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Five French Hens
The best days of your life might be still to come…
When 73 year old Jen announces that she is going to marry Eddie, a man she met just a few months previously on a beach on Boxing Day, her four best friends from aqua aerobics are flabbergasted.
The wedding is booked and, when the groom decides to have a stag trip to Las Vegas, the ladies arrange a hen party to beat all others -a week in the city of love, Paris.
From misadventures at the Louvre, outrageous Parisian cabarets, to drinking champagne with a dashing millionaire at the casino, Paris lives up to all their hopes and dreams. But a week can change everything, and the women that come home have very different dreams from the ones who got on the plane just days ago.
When 73 year old Jen announces that she is going to marry Eddie, a man she met just a few months previously on a beach on Boxing Day, her four best friends from aqua aerobics are flabbergasted.
The wedding is booked and, when the groom decides to have a stag trip to Las Vegas, the ladies arrange a hen party to beat all others -a week in the city of love, Paris.
From misadventures at the Louvre, outrageous Parisian cabarets, to drinking champagne with a dashing millionaire at the casino, Paris lives up to all their hopes and dreams. But a week can change everything, and the women that come home have very different dreams from the ones who got on the plane just days ago.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
4618 people are currently reading
2622 people want to read
About the author
Judy Leigh
34 books402 followersJudy 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews
December 8, 2019
One of the best books in this genre that I've ever read.
73 year old Jen accepted a marriage proposal and Paris was the destination for her hen party with 4 of her best friends. And along with sightseeing and fine dining, each one of them had the opportunity to look into their lives and make some changes. Some more dramatic than the rest.
My first book by author Judy Leigh, and I was blown away by the sheer grace of these women. They all had things happening in their lives. To see them coming out of their shells was amazing. I cheered them on from the sidelines. Change is not easy, especially change after 50 years of living the same way was certainly difficult. But these women showed me how it is done; their transformation was absolutely awe-inspiring.
The initial few chapters showed me their lives, and the rest of the book was completely in the favor of Paris. The author's style of storytelling was interspersed with food and wine.. Lots of wine and champagne.
These hens brought a special joie de vivre into the story. They showed me how life was meant to be lived. But make no mistake, it was all done realistically. Their lives were not all rosy and nice. Loneliness, good and bad marriages, lost partner, single life all were shown. A week in Paris was all that was needed for them to be filled with renewed determination. True friendships made over aqua acrobatics helped the process.
The Five French Hens rocked!! How can anyone resist such a book? Ah, c'est la vie!!
73 year old Jen accepted a marriage proposal and Paris was the destination for her hen party with 4 of her best friends. And along with sightseeing and fine dining, each one of them had the opportunity to look into their lives and make some changes. Some more dramatic than the rest.
My first book by author Judy Leigh, and I was blown away by the sheer grace of these women. They all had things happening in their lives. To see them coming out of their shells was amazing. I cheered them on from the sidelines. Change is not easy, especially change after 50 years of living the same way was certainly difficult. But these women showed me how it is done; their transformation was absolutely awe-inspiring.
The initial few chapters showed me their lives, and the rest of the book was completely in the favor of Paris. The author's style of storytelling was interspersed with food and wine.. Lots of wine and champagne.
These hens brought a special joie de vivre into the story. They showed me how life was meant to be lived. But make no mistake, it was all done realistically. Their lives were not all rosy and nice. Loneliness, good and bad marriages, lost partner, single life all were shown. A week in Paris was all that was needed for them to be filled with renewed determination. True friendships made over aqua acrobatics helped the process.
The Five French Hens rocked!! How can anyone resist such a book? Ah, c'est la vie!!
January 19, 2021
This author is supposedly called the doyenne of the “it’s never too late” women’s fiction. As soon as I finished this read, I put her other books on my TBR list!
These “five French hens” are five older women who met not too long ago at a water aerobics exercise class. Each one has their own story, one might be widowed and lonely, one has been single all her life, another enjoys her husband and marriage, but they’ve struggled financially their married life, another is married to a man who doesn’t bring much to the marriage anymore, and another who is widowed but looking for companionship.
They all have their life stories, their hopes and dreams. Their regrets...
And they are all artfully blended together into a friendship that culminates into “Jen’s engagement” and hen party. A hen party plan that starts off slow and to be held locally to spontaneously and outrageously booking a trip to Paris. Ah, Paris! Glorious!
A couple of these friends take the heat from a controlling and not so nice lackluster husband and a suspicious fiancée about this “extravagance” and cost. The others are on their own and have no one or nothing to hold them back from going so they have the freedom to do so and one is happily married.
The friends learn more about each other and each others lives during the trip. Paris has opened the door for some to appreciate what they have, others to question their life and their future. Others to reach out and get the happiness they want/deserve. One absolutely thrives in Paris and another finds out what it is like to be truly loved by someone else. Others have decisions they will need to make when they get back home. This trip, their friendship and experiences have opened their eyes to some truths in their lives that before were not so clear for them to see.
This was a fun read, but it also was a kind of serious read in that there were life lessons for all of us, no matter what age or status in life you might be at. And it’s not too late to make changes or go for the gusto or just be happy where you are at in your life. Everyone’s circumstances are different and personal - these were just some possible examples written up in a jaunty girlfriend style. And it was done quite well.
I enjoyed this very much!
These “five French hens” are five older women who met not too long ago at a water aerobics exercise class. Each one has their own story, one might be widowed and lonely, one has been single all her life, another enjoys her husband and marriage, but they’ve struggled financially their married life, another is married to a man who doesn’t bring much to the marriage anymore, and another who is widowed but looking for companionship.
They all have their life stories, their hopes and dreams. Their regrets...
And they are all artfully blended together into a friendship that culminates into “Jen’s engagement” and hen party. A hen party plan that starts off slow and to be held locally to spontaneously and outrageously booking a trip to Paris. Ah, Paris! Glorious!
A couple of these friends take the heat from a controlling and not so nice lackluster husband and a suspicious fiancée about this “extravagance” and cost. The others are on their own and have no one or nothing to hold them back from going so they have the freedom to do so and one is happily married.
The friends learn more about each other and each others lives during the trip. Paris has opened the door for some to appreciate what they have, others to question their life and their future. Others to reach out and get the happiness they want/deserve. One absolutely thrives in Paris and another finds out what it is like to be truly loved by someone else. Others have decisions they will need to make when they get back home. This trip, their friendship and experiences have opened their eyes to some truths in their lives that before were not so clear for them to see.
This was a fun read, but it also was a kind of serious read in that there were life lessons for all of us, no matter what age or status in life you might be at. And it’s not too late to make changes or go for the gusto or just be happy where you are at in your life. Everyone’s circumstances are different and personal - these were just some possible examples written up in a jaunty girlfriend style. And it was done quite well.
I enjoyed this very much!
April 18, 2020
I really struggled with this book. I made myself finish it, hoping it would redeem itself. It did not. The 5 main characters are in their 70’s but act like they are in their 20’s, except for maybe Della. Have they learned nothing in their lives. They drink all the time, get tattoos, go to a drag queen club, one falls in love with someone who is nit her husband, one partners with a 20 something drag queen to be an act for the club. They go to a casino, make one bet and win - odds were 37 to 1. This was just too unbelievable for me. These 70 year olds are standing on chairs, rocking to the music in the drag queen club. Really ? This was insulting to me, a 68 year old. I would have rather the ladies enjoy their paris trip as brilliant, capable 70 year olds than have to act like children to have fun. PS: Way too much drinking and partying - not the way I want to spend my golden years. Very disappointed. Poorly developed characters. Predictable ending. Meandering plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
What a delightful book this is!
I absolutely adored this group of women, as they celebrate Jen's recent and rather rapid engagement to Eddie. They have all only known each other for a few months, but its still a couple of months longer than Jen has known Eddie.
I also think this may be one of the more tasteful hen party trips I've read about, mostt likely as all five of the hens are in their 70s.
So we have Jen, the bride to be, Rose who was widowed years ago and is only starting to find herself, Della who is married to Sylvester and still utterly devoted to him, Tessa who's husband Alan seems to spend more time at the golf course and pretty much neglects her, and Pam who's love of her life is her dog Eddie!
From the opening chapter, the view point would swap around within the chapter, so after a few pages of say Jen, we would then see what Rose is up to at the same time. After a chapter or two, once you have picked up the basics of each woman, it is not confusing and you just go with the flow.
I loved seeing how the friendship between the ladies developed over the story, and also each of their own personal growths and realisations. And from the moment they decide to go to Paris, the book steps up another gear.
What week in Paris would be complete without meeting an exotic man, spending time in a drag club, rediscovering your joie de vivre, some meals in a fabulous Moroccan restaurant, a friendly taxi driver, a trip to the casino, a couple of hours in a cemetery - oh and some far more regular sight seeing too!! A fair amount of the more typical Parisian tourist activities were also enjoyed too.
From quite early on I had a feeling about the upcoming marriage, I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but by the story's conclusion I was a lot happier with everything.
Rose and Tessa's stories are fabulous and I loved seeing how they changed over the week, and the others are just as great to read.
It was a joy to spend time with these wonderful women, and I can't help but hope for a sequel as I'd love to see how they are all getting on with life now. A fantastic book that proves that life definitely isn't over at 70, no matter what you may think when you are younger!!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
I absolutely adored this group of women, as they celebrate Jen's recent and rather rapid engagement to Eddie. They have all only known each other for a few months, but its still a couple of months longer than Jen has known Eddie.
I also think this may be one of the more tasteful hen party trips I've read about, mostt likely as all five of the hens are in their 70s.
So we have Jen, the bride to be, Rose who was widowed years ago and is only starting to find herself, Della who is married to Sylvester and still utterly devoted to him, Tessa who's husband Alan seems to spend more time at the golf course and pretty much neglects her, and Pam who's love of her life is her dog Eddie!
From the opening chapter, the view point would swap around within the chapter, so after a few pages of say Jen, we would then see what Rose is up to at the same time. After a chapter or two, once you have picked up the basics of each woman, it is not confusing and you just go with the flow.
I loved seeing how the friendship between the ladies developed over the story, and also each of their own personal growths and realisations. And from the moment they decide to go to Paris, the book steps up another gear.
What week in Paris would be complete without meeting an exotic man, spending time in a drag club, rediscovering your joie de vivre, some meals in a fabulous Moroccan restaurant, a friendly taxi driver, a trip to the casino, a couple of hours in a cemetery - oh and some far more regular sight seeing too!! A fair amount of the more typical Parisian tourist activities were also enjoyed too.
From quite early on I had a feeling about the upcoming marriage, I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but by the story's conclusion I was a lot happier with everything.
Rose and Tessa's stories are fabulous and I loved seeing how they changed over the week, and the others are just as great to read.
It was a joy to spend time with these wonderful women, and I can't help but hope for a sequel as I'd love to see how they are all getting on with life now. A fantastic book that proves that life definitely isn't over at 70, no matter what you may think when you are younger!!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
May 15, 2021
Join five golden women friends as they leave their modest routines and journey to the City of Light for a hen party getaway. Will it be enough for them to see the Louvre and the Eiffel Tour? Or will the romance and and magic of Paris work its way into their souls? Author Judy Leigh’s blend of gentle wit and humor, with a dash of compassion and love will entertain you and give you something to think about. Filled with vivid descriptions of Paris, this book may encourage you to live a bigger life, too.
July 28, 2022
So many chuckles!
The main theme is: be yourself before it's too late!
Very enjoyable.
The main theme is: be yourself before it's too late!
Very enjoyable.
January 8, 2020
When Jen says 'yes!', that is the catalyst for five golden girl friends to go on a tour of discovery about themselves and each other in the city of lights. I loved the idea of gals in their seventies finding adventure with their friends, healing, understanding, and even love so I gladly picked this one up and settled in for a coze with the Five French Hens.
Jen is a widow in her seventies who already found love and the good life, but now she is lonely so when proper gentleman Eddie courts her and proposes, she says yes. But, Eddie is headed to Vegas for his bachelor festivities and that decides her that she and her best buds should do something just as spectacular for her hen party. So off they go to Paris.
Jen is accompanied by four friends with their own life struggles and need for this friendship and this trip. Pam, Rose, Tess, and Della. Della is happily married to Sylvester the love of her life, but she worries about him working in that drafty food truck on the coast and looking more worn out each day. Pam is happily single except for Elvis her dog companion, but she is holding in a secret that eats at her and holds her back from life. Rose is a widower and accomplished musician. She was content in her marriage, but not fulfilled when she gave up her career for home and family to a husband who never respected her own talents. And, then there is lively and colorful Tess who is marginalized in her own home behind golf and the golf game on TV. She is determined to live a little and maybe rethink how she has been holding onto something that just isn't there and never was.
This standalone women's fiction started out slow as it passed the narration around rapidly between the five women. At first, I got confused as to who was who and it was a struggle to get interested. They all seemed like real people with real life problems, but I wasn't feeling a spark of connection.
But, I hung in there because I wanted to get to Paris with them and that's when the book started to come to life. Each woman was distinct now and I grew vested in a few of their stories and then more and more as the book progressed through their lively and fun time in Paris. It was Paris through the eyes of tourists like visiting the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, jazz club, casino, and more. I was loving it.
What I really loved, though, was when the layers were peeled back on these women's lives and I could get to know their pain and their dreams. It took a while, but the book got there so that when it ended, I wasn't ready to leave the gals behind. They each had something to face whether from their past, their present, or a decision about their future. I was totally rooting for them just like they were rooting for each other.
I had never heard of this author before, but now I'm interested in reading more of her niche stories about folks with silver hair and most of their life behind them, but still have some adventures left to live. There is a little romance in this, but the focus is definitely on their personal growth and friendship so it's very much women's fiction and I'd recommend it as such.
I rec'd this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Jen is a widow in her seventies who already found love and the good life, but now she is lonely so when proper gentleman Eddie courts her and proposes, she says yes. But, Eddie is headed to Vegas for his bachelor festivities and that decides her that she and her best buds should do something just as spectacular for her hen party. So off they go to Paris.
Jen is accompanied by four friends with their own life struggles and need for this friendship and this trip. Pam, Rose, Tess, and Della. Della is happily married to Sylvester the love of her life, but she worries about him working in that drafty food truck on the coast and looking more worn out each day. Pam is happily single except for Elvis her dog companion, but she is holding in a secret that eats at her and holds her back from life. Rose is a widower and accomplished musician. She was content in her marriage, but not fulfilled when she gave up her career for home and family to a husband who never respected her own talents. And, then there is lively and colorful Tess who is marginalized in her own home behind golf and the golf game on TV. She is determined to live a little and maybe rethink how she has been holding onto something that just isn't there and never was.
This standalone women's fiction started out slow as it passed the narration around rapidly between the five women. At first, I got confused as to who was who and it was a struggle to get interested. They all seemed like real people with real life problems, but I wasn't feeling a spark of connection.
But, I hung in there because I wanted to get to Paris with them and that's when the book started to come to life. Each woman was distinct now and I grew vested in a few of their stories and then more and more as the book progressed through their lively and fun time in Paris. It was Paris through the eyes of tourists like visiting the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, jazz club, casino, and more. I was loving it.
What I really loved, though, was when the layers were peeled back on these women's lives and I could get to know their pain and their dreams. It took a while, but the book got there so that when it ended, I wasn't ready to leave the gals behind. They each had something to face whether from their past, their present, or a decision about their future. I was totally rooting for them just like they were rooting for each other.
I had never heard of this author before, but now I'm interested in reading more of her niche stories about folks with silver hair and most of their life behind them, but still have some adventures left to live. There is a little romance in this, but the focus is definitely on their personal growth and friendship so it's very much women's fiction and I'd recommend it as such.
I rec'd this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2020
3.5 The writing seemed a bit stilted and the verb choices were sometimes strident and jarring, but overall, I loved the optimism and joie de vivre of the plot. And though it tilted towards travel-log and quirky dream sequences, the story really picked up its pace when they got to Paris, but doesn’t everyone’s?
September 5, 2020
After reading and thoroughly enjoying The Old Girl's Network, I realized that Judy Leigh's books are right up my alley. I was quite entertained by Five French Hens. Being over sixty myself, and a widow, I really identified with Jen. She was missing her husband and felt that she did not want to be alone. She accepted Eddie's proposal, with a plan that he would move into her home and rent his out. She was happy with this and wanted to celebrate with her friends from aquafit class. When they drink a bit more than they usually do, they decided she should have her Hen Party in France, being as Eddie was going to Las Vegas with his son. Even though there were some second thoughts, the ladies headed off to Paris and some life changing events.
I loved this group of ladies. They were all from different situations: one married and in love, a widow, one married but unhappy, one single by choice. They were amazing together. For a group of women who had not known each other for long, they certainly supported one another and encouraged each other to follow their heart and their dreams. Living life on the wildside (well wild for older ladies) they learned some things about themselves that they had not recognized before. They had some adventures, tried some things and met some people that had them changing their mind about what they really wanted out of life. There were some laughs, some ah ha moments and some bittersweet times, but overall, this is an uplifting story. Yes, there is life after 70 and these ladies have me believing that many things are possible. Annie Aldington is a new narrator to me and she did an awesome job with this book. She had great expression and voices for the main characters. I felt like I was sitting and listening to friends tell me about their adventures. I definitely recommend this one.
I loved this group of ladies. They were all from different situations: one married and in love, a widow, one married but unhappy, one single by choice. They were amazing together. For a group of women who had not known each other for long, they certainly supported one another and encouraged each other to follow their heart and their dreams. Living life on the wildside (well wild for older ladies) they learned some things about themselves that they had not recognized before. They had some adventures, tried some things and met some people that had them changing their mind about what they really wanted out of life. There were some laughs, some ah ha moments and some bittersweet times, but overall, this is an uplifting story. Yes, there is life after 70 and these ladies have me believing that many things are possible. Annie Aldington is a new narrator to me and she did an awesome job with this book. She had great expression and voices for the main characters. I felt like I was sitting and listening to friends tell me about their adventures. I definitely recommend this one.
December 1, 2020
I really enjoy reading books that have intergenerational relationships and was particularly intrigued by the premise of this book where all the main characters are in their seventies.
The five French hens in the title are five women who became friends after meeting at an aqua aerobics class. When Jen, a widow, gets engaged after only a few months of dating Eddie, the other four are a little surprised.
Eddie decides a Las Vegas stag trip is in order so, not to be outdone, Jen selects a week in Paris for her and her friends before returning to the UK to marry Eddie.
As the friends fall in love with Paris, they learn more about each other and what they want from life. Are they all happy with what they’re about to return to or is now the perfect opportunity to change the future?
I was fascinated by the different characters in this book and how their past and present relationships have influenced their outlook on life. It was great to see how Paris changed them and the ending was exactly as I hoped it would be. A warm and life-affirming read.
The five French hens in the title are five women who became friends after meeting at an aqua aerobics class. When Jen, a widow, gets engaged after only a few months of dating Eddie, the other four are a little surprised.
Eddie decides a Las Vegas stag trip is in order so, not to be outdone, Jen selects a week in Paris for her and her friends before returning to the UK to marry Eddie.
As the friends fall in love with Paris, they learn more about each other and what they want from life. Are they all happy with what they’re about to return to or is now the perfect opportunity to change the future?
I was fascinated by the different characters in this book and how their past and present relationships have influenced their outlook on life. It was great to see how Paris changed them and the ending was exactly as I hoped it would be. A warm and life-affirming read.
November 8, 2019
Absolutely splendid!
This is an enthralling read involving five mature ladies. for most, life is passing them by in some way, and they take the opportunity of one's upcoming marriage to break the bank and have a riotous hen do in Paris.
I would advise keeping a note at the start to keep track of the characters(maybe that's just me!), and characters they are.
Pam, permanently single
Rose, widowed
Jen, widowed but engaged
Tess, married golf widow
Della, married but husband works hard.
This book gives you a great opportunity to get to know them and see how their relationship grows. It's uplifting, but never cheesy, and convincing without being cliche.
There are twists and surprises throughout, and the risk of tragedy and sorrow. You'll start to root for these women to take the opportunities that their bravery presents. One for a peaceful afternoon's reading.
This is an enthralling read involving five mature ladies. for most, life is passing them by in some way, and they take the opportunity of one's upcoming marriage to break the bank and have a riotous hen do in Paris.
I would advise keeping a note at the start to keep track of the characters(maybe that's just me!), and characters they are.
Pam, permanently single
Rose, widowed
Jen, widowed but engaged
Tess, married golf widow
Della, married but husband works hard.
This book gives you a great opportunity to get to know them and see how their relationship grows. It's uplifting, but never cheesy, and convincing without being cliche.
There are twists and surprises throughout, and the risk of tragedy and sorrow. You'll start to root for these women to take the opportunities that their bravery presents. One for a peaceful afternoon's reading.
