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The Old Gals' Bucket List: From the BESTSELLING AUTHOR of THE RUNAWAY WIVES - A hilarious, heartwarming novel of friendship, adventure, and second chances
‘It’s time to really live our lives!’
It’s been eight months since Sandra lost her beloved husband, and she knows something has to change. Her son wants her to sell up her home and move into a retirement apartment, close to him. But she doesn’t feel ready for that yet.
Then she bumps into her old friend Patti, heading off to get her first tattoo. Patti explains she’s beaten cancer and now she’s ready to make every second count… And – sitting down for a cuppa and a slice of cake – the women land on the perfect idea – a bucket list!
As they set out to fulfil dreams, overcome fears, and have the adventure of their lives, their lives intertwine with others who feel the same, including Mary and her anxious husband…
If anyone can help them live their best lives… it’s the old gals!
It’s been eight months since Sandra lost her beloved husband, and she knows something has to change. Her son wants her to sell up her home and move into a retirement apartment, close to him. But she doesn’t feel ready for that yet.
Then she bumps into her old friend Patti, heading off to get her first tattoo. Patti explains she’s beaten cancer and now she’s ready to make every second count… And – sitting down for a cuppa and a slice of cake – the women land on the perfect idea – a bucket list!
As they set out to fulfil dreams, overcome fears, and have the adventure of their lives, their lives intertwine with others who feel the same, including Mary and her anxious husband…
If anyone can help them live their best lives… it’s the old gals!
Audio CD
First published October 10, 2025
About the author
Karen King
133 books312 followersKaren King is an Amazon international bestselling author of psychological suspense and women's fiction.
Her 9th psychological suspense novel, The Foster Child, will be published in October 2026 by Bookouture and her fourth 'golden years' novel, Old Gals on a Mission, will be published by Boldwood in November 2026. This will be her 19th woman's fiction novel.
Karen has also had 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines published. Her early writing career was spent working on various teenage and children's magazines.
Her suspense novels The Mother in Law, The Perfect Stepmother and The Stranger in my Bed and her women's fiction novels, The Old Gals' Bucket List, The Runaway Wives and The Cornish Hotel by the Sea all became International Amazon bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
September 26, 2025
I needed a “fun” book after all the heavy stuff I’ve been reading lately. This was perfect for switching off and just experiencing some joy. I loved these two ladies, Patti the rebel and Sandra the follower. Their bucket list was actually an eye opener at what we miss out on, because life is just too busy.
My favourite character was actually Kit, the granddaughter. I really wish we’d seen more of her. The writing wasn’t fabulous, and there were a few repetitive moments, but all in all, it was a nice book that took no effort to enjoy. Once I picked it up, I could just sit and read endlessly. 3.5 Rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
My favourite character was actually Kit, the granddaughter. I really wish we’d seen more of her. The writing wasn’t fabulous, and there were a few repetitive moments, but all in all, it was a nice book that took no effort to enjoy. Once I picked it up, I could just sit and read endlessly. 3.5 Rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
February 11, 2026
Awww! What a sweet book 🥰 first of Karen Kings I’ve read and I’ll definitely read more.
4 ⭐️’s because I found it a bit repetitive and I wanted to just speed read it at certain points
4 ⭐️’s because I found it a bit repetitive and I wanted to just speed read it at certain points
September 30, 2025
A Second chance to get it right...
Since my age is close to that of these women, I have found myself questioning some of the decisions I've made about my life lately after reading this book. Why am I letting society dictate to me what I can and can't do due to my age?
These characters resonated with me, and I think I could really like them if they were real. I didn't think it was particularly hilarious, but it was amusing at times.
This was a quick, pleasent read, especially for those who are wondering what life is all about. I would also like to add that this is a very affordable book for those who read e-books.
Sandra’s life has been on pause since her husband died eight months ago. Her son, who seems to be a bit of a wanker, thinks the answer is a retirement apartment nearby, but Sandra isn’t quite ready to give up her independence. Everything changes when she runs into Patti, an old friend Sandra used to work with, who’s celebrating her victory over cancer by getting a tattoo. The two catch up, become friends again, and they decide to make bucket lists.
Soon, Sandra and Patti are having new adventures, getting tattoos, tackling old fears, and finding unexpected friends—like Mary and her worried husband—who are also looking for something more. These women aren’t about to let life pass them by. If anyone knows how to make the most of every day, it’s this crew. Goes to show you that age means nothing when you are looking to make a difference, and you can't let your "old" age stop you from doing anything you'd like.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley.
Since my age is close to that of these women, I have found myself questioning some of the decisions I've made about my life lately after reading this book. Why am I letting society dictate to me what I can and can't do due to my age?
These characters resonated with me, and I think I could really like them if they were real. I didn't think it was particularly hilarious, but it was amusing at times.
This was a quick, pleasent read, especially for those who are wondering what life is all about. I would also like to add that this is a very affordable book for those who read e-books.
Sandra’s life has been on pause since her husband died eight months ago. Her son, who seems to be a bit of a wanker, thinks the answer is a retirement apartment nearby, but Sandra isn’t quite ready to give up her independence. Everything changes when she runs into Patti, an old friend Sandra used to work with, who’s celebrating her victory over cancer by getting a tattoo. The two catch up, become friends again, and they decide to make bucket lists.
Soon, Sandra and Patti are having new adventures, getting tattoos, tackling old fears, and finding unexpected friends—like Mary and her worried husband—who are also looking for something more. These women aren’t about to let life pass them by. If anyone knows how to make the most of every day, it’s this crew. Goes to show you that age means nothing when you are looking to make a difference, and you can't let your "old" age stop you from doing anything you'd like.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley.
October 12, 2025
The Old Gals’ Bucket List, by Karen King, is such a delightful, fun, heartwarming read. It follows the story of two former coworkers—Sandra and Patti—who during a pivotal time in their lives become reacquainted after many years. As their friendship develops, they help one another fulfill goals and dreams from their individual bucket lists, and let’s just say this doesn’t go unnoticed. Through encouragement and understanding, they lift one another up and every other character along the way.
I absolutely loved this book and would pay money to see this with my besties on the big screen! The characters and plot are fluid. It’s relatable, hilarious, touching, and has just the right amount of tension to keep you glued and flipping pages from start to finish. It’s the perfect empowering, feel-good friendship book I’ve read this year.
***I received an advance copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and these thoughts are my own opinion***
I absolutely loved this book and would pay money to see this with my besties on the big screen! The characters and plot are fluid. It’s relatable, hilarious, touching, and has just the right amount of tension to keep you glued and flipping pages from start to finish. It’s the perfect empowering, feel-good friendship book I’ve read this year.
***I received an advance copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and these thoughts are my own opinion***
October 8, 2025
always enjoy it when authors write characters that are not in their 20s because hey we
these girts prove t!
Sandra has been stuck since her husband passed eight months ago and she doesnt know how to move on Phe is recently divorced and moves back to town and they bump into each other and rekindle thet od trende Sandra's son wants her to move away with him when he goes for his new job, but Sandia dousnt want to leave The nouse she's lived in for the past 40 years and plus she iles her independance Paths contraling tecoving from cancer by getting a tattoo because she's always wanted ono and asts Sandra to go wilh her for suppos Wie there. they realize that they both have a lot of unfuiftled wishes, so they make Bucket sts, and s gos the items off ther lists They dont let anyone tell them they cant do any of it because thee loe par to seim. they vist Spain and hike siong a very hanow path on a mountan and besty seide exe This was a fun sasy breezy read that just makes you feet good highly recommend
these girts prove t!
Sandra has been stuck since her husband passed eight months ago and she doesnt know how to move on Phe is recently divorced and moves back to town and they bump into each other and rekindle thet od trende Sandra's son wants her to move away with him when he goes for his new job, but Sandia dousnt want to leave The nouse she's lived in for the past 40 years and plus she iles her independance Paths contraling tecoving from cancer by getting a tattoo because she's always wanted ono and asts Sandra to go wilh her for suppos Wie there. they realize that they both have a lot of unfuiftled wishes, so they make Bucket sts, and s gos the items off ther lists They dont let anyone tell them they cant do any of it because thee loe par to seim. they vist Spain and hike siong a very hanow path on a mountan and besty seide exe This was a fun sasy breezy read that just makes you feet good highly recommend
October 19, 2025
I do love a story centred around characters of a certain age, and this was a perfect pick-me-up, A reminder that just because you are a bit older, it doesn't mean you can't keep on learning and experiencing new things in life.
Sandra is widowed and struggling to get the confidence to live without her beloved husband Brian. Her son wants her to up sticks and move closer to where he will be living with his family, as they are also moving.
A chance meeting with an old colleague and friend, Patti, who is also alone now and a cancer survivor, kick-starts a life-changing set of decisions that helps both women begin to live again.
They create their own bucket lists, including learning new things and defeating lifelong fears, and with the help of Patti's granddaughter, they start an Instagram account following the Old Gals and their Bucket List quest.
I loved this. The idea of a bucket list has always intrigued me, but I haven't ever created one myself. I think I may have to, now, after reading this!
There is so much to revel in from rekindling old friendships to igniting other sparks, as well as a good old-fashioned adventure.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Sandra is widowed and struggling to get the confidence to live without her beloved husband Brian. Her son wants her to up sticks and move closer to where he will be living with his family, as they are also moving.
A chance meeting with an old colleague and friend, Patti, who is also alone now and a cancer survivor, kick-starts a life-changing set of decisions that helps both women begin to live again.
They create their own bucket lists, including learning new things and defeating lifelong fears, and with the help of Patti's granddaughter, they start an Instagram account following the Old Gals and their Bucket List quest.
I loved this. The idea of a bucket list has always intrigued me, but I haven't ever created one myself. I think I may have to, now, after reading this!
There is so much to revel in from rekindling old friendships to igniting other sparks, as well as a good old-fashioned adventure.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
October 11, 2025
The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King is a delightful and uplifting story about friendship, second chances, and rediscovering joy later in life. The novel follows Patti and Sandra, two retirees who reconnect after years apart. Patti is celebrating being cancer-free, while Sandra faces pressure from her son to move to Cambridge. Instead, the two women decide to take control of their own happiness by creating bucket lists—and in doing so, they set out to truly start living again.
This book was cute, fun, and full of heart. I loved both main characters and found their adventures believable and inspiring. The pacing was great, the story moved smoothly, and the character arcs felt natural and satisfying. The short chapters made it easy to read in small bursts, which I really appreciated.
This was my first book by Karen King, and I thoroughly enjoyed her warm, engaging writing style. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her books in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
This book was cute, fun, and full of heart. I loved both main characters and found their adventures believable and inspiring. The pacing was great, the story moved smoothly, and the character arcs felt natural and satisfying. The short chapters made it easy to read in small bursts, which I really appreciated.
This was my first book by Karen King, and I thoroughly enjoyed her warm, engaging writing style. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her books in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
February 15, 2026
I really enjoyed his book. It resonated with me. Sandra was a widow and lost her husband 8 months previously. She was still grieving and had shut herself away, relying on her son and his family. She met up with an old friend Patti. Patti had been divorced and was a cancer survivor. Together they helped each other to overcome their fears and start living again. They made a bucket list and supported each other while posting to social media, gaining confidence as they achieved their goals
January 21, 2026
Cute and a good reminder to keep living
June 10, 2026
Reading this book as I am less than a week away from my retirement has left me so excited for my future Bucket Lists ! Wonderful and inspiring read
September 18, 2025
ARC | Enjoyable, not earth-shattering | I enjoyed this book, and I recommend it, and readers of this review need to keep that in mind, because I have a number of drawbacks to mention. The copyediting of the Advanced Readers Copy I received was atrocious. I sincerely hope it's resolved before publication, because this many errors are embarrassing. "That's" instead of "that", "has" instead of "had", "Andra" instead of "Sandra" as a chapter heading, "had" instead of "a", most of the reading experience was adjusting what was there to what was intended. There are several "oh, dear" cringe issues, which don't help sell the idea of older women being just as connected. In all my experience with Instagram, across multiple countries, and working with all ages, I have never heard anyone call it "Insta". Every time they said it (and they say it on the majority of pages), it was jarring. In the same way, the term is not "tag in". You don't "tag them in on Insta" and people don't tell you "if you tag us in, we'll share your post". It's just "tag". "Hey, tag me, will you?" "I've tagged you". And as a person with seven tattoos, nothing about those tattoo scenes reflected reality. My biggest concern, though, was that the technical ability of the writing was pedestrian (I'm so sorry, I do not delight in this). The entire book I was ignoring the above issues and overlooking the totally unrealistic dialogue and clunky exposition, because I thought it was a debut writer's first attempt. At the end to discover that she's been published multiple times!
Despite ALL of that (none of which do I enjoy enumerating), the book was what I wanted it to be. The romance, though rushed and unnecessary, took a far backseat to the friendships and self-building. The conflict (though stretched) was not disturbing. The attitude was excellent, the activities were within reach for many, and the resolution was satisfying. It is worth the time.
ARC provided free of charge, which (clearly) did not impact my review.
Despite ALL of that (none of which do I enjoy enumerating), the book was what I wanted it to be. The romance, though rushed and unnecessary, took a far backseat to the friendships and self-building. The conflict (though stretched) was not disturbing. The attitude was excellent, the activities were within reach for many, and the resolution was satisfying. It is worth the time.
ARC provided free of charge, which (clearly) did not impact my review.
June 16, 2026
What a sweet book, storyline was great about two women rekindling a friendship from years ago just when they both needed somebody, they decide to write a bucket list of things they want to do and post it on Instagram to encourage others .
A lovely easy read a good palette cleanser.
A lovely easy read a good palette cleanser.
February 28, 2026
Well I’m clearly not the target audience for this book and I really don’t know why I read it but it was sweet
March 11, 2026
Very far from my comfort genres, however I really enjoyed this feel good book!
May 19, 2026
A feel good book, I read this in a day on holiday.
October 10, 2025
The Old Gals Bucket List was just pure joy to read . From start to finish I was completely captivated by the two ladies Sandra and Patti and all they had been through and more importantly how they were determined to live their lives to the fullest . This book made me laugh out loud at times but there was also some emotional moments . I so admired there ladies for getting on with life and having lots of fun at the same time. Ms King has described their adventures so well and I loved their journey to Spain. Living near Malaga myself I loved reading about all the places in the area the ladies visited. To sum up this is another superb read by this author which I highly recommend.
July 27, 2026
A Fun and Pretty Realistic Read
You are never too old, that’s the great message of the book. Wonderful characters and realistic about the hills and valleys of life. Thank you.
You are never too old, that’s the great message of the book. Wonderful characters and realistic about the hills and valleys of life. Thank you.
July 14, 2026
Excellent and Inspiring
This was an inspirational story of sisterhood overcoming life's obstacles. I enjoyed the characters and the stories! Give us older women hope!
This was an inspirational story of sisterhood overcoming life's obstacles. I enjoyed the characters and the stories! Give us older women hope!
April 16, 2026
Following real life
My friend and I are both in our 70s. I have watched her go thru the grief after losing her husband. I have some health problems that sometimes gets me down. A lot of Sandra and Patti's feelings are close to what we are going thru. Thank you Karen for putting into words.
My friend and I are both in our 70s. I have watched her go thru the grief after losing her husband. I have some health problems that sometimes gets me down. A lot of Sandra and Patti's feelings are close to what we are going thru. Thank you Karen for putting into words.
May 29, 2026
Grateful
I am so blessed to have taken a chance to read about ladies growing older. I'm 75 n my mom is 100. I am never going to give up on love. I'm going to start my bucket list. So encouraging n uplifting. God bless you.
I am so blessed to have taken a chance to read about ladies growing older. I'm 75 n my mom is 100. I am never going to give up on love. I'm going to start my bucket list. So encouraging n uplifting. God bless you.
July 6, 2026
Great uplifting read
I really enjoyed this book . I could relate to so many of the feelings the main characters shared and worked through. Life comes with ups and downs always but the perspective of dealing with them as we are seniors is different. Great cheerful happy book.
I really enjoyed this book . I could relate to so many of the feelings the main characters shared and worked through. Life comes with ups and downs always but the perspective of dealing with them as we are seniors is different. Great cheerful happy book.
April 24, 2026
Amazing
I'm at the same age as these women and hope I can get my confidence back enough to explore a bucket list I'm beginning!!
I'm at the same age as these women and hope I can get my confidence back enough to explore a bucket list I'm beginning!!
May 1, 2026
Page turner!
A really enjoyable read about 2 'mature' ladies getting a new zest for life.
Lots of fun in the story line, but thought provoking at times.
A really enjoyable read about 2 'mature' ladies getting a new zest for life.
Lots of fun in the story line, but thought provoking at times.
May 17, 2026
Fun, couldn't put it down
It kinda ruined my day off, I had so much to do but could not put this book down. Fun, entertaining. Definitely a chick read
It kinda ruined my day off, I had so much to do but could not put this book down. Fun, entertaining. Definitely a chick read
May 28, 2026
Just a fun light read. I needed something uplifting and easy and that is exactly perfect. Great reminders on enjoying life no matter what gets thrown at you.
May 29, 2026
Carefree and thought provoking
This is funny a bit cheesy but enjoyable. A great light holiday read but a reminder that there is always a life to live so grab it by the horns.
This is funny a bit cheesy but enjoyable. A great light holiday read but a reminder that there is always a life to live so grab it by the horns.
June 2, 2026
Enjoyable
Very good. Easy read. Oldies are still young at heart. They can still enjoy life. Even if you’re old you can still accomplish your bucket list.
Very good. Easy read. Oldies are still young at heart. They can still enjoy life. Even if you’re old you can still accomplish your bucket list.
June 10, 2026
Great book
June 14, 2026
You go girls!
As a 65 y.o. Divorcee I could relate to our heroines! I need a bucket list which has a #1 of becoming a van lifer. Wish me luck!
As a 65 y.o. Divorcee I could relate to our heroines! I need a bucket list which has a #1 of becoming a van lifer. Wish me luck!
June 30, 2026
Loved these characters and their determination to change their lives for the better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews