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Old Girls #2
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape
Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
January 12, 2025
All my reviews can be found on:
The Book Review Crew Blog
When I finished reading the first book about these characters, Old Girls Behaving Badly , I immediately asked the author if there was going to be a sequel and she confirmed there was. I have been sitting on this secret for nine months! This is my third book by this author and I have a fourth on my to-be-read pile.
Kate Galley never disappoints in this one, we are in the south of France and Dot is up to her regular mischief, no good and nosing around. Gina is sent to help Meridith look after her husband. Meridith is a writer and has broken her arm so she asks Gina to type up her memoir. Dot wants Gina to find information on Meredith and to know the big secret she is writing about. Galley writes her stories like the old-time slapstick comedies and I am so here for it. I felt like I was in France with Gina because it was so descriptive without being wordy. It was like a friend telling me about her vacation. The chapters alternate between different points of view which is my favourite format.
The book is a story full of heart and humour with a pinch of mystery thrown in for good measure. As with all of Kate Galley's books, the focus is on strong women who are of a certain age. Galley writes loveable characters with realistic flaws and the ladies are women who I wish I was friends with. I like that there was just a touch of romance even though the characters are older. The elderly ladies are vibrant, and not feeble. They remind me of my mom and grandmother, charming and funny and not afraid to tell people to go kick rocks.
Even though there are the same characters from the previous book both books can be read as a standalone but work much better together. I recommend them both, I recommend all of Kate Galley's books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
When I finished reading the first book about these characters, Old Girls Behaving Badly , I immediately asked the author if there was going to be a sequel and she confirmed there was. I have been sitting on this secret for nine months! This is my third book by this author and I have a fourth on my to-be-read pile.
Kate Galley never disappoints in this one, we are in the south of France and Dot is up to her regular mischief, no good and nosing around. Gina is sent to help Meridith look after her husband. Meridith is a writer and has broken her arm so she asks Gina to type up her memoir. Dot wants Gina to find information on Meredith and to know the big secret she is writing about. Galley writes her stories like the old-time slapstick comedies and I am so here for it. I felt like I was in France with Gina because it was so descriptive without being wordy. It was like a friend telling me about her vacation. The chapters alternate between different points of view which is my favourite format.
The book is a story full of heart and humour with a pinch of mystery thrown in for good measure. As with all of Kate Galley's books, the focus is on strong women who are of a certain age. Galley writes loveable characters with realistic flaws and the ladies are women who I wish I was friends with. I like that there was just a touch of romance even though the characters are older. The elderly ladies are vibrant, and not feeble. They remind me of my mom and grandmother, charming and funny and not afraid to tell people to go kick rocks.
Even though there are the same characters from the previous book both books can be read as a standalone but work much better together. I recommend them both, I recommend all of Kate Galley's books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 17, 2025
EXCERPT: Dorothy let her eyes scan the wanted advertisement for a second time before she clicked her mouse to exit the page. She sat back in her late husband's chair, her fingers resting on his walnut desk as she looked out of the window down the stretch of garden to the boathouse.
So, it was official, Meredith and Gerald really did need a companion. Dorothy's friend Barbara had been right when she'd spoken to her on the phone; it wasn't just gossip. The ad didn't mention the book, though. Barbara had heard that Meredith was writing her memoir and she had suggested it was going to be a tell-all affair. Dorothy shuddered at the thought.
They had made a pact not to ever talk about what they had done in the summer of 1970, but perhaps Meredith had changed her mind. Dorothy hadn't seen her for years. How could she know what she might or might not write about now?
Of course, Gina must go; she was perfect for the position. As soon as the thought entered Dorothy's head, she felt a pang of guilt. Gina Knight - the woman Dorothy had dismissed as a mousy nobody when she'd first seen her, had since become one of her greatest friends and was now occupying the boathouse at the end of Dorothy's garden. If she could get Gina to accept the role and fly to the south of France, she would be in the perfect place to report back to Dorothy on the contents of this memoir.
Was it too much to ask her new friend? She pushed her chair back and reached for her walking stick, which she'd left propped against the filing cabinet. Dorothy was eighty-nine and only operated at one speed now, and she used it to get her out of Philip's office and down the garden to the boathouse. This might very well be asking too much of her new friend, but there was a lot at stake and she was going to ask, regardless.
ABOUT 'THE OLD GIRLS' CHATEAU ESCAPE': Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the fourth book I have read by Kate Galley, and they have all been exceptional reads. Galley has the knack of creating characters that I would like to hang out with and get to know better; characters I would like to join on their jaunts and spend more time with.
Dorothy is quite entitled and more than a little bossy and interfering, but she has a good and generous heart. Gina is also good-hearted, plus a calming influence and a problem solver. But when asked to try and uncover certain information, she has some reservations. I was suspicious of Adele (as the author intended) an English woman in the villa beside Gina's and who seems to have far too many questions about Meredith and Gerald and, at one point, Lucien, the acting hotel manager.
There is a lovely storyline involving old and fractured friendships, dementia, teenage pregnancy, adoption, miscarriages, and a gambling addiction, with a raft of thefts thrown in for good measure. There's always something going on and, although these are all serious subjects, Galley manages to keep the tone of the novel upbeat and uplifting.
I'm sure we're going to see many more adventures involving Gina and Dorothy and I, for one, can't wait!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BRANDNEWfromKateGalley #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Kate Galley lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration comes from the many varied lives of her clients as a mobile hairdresser, and the inspiration for this book came from one woman's tale of a hilarious Christmas coach trip.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Golden Girls Road Trip by Kate Galley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I enjoyed combining reading with listening to Old Girls' Chateau Escape written by Kate Galley and narrated by Patricia Gallimore. I liked both formats equally.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
So, it was official, Meredith and Gerald really did need a companion. Dorothy's friend Barbara had been right when she'd spoken to her on the phone; it wasn't just gossip. The ad didn't mention the book, though. Barbara had heard that Meredith was writing her memoir and she had suggested it was going to be a tell-all affair. Dorothy shuddered at the thought.
They had made a pact not to ever talk about what they had done in the summer of 1970, but perhaps Meredith had changed her mind. Dorothy hadn't seen her for years. How could she know what she might or might not write about now?
Of course, Gina must go; she was perfect for the position. As soon as the thought entered Dorothy's head, she felt a pang of guilt. Gina Knight - the woman Dorothy had dismissed as a mousy nobody when she'd first seen her, had since become one of her greatest friends and was now occupying the boathouse at the end of Dorothy's garden. If she could get Gina to accept the role and fly to the south of France, she would be in the perfect place to report back to Dorothy on the contents of this memoir.
Was it too much to ask her new friend? She pushed her chair back and reached for her walking stick, which she'd left propped against the filing cabinet. Dorothy was eighty-nine and only operated at one speed now, and she used it to get her out of Philip's office and down the garden to the boathouse. This might very well be asking too much of her new friend, but there was a lot at stake and she was going to ask, regardless.
ABOUT 'THE OLD GIRLS' CHATEAU ESCAPE': Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the fourth book I have read by Kate Galley, and they have all been exceptional reads. Galley has the knack of creating characters that I would like to hang out with and get to know better; characters I would like to join on their jaunts and spend more time with.
