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Old Girls Go Greek
Don't miss a BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, uplifting read from the bestselling author of Old Girls on Deck, Maddie Please ⚓️☀️🌴 Perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Kate Galley and Dee MacDonald! 'Sea, sunshine, romance and fabulous characters' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bestselling author Judy Leigh
At 64, Meg Foster is ready to paint outside the lines
Newly divorced from overbearing husband Malcom and with only reruns of Bergerac and an irascible black cat called Ivan for company, Meg decides it’s time to add a little colour back into her life. So when she spots a flyer for a local art class at the Lower Begley community centre, she grabs a brush — despite her only painting experience being a half-hearted coat of magnolia in the downstairs loo.
Surrounded by a motley crew of charming amateur artists, Meg slowly begins to rediscover her spark with the help of the other old girls…and the only male in the group Dennis. And when someone suggests a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg doesn’t hesitate to sign up. Whitewashed walls, turquoise seas and possibly even a Grecian god or two? Yes please!
As the sun sets over the Aegean, Meg starts to realise that life — like art — is all about perspective. Could this trip be more than just a wash of watercolour fun? Could friendship, freedom and a second-chance romance be just a sketch away?
Full of heart, humour and hues of every shade, relax with another joyful story from Maddie Please celebrating the power of reinvention, female friendship, and living boldly — no matter your age.
Praise for Maddie
'Warm, witty and wonderfully engaging, Maddie takes us to Greece for sun soaked fun with a delightful cast of characters.” Bestselling author Kate Galley
'Warm, funny and poignant with engaging characters, it reminds us that you’re never too old for fun, romance and to learn new things!' Bestselling author Karen King
'A new lease of life under the Greek sun. As fresh and delicious as chilled retsina!' Bestselling author Phillipa Ashley
'For a book that’s as cheering and restorative as a long lunch with your very best friend, Maddie Please is the author you need to know!' Bestselling author Chris Manby
'Genuine and life-affirming…a wonderful, lighthearted novel about how it is never too late to find happiness.’ Bestselling author Kitty Wilson
'A heart-warming story filled with friendship and fun. It's official - I want to be an Old Duck!' Bestselling author Maisie Thomas
At 64, Meg Foster is ready to paint outside the lines
Newly divorced from overbearing husband Malcom and with only reruns of Bergerac and an irascible black cat called Ivan for company, Meg decides it’s time to add a little colour back into her life. So when she spots a flyer for a local art class at the Lower Begley community centre, she grabs a brush — despite her only painting experience being a half-hearted coat of magnolia in the downstairs loo.
Surrounded by a motley crew of charming amateur artists, Meg slowly begins to rediscover her spark with the help of the other old girls…and the only male in the group Dennis. And when someone suggests a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg doesn’t hesitate to sign up. Whitewashed walls, turquoise seas and possibly even a Grecian god or two? Yes please!
As the sun sets over the Aegean, Meg starts to realise that life — like art — is all about perspective. Could this trip be more than just a wash of watercolour fun? Could friendship, freedom and a second-chance romance be just a sketch away?
Full of heart, humour and hues of every shade, relax with another joyful story from Maddie Please celebrating the power of reinvention, female friendship, and living boldly — no matter your age.
Praise for Maddie
'Warm, witty and wonderfully engaging, Maddie takes us to Greece for sun soaked fun with a delightful cast of characters.” Bestselling author Kate Galley
'Warm, funny and poignant with engaging characters, it reminds us that you’re never too old for fun, romance and to learn new things!' Bestselling author Karen King
'A new lease of life under the Greek sun. As fresh and delicious as chilled retsina!' Bestselling author Phillipa Ashley
'For a book that’s as cheering and restorative as a long lunch with your very best friend, Maddie Please is the author you need to know!' Bestselling author Chris Manby
'Genuine and life-affirming…a wonderful, lighthearted novel about how it is never too late to find happiness.’ Bestselling author Kitty Wilson
'A heart-warming story filled with friendship and fun. It's official - I want to be an Old Duck!' Bestselling author Maisie Thomas
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
About the author
Maddie Please
17 books241 followersMaddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to University in Cardiff.
After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.
Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.
After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.
Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 22, 2025
ARC | Enjoyable after a perplexing start | I was really disappointed in the beginning of this. I've read most of Maddie Please's books now, and they're generally a nice light read, but the set-up on this felt like she couldn't be bothered. It was sketched, not filled in, and it's pretty ridiculous. Anita is bold enough to invite Meg to travel abroad with them on the strength of knowing each other less than 36 hours, but hadn't simply introduced herself as the next-door neighbor in the preceding months? Meg had no real interest in art or proper confidence in herself, but decided on a whim to go on an art group trip to another country with relative strangers? Three months then passed with no page space and without any of the women, apparently, getting to know each other in the slightest. So weird, and so many other ways to handle it. All that said, this is my preferred style of the genre, in which the unnecessary manufactured drama of characters taking things personally for no reason is entirely absent. It's gentle and uplifting, and comic relief Dennis stays just the right side of becoming insufferable. Nice to see some familiar faces from previous books, and get the reassurance of pairings holding on. Definitely worth the read, just prepare for the super rushed beginning.
Advance Reader's Copy provided free of charge, which did not impact my review.
Advance Reader's Copy provided free of charge, which did not impact my review.
September 25, 2025
Meg is a 64-year-old divorcée who has recently moved into a house in a new-to-her village. Bored and lonely, she decides to join an art class. The next day, a woman she met during the class comes over, says she’s her neighbour, and offers her a week-long trip to Greece, simply because Meg seems “nice enough.” Meg is surprised, but jumps at the idea with enthusiasm and only a tiny bit of anxiety.
Three months later, the art group arrives on Santorini.
I don’t know about others, but to me it seems rather strange and utterly unbelievable that a woman with almost no confidence and with social anxiety would just agree to such an offer from a complete stranger. No thought given, no doubts, not a single “what if” or even “who is this woman?” Nothing! Then we turn the page and—poof—three months have passed. Just like that.
On Santorini, Meg tries to relax and let go of her rigid self-consciousness, but again, this is only signalled in two sentences, with no deeper thought given. The group seems to be getting on well, but there’s no sense of connection or friendship forming. We know nothing about the characters. The pages are filled with chit-chat about nothing. Everybody’s smiling, except serious Dennis, who is the party killer.
Everything is marvellous. Literally! “Isn’t sea air simply marvellous? It really does make one feel better, don’t you think?” says a British woman who lives on an island about another, much smaller island. Oh, well... Everybody’s polite, making small talk and chit-chat—“it’s rather lovely” and of course, marvellous. If I find that word one more time, I’ll throw up.
Thankfully, there are hints of deeper thoughts, some reflections—but they’re phrased so carefully, as if the author and her character are afraid they might spoil the fun. No, they wouldn’t! One enjoys a book when the characters feel real and have depth—when you can connect with them, see them, and feel them.
There were only two moments in this book that gave the characters some real traits and made the story a bit more believable. One was this line: “I have a theory that at about 7:30 every evening there is a collective sigh around the nation as women remove them” (bras). The other: “I’m old, not dead.” Yes, I can relate to that.
To sum it up: this book is a light read—a beach read, a summer read. It’s filled with smiling characters and jokes that will make you smile. But the beginning feels rushed, weird, and unbelievable. It’s fine if you want to switch your brain off. However, if you’re looking for something meaningful, with reflections, deeper thoughts, and more relatable characters, read The Wedding People by Alison Espach or The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine—both excellent.
Three months later, the art group arrives on Santorini.
I don’t know about others, but to me it seems rather strange and utterly unbelievable that a woman with almost no confidence and with social anxiety would just agree to such an offer from a complete stranger. No thought given, no doubts, not a single “what if” or even “who is this woman?” Nothing! Then we turn the page and—poof—three months have passed. Just like that.
On Santorini, Meg tries to relax and let go of her rigid self-consciousness, but again, this is only signalled in two sentences, with no deeper thought given. The group seems to be getting on well, but there’s no sense of connection or friendship forming. We know nothing about the characters. The pages are filled with chit-chat about nothing. Everybody’s smiling, except serious Dennis, who is the party killer.
Everything is marvellous. Literally! “Isn’t sea air simply marvellous? It really does make one feel better, don’t you think?” says a British woman who lives on an island about another, much smaller island. Oh, well... Everybody’s polite, making small talk and chit-chat—“it’s rather lovely” and of course, marvellous. If I find that word one more time, I’ll throw up.
Thankfully, there are hints of deeper thoughts, some reflections—but they’re phrased so carefully, as if the author and her character are afraid they might spoil the fun. No, they wouldn’t! One enjoys a book when the characters feel real and have depth—when you can connect with them, see them, and feel them.
There were only two moments in this book that gave the characters some real traits and made the story a bit more believable. One was this line: “I have a theory that at about 7:30 every evening there is a collective sigh around the nation as women remove them” (bras). The other: “I’m old, not dead.” Yes, I can relate to that.
To sum it up: this book is a light read—a beach read, a summer read. It’s filled with smiling characters and jokes that will make you smile. But the beginning feels rushed, weird, and unbelievable. It’s fine if you want to switch your brain off. However, if you’re looking for something meaningful, with reflections, deeper thoughts, and more relatable characters, read The Wedding People by Alison Espach or The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine—both excellent.
December 23, 2025
This was my first experience of Maddie Please work and really enjoyed it!
This is definitely a book you can settle down on holiday with and get list in the heartwarming, funny story of some ladies going on a drawing retreat. I really enjoyed the characters who were easy to imagine. I loved the quote
"Of course it will pass. It might be like a kidney stone, which I've heard can be unpleasant, but you will be fine!"
A book to remind us live is for living, so get on and live it!
This is definitely a book you can settle down on holiday with and get list in the heartwarming, funny story of some ladies going on a drawing retreat. I really enjoyed the characters who were easy to imagine. I loved the quote
"Of course it will pass. It might be like a kidney stone, which I've heard can be unpleasant, but you will be fine!"
A book to remind us live is for living, so get on and live it!
January 25, 2026
I loved this book, another relatable read for women of a certain age!
March 20, 2026
3.75 ⭐
An easy read , something I needed after being broken and emotional with the last book I read.
Full of humour with look laugh out loud moments.
An easy read , something I needed after being broken and emotional with the last book I read.
Full of humour with look laugh out loud moments.
November 7, 2025
The Blurb :
At 64, Meg Foster is ready to paint outside the lines
Newly divorced from overbearing husband Malcom and with only reruns of Bergerac and an irascible black cat called Ivan for company, Meg decides it’s time to add a little colour back into her life. So when she spots a flyer for a local art class at the Lower Begley community centre, she grabs a brush — despite her only painting experience being a half-hearted coat of magnolia in the downstairs loo.
Surrounded by a motley crew of charming amateur artists, Meg slowly begins to rediscover her spark with the help of the other old girls…and the only male in the group Dennis. And when someone suggests a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg doesn’t hesitate to sign up. Whitewashed walls, turquoise seas and possibly even a Grecian god or two? Yes please!
As the sun sets over the Aegean, Meg starts to realise that life — like art — is all about perspective. Could this trip be more than just a wash of watercolour fun? Could friendship, freedom and a second-chance romance be just a sketch away?
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Meg Foster, in her 60s and recently divorced from Malcolm.
Having moved to Lower Begley, Meg decides its time to get back out there and live a little, she cant be stuck at home all day doing nothing in her retirement so decides to join a local art class in the village and there she meets her neighbour Anita and some other locals.
When it gets put to her to join them on a trip to sunny Santorini in 3 months time as someone has had to cancel, Meg jumps at the chance to go to Greece.
We soon follow Meg and the group of old ducks as they settle into Greek life and start to enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious foods that Santorini has to offer. Whilst some of the group join in on painting sessions, others find it more fun to go and explore the Island, even going on a banana boat ride and sampling the local alcoholic drinks.
Meg also befriends Will, another guest on the Art course, as they spend more and more time together, Meg starts to loosen up and really enjoys his company. She thinks she knows him from somewhere but he is not forthcoming on any personal information at first but he also starts to confide in Meg and they grow much closer.
Will a holiday romance be on the cards but end on holiday or has Meg found her new beginning!?.
As always Maddie Please delivers a story about the ‘older’ generation, the reader gets swept away with the stunning surroundings and amazing scenery.
I really liked Meg and also the other supporting cast Beryl, Effie, Dennis and Will.
Lots of fun and laughs to be had all round.
Looking forward to more from Maddie Please soon.
At 64, Meg Foster is ready to paint outside the lines
Newly divorced from overbearing husband Malcom and with only reruns of Bergerac and an irascible black cat called Ivan for company, Meg decides it’s time to add a little colour back into her life. So when she spots a flyer for a local art class at the Lower Begley community centre, she grabs a brush — despite her only painting experience being a half-hearted coat of magnolia in the downstairs loo.
Surrounded by a motley crew of charming amateur artists, Meg slowly begins to rediscover her spark with the help of the other old girls…and the only male in the group Dennis. And when someone suggests a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg doesn’t hesitate to sign up. Whitewashed walls, turquoise seas and possibly even a Grecian god or two? Yes please!
As the sun sets over the Aegean, Meg starts to realise that life — like art — is all about perspective. Could this trip be more than just a wash of watercolour fun? Could friendship, freedom and a second-chance romance be just a sketch away?
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Meg Foster, in her 60s and recently divorced from Malcolm.
Having moved to Lower Begley, Meg decides its time to get back out there and live a little, she cant be stuck at home all day doing nothing in her retirement so decides to join a local art class in the village and there she meets her neighbour Anita and some other locals.
When it gets put to her to join them on a trip to sunny Santorini in 3 months time as someone has had to cancel, Meg jumps at the chance to go to Greece.
We soon follow Meg and the group of old ducks as they settle into Greek life and start to enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious foods that Santorini has to offer. Whilst some of the group join in on painting sessions, others find it more fun to go and explore the Island, even going on a banana boat ride and sampling the local alcoholic drinks.
Meg also befriends Will, another guest on the Art course, as they spend more and more time together, Meg starts to loosen up and really enjoys his company. She thinks she knows him from somewhere but he is not forthcoming on any personal information at first but he also starts to confide in Meg and they grow much closer.
Will a holiday romance be on the cards but end on holiday or has Meg found her new beginning!?.
As always Maddie Please delivers a story about the ‘older’ generation, the reader gets swept away with the stunning surroundings and amazing scenery.
I really liked Meg and also the other supporting cast Beryl, Effie, Dennis and Will.
Lots of fun and laughs to be had all round.
Looking forward to more from Maddie Please soon.
October 28, 2025
I've read a few of Maddie Please's romantic-themed books featuring more mature ladies, and this was another fun read to add to her already splendid books.
The story is about Meg, a divorcee in her 60s, getting to grips with her newfound single life, and she happens upon a local art club where she meets some real characters.
Some of these characters will be ones you have met before if you have read Maddie's other books, namely the Old Ducks - a group of older ladies determined to make the most of life, regardless of age.
They end up at an art-themed holiday on the beautiful island of Santorini, where several members of the art group travel together, and they find another person has joined their group upon arrival.
It is a new, handsome male member of the group, and so of course, there is a spark, as well as some recognition from Meg and a bit of a connection which they begin to explore...
The rest, you need to read to find out!
The descriptions of the scenery, the food, the cute kittens and Meg's cat, back home.
A lovely, easy read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
The story is about Meg, a divorcee in her 60s, getting to grips with her newfound single life, and she happens upon a local art club where she meets some real characters.
Some of these characters will be ones you have met before if you have read Maddie's other books, namely the Old Ducks - a group of older ladies determined to make the most of life, regardless of age.
They end up at an art-themed holiday on the beautiful island of Santorini, where several members of the art group travel together, and they find another person has joined their group upon arrival.
It is a new, handsome male member of the group, and so of course, there is a spark, as well as some recognition from Meg and a bit of a connection which they begin to explore...
The rest, you need to read to find out!
The descriptions of the scenery, the food, the cute kittens and Meg's cat, back home.
A lovely, easy read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
February 21, 2026
Sweet story of 60s woman who's stretching her wings after divorce
January 26, 2026
Meg moves to a small country town in England after her divorce and is trying to find purpose in her life. she joins a painting group and finds friends. The group travel for a painting workshop in Greece. Meg meets Rick who is very secretive about his past but she is very attracted to him.
