A French Fling for the Golden Gals

by Judy Leigh

Let MILLION COPY bestselling author Judy Leigh whisk you off to the French sunshine for a BRAND NEW story of friendship and fresh starts. 💖🥂 Sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet has a new life stretching in front of her.

Her longed-for retirement is finally here and she’s ready to enjoy it with partner Russell. Ready that is, until she gets home early to find Russell in flagrante delicto with a female friend.

With her best laid plans in tatters, Max has a choice to make – mope at home or spread her wings. And when a chance comes to bask in the French sun for a glorious month, there’s only one thing for it. Suitcase packed, Max heads off to the Brittany town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer – home of tempting boulangeries, breath-taking beaches, not to mention some rather fine looking men of the perfect vintage.

As the irresistible French joie de vivre takes over and new friends welcome her, Max realises that perhaps it’s not too late for a whole new life. A new future full of adventure and maybe even some romance is just one brave decision away… ** Fans of Celia Anderson, Kate Galley and Maddie Please will love Judy Leigh’s warm-hearted and fun-filled stories of seizing the moment - at every stage of life.**

Readers love Judy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A gorgeous story, a celebration of life - optimistic & hopeful, full of love for family & friends of all ages, & community.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘This book is like a huge hot chocolate on a cold day full of marshmallows and cream! Feel good, hilarious and makes me feel good about getting older.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Judy’s writing is always perfectly pitched, and I love the way she breathes life into her more senior characters whilst ensuring the younger ones remain relatable.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Brilliant, further words just fail me. Such a wonderful, emotional and descriptive writer.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘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!!’

Authors love Judy

'Judy’s books are always delicious romps, full of energy, adventures and love. Bring on the next one!' Celia Anderson

'I loved this book. It's funny, emotional and a book that fills you with determination not to let life pass you by as you get older.' Jennifer Bohnet

‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins

'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life… a wonderful escapade’ Fiona Gibson

Genres: Humor, Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

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

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max comes home from her retirement party to find her partner with a younger woman. Instead of being crushed by it she uses this opportunity to reinvent herself. And she takes the opportunity to go to the beautiful Brittany, where the sea heals what ails you and new life awaits
The location of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer is so charming! The days stretch out lazily and friendships are formed over coffee and croissants. Max learns to find herself again in the small and quiet things and they are changing her for the better. Then of course there are the new men to meet who add the flirting and fun to the story. But the real heart of it is the friends Max makes with the women who laugh and cry with her and help her see that her new life is going to be fab A delightful story about choosing yourself. choosing joy, and stepping out at any age it's witty and filed with hope, its the pertect beach (or anywhere) read
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NotGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book really enjoyed it. Made me laugh at times.

Fans of Celia Anderson, Kate Galley and Maddie Please will love Judy Leigh’s warm-hearted and fun-filled stories of seizing the moment - at every stage of life.

Sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet has a new life stretching in front of her.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A French Fling for the Golden Gals is an absolute delight — a sun‑drenched, heart‑lifting story about rediscovery, friendship, and the unexpected joy of starting over at sixty‑one. Judy Leigh has such a gift for writing women with depth, humour, and spark, and Maxine Sweet might be one of her most endearing heroines yet.

Max’s retirement should have been the beginning of a peaceful new chapter, but her plans crumble spectacularly when she walks in on her partner’s betrayal. Instead of collapsing under the weight of it, she does something quietly brave: she chooses herself. And that decision sends her to the breezy, beautiful shores of Brittany, where boulangeries tempt at every corner, the sea air feels like a tonic, and the possibility of a new life begins to shimmer.

The charm of Plouvannec‑Sur‑Mer is irresistible. Leigh paints it with warmth and gentle humour — the kind of place where friendships form over pastries, where the days stretch out lazily, and where a woman can rediscover parts of herself she thought she’d left behind. Max’s journey is tender and empowering, full of small moments that build into something quietly transformative.

And then there are the men of “perfect vintage,” who add just the right touch of flirtation and fun. But the real heart of the story lies in the friendships Max forms — women who lift her, laugh with her, and remind her that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s exhilarating.

This is a story about choosing joy, embracing change, and allowing yourself to bloom at any age. Warm‑hearted, witty, and wonderfully escapist, A French Fling for the Golden Gals is the perfect reminder that life doesn’t stop at retirement — sometimes, it finally begins.

With thanks to Judy Leigh, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Pattie Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet thought retirement would be the start of a dreamy new chapter with her partner, Russell. But when she arrives home early and catches him in flagrante delicto with a friend, her carefully laid plans shatter in an instant.

Devastated yet determined, Max refuses to mope. When the opportunity arises to spend a glorious month in the sun-drenched coastal town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer in Brittany, she packs her suitcase and embraces the adventure.

From the moment Max arrives, the irresistible French joie de vivre works its magic. Tempting boulangeries, breathtaking beaches, charming new friends, and some rather fine-looking men of a certain vintage all conspire to remind her that life can begin again at any age. As she heals from heartbreak, rediscovers herself, and opens her heart to new possibilities, Max learns that hope, love, and friendship are always within reach—if you’re brave enough to reach back.

This is the first time I’ve read Judy Leigh, and if her other books are anything like this one, I’ll be happily busy for a very long time. Beautifully written, emotionally rich, and bursting with warmth, A French Fling for the Golden Gals delivers everything you could want: grief and recovery, laughter and love, new friendships, and the courage to start over. It captivated me from the very first page, and I was genuinely sad when it ended—I wanted to stay in Max’s world just a little longer.

Whether you’re navigating a fresh start, dreaming of your own escape, or simply need a joyful, uplifting story, this book will speak to your heart. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy—you won’t regret it.

I received a copy from NetGalley.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Maxine is retiring from work, but her plans to spend time with Russell, her current partner, come crashing down when she arrives home early and finds him in bed with her best friend. Instead of moping and feeling sorry for herself, she takes advantage of an opportunity to spend time – alone – in Brittany. Once there, she learns to put herself first, makes amazing friends and even engages in a bit of flirting with men of a certain age… and realizes she’s not too old to start a whole new life.

I have read several of this author’s books prior to this one, and will admit to being disappointed that this book was not as funny as the others. Yes, it was about strong women, about how important friendship is – both new friends and old – and about living life for *you and not other people, but I really needed something more humorous at this time in my life.

Some of the characters in this book were the core of one of Ms. Leigh’s previous books, The Golden Gals’ French Adventure, so I felt like I knew many of them right from the start. I liked Maxine and her determination to focus on herself for a change, instead of the people around her. She stayed strong when both Russell and his paramour found her and begged her forgiveness, and at the end of the book, she took a direction that surprised me, although I probably should have seen it coming. Maybe it was just my frame of mind that caused me to miss the hints?

Although I missed the humor, I did enjoy the book and look forward to reading Ms. Leigh’s next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Judy Leigh and I found it a gentle but uplifting story which examined some universal themes such as grief and new beginnings. I will certainly look at reading some of her other novels and although this one was the second in a series it didn’t matter at all that I hadn’t read the first.
Maxine is retiring from her job in a charity and looking forward to some time with her partner, Russell. When she returns home early and catches him in bed with her best friend, she takes it as a final sign that he is not the right person for her.
Determined to put it all behind her she rents a cottage in Brittany and decides to spend a month in France working out what to do next.
As she gets to know the locals, some French and some English, she begins to embrace her new life and even though she is on her own she does not feel lonely. As her holiday progresses she even meets someone with whom she has a real connection although he has his own problems to overcome.
I liked the descriptions of France and the liberal use of French expressions as I’m a French speaker and a Francophile myself. I have never been to Brittany and this book really made me want to visit.
I certainly felt that the author was writing about real people, characters I would like to actually meet which is of course a good sign.
I definitely recommend “A French Fling For The Golden Gals” as a lighthearted and enjoyable read, but one that also examines some serious themes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxine Sweet is just about to retire.
Many years before she lost the love of her life and has never really got over him. She has been married since and divorced. She has been in a relationship with Russell for two years now, but knows that it's not right and she doesn't love him.
On the day of her retirement, she returns home early to discover him and her friend in bed together. She takes herself out for dinner and meets a younger woman outside the restaurant that she was supposed to be dining with Russell in. The girls date hasn't showed and Max invites her to share the table and meal on her. Some of the girls insights into relationships stay with Max and she throws Russell out and decides to take herself on holiday.
She ends up in a recently renovated cottage in Brittany. On the first night a strange man knocks on the door demanding to be able to stay the night as he has drunk to much. After some quick texting with the owner she decides to let him stay on the couch.
Over the course of the next few days she meets a lot of the locals and finds out that the man, JF, has recently suffered a loss so everyone is giving him support.
She settles into life in the village but is constantly hassled by Russell's text messages almost demanding that she tell him where she is and that he come over as he can't be without her. She realises that she is a bit of a waste man as the girl in the restaurant had called him.
Meanwhile their is a funeral in the village and an upcoming wedding, both of which she finds herself at.
A sweet book about finding your own truth and way.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A French Fling for the Golden Gals by Judy Leigh is a delightful, feel-good escape filled with friendship, adventure, and the joy of embracing life at any age.