Dorothy is quite entitled and more than a little bossy and interfering, but she has a good and generous heart. Gina is also good-hearted, plus a calming influence and a problem solver. But when asked to try and uncover certain information, she has some reservations. I was suspicious of Adele (as the author intended) an English woman in the villa beside Gina's and who seems to have far too many questions about Meredith and Gerald and, at one point, Lucien, the acting hotel manager.
There is a lovely storyline involving old and fractured friendships, dementia, teenage pregnancy, adoption, miscarriages, and a gambling addiction, with a raft of thefts thrown in for good measure. There's always something going on and, although these are all serious subjects, Galley manages to keep the tone of the novel upbeat and uplifting.
I'm sure we're going to see many more adventures involving Gina and Dorothy and I, for one, can't wait!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BRANDNEWfromKateGalley #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Kate Galley lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration comes from the many varied lives of her clients as a mobile hairdresser, and the inspiration for this book came from one woman's tale of a hilarious Christmas coach trip.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Golden Girls Road Trip by Kate Galley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I enjoyed combining reading with listening to Old Girls' Chateau Escape written by Kate Galley and narrated by Patricia Gallimore. I liked both formats equally.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 31, 2025
Seventy one year old Gina Knight was eighty nine year old Dorothy Reed's companion, and they had struck up a close friendship. Now, while Dorothy was on a cruise with some other friends, Gina was heading to France to be companion/carer for Meredith Harper and her husband Gerald, who was in the early stages of dementia. Meredith and Gerald had recently moved to a chateau owned by her daughter and son in law, and the plan was Rose would take care of them, while working in the chateau. But when Rose and Hugo's son was seriously injured in an accident, they flew to be by his side, which was where Gina came in.
Meredith was a writer and was going to do her memoir. But she had broken her arm, so Gina would be her typist - a fact Dorothy knew about; she wanted Gina to spy on Meredith as many years ago she and Dorothy had been close friends. There had been much mischief in their young pasts, and Dorothy didn't want certain secrets coming to light. That put Gina in a spot...
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the 2nd in the Old Girls series by Kate Galley and I loved it! I read and fully enjoyed the first - Old Girls Behaving Badly - and was delighted to find a second book featuring the fearless, caring and full-of-life Dorothy and Gina! I certainly hope Ms Galley is writing more about these wonderful old girls! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Meredith was a writer and was going to do her memoir. But she had broken her arm, so Gina would be her typist - a fact Dorothy knew about; she wanted Gina to spy on Meredith as many years ago she and Dorothy had been close friends. There had been much mischief in their young pasts, and Dorothy didn't want certain secrets coming to light. That put Gina in a spot...
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the 2nd in the Old Girls series by Kate Galley and I loved it! I read and fully enjoyed the first - Old Girls Behaving Badly - and was delighted to find a second book featuring the fearless, caring and full-of-life Dorothy and Gina! I certainly hope Ms Galley is writing more about these wonderful old girls! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
January 8, 2025
Book 2 of Gina and Dorothy’s “Old Girls Behaving Badly” relationship finds Gina in France as a companion to elderly couple, Meredith and Gerald. As Meredith navigates being a full-time caregiver to her husband, Gerald, who has dementia, she finds herself with a broken arm in need of her own help.
On the suggestion from Dorothy, Gina takes the opportunity to help Meredith - but with more than being a companion. Dorothy has enlisted Gina to not only help Meredith, but to see what she is up to with regards to writing a memior. Dorothy is afraid that the memior will reveal a secret that she has been hiding. What starts out as a simple favor for Dorothy and a job for Gina turns to a story of friendship, love, and resilience.
With humor and a little mystery thrown in to complete this well-written story, Kate Galley delivers an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I have not read the 1st book in this series, but I am looking forward to reading it, as well as everything else Galley has to offer. Thank you Netgally for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. 5 ⭐️
On the suggestion from Dorothy, Gina takes the opportunity to help Meredith - but with more than being a companion. Dorothy has enlisted Gina to not only help Meredith, but to see what she is up to with regards to writing a memior. Dorothy is afraid that the memior will reveal a secret that she has been hiding. What starts out as a simple favor for Dorothy and a job for Gina turns to a story of friendship, love, and resilience.
With humor and a little mystery thrown in to complete this well-written story, Kate Galley delivers an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I have not read the 1st book in this series, but I am looking forward to reading it, as well as everything else Galley has to offer. Thank you Netgally for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. 5 ⭐️
December 31, 2024
I've read the previous book, Old Girls Behaving Badly, and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I dived into the Old Girl's Chateau Escape, excited to catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones.
Gina is a woman in her seventies who previously ended up being Dorothy's companion, a woman twenty years her senior.
Somehow, Dorothy gets wind of a situation where a couple needs a companion for a short while and feels Gina would be ideal for the job, especially as she has a personal interest in this couple.
Gina agrees to go and travels to the South of France to help Meredith, a novelist, and her husband while their daughter has had to disappear in an emergency.
So much happens, and Gina proves to be a great problem solver and someone everyone ends up warming to, even the secretive, prickly Meredith.
There is a little mystery, an inkling of romance and lots of giggles to be had. Dorothy ends up in the mix, and causes her own ripples while there.
I really enjoyed reading this, and wonder whether Gina and Dorothy have any more adventures up their sleeves?
Gina is a woman in her seventies who previously ended up being Dorothy's companion, a woman twenty years her senior.
Somehow, Dorothy gets wind of a situation where a couple needs a companion for a short while and feels Gina would be ideal for the job, especially as she has a personal interest in this couple.
Gina agrees to go and travels to the South of France to help Meredith, a novelist, and her husband while their daughter has had to disappear in an emergency.
So much happens, and Gina proves to be a great problem solver and someone everyone ends up warming to, even the secretive, prickly Meredith.
There is a little mystery, an inkling of romance and lots of giggles to be had. Dorothy ends up in the mix, and causes her own ripples while there.
I really enjoyed reading this, and wonder whether Gina and Dorothy have any more adventures up their sleeves?
March 5, 2025
This book was fine, but it didn't feel like a mystery. Our main character wasn't actually actively trying to learn things; it was more that things just happened around her. It all felt very...standard, I guess. I also felt like this was the second in a series, but that wasn't indicated anywhere in the description, so I felt a bit annoyed about that.
February 15, 2025
Kate is such a good storyteller, always keeping the reader guessing - just when you think you’ve worked something out there’s a curveball. Another excellent story, unfolding slowly so you don’t get bored. I’m pretty sure she’s left the door open for a third adventure with Gina and Dorothy and I can’t wait!
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May 10, 2025dnf about 60% in
I found the book a bit boring and
I found the book a bit boring and
January 31, 2025
This book is set in the South of France, and I could practically feel the sun upon my face.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
April 1, 2025
Love this series!
April 11, 2025
I have enjoyed previously read books by Kate Galley, but this one just didn’t click with me as much as I had hoped. I think it fell flat for me and the characters just didn’t appeal to me. Though I enjoy books with older women exploring life and the mix of female friendships, the plot just didn’t achieve anything exciting. But this is a light and fairly quick read, so it might be something you would enjoy reading on a quiet Saturday afternoon.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
February 2, 2025
Uplifting and engaging, The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley is sure to delight!
Gina Knight got the shock of her life when her husband walked out on her after four decades of marriage! At seventy-one, she never imagined that she would be starting over, but just when she thought that everything was hopeless, she meets Dorothy Reed who, at nearly 90 years old, puts women half her age to shame with her zest for life and her joie de vivre. Dorothy had rescued Gina when she was most in need and when she asks her for a favour, Gina doesn’t hesitate. But does she know just what she has let herself in for?
Going to a French chateau to be a companion to writer Meredith Harper was a no-brainer for Gina. However, on her arrival, Gina finds Meredith in ill health and in the throes of writing her memoirs! Realising that she was sent by Dorothy to spy, Gina needs to get the scoop on what Meredith is putting in her book before anyone else! But just what is the writer plotting to put in her memoirs? And can Gina discover Meredith’s secrets before her cover is blown?
What a joy it is to read Kate Galley’s The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape! Warm, witty and gloriously escapist, this wonderful tale is full of Gallic flavour, larger than life characters who prove that there is no age limit to being fabulous and plenty of humour, drama and secrets to keep those pages turning! A must-read for Judy Leigh fans, The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley should not be missed!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gina Knight got the shock of her life when her husband walked out on her after four decades of marriage! At seventy-one, she never imagined that she would be starting over, but just when she thought that everything was hopeless, she meets Dorothy Reed who, at nearly 90 years old, puts women half her age to shame with her zest for life and her joie de vivre. Dorothy had rescued Gina when she was most in need and when she asks her for a favour, Gina doesn’t hesitate. But does she know just what she has let herself in for?
Going to a French chateau to be a companion to writer Meredith Harper was a no-brainer for Gina. However, on her arrival, Gina finds Meredith in ill health and in the throes of writing her memoirs! Realising that she was sent by Dorothy to spy, Gina needs to get the scoop on what Meredith is putting in her book before anyone else! But just what is the writer plotting to put in her memoirs? And can Gina discover Meredith’s secrets before her cover is blown?
What a joy it is to read Kate Galley’s The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape! Warm, witty and gloriously escapist, this wonderful tale is full of Gallic flavour, larger than life characters who prove that there is no age limit to being fabulous and plenty of humour, drama and secrets to keep those pages turning! A must-read for Judy Leigh fans, The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley should not be missed!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2025
My first Netgalley ARC read. Unfortunately, it was disappointing.
https://thebookstoryblog.wordpress.co...
This is apparently part of a series and I haven’t read the first book, but that’s not the reason why the book didn’t work for me. It did not deliver what the title and cover promised.
Seventy-one year old Gina Knight is kind of manipulated by Dorothy, her eighty-nine-year-old friend/ employer into travelling to Marseilles to work as a companion to Dorothy’s estranged friend Meredith. Dorothy learns that Meredith is planning to write a tell-all book and she is terrified that an old secret may be revealed. So she enlists Gina to travel to France and keep an eye on Meredith. The book starts off with so much promise and I was looking forward to some steamy, racy, shocking secret that the women had been hiding for more than half a century. On a parallel track, there is Lucien the manager of the hotel. He is paying off his mother’s gambling debts, silently dealing with heartbreak because the woman he loves is dating the obnoxious hotel chef, and to top it all, he has to answer angry guests after a series of thefts at the hotel. And then there is Adele, the mysterious guest at the hotel who claims to be a photographer working on her vlog, but obviously has some other agenda. A photographer and vlog? That was jarring. Isn’t a vlog a video blog? But anyway, that was the least of my annoyances. Many other things annoyed me, like the way French words were plugged into the narrative when they were not actually part of a conversation. For example, Gina’s point of view using an italicised 'rénovations' when it could have been perfectly normal to use ‘renovations.’ There were too many PoVs which added no value to the plot. Gina’s was in first person and then there was Lucien, Dorothy and Meredith’s Pov in third person. The parts of Meredith’s memoir flowed into Gina’s PoV in first person narrative without a break was so confusing. Those portions could have at least been italicised.
With so much going on, the book had so much scope to be a) A refreshing comedy of errors with the old and older women as the protagonists. Maybe something like Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers b) A thriller because of all the intrigue that was set up. Maybe something like a Miss Marple mystery c) A sappy nostalgia trip because it had the memoir and all.
But sadly, the book failed in all aspects. The big secret that Dorothy feared would be revealed turned out to be very lame. It wasn’t scandalous or shocking and was such a damp squib. Adele’s big reveal too was quite predictable and the whole way in which it unravelled was so matter-of-fact and flat. The thefts were solved so conveniently to do away with one character, and again, it was predictable. The only part of the book that made me chuckle was with the mafia boss who kept threatening Lucien about paying back his mother's debts.
The book could have ended with a happily ever after once the France parts were tied up, but it rambled on and on after Gina returned home, with nothing much actually happening. It was probably done to set the tone for the next book in the series, but I had already stopped caring. It was irritating to read about new characters like Erik and Gina’s kids after the main story ended. This part could have been written as a teaser for the next book and remained optional for the reader. The only reason I sat through it till the last page was to see if there was a nicer twist to all those conveniently and boringly tied up ends in the ‘main’ story. I’m just pissed off because I kept reading and nothing more happened.
The first one in the series is available on Kindle Unlimited and I borrowed it, but now that I have finished this book, I don’t have much hope that the first one would be any better than this one.
https://thebookstoryblog.wordpress.co...
This is apparently part of a series and I haven’t read the first book, but that’s not the reason why the book didn’t work for me. It did not deliver what the title and cover promised.
Seventy-one year old Gina Knight is kind of manipulated by Dorothy, her eighty-nine-year-old friend/ employer into travelling to Marseilles to work as a companion to Dorothy’s estranged friend Meredith. Dorothy learns that Meredith is planning to write a tell-all book and she is terrified that an old secret may be revealed. So she enlists Gina to travel to France and keep an eye on Meredith. The book starts off with so much promise and I was looking forward to some steamy, racy, shocking secret that the women had been hiding for more than half a century. On a parallel track, there is Lucien the manager of the hotel. He is paying off his mother’s gambling debts, silently dealing with heartbreak because the woman he loves is dating the obnoxious hotel chef, and to top it all, he has to answer angry guests after a series of thefts at the hotel. And then there is Adele, the mysterious guest at the hotel who claims to be a photographer working on her vlog, but obviously has some other agenda. A photographer and vlog? That was jarring. Isn’t a vlog a video blog? But anyway, that was the least of my annoyances. Many other things annoyed me, like the way French words were plugged into the narrative when they were not actually part of a conversation. For example, Gina’s point of view using an italicised 'rénovations' when it could have been perfectly normal to use ‘renovations.’ There were too many PoVs which added no value to the plot. Gina’s was in first person and then there was Lucien, Dorothy and Meredith’s Pov in third person. The parts of Meredith’s memoir flowed into Gina’s PoV in first person narrative without a break was so confusing. Those portions could have at least been italicised.
With so much going on, the book had so much scope to be a) A refreshing comedy of errors with the old and older women as the protagonists. Maybe something like Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers b) A thriller because of all the intrigue that was set up. Maybe something like a Miss Marple mystery c) A sappy nostalgia trip because it had the memoir and all.
But sadly, the book failed in all aspects. The big secret that Dorothy feared would be revealed turned out to be very lame. It wasn’t scandalous or shocking and was such a damp squib. Adele’s big reveal too was quite predictable and the whole way in which it unravelled was so matter-of-fact and flat. The thefts were solved so conveniently to do away with one character, and again, it was predictable. The only part of the book that made me chuckle was with the mafia boss who kept threatening Lucien about paying back his mother's debts.
The book could have ended with a happily ever after once the France parts were tied up, but it rambled on and on after Gina returned home, with nothing much actually happening. It was probably done to set the tone for the next book in the series, but I had already stopped caring. It was irritating to read about new characters like Erik and Gina’s kids after the main story ended. This part could have been written as a teaser for the next book and remained optional for the reader. The only reason I sat through it till the last page was to see if there was a nicer twist to all those conveniently and boringly tied up ends in the ‘main’ story. I’m just pissed off because I kept reading and nothing more happened.
The first one in the series is available on Kindle Unlimited and I borrowed it, but now that I have finished this book, I don’t have much hope that the first one would be any better than this one.
December 30, 2024
Heartfelt, charming and wonderfully character driven, not to mention a tale of secrets kept and even a hint of mystery. Or, is that two mysteries? In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend more time with Gina Knight again, once again as a caretaker, but this time in France. I worried we might not get much Dorothy Reed this go-round, so was quite delighted when she popped up as the book continued. It's Dorothy, after all, who points Gina in the direction of old author friend Meredith to find out what long kept secrets she might be revealing in her upcoming memoir. Gina is naturally friendly, honest, and wants to help, even if she is uncomfortable at the idea of betraying Meredith's trust, too, by sharing what she discovers. That's complicated by Meredith's husband Gerald having dementia and concerns of doing anything to ruin his moments of clarity by disturbing Meredith. Gina has a sensitive way of reading people and it's obvious Meredith is troubled.
It is to Gina's credit that she not only tries to do right by both of them but help harried chateau manager Lucian and another stranger she meets at the chateau villas. Phew, and that's only hitting the highlights. Lots more going on here. For me, however, the important aspect was that this is definitely a character driven story. From side characters like Lucian to Dorothy, Gina, and the rest, each is wonderfully fleshed out and we get to spend some time i many of their heads. I hope we somehow get to see more of Lucian in future books. I really liked him. The descriptions of the setting and the places Gina visits in the area are well-done and give you a taste of France, not to mention its artists. While the main characters are older, they're hardly stereotypes, albeit the author doesn't ignore that they have to make adjustments for activities and outings. I liked that, maybe because I'm slowly but surely coming to grips with that myself? Grin.
Bottom line, while I don't want to give away any more of the plot, I will say if you enjoy character driven plots, especially with finally aged characters in amazing places, you'll enjoy this book. The plot moves along nicely and you'll feel at home with the characters almost immediately. While a follow-up to the first in the series, this one stands alone nicely with pretty much all the background you need to know being revealed in the first chapter almost without you noticing it. In other words, the author writes well and is quite readable. There's obviously lots of drama but also humor (and a cat), particularly as Gina tries to navigate civilly with an ex-husband who walked out on her but seems to be having second thoughts. I couldn't quite decide if he was a jerk or to feel sorry for him, though did grin when he was played a bit by both Lucian and neighbor and potential real romantic interest Erik, who I'm quite liking. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me this early peek at Gina's adventures in France. I like how she's handling the changes in her life and the realization that she rather likes not having to answer to someone else. You go, girl!
It is to Gina's credit that she not only tries to do right by both of them but help harried chateau manager Lucian and another stranger she meets at the chateau villas. Phew, and that's only hitting the highlights. Lots more going on here. For me, however, the important aspect was that this is definitely a character driven story. From side characters like Lucian to Dorothy, Gina, and the rest, each is wonderfully fleshed out and we get to spend some time i many of their heads. I hope we somehow get to see more of Lucian in future books. I really liked him. The descriptions of the setting and the places Gina visits in the area are well-done and give you a taste of France, not to mention its artists. While the main characters are older, they're hardly stereotypes, albeit the author doesn't ignore that they have to make adjustments for activities and outings. I liked that, maybe because I'm slowly but surely coming to grips with that myself? Grin.
Bottom line, while I don't want to give away any more of the plot, I will say if you enjoy character driven plots, especially with finally aged characters in amazing places, you'll enjoy this book. The plot moves along nicely and you'll feel at home with the characters almost immediately. While a follow-up to the first in the series, this one stands alone nicely with pretty much all the background you need to know being revealed in the first chapter almost without you noticing it. In other words, the author writes well and is quite readable. There's obviously lots of drama but also humor (and a cat), particularly as Gina tries to navigate civilly with an ex-husband who walked out on her but seems to be having second thoughts. I couldn't quite decide if he was a jerk or to feel sorry for him, though did grin when he was played a bit by both Lucian and neighbor and potential real romantic interest Erik, who I'm quite liking. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me this early peek at Gina's adventures in France. I like how she's handling the changes in her life and the realization that she rather likes not having to answer to someone else. You go, girl!
May 26, 2025
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape brings up back into the life of 71 year old Gina. She is living in Dorothy's boathouse, trying to figure out what to do next when Dorothy asks her to take a job as a companion to an old friend she hasn't talked to in years. Meredith Harper is a successful writer, recently moved to Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. He has dementia and she has recently broken her arm. Her daughter moved her to live near them, but had to go be with her son who had a serious accident. When Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else, especially as there are secrets from when they were friends. All she wants Gina to do is help her get Gerald up and ready for the day, and then come back in the afternoon to type up her new book. Gina likes Meredith and Gerald and doesn't want to lie to them, but she does owe Dorothy. Once she gets to know her neighbour and the manager of the Chateau, she settles in and begins to enjoy her job. Can she betray Meredith? What is the big secret?
I enjoyed meeting Gina in the last book and liked her even more in this one. She is loyal, calm, a problem solver and go getter. Dorothy is well off and a bit entitled, but also has a good heart. Adele, the English neighbour is suspicious from the beginning. Why is she really there? My mind went in a couple of directions, and was close, but not quite. I loved Lucien. He is managing the chateau for his uncle and was wonderful. We learn about his relationship with his mother and how much he did for her, and the kick in the teeth he received in return. He is a workaholic and trouble shooter and was constantly sorting out situations. He was also in love with someone, but afraid to say anything. Although there is humour and an uplifting storyline, this book has some serious themes or situations. We have broken friendships and the secrets that go with it, dementia, family emergencies and the steps you must take, teen pregnancy, miscarriages, thefts from the chateau and the who and why that go with it and more. There are a couple of mystery storylines (who is Adele, thefts) that carry throughout the story, as well as the family, friendship, and author themes. With all this going on, I enjoyed being pulled into the story. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Patricia Gallimore. She has the accents down, and gives voice to the various characters making the story easy to listen to. If you enjoy books with more mature characters, then I recommend this one as well as the others in this series.
I enjoyed meeting Gina in the last book and liked her even more in this one. She is loyal, calm, a problem solver and go getter. Dorothy is well off and a bit entitled, but also has a good heart. Adele, the English neighbour is suspicious from the beginning. Why is she really there? My mind went in a couple of directions, and was close, but not quite. I loved Lucien. He is managing the chateau for his uncle and was wonderful. We learn about his relationship with his mother and how much he did for her, and the kick in the teeth he received in return. He is a workaholic and trouble shooter and was constantly sorting out situations. He was also in love with someone, but afraid to say anything. Although there is humour and an uplifting storyline, this book has some serious themes or situations. We have broken friendships and the secrets that go with it, dementia, family emergencies and the steps you must take, teen pregnancy, miscarriages, thefts from the chateau and the who and why that go with it and more. There are a couple of mystery storylines (who is Adele, thefts) that carry throughout the story, as well as the family, friendship, and author themes. With all this going on, I enjoyed being pulled into the story. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Patricia Gallimore. She has the accents down, and gives voice to the various characters making the story easy to listen to. If you enjoy books with more mature characters, then I recommend this one as well as the others in this series.
April 2, 2025
This was a great story! I hadn't realised this was part of a series but I also didn't feel like I needed to have read the first story. It can easily be read as a standalone, as I did.
This is mainly the story of Gina. She's 71 years old and after her husband decided to leave her for a younger model, she found herself becoming a companion/friend for Dorothy and living in a houseboat at the bottom of Dorothy's garden. Only now, Dorothy has got Gina a new job, to be a carer for an elderly couple in France. Despite her age, Gina agrees to this, even if it does come with a condition.
Dorothy had a motive in mind for this job for Gina, as it turns out the couple she is going to care for, the wife is an old friend of Dorothy's, but they haven't spoken for many years after Dorothy did something bad. Meredith, the elderly lady, is an author, and is about to write her memoir, and Dorothy wants Gina to do some digging whilst there to find out what Meredith is prepared to disclose. She can't risk for the secret trauma to be revealed.
When Gina arrives in France, it turns out that where she will be living is actually a huge hotel, but they call it a Chateau. Gina has a villa out the back of the property next door to the owner's parents, the couple she will be caring for. The owners Rachel and Hugo, have had to go to New Zealand after their son was involved in an accident, with Meredith and Gerald only having recently moved to France to stay with them to be close by, having left London. Gerald has dementia so he's not the easiest communicator, and on first meeting, Meredith seems like she is a little frosty, not wanting help from Gina. Rachel just wanted Gina to offer to support them with small tasks but the main thing she wanted was to get her parents out to explore some of France.
I really enjoyed the way this story was written, with chapters from significant characters in the story. There's Gina of course, Dorothy and Lucien, who is the main man in charge of the chateau. It was really engaging how the story was brought together, with Gina's attempts to encourage Meredith and Gerald out, and also the events at the Chateau and other characters intwined from Lucien's perspective.
It was a fun read and a very enjoyable story.
This is mainly the story of Gina. She's 71 years old and after her husband decided to leave her for a younger model, she found herself becoming a companion/friend for Dorothy and living in a houseboat at the bottom of Dorothy's garden. Only now, Dorothy has got Gina a new job, to be a carer for an elderly couple in France. Despite her age, Gina agrees to this, even if it does come with a condition.
Dorothy had a motive in mind for this job for Gina, as it turns out the couple she is going to care for, the wife is an old friend of Dorothy's, but they haven't spoken for many years after Dorothy did something bad. Meredith, the elderly lady, is an author, and is about to write her memoir, and Dorothy wants Gina to do some digging whilst there to find out what Meredith is prepared to disclose. She can't risk for the secret trauma to be revealed.
When Gina arrives in France, it turns out that where she will be living is actually a huge hotel, but they call it a Chateau. Gina has a villa out the back of the property next door to the owner's parents, the couple she will be caring for. The owners Rachel and Hugo, have had to go to New Zealand after their son was involved in an accident, with Meredith and Gerald only having recently moved to France to stay with them to be close by, having left London. Gerald has dementia so he's not the easiest communicator, and on first meeting, Meredith seems like she is a little frosty, not wanting help from Gina. Rachel just wanted Gina to offer to support them with small tasks but the main thing she wanted was to get her parents out to explore some of France.
I really enjoyed the way this story was written, with chapters from significant characters in the story. There's Gina of course, Dorothy and Lucien, who is the main man in charge of the chateau. It was really engaging how the story was brought together, with Gina's attempts to encourage Meredith and Gerald out, and also the events at the Chateau and other characters intwined from Lucien's perspective.
It was a fun read and a very enjoyable story.
January 14, 2025
I haven’t read the first book in this series, Old Girls Behaving Badly, but after reading the delightful The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape, I’m definitely going back to spend more time getting to know Dorothy and Gina, “The Old Girls.” However, with just enough of a backstory from the first book, I feel this book can be read as a stand-alone. If you’re looking for a feel-good story about friendship and living life to the fullest regardless of age, I recommend taking a trip to France with these “old girls.”
For me, it all comes down to the characters and dialogue, and I really enjoyed Dorothy, Gina, and chateau manager Lucien, among others. Each is three-dimensional and well-written. The story flows easily, and the dialogue and plot are realistic, with just the right touch of humor, drama, and mystery to keep things lively. It also helped that the description of the Chateau is beautifully described (although Gina, as caregiver, does not get to stay in the main house, but in a “villa” that is in the process of being renovated), and gave me a taste of life in France.
Without giving away any spoilers, Dorothy recommends Gina for a temporary job as caregiver to a couple in France, Gerald and her old (former) friend, Meredith. Dorothy has discovered that Meredith is writing a “tell all,” and Dorothy is hoping that Gina will scope out whether Dorothy, and some long-kept secrets, is mentioned in the book. More importantly, to me was that Gina, still reeling, at 71, from being left by her husband and still picking up the pieces, gets to travel to the beautiful French countryside. I was happy to go along with her.
I’ve only recently started reading books about “senior” women (of which I’m one!), and what I particularly liked about this book is that Ms. Galley eschews stereotypes and writes women who still have so much life to live and so much to contribute! Write on!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and for inviting me to read this advanced reader’s copy via NetGalley. I am happily providing this honest review.
For me, it all comes down to the characters and dialogue, and I really enjoyed Dorothy, Gina, and chateau manager Lucien, among others. Each is three-dimensional and well-written. The story flows easily, and the dialogue and plot are realistic, with just the right touch of humor, drama, and mystery to keep things lively. It also helped that the description of the Chateau is beautifully described (although Gina, as caregiver, does not get to stay in the main house, but in a “villa” that is in the process of being renovated), and gave me a taste of life in France.
Without giving away any spoilers, Dorothy recommends Gina for a temporary job as caregiver to a couple in France, Gerald and her old (former) friend, Meredith. Dorothy has discovered that Meredith is writing a “tell all,” and Dorothy is hoping that Gina will scope out whether Dorothy, and some long-kept secrets, is mentioned in the book. More importantly, to me was that Gina, still reeling, at 71, from being left by her husband and still picking up the pieces, gets to travel to the beautiful French countryside. I was happy to go along with her.
I’ve only recently started reading books about “senior” women (of which I’m one!), and what I particularly liked about this book is that Ms. Galley eschews stereotypes and writes women who still have so much life to live and so much to contribute! Write on!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and for inviting me to read this advanced reader’s copy via NetGalley. I am happily providing this honest review.
August 10, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the second book in this fun cozy series by Kate Galley. Released 29th Jan 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The first book in the series is also available on KU.
This is a cute and engaging destination adventure set in the south of France, and featuring a couple of irrepressible elderly main characters, lots of humor, heart, and a lot of fun. In fact, the bulk of the cast are 70+ in age, trending toward 90.The mystery resolution and denouement are fair play and satisfying. Although not explicitly foreshadowed, there's definitely room for more adventures for Gina and Dorothy.
It's a proper cozy, so no on-page violence and the language is squeaky clean. North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (lift, crisps, flat, etc), but it won't cause any problems in context.
Four stars. Really well done. It works perfectly well as a standalone, and readers won't have any troubles getting up to speed if they begin with book 2. With two books in the series, it would be a cute, light binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the second book in this fun cozy series by Kate Galley. Released 29th Jan 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The first book in the series is also available on KU.
This is a cute and engaging destination adventure set in the south of France, and featuring a couple of irrepressible elderly main characters, lots of humor, heart, and a lot of fun. In fact, the bulk of the cast are 70+ in age, trending toward 90.The mystery resolution and denouement are fair play and satisfying. Although not explicitly foreshadowed, there's definitely room for more adventures for Gina and Dorothy.
It's a proper cozy, so no on-page violence and the language is squeaky clean. North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (lift, crisps, flat, etc), but it won't cause any problems in context.
Four stars. Really well done. It works perfectly well as a standalone, and readers won't have any troubles getting up to speed if they begin with book 2. With two books in the series, it would be a cute, light binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 25, 2025
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape by Kate Galley was a fun read and the first book i have read by this author and I loved it, especially as it was a heartwarming and humorous story that will have you laughing out loud in parts and I just loved the spirit of the two main characters Gina Knight who is 71 years old and Dorothy Reed who is nearly 90 years old and still thinks she is 21!
Gina's husband of four decades has left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over, until she met Dorothy, a woman so full of life nothing is going to stop her having fun!
So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no. All packed and excited to travel to the South of France to help Meredith Harper, who is a successful writer, and living in Provence, she needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating.
But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it now becomes clear, that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story.
Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
WoW. . . . . . .But what secrets is Meredith keeping?
And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
This book was excellent and I am so glad I had a chance to read it, The Old Girl's Chateau Escape was a great way to spend an afternoon reading when it is cold and windy outside. I hope I live to this age and still can have fun..........
This book is the 2nd book in a series called "Old Girls Behaving Badly" and I found it ok to read as a standalone book.
I highly recommend it and a great holiday read,
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
Gina's husband of four decades has left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over, until she met Dorothy, a woman so full of life nothing is going to stop her having fun!
So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no. All packed and excited to travel to the South of France to help Meredith Harper, who is a successful writer, and living in Provence, she needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating.
But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it now becomes clear, that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story.
Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
WoW. . . . . . .But what secrets is Meredith keeping?
And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
This book was excellent and I am so glad I had a chance to read it, The Old Girl's Chateau Escape was a great way to spend an afternoon reading when it is cold and windy outside. I hope I live to this age and still can have fun..........
This book is the 2nd book in a series called "Old Girls Behaving Badly" and I found it ok to read as a standalone book.
I highly recommend it and a great holiday read,
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
February 16, 2025
The Old Girls Chateau Escape is the second book by Kate Galley featuring octogenarian Dorothy Reed and septuagenarian Gina Knight. In this story Dorothy asks Gina to apply for a short stint as companion to Dorothy’s old friend Meredith Harper and her husband Gerald. Dorothy is recovering from a broken arm and Gerald is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. While Gina is in Provence at the Hotel and Spa du Cezanne, Dorothy has asked Gina to report back to her on the memoir Meredith is rumored to be writing.
Upon arrival in Marseilles, Gina is picked up from the airport by the interim hotel manager Lucien DuBois, nephew of Meredith’s son-in-law Hugo, hotel owner. Rose, Meredith and Gerald’s daughter, has insisted her parents relocate to France so that she is available to help them. However, soon after Meredith and Gerald’s arrival, Rose and Hugo are called away when their son, Oliver, is involved in a serious accident, which is why Gina has been engaged to help in their absence.
While at the resort, Gina has been tasked to get the elderly couple out in their new surroundings and to help them adjust in their new home. With Dorothy’s broken arm, another task of Gina’s will be to transcribe the daily recordings Dorothy does. Gina’s tasks are not too time intensive so to fill her days she befriends Lucien as well as fellow cottage guest Adele. Both seem to have mysteries to solve, and Gina is very good at problem solving.
This is another lovely tale with some important serious threads woven through a fun adventure. With well crafted characters and a lovely Mediterranean setting, this beautifully plotted story is a real tribute to the joie de vivre of ladies of a certain age. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
Upon arrival in Marseilles, Gina is picked up from the airport by the interim hotel manager Lucien DuBois, nephew of Meredith’s son-in-law Hugo, hotel owner. Rose, Meredith and Gerald’s daughter, has insisted her parents relocate to France so that she is available to help them. However, soon after Meredith and Gerald’s arrival, Rose and Hugo are called away when their son, Oliver, is involved in a serious accident, which is why Gina has been engaged to help in their absence.
While at the resort, Gina has been tasked to get the elderly couple out in their new surroundings and to help them adjust in their new home. With Dorothy’s broken arm, another task of Gina’s will be to transcribe the daily recordings Dorothy does. Gina’s tasks are not too time intensive so to fill her days she befriends Lucien as well as fellow cottage guest Adele. Both seem to have mysteries to solve, and Gina is very good at problem solving.
This is another lovely tale with some important serious threads woven through a fun adventure. With well crafted characters and a lovely Mediterranean setting, this beautifully plotted story is a real tribute to the joie de vivre of ladies of a certain age. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
August 31, 2025
This was fun, but not as fun as the first book. There was a bit too much going on with the plot.
We had Gina trying to learn the secret in the memoir, but also trying to figure out how Adele was involved with Gerald and Meredith.
Lucien was trying to solve the mystery of the hotel thief, and then negotiate with the shady people whom his mother owed money to.
Each of them had two plot lines they were traversing which made me confused at times.
I really liked Lucien's character and experiencing his POV as he tried to solve all the hotel's shenanigans. He is a sweetheart that has too much on his plate. I don't know how he did as much as he did, and why his uncle Hugo didn't have more staff to do the mundane tasks that we saw Lucien doing. Lucien is the MVP and deserves nothing but good things and good people in his life that don't just try to take advantage of him.
