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Benson Family #3
A Proper Family Adventure
The Benson family are used to eighty-six-year-old Granddad Bill repeating his catchphrase, 'I've won the blooming lottery!' but they are gobsmacked when he finally wins the actual lottery. It's not a jackpot of millions, but even after giving each of his great-grandchildren a nice nest-egg each, there's enough left over for Bill to take everyone on a short Mediterranean cruise.
Chelsea Benson is taking her boyfriend Adam along for the trip, but they've hit another rough patch. Will they make it through the cruise without splitting up?
Also on the ship is Jane Thynne, who should have been on that cruise as a honeymooner. Instead, mourning the death of her fiance, she is there with her best friend. Will taking the cruise without Greg help Jane begin to heal from her devastating loss?
Meanwhile, Jack Benson and Adam's daughter Lily go head to head once again in the ship's passenger talent contest and Granddad Bill causes havoc in the on-board casino.
It's full steam ahead for a proper family adventure . . .
Chelsea Benson is taking her boyfriend Adam along for the trip, but they've hit another rough patch. Will they make it through the cruise without splitting up?
Also on the ship is Jane Thynne, who should have been on that cruise as a honeymooner. Instead, mourning the death of her fiance, she is there with her best friend. Will taking the cruise without Greg help Jane begin to heal from her devastating loss?
Meanwhile, Jack Benson and Adam's daughter Lily go head to head once again in the ship's passenger talent contest and Granddad Bill causes havoc in the on-board casino.
It's full steam ahead for a proper family adventure . . .
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2015
20 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Chrissie Manby
33 books240 followersThis author has also released books under the name Chris Manby
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 24, 2017
Het is zo leuk om weer een boek over de familie Benson te lezen. Na twee boeken had ik al echt het gevoel ze te kennen. In dit boek spelen ook nog twee andere personages een rol: Jane en Kirsty. Jane werd aan het einde van deel twee al geïntroduceerd en in dit boek werd haar connectie met de familie duidelijk. Ik hoop dat ze nog een kleine rol heeft in het vierde boek. Zo ver ik weet is dat het laatste deel. Al hoop ik dat er nog meer boeken volgen in de toekomst. Ik ga nu snel aan deel vier beginnen.
March 5, 2020
Loving this series
September 4, 2025
This a fun, summertime read about a large, extended family. The main characters range in age from 6 up to 80-something. Much of the story takes place aboard a huge cruise ship with ports in Spain, France, and Italy. As someone who has always wanted to go on a cruise, this book convinced me to do just that on one of my next vacations. And when I do, I will no doubt bring along another Chrissie Manby novel to entertain me on my plane ride to the cruise ship (not a boat), or while laying on a lounge chair by the on-board pool, or before falling asleep in my stateroom at night. Can’t wait!
October 9, 2015
I am a chick lit girl at heart so it was great to dive into a fabulous story full of delight characters.
In this wonderful tale we meet the Benson family, we catch up at grandads Bill’s Birthday party with all his family around him celebrating his great day, all his grandkids had clubbed together to buy him lottery ticket which turns out he wins £50,000 which he splits between them..
They arrive the following Sunday and have a family roast to discuss the spending at Annabel, Jackie oldest who she gave up for adoption when Jackie and Dave where teenagers too young to have a child but they found their way back to bringing a family of sorts. After dinner, Grandad Bill decided with the money that was left that they should book a cruise for all the family to go on, but as soon as this was decided family members start dropping like flies. The first to drop is Annabel and her husband their daughter Sophie has not long had a liver transplant and wanted to stay closer to her if anything happens , as Sophie taken internship at a local law firm to gain work experience. The next to drop out was Izzy, great granddaughter who also booked an internship at a country magazine which is her dream job plus she gets too stay with Sophie which is an added bonus. Just before the rest of the family are set to sail, Grandad Bill fells ill and is also unable to attend the cruise, Jackie feels that her and Dave will have to give up the cruise to look after him as they are his full time carers. Annabel steps up and takes Grandad Bill in.
So the rest pf the family Jackie, Dave, Chelsea with her boyfriend Adam and his daughter, Lily, Ronnie, Mark and Jack head for the cruise…….
Also taking the same cruise are Kirsty and Jane best friends, Kirsty feels that Jane needs a break and different view and come out of her shell that she hiding in since the loss of her husband to be and needs to feel life again.
Once on the cruise we dive more into Chelsea and Adams relationship, they have been together for a year now and just before the Cruise he said her to move in with him and Lily. But Adam is living with his dead wife even thou he loves Chelsea, he still not ready to really let her go. Jackie has got into her head that Adam is going to put a ring on her finger so a chance meeting with a stranger lose or save his relationship with Chelsea.
What I loved about the book that it switches back and forth between the characters on sea and land but be papered with a box of tissues, but this book is every additive for the word so go grab yourself a copy and find out will she or wont she……
In this wonderful tale we meet the Benson family, we catch up at grandads Bill’s Birthday party with all his family around him celebrating his great day, all his grandkids had clubbed together to buy him lottery ticket which turns out he wins £50,000 which he splits between them..
They arrive the following Sunday and have a family roast to discuss the spending at Annabel, Jackie oldest who she gave up for adoption when Jackie and Dave where teenagers too young to have a child but they found their way back to bringing a family of sorts. After dinner, Grandad Bill decided with the money that was left that they should book a cruise for all the family to go on, but as soon as this was decided family members start dropping like flies. The first to drop is Annabel and her husband their daughter Sophie has not long had a liver transplant and wanted to stay closer to her if anything happens , as Sophie taken internship at a local law firm to gain work experience. The next to drop out was Izzy, great granddaughter who also booked an internship at a country magazine which is her dream job plus she gets too stay with Sophie which is an added bonus. Just before the rest of the family are set to sail, Grandad Bill fells ill and is also unable to attend the cruise, Jackie feels that her and Dave will have to give up the cruise to look after him as they are his full time carers. Annabel steps up and takes Grandad Bill in.
So the rest pf the family Jackie, Dave, Chelsea with her boyfriend Adam and his daughter, Lily, Ronnie, Mark and Jack head for the cruise…….
Also taking the same cruise are Kirsty and Jane best friends, Kirsty feels that Jane needs a break and different view and come out of her shell that she hiding in since the loss of her husband to be and needs to feel life again.
Once on the cruise we dive more into Chelsea and Adams relationship, they have been together for a year now and just before the Cruise he said her to move in with him and Lily. But Adam is living with his dead wife even thou he loves Chelsea, he still not ready to really let her go. Jackie has got into her head that Adam is going to put a ring on her finger so a chance meeting with a stranger lose or save his relationship with Chelsea.
What I loved about the book that it switches back and forth between the characters on sea and land but be papered with a box of tissues, but this book is every additive for the word so go grab yourself a copy and find out will she or wont she……
July 28, 2015
After reading one of Chrissie's previous books called A proper family holiday I was more than excited to read this book. I would like to say thank you Eleni at hodder for sending me a copy of this book, it is much appreciated. I must firstly mention the cover of this book it is so summery and lovely, it really put a smile on my face and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. As I have previously read one of Chrissie's books before I literally felt as I was reacquainted with old friends. I am sure you can read these books as a standalone but I would thoroughly recommend reading them all as they are just brilliant stories. I would say this one has a very serious issues that are dealt with really well but it is still light hearted, I loved reading everyone's stories. There are a few things which happen which made me chuckle too. After reading the last page and being a bit sad it had come to an end I did see that Chrissie Manby has got her next novel out in November 2015 called A Wedding At Christmas, which I will really look forward to.
August 29, 2015
Bill is 87, and he has just won the lottery with a ticket bought for him by his grandchildren for his birthday.
After dividing up the cash amongst his family there is enough left over for one big ‘happy family holiday’.
Along with cocktails and dancing, there are moments of sadness and joy.
Chrissie Manbys novel is a fabulous holiday read. Welcome to The Benson’s idea of fun and laughter. They are normal, entertaining and totally agreeable. I loved little Jack. A cheeky little boy who had me chuckling out loud.
This is a read you won’t put down and Chrissie’s inimitable sense of family is just fabulous.
