Widows Waive the Rules

Widows #3

by Julia Jarman

The BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud novel page-turner bestselling author Julia Jarman ☀️ Perfect for fans of Maddie Please, Judy Leigh, and anyone who thinks age is just a number! 🍷 The Widows Wine Club of Viv, Janet and Zelda have navigated choppy waters before. Having supported each other through the first shaky years of widowhood, the future was starting to look brighter. But when Janet is dealt another blow, it’s all hands on deck for the firm friends.

Deciding what Janet needs is a change of scenery, Viv and Zelda book a luxury cruise on the Queen Mary 2, heading for the bright lights of New York. And once on board, the women are entranced. A floating pleasure palace, the Queen Mary is just what the doctor ordered. From tai chi to dance lessons, cocktails to crafting, there’s nothing they can’t do to while away the miles at sea.

But when they are joined at their first supper by fellow widow Primrose Carmichael, the holiday takes an unexpected turn. Because not only does Primrose share Janet’s surname, but their late husbands were both called Mal… As the similarities between the two women stack up, so do Viv and Zelda’s suspicions. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before they’re in sight of the Statue of Liberty, the friends are ready to waive a few rules…

Julia Jarman’s warm, wise and witty novels are perfect for everyone who believes age is just a number. Perfect for fans of Caroline James, Judy Leigh and Maddie Please.

Readers love Julia

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

‘Full of laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected twists. I can’t wait to read the next one!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘This is the nicest, happiest, saddest most unputdownable book that I have read since...... Since forever!!!! Absolutely lovely!!!!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Loved loved this book- so enjoyed the relationships of all the characters a real page turner, with some unexpected twist and turns. An excellent book would highly recommend this it will bring a smile to your face.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A cracking fun read. Loved every page. The characters fascinating. Poignant and found it very moving. Strongly recommend!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Praise for Julia

‘Julia Jarman has an original entertaining style that makes you want to read on.’ Katie Fforde

‘What a brilliant premise for a novel! Julia’s writing is a sparkling delight.’ Sophie Hannah

‘Three women meet as they’re choosing coffins for their husbands and their stories grow from that day. The result is a book full of humanity, heartache and humour. I loved it!’ Adèle Geras

Genres: Friendship, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Widows Waive the Rules, by Julia Jarman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Zelda, Janet and Viv are members of a widows wine club. They decide to go on a cruise, for a relaxing holiday. This was a nice read, I enjoyed it.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize til after I started that this was part of a sorios, but I road it just fine not having road any of the others, so I can safely say it can be read as a stand alone. You may benefit from some backstory of the characters, but nothing is lost in this new adventure they go on.
The widows set off on an adventure on the Queen Mary 2, bringing them to New York just in time for Christmas. The author does a fab job of setting the scene on the ship and all it has to offer. Janet is grieving the loss of her second husband and Zelda and Viv get her to agree rid the cruise to lift her spirits. Soon after they get onboard, Primrose latches into them.
When she begins talking about her life, the ladies realize something is very wrong so they go into detective mode to try to solve the mystery that surrounds Primoses' story.. The widows are forced to use modern technology like IT and social media as methods of stouthing. We see how money corrupts people and how love can happen at any age. These women know how to live life to the fullest and care immensely for each other.
This was a fun, lighthearted story with friendship at its core. There's enough mystery to keep you guessing but there's also romance when one of the widows meets a blind man and his guide dog Billie on board. Being a member of the over 59 club myself, I love that the characters are older-made them even more relatable. I will be looking for the next books in the series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources and NotGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all three books in this series and they were great, but this one fell short on a few things. The editing for one, some paragraphs were duplicated in a few chapters. While in another chapter for example, Zelda's POV was literally cut off mid-rant and I was completely confused. Then the next sentence, Viv's POV started talking about something that I had had no clue about. It was like a cut and paste gone wrong. The ending left you scratching your head wondering "that's it?". There wasn't an epilogue to give you a nice ending, it was just flat. I was a bit disappointed to be honest.

The 4 Musketeers are back and each woman has started a new chapter in their lives. Libby is dating Nicos. Viv has found a new partner, Patrick. Zelda is still single, traveling to Raleigh to visit her family and her father. And a few months ago, Janet lost her second husband unexpectedly to a massive heart attack. She hasn't left her home in months, the girls are very worried about her; she's depressed.

Zelda sees an ad for a voyage on the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship for half the price from December 16-23rd to NY from England, so she talks to Viv and Libby before they approach Janet. They all agree that a change of scenery will definitely help her. Libby won't be going because she's going to Greece with Nicos. Shockingly Janet agrees to go, after a tiny fib is told. But once the girls get aboard, they will get the surprise of their lives from a gold digging,o con-artist

A cute read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[AllBookedUp · Rating 2 out of 5]

✏️📙Themes: Friendship, aging, widowhood, and travel
⚠️👀 Potential Triggers: Betrayal, lying, debt

Without realizing this was part of a series, I dove into this story, which centers on three widowed friends: Viv, Janet, and Zelda. Concerned for Janet, who has recently lost her second husband and is understandably struggling, Viv and Zelda decide it’s time for her to reengage with life. They persuade her to join them on a transatlantic cruise, hoping the change of scenery will help lift her spirits.
Viv, the boldest and most adventurous of the trio, assures Janet she’ll love the experience. To ease Janet’s anxiety, Zelda, the nurturing peacemaker who often holds the group together, thoughtfully reserves a dining table for three in advance, ensuring their meals remain a space for just the three of them.

What they don’t anticipate is meeting another recently widowed woman named Primrose Carmichael. In a strange twist, Primrose’s late husband not only shares Janet’s husband’s last name but also his first name: Mal Carmichael. As Janet and Primrose bond over their uncanny similarities, the coincidence begins to feel less like chance and more like the start of a mystery. Is it mere happenstance or something sinister connecting them?

I enjoyed the friendship between Viv, Janet, and Zelda, though at times it felt as though they were so caught up in their own affairs that they didn’t always prioritize one another’s needs. I was surprised and moved by Janet’s unwavering faith in a certain someone, which I found both heartwarming and inspiring. I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t trust that person. They were so inquisitive but offered not much in return. Who asks to see your wedding folder on your phone and then sends it to themselves? Rude. That said, I absolutely despised the person that individual was traveling with (trying my best to keep this spoiler-free!).

If I were ever to face such a profound loss, I can only hope to have friends as loyal, supportive, and uplifting as these three. Though, of course, I’d never wish for such circumstances.

This novel strikes a lovely balance between quirky and has some depth. It’s wholesome, with no hint of sexual content. I found it to be a quick and easy read. While I did enjoy it overall, it ultimately wasn’t quite my cup of tea. When a character as despicable as the villain in this story escapes real punishment or remorse, the ending feels unfinished to me. Justice, in my view, wasn’t truly served. Caught—yes. Punished or repentant—absolutely not.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Widows Waive the Rules is part of a series. However, I was able to read it as a stand alone and enjoy it without having read any of the other books.

Widows features 3 friends who embark on a trans atlantic crossing from the UK to New York. It was a light hearted read that featured some mystery as well as some romance.

Though the story was cute the mystery itself was not very compelling and I felt like the story couldn't sustain itself in parts.

Overall, this is a quick, cute story about friendship and life after loss. Definitely worth a read if you are a fan of contemporary women's fiction.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zelda, Viv and Janet are back, and this time they are taking a trip on Queen Mary 2 from the UK to New York. Zelda has managed to find an affordable repositioning cruise, to convince Viv to share a cabin and for Janet to join them, although she will be travelling in style in a fancy suite.

It wasn't easy to convince Janet that she needed to come on the cruise. She has recently lost her second husband and so, even with her luxury suite, she isn't always in a party mood. That isn't helped when they meet another woman, Primrose Carmichael, who seems to have a lot in common with Janet, including perhaps the same former husband!

Read more at
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very amusing mood-lifter!

Although I haven't managed to read all of this series, this isn't the first novel I've encountered with the Widows and they make for very enjoyable reading. This time round, they set off across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2, getting a luxury cruise at a bargain price.

The author creates a fun cast of characters and while there are laughs-a-plenty, there is also a bit of mystery thrown in. An excellent read and one I would recommend, especially to fans of Judy Leigh. For me, 4.5* and one I'm happy to recommend.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three friends, Janet, Viv and Zelda who are all widows, decide to go on a cruise the week before Christmas, on the QM2. They found the cruise was only going to New York and decided they would do it. Little did they know what they would discover on the cruise. They had arranged it so they would only have a table for three, but the first night they discovered it was a table for four. Primrose Carmichael, was going to be at their table.
This is the start of an adventure, that intrigues, all the women, are trying to solve the mystery, that is now part of their journeys.
I have never been on a cruise, but this was my kind of cruise. Friendship, excitement, and them coming together to figure out what was going on, that I forgot I was on a ship in the middle of the ocean. The adventure continues as they pull into New York, and it was nice seeing the sites of New York.
The author did an amazing job on telling this story, it made me feel like I was right there with them. Sometimes reading is the best way to have an adventure, and this was one of those times.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨4 stars ✨

This was the first book that I have read by this author after receiving an ARC via NetGalley and I really enjoyed it! Upon further research I think this is a sequel of sorts to one of this author’s previous books, however this did not take away from my enjoyment of this book and the story and characters. Therefore, I’d definitely say you could jump straight into this!!

The plot follows three best friend, Janet, Viv and Zelda as they journey on a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean as we see what they get up to on the luxury adventure. However, their travels are interrupted when they are joined by Primrose and then a mystery unfurls from there.

I really enjoyed the exploration of friendship especially with the characters being older so I would really recommend this as the mystery kept me hooked through to the end.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is simply outstanding! It is so refreshing to have an older generation of women be the central characters and to show that not only finding new friendships, but living life to the fullest at mature ages is still an absolute possibility! These are the women we all aspire to be! In this installment in the series the ladies take a cruise that brings about transforming events for more than one woman on the ship. Once again showing that secrets and lies that are brought to light can be banished or dealt with, but leaving them to fester in the dark just makes everything worse. I love the story of friendship between the ladies and the adventures that they seem to find them immersed in just add a bit more excitement to their daily lives! I absolutely can't wait to see what the ladies get up to in the next book! As they repeatedly exclaim, "One for all and all for one!" I'm definitely all in!!!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Julia Jarman, but it definitely won’t be the last. Normally, I prefer to start at the beginning, but I didn’t know this one was part of a series, so, while I would have liked a bit more backstory about the ladies, it most certainly is a stand-alone! In fact, Widows Waive the Rules was such fun, and the characters so endearing that I’m going to go back and read the first two books in the Widows Wine Club series. I absolutely love reading about women in middle age or older (I'm 70), and this book is a delight, especially when it comes to the strong bonds of friendship that can see us through not just the best of times, but the most difficult times of our lives. Life is for living, and these women close ranks with love and laughter to take care of one another. I loved that! It’s also a reminder that love can happen at any stage of life. Raising my wine glass to that!

This time, the widows are off on the Queen Mary II, traveling from England to New York City at Christmastime (a repositioning one-week cruise), hoping to raise their friend Janet’s spirits as she continues to grieve the loss of her second husband, the love of her life. At first, reluctant, Janet embraces the opportunity to travel with her friends on the luxury liner. And, the descriptions of life onboard the QMII are terrific, from the staterooms to restaurants, and the on-board activities and entertainment. I felt like I was right there with them, and now want to go on a cruise!
There’s also a mystery involving another widow named Primrose, who coincidentally (or not!) shares Janet’s surname, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as the story continued to unravel. The Widows are a formidable bunch, especially when protecting one of their own, and I’d love to hang out with them. I’m all about characters and realistic dialogue, and this story, along with all the main and secondary characters (including musician Richard and his guide dog) kept me enthralled and entertained right until the end.

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for inviting me to read this advanced reader’s copy. I’m happily providing this sincere review, and now the Widows have a new fan!

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

Having enjoyed Julia Jarman’s The Widow’s Wine Club, I couldn’t wait to dive into Widows Waive the Rules and reunite with the indomitable trio of Viv, Janet, and Zelda. This time, the women are off on an adventure aboard the luxurious Queen Mary 2, aiming to lift Janet’s spirits after her latest heartache. While this book builds on the characters introduced in the earlier book, this book could still be read as a standalone.

Jarman brings the ship to life with her vivid descriptions of its grandeur, from tai chi classes to elegant evening suppers. It was delightful to see the women immersing themselves in the ship’s activities, enjoying a blend of new experiences and mischief. The dynamic between these characters remains one of the book’s highlights, their deep friendship both heartwarming and humorous.

The plot takes an intriguing turn when fellow widow Primrose Carmichael joins the group. Her shared surname with Janet and the eerie similarities between their late husbands spark a mystery that carries the story forward. Watching Viv and Zelda turn amateur sleuths provided some genuinely funny moments, though the pacing occasionally mirrored the slow drift of sea days.

A standout element was the touching romance involving a blind musician and his guide dog. Jarman weaves in his backstory with care, offering both a poignant subplot and a gentle insight into the remarkable bond between guide dogs and their owners.

Final Thoughts:

Although the mystery unfolds at a leisurely pace, I found the resolution satisfying and fitting for the tone of the story. Overall, Widows Waive the Rules offers a charming escape, blending laughter, friendship, and a touch of intrigue. Fans of women’s fiction will enjoy this continuation of the Widows Wine Club’s adventures, and I, for one, look forward to seeing where life takes them next.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widows Waive The Rules by Julia Jarman is a wonderful contemporary novel that I absolutely loved. The book is part of The Widows Wine Club series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.
Once more the widows are off on an adventure, travelling from Britain to New York on the Queen Mary II, arriving in time for Christmas. With comprehensive descriptions from the author, we share the experience of life on board the Queen Mary II – from staterooms to ballrooms, pubs, restaurants and on-board entertainment, there is something for everyone.
Planning for the trip began in the summer sunshine as the friends wanted to bring some life back into their recently widowed for the second time friend. “Grief doesn’t make you immune to grief. It piles it on, so you start to think life isn’t worth living.” Depression has robbed their friend of life as each day she is merely going through the motions.
Everyone needs good friends. Friends who support each other through all the seasons of life and who will go the extra mile.
Super sleuthing was called for as an unscrupulous character has tried to throw a spanner in the works and disrupt the life of one of their own. Modern methods, requiring the us of I.T. skills and social media are employed to solve the mystery.
We see just how low a family will stoop in order to meddle in the lives of those they are supposed to love. And how the love of money corrupts people.
Love is not just for the young. Love happens even for those in their twilight years.
Widows Waive The Rules was a delightful light-hearted and fun novel. The characters know how to live life to the full. They care deeply but also know how to have fun and realise that life is for living.
I always look forward to following the Muscateers on their adventures and look forward to many more books.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting, emotional and deliciously readable, Widows Waive the Rules is the enjoyable new novel by Julia Jarman.

Viv, Janet and Zelda have navigated the first year of widowhood together and despite the ups and downs along the way, the future looks bright for all of them – until Janet is dealt another cruel blow. Viv and Zelda think that what their friend needs is a a change of scenery so they book a luxury cruise on the Queen Mary II for New York. On board the beautiful vessel, the three friends are entranced by the floating pleasure palace where their every whim can be indulged. However, it soon transpires that it’s not going to be all fun and games for Viv, Zelda and especially Janet!

Things take a shocking and unexpected turn when they meet fellow widow Primrose Carmichael. Primrose not only has the same surname as Janet, but her husband was also called Mal. Is it mere coincidence? Or something much more sinister? As the similarities between the two women stack up, Viv and Zelda vow to get to the bottom of this mystery. But are they prepared for what they are about to discover?

Will the two friends find the answers they seek? Or should Viv and Zelda have left well enough alone?

Witty and warm-hearted, it’s impossible not to be charmed by Julia Jarman’s writing and the characters she creates. Widows Waive the Rules is a fun and feel-good read peppered with an undertone of mystery and tension that will certainly keep readers turning those pages.

A joy from beginning to end, Julia Jarman’s Widows Waive the Rules is an absolute charmer perfect for Maddie Please and Judy Leigh fans.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Monica Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a woman of a certain age, ahem, this book was certainly written for my demographic and older and I was intrigued by the descriptions of the QMII (it made me want to go and have a look around on board myself, to be honest!) but that is kinda where it stopped for me. I had read the previous book in the series and enjoyed it because it is nice to read books I can relate to but this book had so much potential and somehow fell a little short. And I hate to write things like this because I think authors are amazing and I want to give them all the encouragement I can :(

Janet, Viv and Zelda are on a cruise from the UK to the USA and whilst on board, they run into a woman, Primrose, who shares the same surname as Janet. She is also a widow and her husband's name was Mal, which is eerily close to what Janet's husbands name was also. There is a story there and it is up to Viv and Zelda to figure out what the actual heck is going on there!!

Now, the story had good bones but there was way too much filler. I found myself kind of impatiently tapping my Kindle, and hoping things would move a little faster instead of the same things being said in multiple ways over many pages. Sorry, just my opinion.

One of the ladies has a bit of romance happening on board the ship, which was really sweet and I had a chuckle when I read about the behaviour of a dog in harness versus not, which I have witnessed for myself and it is a striking difference. Clever dogs :)

Anyway, this was a nice read but I have to say that I probably wouldn't continue with the series (if there is another book) because this read was a bit too frustrating for me.

3 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Louise (Bookmarks and Stages blog) Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years back now, I came across Julia Jarman's books when she wrote for children. They are beautiful, insightful, fun books. I read a couple to a class in a library when they visited. Now, I see she is writing for adults and knowing her high calibre of writing in those children's books, I simply had to accept a blog tour request to review one of her adult books.
Julia Jarman maintained that high calibre I had seen previously and certainly creates enthralling, entertaining plots for her books aimed at adults as can be seen from Widows Waive the Rules.

There is mystery and revelations and fun to be discovered on the high seas in Widows Waive the Rules.

Janet, Viv and Zelda are friends who need a holiday, so it's all NYC, here we come! There's lots to do on the cruise ship to keep them entertained, including various classes. There's also the warmth of friendship and support through difficult times, as well as laughs. It gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside that makes you want to join them. I'm not even their age, but still, I'd join them in a heartbeat!

Primrose Carmichael is an intriguing passenger who joins with our 3 intrepid explorers. The question is who is she? Certain things don't all add up, which sends the 3 friends hunting for answers as to why it looks like she's connected with Mal, Janet's late husband...

Widow's Waive is a highly entertaining, heart-warming book with surprises.
By the time you turn to the last page, you hope there will be more...

What's more, I am certain I am not quite the target market for this book, but I still found it highly enjoyable and would read more...

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Widows' Wine Club, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to read and review the next book in the series. The book picks up after Janet has lost Alan, her second husband, and is struggling to deal with life without him. Determined to raise her spirits, Zelda and Viv offer to take her on a cruise to New York on the Queen Mary. Although reluctant at first, Janet comes round to the idea and the three head off on their voyage of a lifetime.

However, when another widow - Primrose - latches onto their group, things start to take a turn for the worse. Primrose has some secrets of her own and when she starts to talk about her own late husband, it becomes clear that there are striking similarities between Primrose's and Janet's first husbands. As these revelations start to unravel Janet's new-found happiness, it is down to the widows to solve the mystery and put Janet back on track.

This was a lovely, light-hearted read with friendship at its core. The bond between the widows is so strong and this comes across clearly throughout the story. The attention to detail is brilliant - from the description of the opulent Queen Mary to the relationship between blind cellist Richard and his guide dog Billie. The mystery has enough twists to keep you guessing and changing your mind as more details become known.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for this advance copy.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this funny and entertaining new novel starring the Widows Wine Club’s members Viv, Janet, and Zelda, readers join them on a cruise after Janet’s personal life takes a hit and Viv and Zelda solve it with a cruise on the Queen Mary 2. As they cross the Atlantic and explore the luxuries aboard the ship, they have no idea how this trip changes when recently widowed Primrose Carmichael joins them for dinner on the first night and slowly reveals the similarities between her husband and Janet’s late husband. As the mystery unfolds aboard the ship, readers, Viv, and Zelda must decide which rules they are willing to break to solve this strange puzzle. The characters are absolutely the star of the show, with complex, entertaining and chaotic personalities which readers will find hilarious and well-meaning even as things become more complicated. Their dynamic and loyalty to each other is particularly admirable, and the luxurious and busy setting of a cruise ship adds to the entertainment factor enormously. Readers who loved Julia Jarman’s previous titles in this series and similarly fun and chaotic novels will love this novel for the characters’ relationships with each other and the strange adventures they manage to go on in this hilarious new release.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Widows Waive the Rules blind, not realizing it was part of a series, but I had no trouble keeping up. It works just fine as a standalone, though I imagine knowing the backstory would add a little extra something.

The story follows three widowed friends, Janet, Zelda, and Viv.
These three friends decide to take a holiday cruise from England to New York on the Queen Mary 2.

What starts as a relaxing getaway takes an unexpected turn when they meet Primrose, a woman whose life story seems a little too dramatic to be true. Sensing something’s off, the ladies start digging, using everything from old-school detective work to social media sleuthing to figure out what’s really going on.

I really loved the friendship between these women—it felt real, full of love, and fun. They know how to support each other in the best way, and their bond was definitely the heart of the story. There’s also a cute romance when one of them meets a blind man and his guide dog, Billie, which was a lovely touch.

The mystery itself wasn’t the most intense, but the book had plenty of other things to make up for it. Overall, this was a fun, feel-good read about friendship, adventure, and living life to the fullest at any age.

Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books!

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this heartwarming and lighthearted tale, three widows—Janet, Zelda, and Viv—set sail on the Queen Mary 2 for a holiday cruise, arriving in New York just in time for Christmas. Hoping to lift Janet's spirits after the loss of her second husband, the friends quickly find themselves entangled in a mystery surrounding a fellow passenger, Primrose.

As the widows dig into Primrose’s puzzling story, they embrace modern sleuthing tools like social media and IT to uncover the truth. Themes of corruption, love, and resilience are skillfully woven throughout, demonstrating that life’s adventures—and even romance—don’t stop with age. A sweet subplot features a budding romance between one of the widows and a blind man, adding depth and charm.

This engaging story celebrates the power of friendship and offers just the right mix of mystery and romance. While it’s part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone—and you may find yourself eager to explore the widows' other adventures after reading!

______

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and the author for providing an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to start this and catch up with the widows wine club ladies. What a brilliant setting for the book the QM2 and I really felt like I was there with them, Having been lucky enough to have been on the ship and stayed in a Queens Grill Suite I enjoyed hearing all about their visits to all the lovely areas on board. Although even if you haven’t been on the QM2 the descriptions are perfect and really set the scene.
It’s was a great read and I was hooked from the first page on the mystery that unfolded.
I loved Richard and his dog Billie and loved seeing the relationship between Richard and Zelda develop.
The ending was excellent and I cannot wait for the next book to find out what the ladies get up to next.
Thanks to NetGalley, Julia Jarman and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deciding Janet needs a change of scenery Viv and Zelda book a luxury cruise for the three of them. When on the cruise they are joined by a fellow passenger who Viv and Zelda are suspicious of and they fear she may not have good intentions towards their friend they begin investigating and spying to get to the bottom of their suspicions. This book is beyond enjoyable and I have never read a book and felt so much joy and happiness. Among the happiness there was also a few moments where I had a lump in my throat but when you are with these widows one thing is for sure that you are guaranteed a fun filled time. Age is definitely no barrier and no matter what they stick together in the end! I absolutely think the world of this story in delighted in the whole book.

[Anne Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Muscateers are at it again! This time on the high seas! They're taking a trip on the Queen Mary 2 to New York the week before Christmas to keep Janet's spirits up after the death of her second husband, Alan.

On the first night of the cruise, the trio meets Primrose Charmichael. Strange coincidence, but she's the widow of a man who mysteriously has the same name as Janet's first husband, Malcolm Charmichael. Is it coincidence, was Malcom a bigamist? High seas high jinks are the name of the game as the trio try to find out the truth prior to docking in New York!

This was a light-hearted fun read! Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book, which is available now!

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read the previous books in this series. Would it have helped me enjoy this story better? I am not sure.
A story about widows heading out on a trip on the Queen Mary. Heading from the UK to New York.
There is mystery and romance throughout the story.
A question to ponder while reading this story…….Is age just a number????
Widows Waive the Rules is a cute story about life after loss. And, the bond of friendship. I would like to read all the books in order.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet is dealing with the grief of losing her second husband Alan unexpectedly. In the hopes of raising her spirits, Zelda and Viv convince her to embark on a cruise aboard the QM2. Things are going well until an encounter with another passenger starts Janet doubting the validity of her first marriage. The three are aided in their investigation by Richard, one of the musicians on board. A delightful addition to the series.
#WidowsWaivetheRules #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

light hearted feel good story. Three good friends going on a trip but targeted by a women and her scheming daughter.
Is what they are saying the truth? Was Janet's husband married when he married her? Now deceased and not able to answer questions, did he lie and make their long standing marriage bigamous as well as cruel and unhappy?
Trying desperately to uncover the truth whilst sailing to New York.
Friends supporting each other

[Sherri Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting on the Queen Mary and the friendship between the characters. My only criticism is the Janet character acts like the 50's not the 70s. Maybe life was more conservative in Scotland then in the US. The US saw coed dorms and many people living together. If a man didn't want to have sex with his wife on their wedding night and no sex before marriage, in the 70s he would have been a closeted gay.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The widows set off on an adventure to cheer up their friend Janet who has recently lost her second but love of her life husband . The cruise throws up a conundrum as 2 passengers throw a spanner in the works for Janet by trying to prove she is a bigamist. Her trusty friends spring into action and undertake some excellent sleuthing . Joyful

[MG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, easy to read story. I didn't realize it was part of a series before I started it, but I didn't have any trouble following it. The plot wasn't particularly exciting and I found myself skimming at times, but the book was pleasant enough overall. It even sort of made me want to go on the Queen Mary 2 again.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read!

Four friends go on a grand trip on a train and a cruise ship. A chance encounter with a mother and daughter adds a little mystrry to the fun. Are they really who they say they are? They will find out when they get to New York! It ends rather abruptly as encouraging the opportunity to get the next in the series.