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Love & Laughter [and Other Disasters]
Love & Laughter (and other disasters), is a closed door, clean romance with sweet intimate moments.
Life just got a whole lot more romantic in the village of Pelican Cove. Meryl has to choose between suave, 'Captain Underpants' and 'Gardening Pop,' each with another admirer of their own.
The story revolves around a group of midlife yogis who become entangled in each others' lives.
While they question the morality of falling in love 'at their age,' the author looks at aspects of vibrant, later-in-life relationships, with a dollop of humour thrown in.
Life just got a whole lot more romantic in the village of Pelican Cove. Meryl has to choose between suave, 'Captain Underpants' and 'Gardening Pop,' each with another admirer of their own.
The story revolves around a group of midlife yogis who become entangled in each others' lives.
While they question the morality of falling in love 'at their age,' the author looks at aspects of vibrant, later-in-life relationships, with a dollop of humour thrown in.
- GenresRomance
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2025
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Elora Canne
6 books36 followersWriter of life, both real and imagined
* Memoir * Novella * Blog * Affirmations Journal * Anthology
* Memoir * Novella * Blog * Affirmations Journal * Anthology
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Love & Laughter (and other disasters) is a contemporary novella that follows the lives of handful of characters who are all around the age of sixty. They live in a seaside town in Australia and the story follows a short period where romance blooms as bountifully as the garden flora.
This is a light-hearted story which skips along at a fair pace and offers a few giggles along the way. With the number of characters and the short length of the book there was little room for character development and I missed the time to really get to know the individuals.
On the plus side, this is a feel-good tale and a quick read. I must also mention the lovely book cover.
Love & Laughter (and other disasters) is a contemporary novella that follows the lives of handful of characters who are all around the age of sixty. They live in a seaside town in Australia and the story follows a short period where romance blooms as bountifully as the garden flora.
This is a light-hearted story which skips along at a fair pace and offers a few giggles along the way. With the number of characters and the short length of the book there was little room for character development and I missed the time to really get to know the individuals.
On the plus side, this is a feel-good tale and a quick read. I must also mention the lovely book cover.
February 21, 2026
This book was a delightful read. It's full of qwerky loveable moments, which had me sniggering and laughing out loud.
Midlife has never been more fun living in Pelican Cove with weekly yoga classes, celebrating birthdays in the park, gardening tips online, coffee or dancing dates.
The love triangles and midlife finding love will have you engaged from the beginning to the end.
Loved it 😍
Midlife has never been more fun living in Pelican Cove with weekly yoga classes, celebrating birthdays in the park, gardening tips online, coffee or dancing dates.
The love triangles and midlife finding love will have you engaged from the beginning to the end.
Loved it 😍
August 26, 2025
An amusing read. I found this humorous story about learning to date after retirement thoroughly enjoyable, with witty dialogue and relatable situations. I experienced that gut-wrenching feeling myself in my late 20s when my husband unexpectedly passed away; feeling utterly unprepared, it was a truly terrifying experience. But I can’t imagine doing it again, especially this late in life. Elora Canne has outdone herself with this book, and I excitedly await more captivating stories from her.
March 16, 2025
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This short novella is a lovely, gently humorous story about a group of mature men and women finding love and romance after retirement, via their hobbies of gardening and baking, and regular meet-ups for senior yoga – they have far better social lives than I do and are definitely more sprightly!
The characters are all totally believable and the romcom-ish second chance romances blossoming between various couple really bring out their young-at-heart sides, as they blush and giggle like teenagers and wonder whether they can date someone their friend likes if they were asked first.
Light-hearted, warm in tone and very easy to read, with little touches of humour in the details and dialogue and very endearing characters, this is perfect for a quick uplifting spring read.
This short novella is a lovely, gently humorous story about a group of mature men and women finding love and romance after retirement, via their hobbies of gardening and baking, and regular meet-ups for senior yoga – they have far better social lives than I do and are definitely more sprightly!
The characters are all totally believable and the romcom-ish second chance romances blossoming between various couple really bring out their young-at-heart sides, as they blush and giggle like teenagers and wonder whether they can date someone their friend likes if they were asked first.
Light-hearted, warm in tone and very easy to read, with little touches of humour in the details and dialogue and very endearing characters, this is perfect for a quick uplifting spring read.
March 20, 2025
A page turner
What a fun rom com! I was able to read in one sitting. Canne brilliantly describes the plight of midlife relationships in this gripping account of the dating lives of those entering their golden years. You don't want to miss this one!
What a fun rom com! I was able to read in one sitting. Canne brilliantly describes the plight of midlife relationships in this gripping account of the dating lives of those entering their golden years. You don't want to miss this one!
March 22, 2025
Love and Laughter
A charming story about mid-life people and romance. Just goes to show, romance can sometimes be just as complicated when you are older as it can be when you are young. A delightful story, I loved it.
A charming story about mid-life people and romance. Just goes to show, romance can sometimes be just as complicated when you are older as it can be when you are young. A delightful story, I loved it.
March 16, 2025
Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) is a cosy romcom novella set in an Australian retirement community called Pelican Cove. Pelican Cove, or at least the friend group which has grown out of the ‘Waddle Over’ gentle yoga class, is a real hotbed of dating activity for the over sixties! There are three new couples introduced to the reader during the novella. The main characters are mostly widows and widowers looking for some companionship in midlife. Their approaches to dating are cautious, yet eager, but one of them, Glenda is a little too unsubtle for her own good. She knows what/who she wants and is not afraid to ask! Unfortunately for her this kind of forthright behaviour is not appreciated by the object of her affection. Fickle by nature, she soon finds someone else to focus on with the help of her hairdresser/amateur therapist friend!
Meryl and Louis were my favourite couple. Only widowed a year before the story, Meryl is worried it is too soon to be moving on and has concerns about her children’s opinions about her seeing someone new. She was a relatable character whose happiness it was easy to root for. Her new beau, known to the group by the nickname ‘Captain Underpants’ is the object of lust of another member of the group which causes a few awkward moments, but luckily for Meryl although open to friendship from anyone, he only has eyes for her romantically!
Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) was a highly enjoyable, positive story to read on my vacation and I thoroughly enjoyed its lighthearted approach to love in midlife! Pelican Cove sounds like a wonderful place to retire to, I wonder how I can get my name on the waitlist?!
Meryl and Louis were my favourite couple. Only widowed a year before the story, Meryl is worried it is too soon to be moving on and has concerns about her children’s opinions about her seeing someone new. She was a relatable character whose happiness it was easy to root for. Her new beau, known to the group by the nickname ‘Captain Underpants’ is the object of lust of another member of the group which causes a few awkward moments, but luckily for Meryl although open to friendship from anyone, he only has eyes for her romantically!
Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) was a highly enjoyable, positive story to read on my vacation and I thoroughly enjoyed its lighthearted approach to love in midlife! Pelican Cove sounds like a wonderful place to retire to, I wonder how I can get my name on the waitlist?!
March 14, 2025
✅My thoughts:
The story brings us into the life’s of a very eclectic group of midlife yogis. Things get really interesting when we get entangled into their relationships.
A perfect later-in-life story…..falling in love as older adults. It was fun to sit on the sidelines and watch the story unfold.
The humorous and banter aspect kept me smiling.
The story brings us into the life’s of a very eclectic group of midlife yogis. Things get really interesting when we get entangled into their relationships.
A perfect later-in-life story…..falling in love as older adults. It was fun to sit on the sidelines and watch the story unfold.
The humorous and banter aspect kept me smiling.
January 6, 2026
I devoured Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) by Elora Canne in a single, blissful afternoon while on holiday. This delightful novella is a lighthearted and joyful romp through the charming village of Pelican Cove, brimming with quirky characters that I couldn’t help but adore.
The story centres around Meryl, who finds herself torn between two intriguing suitors: the suave yoga class participant Louis, affectionately nicknamed ‘Captain Underpants,’ and the mysterious ‘Gardening Pop,’ with whom she shares a blossoming friendship over a local gardening forum. As Meryl navigates unsolicited feelings and moral dilemmas about falling in love ‘at her age,’ the narrative beautifully explores vibrant, later-in-life relationships, all with a generous dollop of humour.
The author's writing is both well-crafted and uplifting, making it an absolute pleasure to read. The interactions among the group of midlife yogis are filled with tenderness, humor, and genuine connection, reflecting the complexities and joys of finding love later in life. The author does a wonderful job of portraying these dynamics, making the characters’ journeys both relatable and heartwarming.
This feel-good romance, sprinkled with comedy, is an easy and enjoyable read that left me with a smile on my face. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a charming escape into a world where love and laughter prevail, no matter the age.
Highly recommended for a delightful, uplifting read anytime.
The story centres around Meryl, who finds herself torn between two intriguing suitors: the suave yoga class participant Louis, affectionately nicknamed ‘Captain Underpants,’ and the mysterious ‘Gardening Pop,’ with whom she shares a blossoming friendship over a local gardening forum. As Meryl navigates unsolicited feelings and moral dilemmas about falling in love ‘at her age,’ the narrative beautifully explores vibrant, later-in-life relationships, all with a generous dollop of humour.
The author's writing is both well-crafted and uplifting, making it an absolute pleasure to read. The interactions among the group of midlife yogis are filled with tenderness, humor, and genuine connection, reflecting the complexities and joys of finding love later in life. The author does a wonderful job of portraying these dynamics, making the characters’ journeys both relatable and heartwarming.
This feel-good romance, sprinkled with comedy, is an easy and enjoyable read that left me with a smile on my face. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a charming escape into a world where love and laughter prevail, no matter the age.
Highly recommended for a delightful, uplifting read anytime.
March 14, 2025
First, I want to thank Elora Canne for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Oh Elora Canne, your book Love & Laughter (and other disasters) was a breath of fresh air compared to the psychological thrillers I am used to reading!! Your book put a koolaid smile on my face, many times gave me a chuckle or two, and gave me an eye opening look at dating when I get older.
Amber Grosjean did an incredible job designing Elora’s cover for her book. It was absolutely stunning and with bright beautiful colors. It was an eye-catching cover that makes you want to know more about the book.
My heart broke for Meryl who lost her husband Arthur and was conflicted if she should pursue happiness with someone else this late in life. What would her daughter think of this turn of events? Would she approve?
I laughed that she wrote a pro/con list of why she should or should not date him.
Elora not only let Meryl express her feelings but Louis got to express his anxieties as well that was refreshing to see.
This is an adorable, cute, fast paced read, one sitting read.
Oh Elora Canne, your book Love & Laughter (and other disasters) was a breath of fresh air compared to the psychological thrillers I am used to reading!! Your book put a koolaid smile on my face, many times gave me a chuckle or two, and gave me an eye opening look at dating when I get older.
Amber Grosjean did an incredible job designing Elora’s cover for her book. It was absolutely stunning and with bright beautiful colors. It was an eye-catching cover that makes you want to know more about the book.
My heart broke for Meryl who lost her husband Arthur and was conflicted if she should pursue happiness with someone else this late in life. What would her daughter think of this turn of events? Would she approve?
I laughed that she wrote a pro/con list of why she should or should not date him.
Elora not only let Meryl express her feelings but Louis got to express his anxieties as well that was refreshing to see.
This is an adorable, cute, fast paced read, one sitting read.
March 15, 2025
Clever and quirky, this is a character-driven feel-good story. It's a delight to read a later-in-life romance. Watch out for the online gardening advice chat - you'll laugh-out-loud.
March 13, 2025
A very light-hearted, easy book to read. A feel-good romance with a little comedy sprinkled in. I would have liked to know what Meryl had said ‘Oh!’ about at the end of chapter 2. Maybe Elora can let us know on social media (wink, wink).
I enjoyed the way Elora describes everything in the story. It gives flight to the imagination. I must say, all these ‘seasoned’ ladies seem very sprightly haha! They are all still very active for their age which is great! What a lovely story of finding love at any age and still enjoying life even if you’re older in life.
I had a giggle at how these older people broached their new relationships like a bunch of teenagers, which just goes to show that it really doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still act like a lovesick fool and it’s okay.
I loved the storyline and would like to take this opportunity to thank Elora for sending me the ARC to review. It was a fun read. It took me a few hours to read and was a pleasant way to spend my afternoon relaxing and immersing myself in someone else’s world.
You will love this book if you enjoy romcoms that are clean and those that enjoy reading about mid-life romances. This book is being released today, so do yourself a favour and go and get it for yourself. I have included the link above but you can also click here.
I also have an interview with Elora Canne which I posted last week. If you want to know the author behind the book, then go and have a look at that post.
I enjoyed the way Elora describes everything in the story. It gives flight to the imagination. I must say, all these ‘seasoned’ ladies seem very sprightly haha! They are all still very active for their age which is great! What a lovely story of finding love at any age and still enjoying life even if you’re older in life.
I had a giggle at how these older people broached their new relationships like a bunch of teenagers, which just goes to show that it really doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still act like a lovesick fool and it’s okay.
I loved the storyline and would like to take this opportunity to thank Elora for sending me the ARC to review. It was a fun read. It took me a few hours to read and was a pleasant way to spend my afternoon relaxing and immersing myself in someone else’s world.
You will love this book if you enjoy romcoms that are clean and those that enjoy reading about mid-life romances. This book is being released today, so do yourself a favour and go and get it for yourself. I have included the link above but you can also click here.
I also have an interview with Elora Canne which I posted last week. If you want to know the author behind the book, then go and have a look at that post.
February 3, 2025
Elora, you've created a haven in Pelican Cove! I loved each of the characters in this, their personalities shone through and I've really enjoyed this! I love the banter between each person in the yoga group, you can see the flirting happening and the side eyes of acknowledgement from the outsiders.
I found Meryl to be my fave, a bit flirty but also knowing what she wants. Louis is a cutie too, knows his morals and also knows who and what he wants and doesn't want! Reading of the disastrous date made me chuckle, also of Meryl flirting with "Gardening Pop" on the forum. Didi's group sounds fun, with cake and coffee after sounds fab, maybe I need to find a group like that for myself! Fresh air and friendships are created, perfect!
There is nothing wrong with finding love and happiness in later life, your late partner would want to see you happy, so go for it!
I found Meryl to be my fave, a bit flirty but also knowing what she wants. Louis is a cutie too, knows his morals and also knows who and what he wants and doesn't want! Reading of the disastrous date made me chuckle, also of Meryl flirting with "Gardening Pop" on the forum. Didi's group sounds fun, with cake and coffee after sounds fab, maybe I need to find a group like that for myself! Fresh air and friendships are created, perfect!
There is nothing wrong with finding love and happiness in later life, your late partner would want to see you happy, so go for it!
March 15, 2025
What an absolute delightful story! It's a light hearted and easy to read story which I read in a matter of hours.
Loved that the story is well descriptive, which helped me to feel as if I was there in Pelican Cove. I felt immediately drawn to the eclectic cast of characters, they certainly made me laugh, especially Meryl. Loved how supportive the friends were with one another, and in regards to dipping their toes in the dating pool again. They became more like teenagers again and all giddy with excitement.
This is a story full of hope. It showed that love can find you at any age, and we all need companionship and happiness. This book makes for the perfect read with a warm drink, as it felt like receiving a hug from a bunch of friends. Fantastic rom-com, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Loved that the story is well descriptive, which helped me to feel as if I was there in Pelican Cove. I felt immediately drawn to the eclectic cast of characters, they certainly made me laugh, especially Meryl. Loved how supportive the friends were with one another, and in regards to dipping their toes in the dating pool again. They became more like teenagers again and all giddy with excitement.
This is a story full of hope. It showed that love can find you at any age, and we all need companionship and happiness. This book makes for the perfect read with a warm drink, as it felt like receiving a hug from a bunch of friends. Fantastic rom-com, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 13, 2025
What a delightful story! It's nice to read a book with engaging, mature characters. The banter is friendly and lively as a group of friends and neighbors in their early 60s explore life and love in their retirement years. The novel is full of entertaining characters, humor, and romance.
I loved how the characters reminded me of nervous teenagers going out on their first dates. Many of the characters are widows and widowers dipping their toes in the dating pool again, and are just as nervous as a sixteen-year-old.
Love & Laughter is a heartwarming, original story I thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend this novel for anyone looking for a feel good, enjoyable read. I look forward to the author's next book.
I loved how the characters reminded me of nervous teenagers going out on their first dates. Many of the characters are widows and widowers dipping their toes in the dating pool again, and are just as nervous as a sixteen-year-old.
Love & Laughter is a heartwarming, original story I thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend this novel for anyone looking for a feel good, enjoyable read. I look forward to the author's next book.
March 16, 2025
This is a lovely heartwarming story about a group of friends, all in midlife, who join each other for yoga glasses.
Elora Canne brought the village of Pelican Cove alive with her wonderful characters.
Filled with humour and love.
If you wondered if midlife romances work, you should read Love & Laughter.
I love the cover too.
Elora Canne brought the village of Pelican Cove alive with her wonderful characters.
Filled with humour and love.
If you wondered if midlife romances work, you should read Love & Laughter.
I love the cover too.
March 6, 2025
An engaging and romantic story, full of wit and heart, with endearing characters. Louis is my favourite, he is such a dear.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 7, 2025
The sweetest heartwarming rom-com. I was immediately drawn to the eclectic characters and their unique blends of humour and heart, reminding me of the joys of love, new and old.
I greatly recommend getting lost in the feels that Love & Laughter evoke.
I greatly recommend getting lost in the feels that Love & Laughter evoke.
December 28, 2025
Love and Laughter (and other disasters) is a charming second-chance love story set in Pelican Cove, Australia. Our main characters all manage to entangle themselves with either doubt or overconfidence, which leads to many dilemmas for those involved, especially poor Louis, as they work out their feelings for one another.
This was a lovely tale, light-hearted and fun and sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
This was a lovely tale, light-hearted and fun and sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
March 14, 2025
"Love and Laughter" by Elora Canne is a charming and heartwarming novel that follows the budding romance between a few of the residents , four individuals who find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other.
The story is filled with moments of tenderness, humor, and genuine connection between the characters, and the author does a wonderful job of capturing the magic of new love.
The setting of Pelican Cove, with its quiet lanes and cozy cafes, adds to the romantic atmosphere, and readers will find themselves rooting for these couples as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship.
In addition to the sweet romance between Fred and Clarisse, "Love and Laughter" also explores the relationship between Meryl and Louis, both of whom are widowed and hesitant to explore the possibility of love again.
Meryl, in particular, struggles with the idea of opening her heart to someone new, and her journey of self-discovery and healing is both poignant and relatable.
The yoga community serves as a connecting thread between the four characters, bringing them together in unexpected ways and allowing them to find comfort and support in each other as they navigate their grief and find the courage to embrace new possibilities.
In Elora Cane's delightful rom-com, "Love and Laughter," the message of hope and the power of love to heal and reinvigorate shines through.
The story reminds us that love can find us at any age, and that it's never too late to open our hearts and embrace the magic of connection and companionship.
March 5, 2025
Romance fiction isn’t my usual go-to, but I decided to pick up "Love & Laughter - and Other Disasters" to support a fellow Aussie author Elora Canne and share my thoughts in a review.
Through "Love & Laughter - and Other Disasters", I met a cast of characters, all in their mid-to-late 60s, who longed for companionship and love. Though they lived in a friendly neighbourhood where everyone knew each other’s business, they weren’t truly alone. What they longed for was someone to lean on, to share outings with, and perhaps even to find romance.
The story’s heart lies in a yoga class set in the local park of Pelican Cove. From there, each chapter takes the reader on a journey through the lives of its central characters, including Meryl, Louis, Fred, and Clarisse. Adding charm to the narrative, the neighbourhood cats roam freely from house to house, befriending each resident they encounter.
"Love & Laughter - and Other Disasters" is an engaging and vividly descriptive novel, filled with light-hearted and heart-warming moments. It beautifully reminds us that love has no age limit—it's never too late to find companionship, connection, and happiness.
Through "Love & Laughter - and Other Disasters", I met a cast of characters, all in their mid-to-late 60s, who longed for companionship and love. Though they lived in a friendly neighbourhood where everyone knew each other’s business, they weren’t truly alone. What they longed for was someone to lean on, to share outings with, and perhaps even to find romance.
The story’s heart lies in a yoga class set in the local park of Pelican Cove. From there, each chapter takes the reader on a journey through the lives of its central characters, including Meryl, Louis, Fred, and Clarisse. Adding charm to the narrative, the neighbourhood cats roam freely from house to house, befriending each resident they encounter.
"Love & Laughter - and Other Disasters" is an engaging and vividly descriptive novel, filled with light-hearted and heart-warming moments. It beautifully reminds us that love has no age limit—it's never too late to find companionship, connection, and happiness.
March 13, 2025
Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) is a brilliant read. I adored it and felt like part of the Pelican Cove community! The characters were wonderful; both human and animal! The storyline, sub plots, and characters were all engaging, relatable, and their own unique personality.
This novella is a perfect holiday or weekend read that’s guaranteed to make you laugh and smile
A heartwarming read of friendship, flirtation, and finding second chances. I devoured this book that felt like a warm hug and a delicious
cup of tea with a slice of satisfying cake!
This novella is a perfect holiday or weekend read that’s guaranteed to make you laugh and smile
A heartwarming read of friendship, flirtation, and finding second chances. I devoured this book that felt like a warm hug and a delicious
cup of tea with a slice of satisfying cake!
March 30, 2025
A cute rom-com dealing with life as a senior. It's involves the interactions between women and men of Pelican Cove that find themselves back in the dating game either from a loss of a spouse or a chosen life. Life looks different for them now that they have passed the stage of their lives where finding a mate was easy and carefree. Are they too old to find love again?
You'll have to read to find out for yourself!
You'll have to read to find out for yourself!
February 23, 2025
I love a book with older characters. This book is full of heart and humour. A wonderful feel good read.
March 26, 2025
3.5 stars for me. This story was cute. I feel like there aren’t many middle aged/retired romances out there and this one was it. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy with the interactions, maybe because of the age. I could see myself reading more of the series to see where the lives of these characters go. Clean romance. Thank you to the author for providing me a copy to read and give an honest review.
March 14, 2025
Love and Laughter by Elora Canne
"Love and Laughter" by Elora Canne is a charming and heartwarming novel that follows the budding romance between a few of the residents , four individuals who find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other.
The story is filled with moments of tenderness, humor, and genuine connection between the characters, and the author does a wonderful job of capturing the magic of new love.
The setting of Pelican Cove, with its quiet lanes and cozy cafes, adds to the romantic atmosphere, and readers will find themselves rooting for these couples as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship.
In addition to the sweet romance between Fred and Clarisse, "Love and Laughter" also explores the relationship between Meryl and Louis, both of whom are widowed and hesitant to explore the possibility of love again.
Meryl, in particular, struggles with the idea of opening her heart to someone new, and her journey of self-discovery and healing is both poignant and relatable.
The yoga community serves as a connecting thread between the four characters, bringing them together in unexpected ways and allowing them to find comfort and support in each other as they navigate their grief and find the courage to embrace new possibilities.
In Elora Cane's delightful rom-com, "Love and Laughter," the message of hope and the power of love to heal and reinvigorate shines through.
The story reminds us that love can find us at any age, and that it's never too late to open our hearts and embrace the magic of connection and companionship.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews