The Silver Ladies Seize the Day

by Judy Leigh, Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

A BRAND NEW feel-good read from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh, perfect for fans of Dawn French and Caroline James! At 92 years old, the last thing Cecily Hamilton expected to find was true love. Surrounded by friends and family, Cecily thought her life was full enough already — until a former flame’s granddaughter shows up to tell Cecily that he never stopped loving her! A 2025 release performed by an Earphones Award–winning narrator!

You’re never too old to fall in love…again!

Cecily Hamilton is months away from her ninety-second birthday. She’s lived life to the full, choosing work over romance, friendship over love. And now she has a host of silver-haired friends living nearby, ready to fill her time with picnic lunches, prosecco and cheer!

Cecily thought she was content. She thought her cup was full…

But when the granddaughter of Cecily’s first and only love arrives on her doorstep, claiming that her grandfather, Eddie, is still in love with Cecily after all these years, Cecily wonders if there might be room for a little romance after all. Especially since, one by one, her friends keep falling head over heels for old flames and new.

Can the oldest silver lady of the bunch really hope for her own second chance at love? Is it finally time for Cecily to seize the day?

Celebrate life with Judy Leigh's Silver Ladies! Don't miss this uplifting, joyous and funny tale of friendships and new beginnings. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

Genres: Adventure, Womens Fiction, Romance

Audible Audio

Published June 4, 2025

About the author

Judy Leigh has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional Writing.

She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Silver Ladies Seize the Day, by Judy Leigh, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Cecily is 91 years old, she gave up on love long ago, work fulfilled her more. Now at almost 92, an old love returns, can Cecily fall in love at her age? his is a real cute story.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a genre I usually read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The Silver Ladies are just amazing. Their leader and for most, former teacher, Cecily is turning 92. I loved the descriptions of how they spent time together, and supported one another. Several began new relationships in this book. The village they live in and the people there are so lovely as well. Very British without being stuffy. I plan to read more by this author. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, light and fun read, I highly recommend this book.

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely book, I would love to live in their village and be friends with all the Silver Ladies. From 92 year old Cecily to Lin, Josie, Minnie, Poll and their husbands/partners to the next generation of Florence, Adam, Bobby, baby Elsie. A lovely, happy, real feel good book.

[Marg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nadine the pig is back!Wait .... maybe I should have started with the gang from Middleton Ferris is back, not just the pig!

We first met the Silver Ladies in the book The Silver Haired Ladies Do Lunch which I reviewed here. From the blurb for this book, you would think that Cecily's story is the one that takes up most of the page time, but it's only one strand of multiple stories. Minnie is umming and ahhing about taking the next step with her American beau whilst hosting her sister at her home in Oxford. Josie's first love has come back to the village to live but she's not sure about whether she can even think about dating him again. Lin still can't cook a thing. And then there is Florence, a young mother who is struggling with juggling everything she has going on her life, without the additional stresses which get added in this book.

It is, however, Cecily's story that is the most moving when she is the centre of the story. Cecily was the village teacher for many years. After returning she became friends with some of her former students. Now 92, she doesn't have regrets as such for she has lived a very fulfilling life, but in the back of her mind there is always Eddie, the man who she was engaged to but had to watch as he married someone else. When she is contacted by Eddie's granddaughter, she has to decide if she wants to see him again, or if the hurt of what happened all those years ago is too much. Some days she very much wants to, but other days she does not. Of course, everyone else has an opinion on what she should do.

To read more head to

http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an experience! This is almost what I would call an interactive
story because I was right there, feeling the moment, the emotions,
the heart break and the triumph, of each character in this amazing
story. Each chapter feels real~like a letter from a long lost love, a
scorned lover, a teacher or student who made the world a brighter
place. While it’s now trendy to say that ‘age is just a number,’ in
this story, age is far more than these things. It’s the glue that
holds the long lost in one’s heart, or in permanent disdain.
Until the time when we know that love truly never dies.
Do not miss the beautiful book by the incredible Judy Leigh.
I recommend this to everyone~age is just a number !
My thanks to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveee Leigh's books! Her books featuring ladies on the wrong side of fifty have reassured me time and time again that 'it's never to late' and 'there's life in the old dog yet'!

