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The Golden Girls' Getaway
It has been a long and lonely year for neighbours Vivienne, Mary and Gwen. All ladies of a ‘certain age’, their lockdown experience has left them feeling isolated and alone. They are in desperate need of a change.
Things start to look up however, when Gwen comes up with a plan to get them out of London by borrowing a motor home. In no time at all the ladies are on the road – away from the city, away from their own four walls, and away from their worries.
The British countryside has never looked more beautiful. As they travel from Stonehenge to Dartmoor, from the Devon and Cornish coasts to the Yorkshire moors, gradually the years fall back, and the three friends start to imagine new futures with no limitations.
And as their journey continues and their friendships deepen, and while the seaside views turn into glorious mountains and moors, Mary, Vivienne and Gwen learn to smile again, to laugh again, and maybe even to love again. Now they can believe that the best is still to come…
Things start to look up however, when Gwen comes up with a plan to get them out of London by borrowing a motor home. In no time at all the ladies are on the road – away from the city, away from their own four walls, and away from their worries.
The British countryside has never looked more beautiful. As they travel from Stonehenge to Dartmoor, from the Devon and Cornish coasts to the Yorkshire moors, gradually the years fall back, and the three friends start to imagine new futures with no limitations.
And as their journey continues and their friendships deepen, and while the seaside views turn into glorious mountains and moors, Mary, Vivienne and Gwen learn to smile again, to laugh again, and maybe even to love again. Now they can believe that the best is still to come…
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2021
1840 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Judy Leigh
32 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 300 reviews
November 7, 2023
It’s been a long & lonely year for neighbours Vivienne, Mary & Gwen all ladies are septuagenarian’s their lockdown experiences have left them lonely & isolated they are in desperate need of a change.
Vivienne & Lennie were once an item but decided to go their on ways, meanwhile Gwen was being courted by Vicente De Lorenzo the landlord but Gwen wasn,t interested believe me these two characters had me in stitches of laughter.
The girls get together & decide they need to have a holiday so Gwen asks Vicente who now has Covid if they can borrow his motor home 🏠 he is so smitten with Gwen he would say yes to anything, so a few days later they are off for a week of doing what they want when they want.
They travel from Stone Henge to Dartmoor, to the east coast to the Yorkshire moors they are having the time of their lives the sky is the limit!!!
The three get on like a house on fire you would think they were 👯♀️sisters life long friends.
This was my first read by Judy Leigh this story was about friendship lost loves it was an uplifting funny read which is what i needed with everything going on around the world 🌍at present I laughed out loud so much it hurt highly recommended all those shiny 🌟
Vivienne & Lennie were once an item but decided to go their on ways, meanwhile Gwen was being courted by Vicente De Lorenzo the landlord but Gwen wasn,t interested believe me these two characters had me in stitches of laughter.
The girls get together & decide they need to have a holiday so Gwen asks Vicente who now has Covid if they can borrow his motor home 🏠 he is so smitten with Gwen he would say yes to anything, so a few days later they are off for a week of doing what they want when they want.
They travel from Stone Henge to Dartmoor, to the east coast to the Yorkshire moors they are having the time of their lives the sky is the limit!!!
The three get on like a house on fire you would think they were 👯♀️sisters life long friends.
This was my first read by Judy Leigh this story was about friendship lost loves it was an uplifting funny read which is what i needed with everything going on around the world 🌍at present I laughed out loud so much it hurt highly recommended all those shiny 🌟
December 1, 2021
This was such a funny and uplifting book to read. It made me chuckle and put a smile on my face. I loved the antics of the three women and their decision to travel in a motor home and go a visit different places and campsites. A wonderful book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 13, 2022
It's been a long and lonely year for neighbours Vivienne, Mary and Gwen. All ladies of a ‘certain age’, their lockdown experience has left them feeling isolated and alone. They have retired or lost their jobs and are feeling a bit expendable. Gwen comes up with a plan. She borrows a motor home from a gentleman who has feeling for her and made some unappreciated advances. Three friends head off on the road out of London, away from their worries and isolation. Vivienne (popular soap actor), Mary (retired nurse), and Gwen (retired opera singer) are all mature women in their 70s and 80s. Even though they live in the same building, they don’t know each other very well. As they travel, they meet some wonderful people, have fantastic experiences, take some chances and become best of friends. They all get a new lease on life and discover things about themselves that allow them to see life as a wonderful time, once again.
I always enjoy Judy Leigh's stories of friendship and new beginnings that star mature characters, usually always women. Being retired, there were times I didn't know what I was going to do with my life, and with the book being set with Covid as a backdrop, I definitely identified with the characters. I love the premise and the characters. Each character’s personality shines as these women set out on a spontaneous adventure in a motor home. They meet some colorful characters and challenge and support each other along the way. I love how each character finds an opportunity to show their talents and shine. This was an enjoyable and entertaining story and I sure hope I will have the same willingness to try new things, set off on adventures and take risks like these three did when I am over 70. If you enjoy an uplifting story with mature characters, humour and friendship, then I recommend you pick this one up. I did a read/listen (more listen) and enjoyed the narration by Phyllida Nash. Considering how many audiobooks I listen to, I was surprised to come upon another new narrator to me. She did a great job with the story. She has an engaging voice, that had distinct and natural-sounding characters and had great pacing. I feel her performance added to my enjoyment of this story.
I always enjoy Judy Leigh's stories of friendship and new beginnings that star mature characters, usually always women. Being retired, there were times I didn't know what I was going to do with my life, and with the book being set with Covid as a backdrop, I definitely identified with the characters. I love the premise and the characters. Each character’s personality shines as these women set out on a spontaneous adventure in a motor home. They meet some colorful characters and challenge and support each other along the way. I love how each character finds an opportunity to show their talents and shine. This was an enjoyable and entertaining story and I sure hope I will have the same willingness to try new things, set off on adventures and take risks like these three did when I am over 70. If you enjoy an uplifting story with mature characters, humour and friendship, then I recommend you pick this one up. I did a read/listen (more listen) and enjoyed the narration by Phyllida Nash. Considering how many audiobooks I listen to, I was surprised to come upon another new narrator to me. She did a great job with the story. She has an engaging voice, that had distinct and natural-sounding characters and had great pacing. I feel her performance added to my enjoyment of this story.
December 14, 2021
Thanks @BoldWoodBooks #NetGalley for a complimentary eARC of #TheGoldenGirlsGetaway by Judy Leigh upon my request. All opinions are my own.
At the end of the Pandemic lockdown, three women borrow a motor home and escape their boredom and isolation by touring the British countryside. Vivienne (popular soap actor), Mary (retired nurse), and Gwen (retired opera singer) are all mature women in their 70s and 80s. Even though they live in the same building, they don’t know each other very well. Throughout the trip, their friendship deepens and and they rediscover joy and laughter, the power of sisterhood, and good times.
Uplit + the power of Sisterhood + mature characters + living your best life + adventure + moving out of your comfort zone + road trip + friendship + second chances + humor = an entertaining, quick, and light vacation or weekend read.
Lots of life to live at 70+! I love the premise and the characters, the snappy writing, and the armchair travel! Each character’s personality shines as these mature (70+) women set out on a spontaneous vacation (adventure) in a motor home. They meet a few colorful characters and challenge and support each other along the way.
As usual in uplit, there is a tidy HEA ending and some details in the story need to be overlooked (like driving off in a motor home with no instruction, practice, or knowledge…..like assuming a majority of women 70 to 80 could simply be comfortable plopping on the ground for a picnic and then be able to spring up on her own with no assistance.)
I love the thoughtful themes of feeling invisible at a certain age, pondering what women of that age have to offer, living your best life after retirement, precious friendships, and hope for the future.
You might love The Golden Girls’ Getaway if you are ready for some uplit or a light quick read, if you love stories about older and mature characters, or if you appreciate thoughtful themes. Book clubs might enjoy this mostly lighthearted selection!
For more reviews visit www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
At the end of the Pandemic lockdown, three women borrow a motor home and escape their boredom and isolation by touring the British countryside. Vivienne (popular soap actor), Mary (retired nurse), and Gwen (retired opera singer) are all mature women in their 70s and 80s. Even though they live in the same building, they don’t know each other very well. Throughout the trip, their friendship deepens and and they rediscover joy and laughter, the power of sisterhood, and good times.
Uplit + the power of Sisterhood + mature characters + living your best life + adventure + moving out of your comfort zone + road trip + friendship + second chances + humor = an entertaining, quick, and light vacation or weekend read.
Lots of life to live at 70+! I love the premise and the characters, the snappy writing, and the armchair travel! Each character’s personality shines as these mature (70+) women set out on a spontaneous vacation (adventure) in a motor home. They meet a few colorful characters and challenge and support each other along the way.
As usual in uplit, there is a tidy HEA ending and some details in the story need to be overlooked (like driving off in a motor home with no instruction, practice, or knowledge…..like assuming a majority of women 70 to 80 could simply be comfortable plopping on the ground for a picnic and then be able to spring up on her own with no assistance.)
I love the thoughtful themes of feeling invisible at a certain age, pondering what women of that age have to offer, living your best life after retirement, precious friendships, and hope for the future.
You might love The Golden Girls’ Getaway if you are ready for some uplit or a light quick read, if you love stories about older and mature characters, or if you appreciate thoughtful themes. Book clubs might enjoy this mostly lighthearted selection!
For more reviews visit www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
December 7, 2021
As it has for so many of us – perhaps especially for those of us living alone and of a “certain age” – lockdown has been a difficult time for the three ladies who live at the flats at 104 Drayton Mews. Perhaps it hasn’t been quite as bad for Vivienne, who’s a bit of a national treasure in her role as a star in favourite soap The Edge of Edgeware, despite all the challenges of socially distanced filming. It might be Gwen who’s felt it the most – a former opera singer, she’s really struggled to fill her days, trapped within her four walls, finding escape only in her solitary singing. There’s also been the small problem of persistent landlord Vicente, who sees her as the woman of his dreams – she really doesn’t want anyone coming too close, and especially not Vicente. Mary, down in the basement, could do without all that singing – a former nurse, now in her eighties, she’s perfectly content listening to her beloved Dubliners with the occasional foray to the corner shop for the ingredients to make her curries.
But things are about to change. Vivienne’s character is killed off in a fire – and when the only opportunity her agent can find her is as the old woman on a stairlift in a TV advert, she feels her career might be over. But Vicente’s bought a camper van in a further attempt to woo a reluctant Gwen – as restrictions lift, and he falls by the wayside thanks to the virus, she decides they could all really do with a holiday. So the three women, now becoming friends, decide to borrow the van and hit the road – visiting some of the places they’ve always wanted to see, along with revisiting a few with memories of their pasts.
Don’t be put off for an instant by the mentions of lockdowns and the pandemic – it’s lightly done, and really important for context as the women feel that same sense of freedom and liberation that we all felt when the darkest days were over. The friendship between the three women is an absolute joy – and as their road trip continues, they certainly get to know each other rather better through all their adventures and experiences, and have many opportunities to revisit their different lives and memories. And that’s part of the absolute joy of reading a book about older characters – that treasure trove of experience, life’s many small victories and moments of regret – and I loved every moment. But although the past figures large, so does the present and future – their lives certainly aren’t over, there’s fun to be had at every turn, and exciting future opportunities beckon for them all.
The writing is, as always, quite wonderful – filled with the author’s trademark humour, and those moments of poignancy that tear at your heart. With every new experience, I loved these three very different women more and more – and when I reached the end, they felt like friends I really didn’t want to leave behind. And the whole road trip is quite superbly done – the places they visit wonderfully described, the places they stay, the people they meet, their various adventures – and I really felt I’d been on the journey with them (and had an equally lovely time!), armchair travel at its very best.
I’ve loved every one of the author’s books that I’ve had the sheer pleasure of reading – but I think this might be my favourite so far. In fact, it may just be one of my books of the year – I recommend it really highly.
But things are about to change. Vivienne’s character is killed off in a fire – and when the only opportunity her agent can find her is as the old woman on a stairlift in a TV advert, she feels her career might be over. But Vicente’s bought a camper van in a further attempt to woo a reluctant Gwen – as restrictions lift, and he falls by the wayside thanks to the virus, she decides they could all really do with a holiday. So the three women, now becoming friends, decide to borrow the van and hit the road – visiting some of the places they’ve always wanted to see, along with revisiting a few with memories of their pasts.
Don’t be put off for an instant by the mentions of lockdowns and the pandemic – it’s lightly done, and really important for context as the women feel that same sense of freedom and liberation that we all felt when the darkest days were over. The friendship between the three women is an absolute joy – and as their road trip continues, they certainly get to know each other rather better through all their adventures and experiences, and have many opportunities to revisit their different lives and memories. And that’s part of the absolute joy of reading a book about older characters – that treasure trove of experience, life’s many small victories and moments of regret – and I loved every moment. But although the past figures large, so does the present and future – their lives certainly aren’t over, there’s fun to be had at every turn, and exciting future opportunities beckon for them all.
The writing is, as always, quite wonderful – filled with the author’s trademark humour, and those moments of poignancy that tear at your heart. With every new experience, I loved these three very different women more and more – and when I reached the end, they felt like friends I really didn’t want to leave behind. And the whole road trip is quite superbly done – the places they visit wonderfully described, the places they stay, the people they meet, their various adventures – and I really felt I’d been on the journey with them (and had an equally lovely time!), armchair travel at its very best.
I’ve loved every one of the author’s books that I’ve had the sheer pleasure of reading – but I think this might be my favourite so far. In fact, it may just be one of my books of the year – I recommend it really highly.
December 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW: The Golden Girls' Getaway by Judy Leigh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2021
Pages: 365
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Women's Friendship | Travel Fiction | Later In Life Romance
Time Period: Present Day
Location: England
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Getaway Girls by Dee MacDonald
Movie: Calendar Girls
--------------------
All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2021
Pages: 365
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Women's Friendship | Travel Fiction | Later In Life Romance
Time Period: Present Day
Location: England
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Getaway Girls by Dee MacDonald
Movie: Calendar Girls
--------------------
All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
February 16, 2023
It's a quick read. I enjoyed the laughs and friendship between these ladies.
December 6, 2021
No matter what your age, you surely appreciate how cooped up everyone felt during the lock-downs. In this delightful story we find out how three women of "a certain age" break free when they can move about once more. Here's my #bookreview on my blog https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/12/0...
March 2, 2022
Boring and slow
This storyline was dull, and lacked luster to draw me into it. There needed to be more excitement within their adventure
This storyline was dull, and lacked luster to draw me into it. There needed to be more excitement within their adventure
April 19, 2022
A good book with some laugh out loud moments - but long winded, too drawn out and such an abrupt ending.
November 7, 2021
Finished reading: November 6th 2021
"It shouldn't be overlooked, the power of sisterhood. We're strong by ourselves and stronger together."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
December 18, 2021
In three flats at 104 Drayton Mews -
Where there'll soon be unexpected news -
Three single ladies in their later years
Each have a flat and live in here.
When COVID caused the lockdown
It left them all lonely and with a frown.
One's an actress in a long running soap
The other two stay alone and try to cope.
Getting together helps all three
Remember how things used to be
Reminiscences help to fuel their desire
To live a life less bland, one full of fire?
A besotted landlord comes to woo
Bringing his motorhome, Venus, too.
Lockdown eases and the ladies decide
It is time to go on holiday and who will drive!
Journey with the three
And then you'll also see
How their friendship grows as they holiday
And make changes to their dreams along the way.
An inspirational story of friendship, support and more
As places, dreams, emotions and possibilities they explore.
A story of being brave and taking chances
Being open to new ideas and even romances!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Where there'll soon be unexpected news -
Three single ladies in their later years
Each have a flat and live in here.
When COVID caused the lockdown
It left them all lonely and with a frown.
One's an actress in a long running soap
The other two stay alone and try to cope.
Getting together helps all three
Remember how things used to be
Reminiscences help to fuel their desire
To live a life less bland, one full of fire?
A besotted landlord comes to woo
Bringing his motorhome, Venus, too.
Lockdown eases and the ladies decide
It is time to go on holiday and who will drive!
Journey with the three
And then you'll also see
How their friendship grows as they holiday
And make changes to their dreams along the way.
An inspirational story of friendship, support and more
As places, dreams, emotions and possibilities they explore.
A story of being brave and taking chances
Being open to new ideas and even romances!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
April 27, 2022
Set at the end of lockdown as the UK opened up.
Roadtrip and friendship. Each character has their own revelations. Gwen goes back tot her childhood home where her first love still lives, it shows her what she really wants. Vivienne realises that she will be happy working no matter what and that other things are important too. Mary finally reveals her biggest secret and they all pull together.
A fun adventure, freedom, happiness and friendship. A lovely feel good book, filled with warmth.
Roadtrip and friendship. Each character has their own revelations. Gwen goes back tot her childhood home where her first love still lives, it shows her what she really wants. Vivienne realises that she will be happy working no matter what and that other things are important too. Mary finally reveals her biggest secret and they all pull together.
A fun adventure, freedom, happiness and friendship. A lovely feel good book, filled with warmth.
July 3, 2022
Evidently Judy Leigh is very popular with reviewers I follow but she and I simply do not "click", I'm only on page 22 but I'm quitting. I tried "A year of Mr Maybes" and didn't get on with it at all so tried this but it feels so dull and flat. I gave it two stars because it I reserve one star for truly dreadful books, this is just lacklustre.
February 21, 2024
My Interest
Judy Leigh is my go-to for a great comfort read. I love that phrase, don’t you? Reading Judy’s books is both fun and comforting. Nice, gentle, mostly believable stories of ladies of a certain age who aren’t thrilled at getting a stair lift and don’t wear pleated skirts and lime twin sets! (Read the book). And, when Phyllida Nash is the performer on the audio version–oh, they are even more wonderful!
The Story
I’m sorry if you were expecting Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, and Rose!
Judy Leigh’s “golden girls” are Irish Mary who was a nurse in her working life but is now well past retirement age, soap opera actress Vivie whose role has just ended, and Gwen, an opera singer, who has just endured a “reveal” she didn’t want from the landlord who owns the London building the ladies’ three flats.
Same landlord, though, is very generous about loaning out his motorhome. All at a moment of needing a boost, the ladies decide to take the vehicle on a road trip and see a little of the UK now that Covid lock-down has finally ended and all have had the shots.
Their adventures take them South, West, then North. Along the way the ladies sort out some of their past and chart new paths into life post-lockdown. And. oh the FOOD at the organic farm! If only there were recipes! And Mary’s curries! I wanted to eat each of the meals–and enjoy the wine and bubbly!
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this trip. I’m 62 the day after my grandson turns 1, so I understand many of their dilemmas. Like someone in the group, I thought my career was over–I have been so pleasantly surprised to find myself back doing my first love–law librarianship for nearly 8 months now. I’m glad “that one” is “back” doing what she loves, too. Part of the story had a special resonance for me. If you know my children’s’ story you’ll understand.
I really enjoyed that two stories did not have the end I thought they would! That’s really fun.
A few comments:
I loved learning about the singing competitions in Wales and some of the history surrounding it. I knew of Welsh men’s choirs, but not of these competitions. It begins to make sense why the UK is mad for Eurovision–do we even have that in the USA? Very nice to see traditional music and poetry celebrated.
I did fine the idea of “Barry the Builder” and “Berry” “Beret”?? the friend confusing, but happily that part was very short. Perhaps the names are more different in print, but on the audio they sounded the same.
Also, I had never heard of a “Donkey Jacket” so had to Google it to visualize. Sort of a sweatshirt I guess.
Those are teeny things. The ladies and the friends they make, the special ways they enjoy their trip–those are the parts that matter. I’d love to know these women in real life.
I’m only sad that, until Judy’s next book [of this type] comes out, I have only one left on her backlist!
My Verdict
4.0
The Golden Girls Getaway by Judy Leigh
I listened to the audio version
This book was published by the indie publisher, Boldwood Books–I like a few other of their authors as well.
Judy Leigh is my go-to for a great comfort read. I love that phrase, don’t you? Reading Judy’s books is both fun and comforting. Nice, gentle, mostly believable stories of ladies of a certain age who aren’t thrilled at getting a stair lift and don’t wear pleated skirts and lime twin sets! (Read the book). And, when Phyllida Nash is the performer on the audio version–oh, they are even more wonderful!
The Story
I’m sorry if you were expecting Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, and Rose!
Judy Leigh’s “golden girls” are Irish Mary who was a nurse in her working life but is now well past retirement age, soap opera actress Vivie whose role has just ended, and Gwen, an opera singer, who has just endured a “reveal” she didn’t want from the landlord who owns the London building the ladies’ three flats.
Same landlord, though, is very generous about loaning out his motorhome. All at a moment of needing a boost, the ladies decide to take the vehicle on a road trip and see a little of the UK now that Covid lock-down has finally ended and all have had the shots.
Their adventures take them South, West, then North. Along the way the ladies sort out some of their past and chart new paths into life post-lockdown. And. oh the FOOD at the organic farm! If only there were recipes! And Mary’s curries! I wanted to eat each of the meals–and enjoy the wine and bubbly!
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this trip. I’m 62 the day after my grandson turns 1, so I understand many of their dilemmas. Like someone in the group, I thought my career was over–I have been so pleasantly surprised to find myself back doing my first love–law librarianship for nearly 8 months now. I’m glad “that one” is “back” doing what she loves, too. Part of the story had a special resonance for me. If you know my children’s’ story you’ll understand.
I really enjoyed that two stories did not have the end I thought they would! That’s really fun.
A few comments:
I loved learning about the singing competitions in Wales and some of the history surrounding it. I knew of Welsh men’s choirs, but not of these competitions. It begins to make sense why the UK is mad for Eurovision–do we even have that in the USA? Very nice to see traditional music and poetry celebrated.
I did fine the idea of “Barry the Builder” and “Berry” “Beret”?? the friend confusing, but happily that part was very short. Perhaps the names are more different in print, but on the audio they sounded the same.
Also, I had never heard of a “Donkey Jacket” so had to Google it to visualize. Sort of a sweatshirt I guess.
Those are teeny things. The ladies and the friends they make, the special ways they enjoy their trip–those are the parts that matter. I’d love to know these women in real life.
I’m only sad that, until Judy’s next book [of this type] comes out, I have only one left on her backlist!
My Verdict
4.0
The Golden Girls Getaway by Judy Leigh
I listened to the audio version
This book was published by the indie publisher, Boldwood Books–I like a few other of their authors as well.
December 10, 2021
After my recent diet of rather serious books, The Golden Girls’ Getaway was a welcome helping of light relief. A Devon cream tea after a bowl of beetroot soup, if you like.
All three of the characters were a delight to become acquainted with: Vivienne, the stylish former soap-actress afraid she has been consigned to thespian obscurity; Gwen, the former opera singer who now only has an audience of one – herself; and Mary, who cooks up a mean curry and has an impressive and imaginative range of swear words. Probably my favourite of the three was Gwen. I found it touching how at the beginning of the book she thinks of herself as having lost the knack of living, spending most of her time as she does in her flat. And although all three of the ‘golden girls’ experience a transformation in their lives, I felt Gwen’s was the most deserved because of her kindly nature.
I loved the idea of the three of them sharing the motor home, sitting outside of an evening admiring the view at their overnight stop and sipping a glass of wine – although I’d not be quite so keen on the chemical toilet! I enjoyed eavesdropping on their conversations about love, life, missed opportunities and new horizons, and witnessing their reaction to the various places they visit.
There were some laugh out loud moments such as the ‘full frontal frolic’ (sorry you’ll have to read the book for more detail), an accidental lock-in, a quadbike rescue, Vivienne being recognised for a role she wouldn’t consider the height of her acting career, and Mary’s microphone testing spiel.
The Golden Girls’ Getaway is a heart-warming and entertaining way to spend a few hours. So let’s join them in their toast ‘To the three of us and the best of times to come’.
All three of the characters were a delight to become acquainted with: Vivienne, the stylish former soap-actress afraid she has been consigned to thespian obscurity; Gwen, the former opera singer who now only has an audience of one – herself; and Mary, who cooks up a mean curry and has an impressive and imaginative range of swear words. Probably my favourite of the three was Gwen. I found it touching how at the beginning of the book she thinks of herself as having lost the knack of living, spending most of her time as she does in her flat. And although all three of the ‘golden girls’ experience a transformation in their lives, I felt Gwen’s was the most deserved because of her kindly nature.
I loved the idea of the three of them sharing the motor home, sitting outside of an evening admiring the view at their overnight stop and sipping a glass of wine – although I’d not be quite so keen on the chemical toilet! I enjoyed eavesdropping on their conversations about love, life, missed opportunities and new horizons, and witnessing their reaction to the various places they visit.
There were some laugh out loud moments such as the ‘full frontal frolic’ (sorry you’ll have to read the book for more detail), an accidental lock-in, a quadbike rescue, Vivienne being recognised for a role she wouldn’t consider the height of her acting career, and Mary’s microphone testing spiel.
The Golden Girls’ Getaway is a heart-warming and entertaining way to spend a few hours. So let’s join them in their toast ‘To the three of us and the best of times to come’.
November 14, 2021
The story
Two 70 year olds and an 80 year old live in apartments in one building in London. Vivienne is an actress in a long-running tv soap. Gwen is a retired opera singer and Mary was a nurse. Lockdown is over and life is returning to normal. The three golden girls decide to borrow their landlord’s camper van for a road trip to the South West of England, Wales ending in Whitby up north. Along the way they re-evaluate their lives, lay many demons to rest and find their confidence.
My thoughts
This is a really sweet story but one that is filled with emotional reckoning and admitting what’s really important. Instead of giving up on life, each of the three golden girls confronts their fears and insecurities, deals with ghosts of the past and finds a really strong friendship in each other. I have visited the UK twice and on both trips, travelled by road to similar areas to those in this story. The route was one of the things I so enjoyed about this story. It’s a goodie! 🚐🇬🇧
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Two 70 year olds and an 80 year old live in apartments in one building in London. Vivienne is an actress in a long-running tv soap. Gwen is a retired opera singer and Mary was a nurse. Lockdown is over and life is returning to normal. The three golden girls decide to borrow their landlord’s camper van for a road trip to the South West of England, Wales ending in Whitby up north. Along the way they re-evaluate their lives, lay many demons to rest and find their confidence.
My thoughts
This is a really sweet story but one that is filled with emotional reckoning and admitting what’s really important. Instead of giving up on life, each of the three golden girls confronts their fears and insecurities, deals with ghosts of the past and finds a really strong friendship in each other. I have visited the UK twice and on both trips, travelled by road to similar areas to those in this story. The route was one of the things I so enjoyed about this story. It’s a goodie! 🚐🇬🇧
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
October 1, 2023
I can't remember when I've last read such a lovely, delightful book. Three women of a certain age meandering gently through England and Wales in a borrowed motor home on a holiday. All three have adventures together, and come out the other end feeling so much better about themselves than when they started. A feel-good book at its finest.
December 6, 2023
A really beautiful, heart warming story about three older ladies who find themselves living in flats in the same house, have a chat from time to time, but live their own isolated lives. They end up going on a road trip in a camper van. A beautiful story of friendship at a stage in our lives when we befriend people with differences and can still have fun!!
January 26, 2023
A charming book about 3 'ladies of a certain age' who live in London in the same house. Each has a flat on a different floor and, while casual friends, they have not really bonded over time. However they have just survived a long COVID-19 lockdown, and some other events have shaken them. Vivienne is an actress who has just been written out of the soap opera in which she starred for 15 years. Gwen, a former opera singer and teacher, is struggling with the after effects of isolation while fending off the amorous attentions of their landlord. Mary, a retired nurse and the octogenarian in the group, has a mild heart attack in the midst of their planning. So, they finally decide to 'go for it' and take a much needed break away from London. They borrow a camper van and off they go, traversing past Stonehenge, to Dartmoor, Devon, Cornwall, Wales and Yorkshire. In the end they have developed a deep and affectionate bond, and have had some lively and humorous adventures along the way. It also appears each one has some exciting developments to look forward to in the future.
I have to wonder about the 4+ rating for this book as it is not an earth-shattering work of fiction. However, it is an easy to read, light book, the quintessential feel-good novel, and a perfect beach read since the ladies spend a lot of time on various beaches. So for those reasons I can see how it gave readers so much enjoyment. One wonders, though, if 3 elderly ladies in their 70s and 80s, living in a cramped camper van for a length of time, could possibly get along as well as these 3 seem to. Certainly, their different personalities each brings something different to the relationship, not to mention assorted acquaintances they meet along the way. But it still seems far-fetched to believe that the 3 could come out of a long trip not having trod on each other's toes to some degree. A further and even more unlikely stretch is the ending, in which each friend comes out with the promise of a shiny new future and an interesting new romance.
Nevertheless, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief, this is a cheerful and easy read that definitely will lift your spirits.
I have to wonder about the 4+ rating for this book as it is not an earth-shattering work of fiction. However, it is an easy to read, light book, the quintessential feel-good novel, and a perfect beach read since the ladies spend a lot of time on various beaches. So for those reasons I can see how it gave readers so much enjoyment. One wonders, though, if 3 elderly ladies in their 70s and 80s, living in a cramped camper van for a length of time, could possibly get along as well as these 3 seem to. Certainly, their different personalities each brings something different to the relationship, not to mention assorted acquaintances they meet along the way. But it still seems far-fetched to believe that the 3 could come out of a long trip not having trod on each other's toes to some degree. A further and even more unlikely stretch is the ending, in which each friend comes out with the promise of a shiny new future and an interesting new romance.
Nevertheless, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief, this is a cheerful and easy read that definitely will lift your spirits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
Judy Leigh has become one of my new favorite Authors…🥰
April 12, 2023
Lovely read about 3 older ladies in the prime of their life having fun loved it x
May 19, 2023
A fun and relaxing read! The books begins as the restrictions of Covid are being lifted in Britain. It was entertaining and emphasized the importance of diverse friends and relationships. I was needing something light and there were parts that made me laugh out loud.
April 16, 2024
Cute easy read.
December 20, 2021
When neighbors Vivienne an actor in her 70’s, Gwen former opera singer in her 70’s and Mary a retired nurse in her 80’s decide to go on holiday when lockdown has lifted they choose to do it in style in a motor home called Venus. What adventures these three lovelies get up to will have you in stitches. Full of stories, secrets and amazing descriptive scenery this book is a delight from start to finish.
December 21, 2021
Not a fast paced adventure book but a sweet story of three elderly lady friends coming together for fun road trip. I had enjoyed it.
December 6, 2021
A lovely, sweet, easy, emotional read about "coming of age" even though you're alredy of age.
The road trip the three friends embark on is not only that, it's a journey of learning more about each other and themselves and emerge "new" at the end of it.
I love Judy Leigh's writing style and how she can tell an emotional story, yet being funny. And I also love her mature characters who embrace life and make you feel you're never too old to enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The road trip the three friends embark on is not only that, it's a journey of learning more about each other and themselves and emerge "new" at the end of it.
I love Judy Leigh's writing style and how she can tell an emotional story, yet being funny. And I also love her mature characters who embrace life and make you feel you're never too old to enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
Didn't know anything about this going in (needed certain letters in the title for a challenge prompt. This rarely goes well...), so I hadn't realised this was going to have so much Covid waffle in it.
I really don't need any Covid in my fiction just yet, thanks (maybe in a couple of decades, right now it just irritates me), so that already set things up in the wrong way for me.
Other than that, it's pretty predictable and pedestrian. A whole heap of wish fulfilment and Mary-Sueness.
The audio narration was very good though!
I really don't need any Covid in my fiction just yet, thanks (maybe in a couple of decades, right now it just irritates me), so that already set things up in the wrong way for me.
Other than that, it's pretty predictable and pedestrian. A whole heap of wish fulfilment and Mary-Sueness.
The audio narration was very good though!
January 30, 2023
Being a retired nurse myself, Mary was my favorite. I loved her take on life. I have had my tea leaves read once in my 70 yr, for fun - while I was in Stracathro hospital in Brechin, Angus, in Scotland, in 1984 for what was termed a "very bad Smith's fracture" that left me minus 2 wrist bones, with a plate, a wire, a very heavy cast, & all the messed up muscles, tendons, & ligaments they repaired adding their protests to the bones they patched together with the plate & wire. I remember the reading. I had to have help flipping the cup over to the saucer (I could place it over the cup, but not flip it, & was able to turn the cup the required 3 times before removing it). My ward mate, who had wrapped her pillowcase around her head, came over with this serious look, then intoned, "It says 'PG Tips'" prior to actuakly reading my fortune (which I don't remember because I was still chuckling over her "opening.") Of course, that was back when they had tea ladies who lugged a kettle filled with tea leaves and boiling water, a stack.9f cups and sacers, and the "fixings." The tea in the kettle was strained through into a cup, they put the molk&/or sugar &/or lemon in for you, and asked which of the 3 types of biscuits you wanted (except the run before breakfast). The small base at which my husband was stationed paid NHS for anything the clinic couldn't handle. After my 4 day stay, I said to my husband that no American would put up with a bed with a hinged section in the headboard for sitting up in bed, using a stepstool to get in and out, and no knee gatch as was the case with the 8 beds on the ward. Nor would they put up with having to get special permission from Matron to watch a max of 2 hours of TV a day. The bedpan rounds, where an orderly pushed a battered metal tray loaded with metal bedpans through metal gauntleted swinging doors every 4 hours, was a signal to the ambulatory to join the queue for the loo...just like Pavlov's dog, and it took about 24 hours for most people to be "conditioned." Not to mention, having to ask for the phone and seeing a pay phone rolled to your bedside, disinfected, put into the jack, and for which you needed a ready supply of 10 pence pieces - no calling cards or collect calls accepted, and limited to 5 min per call, max 2 calls at a time. If you wanted to listen to music, you rented a 0air of disinfected earphones that were plugged into the same wall plate that held suction, oxygen, air (for nebulizer treatments), the call bell, and the phone jack. You could tell what everyone was listening to by what they were doing. Quite often, we just chatted - I didn't mind answering what questions I could about America, though since we had been in Puerto Rico for a 3 year tour, then spent 8 months in the States before coming to Scotland, most of my knowledge was dated. And they were willing to answer all my questions as well, so we had a pretty good time all things considered. There wasn't much difference from the 60s, from what I could tell, though I hear some things are improved now.
I am mostly Scottish & Welsh with a dash of Irish & a smidgen of English - 100% W.A.S.P. genetically. We visited Wales, my husband and I, and since so many services were in Welsh, the Sunday we were there, we roamed through Swansea and listened to the beautiful singing. We found a church with services in English, and weren't terribly late, so we sat in. The congregational songs were amazing- the singing always sounded like a choir had learned all the parts. I was familiar with the hymns and harmonized along. In the church where I grew up, we had a Welsh soloist whose singing could raise you to the highs and lows of feeling. He had a sister named Gwen, btw, & she was almost as good as her brother, when she decided to sing.
I always have enjoyed the theater, mostly the background parts like makeup, sets, & soecial effects. I rarely wore makeup but I was skilled with it anyway...must have been part of my tendency to draw all over everything, paint t-shirts & tennis shoes, & my love of photography.
Thus, I had a bit of a link with all 3 ladies, esp. since I'm 70.
And so, I laughed at Vincent's early antics, and felt worried for him a bit at the end, esp. Mary's typical nurse's take on one of Vincent's stunts left me laughing in the middle of the night, when pain wakened me and I read to ease it. After that laugh, I felt much better, but I had to smother my guffaws in 2 big pillows! I found myself ranging from chuckles to roaring laughing, depending on what struck me as similar to misadventires in my own life. I felt awful about what happened to Vivienne early on, & for Gwen, whose career was on hold, and I love Indian food, so I enjoyed Mary's love of a good curry. Her friendship with the family that ran the shop mirrored friendships I had with various shopkeepers whose stores I frequented most often. Being close to an Indian grocer - for me, that would be a dream come true, only made better if there was a Chinese grocer nearby (my 2 favorite cuisines, though I've never met a cuisine I didn't like and it shows, sadly!)
The only thing I'm not sure I'd do is camp. Not my thing....SOOO not my thing. But with my allergies, it would be a painful thing to do (I'm allergic to the sun since age 14, & it makes my pain terrible...I had to cover up a lot to get around in all our duty stations when we were younger, but I managed).
I highly recommend this book. You'll feel a kinship with the ladies as they mention things that once caused my MGM to exclaim, "Getting old isn't for sissies!" But if you can be bold, like these ladies, you can make it less trying.
I am mostly Scottish & Welsh with a dash of Irish & a smidgen of English - 100% W.A.S.P. genetically. We visited Wales, my husband and I, and since so many services were in Welsh, the Sunday we were there, we roamed through Swansea and listened to the beautiful singing. We found a church with services in English, and weren't terribly late, so we sat in. The congregational songs were amazing- the singing always sounded like a choir had learned all the parts. I was familiar with the hymns and harmonized along. In the church where I grew up, we had a Welsh soloist whose singing could raise you to the highs and lows of feeling. He had a sister named Gwen, btw, & she was almost as good as her brother, when she decided to sing.
I always have enjoyed the theater, mostly the background parts like makeup, sets, & soecial effects. I rarely wore makeup but I was skilled with it anyway...must have been part of my tendency to draw all over everything, paint t-shirts & tennis shoes, & my love of photography.
Thus, I had a bit of a link with all 3 ladies, esp. since I'm 70.
And so, I laughed at Vincent's early antics, and felt worried for him a bit at the end, esp. Mary's typical nurse's take on one of Vincent's stunts left me laughing in the middle of the night, when pain wakened me and I read to ease it. After that laugh, I felt much better, but I had to smother my guffaws in 2 big pillows! I found myself ranging from chuckles to roaring laughing, depending on what struck me as similar to misadventires in my own life. I felt awful about what happened to Vivienne early on, & for Gwen, whose career was on hold, and I love Indian food, so I enjoyed Mary's love of a good curry. Her friendship with the family that ran the shop mirrored friendships I had with various shopkeepers whose stores I frequented most often. Being close to an Indian grocer - for me, that would be a dream come true, only made better if there was a Chinese grocer nearby (my 2 favorite cuisines, though I've never met a cuisine I didn't like and it shows, sadly!)
The only thing I'm not sure I'd do is camp. Not my thing....SOOO not my thing. But with my allergies, it would be a painful thing to do (I'm allergic to the sun since age 14, & it makes my pain terrible...I had to cover up a lot to get around in all our duty stations when we were younger, but I managed).
I highly recommend this book. You'll feel a kinship with the ladies as they mention things that once caused my MGM to exclaim, "Getting old isn't for sissies!" But if you can be bold, like these ladies, you can make it less trying.
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