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Annie's Autumn Escape
Annie’s big birthday is looming. Sixty! She feels half that age, even if the mirror tells her otherwise. Hubby Keith promises her a birthday to remember, and doesn’t let her down, but packing his suitcase to shack up with a forty-something isn’t quite the memory Annie wants to make. Suddenly she’s single and – as an empty nester – very, very alone. The Bucket List she and Keith had promised to work their way through is but a dream, until besties Bella and Caz rally around Annie and whisk her away for a trip that will be remembered for ever. Dubai. But it’s not all skyscrapers, bling, sand dunes and sheikhs. As the sun sinks over the horizon of Jumeirah Beach… might there also be love?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 9, 2021
5☆ A Hilarious Rom Com I didn't want to Put Down!
Annie was going about her normal breakfast routine with her husband Keith, when he drops the biggest bombshell that he's leaving her for another woman 20 years younger!
Married for thirty five years and both in there 60s (ish), it was the last thing Annie was expecting him to say!
So to cheer her up, best friends Caz and Bella decide to take Annie on a girls only holiday to Dubai, to celebrate her 60th birthday and take time out from dealing with her hubby's infidelity!
But is a holiday to Dubai just what she needs? Will Annie relight her youth and have a holiday romance....After all you're never too old to fall in love!
I have to start by saying this book has cheered me up so much!
Not only was I laughing out Loud from the first few chapters, the laughs and giggles just kept on coming! Some of the Antics they get up to is brilliant!
If you don't already know I'm a Big fan of books where the Characters are of the older generation and let me tell you Annie and her friends are absolutely brilliant!
Annie’s Autumn Escape is one of my favourite books so far from Debbie Viggiano.
It was Uplifting, Witty, Laugh out Loud, a good sprinkle of Romance, a good dose of Cheeky Antics and just an all round blooming brilliant read that I can't recommend enough!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
Annie was going about her normal breakfast routine with her husband Keith, when he drops the biggest bombshell that he's leaving her for another woman 20 years younger!
Married for thirty five years and both in there 60s (ish), it was the last thing Annie was expecting him to say!
So to cheer her up, best friends Caz and Bella decide to take Annie on a girls only holiday to Dubai, to celebrate her 60th birthday and take time out from dealing with her hubby's infidelity!
But is a holiday to Dubai just what she needs? Will Annie relight her youth and have a holiday romance....After all you're never too old to fall in love!
I have to start by saying this book has cheered me up so much!
Not only was I laughing out Loud from the first few chapters, the laughs and giggles just kept on coming! Some of the Antics they get up to is brilliant!
If you don't already know I'm a Big fan of books where the Characters are of the older generation and let me tell you Annie and her friends are absolutely brilliant!
Annie’s Autumn Escape is one of my favourite books so far from Debbie Viggiano.
It was Uplifting, Witty, Laugh out Loud, a good sprinkle of Romance, a good dose of Cheeky Antics and just an all round blooming brilliant read that I can't recommend enough!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
October 7, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Suddenly I was aware of being scrutinised by two American guys to the right. One was bald, with skinny legs and a stomach that flopped like exhausted knicker elastic. The other was pot-bellied and covered in the sort of tattoos that looked like a child had gone berserk with a biro. Neither were attractive, but I was nonetheless secretly thrilled to have them check me out… until they started to loudly discuss me. ‘She ain’t bad,’ drawled Skinny Legs. ‘Take it or leave it,’ said Tattoo Man dismissively.
I felt empowered. Like an Olympic swimmer. Look at me go! … I felt like bursting into song. Morphing into Helen Reddy. Belting out the first few lines of I Am Woman. I continued to pause poolside, milking the moment. ‘Annie,’ Caz urgently hissed. ‘For God’s sake cover up. You’ve fallen out of your swimsuit.’
Where are you, Annie? We’re worried you’ve been kidnapped by a sheikh looking to expand his grandad’s harem!
My Review:
This was wicked funny and cleverly amusing while also hitting some feels and tapping several social and aging issues. I adored it and knew that I would as after I read Willow’s Wedding Vows I immediately added this wily author to my list of favorites and swept her entire listing onto my TBR. Her characters are uniquely knowable and realistically flawed in the most humorous of ways.
Annie was prone to vivid daydreaming and given her active and colorful imagination, I hooted in mirth, frequently giggle-snorted, and maintained a near-constant gleeful smirk as I made my way through this delightful tale. Being of an… ahem… mature age, I easily identified with Annie and her gal pals and envied their tight bond and highly eventful trip to the land of blingy Dubai. The storylines were engaging and cunningly paced with frequent comedic mishaps that often tugged a bit at the heartstrings while simultaneously tickling my funny bone.
Debbie Viggiano has mad skills!
Suddenly I was aware of being scrutinised by two American guys to the right. One was bald, with skinny legs and a stomach that flopped like exhausted knicker elastic. The other was pot-bellied and covered in the sort of tattoos that looked like a child had gone berserk with a biro. Neither were attractive, but I was nonetheless secretly thrilled to have them check me out… until they started to loudly discuss me. ‘She ain’t bad,’ drawled Skinny Legs. ‘Take it or leave it,’ said Tattoo Man dismissively.
I felt empowered. Like an Olympic swimmer. Look at me go! … I felt like bursting into song. Morphing into Helen Reddy. Belting out the first few lines of I Am Woman. I continued to pause poolside, milking the moment. ‘Annie,’ Caz urgently hissed. ‘For God’s sake cover up. You’ve fallen out of your swimsuit.’
Where are you, Annie? We’re worried you’ve been kidnapped by a sheikh looking to expand his grandad’s harem!
My Review:
This was wicked funny and cleverly amusing while also hitting some feels and tapping several social and aging issues. I adored it and knew that I would as after I read Willow’s Wedding Vows I immediately added this wily author to my list of favorites and swept her entire listing onto my TBR. Her characters are uniquely knowable and realistically flawed in the most humorous of ways.
Annie was prone to vivid daydreaming and given her active and colorful imagination, I hooted in mirth, frequently giggle-snorted, and maintained a near-constant gleeful smirk as I made my way through this delightful tale. Being of an… ahem… mature age, I easily identified with Annie and her gal pals and envied their tight bond and highly eventful trip to the land of blingy Dubai. The storylines were engaging and cunningly paced with frequent comedic mishaps that often tugged a bit at the heartstrings while simultaneously tickling my funny bone.
Debbie Viggiano has mad skills!
October 6, 2021
This is my first taste of the writing style of this author and oh my !!! It is spectacular, she really knows how to grab your attention and keep you there. I will be investing in more of her books!
In this book we start in the UK then it moves to Dubai , now even though I've never seen it before I think that it is so well described that you feel like you have been there. The author transports you to where the characters are you can see it all playing out in your mind . The storyline it's self is funny , lovely,, very easy to follow . The characters are great to go on the journey with and there wasn't one character that I found boring or just plain wrong ! A very well written book by a very talented author!!
In this book we start in the UK then it moves to Dubai , now even though I've never seen it before I think that it is so well described that you feel like you have been there. The author transports you to where the characters are you can see it all playing out in your mind . The storyline it's self is funny , lovely,, very easy to follow . The characters are great to go on the journey with and there wasn't one character that I found boring or just plain wrong ! A very well written book by a very talented author!!
September 7, 2021
Easily Debbie Viggiano's funniest book by far.
I kept giggling and laughing out loud at various points in the story, and there was just a great sense of humour throughout.
There is also a wonderful sense of place and I was enchanted from the moment Annie and her friends boarded the plane to Dubai. The descriptions of Dubai, the heat, the excursions, the wealth etc.. all felt so vivid and real at least as far as my limited knowledge of the Emirate goes.
If you have seen Sex and the City 2, there was that sort of vibe to some of the book, although let's just say the hotel rooms weren't quite at that sort of standard, but the ability to if you go to the right little corner to get hold of excellent fakes was reminiscent.
And I loved that the various cultural differences were mentioned between Dubai and the West, with regards attitudes to men and women having any sort of meetings outside of marriage, use of swear words and other such things.
But it's not just a book set in Dubai, there is a story there two, with Annie being our main character who is about the turn the big six-oh, when her husband drops a massive bombshell, and his new fling is twenty years younger! Annie slowly uses it as a chance to reinvent herself, get herself out of rut and with wonderful consequences.
There may just be a man that she keeps coming across in Dubai, in a set of amusing circumstances. Ah back to the humour there are memorable scenes including the one with the banana, the one with the shower rail, the one with the swimming race and many other memorable scenes! Not to mention Annie's daughters amusing text messages.
Annie's mum is clearly suffering from dementia and although her parent's don't feature much, it is touched on how tricky life is for them, and Annie's mum although she may not mean to be, has some incredibly funny lines, especially with regards Annie's soon to be ex-husband!
It's an all around entertaining and fabulous read and transported me to Dubai and back. A real triumph!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I kept giggling and laughing out loud at various points in the story, and there was just a great sense of humour throughout.
There is also a wonderful sense of place and I was enchanted from the moment Annie and her friends boarded the plane to Dubai. The descriptions of Dubai, the heat, the excursions, the wealth etc.. all felt so vivid and real at least as far as my limited knowledge of the Emirate goes.
If you have seen Sex and the City 2, there was that sort of vibe to some of the book, although let's just say the hotel rooms weren't quite at that sort of standard, but the ability to if you go to the right little corner to get hold of excellent fakes was reminiscent.
And I loved that the various cultural differences were mentioned between Dubai and the West, with regards attitudes to men and women having any sort of meetings outside of marriage, use of swear words and other such things.
But it's not just a book set in Dubai, there is a story there two, with Annie being our main character who is about the turn the big six-oh, when her husband drops a massive bombshell, and his new fling is twenty years younger! Annie slowly uses it as a chance to reinvent herself, get herself out of rut and with wonderful consequences.
There may just be a man that she keeps coming across in Dubai, in a set of amusing circumstances. Ah back to the humour there are memorable scenes including the one with the banana, the one with the shower rail, the one with the swimming race and many other memorable scenes! Not to mention Annie's daughters amusing text messages.
Annie's mum is clearly suffering from dementia and although her parent's don't feature much, it is touched on how tricky life is for them, and Annie's mum although she may not mean to be, has some incredibly funny lines, especially with regards Annie's soon to be ex-husband!
It's an all around entertaining and fabulous read and transported me to Dubai and back. A real triumph!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 12, 2021
Escapism at its best. Love the quirky, witty voice of this author. The storytelling even makes unpleasant incidents seem funny in some way.
October 1, 2021
Annie’s rather looking forward to her sixtieth birthday, and wondering which bucket list destination her husband’s booked to celebrate. When he asks her to sit down because he has something important to tell her, she hopes she’s going to find out – instead she discovers just why he’s been spending so much time down at the garden centre, that’s he’s found a younger model, and is leaving her. Having neglected herself for years, a makeover makes her feel considerably better – but thank goodness for the best of friends, when Bella and Caz decide that a holiday’s what she really needs and whisk her away on a break in Dubai.
Things start to go wrong on the plane – a man in the next seat who might look like Gerard Butler but proves to be entirely objectionable, makes it amply clear he’s not up for conversation, and turns distinctly frosty when she keeps disturbing him for visits to the loo. And that’s just the start of things going rather awry, with their arrival at the hotel bringing a surprise they’re really not expecting (and marked by a superb set piece with a banana that had me laughing out loud – the humour in this book, sometimes slapstick but at other times quite gentle, was right up my street!).
I won’t tell you all the twists and turns of the story, other than that it has more than a few other surprises along the way – and Annie certainly manages to put her sadness behind her and begin to move on. Dubai itself is most definitely one of the stars of the story – it’s somewhere that’s always been on my bucket list too, and when I set aside this book I really felt like I’d been there, its many attractions so superbly described and brought to life. I just loved the friendship between the three women – the love and support, the tears and laughter – but there’s also a quite wonderful supporting cast, from the jobsworth server in the restaurant to the surgically enhanced Towie girls who home in on “Mr Butler”. And then there’s the very unexpected romance – quite beautifully done, moving from real discomfort and mild aggression into a relationship that was entirely believable and really warmed the heart.
I loved Annie beyond measure – she’s treated quite atrociously by her husband (and he’s not quite done yet – men, eh?) but manages to pick up the pieces and grasp her second chances with tremendous style and aplomb. The emotional impact of her husband’s departure is very real and particularly well handled – there can’t be any woman of a similar age who wouldn’t recognise everything she feels, and I really loved the way her humour (and her friends) carried her through. While her Dubai experience is very much the focus of the story, there was a lot I recognised about her life at home too – her mother, cared for by her long-suffering but uncomplaining father, has dementia. At first, I did wonder whether the humour the author injected into the situation was appropriate, but was entirely won over by the sensitivity with which it’s handled, all those difficult and very familiar moments when it’s so much better to laugh rather than cry.
I absolutely adored this book – while it’s certainly madcap fun at times, it also had a depth I really wasn’t expecting, and the story and the writing were quite wonderful. This is the first book I’ve read from Debbie Viggiano – and it certainly made me want to read more. Highly recommended by me!
Things start to go wrong on the plane – a man in the next seat who might look like Gerard Butler but proves to be entirely objectionable, makes it amply clear he’s not up for conversation, and turns distinctly frosty when she keeps disturbing him for visits to the loo. And that’s just the start of things going rather awry, with their arrival at the hotel bringing a surprise they’re really not expecting (and marked by a superb set piece with a banana that had me laughing out loud – the humour in this book, sometimes slapstick but at other times quite gentle, was right up my street!).
I won’t tell you all the twists and turns of the story, other than that it has more than a few other surprises along the way – and Annie certainly manages to put her sadness behind her and begin to move on. Dubai itself is most definitely one of the stars of the story – it’s somewhere that’s always been on my bucket list too, and when I set aside this book I really felt like I’d been there, its many attractions so superbly described and brought to life. I just loved the friendship between the three women – the love and support, the tears and laughter – but there’s also a quite wonderful supporting cast, from the jobsworth server in the restaurant to the surgically enhanced Towie girls who home in on “Mr Butler”. And then there’s the very unexpected romance – quite beautifully done, moving from real discomfort and mild aggression into a relationship that was entirely believable and really warmed the heart.
I loved Annie beyond measure – she’s treated quite atrociously by her husband (and he’s not quite done yet – men, eh?) but manages to pick up the pieces and grasp her second chances with tremendous style and aplomb. The emotional impact of her husband’s departure is very real and particularly well handled – there can’t be any woman of a similar age who wouldn’t recognise everything she feels, and I really loved the way her humour (and her friends) carried her through. While her Dubai experience is very much the focus of the story, there was a lot I recognised about her life at home too – her mother, cared for by her long-suffering but uncomplaining father, has dementia. At first, I did wonder whether the humour the author injected into the situation was appropriate, but was entirely won over by the sensitivity with which it’s handled, all those difficult and very familiar moments when it’s so much better to laugh rather than cry.
I absolutely adored this book – while it’s certainly madcap fun at times, it also had a depth I really wasn’t expecting, and the story and the writing were quite wonderful. This is the first book I’ve read from Debbie Viggiano – and it certainly made me want to read more. Highly recommended by me!
October 4, 2021
Another author I’m always meaning to read, but somehow haven’t manage to get there – until now!
On the cusp of her sixtieth birthday, Annie is looking forward to whatever surprise husband Keith has in store for her; however, she didn’t bargain on him leaving her for a younger woman! Along with his departure is the loss of their Bucket List, and all the things they had planned including a trip to Dubai – that is until best friends Bella and Caz come to the rescue and, before she knows it, all three of them are at the airport heading for a luxury break. Dubai, here they come! In that fabulous city with the sun beating down, these three women can relax and enjoy themselves and, perhaps, for newly single Annie find a little holiday romance?
Such a happy read! I’ve never been to Dubai, but I really enjoyed living vicariously through Annie and her friends. I think every woman will love this one – it’s such fun, with a little reality mixed in. Everything about this appealed, and I loved that the author tied it all up at the very end. A delightful read, beautifully written with a great cast of characters, and a perfect book to get into as the autumn chill sets in. This will definitely warm you up! A recommended, entertaining read which I’m happy to give 4.5*.
On the cusp of her sixtieth birthday, Annie is looking forward to whatever surprise husband Keith has in store for her; however, she didn’t bargain on him leaving her for a younger woman! Along with his departure is the loss of their Bucket List, and all the things they had planned including a trip to Dubai – that is until best friends Bella and Caz come to the rescue and, before she knows it, all three of them are at the airport heading for a luxury break. Dubai, here they come! In that fabulous city with the sun beating down, these three women can relax and enjoy themselves and, perhaps, for newly single Annie find a little holiday romance?
Such a happy read! I’ve never been to Dubai, but I really enjoyed living vicariously through Annie and her friends. I think every woman will love this one – it’s such fun, with a little reality mixed in. Everything about this appealed, and I loved that the author tied it all up at the very end. A delightful read, beautifully written with a great cast of characters, and a perfect book to get into as the autumn chill sets in. This will definitely warm you up! A recommended, entertaining read which I’m happy to give 4.5*.
October 2, 2021
I dived in with optimism, but expecting a single-layer story, maybe. Something enjoyable and simple at the same time. Boy, was I wrong. Annie’s Autumn Escape is not only captivating to the max, but it also has a complex undertone lying under the surface.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
November 9, 2022
great fun
Lovely light hearted book with a subtle meaning about not settling in life
Great descriptions of a trip to Dubai
Lovely light hearted book with a subtle meaning about not settling in life
Great descriptions of a trip to Dubai
September 30, 2024
This was cute, but, I'm not sure if it was the audiobook narrator or the writing...but the age of the main character felt confusing. Her 60-year-old felt way more like 75 for much of the time.
October 2, 2021
I have been a fan of Debbie’s work for a while. I love the way in which she writes such funny and uplifting stories. I read the synopsis for ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ and I couldn’t wait to start reading. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down to read ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the character of Annie and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact she ended up feeling more like a friend of mine rather than a character in a book. I hope that makes sense. She is a lady of a particular age, who thought that she was happily married. Life throws her a curveball and she ends up on her own. Thank goodness for her two best friends – Bella & Caz. When all three ladies are together, hilarity ensues. They both see that Annie is suffering and they make it their mission to give her something to look forward to and to help her turn that frown upside down. I could easily imagine sitting round a table with all three ladies and putting the world to rights over a bottle of wine (or three).
I was drawn into this story from the very beginning. As soon as I started to read, I knew that I was going to find it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. Part of the attraction to this story was the fact that I loved the main character of Annie and I was rooting for her to find happiness again. This was one of those books that stayed on my mind before, during and after I had read it. If I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it and if I didn’t have the book in my hand then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I started chuckling away to myself at the start of the book and I didn’t stop chuckling until I read the very last word on the very last page. I found ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ to be a delight to read and an ultimately uplifting story.
‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Debbie’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Debbie has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Debbie’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. I love the way in which Debbie tackles serious subjects in a compassionate way with a touch of humour to boot. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Debbie’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I loved reading ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Debbie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the character of Annie and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact she ended up feeling more like a friend of mine rather than a character in a book. I hope that makes sense. She is a lady of a particular age, who thought that she was happily married. Life throws her a curveball and she ends up on her own. Thank goodness for her two best friends – Bella & Caz. When all three ladies are together, hilarity ensues. They both see that Annie is suffering and they make it their mission to give her something to look forward to and to help her turn that frown upside down. I could easily imagine sitting round a table with all three ladies and putting the world to rights over a bottle of wine (or three).
I was drawn into this story from the very beginning. As soon as I started to read, I knew that I was going to find it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. Part of the attraction to this story was the fact that I loved the main character of Annie and I was rooting for her to find happiness again. This was one of those books that stayed on my mind before, during and after I had read it. If I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it and if I didn’t have the book in my hand then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I started chuckling away to myself at the start of the book and I didn’t stop chuckling until I read the very last word on the very last page. I found ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ to be a delight to read and an ultimately uplifting story.
‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Debbie’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Debbie has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Debbie’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. I love the way in which Debbie tackles serious subjects in a compassionate way with a touch of humour to boot. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Debbie’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I loved reading ‘Annie’s Autumn Escape’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Debbie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 6, 2021
In Annie’s Autumn Escape, a woman who is about to turn sixty is surprised by her husband of 35 years. Instead of being a trip or something from their bucket list for her birthday, she instead is informed that he is leaving her for another woman. This is my second novel by the author and I was excited to read it since I loved Daisy’s Dilemma. As I greatly enjoyed the other novel, my expectations for this one were high and I was thrilled when they were exceeded as this story was greatly enjoyable.
Annie Rosewood lives in the small village of Little Waterlow and is two weeks away from turning sixty. She is excited to see how her husband of 35-years, Keith, 62 years old, will make this a birthday to remember. Instead of a birthday surprise, Keith says that he no longer wants to be with Annie and instead is leaving her for a younger woman, Pippa Kipling, who works he met in a garden center. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Annie decides to make this still a birthday to remember. Together with her best friends, Caz and Bella, the three of them decide to take a trip to Dubai, a destination from Annie’s bucket list.
Annie’s trip to Dubai is full of adventure including some fun banter with her airplane seatmate, “Gerard Butler” (his real name is not given until later in the story). After arriving at her destination, she keeps running into Mr. Butler and the two of them develop a fun competition between them every time they meet. Together with the entertaining adventures with Caz and Bella, the characters take the reader along on an amazing trip to Dubai. The descriptions are well done and made me want to book another trip to Dubai as it has been years since I was able to visit.
Overall, all the different storylines were tackled with care from getting older to having a parent with dementia. Keith and Annie’s 30-year-old daughter Carly was also an interesting addition as she is expecting her first baby with her husband Ryan. The characters are all well-developed and relatable. Annie is going through a lot emotionally and I liked that she went through many ups and downs as it was relatable and realistic. I adored this novel and absolutely cannot wait to read more!
**I give a special thank you to Rachel @rararesources,, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to participate with this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Annie Rosewood lives in the small village of Little Waterlow and is two weeks away from turning sixty. She is excited to see how her husband of 35-years, Keith, 62 years old, will make this a birthday to remember. Instead of a birthday surprise, Keith says that he no longer wants to be with Annie and instead is leaving her for a younger woman, Pippa Kipling, who works he met in a garden center. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Annie decides to make this still a birthday to remember. Together with her best friends, Caz and Bella, the three of them decide to take a trip to Dubai, a destination from Annie’s bucket list.
Annie’s trip to Dubai is full of adventure including some fun banter with her airplane seatmate, “Gerard Butler” (his real name is not given until later in the story). After arriving at her destination, she keeps running into Mr. Butler and the two of them develop a fun competition between them every time they meet. Together with the entertaining adventures with Caz and Bella, the characters take the reader along on an amazing trip to Dubai. The descriptions are well done and made me want to book another trip to Dubai as it has been years since I was able to visit.
Overall, all the different storylines were tackled with care from getting older to having a parent with dementia. Keith and Annie’s 30-year-old daughter Carly was also an interesting addition as she is expecting her first baby with her husband Ryan. The characters are all well-developed and relatable. Annie is going through a lot emotionally and I liked that she went through many ups and downs as it was relatable and realistic. I adored this novel and absolutely cannot wait to read more!
**I give a special thank you to Rachel @rararesources,, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to participate with this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
October 1, 2021
Eat your heart out Shirley Valentine. There is a new holiday romance to love and remember. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading this, but the opening chapter’s clever observations of a long marriage tugged me into Annie’s life. It was great to see an older protagonist and though I’m only in my forties her menopausal rage, hot flushes and general clumsiness was highly relatable and provided many Brigit Jones-esque laughs, chuckles and drama in this story of self-discovery and escapism after a marriage breakdown.
Dubai must be the go to location at the moment as it’s the third book I’ve read this year using this setting, but I had not seen it presented in this light with the bling, touristy spots and over the top destinations. I wanted to go there to experience the luxury, the camels and the sunsets like the trio of friends and, of course, the potential love interest Mr Butler.
All the characters were well developed and relatable with realistic dialogue and banter. The trio of friends highlighted the need for friendships outside a marriage for support in times of need and when complications are thrown your way. The dementia storyline was tackled with care and showed the surreal nature of the disease and the chuckles it can provide alongside the heartache.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes, this novel is a great start to this autumnal season. It’s an enjoyable romp with a swoonsome hero, a stunning and blingy location, and full of humour adding to the chemistry in this second chance romance. Grab a copy when you need to escape these cooler and darker evenings
Dubai must be the go to location at the moment as it’s the third book I’ve read this year using this setting, but I had not seen it presented in this light with the bling, touristy spots and over the top destinations. I wanted to go there to experience the luxury, the camels and the sunsets like the trio of friends and, of course, the potential love interest Mr Butler.
All the characters were well developed and relatable with realistic dialogue and banter. The trio of friends highlighted the need for friendships outside a marriage for support in times of need and when complications are thrown your way. The dementia storyline was tackled with care and showed the surreal nature of the disease and the chuckles it can provide alongside the heartache.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes, this novel is a great start to this autumnal season. It’s an enjoyable romp with a swoonsome hero, a stunning and blingy location, and full of humour adding to the chemistry in this second chance romance. Grab a copy when you need to escape these cooler and darker evenings
October 3, 2021
I admire Annie for NOT going all kinds of crazy when Keith sprung his “big news” on her. I mean, it was right before her big 6-0 birthday, and when things should have been smooth sailing in their lives, romantically and otherwise. I wouldn’t slapped him for starters and sent him packing to boot! She had more control over her emotional response, but was broken hearted nonetheless...and then he parades that strumpet in a local establishment where they actually KNEW people? Oh the audacity! I was thrilled to bits when the pub owner stepped in. Despite her jaw-wagging reputation, she had a heart of gold and when same said strumpet took verbal aim at them both, she fired back with both barrels blazing.
Cue the life changing music and an all gals trip to Dubai...very ‘Sex and the City’ of them, if you ask me, but it served its purpose. They were trying to help their friend find the shiny, sparkly version of herself and what not in a city that brings its own bling? Try new things...absolutely! Party like its 1999...to say the least! Have a holiday fling...well it was a maybe, but the heart wants what it wants and sometimes love pops up at the strangest of times. Will it turn into more? Can it with all the revelations still to come? You’ll have to read it find out!
All in all, a great read for Contemporary Fiction or Women’s Fiction fans that love memorable characters that tend to overthink the possibilities, while still allowing life to happen on its own sometimes and realizing the magic of it all.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
Cue the life changing music and an all gals trip to Dubai...very ‘Sex and the City’ of them, if you ask me, but it served its purpose. They were trying to help their friend find the shiny, sparkly version of herself and what not in a city that brings its own bling? Try new things...absolutely! Party like its 1999...to say the least! Have a holiday fling...well it was a maybe, but the heart wants what it wants and sometimes love pops up at the strangest of times. Will it turn into more? Can it with all the revelations still to come? You’ll have to read it find out!
All in all, a great read for Contemporary Fiction or Women’s Fiction fans that love memorable characters that tend to overthink the possibilities, while still allowing life to happen on its own sometimes and realizing the magic of it all.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
October 3, 2021
📚 Book Review 📚
Annie's Autumn Escape - Debbie Viggiano
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Annie’s big birthday is looming. Sixty! She feels half that age, even if the mirror tells her otherwise. Hubby Keith promises her a birthday to remember, and doesn’t let her down, but packing his suitcase to shack up with a forty-something isn’t quite the memory Annie wants to make. Suddenly she’s single and – as an empty nester – very, very alone. The Bucket List she and Keith had promised to work their way through is but a dream, until besties Bella and Caz rally around Annie and whisk her away for a trip that will be remembered for ever. Dubai. But it’s not all skyscrapers, bling, sand dunes and sheikhs. As the sun sinks over the horizon of Jumeirah Beach… might there also be love?
I read the majority of this book in one sitting - I found it to be the perfect escape from the miserable Autumn weather outside. With all of the misfortune that Annie, Bella and Caz suffer on their trip to Dubai, I found myself giggling at various points during the story.
This is an all around entertaining read that has the ability to transport you to Dubai with the girls for what should be the trip of a lifetime. I think my favourite bit about this book is that the main characters are in their 60's unlike the majority of the books that I have read recently.
Rating 4/5
Annie's Autumn Escape - Debbie Viggiano
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Annie’s big birthday is looming. Sixty! She feels half that age, even if the mirror tells her otherwise. Hubby Keith promises her a birthday to remember, and doesn’t let her down, but packing his suitcase to shack up with a forty-something isn’t quite the memory Annie wants to make. Suddenly she’s single and – as an empty nester – very, very alone. The Bucket List she and Keith had promised to work their way through is but a dream, until besties Bella and Caz rally around Annie and whisk her away for a trip that will be remembered for ever. Dubai. But it’s not all skyscrapers, bling, sand dunes and sheikhs. As the sun sinks over the horizon of Jumeirah Beach… might there also be love?
I read the majority of this book in one sitting - I found it to be the perfect escape from the miserable Autumn weather outside. With all of the misfortune that Annie, Bella and Caz suffer on their trip to Dubai, I found myself giggling at various points during the story.
This is an all around entertaining read that has the ability to transport you to Dubai with the girls for what should be the trip of a lifetime. I think my favourite bit about this book is that the main characters are in their 60's unlike the majority of the books that I have read recently.
Rating 4/5
September 18, 2024
The thing I had most difficulties with was the tension within the story between aging well and striving for youth.
I'm all for putting your best foot forward, and feeling like you would like to have a glow up. The main character does this, and I want to cheer her on. She suffers from terrible self image issues, an inability to set reasonable boundaries and has major communication issues. She deserves to feel good about herself. (She needs a therapist).
But at the same time, the character's internal monologue makes fun of those who do go out their way to try to look younger. Makes fun of women who are glammed up, have highlights and extensions and try to dress well. Even if they're antagonists, they don't deserve to have their looks be made fun of.
But mainly, I finished this book feeling that (were I older) I would come away with self confidence issues myself. Maybe I should also get Botox? Maybe I should get a nice haircut so I too don't look old? Maybe I need to have a glow up? It's a romance book about an older lady, it should subvert ageism issues, it shouldn't contribute to it.
Ultimately, I don't want to come away from a book feeling like my worth comes from my looks, and unfortunately this book kind of did just that.
I'm all for putting your best foot forward, and feeling like you would like to have a glow up. The main character does this, and I want to cheer her on. She suffers from terrible self image issues, an inability to set reasonable boundaries and has major communication issues. She deserves to feel good about herself. (She needs a therapist).
But at the same time, the character's internal monologue makes fun of those who do go out their way to try to look younger. Makes fun of women who are glammed up, have highlights and extensions and try to dress well. Even if they're antagonists, they don't deserve to have their looks be made fun of.
But mainly, I finished this book feeling that (were I older) I would come away with self confidence issues myself. Maybe I should also get Botox? Maybe I should get a nice haircut so I too don't look old? Maybe I need to have a glow up? It's a romance book about an older lady, it should subvert ageism issues, it shouldn't contribute to it.
Ultimately, I don't want to come away from a book feeling like my worth comes from my looks, and unfortunately this book kind of did just that.
October 7, 2021
BOOK REVIEW📖
🍁Thank you so much @debbieviggiano and @rachelsrandomresources for the chance to review Debbie's latest novel which centres around Annie who has been married to Keith for a number of years when he suddenly announces that he is leaving her for another woman he met at the garden centre. This undoubtedly shifts what she thought was a rock solid marriage and makes her question not only everything in her marriage but how she sees herself as a newly single 60 something woman.
🍁I liked that Debbie had chosen the current time (post Covid pandemic) to set this novel as I think that this is the first story I have read to reference this.
🍁There were some funny laugh out loud moments, particularly when Annie role plays in her mind how a senario might go; Christmas dinner post break up from Keith made me chuckle, and a wow moment too towards the end of the book which I didn't see coming.
🍁Another quick light read that got me out of my September slump and shows us all the importance of close friendship when we really need it most.
🍁🍁🍁🍁/5
🍁Thank you so much @debbieviggiano and @rachelsrandomresources for the chance to review Debbie's latest novel which centres around Annie who has been married to Keith for a number of years when he suddenly announces that he is leaving her for another woman he met at the garden centre. This undoubtedly shifts what she thought was a rock solid marriage and makes her question not only everything in her marriage but how she sees herself as a newly single 60 something woman.
🍁I liked that Debbie had chosen the current time (post Covid pandemic) to set this novel as I think that this is the first story I have read to reference this.
🍁There were some funny laugh out loud moments, particularly when Annie role plays in her mind how a senario might go; Christmas dinner post break up from Keith made me chuckle, and a wow moment too towards the end of the book which I didn't see coming.
🍁Another quick light read that got me out of my September slump and shows us all the importance of close friendship when we really need it most.
🍁🍁🍁🍁/5
October 2, 2021
After years of marriage, Annie finds herself in a life she does not recognise and supported by her friends, plans a holiday in Dubai. Change is being forced upon her. It is refreshing to read a romcom which focusses on the more mature, with Annie on the brink of her sixtieth birthday. She's been in a rut but sets out to update herself. You are immediately on her side and in Annie, Debbie Viggiano has created a likeable and funny main character.
Friendship is a major part of the story and Bella, Caz and Annie are a warm and caring trio. I enjoyed some of the characters who they meet when in Dubai and there are some genuinely funny moments. The repartee between Annie and a certain someone who she meets on the plane is so witty. Humour is laced through the story on top of some difficult moments. Dementia and its effects on the wider family are always written about with sensitivity.
In short: Escape to the sun
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Friendship is a major part of the story and Bella, Caz and Annie are a warm and caring trio. I enjoyed some of the characters who they meet when in Dubai and there are some genuinely funny moments. The repartee between Annie and a certain someone who she meets on the plane is so witty. Humour is laced through the story on top of some difficult moments. Dementia and its effects on the wider family are always written about with sensitivity.
In short: Escape to the sun
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
October 9, 2021
This was the first book that I read from author Debbie Viggiano. I loved it so much!! I am going to have to check out more of her books because I absolutely loved this one!!! I laughed out loud so many times. The author has a delightful sense of humor. I was hooked from page one. I had an extremely hard time putting this one down. I think the author did a fabulous job painting a mental picture. I felt like I was right there in Dubai with them. I could easily imagine everything. If you are wanting to go on a hilarious reading adventure...then, this is the book you need!
October 3, 2021
True love conquers all!!
A pleasant read.
Predictable throughout.....but I enjoyed it
Loved seeing the change in Annie from a "satisfied" housewife to a "sexy at sixty" woman!
Kevin - typical bloke! Bored and led by anyone who showed him any attention.....and then comes along Theo. To love Annie for who she is....
Many relationships go through a stalemate period. It's how you deal with it that counts.
If you are after a funny, light, chicklit - this is the book for you
A pleasant read.
Predictable throughout.....but I enjoyed it
Loved seeing the change in Annie from a "satisfied" housewife to a "sexy at sixty" woman!
Kevin - typical bloke! Bored and led by anyone who showed him any attention.....and then comes along Theo. To love Annie for who she is....
Many relationships go through a stalemate period. It's how you deal with it that counts.
If you are after a funny, light, chicklit - this is the book for you
January 28, 2022
Not sure what everyone else was reading but can’t have been the same book. Started off well, then got increasingly more ridiculous with every page I turned.
So predictable and silly that I knew what was going to happen before it happened.
I plodded on in case it got any better, it didn’t!
Then right at the end, it redeemed itself, the ending was quite lovely.
On the whole, didn’t enjoy this book much, sorry !
Boring, predictable and very silly.
So predictable and silly that I knew what was going to happen before it happened.
I plodded on in case it got any better, it didn’t!
Then right at the end, it redeemed itself, the ending was quite lovely.
On the whole, didn’t enjoy this book much, sorry !
Boring, predictable and very silly.
September 23, 2024
A hilarious delve into the life of Annie, a sixty-year-old who decides to go on a fun trip to Dubai with her friends when her husband decides to have an affair with a younger woman. Annie reinvents herself and meets her own younger lover in another country, but there's a twist!
I listened to the audiobook and found it very funny, down-to-earth and uplifting all at the same time - I was rooting for Annie all the way.
I listened to the audiobook and found it very funny, down-to-earth and uplifting all at the same time - I was rooting for Annie all the way.
October 21, 2021
Another fantastic story from the queen of romantic novels. Her usual intelligent humour and irony provide top entertainment while dealing with very serious matters indeed. Her approach to what life throws at you is admirable. The book oozes positivity even in the most desperate situation. Well done again!
June 15, 2022
Jolly Good Read
Really enjoyed this book being just slightly older than Annie related to all aspects of this story. Every character was really relatable too. Would recommend this book to any woman who enjoys a good read and would be a really good holiday read. Having visited Dubai the background description was spot on.
Really enjoyed this book being just slightly older than Annie related to all aspects of this story. Every character was really relatable too. Would recommend this book to any woman who enjoys a good read and would be a really good holiday read. Having visited Dubai the background description was spot on.
October 7, 2021
Read quite a few books now by Debbie Viggiano, and loved every, single one of them.
This one though I loved just that little bit more. The story of 59 year Annie, who's husband leaves her for another woman just before her 60th birthday. It was lovely seeing Annie bloom and grow in confidence.
This one though I loved just that little bit more. The story of 59 year Annie, who's husband leaves her for another woman just before her 60th birthday. It was lovely seeing Annie bloom and grow in confidence.
December 31, 2021
A great book full of humour.
Annie is turning 60 when her husband says he's met someone else and is moving out, so her best friends decide to take her on holiday to Dubai.
The journey is full of humour and she learns to think of herself for once.
Well worth a read.
Annie is turning 60 when her husband says he's met someone else and is moving out, so her best friends decide to take her on holiday to Dubai.
The journey is full of humour and she learns to think of herself for once.
Well worth a read.
March 27, 2022
Nice book with a feel good vibe
I did enjoy this book, although I did get a bit jealous of how easily the main character got through each crisis and how it all turned out fine every time! Bit still very enjoyable and nicely written.
I did enjoy this book, although I did get a bit jealous of how easily the main character got through each crisis and how it all turned out fine every time! Bit still very enjoyable and nicely written.
September 17, 2023
𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘵!
This was a fabulous tale of love gone, lost, found, wrung out, relived, rehashed and given another chance with a cast of characters that are funny, sexy, delusional, delightful and realistic. I enjoyed every word and wanted more.
This was a fabulous tale of love gone, lost, found, wrung out, relived, rehashed and given another chance with a cast of characters that are funny, sexy, delusional, delightful and realistic. I enjoyed every word and wanted more.
January 7, 2026
DNF
An example of commercial writing to make money on the hype. Any of the characters were real to me, like the author has no idea what people of that age are like, the way the author made them speak and think and act seemed like teenagers to me.
An example of commercial writing to make money on the hype. Any of the characters were real to me, like the author has no idea what people of that age are like, the way the author made them speak and think and act seemed like teenagers to me.
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