Tilly Fox's Fabulous Midlife Crisis

by Rosie Meleady

It’s Tilly Fox’s birthday, and she is having a colossal mid-life crisis.

Her family doesn’t appreciate her, job-hunting is dismal, and an issue she’s been avoiding is looming larger than ever, when her best friend, Roxanne, spirits her away on a birthday trip to Tuscany, Italy.

Amongst the cypress trees and pines and the seductive swirl of Aperol spritzes and Barolo wine, Tilly embarks on an adventure that goes far beyond a simple vacation. She unexpectedly runs into her high-school nemesis, an influencer who seems to have the perfect life.

While Tilly rekindles her long-lost passion for painting, and falls in love with an Irish man who only maybe is too good to be true, there is also an urgent mystery to be solved and friendships at stake.

With witty dialogue reminiscent of Marian Keyes, a cleverly crafted plot, and just the right amount of wish fulfillment, this novel is the perfect blend of humor, romance, and intrigue. Tilly’s journey of self-discovery and second chances will keep readers hooked from start to finish in this joyous, escapist romp through the Italian countryside.

Genres: Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2024

About the author

Irish author Rosie Meleady, has been a magazine publisher and editor since 1994. She won the International Women in Publishing Award 1996 at the ripe old age of 24. She couldn't attend the award ceremony in London as she decided it would also be a good day to give birth.

In her 'A Rosie Life In Italy' series, Rosie writes about buying a 22 roomed derelict villa in Italy by accident, renovating it and existing in Italy.

Her favourite board game growing up was Cluedo, and as an adult she started a Missing Persons Agency. Her love of solving mysteries led her to start writing her 'Deadly Wedding Cozy Mystery' series.

She now lives happily ever after in Italy while renovating the villa and writing long into the night.

Follow Rosie on social media to say hello, see photos of life in Italy and her renovation project.

http://www.facebook.com/rosiemeleadya...
http://www.instagram.com/arosielifein...

Follow Rosie's blog on www.rosiemeleady.com

Reviews

[Susan McAulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good thing I did not stop reading early on; the beginning of the book irritated me because apparently 50 was over the hill and this message was repeated over and over again. As a 63 year old, I resented it. Once we got past this, it was a good book.
Tilly's life is going wrong; she is having job and marriage problems. Her friend, Roxanne, whisks her off to Italy. Everyone needs a friend like that.
In Italy, they find an old friend/nemesis, some romance and some mystery. It is a playful romp with good characters and strong dialogue. If it had not been for the repeated message at the start that 50 was old, this might have been a five star read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Envy Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Laura Cutmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pace, the antics, the fluidity of the scene setting and changes - all executed not only cohesively but enjoyably.

With gorgeous meet-cutes, comedic mysteries and laugh-out-loud moments, I think this book might actually have it all for a short rom-com. I can't say I've ever been to Italy but the descriptions made me want to book a flight for the Spring. Heck, I'd book a flight tomorrow to go and experience what Tilly experienced on her 10 days away.

If you're looking for a funny, quick paced, romantic, hold-your-breath-because-you-can't-believe-what's-happening kind of story, this is it for you.

Also, I love a book that ties up all the loose ends and this does exactly that. Aside from a couple of typos, I don't think there's anything I disliked about it. Looking forward to reading more of Rosie Meleady.

[Joy Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale of women, disasters, victories, culture, romance and mystery with twists and turns! I wanted more when it ended which signifies for me it's a great book. Have recommended it to several friends and family members.
Rosie never fails to delight when she puts pen to paper. Can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new author for me but I found this to be a fun and quirky novel. Tilly is about to turn 50, unemployed and having a mid-life crisis. When her friend Roxanne books them a week in Tuscany, Tilly expects a relaxing vacation but it turns out to be a massive adventure. Fun, frolics and a little bit of mystery, I was completely engrossed. Thank you to NetGalley, Envy Publishing and the author for the chance to review.

[Nats Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stooop this was so cute! If you want to feel like you're on a girls' trip in Italy this is the book for you! It's so cozy and warm with the three women's chaotic life stories, I just love reading about women's lives 😅
We meet Tilly as she turns 50, and feels stuck and unhappy. The weekend after her birthday her best friend takes her on a trip to Italy that's full of surprises, not all planned 😆
There's romance, rediscovering old passions and so much heartwarming friendship, I love books like this
You'll get a lot of laughs during this read but also maybe some moving cries ;)
Thanks to NetGalley and Envy Publishing for the arc!

[Rosie Meleady]

Thank you for for all your great reviews! I am so happy so many people loved it. I miss the characters so much, so I have decided to do a follow up book with Tilly in Tuscany. Watch this space! Or join me on Substack: Life Is Short Magazine.

[Jessica Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midlife Crisis We All Need

This resonated with me in the way that the books that stay with you because they represent a moment of time in your life, or they remind you of the hopes and dreams you once had or still have, but don’t think are practical. I’m a big Rosie Meleady fan! I so desperately want to be brave enough to do what she has done, moving to another country, taking on a restoration project, learning another culture and language, but it’s just not something I can do at my current stage in life. But this book and her Rosie’s Life in Italy books have reminded me to dream and plan and maybe one day I’ll have my grand adventure and a fabulous midlife (or later life) crisis too! A must read for any woman with big dreams and any man married to or interested in a woman with big dreams!

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly is over 50, and I'm 61, so I'm feeling old right now.
That said, this is a fun book, and I enjoyed it a great deal. The plot was well done, and I identified with the parts about perspectives. We each have our own version of our stories, and sometimes the right one is somewhere in the middle.
It's not difficult reading, and you'll likely find the resolution before the end of the book, but you'll still enjoy it.

Thank you to Envy Publishing and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #TillyFoxsFabulousMidlifeCrisis #RoseMeleady #EnvyPublishing

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Meleady's writing is brimming with humor, heart, and wonderfully quirky moments. The witty banter, touching introspection, and engaging plot twists—complete with a bit of mystery—are reminiscent of Marian Keyes, offering a refreshing blend of escapist delight and genuine emotional depth.

As a 38-year-old woman, wife, and mother, I found Tilly’s ups and downs to be hilariously relatable. The story balances humor and self-reflection beautifully, making it a joy to read from start to finish. It’s a reminder that midlife is far from the end; it can be the start of something truly fabulous. A must-read for anyone who enjoys laughter, romance, and a dash of Tuscan magic.

[Christine Lussier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I "found" Rosie Meleady-what a fun author! Tilly is turning 50 & her good friend, Roxanne, has decided they are going to Italy. From the minute they leave at the airport, to the end of the story, it is one thing after another. The story is funny, sweet, a rom-com. High school arch nemesis-check. High school crush met later in life & realizing it was nothing-check. Women forming a bond & pulling together-check.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ms Meleady, and Envy Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[JANELLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want a fun trip for their 50th birthday!

Tilly's life is falling apart - she's lost her job, her son is totally dependent on her and her husband/ex is horrible. Her best friend takes her on a surprise trip to Italy for her 50th birthday. Only the trip has some snags - they're staying at the villa of their high school nemesis who is a famous influencer now and makes Tilly feel inadequate. But there is mystery, too and romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Tilly and Roxanne are two seriously funny characters and I really loved that they are main characters around fifty. The way they always assume foul play everywhere is just hilarious - I laughed out loud several times. The story is fast-paced, entertaining and uplifting and of course the end is just satisfying! I read the book in one day and was sad to see it end. Can't wait to read more from the author!
I received an ARC via Netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KirstN · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great premise- a 50 year old mother going through a divorce, job-hunting and still raising her 20-something year old son goes on a beautiful birthday trip to Italy with her best friend and the promise of romance 🥰 The descriptive writing as it relates to colours highlight the artist in the protagonist but the story fell flat for me with avoidable mix-ups and drama. The Hallmark-esque ending wasn’t for me, but I’m sure that it will make a great read for others looking for that guaranteed happy ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the e-ARC

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Tilly is going through the motions, her birthday, her college son, a separation from her husband, placing her mother in an assisted living facility. She is overwhelmed in all aspects of life! When her best friend brings up a trip to Italy, she is hesitant but accepts. As you can imagine this trip changes her life, so many encounters with people from her past and forcing her to look at her own life and what is best for her!

[Glennbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true page turner!

Another wonderful book by Rosie Meleady. A delicious story, rich with humor always leaving you wanting more at the end of every chapter. I love a book with many small chapters rather that a few long ones. It makes reading easier, as well as leaving you wanting more and then thinking…well it’s only a few more pages! lol Rosie’s writing style leaves her books open to many genres and never pigeon holed into a single demographic.

[Danielle Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a thrift shop because the cover was so inviting-yes, I judged it by its cover. Tilly and her friends are in a later stage of life than I am, but I could totally see my friends and I getting into some of their wild adventures. The jumpsuit incident felt too familiar for comfort. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns throughout. I’m so glad I judged this book by its cover because it was a fun, light read.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rosie Meleady classic, the title says it all

Engaging characters and pacey narrative, light-hearted but quite lengthy with intertwined perspectives. And yes, true to its title there is romance... both funny and with twists-flips-confusion-suspense, and comedy... that is both funny and romantic.

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a perfect fit for readers seeking a heartwarming, humorous, and romantic escape, who will delight in a story of self-discovery, second chances, and the transformative power of love, friendship, and following one's passions.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a split review: the first part I only gave a 2 star review, and was very tempted to DNF. I’m glad I pushed through though, as the second part was a a really good read and if the whole book had been like that it would have got 4 stars.

[Jeannie Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, hysterical and clever!

I have loved all of Rosie’s books and can’t wait until next month when number 6 in the Rosie in Italy series comes out. I read this one in anticipation and loved it just as much! Way to go, Rosie!

[Catherine Petrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie Meleady has written another winner! Tilly Fox's Fabulous Midlife Crisis has humor, romance, and gorgeous Tuscan settings that will tempt you to board the next flight to Italy. Tilly and her friends are engaging characters you will root for and laugh out loud with. Highly recommended.

[Cindy Brodrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun romp. Finished it quickly as the characters are likable and human, and the story was delightful, even when I could see a few of the twists coming.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud! Great story with the characters moving past old hurts and preconceptions.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Rosie Meleady’s books! This one was another great one! Its so nice to read about women my own (midlife) age .

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little story that makes me kinda want to have a midlife crisis and run away to Tuscany and have crazy adventures!

[Elvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and light reading. 2.5 rounded up to 3.