Gina was a delightful protagonist as always. I loved her support of and motherly approach toward Lucien, given his mother wasn't a very nurturing one. The scene with her and Lucien tricking her husband Douglas on the phone was hilarious. Give him a taste of his own medicine!
The stakes felt higher in the first book. Of course you don't need to read that one to understand and enjoy this one, as it's just a companion novel. I liked this story and our new and returning characters, but the plot had so much going into it that wasn't for its benefit. I would have loved to have seen Gina and Lucien sneaking around the hotel and popping in and out of rooms to try and solve some of the mysteries, while trying not to be seen by the thief. Even the reveal of the thief was anticlimactic.
And at the end, with Dorothy's big bad secret, it seemed like it should have been something more than
Hat's off again to Patricia Gallimore with her awesome audiobook reading.
We had Gina trying to learn the secret in the memoir, but also trying to figure out how Adele was involved with Gerald and Meredith.
Lucien was trying to solve the mystery of the hotel thief, and then negotiate with the shady people whom his mother owed money to.
Each of them had two plot lines they were traversing which made me confused at times.
I really liked Lucien's character and experiencing his POV as he tried to solve all the hotel's shenanigans. He is a sweetheart that has too much on his plate. I don't know how he did as much as he did, and why his uncle Hugo didn't have more staff to do the mundane tasks that we saw Lucien doing. Lucien is the MVP and deserves nothing but good things and good people in his life that don't just try to take advantage of him.
Gina was a delightful protagonist as always. I loved her support of and motherly approach toward Lucien, given his mother wasn't a very nurturing one. The scene with her and Lucien tricking her husband Douglas on the phone was hilarious. Give him a taste of his own medicine!
The stakes felt higher in the first book. Of course you don't need to read that one to understand and enjoy this one, as it's just a companion novel. I liked this story and our new and returning characters, but the plot had so much going into it that wasn't for its benefit. I would have loved to have seen Gina and Lucien sneaking around the hotel and popping in and out of rooms to try and solve some of the mysteries, while trying not to be seen by the thief. Even the reveal of the thief was anticlimactic.
And at the end, with Dorothy's big bad secret, it seemed like it should have been something more than
Hat's off again to Patricia Gallimore with her awesome audiobook reading.
January 28, 2025
The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
My Opinion
I haven’t read the previous book in the series but I was able to enjoy this book without all of the backstory – I have now added the first book to my want to read list. Dorothy suggests that Gina takes a job in France to feed her information on Meredith’s memoir, from the beginning it is clear that there are some secrets to be discovered. Kate Galley has definitely shown that her older characters are still capable of having fun. A highly entertaining read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!
When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.
Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.
But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?
My Opinion
I haven’t read the previous book in the series but I was able to enjoy this book without all of the backstory – I have now added the first book to my want to read list. Dorothy suggests that Gina takes a job in France to feed her information on Meredith’s memoir, from the beginning it is clear that there are some secrets to be discovered. Kate Galley has definitely shown that her older characters are still capable of having fun. A highly entertaining read.
Rating 4/5
February 6, 2025
The Old Girl’s Chateau Escape by Kate Galley is an entertaining story of a young (71) woman who has accepted a short-term position as a companion to a woman and her husband who is in the throes of dementia. Her friend, Dorothy, has sent her to determine if Meredith, her employer, is going to include a secret from their pasts in the memoir she is writing. Meredith is a romance writer of some fame so the book would be widely read. Gina, the companion, had no idea what she was looking for. Dorothy said she’d recognize it if she read it. At the chateau/hotel in France they all met a myriad of interesting people and it is those people and their stories that made the book such fun. Gina was finally able to persuade Meredith to let the both of them join her on some excursions and that proved to be highly successful. Gerald was not as far gone as Meredith assumed, and she lightened up and became friendlier. It was a fun read.
Gerald, Meredith, and Dorothy are all nearing 90 so 71 is young, to begin with. And they all seem young as the story is told. There is a loose plot, but it is more about the people and their problems than anything. Simply by being observant, Gina helps Lucien, the interim manager of the chateau, solve a strong of robberies that made the place look bad. Entertaining story, good characters, light reading. Just plain fun!
I was invited to read The Old Girl’s Chateau Escape by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #KateGalley #TheOldGirlsChateauEscape
Gerald, Meredith, and Dorothy are all nearing 90 so 71 is young, to begin with. And they all seem young as the story is told. There is a loose plot, but it is more about the people and their problems than anything. Simply by being observant, Gina helps Lucien, the interim manager of the chateau, solve a strong of robberies that made the place look bad. Entertaining story, good characters, light reading. Just plain fun!
I was invited to read The Old Girl’s Chateau Escape by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #KateGalley #TheOldGirlsChateauEscape
December 20, 2024
Gina’s husband left her for another woman and at 71 Gina is rather upended. That is until she meets Dorothy, a sprightly 89 year old who has rather more than a spring in her step and attitude to life. They get on famously (Old Girls behaving badly book) so when Dorothy suggests Gina takes on a temporary role to look after one of Dorothy’s old friends, Meredith and her husband, she happily agrees, however Dorothy wants Gina to do some sleuthing. Over fifty years ago there was a group of friends who did something that should really stay in the past, however Meredith wants to publish a book and Dorothy doesn't want a starring role in it. Hopefully Gina can find out more and keep Dorothy's anonymity.
Although the second in the series this happily stands alone. I adore this series. It's a great mix of humour, drama and more. Both Dorothy and Gina are great characters in differing ways and have those qualities we all hope we can aspire to especially in later life. An uplifting, wonderful read that left me with a smile and hoping very much that there's more to come from this duo. Loved it.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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January 19, 2025
I enjoyed the previous book in this series, Old Girls Behaving Badly, and was looking forward to reading the next book in the series and I'm pleased to say that I wasn't disappointed. This time Dorothy asked Gina to go undercover and take up the temporary position of supporting an elderly couple, Meredith and Gerald, ex friends of hers. Meredith, a famous writer, is writing her memoirs and Dorothy is worried that a secret from their past is going to be revealed.
Set in a lovely part of France there are several threads in this story, as well as the main one concerning the memoir. A grumpy chef, a mystery woman and a thief are woven together with the mystery of what may be revealed by Meredith. It isn't essential to read the previous book, although it helps you understand the characters and their stories, but it is a nice change to read about others in my age group - I'm the same age as Gina. It is told from several characters viewpoints, which helps the story develop and drew me into the story. In summary a book that I did enjoy and the ending gives a hint towards the next in the series, which I'm really looking forward to reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Set in a lovely part of France there are several threads in this story, as well as the main one concerning the memoir. A grumpy chef, a mystery woman and a thief are woven together with the mystery of what may be revealed by Meredith. It isn't essential to read the previous book, although it helps you understand the characters and their stories, but it is a nice change to read about others in my age group - I'm the same age as Gina. It is told from several characters viewpoints, which helps the story develop and drew me into the story. In summary a book that I did enjoy and the ending gives a hint towards the next in the series, which I'm really looking forward to reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
January 29, 2025
The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley is a light-hearted contemporary novel that I enjoyed. It is part of the Old Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone.
With lead characters in their seventies and eighties, we see that life is for living whatever your age. Life is an adventure to be grabbed with both hands.
As we move across the water from the shores of England to France, we experience not only a change of weather, but a change of atmosphere too. The region around Aix is warm and sunny in comparison with the grey skies of Britain.
The atmosphere is fun and light-hearted as we join characters with a decades old secret and also a modern-day crime to be solved. Juxta-posing these two scenarios certainly keeps the reader entertained.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. We get to know the lead character intimately as the story is in the first person from her point of view.
Guilty secrets rise to the top – but what is revealed is most surprising and unexpected.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape. It brightened a dull January day.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
With lead characters in their seventies and eighties, we see that life is for living whatever your age. Life is an adventure to be grabbed with both hands.
As we move across the water from the shores of England to France, we experience not only a change of weather, but a change of atmosphere too. The region around Aix is warm and sunny in comparison with the grey skies of Britain.
The atmosphere is fun and light-hearted as we join characters with a decades old secret and also a modern-day crime to be solved. Juxta-posing these two scenarios certainly keeps the reader entertained.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. We get to know the lead character intimately as the story is in the first person from her point of view.
Guilty secrets rise to the top – but what is revealed is most surprising and unexpected.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape. It brightened a dull January day.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2025
In the latest book starring Gina Knight and Dorothy Reed, readers travel to France with Gina as she takes on a new position as a companion to Dorothy’s friend Meredith Harper, a successful writer in Provence looking after her ailing husband. However, Dorothy has left out some important information that Gina needs to know, since Meredith is writing her memoirs and Dorothy needs to know what is in it before they are published. Gina must negotiate her friendship with Dorothy, her developing working relationship with Meredith, and her own adventures in Provence in this funny, charming, and deeply enjoyable continuation of the Old Girls series. Once again, the characters are the star of this novel, and readers will love this new location and new adventure that Gina explores with a host of new faces. As the spy mission for Dorothy and local mysteries in Provence appear, readers will love the different storylines that Kate Galley weaves throughout this fantastic and fun new read. Excellently written, deeply enjoyable, and absolutely chaotic, this book is a great mix of female friendships, ridiculous hijinks in the name of friendship, and emotional and personal growth for a host of characters that readers are sure to love.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
March 31, 2025
I am not sure what happened but when I went looking to read this book earlier in the year, I could not find it anywhere. All of a sudden, I saw it in my library and jumped at the chance to read and review. I loved the original story of Gina and Dorothy and their friendship. They found each other at delicate times in their lives and Gina, 71, and Dorothy, late 80s, found their best mates.
Gina is still trying to figure out what to do with her life after her husband Douglas left to “find himself”. She lives in Dorothy’s boat house so when Dorothy asked her to go to Provence to be a companion to two old friends of hers, Gina accepted. Dorothy and the friends have been estranged for decades and her friend Meredith is writing her memoirs. There is something that Dorothy did for which she is ashamed and wants to ensure the story will not be revealed in the book.
The characters are rich and fully formed. Gina, the bastion of caring and good sense, once again solves problems and brings people together. And in a wonderfully satisfying bit, she finally gets a chance to give Douglas some of his own back. You go girl. I love the old girls and hope they continue to behave badly. It is so much fun when they do. Five purrs and two paws up.
Gina is still trying to figure out what to do with her life after her husband Douglas left to “find himself”. She lives in Dorothy’s boat house so when Dorothy asked her to go to Provence to be a companion to two old friends of hers, Gina accepted. Dorothy and the friends have been estranged for decades and her friend Meredith is writing her memoirs. There is something that Dorothy did for which she is ashamed and wants to ensure the story will not be revealed in the book.
The characters are rich and fully formed. Gina, the bastion of caring and good sense, once again solves problems and brings people together. And in a wonderfully satisfying bit, she finally gets a chance to give Douglas some of his own back. You go girl. I love the old girls and hope they continue to behave badly. It is so much fun when they do. Five purrs and two paws up.
June 8, 2025
Seniors and Southern France Travel
Old age can bring many problems often needing the right assist for routine care and thinking through every day situations. In this book, a couple in their 80's have been forced to give up their home near London to move to a small villa on the grounds of a chateaux hotel now owned by their only daughter. The chateaux is in aux en Province which leads to art culture and warm weather. However, the daughter is suddenly called out of country when her son is critically injured. The main character responds to a referral to stay with the elderly couple till the daughter returns. She's considered to be the perfect fit because of the couples previous art and architectural background..
As the plot evolves, there are a number of intervening incidents that the author manages to bring all together by the end. She also manages to take the reader through the highlight of Cezanne's museum and the village as well as the huge cathedral in Marseilles.There is even some discussion of the NY art scene in the 30's.
All in all, it's an easy, enjoyable read about problems of today's seniors and yet very informative about travel in Southern France.
Old age can bring many problems often needing the right assist for routine care and thinking through every day situations. In this book, a couple in their 80's have been forced to give up their home near London to move to a small villa on the grounds of a chateaux hotel now owned by their only daughter. The chateaux is in aux en Province which leads to art culture and warm weather. However, the daughter is suddenly called out of country when her son is critically injured. The main character responds to a referral to stay with the elderly couple till the daughter returns. She's considered to be the perfect fit because of the couples previous art and architectural background..
As the plot evolves, there are a number of intervening incidents that the author manages to bring all together by the end. She also manages to take the reader through the highlight of Cezanne's museum and the village as well as the huge cathedral in Marseilles.There is even some discussion of the NY art scene in the 30's.
All in all, it's an easy, enjoyable read about problems of today's seniors and yet very informative about travel in Southern France.
January 2, 2025
Gina, is 71 and her husband decided he needed to go find himself, so she became a companion, to support herself. She is heading to France, to be a companion to an elderly couple, while their daughter leaves to go be with her son, who was seriously injured in an accident. When she arrives, it isn't what she expected, but she takes each day as it comes.
Gina has a way of making the best of what is going on. The place she is staying, hasn't been updated yet, but that is ok with her. Meredith and George, doesn't think they need a companion, but Gina, connects with them, and she is good at her job. While there, she discovers some strange things going on, and her attention to details, helps her figure out what is going on, and brings it all to a satisfying conclusion. The strange things going on, made me wonder, kept me guessing, and seeing the elderly people and the younger generation together, nourished my soul. This is a story, that has a lot going on, but flows so smoothly, that I felt like I was right there with them, just taking each day as it came.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.
Gina has a way of making the best of what is going on. The place she is staying, hasn't been updated yet, but that is ok with her. Meredith and George, doesn't think they need a companion, but Gina, connects with them, and she is good at her job. While there, she discovers some strange things going on, and her attention to details, helps her figure out what is going on, and brings it all to a satisfying conclusion. The strange things going on, made me wonder, kept me guessing, and seeing the elderly people and the younger generation together, nourished my soul. This is a story, that has a lot going on, but flows so smoothly, that I felt like I was right there with them, just taking each day as it came.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.
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