food for the soul.
Hugely recommended!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read!!
Fliss has it all, a dream home, designer clothes and shoes, a successful business and career she has recently retired from and a wonderful cleaner Shirl who also drives her home when she’s had one too many on a night out.
Shirl is living with her daughter Gemma and granddaughter Macey Boux unexpectedly and is trying to do her best for them whilst working for Fliss.
When Fliss decides on a French adventure to Brittany with Shirl adventures abound along with a lot of baguettes and croissants!!
I so loved all the details of the festivities in Brittany, the wonderful characters throughout, the food and wine and tourist attractions, I quite felt I’d been on holiday myself with them all!!
A gorgeous warm hearted feel good read, consistently good writing, comfort food for the soul.
Hugely recommended!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read!!
May 10, 2024
I absolutely adore this authors books and her new book the golden gals French adventure was another brilliant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read and I read it in one sitting perfect for reading while recovering from illness.
This story had me laughing and smiling from the very first page and I had vivid images in my head of what the characters fliss and shirl looked like while they were having fun and finding themselves in Brittany. This was a heartfelt read which highlights the importance of family and friendships and of finding love and a sense of belonging and how the camaraderie and bond between special friends is so much more precious than anything that money can buy and that even in your sixties and seventies you are never too old to follow your dreams and have fun. Life is too short and precious so grab it with both hands like the golden gals.
If you haven’t read this author before then i highly recommend
Picture shows a cream background with suitcases on and the words The golden gals French adventure Judy Leigh.
This story had me laughing and smiling from the very first page and I had vivid images in my head of what the characters fliss and shirl looked like while they were having fun and finding themselves in Brittany. This was a heartfelt read which highlights the importance of family and friendships and of finding love and a sense of belonging and how the camaraderie and bond between special friends is so much more precious than anything that money can buy and that even in your sixties and seventies you are never too old to follow your dreams and have fun. Life is too short and precious so grab it with both hands like the golden gals.
If you haven’t read this author before then i highly recommend
Picture shows a cream background with suitcases on and the words The golden gals French adventure Judy Leigh.
December 31, 2024
I totally felt whisked away to the south of France, and at times I was utterly convinced I was reading a Jennifer Bohnet novel, purely as the descriptions of the local area, felt reminiscent of her ability to conjure up the feel of the place.
But this is definitely a Judy Leigh book and another fine one at that.
I loved Shirl's no nonsense type of character, and her love of her family is great to see. Her granddaughter, baby Macey Roux is adorable too.
And Fliss is let's say rather unique, but once she is in France , making new friends, she becomes a whole different person, one that I wanted to see more and more of.
Between the mellowing of Fliss, the local people that Fliss and Shirl get to know, this is no ordinary holiday and they get swept up in the French lifestyle.
I adored every moment of the book, and once again love how Judy Leigh proves that age is just a number and that you can still live life to its fullest at a more advanced age!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
But this is definitely a Judy Leigh book and another fine one at that.
I loved Shirl's no nonsense type of character, and her love of her family is great to see. Her granddaughter, baby Macey Roux is adorable too.
And Fliss is let's say rather unique, but once she is in France , making new friends, she becomes a whole different person, one that I wanted to see more and more of.
Between the mellowing of Fliss, the local people that Fliss and Shirl get to know, this is no ordinary holiday and they get swept up in the French lifestyle.
I adored every moment of the book, and once again love how Judy Leigh proves that age is just a number and that you can still live life to its fullest at a more advanced age!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 13, 2024
I love Judy Leigh. She writes unabashedly feel good stories about mature women who have been thrown a curve ball and have to figure out how to bat it. The Golden Gals' French Adventure is one of her best. Fliss and Shirl have led very different lives. Fliss learned early on how to define herself in the face of criticism, seize opportunities and succeed. Shirl, Fliss's housekeeper, came from humble beginnings and has had a financially challenging life. They both are at a point where they are questioning, what's next? And this finds them on a short vacation in Brittany initiated by Fliss, reluctantly accompanied by Shirl. When it's time to go home neither really wants to, but...they live in cold, drizzly England, not coastal France. What to do? This story is poignant, humorous, uplifting, basically, everything Judy Leigh readers love from this author.
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