Cecily is testament to that. She's ninety-one years old and still hasn't given up on love!

Written with warmth and humour, Leigh takes us on another journey of friendship, fun and being fabulous, no matter what your age.

The ladies were charming, as always and the story was an absolute pleasure to read.

[Claire Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I really enjoyed .this book. Friendship .love .lost love and New love and rekindle love. Definitely worth reading, hope you enjoy it half .as.much as I did

[Davida Chazan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars. This is essentially a sequel to Leigh's "The Sliver Ladies Do Lunch" and we get to know this gang even better, while they all get a bit of romance in their lives. My full review is here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2025/05/2...

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Interest
I love Judy Leigh’s “feel good” books about women of a certain age (i.e. my age and older). This sequel to Judy’s earlier book, The Silver Ladies Do Lunch was a “must-read” befere it was published.

The Story
Cecily, Josie, Mini and the rest are back. Cecily–aka “Miss Hamilton” was their teacher. Now over 90 and her pupils being “ladies of a certain age” we see how their Golden Years turn out as “Silver Ladies.” And changes are happening for all of them as well as for their young friend, Florence.

Will rekindling old flames work? Will “Miss Hamilton’s” landmark birthday be celebrated wtih a successful party? Will a baddy ruin it all?

Cecily Hamilton played her guitar and sang to her students in this village so long ago that most of her students are now grandparents. She herself now uses the “flying plum”–a mobility scotter (not the Vespa-style scooter on the book’s cover–shame on you marketing department!). Her wonderful circle of former students cum friends are still there–what a richly blessed life! ) Now her long-ago finace wants back in her life. But is he a “love rat” or a man who fell on his sword? And Cecily isn’t the only one being revisited by a long-ago love! And, speaking of “love rats”–is that Darrell back?? Oh! But Florence and Adam and little Elsie are so happy!! No!

My Thoughts
I wrongly said elsewhere on this blog that this was Judy Leigh’s first sequel–I misspoke. The first book of this story is The Silver Ladies Do Lunch (my review is linked). I loved finding out more about these gals! I loved meeting Mike and Eddie and the others. Love at 90+ gives us all hope, right? Cecily was the kind of teacher you wish you and your kids and your grandkids had.

Although their stories are simplified, these are real people–the people we know in our neighbhorhoods or see in the supermarket or at the doctors office or park or where ever! I love that about Judy Leigh’s books. I want to know ALL of her characters in real life. And, I want to visit that petting zoo. Please let it be a success! Of course I already wanted to eat at their friend’s cafe! I want to even more now that there’s a sequel.

This was just wonderful! Please tell me book three is in the works!

My Verdict
4.0
Review: Silver Ladies Seize the Day by Judy Leigh

“Feel Good” is what I need right now–I live in the USA. Thank you, Judy Leigh.

I listened to the audio version of this book

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is tough. So is love. Both have their ups and downs, moments of sheer bliss and sorrow. No one knows that better than the Silver Ladies, as the group around almost 92 year-old Cecily Hamilton has dubbed itself, although it seems to be expanding to include all ages. Life and love have left their mark, just as loss, the aches and pains of aging, and uncertainties of life have done. Even Cecily, the glue that seems to hold the group together, learns that age doesn't dampen emotions.

I won't detail the plot as much of it is woven into the multi-layered, inter-connected story, a story of many parts and tender, even troubled souls. They're friends, many for decades, but must face life on their own terms. We're immediately drawn to Cecily given the prologue but the other's stories are just as deep and multi-layered as Cecily's. While much of their tale is certainly sweet and charming, there's also angst, loss, uncontrolled anger, long held grudges of a sort, and, yes, romance and hope. I have found myself liking the central cast of characters but, trust me, none of them are saintly, even Cecily. That makes them all the more human to readers. There are even a few you won't like but their story is there, too. Again, life is made up of both. Their stories come together and apart periodically but the strength of friendship holds them together, even when they disagree. Let's just say, the Silver Ladies aren't necessarily all on the same page regarding Cecily's decision (nope, not telling) but they don't let it drive them apart. Instead, they're there to support her, vowing to support her whatever her decision.

Bottom line, without revealing the story-line, it's a story of life, the highs and lows, and learning to accept and cope with each as they come. Enjoying the moment, as they say. I felt like I was right there with them, fretting over decisions that might rupture a marriage or keep "meant-to-be" lovers apart, not to mention seated at the table for that fabulous 92nd birthday party gathering. What an intriguing, open bunch of friends, the sort of people we'd all aspire to be ourselves. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the initial intro to Cecily and her circle of friends/family and allowing me this early peek at how life is treating them all. I aspire to be like Cecily one of these days, although I'm not sure a scooter, purple or not, is quite the vehicle I'd opt for here in Alaska.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her youth, Cecily lost the love of her life when he married another – and, in her quieter and more contemplative moments, she wonders if he ever thinks of her too. But when Eddie’s granddaughter gets in touch to tell her that he most certainly does – and that he’s now living alone, and would love to see her again, she has a difficult decision to make. Might romance still be possible at 92? Can she really set aside all the hurt he caused all those years ago? And she’s not sure if she needs the complication – she has a good life, surrounded by friends, and really doesn’t feel she needs or wants anything more.

And while this book centres on Cecily’s story – and it was one I really loved – there’s plenty going on in her friends’ lives too. As it’s been a while now since she became a widow, Josie’s wondering if it’s now time to call a halt on the conversations she has with her husband while tending his grave – and she’s thrown a bit off balance by the return of her first love to the village, the attraction still there, but she feels far from ready to move on. After the worries about her marriage and wondering if she’s enough, Lin’s marriage to long-suffering Neil, thank goodness, is now back on an even keel: Minnie, still living in Oxford, has had her life hijacked a bit by her recuperating sister Tina, but has been making some decisions about her future. And then there’s young mother Florence, who they all helped and supported in the last book – once more, it seems things might be getting a little difficult for her despite the calming and supportive presence of her lovely partner Adam.

Finding all those characters a bit confusing if you didn’t read the earlier book? There’s a helpful character list at the start, but you really won’t need it – the book is all about the friendship between the women, and you’ll soon become wrapped up in it and feel you’ve known them all for years. And the whole book is just so joyful – yes, of course there are people behaving badly, and life brings the unexpected at times, but the love and support between them all fills your heart. There are new characters too – one a particularly straight-talking surprise, who turns out to be a perfect addition to their group – and things going on within the community, the individuals all as well drawn as the ladies themselves. And if you did read the earlier book, you’ll be delighted to know that Nadine once more makes her presence felt!

I just love these women, who refuse to give in to their aches and pains and troubles and constantly show how determined they are not to throw in the towel and to squeeze every drop of fun out of their lives – I often wish I’d grown up in Middleton Ferris too, and could be part of their friendship group. Their unfolding stories are wonderful and thoroughly engaging, their friendship something to be really treasured – and the author’s fantastic storytelling, bringing them all so vividly to life and with plenty of laughter along the way, makes you feel entirely part of it all. And it’s most certainly not only a book for those of us of a similar age to the Silver Ladies – it honestly couldn’t fail to be enjoyed by readers of any age. I really loved it – one you really need to add to your reading list, and a real personal favourite.

[Mary Lawrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story, continuing the series about the Silver Ladies, a eclectic group of ladies of more mature years who have lunch & all sorts of adventures in & around the fictional Oxfordshire village of Middleton Ferris. What they have in common is the village school, where Cecily taught & the others were all pupils of hers; although now they each lead very different lives they are a close & supportive group of friends. This latest volume focuses on Cecily, the oldest of the group who will soon celebrate her ninety second birthday. As she approaches her birthday she has been reflecting on her life & thinking about Eddie who was the love of her life, but they lost touch years ago after he married her best friend. When she unexpectedly discovers where Eddie now lives, she’s thrown into a state of indecision over what to do. Inevitably her meddlesome friends, Minnie, Josie & Lin, have “helpful” advice for her, whilst also having their own romantic stories to tell. All of these & more, including a new member of the group, are skilfully woven into stories of life in the village, the characters delightfully & convincingly drawn with gentle humour. Many of the villagers were pupils of Cecily at the village school & everyone remembers her with much affection. You could just imagine driving through Middleton Ferris & seeing Cecily racing through the village on the Flying Plum, or meeting all of the Silver Ladies lunching if you happened to stop at Odile’s cafe for lunch.

It’s a lovely optimistic tale of life post retirement, showing that life can continue after retirement with romance, friendships, things to do, places to go….. It’s never too late to have fun, fall in love, & enjoy everything that life has to offer. It also relates the positive side of living in a small village community, where people look out for each other, giving support where needed, & sharing in life’s celebrations. I’d recommend this book as a good summer read. If you enjoy books by writers such as Maddie Please & Debbie Viggiano, I think you’ll enjoy this one!

Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silver Ladies Seize The Day by Judy Leigh is a most charming contemporary novel. It is part of the Silver Ladies series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. The Silver Ladies are all seventy plus, with the eldest at nearly ninety-two. They know how to live, laugh and love. They support each other throughout all of life’s ups and downs. They are an eclectic mix, as are the other villagers too but they all know how to practice hospitality to the deserving.
We see that everyone has their own battles to fight. The past can be a hostile place. We need to learn from it but not live in it.
A character has devoted her life to teaching. The result is that so many of the villagers have been taught by her and love her, as they fondly remember the years spent in her classroom. But she has regrets. A chance arises to put the past to bed – but does she really want to face it?
Another character is missing her husband of over fifty years (he suddenly died before the book opened). Much of her life is now spent at his graveside as she has many monologues with him. “She wished she could believe he was close by.” The pain is tangible but should she lock away the rest of her life? A blast from the past may be just the kickstart to new life that she needs.
A young mother has a crisis of identity. She loves her daughter but feels frumpy and tired. It takes the support of a village to restore her self-worth.
I love the inclusion of Dangerous Dave. As his name suggests, he is very accident prone!
The whole book is very charming. There is much love and humour too. The hand of friendship is extended everywhere. Everyone needs love, friendship and laughter.
As ninety-two-year-old Cecily says:
“The best that we can be is kind, considerate and full of forgiveness.”
I absolutely adored The Silver Ladies Seize The Day and cannot wait for more from Judy Leigh.
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.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a senior, I absolutely love that Judy Leigh writes “’golden’ and ‘silver’ stories that feature characters of all ages, but focus on the lives of older people.” So, I jumped at the opportunity to read her newest book, The Silver Ladies Seize the Day. The biggest takeaway from her books is that life and love can be wonderful at any age or any phase of life, even when you’re 70, 80, or 90-years-old, and yes, there are sparks even when reuniting with an old flame!

At the beginning of the book, there is a long list of characters from another of Ms. Leigh’s books, The Silver Ladies Do Lunch, because this new book follows the same characters. If you’re like me and like to begin at the beginning and get to know the characters, I suggest reading The Silver Ladies Do Lunch first (which I had not, but will do now!), and then jump into this delightful new tome.

This story centers on 92-year-old Cecily Hamilton, the eldest of a group of women who dub themselves the Silver Ladies. Early on, Cecily learns that her long-ago fiancé, the man who broke her heart, is now single and wants to see her again. And that’s just one plot line among the Silver Ladies. For me, the strongest threads that wove through the story were those of the Ladies’ friendship (for some, friendships that spanned decades), resilience, humor, community, and, despite loss and sadness, they continue to embrace, celebrate, and live their lives to the fullest while being there for one another. Great lessons for any reader at any stage of life! The characters are all multi-dimensional, and the dialogue and interactions are realistic and so enjoyable.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read this ARC. I have voluntarily provided this sincere review.

