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Old Enough to Know Better
It’s never too late to have fun in this heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the author of The Big Five 0. Perfect for fans of The Old Girls Network ‘So real, wise and funny…an absolute triumph!’ Katie Fforde
When her daughter, Ellie, brings home a new boyfriend, Clare can’t put her finger on why she feels troubled by it. Is it because he’s attractive and closer to her in age? Or maybe she’s just jealous because all of her own husband’s passion seems to go into maintaining his wine cellar.
Ellie’s colleague, Anna, is feeling restless too. She’s much younger than her husband and definitely isn’t ready for crosswords and comfy slippers. When a new colleague starts to show an interest in her, it ignites a spark of attraction that feels impossible to ignore.
They say age isn’t everything – can the women focus on what really matters and live life, and love, to the full?
‘I love Jane’s writing!’ Jill Mansell
‘Feel-good’ Woman and Home
When her daughter, Ellie, brings home a new boyfriend, Clare can’t put her finger on why she feels troubled by it. Is it because he’s attractive and closer to her in age? Or maybe she’s just jealous because all of her own husband’s passion seems to go into maintaining his wine cellar.
Ellie’s colleague, Anna, is feeling restless too. She’s much younger than her husband and definitely isn’t ready for crosswords and comfy slippers. When a new colleague starts to show an interest in her, it ignites a spark of attraction that feels impossible to ignore.
They say age isn’t everything – can the women focus on what really matters and live life, and love, to the full?
‘I love Jane’s writing!’ Jill Mansell
‘Feel-good’ Woman and Home
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
First published May 28, 2021
90 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Jane Wenham-Jones
34 books43 followersJane Wenham-Jones is the author of six novels – her latest is The Big Five O – and three non-fiction books. Wannabe a Writer? is a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of becoming a scribe and Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? is a how-to on PR and self-promotion. 100 Ways to Fight the Flab (and still have wine and chocolate) is full of useful tips to combat Writer's Bottom - an occupational hazard often encountered after reading the first two! Jane has also contributed to several short story anthologies and two cookery books, the latter being a particular achievement since she barely knows where the kitchen is. As a freelance journalist, she has had numerous short stories and articles published in women’s magazines and the national press and is the agony aunt for Writing Magazine. Jane has appeared on a variety of TV shows – from Ready, Steady, Cook to The Politics Show - and dozens of radio programmes. As an interviewer she has "been in conversation with" hundreds of big-name authors and celebrities, has presented the Romantic Novel of the Year awards for the past nine years and is regularly booked as an after-dinner speaker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 10, 2021
Reading this book was like spending a summer day, drinking iced tea with close friends.
Many people love age gap romances but it's great when you are in your twenties. When you are in your sixties, you may have second thoughts.
Anna and Clare were married to much older men. They had problems adjusting when their husbands were in their seventies and they felt they were still in their primes.
This book opened my eyes about age gap romances, it was sweet and tender.
Many people love age gap romances but it's great when you are in your twenties. When you are in your sixties, you may have second thoughts.
Anna and Clare were married to much older men. They had problems adjusting when their husbands were in their seventies and they felt they were still in their primes.
This book opened my eyes about age gap romances, it was sweet and tender.
August 26, 2021
Ellie, in her early 20's, is engaged to a man old enough to be her father; her mother Clare and colleague Anna are in similar marriages, with much older husbands. When Ellie announces her engagement, both Anna and Clare take stock of their own lives and where they find themselves as empty-nesters with retired or elderly husbands. Are they happy in the choices they made? And what will they do when overtures are made by younger men?
I wanted to like this. I wanted this to be a quick beach-read sort of book, with fun, relatable characters, but I struggled to warm to it. There were some fun moments, and the underlying message in the book gave food for thought, but perhaps I'm not quite the right demographic. It wasn't for me.
3 stars - for writing characters and scenarios that aren't generally tackled by authors.
I wanted to like this. I wanted this to be a quick beach-read sort of book, with fun, relatable characters, but I struggled to warm to it. There were some fun moments, and the underlying message in the book gave food for thought, but perhaps I'm not quite the right demographic. It wasn't for me.
3 stars - for writing characters and scenarios that aren't generally tackled by authors.
July 3, 2021
Old Enough to Know Better is a light-hearted read that's great for reading sat in your garden, on the beach, on your daily commute. It's really well-paced. Humourous and full of scenarios many women will recognise and connect with,
May 20, 2021
I was sent this book by the publisher, as I previously enjoyed one of their previous books. When I saw the cover and read the synopsis I thought it would be right up my street, as I love a good woman's fiction, chick lit book.
The story follows the lives of three women, two of which Claire and Anna have been married for what feels like forever and both to older men. Being at a certain chapter in their lives, both women reflect back on how their husbands have changed, and not always for the better. Anna's still working full time and is finding her husband is becoming very frail and needs more help around the house. Claire, busy looking after the children and her sister is married to Rupe, who used to be an amazing powerful business man but now drinks too much and is set in his ways.
The other woman is Ellie, who happens to be Claire's daughter and has met someone twenty years her senior, and is also dealing with the age difference issues. She wants to go out but Tom who is really busy with work just wants to stay home.
It is a book about friendships, families and certainly something we can all relate to whatever our age. The characters especially Claire are so easy to like and you find yourself getting dragged in to the story and rooting for their relationships to work out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Estimated publication date is 28th May 2021.
The story follows the lives of three women, two of which Claire and Anna have been married for what feels like forever and both to older men. Being at a certain chapter in their lives, both women reflect back on how their husbands have changed, and not always for the better. Anna's still working full time and is finding her husband is becoming very frail and needs more help around the house. Claire, busy looking after the children and her sister is married to Rupe, who used to be an amazing powerful business man but now drinks too much and is set in his ways.
The other woman is Ellie, who happens to be Claire's daughter and has met someone twenty years her senior, and is also dealing with the age difference issues. She wants to go out but Tom who is really busy with work just wants to stay home.
It is a book about friendships, families and certainly something we can all relate to whatever our age. The characters especially Claire are so easy to like and you find yourself getting dragged in to the story and rooting for their relationships to work out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Estimated publication date is 28th May 2021.
June 27, 2021
I was kindly offered this book from onemorechapterhc and netgalley after previously reading a book by the same publisher.
It was a bit of a slow burn for me with a lot of characters that I needed to get my head around. Once I had done that however I was fully invested in the stories of each of these main female leads, as they navigated through life and relationships. Clare and Anna both older, married to older men for many years and Ellie, a twenty something in a relationship with a man in his forties. I found myself truly rooting for them and intrigued by where their paths would lead.
As someone with an almost 11 year age gap, I loved the premise and honesty of this whole storyline. It was interesting to see the different routes long term marriages can take and how couples overcome natural hurdles- especially when growing old with an age gap. On the other hand I'm not entirely certain I enjoyed the fact that infidelity of some form was so strong to many involved, but perhaps that's a reality of marriage and life today? (I've not been married for 25+ years 😂)
Overall this was a sweet, easy read that didn't require too much brain power or questioning. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven, family and friendship focused dramas.
It was a bit of a slow burn for me with a lot of characters that I needed to get my head around. Once I had done that however I was fully invested in the stories of each of these main female leads, as they navigated through life and relationships. Clare and Anna both older, married to older men for many years and Ellie, a twenty something in a relationship with a man in his forties. I found myself truly rooting for them and intrigued by where their paths would lead.
As someone with an almost 11 year age gap, I loved the premise and honesty of this whole storyline. It was interesting to see the different routes long term marriages can take and how couples overcome natural hurdles- especially when growing old with an age gap. On the other hand I'm not entirely certain I enjoyed the fact that infidelity of some form was so strong to many involved, but perhaps that's a reality of marriage and life today? (I've not been married for 25+ years 😂)
Overall this was a sweet, easy read that didn't require too much brain power or questioning. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven, family and friendship focused dramas.
