Golden Days at the Vintage Volumes Bookshop

by Judy Leigh

A BRAND NEW life-affirming, joyful and inspiring tale of second chances and new beginnings from MILLION COPY bestselling author Judy Leigh.Time to step out of the shadows and seize the day.

Sixty-five-year-old Francie Molloy is stuck in a rut. Divorced and quietly running her beloved second-hand bookshop, Vintage Volumes, she lives a sensible, solitary life caring for her eighty-nine-year-old mother. Gloria is a former Sixties hippy who lived for parties, and passion, and she is determined to see her daughter spread her wings.

When Gloria passes away, Francie is left with a quiet house, a head full of memories and a promise to finally embrace the vibrant life her mother wished for her. Pushed out of her comfort zone, Francie joins the village amateur dramatics group. Suddenly, the sleepy village of Barton Clavell is bursting with drama - both on and off the stage.

Amidst her best friend's wedding jitters, her runaway ex-husband's midlife crisis, and the colourful antics of the local pub regulars, Francie connects with a handsome, poetry-loving stranger with a twinkle in his eye. As she finally steps into the spotlight, Francie discovers that the best chapters of her life might still be unwritten.

Judy Leigh’s joy-filled stories of friendship, community and second chances are perfect for all fans of Celia Anderson, Kate Galley and Maddie Please.

Readers love Judy Leigh:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Finally a book that has a real story about real people. A book that is about people who aren't 18 to 25 years old. A book that embraces not only being older, but all of the challenges we face as we go through life… open hearted and reminds us to believe that life can still be fun and full of promise again.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A cast of characters drawn with Judy’s hallmarks of kindness and humanity… Highly recommended. You will love every moment spent immersed in Judy’s distinctive style and with her colourful characters.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Judy is a highly accomplished writer who is exploring the emotions and trials of approaching age, broken relationships and how we can all learn from difficult losses and tragic situations. What is so admirable about her work is that she deals with serious matters with great integrity, compassion and depth but does so in a deceptively light way.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Love Judy's books about the more mature woman, resonates with me more being one of that group. Lovely range of characters and plot, penned in Judy's expert way. Loved it!’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A lovely optimistic tale of life post retirement, showing that life can continue after retirement with romance, friendships, things to do, places to go... It’s never too late to have fun, fall in love, & enjoy everything that life has to offer.’

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

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Golden Days at the Vintage Volumes Bookshop, by Judy Leigh, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Francie Molloy is in her mid sixties and runs a bookshop, after losing her mother she decides to try something new. This is a great feel good read. You can restart your life at any age.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Sixty-five-year-old Francie Molloy is stuck in a rut. Divorced and quietly running her beloved second-hand bookshop, Vintage Volumes, she lives a sensible, solitary life caring for her eighty-nine-year-old mother. Gloria is a former sixties hippy who lived for parties, and passion, and she is determined to see her daughter spread her wings. When Gloria passes away, Francie is left with a quiet house, a head full of memories and a promise to finally embrace the vibrant life her mother wished for her. Pushed out of her comfort zone, Francie joins the village amateur dramatics group. Suddenly, the sleepy village of Barton Clavell is bursting with drama - both on and off the stage.

Francie Molloy is in her mid sixties. She runs her family's bookshop, but after the death of her mother Gloria, she wants to try something new. She lives a quiet life. She joins an amateur drama group.

This is a story of love and forgiveness. It's a tad emotional, but it also makes you feel good.

Published 5th November 2026

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

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed the message behind this story, that it’s never too late to step outside your comfort zone, try something new and discover that there’s still plenty of life and adventure waiting for you.

Francie was such a lovely character, and I really enjoyed watching her journey. At 65, she’s settled into a quiet, predictable life, looking after her mum and running her little second-hand bookshop. But following her mum’s death, she finds herself having to rethink what she really wants from life. I thought the promise she makes to her mum was such a lovely starting point for the story, and it was wonderful seeing her gradually find her confidence again.

Joining the local amateur dramatics group certainly brings plenty of excitement, and I loved all the colourful characters in the village. There’s friendship, laughter, a little drama (both on and off the stage!), and of course a touch of romance along the way.

I particularly enjoyed the themes of second chances, new beginnings and finding happiness in unexpected places. It was also lovely to see a story focusing on a woman in her sixties discovering that life doesn’t have to slow down just because you’ve reached a certain age.

There are some emotional moments, especially around Francie’s relationship with her mum, but there’s also so much warmth and humour running throughout.

A heartwarming, feel-good read full of friendship, community, romance and fresh starts. It left me with a smile and a reminder that it’s never too late to write a new chapter in your life. Definitely one for anyone who enjoys uplifting stories with lovely characters and plenty of heart!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great feel-good read!
Golden Days at the Vintage Volumes Bookshop is a fabulous story embracing those it's-never-too-late feelings.
We follow three women whose lives are intertwined with one another: 65-year-old Francie, who lives with her mother and runs the family bookshop; Ally, the wife of Francie's ex-husband, Jon, who works in the pub; and Debs, Francie's 60-something best friend who is planning a wedding to her longtime partner, Marty.
All three women are going through their own personal crises; however, the story shows that sometimes you need to stop worrying about what might happen and live in the present moment.
There are several rocky moments where each woman has to dig deep to get through, but these situations also show the proof that if you have the right people around you, you can get through anything.

[Jean Mader · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

It’s always pleasant to read a book by Judy Leigh. As an American reader, I enjoy visiting an English village and getting to know the characters. “Golden Days..” features Francie, a woman in her 60’s who learns that she can spread her wings and enjoy life. She runs her family’s bookstore, has friends at the local pub and her daughter comes back in her life. And a new man in town draws her interest. Plus a big wedding is featured. This is a slow and simple story-it’s a nice read. Thanks for Boldwood Books for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

[Chris · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A cosy, gentle feel good read. Francie runs a book shop in a little village.. Her parents had been 60's hippies and Francie never felt like them. Interestingly, her daughter Vicky is very like them and lives in London as a single parent. When Francie's mother , Gloria, dies Francie must make a new path for herself. A warm comforting read with some quirky characters. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I love about Judy Leigh’s never-too-late books is how very easy it is to identify with some of her characters. Caring for her mother - and it’s never been the easiest of relationships - Francie’s life has become a solitary one, lightened only by the visitors to the family’s second hand bookshop she now runs. Losing her mother, she needs to start her life again - and there are friends and a supportive community only too ready to help, although some of them need support through their own issues too.

Debs’ impending wedding to long-term partner Marty occupies them all, and provides a lot of the lighter moments - but some of the more dramatic ones too. Friendship with Ally, the wife of her ex-husband, could have proved difficult - but they grow closer when trouble hits. The local drama group being set up by the indefatigable Deirdre provides a nice diversion - and an opportunity to recreate the garden parties her mother was famous for back in the sixties. The return from London of her heavily pregnant daughter could have caused some problems - but I really loved the way that storyline developed. And, looking outward once more, Francie opens herself up to the possibility of romance - with an intriguing man with impeccable taste in music and reading who regularly comes into the bookshop.

Living in the moment, taking life as it comes, being open to new experiences all sit beautifully side-by-side with a few real surprises from her parents’ bohemian past. I loved the book’s messages, the sense of community, and so many of the characters (especially Francie herself) won my heart. A gentle read with the perfect emotional touch, and a book I very much enjoyed.

[Pattie Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, a book comes along that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the final page. Golden Days at the Vintage Volumes Bookshop by Judy Leigh was one of those books for me. This was my first time reading one of her novels, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Francie Molloy is sixty-five, divorced, and happily running her beloved second-hand bookshop, Vintage Volumes, while caring for her aging mother, Gloria, a former sixties hippie with a colorful past filled with parties and passion. When Gloria dies, Francie is left with a quiet house, a head full of memories, and a promise to finally start living the vibrant life her mother always wanted for her.

So Francie steps outside her comfort zone and joins the local amateur dramatics group in the sleepy village of Barton Clavell. Soon, the village is buzzing with drama both onstage and off, from her best friend’s wedding jitters and her ex-husband’s midlife crisis to the colorful regulars at the local pub. Then a handsome, poetry-loving stranger wanders into her life, bringing the possibility of romance.

I really enjoyed watching Francie gradually come out of her shell. There’s something particularly satisfying about a story that reminds us life doesn’t stop being interesting at sixty-five. New experiences, unexpected friendships, and even romance can still be waiting around the corner. I found myself rooting for Francie as she began to embrace possibilities she might once have thought were behind her.

The bookshop setting was an immediate selling point for me. I’m always drawn to stories involving books and bookshops, so Vintage Volumes had me interested from the start. But what really captured my imagination was the backstory about Francie’s parents and the big parties they hosted in their garden every year. The idea of a house and garden filled with people, laughter, music, and a little bit of mischief appealed to me so much that I found myself wanting to fling open my own doors, invite everyone in, and have a good time. There’s something wonderfully life-affirming about that kind of joyful, generous spirit.

Of course, not everything unfolds in a way that would necessarily happen in real life. There are a few gloriously illogical leaps and convenient outcomes along the way, but I didn’t find that they spoiled my enjoyment. Sometimes a story doesn’t need to be entirely realistic to be thoroughly entertaining. I was happy to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the ride.

What I appreciated most was the book’s gentle reminder that we shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to start living. Life can change unexpectedly, and sometimes it takes a loss to make us reconsider what we really want. I finished the book feeling cheerful and uplifted, with that lovely sense of having spent time in the company of people I’d quite happily meet again.

[Barb · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Francie is stuck in a rut, living with and caring for her octogenarian mother and running a second-hand bookshop. Gloria, her mother, was a 60s wild child, and can’t understand why Francie is content with such a quiet, sedate life. But when Gloria dies, Francie decides to step out of her comfort zone and try to experience life in a way that would have made her mother proud.

This author’s books have always been entertaining, and I really looked forward to reading this one. Surprisingly, it got off to a very slow start, and I even considered DNFing it. I’m not an especially outgoing person who flits about from one activity to the next – in fact, I generally prefer quiet days/evenings at home, much like Francie. But something about her attitude, her outlook on life early in the book really annoyed me. Probably because I was committed to writing this review, I did not give up on the book, and am glad I stuck with it.

It took a while, but Francie eventually decided to try new things, possibly in an effort to meet new people, possibly just to add a bit of life to her days. As expected, her life changed from that point on, although she was still tentative about a lot, and it was easier to root for her as the book continued. In the end, although much of the plot was predictable, I enjoyed the story and was glad I finished it instead of abandoning it.

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

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with, shall I say, more mature characters this story covers how convoluted modern life can be. Francie is in her mid 60s,divorced and living a lonely life with her elderly mother and running a small second-hand bookshop. Her mother was a real child of the 60s having embraced the hippy lifestyle, something that I'm just too young to have experienced. When her mother passes away Francie decides that she need to spread her wings and try something new and joins a new local amateur drama group. There is a cast of supporting characters, including Francie's ex and his new wife plus regulars at the local pub. There is a mixture of lighter moments, plus some more downbeat ones, but overall a really positive story of love and forgiveness.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francie Malloy is in her sixties and lives with her mother Gloria. Properly named Glorious Gloria, she constantly tells Francie to find her happiness. Francie is an empty nester, divorced and spends her life at the bookshop Vintage Volumes. Gloria believes that Francie needs to loosen up and sell everything once she dies. Francie joins an amateur drama group and this is where she finds herself.

I am a fan of real life stories of real life people. I empathized and understood with Francie even though we are completely different people. Though some parts of the book were sad, there were several feel good moments. This is what makes the book so beautiful, it is real, it is emotional and it makes you ponder certain moments in one's life.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francie lives with her mother Gloria and runs the Vintage Volumes Bookshop in the village in Somerset. Her daughter lives in London with erh son and Francie hears via Ally, her ex-husband Joe's wife, that he has lent Vicky money to pay her rent.
In the village, locals Marty and Debs announce that they are getting married so wedding fever hits.
In the events leading up to the wedding, new friendships are formed, family is reunited and health worries are dealt with.
A nice read about relationships.

[Jen · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Many people in a little town with interwoven lives facing various challenges in midlife, each taking a turn to share POV

I usually have trouble keeping track when there are lots of characters but I had no trouble with these characters. The author was careful to give each a distinct personality and character arc.

It was good to read the struggles and reflections of older characters, but I feel they lacked some depth.

A lovely story.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for my early access to this book.

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty-five year old Francie Molloy loves running her vintage bookstore but decides she needs to make some changes after her mother's passing. Her best friend is getting married, her ex-husband is having a midlife crisis and her daughter is hiding something. Another friend is concerned about his health. Story about how it's never to late to make changes for a more fulfilling life.
#GoldenDaysattheVintageVolumesBookshop #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

[Tracy Smith · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

Thank you NetGally for the advanced copy of this book. This one was a weird one for me. I found it long in spots and a bit boring but I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to know what happened next. Francie is mid 60s, runs a book store and is basically there for everyone. She seems lost but once her mother dies, she finally decides to be there for herself. Also, I didnt' like the daughter or ex husband, they are both useless.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort reading at its best! Absolutely gorgeous new book from Judy Leigh, a multi generational tale full of warmth love friendship books and more.
Francie has been in the same village in Somerset all her life, still living in her parents home running a vintage bookshop and caring for her elderly mother. Her parents were free spirits in the sixties throwing memorable parties, whilst Francie has been more sensible in her life choices. Looking through the old photo albums has been a reminder of time gone by.
When her mum passes, it leaves Francie with a raft of possibilities for her life, along with her friends and daughter, life turns a corner. Francie comes into her own!
Full of love and positivity! Warm hearted and easy reading. Judy has quite a skill and talent to capture life and hope in all sorts of circumstances. Full of fabulous interesting characters this is a great read from the first to the last!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early read, just brilliant!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with a big smile on my face which remained there right until the end. Loved Francie and how she coped with whatever life threw her way and finally learnt to love herself and spread her wings. A feel good uplifting story about love, friendship and living life to the full no matter your age.

[Kate Wells · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

A lovely story of family connections set in an English village. Restful and warming. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

An all rounder of a tale in this book. It’s about ‘coming home’ and resetting your life ina new set of circumstances

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely lovely book from Judy Leigh. It has all the right components. Love, friendship, a wedding, a death, a baby, a bit of heartbreak and a good dose of humour. As with all this author's books the characters are older (usually 60+) but still experience life to the full. As an older person myself this has great appeal. After all we have so much more experience to write about. Definitely a great read but you will need the tissues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.