This was a story about a woman discovering her independence, sensuality and new found freedom. It was a nice love story about older people entering their twilight years
This was a story about a woman discovering her independence, sensuality and new found freedom. It was a nice love story about older people entering their twilight years
September 28, 2025
Another fun novel from Maddie Please following the exploits of newly divorced Meg and her friends as they head to Santorini on a painting holiday. Think blue skies, whitewashed walls, delicious Greek food, plenty of fun and frolics and a touch of romance all wrapped up in a gorgeous novel. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.
April 16, 2026
With this title and a Greek location, I knew Old Girls Go Greek was the escape read I needed! Meg is a newly divorced, 64 year old woman who meets up with her neighbor, Anita, at a local painting class. Anita invites Meg on a group painting holiday to Santorini. The purpose of the trip is painting, however Meg and several other women band together in fun and often ditch the organized painting dates for frivolity, food and fun. This group knows how to laugh and enjoy themselves, and Meg finds herself learning new things about herself. Overall, this was a fun read. The island details and the Greek food descriptions were so lovely, and at times I swear I could feel the heat of the sun and the smell the ocean breezes. Meg's new friends were fun, but when the full tour group got together it felt like they talked about a lot of nothing, and I would lose interest during those segments. I did like the positivity and encouragement the women give each other, and how they were living their best lives in retirement. The beginning of the book was a bit rushed, but I was in it for the Greek island location so this didn't bother me.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2025
I’m a big fan of Maddy Please’s writing; I’ve enjoyed many of her previous books, so I began reading this book with high expectations.
The main character is Meg Foster; she’s retired, recently divorced & moved home to the village of Lower Begley. She’s been trying out various classes as a way to meet people, the latest being the art class where she meets her neighbour Anita properly for the first time. They soon make friends & Anita invites her to join a painting holiday in Santorini that some of the art class are going on. After some hesitation, Meg decides to go despite her perceived lack of her own artistic talent - after all it’s years since she’s been on holiday, & she’s now free to do as she chooses. In Santorini Meg & Anita team up with Anita’s friends Beryl & Effie; together they have a lot of fun exploring the town & it’s numerous cafes & bars - not too much painting gets done! Most of the group know each other, but there’s Will whom nobody knows, although Meg thinks he looks familiar. In addition to the fun of sitting in the sunshine whilst eating & drinking with her new friends, Meg enjoys some time alone reflecting on her new life as a single woman, realising the opportunities now open to her. She & Will seem to get on well, but he’s something of a mystery & is reluctant to talk about himself, although they find a lot to chat about whenever they’re together - which seems to happen a lot.
As usual, Maddie Please excels with descriptions that evoke the sights, sounds & smells of the coastal town where they‘re staying. I really enjoyed each of the main characters & there’s a great cast of supporting characters including Costas - hotel proprietor & occasional artist’s model. There’s plenty of humour, especially at the wine tasting, & over Costas’s demeanour when he models for the group. Happily, I can say that this book lived up to my expectations. I loved the gentle humour & the characters; the tentative way the friendship developed between Will & Meg developed felt authentic, & Maddie wrote with a light touch about some potentially sensitive issues, All in all, it’s a heartwarming story of second chances & new beginnings for those of more mature ages, a gorgeous read which I loved & recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
With thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
The main character is Meg Foster; she’s retired, recently divorced & moved home to the village of Lower Begley. She’s been trying out various classes as a way to meet people, the latest being the art class where she meets her neighbour Anita properly for the first time. They soon make friends & Anita invites her to join a painting holiday in Santorini that some of the art class are going on. After some hesitation, Meg decides to go despite her perceived lack of her own artistic talent - after all it’s years since she’s been on holiday, & she’s now free to do as she chooses. In Santorini Meg & Anita team up with Anita’s friends Beryl & Effie; together they have a lot of fun exploring the town & it’s numerous cafes & bars - not too much painting gets done! Most of the group know each other, but there’s Will whom nobody knows, although Meg thinks he looks familiar. In addition to the fun of sitting in the sunshine whilst eating & drinking with her new friends, Meg enjoys some time alone reflecting on her new life as a single woman, realising the opportunities now open to her. She & Will seem to get on well, but he’s something of a mystery & is reluctant to talk about himself, although they find a lot to chat about whenever they’re together - which seems to happen a lot.
As usual, Maddie Please excels with descriptions that evoke the sights, sounds & smells of the coastal town where they‘re staying. I really enjoyed each of the main characters & there’s a great cast of supporting characters including Costas - hotel proprietor & occasional artist’s model. There’s plenty of humour, especially at the wine tasting, & over Costas’s demeanour when he models for the group. Happily, I can say that this book lived up to my expectations. I loved the gentle humour & the characters; the tentative way the friendship developed between Will & Meg developed felt authentic, & Maddie wrote with a light touch about some potentially sensitive issues, All in all, it’s a heartwarming story of second chances & new beginnings for those of more mature ages, a gorgeous read which I loved & recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
With thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
February 4, 2026
3.25
My Interest
Surrounded by the endless corruption of the current regime, the sickening release of more you-know-what files and the total lack of outrage or arrests about the same except in every country but my own…. Let’s just say I needed a break from reality.
The Story
Meg is my age (early 60s) and somehow has the money to just retire. Well, she does have healthcare provided in the UK, albeit taken out of her earnings while she worked and probably out any private pension she has [not sure on that]. She’s unloaded her awful husband of too-many-years and now finds she has a life that consists mostly of interacting with her cat, Ivan the Terrible [this sounded very familiar]. She decides to try a local painting class at the community center. Long story short, she decides on a whim to join the class’s painting trip to Greece.
The group is the usual in books such as this. The guy who loves the sound of his own voice, the woman who flirts, the old clueless lady, etc. No matter! They head off to Greece, but Meg and a few others go off on their own a lot, ignoring the hapless tour oranizaer. Along the way Meg gets close to Will–the obligatory perfect older guy. He’s familiar somehow. Oh…isn’t he…. [No Spoilers!]
My Thoughts
This book is super-lite and just what I needed. However, it was hard to ignore one character who spoke only in social media memes and the use of a lot of those as filler. There is the discussion of keeping a box because it is a good box [or a piece of wood that is a good piece of wood] etc that we’ve all seen. Stuff like that. In all of Maddy Please’s books it does get hard to remember the characters name because in each book its more or less the same crew. That’s part of the genre though.
A welcome surprise was a nice shout-out to librarians–esp UK where libraries are closing. You know it is fiction because the library was not only saved but got an additional staff member! That was super even if fictional.
In spite of these comments it was nice to just escape to a Greek Island with people my age having fun and not just talking about the horor of colonoscopy prep or the cost of food or the insane government we have.
My Verdict
3.25
Old Girls Go Greek by Maddie Please
I listened to the audio version of this book, but in the USA if you have Kindle Unlimited, this book is included.
My Interest
Surrounded by the endless corruption of the current regime, the sickening release of more you-know-what files and the total lack of outrage or arrests about the same except in every country but my own…. Let’s just say I needed a break from reality.
The Story
Meg is my age (early 60s) and somehow has the money to just retire. Well, she does have healthcare provided in the UK, albeit taken out of her earnings while she worked and probably out any private pension she has [not sure on that]. She’s unloaded her awful husband of too-many-years and now finds she has a life that consists mostly of interacting with her cat, Ivan the Terrible [this sounded very familiar]. She decides to try a local painting class at the community center. Long story short, she decides on a whim to join the class’s painting trip to Greece.
The group is the usual in books such as this. The guy who loves the sound of his own voice, the woman who flirts, the old clueless lady, etc. No matter! They head off to Greece, but Meg and a few others go off on their own a lot, ignoring the hapless tour oranizaer. Along the way Meg gets close to Will–the obligatory perfect older guy. He’s familiar somehow. Oh…isn’t he…. [No Spoilers!]
My Thoughts
This book is super-lite and just what I needed. However, it was hard to ignore one character who spoke only in social media memes and the use of a lot of those as filler. There is the discussion of keeping a box because it is a good box [or a piece of wood that is a good piece of wood] etc that we’ve all seen. Stuff like that. In all of Maddy Please’s books it does get hard to remember the characters name because in each book its more or less the same crew. That’s part of the genre though.
A welcome surprise was a nice shout-out to librarians–esp UK where libraries are closing. You know it is fiction because the library was not only saved but got an additional staff member! That was super even if fictional.
In spite of these comments it was nice to just escape to a Greek Island with people my age having fun and not just talking about the horor of colonoscopy prep or the cost of food or the insane government we have.
My Verdict
3.25
Old Girls Go Greek by Maddie Please
I listened to the audio version of this book, but in the USA if you have Kindle Unlimited, this book is included.
March 2, 2026
pleasant Surprise
I wasn’t sure whether o get this or not. The last two I’ve read about senior ladies “having fun” was just a series of them being outrageous, howling with high pitched laughter and general acting like teenagers. This book was refreshingly enjoyable about seniors ladies friendships & Meg finding courage to be herself after a divorce. Good friends, good times & some suitable romance thrown in. It was fairly long & a couple of the group were overly nosy at times. But all in all good book with a very satisfactory ending I would read more by this author.
I wasn’t sure whether o get this or not. The last two I’ve read about senior ladies “having fun” was just a series of them being outrageous, howling with high pitched laughter and general acting like teenagers. This book was refreshingly enjoyable about seniors ladies friendships & Meg finding courage to be herself after a divorce. Good friends, good times & some suitable romance thrown in. It was fairly long & a couple of the group were overly nosy at times. But all in all good book with a very satisfactory ending I would read more by this author.
February 20, 2026
In this funny new novel from Maddie Please, readers follow recently divorced Meg and a group of amateur artists as they take Lower Begley and Greece by storm in this entertaining new novel. Rediscovering her spark post-divorce and making friends with the other women and sole man (Dennis), Meg signs up for a painting holiday in Santorini where she discovers a new perspective on life, love, and the world, since romance, friendship, and freedom are just around the corner if she looks hard enough and chooses to seize the moment. Entertaining, emotional, and well-written, readers will love the journey Meg and her friends go on, and the shifts in setting reflect the developments in their friendships remarkably well. The characters have complicated backstories and well-written personalities, and the details in their backstories really bring this character-centric story to life. The settings are also incredibly detailed and vivid, and readers will love the details and beautiful locations that feature in the story. Fans of Maddie Please’s other books and similar titles featuring a group of older people finding friendship and second chances in their lives will love this brilliant new release and the incredibly detailed cast of characters in her latest novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
January 6, 2026
I do enjoy these books about ladies of a certain age who refuse to get old. I find them funny and inspiring. This one is cut from the same cloth. Meg is a divorcee who has just moved to the village. She has spent a lifetime being dragged down by an abusive husband, the final insult being his running off with his secretary. She knows she is well shot of him but her life is stuck in “park”. She joins a village art class and things go into drive, almost before she knows it.
Her cronies involve a married neighbour and two highly successful retired sisters whose loving bickering is a hoot. She signs up for a week in Santorini to paint. The four friends peel off on their own adventures but Meg stumbles into the biggest one where a vaguely familiar but very handsome member of the trip hits it off with her. She and Will find so much common ground that for the first time in decades, Meg dares to dream.
There are so many places she wants to see and Will has seen many of them. Plus, her rusty spider sense susses out that sparks are flying. So she is devastated when he leaves the group without a word.
While she is miffed, she has passed the point of no return in her life. She liked living again and she plans to continue to explore new possibilities. Reading about how her former spouse could suck the oxygen out of her life and how this trip reignites fun for her makes me think of so many boomer women who got stuck taking care of others and forgot about themselves. Perhaps this book will be a kick in the butt to start living. Five purrs and two paws up.
Her cronies involve a married neighbour and two highly successful retired sisters whose loving bickering is a hoot. She signs up for a week in Santorini to paint. The four friends peel off on their own adventures but Meg stumbles into the biggest one where a vaguely familiar but very handsome member of the trip hits it off with her. She and Will find so much common ground that for the first time in decades, Meg dares to dream.
There are so many places she wants to see and Will has seen many of them. Plus, her rusty spider sense susses out that sparks are flying. So she is devastated when he leaves the group without a word.
While she is miffed, she has passed the point of no return in her life. She liked living again and she plans to continue to explore new possibilities. Reading about how her former spouse could suck the oxygen out of her life and how this trip reignites fun for her makes me think of so many boomer women who got stuck taking care of others and forgot about themselves. Perhaps this book will be a kick in the butt to start living. Five purrs and two paws up.
November 3, 2025
Old Girls Go Greek by Maddie Please
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
At 64, Meg Foster is ready to paint outside the lines
Newly divorced from overbearing husband Malcom and with only reruns of Bergerac and an irascible black cat called Ivan for company, Meg decides it’s time to add a little colour back into her life. So when she spots a flyer for a local art class at the Lower Begley community centre, she grabs a brush — despite her only painting experience being a half-hearted coat of magnolia in the downstairs loo.
Surrounded by a motley crew of charming amateur artists, Meg slowly begins to rediscover her spark with the help of the other old girls…and the only male in the group Dennis. And when someone suggests a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg doesn’t hesitate to sign up. Whitewashed walls, turquoise seas and possibly even a Grecian god or two? Yes please!
As the sun sets over the Aegean, Meg starts to realise that life — like art — is all about perspective. Could this trip be more than just a wash of watercolour fun? Could friendship, freedom and a second-chance romance be just a sketch away?
My Opinion
Maddie Please has done it again. Old Girls Go Greek is a book that had me hooked from the beginning. With some lovely characters and great descriptions this was an uplifting novel. A quick and easy 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
At 64, Meg Foster is ready to paint outside the lines
Newly divorced from overbearing husband Malcom and with only reruns of Bergerac and an irascible black cat called Ivan for company, Meg decides it’s time to add a little colour back into her life. So when she spots a flyer for a local art class at the Lower Begley community centre, she grabs a brush — despite her only painting experience being a half-hearted coat of magnolia in the downstairs loo.
Surrounded by a motley crew of charming amateur artists, Meg slowly begins to rediscover her spark with the help of the other old girls…and the only male in the group Dennis. And when someone suggests a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg doesn’t hesitate to sign up. Whitewashed walls, turquoise seas and possibly even a Grecian god or two? Yes please!
As the sun sets over the Aegean, Meg starts to realise that life — like art — is all about perspective. Could this trip be more than just a wash of watercolour fun? Could friendship, freedom and a second-chance romance be just a sketch away?
My Opinion
Maddie Please has done it again. Old Girls Go Greek is a book that had me hooked from the beginning. With some lovely characters and great descriptions this was an uplifting novel. A quick and easy read.
Rating 4/5
November 5, 2025
Maddie Please's Old Girls Go Greek follows 64-year-old Meg Foster, who feels a bit lost after her divorce from her husband. Seeking a fresh start, she joins a local art class, despite having no painting experience. Meg soon finds camaraderie with a fun-loving group of amateur artists. When the group plans a painting holiday to sun-soaked Santorini, Meg signs up for the chance to discover friendship, freedom, and perhaps a second-chance romance amidst the picturesque Greek scenery.
This novel is a delightful, feel-good escape. What resonated most was following Meg's journey of personal growth; watching her shed the constraints of her past and discover that life and love, still offer plenty of second chances was inspiring. I adored the development of the friendships among the "old girls" on their weeklong holiday. Their quick-witted banter and supportive encouragement felt genuinely heartwarming and provided many laugh out loud moments. Please captures the stunning blue and white landscape of Santorini, making the Mediterranean setting feel like a character itself.
I highly recommend this book for anyone needing an instant mood booster or a cozy escape from the winter chill. If you enjoy later-life adventures and stories centered on the power of female friendship, this is your perfect beach read or armchair getaway.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This novel is a delightful, feel-good escape. What resonated most was following Meg's journey of personal growth; watching her shed the constraints of her past and discover that life and love, still offer plenty of second chances was inspiring. I adored the development of the friendships among the "old girls" on their weeklong holiday. Their quick-witted banter and supportive encouragement felt genuinely heartwarming and provided many laugh out loud moments. Please captures the stunning blue and white landscape of Santorini, making the Mediterranean setting feel like a character itself.
I highly recommend this book for anyone needing an instant mood booster or a cozy escape from the winter chill. If you enjoy later-life adventures and stories centered on the power of female friendship, this is your perfect beach read or armchair getaway.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2025
The concept for this book immediately grabbed my imagination and evoked dreams of visiting Santorini. As the story unfolded, I felt drawn to Meg and some of the other members of the art class, especially when I realised that the group included some of the Old Ducks that had entertained me with their adventures in earlier books. Don’t worry if this is your first experience with the Ducks; this book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone story.
Meg’s backstory and her experiences with her ex-husband are revealed throughout her arc, and it’s impossible not to feel sympathy for her. She has gone from a marital home with a husband and a daughter to being a divorcee, with a new, yet empty nest and a cat who is ambivalent about her to the point of antagonism. Her art group brings variety to her daily life, and she accepts the opportunity to join the group on their Greek adventure.
Of course, Meg’s good intentions hadn’t factored in the influence of the Old Ducks, and the mutinous group began avoiding the restrictions of the itinerary and finding their own fun, which soon translates to great hilarity. When Meg sees a vaguely familiar face, she has no inkling that her life could be about to change slowly yet dramatically.
This delightful escape to Santorini was just the tonic I needed, and I loved everything about it, as it appealed to my rebellious streak!
Meg’s backstory and her experiences with her ex-husband are revealed throughout her arc, and it’s impossible not to feel sympathy for her. She has gone from a marital home with a husband and a daughter to being a divorcee, with a new, yet empty nest and a cat who is ambivalent about her to the point of antagonism. Her art group brings variety to her daily life, and she accepts the opportunity to join the group on their Greek adventure.
Of course, Meg’s good intentions hadn’t factored in the influence of the Old Ducks, and the mutinous group began avoiding the restrictions of the itinerary and finding their own fun, which soon translates to great hilarity. When Meg sees a vaguely familiar face, she has no inkling that her life could be about to change slowly yet dramatically.
This delightful escape to Santorini was just the tonic I needed, and I loved everything about it, as it appealed to my rebellious streak!
January 13, 2026
Sweet, warm-hearted novel about trying new things in life and finding happiness at any age. Meg is divorced and the mother of a grown daughter. After she divorced she moved into a small home in the country and while she loves her cozy home, she often feels lonely and bored. She tries a few activities but nothing appeals to her until she tries an art class with some other people her age in their 60's She gets on well with her neighbor and before she can think too hard she finds herself on a painting trip to Santorini, Greece.
The travel writing about Greece was excellent and I wished I were with Meg as she explored the beautiful buildings, the food and wine and all of the beauty of Greece. The group who call themselves the old ducks have a weeks worth of fun adventures and even though they don't get a lot of painting done, Meg is finding out what she has been missing. There is also a romantic element as Meg beets Will a retired physician who seems to be keeping secrets. Is she too old to find love? I enjoyed this story and the group of women (and a couple of men) who refuse to just sit back and let life happen to them. I wished for a bit more depth with some of the characters but enjoyed the travel parts so much I want to plan a trip to Santorini! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for an ARC for review.
The travel writing about Greece was excellent and I wished I were with Meg as she explored the beautiful buildings, the food and wine and all of the beauty of Greece. The group who call themselves the old ducks have a weeks worth of fun adventures and even though they don't get a lot of painting done, Meg is finding out what she has been missing. There is also a romantic element as Meg beets Will a retired physician who seems to be keeping secrets. Is she too old to find love? I enjoyed this story and the group of women (and a couple of men) who refuse to just sit back and let life happen to them. I wished for a bit more depth with some of the characters but enjoyed the travel parts so much I want to plan a trip to Santorini! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for an ARC for review.
November 4, 2025
Recently divorced Meg decides that she needs to do something to get her out of the house and joins a local art evening class. When the idea of a week in Santorini on an art based break comes up she decides to take a chance and join in.
This is the type of book that I enjoy, slow paced, doesn't take itself too seriously and, in addition to the lovely setting has delicious sounding food (and drink) has a touch of romance. I liked Meg and can fully understand how difficult it is to make a fresh start in your life. There are the members of the Old Ducks group from the previous books that I loved plus some new ones varying from boring Dennis to mysterious Will. An ideal book to read to give you a touch of sunshine in a cold, grey British autumn / winter.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is the type of book that I enjoy, slow paced, doesn't take itself too seriously and, in addition to the lovely setting has delicious sounding food (and drink) has a touch of romance. I liked Meg and can fully understand how difficult it is to make a fresh start in your life. There are the members of the Old Ducks group from the previous books that I loved plus some new ones varying from boring Dennis to mysterious Will. An ideal book to read to give you a touch of sunshine in a cold, grey British autumn / winter.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
November 4, 2025
This is part of a series and I think I've read most of them but you can definitely read them as standalone.
Meg is retired and newly divorced and living with a not so friendly cat named Ivan. She sees a flyer for a painting class at the rec center and decides to take up an old passion and soon makes some new friends who then embark on a holiday to Greece to get inspired in in their painting. And if there happens to be some romance in the mix, that wouldnt be half bad would it?
This was full of gorgeous scenery, second chance at life and love and found family. It was a perfect escape that can be read in just a few hours
Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub for my copy of the book in exchange for my review
Meg is retired and newly divorced and living with a not so friendly cat named Ivan. She sees a flyer for a painting class at the rec center and decides to take up an old passion and soon makes some new friends who then embark on a holiday to Greece to get inspired in in their painting. And if there happens to be some romance in the mix, that wouldnt be half bad would it?
This was full of gorgeous scenery, second chance at life and love and found family. It was a perfect escape that can be read in just a few hours
Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub for my copy of the book in exchange for my review
October 31, 2025
Meg is 64 and recently divorced and has moved into a small village when she decides to try out the local art class where she meets her neighbour and her 3 friends who are known as the "Old Ducks" who are all very funny characters.
The group asks her if she wants to join them on an art trip to Santorini.
After a controlling marriage Meg decides to finally start living and accepts the invite.
A great book on friendship and the laughs the have on the way.
It did go on a bit at times or I would have gave it 5*
This would definitely be me if I divorced.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
The group asks her if she wants to join them on an art trip to Santorini.
After a controlling marriage Meg decides to finally start living and accepts the invite.
A great book on friendship and the laughs the have on the way.
It did go on a bit at times or I would have gave it 5*
This would definitely be me if I divorced.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
November 1, 2025
Meg has moved to the village of Lower Begley following her divorce from the odios Malcolm. She has tried a lot of the clubs, but finds herself in the local art group with her neighbour Anita. She warms to them and finds herself joining them on a painting holiday on Santorini.
The enigmatic Will is part of the group but keeps himself slightly aloof. She is quite surprised when she finds herself liking him and enjoys spending time with him but can't help thinking he is familiar. She can't put her finger on in until her daughter comments on one of the photos she has sent home.
A lovely little wistful story.
The enigmatic Will is part of the group but keeps himself slightly aloof. She is quite surprised when she finds herself liking him and enjoys spending time with him but can't help thinking he is familiar. She can't put her finger on in until her daughter comments on one of the photos she has sent home.
A lovely little wistful story.
November 2, 2025
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
Old Girls Go Greek by Maddie Please is all about sunshine, sisterhood, and second chances ☀️
Set against the stunning backdrop of Santorini 🇬🇷, Meg Foster, newly divorced and ready to rewrite her story, swaps grey skies for blue seas and bold new beginnings. 🌊
What starts as a gentle escape soon becomes a tale of friendship, freedom, and finding yourself again… proving it’s never too late for a fresh start (or a cheeky plot twist 😉).
Warm, witty, and filled with heart, this feel-good read is the perfect companion for your next holiday, or to banish the wet and windy UK skies away! ☀️💕
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Boldwood Books for access to this ARC.
Old Girls Go Greek by Maddie Please is all about sunshine, sisterhood, and second chances ☀️
Set against the stunning backdrop of Santorini 🇬🇷, Meg Foster, newly divorced and ready to rewrite her story, swaps grey skies for blue seas and bold new beginnings. 🌊
What starts as a gentle escape soon becomes a tale of friendship, freedom, and finding yourself again… proving it’s never too late for a fresh start (or a cheeky plot twist 😉).
Warm, witty, and filled with heart, this feel-good read is the perfect companion for your next holiday, or to banish the wet and windy UK skies away! ☀️💕
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Boldwood Books for access to this ARC.
October 7, 2025
ARC. After taking one art class, a 64 year old divorcee gets the change to go on a trip to Santotrini. It's a charming book, though it lacks a little something extra in the beginning - the opening feels a bit rushed and hard to believe - she basically took off with strangers - decided to travel with a group of people that she had known for a day. That felt a bit unrealistic.
Other than that, it's a lovely, light story. I would say it's perfect for a vacation read or a cozy autumn evening. Life doesn't end once you turn 60.
Other than that, it's a lovely, light story. I would say it's perfect for a vacation read or a cozy autumn evening. Life doesn't end once you turn 60.
October 24, 2025
I started some of this novel during Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon 2025.
I liked Meeg and her backstory. I felt for her and was hoping she would be OK after the divorce.
The plot was unique in that the group is made up of women, but also Dennis.
I liked the way that the art group was supportive. The trip to Santorini was a good idea. The surroundings were visual.
This novel is escapist.
Thanks to Maddie Please and Boldwood Books for my eARC in echange for an honest and voluntary review.
November 5, 2025
How refreshing to read about older women rediscovering themselves and having the time of their lives. What's not to love about this book? Firstly, it's set in my beloved Greece, on Santorini; secondly it involves an art group and thirdly there are some great characters.
The descriptions of the scenery and food immediately took me back and watching Meg believe in herself and find romance is heart-warming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted book from start to finish. I only hope there are more in the series.
The descriptions of the scenery and food immediately took me back and watching Meg believe in herself and find romance is heart-warming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted book from start to finish. I only hope there are more in the series.
November 12, 2025
A sun soaked holiday in Santorini with a bunch of 'older' ladies, or the cold November rain? I couldn't pack my case fast enough...
I love the older protagonists, they're filled with joie de vivre and remind us ladies that life doesn't have to be over when you hit a certain milestone in life.
It's a heartwarming read that's full of fun, love, and laughs. The old ducks were an absolute joy to spend time with. They're so entertaining, rebelliously relatable and it's always a pleasure to join them on their japes.
QOTD: Where was your favourite holiday location and why?
I love the older protagonists, they're filled with joie de vivre and remind us ladies that life doesn't have to be over when you hit a certain milestone in life.
It's a heartwarming read that's full of fun, love, and laughs. The old ducks were an absolute joy to spend time with. They're so entertaining, rebelliously relatable and it's always a pleasure to join them on their japes.
QOTD: Where was your favourite holiday location and why?
December 26, 2025
This was a fun and uplifting read and love how this author writes about relatable issues and has engaging older characters. This story takes us on newly divorced megs journey to Greece and the antics of her and her fellow companions as they embark on an art retreat in Santorini. This book also features characters from previous novels by this author.
A charming story of new beginning and second chances and one where you can almost taste the Greek food and feel the sun on your back thanks to the authors beautifully descriptive writing
A charming story of new beginning and second chances and one where you can almost taste the Greek food and feel the sun on your back thanks to the authors beautifully descriptive writing
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