May 23, 2021
This delightful book is based on the lives and relationships of the three main female characters. It also touches on the relationships of their family and friends. Anna and Claire both married med 20 years older then themselves and are now facing what this difference means when the are 50 and 70 in one case and 60 and 80 in the other. Ellie is in her 20’s and when she brings an older man home her mother doesn’t approve. This causes many problems.
The author has created a bevy of unique female characters and relationships. It is easy to feel for each of these people and to understand how they feel as their relationships go through the stages. The author touches on teen heartbreak, gay/pan sexual love, may to December romance with dignity and honesty. We read about every stage of love and the book left me feeling content with my life. A lovely book with a well devised storyline that will have you laughing at some spots and crying at others.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read this beautiful book.
The author has created a bevy of unique female characters and relationships. It is easy to feel for each of these people and to understand how they feel as their relationships go through the stages. The author touches on teen heartbreak, gay/pan sexual love, may to December romance with dignity and honesty. We read about every stage of love and the book left me feeling content with my life. A lovely book with a well devised storyline that will have you laughing at some spots and crying at others.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read this beautiful book.
May 4, 2021
A sweet book about women ‘of a certain age’ reviewing their lives, loves, relationships and families. The book centres around three women, Anna who is married to Jeremy - he is much older than her and becoming frail, Clare who is married to Rupe - also a much older man, and Ellie who is Clare’s daughter and has just started a relationship with a man twenty years her senior. Their lives intersect in different ways and all of them face temptation. Will they escape their current lives or will they find their way back to happiness in the life they already have? An easy to read book that will leave you caring about these women and their lives.
September 15, 2021
A great read about age gap relationships and how they can provide different things at different stages in your life. The relationships were wonderfully drawn and you become invested in the characters. Well worth a read.
October 6, 2023
History repeats itself when Claire's young daughter Ellie brings home a fiance who's only 8 years younger than her mother (while Claire's own husband is a lot older than her too). Not everyone seems happy with the relationship, with Ellie's work colleague Anna warning her off marrying so much older than her. Anna's facing her own uncertain future as she approaches 60 with an over 80 year old husband.
The book's about relationships across generations, amongst family, and how they change through time. With Claire and Anna both questioning their choices of husbands although they both still love them, their heads are being turned by attention from younger men of nearer their age.
Then Claire's son and daughter are both trying to make their own relationships work along with trying to make their ways in their jobs (or trying to get one).
I really enjoyed this book, with the intertwining of relationships at home and work, how the different people are viewing the relationships, both past and present. All the while hoping they all work out the way they should in the end. It's worth a few hours of reading, and might make you think of your own relationship and those around you.
The book's about relationships across generations, amongst family, and how they change through time. With Claire and Anna both questioning their choices of husbands although they both still love them, their heads are being turned by attention from younger men of nearer their age.
Then Claire's son and daughter are both trying to make their own relationships work along with trying to make their ways in their jobs (or trying to get one).
I really enjoyed this book, with the intertwining of relationships at home and work, how the different people are viewing the relationships, both past and present. All the while hoping they all work out the way they should in the end. It's worth a few hours of reading, and might make you think of your own relationship and those around you.
August 30, 2021
Old Enough To Know Better by Jane Wenham-Jones is a contemporary novel about life and love, families and friendships.
The reader meets several families and couples who interact with each other. We see new loves and also older, more established relationships. We learn the importance of talking through things and putting an effort in, in order to make relationships work. We need to keep the channels of communication open.
Each day brings fresh challenges. We need to face them, deal with them wisely and responsibly. We see temptations placed along the way. If we are being tempted, we need to remove ourselves from the source. We also witness a deep love that lasts.
There are kind-hearted souls who always look out for the welfare of others.
This is a book about human interactions. It is light-hearted but there are some deep-seated truths. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The reader meets several families and couples who interact with each other. We see new loves and also older, more established relationships. We learn the importance of talking through things and putting an effort in, in order to make relationships work. We need to keep the channels of communication open.
Each day brings fresh challenges. We need to face them, deal with them wisely and responsibly. We see temptations placed along the way. If we are being tempted, we need to remove ourselves from the source. We also witness a deep love that lasts.
There are kind-hearted souls who always look out for the welfare of others.
This is a book about human interactions. It is light-hearted but there are some deep-seated truths. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 22, 2021
Well-Drawn Characters Undercut by Slow Plotting
This novel benefits from its well-rounded protagonist, Clare, a middle-aged woman married to a considerably older man who finds herself drawn inappropriately to her daughter’s fiancée. The depictions of Clare and her raucous family are winning, evoking empathy for the characters’ needs and foibles.
Regrettably, the effective characterizations are undercut by extremely slow plotting and a parallel narrative about Anna, another middle-aged woman in similar circumstances to Clare. Anna’s story, however, is redundant and her relationship to Clare slight, slowing the novel’s pace and detracting from Clare’s story rather than enhancing it.
I stuck with this novel to the end and developed a genuine liking for Clare and her family. But I considered bailing multiple times and wouldn’t blame other readers for doing so.
This novel benefits from its well-rounded protagonist, Clare, a middle-aged woman married to a considerably older man who finds herself drawn inappropriately to her daughter’s fiancée. The depictions of Clare and her raucous family are winning, evoking empathy for the characters’ needs and foibles.
Regrettably, the effective characterizations are undercut by extremely slow plotting and a parallel narrative about Anna, another middle-aged woman in similar circumstances to Clare. Anna’s story, however, is redundant and her relationship to Clare slight, slowing the novel’s pace and detracting from Clare’s story rather than enhancing it.
I stuck with this novel to the end and developed a genuine liking for Clare and her family. But I considered bailing multiple times and wouldn’t blame other readers for doing so.
October 22, 2021
Age is but a number and how we come to live with it
We never consider our age relationships marriages this put the issues in a good way rupe drinking to much older than his wife as time makes the gap wider when one slows down you miss going out together and the closeness of being a couple
We never consider our age relationships marriages this put the issues in a good way rupe drinking to much older than his wife as time makes the gap wider when one slows down you miss going out together and the closeness of being a couple
April 28, 2022
I found this on my kindle and felt like reading a feel good book as I know that is what Janes books are for me. A lovely read from the coast in Kent near to where I live, so it’s even more enjoyable picturing the places. If you have never read Janes work then I recommend that you get them on your to be read list as they give you laugh out loud pleasure.
June 8, 2021
Not funny at all
Sorry but I didn't enjoy this at all. Full of really dull, domestic detail and obvious characters. Speed read it after a while.
Sorry but I didn't enjoy this at all. Full of really dull, domestic detail and obvious characters. Speed read it after a while.
August 26, 2021
Enjoyed this exploration of family dynamics with older protagonists for a change and the topic of big age gaps in relationships.
September 18, 2021
Easy read
Slow at start but both family's have simler problems but different ,good read easily picked up in between reads loved it
Slow at start but both family's have simler problems but different ,good read easily picked up in between reads loved it
October 26, 2021
Must read.
Just loved it.....couldn't out it down. So lovely and warm and so real !!
Will be looking forward to reading more by this author.
Just loved it.....couldn't out it down. So lovely and warm and so real !!
Will be looking forward to reading more by this author.
Want to read
May 6, 2022I learned of this book here: https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/05/2...
unfinished-affairs
September 21, 2022The top 5 most intense feelings this book evoked in me, in the order in which they appeared:
Bored bored bored bored and also quite bored.
Bored bored bored bored and also quite bored.
March 13, 2023
Brilliant
Loved this story, plenty of action. Heart rendering at times and lots of laughter, look forward to her next book
Loved this story, plenty of action. Heart rendering at times and lots of laughter, look forward to her next book
December 31, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This book is about different relationships all with several families and couples and how they interact with each put regardless of their age.
Didn’t really enjoy this book very much, reading all the reviews made me expect so much more.
This book is about different relationships all with several families and couples and how they interact with each put regardless of their age.
Didn’t really enjoy this book very much, reading all the reviews made me expect so much more.
May 30, 2021
Meet three women, united by work, family ties and their relationships with much older men.
Ellie is a young twenty-something teacher at the Margate Academy (teaching English to overseas students) who has recently moved in with her boyfriend Tom, after a short romance, who is in his mid-forties.
Clare is Ellie's mother. She is in her early fifties and married to Rupert who is about to celebrate his seventieth birthday. Since Rupert retired he seems to have lost that vital spark that drew Clare to him, his phenomenal drinking gets on her nerves and all he seems to do is pontificate and alienate their son whilst doting on Ellie. Clare has two sisters: Fig, who has two children and a husband working in Dubai; and Angie, a civil servant with a chip on her shoulder.
Anna is Ellie's colleague at work, about to celebrate her sixtieth birthday she is married to Jeremy, a retired doctor in his mid-eighties who is becoming increasingly infirm. Anna and Jeremy never go anywhere anymore and Anna's social life revolves around her colleagues at the school, at sixty Anna feels in her peak and not ready to sit quietly in a rocking chair waiting to die.
In their own ways Clare and Anna try to dissuade Ellie from entering into a relationship, and getting engaged, with a man so much older. Ellie challenges them both, why are they are trying to put her off when the two of them have done exactly the same?
I find myself faced with a familiar problem, how to describe a book classified (by me) as Women's Fiction? What is this book about? Marriage, families, children, careers? Yes to all of the above. It's also about finding a new balance, relationships change over time and it's about finding your new normal. Often with Women's Fiction I am left with a feeling of dissatisfaction because there is no closure, no HEA. Not so in this case, at the end of this novel our three lead characters have gained a new perspective on their lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would definitely look out for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Ellie is a young twenty-something teacher at the Margate Academy (teaching English to overseas students) who has recently moved in with her boyfriend Tom, after a short romance, who is in his mid-forties.
Clare is Ellie's mother. She is in her early fifties and married to Rupert who is about to celebrate his seventieth birthday. Since Rupert retired he seems to have lost that vital spark that drew Clare to him, his phenomenal drinking gets on her nerves and all he seems to do is pontificate and alienate their son whilst doting on Ellie. Clare has two sisters: Fig, who has two children and a husband working in Dubai; and Angie, a civil servant with a chip on her shoulder.
Anna is Ellie's colleague at work, about to celebrate her sixtieth birthday she is married to Jeremy, a retired doctor in his mid-eighties who is becoming increasingly infirm. Anna and Jeremy never go anywhere anymore and Anna's social life revolves around her colleagues at the school, at sixty Anna feels in her peak and not ready to sit quietly in a rocking chair waiting to die.
In their own ways Clare and Anna try to dissuade Ellie from entering into a relationship, and getting engaged, with a man so much older. Ellie challenges them both, why are they are trying to put her off when the two of them have done exactly the same?
I find myself faced with a familiar problem, how to describe a book classified (by me) as Women's Fiction? What is this book about? Marriage, families, children, careers? Yes to all of the above. It's also about finding a new balance, relationships change over time and it's about finding your new normal. Often with Women's Fiction I am left with a feeling of dissatisfaction because there is no closure, no HEA. Not so in this case, at the end of this novel our three lead characters have gained a new perspective on their lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would definitely look out for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 28, 2021
Old Enough to Know Better
By Jane Wenham-Jones
Old Enough to Know Better is OUT TODAY and if you fancy a lovely light read, with a fascinating bunch of characters, then look no further. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I can’t say I really related to any of the characters as my husband is only three years older than me, but I do think age is just a number and many couples with big age gaps have very happy marriages. I’m sure it must feel difficult at times in the later years of the older partner’s life though when the younger partner isn’t ready to just exist at home for the rest of their days. Clare and Anna both have older husbands, and both love them dearly, but they are starting to struggle a bit and are finding themselves in an increasingly low mood. I did feel for them both. I loved Anna’s husband though, he’s such a sweetheart. Clare’s not so much! I really didn’t warm to Ellie either (Clare’s daughter). She’s a Daddies girl and is really quite awful to her Mum at times which I found quite sad. She’s quite immature and I was surprised she had managed to find herself a successful older boyfriend, especially one closer to her mother’s age. I was very keen to find out how that would all work out!
I really enjoyed the relationships and friendships throughout this book. Every character adds depth and, in many cases, warmth to the story.
I loved the emotion, the drama, and the laughs.
I very much recommend.
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/05/2...
By Jane Wenham-Jones
Old Enough to Know Better is OUT TODAY and if you fancy a lovely light read, with a fascinating bunch of characters, then look no further. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I can’t say I really related to any of the characters as my husband is only three years older than me, but I do think age is just a number and many couples with big age gaps have very happy marriages. I’m sure it must feel difficult at times in the later years of the older partner’s life though when the younger partner isn’t ready to just exist at home for the rest of their days. Clare and Anna both have older husbands, and both love them dearly, but they are starting to struggle a bit and are finding themselves in an increasingly low mood. I did feel for them both. I loved Anna’s husband though, he’s such a sweetheart. Clare’s not so much! I really didn’t warm to Ellie either (Clare’s daughter). She’s a Daddies girl and is really quite awful to her Mum at times which I found quite sad. She’s quite immature and I was surprised she had managed to find herself a successful older boyfriend, especially one closer to her mother’s age. I was very keen to find out how that would all work out!
I really enjoyed the relationships and friendships throughout this book. Every character adds depth and, in many cases, warmth to the story.
I loved the emotion, the drama, and the laughs.
I very much recommend.
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2021/05/2...
May 27, 2021
A story about Ellie, Clare and Anna taking stock of their lives and reviewing where they stand within their relationships with much older men.
All the women are realising they still have a life to live and enjoy, but their partners' ages highlight challenges it creates for them as a couple. The narrative is entertaining and certainly made me laugh a time or two as the highs and lows are navigated. However, one sad aspect really struck a chord… it resolved in a positive way but brought to our attention how actions can have heartbreaking consequences if not handled in a compassionate way.
This is a novel that makes you think beyond the pages in a; what would I do in this situation? It certainly gives pause for thought and leaves a lasting impression after finishing the last page.
I fit into the demographic of 'woman of a certain age' so I'm a target reader for this novel. Only, this wasn't a good fit for me. I wholeheartedly applaud any author writing fiction with middle-aged protagonists but I prefer to read stories that make me forget about age-induced scenarios, not remind me of them. I know I'm probably in the minority and this is purely my thoughts on the topic, therefore I feel confident most readers won't share my attitude or concerns.
Overall, Old Enough To Know Better is a well thought out and charming novel for those who like and appreciate a narrative that embraces their age.. warts and all.
3.5 stars
***Review copy received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***
All the women are realising they still have a life to live and enjoy, but their partners' ages highlight challenges it creates for them as a couple. The narrative is entertaining and certainly made me laugh a time or two as the highs and lows are navigated. However, one sad aspect really struck a chord… it resolved in a positive way but brought to our attention how actions can have heartbreaking consequences if not handled in a compassionate way.
This is a novel that makes you think beyond the pages in a; what would I do in this situation? It certainly gives pause for thought and leaves a lasting impression after finishing the last page.
I fit into the demographic of 'woman of a certain age' so I'm a target reader for this novel. Only, this wasn't a good fit for me. I wholeheartedly applaud any author writing fiction with middle-aged protagonists but I prefer to read stories that make me forget about age-induced scenarios, not remind me of them. I know I'm probably in the minority and this is purely my thoughts on the topic, therefore I feel confident most readers won't share my attitude or concerns.
Overall, Old Enough To Know Better is a well thought out and charming novel for those who like and appreciate a narrative that embraces their age.. warts and all.
3.5 stars
***Review copy received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***
June 16, 2021
This was an entertaining and often thought provoking read, looking at life through the eyes of women who are dealing with the realities of life and the paths they have chosen.
Ellie is one character who is starting out in life and is super excited to be engaged to Tom. He's 19 years older - she doesn't see this as an issue but some around her, including her mum, are keen to warn her that this could be a problem. Her mum knows only too well, as she married someone older so Ellie just sees her being hypocritical - instead of heeding the advice given.
Anna works with Ellie, and is at the point in her life when she's feeling lonely. Her son and his family live a distance away, and life just isn't making her excited anymore.
There are lots of fun, silly moments but there is also a deeper look at women coming to terms with where they are in life, wanting different things in relationships and wondering whether to 'stick or twist' so to speak. With Ellie, she is just swept up in the romance of it all and sees her other half can do no wrong!
I liked that this book is mainly aimed at an older audience - people who've maybe been through the same thing or approaching that stage of life, when you're not impressed by flashy behaviour and just want something different from life and a little bit more substantial and to feel fulfilled.
Ellie is one character who is starting out in life and is super excited to be engaged to Tom. He's 19 years older - she doesn't see this as an issue but some around her, including her mum, are keen to warn her that this could be a problem. Her mum knows only too well, as she married someone older so Ellie just sees her being hypocritical - instead of heeding the advice given.
Anna works with Ellie, and is at the point in her life when she's feeling lonely. Her son and his family live a distance away, and life just isn't making her excited anymore.
There are lots of fun, silly moments but there is also a deeper look at women coming to terms with where they are in life, wanting different things in relationships and wondering whether to 'stick or twist' so to speak. With Ellie, she is just swept up in the romance of it all and sees her other half can do no wrong!
I liked that this book is mainly aimed at an older audience - people who've maybe been through the same thing or approaching that stage of life, when you're not impressed by flashy behaviour and just want something different from life and a little bit more substantial and to feel fulfilled.
May 11, 2021
A cute title and subtitle and a darling cover entice the reader to experience the charms of a family and their friends and acquaintances as they sort out their marriages and relationships. Several couples are involved in "May-December" marriages and romances. In real life, a great difference in age can be a challenge. So, how do our characters fare in this light-hearted story?
The story takes place near Margate, England and involves three sisters and their families. The matriarch and mother of the sisters, Meg, was my favorite character- she tells it like it is. While I appreciated the humor and romance of the book, I have to say that I thought the characters were mean and awful. One of the most poignant scenes in the book still lingers with me- an 86 year old husband has done his best to prepare for his much younger wife's birthday. He waits for her alone in a dark kitchen, while she dallies and flirts at a work happy hour. After being a faithful, loving and capable husband, his only fault is that he has grown old.
I recommend this book as an easy summertime read and I'd be interested to know if you agree with my assessment of the characters! Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
The story takes place near Margate, England and involves three sisters and their families. The matriarch and mother of the sisters, Meg, was my favorite character- she tells it like it is. While I appreciated the humor and romance of the book, I have to say that I thought the characters were mean and awful. One of the most poignant scenes in the book still lingers with me- an 86 year old husband has done his best to prepare for his much younger wife's birthday. He waits for her alone in a dark kitchen, while she dallies and flirts at a work happy hour. After being a faithful, loving and capable husband, his only fault is that he has grown old.
I recommend this book as an easy summertime read and I'd be interested to know if you agree with my assessment of the characters! Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.
May 28, 2021
This story is told through the point of view of three women, Clare, Anna and Ellie. Clare and Anna are middle aged and married with men that are couple of decades their senior. Anna's husband Jeremy is getting old and frail. Clare's husband Rupe has just retired and drinks heavily. Clare's daughter Ellie has just met Tom, who is twenty years older. We get to be part of their lives for a couple of months. All of the three women contemplate their lives and relationships. What is it like to be in your prime while your husband is aging and getting decrepit? Is there something that needs to change?
This is a real feel-good story. All characters are lovely, even though some of them may appear quite brusque at first. Family and friends are important and I was keeping fingers crossed everything would turn out well in the end.
I like the writing style and how the author uses words. It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a comfy sofa.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for a copy of this book.
This is a real feel-good story. All characters are lovely, even though some of them may appear quite brusque at first. Family and friends are important and I was keeping fingers crossed everything would turn out well in the end.
I like the writing style and how the author uses words. It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a comfy sofa.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for a copy of this book.
June 15, 2021
Though considered chick lit it is much more. This follows three women all who want their happily ever after. Have they picked the right men? This explores the age difference. What happens when you fall in love with a person who is significantly older than you are? What happens as time goes by and the haze of new love clears? Anna and Claire are in the place of not being thrilled about how their husbands have, or rather haven’t changed. They want more from life and love. And the Ellie, Claires daughter seems to be following the same path as her mother. It is a very interesting journey and read. I really enjoyed getting to know these women. I think you will too. I really enjoyed the subject matter and the writing. This author is definitely goin on my list to follow. A breath of fresh air.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. This did not impact my review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. This did not impact my review.
May 28, 2021
This is my second Jane Wenham-Jones book and, based on her writing and subject matter, I’m pretty sure I’d love to be friends with her.
Old Enough to Know Better introduces three women in relationships with older men -mother Claire, daughter Ellie, and friend Anna. Ellie’s relatively new relationship starts the two older women re-examining their own situations. I didn’t love Anna. I thought she was pretty awful to her husband, who’s only fault seemed to be his age, which he obviously couldn’t control and she’d clearly always known.
Overall, though, this book hits of some tough & hot topics and Wehnam-Jones writes her characters with quick, quirky whit. I found myself relating, sympathizing, and laughing out loud at times. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of chick lit, female empowerment, love stories, and friend/family dynamics.
Old Enough to Know Better introduces three women in relationships with older men -mother Claire, daughter Ellie, and friend Anna. Ellie’s relatively new relationship starts the two older women re-examining their own situations. I didn’t love Anna. I thought she was pretty awful to her husband, who’s only fault seemed to be his age, which he obviously couldn’t control and she’d clearly always known.
Overall, though, this book hits of some tough & hot topics and Wehnam-Jones writes her characters with quick, quirky whit. I found myself relating, sympathizing, and laughing out loud at times. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of chick lit, female empowerment, love stories, and friend/family dynamics.
May 29, 2021
A story with interconnected characters and storylines that gradually come together as the story develops. The common denominator is couples with a significant age gap between them and what happens as they get older, especially where the age difference was significant.
I'm a few years older than my wife so this doesn't really affect us, however we have known couples where this is a factor and the potential downfalls. I thought that the story gave a largely positive view of such relationships, whilst acknowledging consequential problems. It's not a light read due to the subject matter and I did end up dipping in and out of the book, but is certainly worth reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
I'm a few years older than my wife so this doesn't really affect us, however we have known couples where this is a factor and the potential downfalls. I thought that the story gave a largely positive view of such relationships, whilst acknowledging consequential problems. It's not a light read due to the subject matter and I did end up dipping in and out of the book, but is certainly worth reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
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