[Linda S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first received the ARC of this novel, I was looking forward to reading about more adventures of the ladies from The Silver-Haired Sisterhood, the first book I had read (and enjoyed) by Judy Leigh. As I started reading this one, I realized that these were new Silver Ladies - but just as much fun and just as interesting! Cecily is in her 90s and the former fiance who broke her heart is now single and wants to see her again. Josie is widowed and can't stop thinking about her old boyfriend, Mike, who has moved back to the village. Lin is happily married to her husband Neil, both deeply affected by the death of an old friend. Minnie is in love with a director from the USA but keeps him at a distance to take care of her sister, Tina, who is recovering from a stroke. Florence is happy with Adam but the father of her child is looking to move back to the village and she is afraid he will cause trouble for them. So much is going on in this book - likeable characters and very relatable situations. Should the Silver Ladies let go of the past and enjoy their lives, looking forward to the future? This book had a very satisfying ending and I look forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Cecily and the rest of the Silver Ladies when they went out to lunch, I was mostly familiar with their dynamic and welcomed the chance to catch up with them. It was particularly poignant that this book would focus mainly on Cecily, who was, without a doubt, the character who had captured my imagination.
When the book opens, we discover more about Cecily’s lost love and why she has never married, or even had a partner. My heart ached for her loss, and I felt her pain as each page added to her tragic story.
Cecily has filled her life with teaching and claims to have no regrets over her decisions, as her teaching has given her all the fulfilment she craved. However, it only takes a moment with her thoughts to realise that she thinks about her lost love regularly, and there is undoubtedly some unfinished business there.
The main focus is on Cecily and her conflicting thoughts, but there’s still time to catch up with the rest of the silver ladies and see what they have been up to. I try to remain within the constraints of the synopsis to avoid the inclusion of spoilers, but I feel there’s room to mention the rest of the group who have been friends since primary school, when Cecily was their favourite teacher. Still grieving for her late husband, Josie resolves to visit his grave less frequently and to stop talking to him constantly. Lin has managed to keep her relationship with her husband on track and is now much happier. Minnie is still living in Oxford as a University lecturer. However, she is now playing host to her sister, Tina, as she recuperates from a stroke, leaving no time for Minnie to work on her relationship with her thespian boyfriend. The book is complete with a quick set of notes to help you catch up with the silver ladies, including their partners or lack thereof.
In Judy’s inimitable style, we are given glimpses of their lives, and I loved everything about it. From the lives of the friends and their extended friendships, this is more a romance of female connections than what is usually found between men and women. Still, there is a warming collection of happy endings on the horizon for this delightful assortment of silver-haired ladies.
A beautiful conclusion that I hadn’t realised I needed.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silver Ladies Seize the Day by Judy Leigh

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Cecily Hamilton is months away from her ninety-second birthday. She’s lived life to the full, choosing work over romance, friendship over love. And now she has a host of silver-haired friends living nearby, ready to fill her time with picnic lunches, prosecco and cheer!

Cecily thought she was content. She thought her cup was full…

But when the granddaughter of Cecily’s first and only love arrives on her doorstep, claiming that her grandfather, Eddie, is still in love with Cecily after all these years, Cecily wonders if there might be room for a little romance after all. Especially since, one by one, her friends keep falling head over heels for old flames and new.

Can the oldest silver lady of the bunch really hope for her own second chance at love? Is it finally time for Cecily to seize the day?

My Opinion

It was lovely to catch up with the Silver Ladies. Judy Leigh has once again shown that her older characters are still able to have fun. A heart-warming and fun read with some great characters. Judy Leigh is definitely an author that I would highly recommend reading.

Rating 4/5

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecily Hamilton never married after the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with went off with her best friend. Cecily at almost ninety two is one of the silver ladies, a group of friends who support each other in all life’s ups and downs. Josie has seen someone she used to know in the past who has just moved back to the village and Minnie is waiting for her sister to recover from her stroke so she can be with the love of her life who lives in America.

This is a wonderful fun read of life and how friendships can get you through the bumps along the way. Judy has a wonderful writing style, putting the reader at ease and in the middle of a group of friends. There is more than friendship or camaraderie amongst the ladies, it's an understanding, a support like no other whilst accepting that we are all different and may not always agree with each other. A multi-layered plot of life, peeled away one small part at a time. Maybe we should all have a silver ladies group, whatever our ages, I know I would treasure it. A heart warming story that left me with a smile.



For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog

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[Lynn P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a few of Judy Leigh's books and enjoyed them, this was no exception. I wish I had realised this was a sequel though, as I felt I didn't really get the full measure of all the characters. At the beginning of the book there is a recap of who is who, but it was too lengthy for me to take in. I read on and just went with the flow.

Cecily is nearly 92 and she's a retired teacher who had her heart broken 70 years ago. It was this story that made me want to read the book, but it is only a small part of the story. As the title implies the Silver Ladies seize the day and each of the ladies in the group have their own road they have travelled. They have decisions to make as to whether they stay on that road, or go along another one.

I loved the character of Cecily and she is the one I felt I got to know the most. As the book flips between each of the silver ladies I was a little disappointed when we left Cecily, although she did have a part in each of the others stories too.

A nice gentle read. It's not all roses around the door in the village though, there are a few nasty encounters. A well written observation of life and all that goes with it and some hope and encouragement that life is still for living as we age.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fun and funny new novel from Judy Leigh, readers follow Cecily Hamilton as she approaches her ninety-second birthday with joy and acceptance, ready to celebrate with her friends. However, the surprise arrival of the granddaughter of Cecily’s first and only love shakes things up because she claims that Eddie is still in love with Cecily. Wondering if she is finally ready for the happy ending and love that she has yet to have, Cecily prepares to meet Eddie again and see if her second chance at love will have a happy ending. Entertaining, packed with details, and character-driven, readers will love this charming novel and its fantastic cast of characters. Cecily’s friendships and relationships are really well-written and drive her story forward in some fantastic ways, and readers will also enjoy seeing her character development over the course of the novel. With its charming and heartwarming plot and great emotional beats, readers will really enjoy the pacing, messages, atmosphere, and tone in this entertaining and brilliantly written new release. Judy Leigh has once again brought a brilliant story and fascinating characters to life in her latest novel, and fans of her other books will absolutely love this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely read from Judy Leigh championing the older generation !
The silver ladies are a formidable bunch all very different but all united in their friendship and loyalty to each other, their friends and the community, Cecily in particular is the matriarch of the group a former teacher and the eldest of the bunch and in The silver ladies seize the day she takes centre stage!
Cecily in her youth was a young impressionable girl with high morals who met and fell in love with the attractive Eddie, who unfortunately betrayed her in the worst way possible! Scorned and betrayed Cecily flung herself into her teaching career, but never forgot her first love thinking of him daily and wondering what could have been!
Throughout the book we are introduced to the other silver ladies, all having been through their own trials and tribulations but never giving up, living life to the full despite life experiences and aging bodies, they embrace life, live, friendship, community and second chances!
A real feel good read extolling the virtues of the wisdom of experience and longevity!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story about women of a certain age, and more, as they grasp their second chances in love and life!
Cecily Hamilton is a 91-year-old ex-teacher. She still lives in the village where she taught for her entire teaching career and has forged friendships with many of her former pupils.
Even those whom she first taught are in their 70s, and they laughingly call themselves the Silver Ladies, as they meet regularly.
And all of them have a story, and various barriers prevent them from thoroughly enjoying their lives.
The key part of the story is Cecily rediscovering her one true love. I shan't go into it more, as you need to read it. Still, I enjoyed the complete story, which follows all of the ladies and other residents of the village as they tackle a particular menace, come together as a hive mind to solve a couple of other village issues, and then the gentle romances that are blooming along the way. A beautiful read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review for Judy Leigh’s The Silver Ladies Seize the Day! Is another wonderful adventure new with the older generations in the Silver Ladies Series. The narration for the Audible is perfect.
The dynamics are really well threaded together and the relationships and friendships make sense. Cecily is an inspiring personality in her 90s. Close with her former students and still nursing a broken heart from her youth. The accompanying cast is strong and they all have decisions to make about love and life. Even the much younger who Florence who is going through it, benefits from the love, support and encouragement of the older ladies. There’s also cute little Elsie to look forward to.
Love isn’t straight forward, it has many nooks and crannies, decisions we make one day may look different from an older perspective. Hindsight is 20/20 vision.
There is much fun and contemplation to be found here, and the right amount of irritation from not so friendly characters.
Another well done, great summer read or listen.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book. The women characters were described as strong, but were weak, frustrated by their own choices and ineffectual at change.

In contrast, in most other Judy Leigh books, mature women are thrown a curve ball by an external event, the death or departure of a spouse, a wayward adult child, social isolation after retirement, and use creativity, courage and resilience to find a new fulfilling and meaningful life. Those books are uplifting, inspiring, and humorous, because the women are open to trying new things.

In The Silver Ladies Seize the Day, chapter after chapter the ladies are indecisive and stuck. The story does have a happy ending in the final chapter; but it’s because of the male characters who, throughout the book, took action while the ladies were passive.

There is something I appreciate about this book. The story revolves around an entire village, and male characters play almost as prominent a role as female characters. It adds a layer of complexity and completeness to the story.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm wonderful reading! It’s so refreshing to read about a group of mature ladies living their best lives in an Oxfordshire village full of community spirit and consideration for your neighbours!!
Cecily is looking forward to her 92nd upcoming birthday, but it’s also given her time to reflect back on her life, as a teacher. The gorgeous silver ladies group of friends is back welcoming new friends and managing situations as they arise.
Fabulous characters and understandable scenarios, at times a little predictable although this never detracts from the magic of reading the latest from Judy Leigh!
Funny, sad, touching, and unique I just love these tales and recommend for inspiration and hope as the years gather speed and pass!!
Hugely recommended for a holiday read, or for a first flavour from this author, it’s a joy!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early chance to read!

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues the story of the Silver Ladies, a group of friends who are all of a certain age (or more) but it can be read as a standalone book . The main focus is on Cecily, a retired teacher approaching her 92nd birthday, thinking back to the 1950s when she was engaged to Eddie, before something happened to cause them to split.
This story is full of friendship, mainly of the group of older ladies, but also the younger villagers. Cecily comes across as a very strong character, which makes her self doubt stand out more, but what is certain is the way the whole village respects and cares for her. Again it might not be a totally realistic view of life in a small community, but it's certainly one to aspire to. 4.5* rounded up to 5*, a book to lose yourself in and one that us older readers can relate to.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I had to read the previous Silver Ladies book first, to get the backstory, the character dynamics, and their relationships and I am glad I did that before I started reading this book, because it was a continuation of what happened in the previous book "The Silver Ladies do Lunch".

Especially with regards to the side plot of Florence and her family, it was definitely better to have known how her baby came about before reading this, to properly feel the anger towards the villain of this book, smarmy and arrogant, trying to get what he wanted in the village.

I hope that there will be a next book about the Silver Ladies! I enjoyed their vivacity and vitality, despite being on the larger end of the age group, but it is their life experiences that have made them so much wiser now. No spoilers but I zoomed through the book and couldn't put it down once I started.

[Debbie Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written book by Judy and she never disappoints showing that old age is no barrier. This book focuses on 92 year old Cecily who recalls her love for Eddie when she was younger, a love she has never got over especially when he wants to see her again after many years. It also however brings back characters from Silver Ladies do lunch, which I haven’t read but didn’t feel that I needed to as this book can be read as a standalone (although I will be reading it as Judy’s writing is so good). The story is not only about love but about friendship, forgiveness, resilience and community and I enjoyed every minute of it. I thought Poll was a great addition to the story as she gave me some genuine laugh out loud moments. No matter what age you are I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for an advance copy of this book however views are all my own.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Silver Ladies Seize the Day” is a sequel to Judy Leigh’s previous book, “The Silver Ladies Do Lunch.” If, like me, you haven’t read the first book - it’s okay because Ms. Leigh includes a long list of characters for those who may have forgotten who was who previously, or are meeting the characters for the first time. I think that this book can be read as a stand-alone, but I think it would be stronger if I’d read the first book, well, first. This book had a number of plot lines, the strongest of which followed the eldest Silver Lady, Cecily, who learns that the man who broke her heart a long time ago is now single and wants to see her again. This story is one about friendship, community, humor, and resilience.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silver Ladies Seize the Day, by Judy Leigh, is the second entry in a series. While I did not read the first entry, I found the second perfectly enjoyable. While there are a lot of characters, Leigh's ability to create very different and nuanced personalities makes it fairly easy to follow this delightful group of older women. At the center of the group is their indomitable teacher, now in her early nineties. This group demonstrates exactly how I want to grow old...with good friends, active, open to new experiences and people. This is a definite "feel good" book for readers in middle or later life and in some ways, a manual.. I'm not sure how younger readers would react. I highly recommend it and give it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. It was a pleasure.