March 10, 2020
A fun easy read ! A group of 70+ ladies, romance, loneliness, adventure and new experiences, this book has a touch of everything and a few laugh out loud moments. There was a touch of predictability in the story line but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
August 25, 2021
Couldn't put it down!
I absolutely loved this book. I ended up ignoring far too many other things that needed doing because I couldn't stop reading. Wonderful, distinctive characters whose stories were utterly joyous. I was rooting for them all and wasn't disappointed.
I absolutely loved this book. I ended up ignoring far too many other things that needed doing because I couldn't stop reading. Wonderful, distinctive characters whose stories were utterly joyous. I was rooting for them all and wasn't disappointed.
December 15, 2019
It is nice to read about an “older matured women” for a change. Refreshing!
73 year old Jen accepted a marriage proposal and decides to have a destination party with four of her best friends. So, off they go to Paris to celebrate her up-coming nuptial. Along with sightseeing and fine dining, each one of them takes the opportunity to have an introspective look into their lives.
The first few chapters delves into their lives while living in England. Loneliness, good and bad marriages, lost partner, the single life. Once they hit Paris you begin to see them gaining more confidence in themselves, it is beautiful to see! Changes are not easy, especially when you are in your seventies but these women showed me it can be done. Their transformation was absolutely awe-inspiring.
A week in Paris was all that was needed for them to be filled with inspiration and renewed with determination.
73 year old Jen accepted a marriage proposal and decides to have a destination party with four of her best friends. So, off they go to Paris to celebrate her up-coming nuptial. Along with sightseeing and fine dining, each one of them takes the opportunity to have an introspective look into their lives.
The first few chapters delves into their lives while living in England. Loneliness, good and bad marriages, lost partner, the single life. Once they hit Paris you begin to see them gaining more confidence in themselves, it is beautiful to see! Changes are not easy, especially when you are in your seventies but these women showed me it can be done. Their transformation was absolutely awe-inspiring.
A week in Paris was all that was needed for them to be filled with inspiration and renewed with determination.
July 4, 2020
Jen tells her friends from aqua aerobics she is planning to marry a man she just met, and the five decide to celebrate by having a hen party in Paris. All five are women in their seventies, and each has her own issues. One has a husband who does little but play golf, while another has little companionship outside her dog. One woman has money problems, and another regrets she did not do more with her love for music. And then there is Jen who is already wondering if she jumped into getting married too quickly....
May 18, 2022
I liked that this is book written about older women that treats them as full, interesting characters. I loved the friendship between these women. I also liked that as the novel went on, these women were able to see that they deserved to be happy and well-treated-- so many women of this generation have spent their lives in unhappy marriages, with men who subtly (or not so subtly) control much of their day-to-day lives. I loved all of the fresh, new starts at the end of the book.
January 9, 2021
Sometimes audio books are offered at a cheap price for a reason. This story of five women in their early seventies who decide to have a week-long bachelorette party in Paris to celebrate the wedding of their friend, Jen. is just awful
December 2, 2022
This book had its ups and down. First off, it gives the impression it is a holiday book which is why I picked it up. It is NOT! It has nothing at all to do with Christmas regardless of the title and cover. The first third or more of the book was quite slow and boring. I also found the format of the prose changing from one of the five women to other, every few paragraphs quite jarring. This was especially hard listening to the audio book. The story did picl up once the five gals made it to Paris, but not enough to move it from 2-3 stars in my tough rating system. Overall, this was a disappointment.
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April 18, 2020This book was described as a warm and uplifting feel-good novel. It wasn't. I found the women to act pathetic and down right old. I hope I never get that way. I found their actions to situations too unrealistic and stopped reading. Perhaps it got better? Don't know and I'm afraid I won't find out.
November 4, 2019
Five women, all in their seventies, have become friends while taking an aqua aerobics class. Two of the women are married, while the others are single. Jen who has been alone for a few years has recently met Eddie and after only two months they become engaged. Each woman with their own personality, their uniqueness and feelings at this stage in their lives gives us an interesting story and perspective on what it is like to be a senior citizen in a modern world. It also gives us insight into relationships between men and women. In celebration of Jen's upcoming wedding, the five friends decide to go to Paris for a hen's/bachelorette party. Six days in Paris, five women becoming very much alive, what could possibly go wrong?
This novel gives us characters with depth, a story that could at times make you feel a bit sad, but ultimately as much as it awakens their spirit it will also awaken yours. As a 70 something myself, these could be my peers, my contemporaries. As a younger person reading this, it will give you pause to think, do not take us older women for granted! We are not the grandmothers of old, not by a long shot.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novel gives us characters with depth, a story that could at times make you feel a bit sad, but ultimately as much as it awakens their spirit it will also awaken yours. As a 70 something myself, these could be my peers, my contemporaries. As a younger person reading this, it will give you pause to think, do not take us older women for granted! We are not the grandmothers of old, not by a long shot.
My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
Ako to máte s dôchodcami? Pociťujete generačný rozdiel v správaní? Sú pre vás starší ľudia len synonymom uhundraných a večne nespokojných tvorov?
Judy Leigh vás presvedčí o opaku. 😁
Autorka a vydavateľstvo @grada_sk priniesli na trh "fresh" a pozitívnu knihu, kde hlavnými predstaviteľkami sú dámy v rokoch, ktoré sa vyberú na rozlúčku so slobodou do Paríža. Áno, dobre čítate. 😉
Kniha na mňa pôsobila veľmi optimisticky a nesie v sebe krásne poslanie, že život vo vyššom veku nekončí, ale treba si ho užívať naplno, samozrejme v rámci možností. A tieto babenky to teda vedia.
Jednoduchý a zábavný štýl písania určený všetkým ročníkom, ktorých zaručene pobaví, možno aj rozcíti. Miestami ma kniha prekvapila, čo sa týka deja, ale naopak som v nej našla aj miesta, ktoré som predvídala. Vďaka rozprávaniu z rôznych pohľadov nebol príbeh monotónny a nudný, ale práve naopak. Netradičné hlavné hrdinky to ešte spestrili a v skutku musím oznať, že sa kniha autorke veľmi podarila a skvele som si pri nej oddýchla🙏📖
Judy Leigh vás presvedčí o opaku. 😁
Autorka a vydavateľstvo @grada_sk priniesli na trh "fresh" a pozitívnu knihu, kde hlavnými predstaviteľkami sú dámy v rokoch, ktoré sa vyberú na rozlúčku so slobodou do Paríža. Áno, dobre čítate. 😉
Kniha na mňa pôsobila veľmi optimisticky a nesie v sebe krásne poslanie, že život vo vyššom veku nekončí, ale treba si ho užívať naplno, samozrejme v rámci možností. A tieto babenky to teda vedia.
Jednoduchý a zábavný štýl písania určený všetkým ročníkom, ktorých zaručene pobaví, možno aj rozcíti. Miestami ma kniha prekvapila, čo sa týka deja, ale naopak som v nej našla aj miesta, ktoré som predvídala. Vďaka rozprávaniu z rôznych pohľadov nebol príbeh monotónny a nudný, ale práve naopak. Netradičné hlavné hrdinky to ešte spestrili a v skutku musím oznať, že sa kniha autorke veľmi podarila a skvele som si pri nej oddýchla🙏📖
December 14, 2021
It was quite difficult to like this, to be honest.
But first, here's what its about (without any spoilers):
The five "French hens" are actually a group of five older women, each with a story of her own. Five French Hens follows the sweet story of these women on a weeks getaway to Paris. I admit, the story is sweet and a little refreshing.
However, the women were constantly behaving like they were twenty years younger than their ages. Not that there's anything wrong with living young and free but the mishaps they managed to get themselves in and the misbehaviour they indulged in... well, it was a lot. And I got confused so many times because I couldn't really connect with them.
Nevertheless, they were a hilarious bunch and the liveliest characters I've had the pleasure of reading about this week.
But first, here's what its about (without any spoilers):
The five "French hens" are actually a group of five older women, each with a story of her own. Five French Hens follows the sweet story of these women on a weeks getaway to Paris. I admit, the story is sweet and a little refreshing.
However, the women were constantly behaving like they were twenty years younger than their ages. Not that there's anything wrong with living young and free but the mishaps they managed to get themselves in and the misbehaviour they indulged in... well, it was a lot. And I got confused so many times because I couldn't really connect with them.
Nevertheless, they were a hilarious bunch and the liveliest characters I've had the pleasure of reading about this week.
February 6, 2020
3.5 stars.
I found the depictions of some of the characters to be somewhat erratic. (I'm looking at you, Tess). But the storyline was cute enough that I kept reading. Predictable? Sure, but still enjoyable.
I found the depictions of some of the characters to be somewhat erratic. (I'm looking at you, Tess). But the storyline was cute enough that I kept reading. Predictable? Sure, but still enjoyable.
April 6, 2020
Cute story about 5 older women discovering themselves and going on incredible adventures.
An easy, fluff book that will leave the reader with a renewed sense of wanderlust.
An easy, fluff book that will leave the reader with a renewed sense of wanderlust.
September 2, 2021
3.5, maybe 4 in parts. I kept thinking of some of my aunties who are the same age as the characters and wondering what they'd have done in the same situation, ha ha.
March 27, 2020
When 73-year-old Jen decides to marry Eddie, a man she's known less than two months, her four aqua aerobics friends, whom she's known for about 6 months, are surprised but supportive. They take her out for drinks to celebrate, but when Eddie decides to have a "stag" party in Las Vegas with his son, Jen's friends plan a five-day "hen party" trip to Paris.
The story revolves around the five women and how they view life, love and marriage. Jen and Rose are widows. Jen thinks marrying Eddie is a good idea because she's lonely and wants a companion. Rose is a pianist whose life with her late husband, Bernard, had its ups and downs. Rose realizes she's become stiff and boring. Della and Tess are married; Della happily to free-spirited Sylvester and Tess to grumpy, critical Alan who would rather golf than talk to his wife. Pam is single and always has been - the love of her life is her cocker spaniel, Elvis.
What I liked about the novel is all five women are in their 70s, not something you see in many books. They all re-evaluate their lives and come out better for their discoveries/introspection. One of the changes was a big surprise; two were predictable, one happy and I rooted for it; the other just "right;" one had a happy outcome, but seemed headed toward doom, and one was left to your interpretation.
What I didn't like were the excessive descriptions of Paris and their activities there; honestly, I didn't care what outfits they were wearing each night or the detailed descriptions of the Paris streets.
All said, I recommend this book, especially for women "of a certain age" (like me!).
The story revolves around the five women and how they view life, love and marriage. Jen and Rose are widows. Jen thinks marrying Eddie is a good idea because she's lonely and wants a companion. Rose is a pianist whose life with her late husband, Bernard, had its ups and downs. Rose realizes she's become stiff and boring. Della and Tess are married; Della happily to free-spirited Sylvester and Tess to grumpy, critical Alan who would rather golf than talk to his wife. Pam is single and always has been - the love of her life is her cocker spaniel, Elvis.
What I liked about the novel is all five women are in their 70s, not something you see in many books. They all re-evaluate their lives and come out better for their discoveries/introspection. One of the changes was a big surprise; two were predictable, one happy and I rooted for it; the other just "right;" one had a happy outcome, but seemed headed toward doom, and one was left to your interpretation.
What I didn't like were the excessive descriptions of Paris and their activities there; honestly, I didn't care what outfits they were wearing each night or the detailed descriptions of the Paris streets.
All said, I recommend this book, especially for women "of a certain age" (like me!).
December 6, 2019
This is the story of five elderly ladies who become friends and travel to France for a hen party. During the book, you find out about their lives back at home and also what happens on the hen party.
The characters are very likeable and are full of depth. They will make you smile and laugh but you will also feel sad at times.
The writing is so down to earth that it makes you feel like you are a part of the story.
I hope that there will be a sequel to this book as I would love to know what the future holds for them.
A great book that shows the value of friendship.
The characters are very likeable and are full of depth. They will make you smile and laugh but you will also feel sad at times.
The writing is so down to earth that it makes you feel like you are a part of the story.
I hope that there will be a sequel to this book as I would love to know what the future holds for them.
A great book that shows the value of friendship.
September 7, 2023
Really enjoyed the concept of this book even though it was predictable- loved that it was about older women in their 60s and 70s discovering themselves and allowing themselves to be who they wanted not what others wanted for them. Senior Female empowerment.
February 1, 2020
3.5 after reading several thrillers is was time for some fluff and this did the trick.
May 5, 2020
Rounded up from 3.75 stars. This is definitely a fun, beach read.
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