After dividing up the cash amongst his family there is enough left over for one big ‘happy family holiday’.
Along with cocktails and dancing, there are moments of sadness and joy.
Chrissie Manbys novel is a fabulous holiday read. Welcome to The Benson’s idea of fun and laughter. They are normal, entertaining and totally agreeable. I loved little Jack. A cheeky little boy who had me chuckling out loud.
This is a read you won’t put down and Chrissie’s inimitable sense of family is just fabulous.
April 3, 2016
I love this series and the bensons but there was something about this book that just didn't sit as well as the rest. It lacked the funny laugh out load moments, and it was all just much or a muchness. I thought that Jane and Kirsty would have had more of a role in this story and perhaps made a connection on the trip, but there paths didn't really cross.
If you love this series and the Bensons then this is a definite must.
If you love this series and the Bensons then this is a definite must.
August 12, 2015
This book was fantastic loved the Bensons there family all work together and grandad has a birthday and is given a lottery ticket and it wins and the family go on a cruise. Will the family all get on and will there be some hard and difficultly times for them. Sadly granddad is unable to go on the cruise as he's poorly so he stays with family. It's a must read and I'm sure you will enjoy
September 8, 2015
Loved it, Chrissie has done it again, I love reading her books, and this series is great, Hoping for 'A Proper Family Wedding' next :) xxx
July 21, 2018
I always enjoy manby's novels. As usual this book is full of humour and has the right level of family catastrophe and romance to keep the reader captivated.
March 3, 2018
A PROPER FAMILY ADVENTURE 🏖
My 3rd book from the series and although I do love the Bensons, this book fell flat from the original like the Christmas edition.
My favourite characters of this series are Chelsea and Jack, it's rare seeing an aunt and nephew in books who have such a great friendship. The few and far moments we got of them in between were nice and I do love Ronnie and Chelsea's sisterly chats.
Sadly I'm not a fan of a lot of the newer characters they've decided to add since the first book. I genuinely did not see the point of having Jane and Kirsty on board, and ending with Izzy sending Jane a letter is all too similar to Jacqui writing one for Annabelle. In fact Anabelle's entire family unit with Sophie, Bill and Richard etc just distracted from the plot.
Adam and Lilly both come across incredibly annoying too, I miss the days of Chelsea and Jack competing against them. I'll give it a 3 stars because of my loyalty to the Benson clan but I wish it was better.
My 3rd book from the series and although I do love the Bensons, this book fell flat from the original like the Christmas edition.
My favourite characters of this series are Chelsea and Jack, it's rare seeing an aunt and nephew in books who have such a great friendship. The few and far moments we got of them in between were nice and I do love Ronnie and Chelsea's sisterly chats.
Sadly I'm not a fan of a lot of the newer characters they've decided to add since the first book. I genuinely did not see the point of having Jane and Kirsty on board, and ending with Izzy sending Jane a letter is all too similar to Jacqui writing one for Annabelle. In fact Anabelle's entire family unit with Sophie, Bill and Richard etc just distracted from the plot.
Adam and Lilly both come across incredibly annoying too, I miss the days of Chelsea and Jack competing against them. I'll give it a 3 stars because of my loyalty to the Benson clan but I wish it was better.
July 16, 2015
It is not a secret that I am a very big fan of the Bensons family, after reading "A Proper Family Christmas". I haven't read "A Proper Family Holidays" yet but I promise to read it as soon as I'll find a free moment! Of course I was incredibly excited when I've heard that there will be the next book in the series and I was thrilled to receive my review copy, that I started reading almost immediately. And - I couldn't got a better news that "A Wedding At Christmas" is out in November - roll on, then, November!
Also, I must mention a cover of this novel - it is incredibly beautiful and so very summery, and only looking at it makes me feel better. It's just gorgeous!
Reading the book was like reconnecting with old friends and I had a feeling that I've only finished the previous novel about them, and not few months ago. The author throws us direct into the heart of the story. There are, of course, many flashbacks to the previous times, and explanations, so the book could be read as a stand - alone without a slightest problem.
Nevertheless, I had a feeling that this book is slightly more serious in tone than the previous one (which, even though about some very serious matters, was truly light - hearted) - I'm not sure what was this all about, maybe the writing was a little more serious this time? But of course it still made a great, summery read, that I immensely enjoyed. Actually, since reading Milly Johnson's books, I absolutely adore stories set on big ships, on a cruise, and it was not exception here - I loved the descriptions of The European Countess and the setting was beautiful, and when the characters were visiting all the places ashore I just felt as if I'm walking together with them and seeing all the things with my own eyes, such vivid, realistic and colourful the descriptions were.
The characters, as in the previous story, were just larger - then - life and absolutely adorable and relatable to. I was a little disappointed when I read that Annabel and her family won't be going on the cruise, as I like those characters with all my heart, but no need to worry, they have also chapters devoted only to them - not many, but still they do appear in the story, and especially one of the last chapters with them and Grandpa Bill has first made me cry, to have me choking with laughter in the next second. And thank you, Chrissie, for Leander, who was much more often mentioned in this book, and he was absolutely brilliant! Labrador rules!
What was great was the fact that the two families were already friends, and even Annabel and Ronnie trusted each other so much that they were able to entrusted their children to their safekeeping - it made me truly happy that this relationship has developed and matured.
Apart of the Bensons family, Chrissie introduces us to some new characters, and especially two of them, Jane and Kirsty, are significant to the story. Although I must say that their chapters were those that I enjoyed the least. Of course I understand where Jane was coming from, and I truly fell for her and her loss, and to be honest I can't put myself in her shoes - thank heavens for that - but on the other hand I personally think that she was mourning too much, and if I were Kirsty, I think I wouldn't have so much patience. At the beginning I was also thinking that this sub - plot is going to end a little differently, in one big encounter for example, and I was expecting this, some coincidences, but now I think that the author has ended it in much more perfect way - I was totally happy about it.
Each chapter was told from different person's point of view in the third person, and even Ted, the teddy bear that Jacqui bought Annabel 40 years ago, has own chapter, which I find brilliant! It was absolutely fantastic to see what all of them was thinking and how they were perceiving their trip. I didn't have my favourite character here, I think, they were all really interesting, but I think that those were especially the Jack - chapters that added a lot of fresh breath to the story, and I truly adored his observations. It's really true that children never lie :)
This time the subject of Adam and Chelsea engagement was the leading one in the story, and let me tell you, it isn't at all obvious how it is going to end! Chrissie Manby doesn't make it too easy for those two, adding some twists and turns and I really wasn't sure till the end. I was maybe expecting a little more about the trip itself, a little more about the ship and the cruise - would love a little more action on the deck, as mostly everything happened ashore, when they were visiting some beautiful cities and places. And it wasn't like this that the book was full to the brim with action, I'd say that it was rather steady, peaceful read with some ups and downs, some fun, some very gentle and touching moments (especially those including Sophie and Grandpa Bill), and yet it has made an incredibly lovely, hooking read - it was this kind of novel that didn't need any extra fireworks and bombshells dropped at you at every page, no, this story was so clever and not for a single moment flat even without all those special effects. I really liked everything in this book - the characters that I already grow so fond of, the beautiful settings, the storyline, the writing... It is one of the greatest summer reads this year and I am already waiting for continuation - highly recommended!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
February 7, 2017
Throughout my teenage years and early-twenties, Chrissie Manby was a permanent feature on my bookshelves. I've read almost all of her novels. I own almost all of her novels.
A few years zipped by without me picking up a new novel by her to read. It wasn't until 2016 that I began reading her novels again (I absolutely adored What I Did On My Holidays - it was sweet and funny, but Kate's Wedding was a somewhat mediocre read).
I started the Benson Family series last year. The first book, A Proper Family Holiday, was great. It was classic Chrissie Manby humour and sweetness. I zipped onto the second book, A Proper Family Christmas. This one I didn't enjoy quite as much. Firstly, contrary to the title, this book is not predominantly set at Christmas time. Secondly, it was centred heavily on a couple of serious topics (life threatening illness, adoption) and lacked Chrissie's usual sweet humour.
Simply because I became attached to a few of the characters in the very first book, I've continued reading the series. For me, the beginning of A Proper Family Adventure dragged. I could not get into it. That was until I read chapter ten and became hooked. This story touches more on Grandad Bill's dementia, Izzy's inner turmoil over recieving a new kidney, and Adam's greif over his dead wife. All sad topics.
Despite the heavy, sad topics covered in this story it was sweet. It made me cry, but at least it was sweet. I can't wait to read more about the characters in the next book, especially Chelsea and Adam and the kids.
A few years zipped by without me picking up a new novel by her to read. It wasn't until 2016 that I began reading her novels again (I absolutely adored What I Did On My Holidays - it was sweet and funny, but Kate's Wedding was a somewhat mediocre read).
I started the Benson Family series last year. The first book, A Proper Family Holiday, was great. It was classic Chrissie Manby humour and sweetness. I zipped onto the second book, A Proper Family Christmas. This one I didn't enjoy quite as much. Firstly, contrary to the title, this book is not predominantly set at Christmas time. Secondly, it was centred heavily on a couple of serious topics (life threatening illness, adoption) and lacked Chrissie's usual sweet humour.
Simply because I became attached to a few of the characters in the very first book, I've continued reading the series. For me, the beginning of A Proper Family Adventure dragged. I could not get into it. That was until I read chapter ten and became hooked. This story touches more on Grandad Bill's dementia, Izzy's inner turmoil over recieving a new kidney, and Adam's greif over his dead wife. All sad topics.
Despite the heavy, sad topics covered in this story it was sweet. It made me cry, but at least it was sweet. I can't wait to read more about the characters in the next book, especially Chelsea and Adam and the kids.
November 26, 2018
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
I will def look for more of chrissie manbys books 📚
Spoiler.............
Only part I didn't like was when Adam finally asked Chelsea to marry him and she said yes even though she'd been so hurt by certain things that had happened between them, and they hadn't yet discussed.
I will def look for more of chrissie manbys books 📚
Spoiler.............
Only part I didn't like was when Adam finally asked Chelsea to marry him and she said yes even though she'd been so hurt by certain things that had happened between them, and they hadn't yet discussed.
February 9, 2019
Just fell in love with theses characters. Having been widowed at 32 I really understood the emotions of these characters. Music a return to places visited are very poignant and I truly felt the depth of feelings.
Loving the sea and desperately seeking a cruise moment I deliberately took my time so as to enjoy the cruise with them all.
Wishing there was a sequel x
Loving the sea and desperately seeking a cruise moment I deliberately took my time so as to enjoy the cruise with them all.
Wishing there was a sequel x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2020
4 Stars
It was great catching up with the Benson's and I especially enjoyed this book as it was set on a cruise ship and it reminded me of my past cruise holidays. It took me back to my time on board and even some of the stops were the same as I'd done.
Great storyline as always, following on from the previous books. I look forward to the next one.
It was great catching up with the Benson's and I especially enjoyed this book as it was set on a cruise ship and it reminded me of my past cruise holidays. It took me back to my time on board and even some of the stops were the same as I'd done.
Great storyline as always, following on from the previous books. I look forward to the next one.
September 19, 2017
Another romp with this great family - a soft holiday read but all the more enjoyable for it.
January 26, 2018
Good book and light reading. It is perfect reading for a summer vacation.
August 16, 2018
Absolutely loved it A***
February 2, 2019
3 1/2 stars. Enjoyable audio version played on a long car trip. Lots of humour and some tense moments make for a light enjoyable story. All our favourite Benson characters return.
August 20, 2019
Great book, about family and loss with laughs along the way. Really like the Benson-Edwards and their adventures.
September 1, 2023
Entertaining, as expected. A good beach read
August 26, 2025
amazing ✨
Fabulous read! Can’t put it down!
I feel part of the family- very well written- and can relate to the characters 🩷🩷✨
Fabulous read! Can’t put it down!
I feel part of the family- very well written- and can relate to the characters 🩷🩷✨
August 17, 2015
A proper summer holiday read by a properly amazing author! In answer to the first question of the blurb, I spent 1 week at sea with my mum last year, and have made a vow that I won't be doing that again. I will be going on another cruise though, very soon, and reading this book has put me properly in the holiday mood. I can't wait to jump on board my own Mediterranean cruise.
Grandpa Bill is very fond of saying "I've won the lottery" when in reality he rarely plays it. For his 87th birthday, his great grand children including Jack buy him a ticket. Imagine the whole Benson's family shock when he really does get a good win on the lottery.
They decide to spend a good portion of it on a holiday for the whole family, and not the cheap All Inclusive in Lanzarote that was where we were introduced to the Bensons in A Proper Family Holiday. This time, they decide to go on a Mediterranean cruise sailing from Southampton for two weeks.
The whole of the Bensons and Buchanans are invited, however due to various circumstances its only the majority of the Bensons that go on the trip. What follows is the antics of this loveable family as they spend a fortnight on board of floating resort, full of fun and frolics.
Some of the descriptions of the ports of call made me really want to go to those places and do those excursions especially Ajaccio, Corsica, and the turtles and tortoises. I love an excursion that involves animals, but after the Bensons spend some time with the monkeys in Gibraltar, I may give that a pass if I am ever fortunate enough to visit.
This book can be read as a standalone, and I believe if you haven't read the previous two books, you would still enjoy this, however I would urge you to read all of the books about this family, as they are all terrific books.
If you have read the previous books, but it was a while ago, there are enough references to key incidents in the first two, to remind you of all the details. As a third book in a series, I have flown through reading it, I loved every second of it and can't wait for November for the next book to come out. The more books I read about the Bensons, the more I love them.
If you are looking for a fun and entertaining book this summer, then read A Proper Family Adventure!
Grandpa Bill is very fond of saying "I've won the lottery" when in reality he rarely plays it. For his 87th birthday, his great grand children including Jack buy him a ticket. Imagine the whole Benson's family shock when he really does get a good win on the lottery.
They decide to spend a good portion of it on a holiday for the whole family, and not the cheap All Inclusive in Lanzarote that was where we were introduced to the Bensons in A Proper Family Holiday. This time, they decide to go on a Mediterranean cruise sailing from Southampton for two weeks.
The whole of the Bensons and Buchanans are invited, however due to various circumstances its only the majority of the Bensons that go on the trip. What follows is the antics of this loveable family as they spend a fortnight on board of floating resort, full of fun and frolics.
Some of the descriptions of the ports of call made me really want to go to those places and do those excursions especially Ajaccio, Corsica, and the turtles and tortoises. I love an excursion that involves animals, but after the Bensons spend some time with the monkeys in Gibraltar, I may give that a pass if I am ever fortunate enough to visit.
This book can be read as a standalone, and I believe if you haven't read the previous two books, you would still enjoy this, however I would urge you to read all of the books about this family, as they are all terrific books.
If you have read the previous books, but it was a while ago, there are enough references to key incidents in the first two, to remind you of all the details. As a third book in a series, I have flown through reading it, I loved every second of it and can't wait for November for the next book to come out. The more books I read about the Bensons, the more I love them.
If you are looking for a fun and entertaining book this summer, then read A Proper Family Adventure!
September 3, 2016
A Proper Family Adventure starts by introducing us to the Benson Family. They are a large family who are clearly very close, or so it would seem! They know everything about one another, and are forever in and out of one another’s homes.
Just Like a lot of families though, the Benson’s have their fair share of skeletons in their closets. Quite a few of these skeletons make an appearance whilst some of the family are having an incredible adventure on the high seas.
With each chapter you get to learn a little more about the family, and delve in to the lives of some wonderful characters, all who made this book so enjoyable.
The book starts of with a big birthday party for the 86 year old Grandad of the family, Bill, and a special gift, which turns out to be a gift that keeps on giving! A winning £50,000 lottery ticket. Bill decides to share the money between them all, giving the families a chance to make real some of their wildest dreams.
Deciding that there is enough money left over once everyone has had their share, Bill suggests that they should book a dream family holiday on a luxury cruise liner. What would be nicer to bring this already close family even closer?
However the minute the cruise is mentioned various family members start to pull out due to various reasons, including ill health, leaving just a handful of the family left to go cruising.
The family experience some magical moments, along with some sorrow, which will have you grabbing for the hankies, for those both at sea and those that stayed at home.
What I loved about the book was how the chapters weren’t too many pages long, and to be honest they didn’t need to be, because each chapter takes you deeper into the lives of each member of the Family. The story included romance, and letting go of the past. I definitely look forward to the next instalment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it truly feels like you are on the cruise with them, living the adventure. I award it a well deserved 5 stars
Reviewed by Candice at www.whisperingstories.com
Just Like a lot of families though, the Benson’s have their fair share of skeletons in their closets. Quite a few of these skeletons make an appearance whilst some of the family are having an incredible adventure on the high seas.
With each chapter you get to learn a little more about the family, and delve in to the lives of some wonderful characters, all who made this book so enjoyable.
The book starts of with a big birthday party for the 86 year old Grandad of the family, Bill, and a special gift, which turns out to be a gift that keeps on giving! A winning £50,000 lottery ticket. Bill decides to share the money between them all, giving the families a chance to make real some of their wildest dreams.
Deciding that there is enough money left over once everyone has had their share, Bill suggests that they should book a dream family holiday on a luxury cruise liner. What would be nicer to bring this already close family even closer?
However the minute the cruise is mentioned various family members start to pull out due to various reasons, including ill health, leaving just a handful of the family left to go cruising.
The family experience some magical moments, along with some sorrow, which will have you grabbing for the hankies, for those both at sea and those that stayed at home.
What I loved about the book was how the chapters weren’t too many pages long, and to be honest they didn’t need to be, because each chapter takes you deeper into the lives of each member of the Family. The story included romance, and letting go of the past. I definitely look forward to the next instalment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it truly feels like you are on the cruise with them, living the adventure. I award it a well deserved 5 stars
Reviewed by Candice at www.whisperingstories.com
January 5, 2017
brilliant.
part 3 of the proper family series which got me questioning whether to read it but I couldn't resist and researched and found reviews telling me I could do this without feeling behind.
but I will definitely be going back to read the others right away.
a lovely book. chic lit but with heart.with emotion and not sickly
granddad bill wins lottery.pays for holiday on a cruise ship.he then ends up not being able to go.then we have the res tof the family.we got Annabel who stays behind in the end and looks after sophie her neice and granddad. the other go off and have a mixture of time. Chelsea loves adam and his girl but will he prepose like the rumours have said.turns out this gets messy
we have jaqui and dave the parents who have a lovely little relationship.
we have jack the young grandson who is funny and what little boys should be
then also on the ship we have jane and Kirsty.jane lost her fiancé and decids to go on honeymoon.stays in room the whole time and felt bad for her and her roommate her had to have fun without her yet stay paitent and loving.
jack and jane have something between strangers and the twist had me guessing until the end
the book is told in great sharp chapters through the eyes of each member.
mark and Ronnie are jac parents and are lovely too.
I get the feeling this book more revolves around Chelsea on board the ship and grnadad bill and his deterring health at home
part 3 of the proper family series which got me questioning whether to read it but I couldn't resist and researched and found reviews telling me I could do this without feeling behind.
but I will definitely be going back to read the others right away.
a lovely book. chic lit but with heart.with emotion and not sickly
granddad bill wins lottery.pays for holiday on a cruise ship.he then ends up not being able to go.then we have the res tof the family.we got Annabel who stays behind in the end and looks after sophie her neice and granddad. the other go off and have a mixture of time. Chelsea loves adam and his girl but will he prepose like the rumours have said.turns out this gets messy
we have jaqui and dave the parents who have a lovely little relationship.
we have jack the young grandson who is funny and what little boys should be
then also on the ship we have jane and Kirsty.jane lost her fiancé and decids to go on honeymoon.stays in room the whole time and felt bad for her and her roommate her had to have fun without her yet stay paitent and loving.
jack and jane have something between strangers and the twist had me guessing until the end
the book is told in great sharp chapters through the eyes of each member.
mark and Ronnie are jac parents and are lovely too.
I get the feeling this book more revolves around Chelsea on board the ship and grnadad bill and his deterring health at home
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2015
As the engines started to roar on the "Normandie Express" I clicked open my Kindle and embarked on "A Proper Family Adventure". OK so I was onboard a catamaran bound for France rather than a luxurious cruise ship but a girl can dream. I was soon ensconced in the third tale of the Benson family.
This time part of the family remain at home in Coventry whilst the rest set sail on the holiday of a lifetime cruising round the Mediterranean. I once had a brief tour of the Canberra whilst she was berthed in Southampton and my appetite was not whetted for a holiday afloat. Cruise ships have obviously come a long way in thirty years as life on the European Countess sounds very luxurious.
Squabbling children, grieving widows, teens on work experience, star-crossed lovers and a rather grumpy Teddy bear all add colour and excitement to our whistle stop tour around the Western Mediterranean. Each landfall is described beautifully and adds to unfolding drama. Our cross channel crossing was a little to short to finish the book but it was easy to ignore my own family and finish the book swiftly soon afterwards. Best of all.......the penultimate page promises that episode 4 will be in the shops in time for Christmas.
This time part of the family remain at home in Coventry whilst the rest set sail on the holiday of a lifetime cruising round the Mediterranean. I once had a brief tour of the Canberra whilst she was berthed in Southampton and my appetite was not whetted for a holiday afloat. Cruise ships have obviously come a long way in thirty years as life on the European Countess sounds very luxurious.
Squabbling children, grieving widows, teens on work experience, star-crossed lovers and a rather grumpy Teddy bear all add colour and excitement to our whistle stop tour around the Western Mediterranean. Each landfall is described beautifully and adds to unfolding drama. Our cross channel crossing was a little to short to finish the book but it was easy to ignore my own family and finish the book swiftly soon afterwards. Best of all.......the penultimate page promises that episode 4 will be in the shops in time for Christmas.
August 14, 2015
This is such a lovely read - if only all families were like this! I love the chaos that surrounds the Benson family, but I also love the closeness. I'd love it if all my children wanted to come on holiday with me when they are grown up! (Not sure Mr H would want that quite as much though!). This is a sweet, funny read, all about family, love, relationships and how sometimes everything happens for a reason. I really enjoyed watching the way the relationships between the different characters developed - there wasn't a character that you could dislike.
Some may find it a little too sugary sweet, but I really enjoyed it - it makes a refreshing change for me read something that doesn't carry a sinister undertone, or without a dead body hiding around every corner. This is a perfect summer beach read, one that brought back memories for me of a very similar cruise that I went on with my own family, (no lottery wins though, unfortunately).
This is part of a series of Benson family adventures, however I hadn't read any of them previously and enjoyed it perfectly - there's no need to read the others first.
Some may find it a little too sugary sweet, but I really enjoyed it - it makes a refreshing change for me read something that doesn't carry a sinister undertone, or without a dead body hiding around every corner. This is a perfect summer beach read, one that brought back memories for me of a very similar cruise that I went on with my own family, (no lottery wins though, unfortunately).
This is part of a series of Benson family adventures, however I hadn't read any of them previously and enjoyed it perfectly - there's no need to read the others first.
August 24, 2015
Oh God, reading everyone else's reviews it's obvious I'm a dreadful snob. I'd hate to have to spend time with/be a member of a large, loud family like the Bensons where everyone is in and out of each other's houses every minute of the day and knows every thing about each other's lives. A happy family is a family that lives 500 miles apart in my view.
But I did like the book - it was really well written, there were funny moments, and romantic moments and even some really sad ones.
Full review on my website
But I did like the book - it was really well written, there were funny moments, and romantic moments and even some really sad ones.
Full review on my website
August 27, 2015
I was excited to find there was another installment to the madness that is The Benson family and even more excited that the book was set on a cruise ship (yes it is a ship, not a boat!!). There was a lovely mix of hilarious family antics, particularly involving monkey's in Gibraltar and some poignant moments. I find Jane's story especially sad.
This is a lovely easy read and hopefully we'll catch up with The Benson's soon!
This is a lovely easy read and hopefully we'll catch up with The Benson's soon!
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