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The Wilder Widows #1
The Wilder Widows
Four widows. Four wishes. One wild adventure.
When Sylvie’s husband passed away, she’d barely hung her black dress back in the closet when three widows on Wilder Lane showed up on her doorstep. Who had time to properly mourn when an adventure spanning the globe awaited her?
After putting their own needs on the back burner to raise their families, Sylvie, Doris, Alice, and Marge struggle to find purpose now that their children are grown, and their husbands are gone. Loneliness pushes them together while they knit away the rest of their days. Then one night, a whiskey-filled pact catapults these ladies onto the adventure of a lifetime.
Each widow gets one wish, one wild adventure, she’s dreamed of doing her whole life. With their wishes tucked away on notes inside their knitting basket, they pull them out, one at a time, vowing to do whatever it takes to help each other fulfill their wildest desires.
Hilarity ensues as these four diverse women stretch their boundaries to go where no widows have gone before. They stare death in the face, have cops hot on their tail, and shed away the responsibilities they’ve shouldered their whole lives. The Wilder Widows soon find out their lives aren’t over... in fact, in this second act, their lives are just beginning.
When Sylvie’s husband passed away, she’d barely hung her black dress back in the closet when three widows on Wilder Lane showed up on her doorstep. Who had time to properly mourn when an adventure spanning the globe awaited her?
After putting their own needs on the back burner to raise their families, Sylvie, Doris, Alice, and Marge struggle to find purpose now that their children are grown, and their husbands are gone. Loneliness pushes them together while they knit away the rest of their days. Then one night, a whiskey-filled pact catapults these ladies onto the adventure of a lifetime.
Each widow gets one wish, one wild adventure, she’s dreamed of doing her whole life. With their wishes tucked away on notes inside their knitting basket, they pull them out, one at a time, vowing to do whatever it takes to help each other fulfill their wildest desires.
Hilarity ensues as these four diverse women stretch their boundaries to go where no widows have gone before. They stare death in the face, have cops hot on their tail, and shed away the responsibilities they’ve shouldered their whole lives. The Wilder Widows soon find out their lives aren’t over... in fact, in this second act, their lives are just beginning.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2020
1348 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hastings
24 books267 followersUSA Today bestselling author Katherine Hastings writes books that make readers laugh, swoon, and escape into unforgettable adventures. From hilarious women’s fiction to swoon-worthy romance and high-stakes suspense, she weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
November 30, 2020
If 2020 kicked your ass like it did mine, then you need to READ THIS BOOK! Laughter is the best medicine, and this book has enough doses of laughter to help us all recover from freaking 2020. At one point I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe and my daughter actually thought I was choking! LOL It's that funny! But it's also sweet and inspiring. A true feel good book that not only makes you laugh until you pee, but warms your heart right up. It left me questioning what my own wish would be and wondering what's stopping me from doing it. I'm not a window, but I seriously want to get my friends together and create our own club and see where our wishes take us! Anytime I need a pick me up I'll be reaching for this book again and again. If you want to laugh, cry, laugh so hard you cry, feel inspired, and laugh some more, than this is your book. I hope you love the four widows as much as I did, and that you find this book as hilarious and inspiring as I did.
*I recevied an advanced review copy of this book, but this is my honest opinion.
*I recevied an advanced review copy of this book, but this is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2022
OMG! What a hoot! These four widows were hilarious! I love the love they have for each other and the friendships that are strong. I laughed and held my breath and so thoroughly enjoyed. Can’t wait for book 2
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December 31, 2022I am grateful for reading and books— my dentist and I have shared book recommendations this year at my visits— and this was one of hers— I would not have found it otherwise— and I’m grateful for connections that books can provide!
January 31, 2021
This is a “bucket list” book but not in the conventional way. The four widows each have secret wishes they want to see come true so they help each other realize the wishes. Along the way other secrets come to light as well as regrets and adventure. The characters are fun and the situations they get into are unique. It’s a fun, feel-good book.
March 15, 2025
This was a a great book!! Four women, all widowed, form a club to help fill the time now that their husbands are gone and their children are flown. Doris, the woman who started the group, wants to spend all their time baking and knitting, but that doesn't sit well with the other three. One night, after finishing off a bottle of single malt scotch, they decide to try to fulfill their deepest wishes. Writing them down, and placing them in the knitting basket (it should be put to good use) they begin to draw them out, one at a time. And they're off! From Spain to Vegas, they follow their hearts wishes, one after another, with everyone rooting for the lady on her quest and helping out.
I chose this book as I was looking for something different to read- and did this fill the bill!! It had me laughing, crying and just enjoying the read. Luckily, there are two more in the series, so I'm not done yet!!
I chose this book as I was looking for something different to read- and did this fill the bill!! It had me laughing, crying and just enjoying the read. Luckily, there are two more in the series, so I'm not done yet!!
February 8, 2023
Cheers to the Wilder Widows
One night four widows, drawn together by their loneliness, drink a bottle of whiskey and make a pact. Chasing their wildest dreams together will change each of their lives and bring them the happiness they’ve longed for. Here’s to friendship! Cheers!
One night four widows, drawn together by their loneliness, drink a bottle of whiskey and make a pact. Chasing their wildest dreams together will change each of their lives and bring them the happiness they’ve longed for. Here’s to friendship! Cheers!
January 22, 2021
What a ride!
This is one of the best books I have read and I read alot. The author nailed it from beginning to end. Each character was perfectly described and played off each other with outstanding one liners and even regular conversations. Laughing out loud was throughout the book. Every emotion was on the pages and did have chocking up moments too! I would love to see a series in this!
This is one of the best books I have read and I read alot. The author nailed it from beginning to end. Each character was perfectly described and played off each other with outstanding one liners and even regular conversations. Laughing out loud was throughout the book. Every emotion was on the pages and did have chocking up moments too! I would love to see a series in this!
March 5, 2022
I expected more
I liked the premise of this book, and was looking forward to reading about four mature female characters who come into their own as they move into a new season of life. Unfortunately, the women are caricatures, stereotypes of the worst sort. Their "adventures" are unrealistic for the most part, a lot of their teasing is mean spirited, and serious issues are treated with silliness. I wanted more than this book delivered.
I liked the premise of this book, and was looking forward to reading about four mature female characters who come into their own as they move into a new season of life. Unfortunately, the women are caricatures, stereotypes of the worst sort. Their "adventures" are unrealistic for the most part, a lot of their teasing is mean spirited, and serious issues are treated with silliness. I wanted more than this book delivered.
April 19, 2023
This was such a cute, fun read. Had me laughing out loud a few times. Can't wait to read the next one!
September 22, 2021
The Wilder Widows consisted of Alice, Doris, Marge, and Sylvie. Keeping each other company became boring quickly and when drunken night, they each made a wish of what they wanted to do most in life which led to hilarious and laugh out loud moments plus a tear or two. It's proof that age is only a number and you're not dead until you're dead. A must read book for anyone over the age of 45.
October 28, 2022
Absolutely love, love, loved this book! Highly recommend, as it will not disappoint - I promise!
February 28, 2024
Loved it! I’m sure it will be a movie at some point, and it will be awesome! Character development was good, I feel like I know them all. Enough detail to understand the surroundings, but not too much detail to make it boring. Very good, easy, fun read.
November 4, 2021
Hilarious adventure filled story. I enjoyed this immensely, almost as much as a "hootie"!!!
October 14, 2022
A Heartwarming Adventure
Every woman needs to read this book. It’s about not giving up on life, not giving up on your dreams, and having a bad-ass group of friends that stick with you through it all.
Hilarious story. Each character has their own distinct personality. And each wish is something we all can relate to. Finding love is a common theme all four women wanted.
Thank you for writing this, Katherine. It has inspired me to write down my dreams and chase them with my closest friends…because you are never too old.
Every woman needs to read this book. It’s about not giving up on life, not giving up on your dreams, and having a bad-ass group of friends that stick with you through it all.
Hilarious story. Each character has their own distinct personality. And each wish is something we all can relate to. Finding love is a common theme all four women wanted.
Thank you for writing this, Katherine. It has inspired me to write down my dreams and chase them with my closest friends…because you are never too old.
March 30, 2023
Totally out of my normal reading genres. I enjoyed it, but it was as unrealistic. Probably won’t read the 2nd/follow up book.
October 30, 2022
Hilarious, entertaining and heartwarming! I laughed, I cried but mostly I just enjoyed!
The Wilder Widows is a first read for me of Katherine Hastings and was a delightful introduction to a talented writer! I admit that while wildly entertained by every word I read , I am also a bit jealous. The Wilder Widows is the book I would write if I had an ounce of talent! Instead, I devoured every word of this wild adventure. I laughed out loud at every crazy misstep the characters made. And cried as one by one, each widow got her second chance to fulfil a life wish.
Katherine Hastings' four widows are so real they jump from the pages as you read. The settings from Wilder Lane , Las Vegas, to Paris and Spain are so well described , I didn't just read the story, I experienced it. Katherine Hastings is a wonderful tour guide! There is no better way to run with the bulls than on the back of a scooter with the Wilder Widows, being chased by El Diablo! What a wild, wonderful ,wacky ride! Better than Mr. Toad's Wild ride at Disneyland! The love and friendship between the four women characters in this book just filled me until I felt I couldn't breathe, I was so overwhelmed that words could make me feel so whole.
The Wilder Widows is a soul searing book that will fill every crack of your heart and make you believe in happily ever after, again! I can hardly wait to see what the widows do next.
The Wilder Widows is a first read for me of Katherine Hastings and was a delightful introduction to a talented writer! I admit that while wildly entertained by every word I read , I am also a bit jealous. The Wilder Widows is the book I would write if I had an ounce of talent! Instead, I devoured every word of this wild adventure. I laughed out loud at every crazy misstep the characters made. And cried as one by one, each widow got her second chance to fulfil a life wish.
Katherine Hastings' four widows are so real they jump from the pages as you read. The settings from Wilder Lane , Las Vegas, to Paris and Spain are so well described , I didn't just read the story, I experienced it. Katherine Hastings is a wonderful tour guide! There is no better way to run with the bulls than on the back of a scooter with the Wilder Widows, being chased by El Diablo! What a wild, wonderful ,wacky ride! Better than Mr. Toad's Wild ride at Disneyland! The love and friendship between the four women characters in this book just filled me until I felt I couldn't breathe, I was so overwhelmed that words could make me feel so whole.
The Wilder Widows is a soul searing book that will fill every crack of your heart and make you believe in happily ever after, again! I can hardly wait to see what the widows do next.
March 12, 2021
Have you made a bucket list of things you want to do as you grow older? The Wilder Widows are a bunch of women who live on the same street and have gathered together to establish friendship and companionship after the deaths of their husbands. The story opens with three widows going to visit a newly widowed woman on their street and invite her to join them. As the story progresses the women who were just meeting at each others homes throughout the week have a wild night and decide they are going to do something from each of their bucket lists. The wild night becomes a wilder adventure as the women throw one wish in a knitting bag and begin pulling out wishes and completing what was wished for. As the adventures continue, the women learn so much about themselves, how they felt about their relationships with their husband, families and themselves. The story concludes with the fulfillment of the wishes and new relationships and better things to come.
June 20, 2024
I liked the idea of this book more than the actual story: Widowed women finding each other for a host of second chance adventures. I crave stories like this, as I get closer to 60.
The road to actually liking the book, however, was long and halting. The way these women treated each other, and the things they found funny, felt cringy to me. I almost stopped 30% in, but I was curious what adventures they would pick, so I started skimming.
In the end, the actual events of the book were not the most interesting. What kept me committed to reading/skimming was to see if the end would make up for the rocky start. Sure enough, the last 20% of the book made me feel the time spent was worthwhile.
I doubt I’ll pick up the next 2 books, but I did enjoy the little twists that popped up, and the rewarding ending. These were the best written parts of the book, in my opinion. 3 1/2 stars.
The road to actually liking the book, however, was long and halting. The way these women treated each other, and the things they found funny, felt cringy to me. I almost stopped 30% in, but I was curious what adventures they would pick, so I started skimming.
In the end, the actual events of the book were not the most interesting. What kept me committed to reading/skimming was to see if the end would make up for the rocky start. Sure enough, the last 20% of the book made me feel the time spent was worthwhile.
I doubt I’ll pick up the next 2 books, but I did enjoy the little twists that popped up, and the rewarding ending. These were the best written parts of the book, in my opinion. 3 1/2 stars.
September 18, 2024
The Wilder Widows is a lighthearted story about four recent widows. The women all live on Wilder Lane which is how they got their name. But boy does the name fit! The four women have missed out on so much in their lives. Granted, they made their own choices. But now they realize they need more in their lives than walking around the block and knitting. One drunken night, they decide to each chose a wish, write it down and put it in a knitting basket. Each woman gets an opportunity to pull a wish out. Then the Wilder Widows will do their best to fulfill that wish. As they travel the world, the women become best friends. Each widow has her own section about her wish, so you get to know them well. It’s a quick, fun read. And, yes, everything wraps up happily and neatly at the end. This book will lift your spirits. Loved it!!!
December 10, 2020
I loved every minute of reading this book by Katherine Hastings. The Wilder Widows takes you on a journey with their one wish adventures of a lifetime. Each of the four women are quirky and unique and make this story so fun to read and there is most definitely laugh out loud moments from beginning to end. You will have this sense of feeling like life is not over when you might think it is after finishing this story about four women who most certainly could be our grandmothers. I know I was smiling from ear to ear while reading this book. Thank you to the author for writing this wonderfully funny story to close out 2020 and show your versatility as a writer in yet another genre. Well done!
October 1, 2022
If you throw logic, reason, and believability to the wind, you can produce a whomping good novel. This one. A newly widowed lady is lost and bewildered by her status in life--she has money, freedom and independence and not a clue what to do with it. Then a trio of neighbor widows come knocking on her door and ask her to join in the Widows Club of Wilder Lane. Ii made up that name) but it is true they all live on Wilder Lane and form a club of sorts. And off they go--to a friendly companionship based on afternoon get-togethers and knitting lessons.
Not for long, since three of the four of them hate knitting. Instead they get roaringly, deliciously drunk and decide to live out their wildest fantasies.
It's a hoot. With a lot of hooties, too.
Not for long, since three of the four of them hate knitting. Instead they get roaringly, deliciously drunk and decide to live out their wildest fantasies.
It's a hoot. With a lot of hooties, too.
August 18, 2021
Enjoyable book with some funny moments. As a women of a certain age I can identify with the wondering where you fit in. After years of raising a family and working it can be tough to find your passion again after retirement. These women however lose their spouses and become a club of sorts to figure it out. The wilder women go on adventures that each wished they had taken before -the road not taken. While enjoyable and funny to read it unfortunately isn’t very realistic. Not that you can’t go on adventures but in a fiction story everything goes their way. Lost loves are found, past dreams are realized and everyone ends up happily ever after. But it was a fun trip along the way.
April 25, 2023
When Sylvie’s husband, Bruce, passes away, three women from the neighborhood show up to welcome her into the fold. They are Doris, Alice and Marge and the are The Wilder Widows, all widows living on Wilder Lane.
As they get to know each other during a whiskey fueled, drunken night, they each write down their wildest wish. The ladies make a promise to make each one of those wishes happen!
This is a hilarious and heartwarming story of The Wilder Widows becoming true friends as their adventures and wishes come true. Also, just wait until you find out what a hootie is!!!😂
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
As they get to know each other during a whiskey fueled, drunken night, they each write down their wildest wish. The ladies make a promise to make each one of those wishes happen!
This is a hilarious and heartwarming story of The Wilder Widows becoming true friends as their adventures and wishes come true. Also, just wait until you find out what a hootie is!!!😂
I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
July 17, 2022
I rated this five because of the pure enjoyment I got out of it. When Sylvie’s husband dies, three ladies on Wilder Lane come to meet her and welcome her into their Wilder Widow’s group. The four of them are bored with their normal return, so decide to go on an adventure and submit the each wish into Doris’ knitting bag. The adventure they each wished they wanted to do was quite unique to each specific destination. Then the fun begins! These ladies are getting on in life, but their wishes are quite daring.
January 5, 2023
This was a sweet story about widows who live on Wilder Street. They discover love and friendship when they go off to fulfill their dreams (written secretly on a whiskey induced afternoon).
In the middle of the book, I was a bit grumpy about how fantastical things were happening. My normally suspended overthinking wasn't enough to overcome the idea that a woman who had rarely left the street, certainly not the town was magically abroad. I got over it.
Finish the story. It's nice. With a very satisfying ending.
In the middle of the book, I was a bit grumpy about how fantastical things were happening. My normally suspended overthinking wasn't enough to overcome the idea that a woman who had rarely left the street, certainly not the town was magically abroad. I got over it.
Finish the story. It's nice. With a very satisfying ending.
December 13, 2023
I laughed, I cried and then I laughed some more. Friendships made, adventures and friends helping you to reach your dreams happened in this book. Before I even finished it, I recommended it to several of my friends who are now reading it. You can never underestimate friends whether they are widowed or not to help you realize your dreams. Also, be open to friends you are just meeting to help you along the way. I am a widow and have met friends on International trips that have encouraged me to live my best life. Be open no matter what stage of life you are in and live life to its fullest.
May 13, 2024
Easy light hearted read. As I read I could picture myself with friends on a similar adventure in the future. Really enjoyed it and gave me a breather from all the thrillers I've read.
The Wilder Widow's are a group of 4 women, Sylvie, Marge, Doris, and Alice. They welcome Sylvie into their group after her husband passes away.
After a night together drinking way too much whisky they make a pact to fulfill one dream each of them write down.
Fun and sometimes hilarious I am happy to have read this one.
The Wilder Widow's are a group of 4 women, Sylvie, Marge, Doris, and Alice. They welcome Sylvie into their group after her husband passes away.
After a night together drinking way too much whisky they make a pact to fulfill one dream each of them write down.
Fun and sometimes hilarious I am happy to have read this one.
March 29, 2021
The Wilder Widows
I really enjoyed this book!
It is a very real tale of 4 senior ladies who have found each other after their husbands have died.
After a very drunken evening each lady wrote down their one wish and then they proceeded to fulfill each wish!
I laughed out loud following some of their antics and cried right along with them in other parts.
A very good real and a wonderful character study plus a good story of great friendships!
I really enjoyed this book!
It is a very real tale of 4 senior ladies who have found each other after their husbands have died.
After a very drunken evening each lady wrote down their one wish and then they proceeded to fulfill each wish!
I laughed out loud following some of their antics and cried right along with them in other parts.
A very good real and a wonderful character study plus a good story of great friendships!
May 9, 2021
Best Book Ever!!
Wow,I am 79 years old and would love to be a Wilder Widow..What Fun they all had,and was kind enough to bring us along for the trip, with each storyline getting better than the last one.I have to say the Vegas Show Dancer was my favorite. Even though they are going their own ways,I would love to see what they collected in the Basket.I hope that it means another Book is in the near future.Thank you for hours of enjoyable reading..
Wow,I am 79 years old and would love to be a Wilder Widow..What Fun they all had,and was kind enough to bring us along for the trip, with each storyline getting better than the last one.I have to say the Vegas Show Dancer was my favorite. Even though they are going their own ways,I would love to see what they collected in the Basket.I hope that it means another Book is in the near future.Thank you for hours of enjoyable reading..
August 23, 2021
What a hoot(ie)!
What do you get when you put together a former Vegas showgirl, a Vietnam vet, and two women who sacrificed their best years for their families? A crazy ride of a read!
These women decide to go on the adventure of their lives and live their biggest wish on their bucket lists, and they all got more than they expected - excitement, friendship, and (maybe) a second chance at love.
What do you get when you put together a former Vegas showgirl, a Vietnam vet, and two women who sacrificed their best years for their families? A crazy ride of a read!
These women decide to go on the adventure of their lives and live their biggest wish on their bucket lists, and they all got more than they expected - excitement, friendship, and (maybe) a second chance at love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews