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Two Old Fools Fair Dinkum: The seventh page-turning memoir from the New York Times bestselling author
Wall Street Journal Top 10 and New York Times bestselling author
"If you enjoyed The Durrells and James Herriott, you'll love the Old Fools series."
Life is good. The grandchildren are thriving despite swallowing magnets and sticking crayons up their noses. Joe and Vicky plan a road trip with their dog, Lola. However, after disturbing dingoes, entering zombie zones and breaking the law, they learn life on the road is rarely relaxing.
Meanwhile, farmers anxiously watch their fields turn brown as a terrible drought grips Australia. Even worse, bushfire season arrives early, and flames rage across the land.
Will love and laughter be enough to keep the Two Old Fools and their family safe from harm?
Fans of James Herriott, Gerald Durrell and Bill Bryson will enjoy this memoir from New York Times bestselling author, Victoria Twead.
Book 7 of the Old Fools series, with photos and recipes.
"If you enjoyed The Durrells and James Herriott, you'll love the Old Fools series."
Life is good. The grandchildren are thriving despite swallowing magnets and sticking crayons up their noses. Joe and Vicky plan a road trip with their dog, Lola. However, after disturbing dingoes, entering zombie zones and breaking the law, they learn life on the road is rarely relaxing.
Meanwhile, farmers anxiously watch their fields turn brown as a terrible drought grips Australia. Even worse, bushfire season arrives early, and flames rage across the land.
Will love and laughter be enough to keep the Two Old Fools and their family safe from harm?
Fans of James Herriott, Gerald Durrell and Bill Bryson will enjoy this memoir from New York Times bestselling author, Victoria Twead.
Book 7 of the Old Fools series, with photos and recipes.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
251 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Twead
42 books192 followersVictoria Twead is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author. Eleven years living in a tiny, remote, mountain village in Spain and owning probably the most dangerous cockerel in Europe, inspired Victoria to write “Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools”. Subsequent books in the Old Fools’ series continue to pop up.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 27, 2025
I was lucky to get an advance copy of this book, but this is my unbiased opinion.
It's been a long wait for the follow-up to Two Old Fools Down Under, but it was worth the wait. Vicky and Joe are still enjoying life Down Under, and spending time with family, and their dog Lola, but there are health concerns. It doesn't stop them deciding to spend time exploring Australia: their part of it anyway. There are some weird place names over there! but I enjoyed learning more about the country. I loved the interactions with Indy and Winter, the two young grandchildren, which added lots of humor to the book. But there is a dark side too, with drought and wildfires threatening. And a new virus creeping out of China.
It's been a long wait for the follow-up to Two Old Fools Down Under, but it was worth the wait. Vicky and Joe are still enjoying life Down Under, and spending time with family, and their dog Lola, but there are health concerns. It doesn't stop them deciding to spend time exploring Australia: their part of it anyway. There are some weird place names over there! but I enjoyed learning more about the country. I loved the interactions with Indy and Winter, the two young grandchildren, which added lots of humor to the book. But there is a dark side too, with drought and wildfires threatening. And a new virus creeping out of China.
February 7, 2025
I tore through this faster than an Australian bush fire. I’ve read the entire Chickens, Mules & Two Old Fools series since last June, and it still seemed like forever waiting. With just 29 minutes left to read to the end, I tried to put it down so I could savor another day, but Nope. I had to keep going. There’s a lot going on from the start, but here’s a warning, it just accelerates somewhere around the crayon and the tweezers, just forget about anything else you had planned.
Oh well, the only cure is to go back to the start and read them all again, and hope that #8 isn’t another five years. Loved it.
Plus great looking recipes!
Oh well, the only cure is to go back to the start and read them all again, and hope that #8 isn’t another five years. Loved it.
Plus great looking recipes!
March 13, 2025
Fair Dinkum another fascinating trip Down Under...
For me the long wait for Victoria Tweads second memoir of life Down Under couldn't come too soon. Old favourites like her very amusing husband Joe, Adorable Lola her lovable and lively pooch and her daughter Karly with Aussie husband Cam and grandaughters, additionally her son and partner all provide a gamut of laughs, drama and a never ending supply of entertaining stories.
I lap up her recipes. Simple and tasty introduced before each chapter to whet your appetite for every adventure that follows.
We do get a lot of that. Drama, laughs lots of very interesting information about Australia but most of all family life with all its chaotic and creepy moments but never a dull moment.
Victoria has such a lovely easy style of telling us about life in her newly adopted country of Australia. You feel that you are going for a walk with her and Lola and that she is chatting with you. Her friends become your friends her family your family and you visualise her surroundings exactly as they must be as she has a very accurate and descriptive way of letting us know exactly as it is.
We are made part of all the drama and horror that is part of her life living in Australia but also the beauty of her surroundings and unique lifestyle of a laid back fun loving people.
Having friends, family and grandkids mostly in Sydney and counting Australia as my second home, I can relate to most of what Victoria writes about but her experiences are so different from mine as she actually lives there and I am just a visitor.
I really didn't want her story to , I never do. I am greatly relieved to read that there is a follow up. I can't wait to read more of this lovely writers continuing adventures Down Under. I shed a tear when she left Spain but her new life is just as heartwarming.
For me the long wait for Victoria Tweads second memoir of life Down Under couldn't come too soon. Old favourites like her very amusing husband Joe, Adorable Lola her lovable and lively pooch and her daughter Karly with Aussie husband Cam and grandaughters, additionally her son and partner all provide a gamut of laughs, drama and a never ending supply of entertaining stories.
I lap up her recipes. Simple and tasty introduced before each chapter to whet your appetite for every adventure that follows.
We do get a lot of that. Drama, laughs lots of very interesting information about Australia but most of all family life with all its chaotic and creepy moments but never a dull moment.
Victoria has such a lovely easy style of telling us about life in her newly adopted country of Australia. You feel that you are going for a walk with her and Lola and that she is chatting with you. Her friends become your friends her family your family and you visualise her surroundings exactly as they must be as she has a very accurate and descriptive way of letting us know exactly as it is.
We are made part of all the drama and horror that is part of her life living in Australia but also the beauty of her surroundings and unique lifestyle of a laid back fun loving people.
Having friends, family and grandkids mostly in Sydney and counting Australia as my second home, I can relate to most of what Victoria writes about but her experiences are so different from mine as she actually lives there and I am just a visitor.
I really didn't want her story to , I never do. I am greatly relieved to read that there is a follow up. I can't wait to read more of this lovely writers continuing adventures Down Under. I shed a tear when she left Spain but her new life is just as heartwarming.
September 4, 2025
Absolutely fascinating. I was thrilled to read another book by the talented Victoria Twead. In this one, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how unique gardening in Australia is and the animals there. Hearing about their family’s adventures in a campervan was quite a delight, but I sat on the edge of my seat when fires broke out while Joe was away. There are also what I’m sure will be mouth-watering recipes, such as Mexican beef pizza and fiery red pepper potatoes. There is something for everyone in this absolutely fascinating five-star book.
March 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to beta-read this book; as expected, every page was a pure delight.
In this long-anticipated latest episode of Victoria and Joe’s adventures, the couple are happily settled with their gorgeous dog, Lola, in their Australian home. They’re close to family, which means lots of visits and, as we find out, endless fun with their growing grandchildren.
Part of Victoria’s life involves meeting up with doggy pals and enjoying their stunning surroundings. That and family holidays in new locations fuel her wanderlust. Keen to discover as much of their adopted homeland as possible while Joe’s health allows, they pluck up the courage to buy a caravan and explore.
The author’s tales of their trips in the caravan, ‘Sheila’, are fascinating and often hilarious. Who knew extracting a torch from its packaging could be so tricky? I loved learning about the geography of new locations and her stories about the amazing animals they encountered. But throughout these fun escapades, a nagging, sinister theme emerges. It is hinted at several times, though the horror it threatens is not realised until the book’s final sections. Reading Victoria’s account of the events that transpired was gripping and heartbreaking.
This book is an example of memoir writing at its best. Victoria Twead is a master storyteller whose literary ability causes the reader to laugh, shed a tear, gasp and learn. What more could you want from a book? Highly recommended.
In this long-anticipated latest episode of Victoria and Joe’s adventures, the couple are happily settled with their gorgeous dog, Lola, in their Australian home. They’re close to family, which means lots of visits and, as we find out, endless fun with their growing grandchildren.