From the moment the story begins, there’s a wonderful sense of fun and spontaneity. The French setting adds so much charm—beautiful scenery, delicious food, and that irresistible sense of possibility that comes with stepping out of your everyday routine. It really felt like a mini getaway between the pages.

The heart of the book lies in the friendships, and that’s where it truly shines. The “Golden Gals” are full of personality, warmth, and humor, and their dynamic feels genuine and uplifting. I loved how they supported one another while also pushing each other to take risks and try new things. Their journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about adventure.

There’s also a lovely mix of lighthearted moments and more reflective themes. The story touches on aging, independence, and making the most of the time you have, all without losing its upbeat tone. It’s both encouraging and entertaining.

The pacing is easy and relaxed, though at times it leans into predictability. Still, the charm of the characters and the escapist setting more than make up for it.

Overall, A French Fling for the Golden Gals is a warm, uplifting read that celebrates friendship, second chances, and saying yes to new experiences. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys travel-inspired fiction with humor, heart, and a strong sense of joy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet has a new life stretching in front of her. Her longed for retirement is finally here and she's ready to enjoy it with her partner Russell. Ready that is until she gets home early to find Russell in a flagrante delicto with a female friend. With her best laid plans in tatters, Max has a choice to make - mope at home or spread her wings. And when the chance comes to bask in the French sun for a glorious month, there's only one thing for it. Suitcase packed, Max heads off to the Brittany town of Plouvannes-Sur-Mer - home of the tempting boulangeries, breath-taking beaches, not to mention some rather fine looking men of the perfect vintage.

Maxine Sweet thought she was starting a new chapter with her partner Russell when she retired. But when she catches Russell with another woman, her plans in tatters, she then gets the chance to go to France for a month. Max is looking forward to a new adventure.

This was a light-hearted and most enjoyable read. I loved Max, she was such a lovely character. This story will mess with your emotions. Max needs to find herself again, but she needs to deal with the grief she's been carrying around and to find out who her real friends are. This is a beautifully written story.

Published 8th May 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JudyLeigh for my ARC of #AFrenchFlingForTheGoldenGals in exchange for an honest review.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judy Leigh has a knack for her words, and her stories featuring more mature heroines who live life to the fullest have quickly become books I reach for. A French Fling for the Golden Gals is another great example of one of these stories.
Maxine is sixty-one years old and retiring from her long-term job in a charity. It's time to put herself first, though. As she embarks on the first celebration with her partner, she walks into her flat and finds him in flagrant with her best friend...
What follows is her decision to really think about what she wants, and one suggestion is to get away for a bit. She finds herself in a small village in Brittany, where she meets a wonderful community of both French locals and British people now calling the town of Plouvannec-sur-Mer their home.
Through this story, Maxine deals with a long-standing sense of grief and explores how to heal. And along the way, she supports others in healing, as well as finding out whether she is still capable of love or any kind of romantic affection.
The entire cast of characters is likeable, and I find myself wishing to take a long break somewhere like Plouvannec-sur-Mer, to 'find myself' too!
This follows another story, but can be read as a standalone.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"At sixty-one years old, she wouldn't live the rest of her life in mourning. She'd live for herself. - A French Fling for the Golden Gals

Tropes:
Found Family
Grief/ Healing
Finding Yourself

This book....was absolutely gorgeous. I don't mean gorgeous in the sense that the prose was written beautifully (which it was), but I mean gorgeous in the aspect that it made me cry for many different reasons. The blurb makes it seem like this: The star of our show, Maxine, finds her partner cheating on her and decides to take a vacation to France.

But, that's not what this book is about. This book is about many things. It's about grief and healing. It's about finding your true friends and family. It's about forgiveness and learning to be alone. It's about finding your true self.

Maxine goes to France, and she learns who she really is. But on the way, she makes valuable friends who become family (even if they're a rambunctious ragtag group). She realizes that she can still be alone and be happy, but most important of all: She learns to live for herself and what makes her happy.

[Jean Mader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A French Fling for the Golden Girls by Judy Leigh is a gentle, feel-good read that leans into comfort rather than drama. When Maxine’s retirement plans unravel after a betrayal, she heads to a small town in Brittany for a fresh start. What follows is less about big plot twists and more about settling into a new rhythm of life—making friends, enjoying beautiful surroundings, and quietly healing.

This is very much a “slice of life” story. The pacing is calm, with minimal conflict, and the focus stays on everyday moments—shared meals, budding friendships, and the charm of French village life. Maxine is a likable, relatable character, and her journey of starting over later in life is handled with warmth and optimism.

While readers looking for a more dramatic or fast-moving plot may find it a bit too subdued, those in the mood for a relaxing, cozy escape will likely enjoy the atmosphere. It’s an easy, pleasant read—like a leisurely holiday with just a few gentle chuckles along the way.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest in a series, although you needn't have read the others first and I must go back and fill in the ones that I've missed so far. Brittany is a part of France that I've only briefly visited to date but like what I've seen, especially as the Bretons don't seem to mind the English too much. Again it's refreshing to have main characters who aren't in the first flush of youth, but with age comes experience both good and bad. Certainly I would love to be associated with the group of friends and joining in with their socialising, something I'm not too good at. I can relate to J-F and his depression, which is covered sympathetically, and the pain from failed relationships. But this is balanced by the sheer joy of others in the group and the new relationships that they have formed. A great read for the poolside or quietly sitting in an armchair. .
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this latest from Judy Leigh, what a fabulous escape to Brittany in France!
Maxine is looking forward to starting a new life as she retires from her successful career in London with her partner Russell. Unfortunately coming home early she catches him in bed with her best friend Jo.
After dealing with that particularly difficult moment Maxine rethinks her plans and decides she needs a holiday in France, finding a gorgeous cottage to rent.
Her journey to find peace and freedom is just wonderful and very wise. The characters are all brilliant with some we know from previous books. Lots of French culture and language it is also quite an education!
Loved this latest tale which inspires me to pop over to Brittany for a holiday!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early read!!

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max comes home after her retirement party. She finds her partner with a younger woman. After this disappointing moment, Max makes a decision. She gather herself and heads to a seaside town in Brittany, France. The seaside will help her heal while the ambiance brings new hopes and a chance at new beginnings.

Judy Leigh's knows how to create beautiful, layered and deeply thought out characters. She is my favorite when it comes to female characters that are strong but vulnerable, humorous yet focused and always creating a future when things don't look so great. I really enjoyed Max's character. She is relatable, kind, a good friend, always empowered and empowering. A perfect summer read! I felt like I was away with Max reinventing myself.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Alison Barron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning to be ok alone and willing to begin again is something that brings about great change, and in some cases a brand new life.

When Maxine loses the true love of her life, she seems to be in a cycle of just going through the motions, and not really asking herself not only what she wants...but more importantly, what she needs. After some unexpected events occur, she jets off to France and tries to leave the past in the past. If only it were that easy as it continues to knock on her door both proverbially, and physically speaking.

This main character had some real and true realizations that I wanted her to come to terms with, explore, and move forward from with trepidation yes of course, but also a bit of gusto. To me, it felt like every time she started to think and feel for herself and allow herself to for once shine through and take charge of her life, all of these secondary characters kept barging in and making it all about them and Maxine in a way just simply let them. In her leaving home, and setting off to France, I wanted her to for once listen to herself, make mistakes, and grow from them so she could become the person she always wanted to be on her own terms.

True, she did that at the end, however, there was too much of what made her leave running parallel with the new found journey that it got a little bit messy and a bit too much for me personally. There were three characters I truly found myself enjoying and the rest, didn't seem to be ones that really had me invested.

There definitely were parts of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed, I just couldn't bet behind the entire story and all of its supporting characters.

I thank NetGalley for giving me an ARC copy of this book.

[Tracie Cohee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air. It’s so nice to read a book about middle age romance & relationships. Far too often, the rom-com world revolves around people in their 20’s.

Maxine is recently retired and needs to figure her future. She decides to rent a beautiful cottage in coastal France. The characters she meets, help her understand what she wants going forward. Fabulous read. Great characters in a beautifully written setting. Grab your copy May 8th. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advance copy.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
What a sweet comforting book this was to read on a rainy day and night.
Maxine found her partner in bed with her best friend and immediately broke the relationship off and decided to treat herself to a month in France and what a month it proved to be: lots of lovely new friends, new experiences and amazing food. She found a whole new
"me" and looked forward to her new improved self and her new future.
What an uplifting read!

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the day of Maxine's retirement, she walks in on her partner in bed with a friend. Realizing that the relationship has run its course. Maxine decides to rent a cottage in Brittany, putting herself first and finally letting go of her first love. An empowering read with characters on their own journeys and the importance of choosing oneself.
#AFrenchFlingfortheGoldenGals #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written book full of friendship, fun, food, wine, sadness and laughter. When Maxine comes home early on her retirement day to find Russell her partner of 2 years in bed with her friend she doesn’t crumble or fall apart. She simply books a holiday to France where she meets friends, has fun and learns to live.
This is full of warmth and wisdom.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxine finally retires at sixty one and gets home early to find her husband and best friend together, she walks out and is surprised she isn't that upset.
She decided to go on a months holiday to France to relax where she is befriended by lots of the retired in the village and goes on lots of adventures.
A story of friendship and starting over.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun sequel to the first novel in this series. Maxine has just discovered her husband cheating on her with one of their friends. She decides to rent a cottage in Brittany and what a month is in store for her. She loves the quiet lifestyle and the people she meets, both French and ex-pats, make her stay a memorable one. Loved it!

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small village in Breton works its charm on people in need of heart healing. Friendly people, good food, beach. I felt the ending was a bit too slick and the title lets it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

As ever a truly readable book by Judy Leigh. Maxine reeling from betrayal by her partner and on the start of retired life heads off to France. The list of characters there leap off the pages and into her life. Enjoy the joie de vivre portrayed here

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this “feel good” story - loved the characters. A book about relationships and friends and finding your way. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the arc.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, well-written book with some impeccable vibes and a really fun main character. 5 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A French Fling for the Golden Gals

Author: Judy Leigh

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: May 8, 2026

If you are looking for the absolute perfect summer read to whisk you away to sunny beaches and charming village life, this heartwarming story needs to be on your radar! ☀️

A French Fling for the Golden Gals introduces us to sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet, whose hard-earned retirement plans are completely upended when she walks in on her unfaithful partner. Instead of moping, Max takes a brave leap of faith, packing her bags for a glorious month in a cozy cottage in Brittany, France. What follows is a beautifully written journey of healing, self-reinvention, and unexpected fresh beginnings among tempting boulangeries and fine-looking local men.

Judy Leigh delivers a later-in-life romance and European escape tropes, proving that life's best chapters can happen well past middle age. This novel shines in its celebration of female friendship and found family, balancing the heavy sting of betrayal with the joyous, sun-drenched joie de vivre of the French coast. While it touches on relatable complexities like generational stress and aging, the tone remains wonderfully uplifting, witty, and deeply empowering.

An utterly charming, feel-good page-turner that will make you want to pack a suitcase and chase your own grand adventure.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.