Part of Victoria’s life involves meeting up with doggy pals and enjoying their stunning surroundings. That and family holidays in new locations fuel her wanderlust. Keen to discover as much of their adopted homeland as possible while Joe’s health allows, they pluck up the courage to buy a caravan and explore.
The author’s tales of their trips in the caravan, ‘Sheila’, are fascinating and often hilarious. Who knew extracting a torch from its packaging could be so tricky? I loved learning about the geography of new locations and her stories about the amazing animals they encountered. But throughout these fun escapades, a nagging, sinister theme emerges. It is hinted at several times, though the horror it threatens is not realised until the book’s final sections. Reading Victoria’s account of the events that transpired was gripping and heartbreaking.
This book is an example of memoir writing at its best. Victoria Twead is a master storyteller whose literary ability causes the reader to laugh, shed a tear, gasp and learn. What more could you want from a book? Highly recommended.
March 8, 2025
An Informative and Thought-provoking Read.
I've enjoyed several books in this series and the story continues in Fair Dinkum (interesting to learn what that means too!). There are many layers to this memoir: funny, informative, thought-provoking, educational....I love how Victoria writes and educates the readers about Australian flora and fauna - I learnt so much about the country and its unique and vivid wildlife. The memoir is peppered with amusing tales too of Lola the dog and hilarious grandchildren shenanigans, yet woven around that are more serious issues - not least the sadness of Joe's degenerative illness which overshadows family life - and yet the resilience shines through as they all navigate the difficulties his health issues present: a determination to enjoy life, treasure each moment and create lasting memories - nothing stops Joe and Victoria from pursuing the natural beauty that a caravan can provide. In addition, the reader is brought up sharp about the horrors of fire disasters and all the destruction and devastation that it brings - another education for those of us who are not in Australia. I personally loved all the photos and links to YouTube etc - I always enjoy those features in memoirs. This memoir takes us on the cusp of the pandemic, so looking forward to the next one in the series to see what happens next!
I've enjoyed several books in this series and the story continues in Fair Dinkum (interesting to learn what that means too!). There are many layers to this memoir: funny, informative, thought-provoking, educational....I love how Victoria writes and educates the readers about Australian flora and fauna - I learnt so much about the country and its unique and vivid wildlife. The memoir is peppered with amusing tales too of Lola the dog and hilarious grandchildren shenanigans, yet woven around that are more serious issues - not least the sadness of Joe's degenerative illness which overshadows family life - and yet the resilience shines through as they all navigate the difficulties his health issues present: a determination to enjoy life, treasure each moment and create lasting memories - nothing stops Joe and Victoria from pursuing the natural beauty that a caravan can provide. In addition, the reader is brought up sharp about the horrors of fire disasters and all the destruction and devastation that it brings - another education for those of us who are not in Australia. I personally loved all the photos and links to YouTube etc - I always enjoy those features in memoirs. This memoir takes us on the cusp of the pandemic, so looking forward to the next one in the series to see what happens next!
March 30, 2025
It was lovely to catch up with my two favourite old fools in this long awaited latest memoir in the series. Vicky and Jo have settled into Australian life well after leaving Spain, and enjoy being close to family. However, there are still plenty of things to discover and surprises in store in this action-packed memoir. The wildlife, the plants and the people all bring amazing new experiences, but there’s drama too. It’s the summer of 2019/2020 and bush fires bring peril, tension and tragedy for thousands. How Vicky, Jo and their family cope is a story in itself and I found myself biting my nails with anxiety on their behalf. Victoria Twead provides us with a close encounter of the personal kind on what this period meant to her, her friends and her family. She describes the feelings, the stress and the atmosphere so well, I felt I was there with her, experiencing it all. Another great read and one I can recommend very highly.
February 3, 2025
Australia
After laving Spain and with Joe in poor health the last thing he wanted was fixer upper but as he was in the UK Vicky was in charge of finding the house. A fixer upper it was—luckily they were able to stay with Karly and Cam but moved into there house without a bathroom or kitchen for months. Joe was back and forth to the hospital and home. Vicky finally convinced him that they should by a caravan and after they did they had many adventures. Then came the fires that I am sure we all heard about and luckily Joe was in the UK as he may have died from the horrible air quality. Lots of stories about the pixie Winter and many dog walking friends and guess who else moved to Australia—i will let you read the book to find out. A wonderful story and can’t wait for the next one.
After laving Spain and with Joe in poor health the last thing he wanted was fixer upper but as he was in the UK Vicky was in charge of finding the house. A fixer upper it was—luckily they were able to stay with Karly and Cam but moved into there house without a bathroom or kitchen for months. Joe was back and forth to the hospital and home. Vicky finally convinced him that they should by a caravan and after they did they had many adventures. Then came the fires that I am sure we all heard about and luckily Joe was in the UK as he may have died from the horrible air quality. Lots of stories about the pixie Winter and many dog walking friends and guess who else moved to Australia—i will let you read the book to find out. A wonderful story and can’t wait for the next one.
June 4, 2025
A happy/sad tale of life in Australia from Victoria Twead. Having left Spain to settle in Australia near her daughter and family, Victoria and Joe love their new life with grandchildren and dog - a pleasure enhanced when son and his girlfriend decide to move there too. However, life is not always rosy as Joe is poorly and has to return to England for treatment where he is stranded by Covid. Drought, fires and sundry other problems beset the author but she is resilient and can find the joys of life with family and nature. A very sad part is the loss of her beloved husband but, as to be expected, she stands strong and continues to count her blessings. A happy/sad book. Excellent reading
May 30, 2025
With an enjoyable warmth, Victoria Twead continues to enchant us in this her 7th of the Two Old Fools series.
Now in Australia, she and Joe continue to face a series of amusing and often serious challenges. Understanding how Australians talk, how different their life is from that in Britain or Spain, the vagaries of climate and the joy of new animals along with the dread of some less benign, family gatherings and demands, health crises and new pet demands, exploratory road trips --Victoria tells us all about them with warmth and humour.
As a welcome extra she offers deliciously easy Australian recipes that really work. I know because I’ve tried some of them.
Now in Australia, she and Joe continue to face a series of amusing and often serious challenges. Understanding how Australians talk, how different their life is from that in Britain or Spain, the vagaries of climate and the joy of new animals along with the dread of some less benign, family gatherings and demands, health crises and new pet demands, exploratory road trips --Victoria tells us all about them with warmth and humour.
As a welcome extra she offers deliciously easy Australian recipes that really work. I know because I’ve tried some of them.
February 27, 2025
The newest sequel in the Old Fools series is another delight. Family ,new friends , delightful animals and Australia’s stunning natural beauty make you turn page after page. We are kept on our toes when the country suffers from devastating forest fires and health issues cause concern . But as always ,Victoria’s gift of storytelling leaves the reader looking forward to her next adventures down under.
March 17, 2025
Victoria Tweed again entertains her readers in Two Old Fools Fair Dinkum through humor and end-of the chapter recipes while she and her husband Joe now live in Australia. She lives closer to her daughter and her family and she can see her grands grow up. They have a host of adventures together while visiting local beaches, caravan parks and seeing more of the immense continent. And then the wildfires hit which makes them truly cherish their time together. An amusing read!
June 7, 2025
As with all 7 books in the Old Fools series I did not want this one to end. I love how this author mixes life’s difficulties with big doses of humor. I was on the edge of my seat and enjoyed every minute. My husband and I found our favorite cake recipe here and it’s so easy!
The author has a great outlook on life and doesn’t take herself too seriously. Delighted at the hint of another one on the way. A fun and meaningful read.
The author has a great outlook on life and doesn’t take herself too seriously. Delighted at the hint of another one on the way. A fun and meaningful read.
February 2, 2025
This is my 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ review of Victoria Twead´s new book Two Old Fools Fair Dinkum which I was lucky enough to win an advanced copy of recently.
Once again this is a fantastic read in the ‘Two Old Fools’ series and one I highly recommend.
This book is an absolute delight and I enjoyed every page. Hopefully we don’t have to wait too long for the next instalment.
Once again this is a fantastic read in the ‘Two Old Fools’ series and one I highly recommend.
This book is an absolute delight and I enjoyed every page. Hopefully we don’t have to wait too long for the next instalment.
April 24, 2025
Another fantastic book. Love reading about Victoria & Joe’s life and travels down under. Some very poignant and heart wrenching scenes with the wildfires. Such a tragic loss. My deepest condolences for the loss of Joe 😢
February 3, 2025
I was so pleased when Victoria Tweed released another book on her Two Old Fools series. Engaging, funny, especially the dog tales, but also realistic and poignant
Downloaded and read in a day!
Downloaded and read in a day!
May 2, 2025
LOVE HER BOOKS
I absolutely love her books. They are funny and the recipes are great. She's a fantastic writer. I hope to read every book she has ever written. Thank you Victoria
I absolutely love her books. They are funny and the recipes are great. She's a fantastic writer. I hope to read every book she has ever written. Thank you Victoria
June 12, 2025
Funny and emotional too. How soon we all forget the fires , flood and Covid from 2019 to 2020.
August 8, 2025
Good reading
This is a great series. Lets me travel without leaving my house. It has been a long time since I was able to travel and with these stories I am right there
This is a great series. Lets me travel without leaving my house. It has been a long time since I was able to travel and with these stories I am right there
March 2, 2025
Another excellent read from Vicky. Life is never boring in Australia especially for her family & friends.
February 4, 2025
I was a beta reader for this wonderful addition to Victoria Twead’s series of memoirs.
Here is my honest 5* review.
I loved being back in the fold of these ‘two old fools’!
So, we’re in Australia with Victoria, Joe, and the family - a real treat to catch-up with them all.
A new home and newfound friendships, including doggie pals for Lola.
Family fun times and mishaps!
Delightful outings and some shenanigans with Sheila & Bruce!
Amazing wildlife, vistas & adventures.
Very real fear of frightening fires!
Photos, recipes, and a snippet of ’Two Old Fools Find Their Tribe’ - just wow!
This addition to the series has it all - Victoria has a wonderful way with words - her fans are in for a treat and won’t be disappointed that’s for sure."
Here is my honest 5* review.
I loved being back in the fold of these ‘two old fools’!
So, we’re in Australia with Victoria, Joe, and the family - a real treat to catch-up with them all.
A new home and newfound friendships, including doggie pals for Lola.
Family fun times and mishaps!
Delightful outings and some shenanigans with Sheila & Bruce!
Amazing wildlife, vistas & adventures.
Very real fear of frightening fires!
Photos, recipes, and a snippet of ’Two Old Fools Find Their Tribe’ - just wow!
This addition to the series has it all - Victoria has a wonderful way with words - her fans are in for a treat and won’t be disappointed that’s for sure."
April 8, 2025
It was a long wait for this latest in the Two Old Fools series but what a treat it turned out to be. Victoria and Joe have embraced their new life in Australia. They are close to family and love spending time with their granddaughters. Despite concerns over Joe's health, the couple love to travel and explore their fascinating new home country. The solution - get a caravan. A home from home for them and lovely Lola, their mischievous dog - perfect!
How I enjoyed reading of their adventures and their appreciation of all that this extraordinary country has to offer. Their dignity and determination to make the most of their situation is apparent. I love their sense of humour and their adaptability too. I enjoy the links to photos and You Tube clips as I'm just a little bit nosy. I'm also going to try some of those delectable recipes which are included in each chapter.
During this time there are hints of a catastophe to come as the country is bone dry, and temeperatures have been soaring. Victoria's descriptions of the wildfires recalled the horror, terror and destruction of that time, tempered by the wonderful accounts of people doing their utmost to help the wildlife and to support each other. It's a wonderful memoir which made me laugh and also brought a lump to my throat. I loved it.
How I enjoyed reading of their adventures and their appreciation of all that this extraordinary country has to offer. Their dignity and determination to make the most of their situation is apparent. I love their sense of humour and their adaptability too. I enjoy the links to photos and You Tube clips as I'm just a little bit nosy. I'm also going to try some of those delectable recipes which are included in each chapter.
During this time there are hints of a catastophe to come as the country is bone dry, and temeperatures have been soaring. Victoria's descriptions of the wildfires recalled the horror, terror and destruction of that time, tempered by the wonderful accounts of people doing their utmost to help the wildlife and to support each other. It's a wonderful memoir which made me laugh and also brought a lump to my throat. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews