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Yorkshire Escape #2
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim
Ettie is trying to figure out her future.
Dominic’s just trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, a secret lake hidden in the grounds of a beautiful estate and a scruffy dog, a new community is formed – right when they all need each other the most.
Dominic’s just trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, a secret lake hidden in the grounds of a beautiful estate and a scruffy dog, a new community is formed – right when they all need each other the most.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2022
120 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Jules Wake
18 books295 followersJule Wake's first book, Talk to Me, was published in 2014. Since then, she has written a further eighteen books, with another two in the pipeline. She has sold translation rights to various countries throughout Europe, she's had two best sellers with Covent Garden in the Snow reaching the heady height of No 2 in the Amazon Kindle chart, something she never thought she’d see and The Little Café in Copenhagen becoming a big hit in Sainsbury’s. In January 2021 The Saturday Morning Park Run was her first book to gather over 3,000 reviews on Amazon. Running and romance is a great combination!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 7, 2022
EXCERPT: Thirty and still waiting for her life proper to start. She lived in a crappy house with four other people she barely knew; had to write her name on her milk, which still didn't deter the midnight milk thief; couldn't so much as chill a bottle of wine in the fridge for more than half an hour because that baby would be long gone, and don't even get her started on the daily battle against the mould in the bathroom which had stained the grouting beyond saving.
As for her job - the latest in a very long line - it turned out that working in a vintage clothes shop wasn't quite as glamorous as she'd been led to believe. In truth, it was more like working in a charity shop, frequented by young people without the charity element, although she did meet some interesting people and there were perks. Last month, she'd snaffled a pair of vintage Louboutin shoes from an auction lot of accessories, having spotted the scuffed red leather soles. And before anyone should go thinking that was thieving, she'd told Sally, the owner of the shop, that she'd got her eye on a pair of shoes and she'd paid the suggested twenty quid because Sally wasn't fussed about looking at them. It wasn't as if she ever got paid overtime for all the times she stayed late at the shop, or had even seen as much as reimbursement for the Mac Red Rock lipstick that Sally insisted was essential for the job. Being blonde, blue-eyed and with a magnolia complexion, it really wasn't her colour. Ettie felt you needed a brunette bob, nice thick lips and a mysterious smile to pull that look off, and possibly a trench coat that belted in the middle. She had thinnish lips that were quick and ready to smile and there was absolutely nothing mysterious about her. What you saw was what you got. Plenty of enthusiasm and not much staying power.
ABOUT 'THE WEDNESDAY MORNING WILD SWIM': Ettie is trying to figure out her future.
Dominic’s just trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, a secret lake hidden in the grounds of a beautiful estate and a scruffy dog, a new community is formed – right when they all need each other the most.
MY THOUGHTS: An absolute gem!
This is a fun read about friendship and kindness with a generous dollop of romance and a dressing of humour.
It's impossible not to love Ettie. She may always be late for work, but her sunny nature, enthusiasm and warmth more than makes up for it. She loves people and loves helping them, even if doing so causes chaos in her own life.
Other characters include Ettie's granddad, a man with a heart of gold and a wonderful allotment; Gracie, a widow and Dominic's business partner in the hotel venture; and Dominic, who has been badly hurt in the past and has trust issues.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is a delightful and enchanting romantic-comedy with so much more to it. Beautifully written, it flows along, pulling the reader into the storyline and providing more than a few belly-laughs.
Ettie, with her heart of gold, is torn between trying to be loyal to her boss, helping her granddad instil a sense of worth into a teenage amputee, and some confidence into Gracie, who seems to have given up on life since the death of her husband.
There's also an assortment of other interesting characters, some of whom were in the first book of this series. Although The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is the second in the Yorkshire Escape series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. This is one of those lovely series that focuses on a location and each book focuses on a different set of characters.
Laura Brydon's narration of this audiobook was absolutely superb.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWednesdayMorningWildSwim #NetGalley
I: @juleswakeauthor @harpercollinsuk
T: @Juleswake @HarperCollinsUK
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #chic-lit #romance
THE AUTHOR: consider myself an honorary Yorkshire woman living in the Chilterns, who still misses proper hills.
I always had an over active imagination which was fuelled by a passion for reading from a young age. A trip to the Bronte’s parsonage at Haworth with my grandmother cemented my desire to be a writer one day.
After reading English at the University of East Anglia, working life began in the glamorous, but deeply shallow world of PR (and I enjoyed every minute of it) , where my fiction writing skills were honed on press releases and copy-writing projects.
One day didn’t happen until I happened to take a break between jobs which also coincided with a local 6 week writing course. This brilliant course started me writing in earnest.. It was now a case of not being able to not write. When the course finished, I set up the Tring Writers Circle. As a writer, its good to network with other like minds who also have people talking in the head, or are dreaming up the latest plot.
I felt obliged to set a good example, which also proved to be a genuine displacement activity for other tasks which I didn’t enjoy so much, such as cooking and ironing. Fortunately my husband is good at the former and an occasional participant in the latter.
In January 2019, with both my children at university, I took the bold decision to give up my job as a school business manager and commit to full-time writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim written by Jules Wake and narrated by Laura Brydon for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
As for her job - the latest in a very long line - it turned out that working in a vintage clothes shop wasn't quite as glamorous as she'd been led to believe. In truth, it was more like working in a charity shop, frequented by young people without the charity element, although she did meet some interesting people and there were perks. Last month, she'd snaffled a pair of vintage Louboutin shoes from an auction lot of accessories, having spotted the scuffed red leather soles. And before anyone should go thinking that was thieving, she'd told Sally, the owner of the shop, that she'd got her eye on a pair of shoes and she'd paid the suggested twenty quid because Sally wasn't fussed about looking at them. It wasn't as if she ever got paid overtime for all the times she stayed late at the shop, or had even seen as much as reimbursement for the Mac Red Rock lipstick that Sally insisted was essential for the job. Being blonde, blue-eyed and with a magnolia complexion, it really wasn't her colour. Ettie felt you needed a brunette bob, nice thick lips and a mysterious smile to pull that look off, and possibly a trench coat that belted in the middle. She had thinnish lips that were quick and ready to smile and there was absolutely nothing mysterious about her. What you saw was what you got. Plenty of enthusiasm and not much staying power.
ABOUT 'THE WEDNESDAY MORNING WILD SWIM': Ettie is trying to figure out her future.
Dominic’s just trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, a secret lake hidden in the grounds of a beautiful estate and a scruffy dog, a new community is formed – right when they all need each other the most.
MY THOUGHTS: An absolute gem!
This is a fun read about friendship and kindness with a generous dollop of romance and a dressing of humour.
It's impossible not to love Ettie. She may always be late for work, but her sunny nature, enthusiasm and warmth more than makes up for it. She loves people and loves helping them, even if doing so causes chaos in her own life.
Other characters include Ettie's granddad, a man with a heart of gold and a wonderful allotment; Gracie, a widow and Dominic's business partner in the hotel venture; and Dominic, who has been badly hurt in the past and has trust issues.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is a delightful and enchanting romantic-comedy with so much more to it. Beautifully written, it flows along, pulling the reader into the storyline and providing more than a few belly-laughs.
Ettie, with her heart of gold, is torn between trying to be loyal to her boss, helping her granddad instil a sense of worth into a teenage amputee, and some confidence into Gracie, who seems to have given up on life since the death of her husband.
There's also an assortment of other interesting characters, some of whom were in the first book of this series. Although The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is the second in the Yorkshire Escape series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. This is one of those lovely series that focuses on a location and each book focuses on a different set of characters.
Laura Brydon's narration of this audiobook was absolutely superb.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheWednesdayMorningWildSwim #NetGalley
I: @juleswakeauthor @harpercollinsuk
T: @Juleswake @HarperCollinsUK
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #chic-lit #romance
THE AUTHOR: consider myself an honorary Yorkshire woman living in the Chilterns, who still misses proper hills.
I always had an over active imagination which was fuelled by a passion for reading from a young age. A trip to the Bronte’s parsonage at Haworth with my grandmother cemented my desire to be a writer one day.
After reading English at the University of East Anglia, working life began in the glamorous, but deeply shallow world of PR (and I enjoyed every minute of it) , where my fiction writing skills were honed on press releases and copy-writing projects.
One day didn’t happen until I happened to take a break between jobs which also coincided with a local 6 week writing course. This brilliant course started me writing in earnest.. It was now a case of not being able to not write. When the course finished, I set up the Tring Writers Circle. As a writer, its good to network with other like minds who also have people talking in the head, or are dreaming up the latest plot.
I felt obliged to set a good example, which also proved to be a genuine displacement activity for other tasks which I didn’t enjoy so much, such as cooking and ironing. Fortunately my husband is good at the former and an occasional participant in the latter.
In January 2019, with both my children at university, I took the bold decision to give up my job as a school business manager and commit to full-time writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim written by Jules Wake and narrated by Laura Brydon for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I identified with Ettie the main character. I also swim more to find peace and clear my head than just to exercise. It helps me relax and shed stress - escape from the cares of daily life. Wild swimming is great but more often, I have to make do with a swimming pool.
There is a wonderful range of characters in this book and I loved that they were all different ages. Each of them swam to deal with their individual issues but by the end they bonded to help each other out.
This is worth your time to read. It is more than just a rom-com.
There is a wonderful range of characters in this book and I loved that they were all different ages. Each of them swam to deal with their individual issues but by the end they bonded to help each other out.
This is worth your time to read. It is more than just a rom-com.
April 13, 2022
I absolutely loved Ettie, her heart really is in the right place, even if she does have a habit of not being entirely truthful. She is breath of fresh air as a main character, and I loved how she keeps Dominic on his toes.
Domini has forbidden wild swimming in the lake on his property, but that doesn't stop a group of people from meeting each week to swim. In fact the group grows with some unlikely at first suspects and it is clear just how much benefit everyone that goes swimming is getting form it (and not purely from a fitness point of view).
In fact I loved all the characters, what a motley bunch this is. From Hilda, who fans of Jules Wake will find rather familiar, and was lovely to see her back, to the teenager Josh who really comes out of his shell, to Gracie who I could the same about, and seeing her grow in confidence is lovely.
And then there are Ettie's family who are salt of the earth, regular people, just trying to do their best with what they have.
And it's not all wild swimming, Ettie is helping Dominic and Gracie turn an estate into a hotel and is full of fabulous ideas.
There is plenty of humour to be had, and this is just an all around feel good read, that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has a lovely sense of coming together in it, and I would have happily joined this group of new friends (so long as I don't have to get into a lake!).
Another just simply fabulous book from Jules Wake.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Domini has forbidden wild swimming in the lake on his property, but that doesn't stop a group of people from meeting each week to swim. In fact the group grows with some unlikely at first suspects and it is clear just how much benefit everyone that goes swimming is getting form it (and not purely from a fitness point of view).
In fact I loved all the characters, what a motley bunch this is. From Hilda, who fans of Jules Wake will find rather familiar, and was lovely to see her back, to the teenager Josh who really comes out of his shell, to Gracie who I could the same about, and seeing her grow in confidence is lovely.
And then there are Ettie's family who are salt of the earth, regular people, just trying to do their best with what they have.
And it's not all wild swimming, Ettie is helping Dominic and Gracie turn an estate into a hotel and is full of fabulous ideas.
There is plenty of humour to be had, and this is just an all around feel good read, that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has a lovely sense of coming together in it, and I would have happily joined this group of new friends (so long as I don't have to get into a lake!).
Another just simply fabulous book from Jules Wake.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 30, 2022
Lovely, charming, uplifting, witty, humorous: this audiobook was a real pleasure to listen to!
Jules Wake is a new author to me, and I didn't know this book was part of a series. I will definitely have a look at the previous installment, but The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim can be read as a stand alone as well.
I really loved that the main theme of the book, apart from its delightful story, is acceptance: accepting yourself and others as they are, accepting your past, your fears and move on.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Jules Wake is a new author to me, and I didn't know this book was part of a series. I will definitely have a look at the previous installment, but The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim can be read as a stand alone as well.
I really loved that the main theme of the book, apart from its delightful story, is acceptance: accepting yourself and others as they are, accepting your past, your fears and move on.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Ettie was desperate to escape the inevitability of factory work, minimal pay, and single-motherhood that she grew up with. Unfortunately, her mother's ill-health forced Ettie to give up her ideas of university and a degree and concentrate on getting a job to support her, her mother, and her sister. But she finally escaped Yorkshire for London, since which time she's had a series of short-lived minimum wage jobs; when her latest job explodes (literally) she's forced to return home to Yorkshire and throw herself on the mercy of her family.
Then a chance job advert for a general dogsbody at the local 'big house', which is being renovated and turned into a hotel, gives her a chance to shine. The co-owners of the house are a meek, elderly widow called Gracie and an injured ex-Navy heart-throb called Dominic. The original plan was for Dominic and Gracie's husband to turn the house into a outwards bound-style retreat but Gracie's husband's death and Dominic's injury have put paid to that. Ever since Dominic and Gracie have lost momentum and, as a consequence, the house is still not renovated or decorated.
Ettie gets involved with a group of odd-bods (including her grandfather) who like to swim in the lake in the hotel's grounds. Unfortunately, Dominic is paranoid about people drowning in the lake and has expressly forbid it, even putting up large signs saying swimming is prohibited. But Ettie thinks what Dominic doesn't know won't hurt him.
As Ettie makes herself indispensable at the hotel and uses her natural charm, multiple previous job experiences, and local knowledge to drive the redecoration forward, with great ideas about how best to utilise Dominic and Gracie's strengths, she and Dominic become closer - but can he ever forgive her when he discovers what she has organised behind his back?
Featuring some of the characters from the The Saturday Morning Park Run, this is a cosy, feel-good romantic comedy. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Then a chance job advert for a general dogsbody at the local 'big house', which is being renovated and turned into a hotel, gives her a chance to shine. The co-owners of the house are a meek, elderly widow called Gracie and an injured ex-Navy heart-throb called Dominic. The original plan was for Dominic and Gracie's husband to turn the house into a outwards bound-style retreat but Gracie's husband's death and Dominic's injury have put paid to that. Ever since Dominic and Gracie have lost momentum and, as a consequence, the house is still not renovated or decorated.
Ettie gets involved with a group of odd-bods (including her grandfather) who like to swim in the lake in the hotel's grounds. Unfortunately, Dominic is paranoid about people drowning in the lake and has expressly forbid it, even putting up large signs saying swimming is prohibited. But Ettie thinks what Dominic doesn't know won't hurt him.
As Ettie makes herself indispensable at the hotel and uses her natural charm, multiple previous job experiences, and local knowledge to drive the redecoration forward, with great ideas about how best to utilise Dominic and Gracie's strengths, she and Dominic become closer - but can he ever forgive her when he discovers what she has organised behind his back?
Featuring some of the characters from the The Saturday Morning Park Run, this is a cosy, feel-good romantic comedy. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 16, 2022
Oh how fabulous this was!
Jules Wake writes as though she’s chatting to you on the sofa with a glass of wine!
This story of Etty, Dominic, Gracie et al was just lovely!
I laughed out loud many times at Etty’s antics and Granddad was just brilliant! You will love him!
The love between the characters and the camaraderie between new friends was just beautiful.
I was listening to the audiobook whilst decorating, where a few blobs on the carpet fell as I stood there listening to it catching flies! Even my husband was listening to it!
I always find a hidden meaning in Jules’s books usually about friendship.
This is a book that needs to be read whilst cosied up.
Perfect
Jules Wake writes as though she’s chatting to you on the sofa with a glass of wine!
This story of Etty, Dominic, Gracie et al was just lovely!
I laughed out loud many times at Etty’s antics and Granddad was just brilliant! You will love him!
The love between the characters and the camaraderie between new friends was just beautiful.
I was listening to the audiobook whilst decorating, where a few blobs on the carpet fell as I stood there listening to it catching flies! Even my husband was listening to it!
I always find a hidden meaning in Jules’s books usually about friendship.
This is a book that needs to be read whilst cosied up.
Perfect
May 2, 2022
This book’s description is wonderfully light on detail – I rather liked that – yet together with the book’s title and the publishers’ tag line of “the most uplifting, feel good novel of 2022” it left me in no doubt at all about what to expect and everything I needed to know. It also means though that I really don’t want to wade too deeply into the story and spoil it for others – but I do promise that if you enjoy the same kind of books as I do you’re going to absolutely love this one.
The characterisation is simply wonderful. I had a smile on my face from the moment I met Ettie – she might have a rather chequered employment history, and can sometimes bend the truth a little, but she has the most enormous heart. In much the same way that she immediately won me over, she unexpectedly secures a job as admin support (perhaps the best description for the mishmash of duties she finds herself doing) at Hepplethwaite Hall, the local “big house” that Dominic and Gracie are in the process of turning into a hotel. Gracie (and what a great older character she proves to be!) knows they’ll get on – if nothing else, it’ll mean that she can still swerve some of the more difficult decisions needed, and it’ll allow her to focus on (some might say “faff about with”) the tasks she enjoys.
Dominic is less convinced, and initially a bit stiff and standoffish – but she soon wins him over too, and it even looks like the beginnings of a rather lovely romance. But before it really gets off the starting blocks, it hits a few problems – he can’t forgive a betrayal of trust, and it turns out there are a few deep-seated issues that make him so diametrically opposed to allowing locals to swim in the lake on the estate. And that’s a shame – swimming is when Ettie escapes from all her problems, has time to think, and it means every bit as much to the group of individuals who look forward to spending time in the water.
If I loved Ettie (and Gracie… and, with understanding and getting to know him better, Dominic too), I certainly felt the same about the whole wider cast of characters, those Wednesday morning swimmers. Every one of them has their own substantial story, and the different threads are wonderfully woven together as their individual stories become clear and are developed further. Ettie’s grandfather is a fantastic character – in fact, her whole family features heavily and adds depth and a good measure of extra humour throughout. The redoubtable Hilda – you’ll remember her if you read The Saturday Morning Park Run – is part of the group, and Claire makes a return appearance too. But every one of this multi-generational group becomes important to the unfolding story, as they become friends and pull together in the name of a cause that becomes important to them all.
And that’s as far as I’m going to go – but with the perfect emotional touch and a lot of gentle humour, this character-driven story really was an absolute delight. It’s so filled with warmth throughout, I don’t think the smile ever left my face – even when a happy ending looked increasingly impossible, and there seemed no way for them all to overcome the many obstacles in their way. Uplifting and gorgeous – and highly recommended to all.
The characterisation is simply wonderful. I had a smile on my face from the moment I met Ettie – she might have a rather chequered employment history, and can sometimes bend the truth a little, but she has the most enormous heart. In much the same way that she immediately won me over, she unexpectedly secures a job as admin support (perhaps the best description for the mishmash of duties she finds herself doing) at Hepplethwaite Hall, the local “big house” that Dominic and Gracie are in the process of turning into a hotel. Gracie (and what a great older character she proves to be!) knows they’ll get on – if nothing else, it’ll mean that she can still swerve some of the more difficult decisions needed, and it’ll allow her to focus on (some might say “faff about with”) the tasks she enjoys.
Dominic is less convinced, and initially a bit stiff and standoffish – but she soon wins him over too, and it even looks like the beginnings of a rather lovely romance. But before it really gets off the starting blocks, it hits a few problems – he can’t forgive a betrayal of trust, and it turns out there are a few deep-seated issues that make him so diametrically opposed to allowing locals to swim in the lake on the estate. And that’s a shame – swimming is when Ettie escapes from all her problems, has time to think, and it means every bit as much to the group of individuals who look forward to spending time in the water.
If I loved Ettie (and Gracie… and, with understanding and getting to know him better, Dominic too), I certainly felt the same about the whole wider cast of characters, those Wednesday morning swimmers. Every one of them has their own substantial story, and the different threads are wonderfully woven together as their individual stories become clear and are developed further. Ettie’s grandfather is a fantastic character – in fact, her whole family features heavily and adds depth and a good measure of extra humour throughout. The redoubtable Hilda – you’ll remember her if you read The Saturday Morning Park Run – is part of the group, and Claire makes a return appearance too. But every one of this multi-generational group becomes important to the unfolding story, as they become friends and pull together in the name of a cause that becomes important to them all.
And that’s as far as I’m going to go – but with the perfect emotional touch and a lot of gentle humour, this character-driven story really was an absolute delight. It’s so filled with warmth throughout, I don’t think the smile ever left my face – even when a happy ending looked increasingly impossible, and there seemed no way for them all to overcome the many obstacles in their way. Uplifting and gorgeous – and highly recommended to all.
April 30, 2022
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake is the most charming contemporary novel that will warm your heart. It is the second book in the Yorkshire Escape series but can be read as a stand-alone.
There is an eclectic mix of characters such as you could meet in real life – from a Grandad to a pair of lovers to a handicapped teen. All of the characters are facing their own unique battles and challenges. As the book progresses, familiar faces from book one pop up along the way.
Swimming is a great leveler. It is a place where your fears and challenges of life melt away for a while as you concentrate on swimming. Everyone is equal in their costumes, goggles and ear plugs. People swim not only to escape but to keep their bodies moving – I can certainly relate as I only learnt to swim in my fifties in 2017 and it enabled me to gain back control of my mobility.
Many characters have personal fears. With love, care and support, these can be faced and overcome.
An old building needs a new purpose and bringing back to life. This is also mirrored in the lives of the characters.
We witness lives that are self-sacrificing in love as they put others first.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim was a really fun read. It was full of high energy and had a wonderful rapport between the characters. I adored it and hope there will be many more books in this wonderful series.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
There is an eclectic mix of characters such as you could meet in real life – from a Grandad to a pair of lovers to a handicapped teen. All of the characters are facing their own unique battles and challenges. As the book progresses, familiar faces from book one pop up along the way.
Swimming is a great leveler. It is a place where your fears and challenges of life melt away for a while as you concentrate on swimming. Everyone is equal in their costumes, goggles and ear plugs. People swim not only to escape but to keep their bodies moving – I can certainly relate as I only learnt to swim in my fifties in 2017 and it enabled me to gain back control of my mobility.
Many characters have personal fears. With love, care and support, these can be faced and overcome.
An old building needs a new purpose and bringing back to life. This is also mirrored in the lives of the characters.
We witness lives that are self-sacrificing in love as they put others first.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim was a really fun read. It was full of high energy and had a wonderful rapport between the characters. I adored it and hope there will be many more books in this wonderful series.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2022
What a charming and uplifting story!
I was drawn in by the idea of wild swimming, and the wonderful and quirky characters were brilliant, it was amazing to see them become a team and see what a difference spending time together in the lake made to their lives. A fantastic community grows from their Wednesday meet ups that was very satisfying to read. Add to it the gentle love story of Ettie and Dominic, who overcome the difficulties of being boss and employee to find their connection. Trust issues and fear are thrown into the mix too, which made it an interesting story and kept me wondering what the outcome might be and the reasons behind the behaviours and attitudes of the characters.
A lovely story that highlights the importance of friendship and taking a chance and also of giving a second chance too when needed. Beautiful characters that I took to my heart, and a gorgeous ending that made me smile.
I was drawn in by the idea of wild swimming, and the wonderful and quirky characters were brilliant, it was amazing to see them become a team and see what a difference spending time together in the lake made to their lives. A fantastic community grows from their Wednesday meet ups that was very satisfying to read. Add to it the gentle love story of Ettie and Dominic, who overcome the difficulties of being boss and employee to find their connection. Trust issues and fear are thrown into the mix too, which made it an interesting story and kept me wondering what the outcome might be and the reasons behind the behaviours and attitudes of the characters.
A lovely story that highlights the importance of friendship and taking a chance and also of giving a second chance too when needed. Beautiful characters that I took to my heart, and a gorgeous ending that made me smile.
May 2, 2022
Narrator 5 stars
Story 4 stars
The story moved along beautifully with sweet characters
Story 4 stars
The story moved along beautifully with sweet characters
April 18, 2022
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake
Narrated by Laura Brydon
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Ettie is trying to figure out her future.
Dominic’s just trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, a secret lake hidden in the grounds of a beautiful estate and a scruffy dog, a new community is formed – right when they all need each other the most.
Ettie sometimes finds it difficult to be truthful but I thought that just added to her charm. Whilst the title suggests this book focuses on the wild swimming there is so much more to this book - Ettie is trying to help Dominic and Gracie turn an estate into a fabulous hotel whilst also trying to help some of the local residents who only seem to be happy when they are wild swimming.
This is my first book by Jules and it was such a delight. I will definitely be back for more. A nice, feel-good read with such welcoming characters.
Rating 4/5
Narrated by Laura Brydon
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Ettie is trying to figure out her future.
Dominic’s just trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, a secret lake hidden in the grounds of a beautiful estate and a scruffy dog, a new community is formed – right when they all need each other the most.
Ettie sometimes finds it difficult to be truthful but I thought that just added to her charm. Whilst the title suggests this book focuses on the wild swimming there is so much more to this book - Ettie is trying to help Dominic and Gracie turn an estate into a fabulous hotel whilst also trying to help some of the local residents who only seem to be happy when they are wild swimming.
This is my first book by Jules and it was such a delight. I will definitely be back for more. A nice, feel-good read with such welcoming characters.
Rating 4/5
April 18, 2022
Ettie has had so many jobs and through no fault of her own, she has just lost another one. But moving back home leads her to opportunities to work at a new hotel that is soon to open.
But Dominic, the new owner, is a little cold and set in his ways, but it will be Ettie who charms him and breaks down his barriers; as long as the secret swim club does not get caught.
This was a lovely, upbeat and heartfelt novel, full of great characters and a narrative to warm you inside.
Wake gives us a third-person narrative with Ettie as our main character, who has a great positive attitude and always sees the best in whatever she does.
The minor characters, which are brought together through swimming at the lake, show a mix of different personalities, who each have an individual reason for wanting to swim. This is touched upon and does not override the original storyline which I thought this was good as it kept the narrative light.
This is a beautiful story of hope and healing and I would happily listen to this again.
But Dominic, the new owner, is a little cold and set in his ways, but it will be Ettie who charms him and breaks down his barriers; as long as the secret swim club does not get caught.
This was a lovely, upbeat and heartfelt novel, full of great characters and a narrative to warm you inside.
Wake gives us a third-person narrative with Ettie as our main character, who has a great positive attitude and always sees the best in whatever she does.
The minor characters, which are brought together through swimming at the lake, show a mix of different personalities, who each have an individual reason for wanting to swim. This is touched upon and does not override the original storyline which I thought this was good as it kept the narrative light.
This is a beautiful story of hope and healing and I would happily listen to this again.
April 19, 2022
I was attracted to this book for its Yorkshire setting and for the wild swimming of the title.
Ettie has been unfortunate in love and unfortunate with her job choices when she finds herself a job helping set up a new hotel with a lake. The owners Dominic and Gracie are rather chaotic and a bit short on ideas and Ettie thankfully is full of them.
Ettie loves swimming - it has helped her deal with her anxiety and it is her peaceful place. When she discovers other locals swimming in the lake she joins in. They have to swim in secret as Dominic thinks swimming is unsafe …everything is going well until they are discovered…
This is a very light, gentle, uplifting and often amusing read and Ettie is a fun central character. I loved the setting and the swimming and the blossoming romance between Dominic and Ettie and I was interested in the development of the hotel idea..into something a bit different. This has a big sense of community and well being.
I listened on audiobook. Although the narrator’s voice matched the light tone of the story, I didn’t find it easy to listen to - it was too jolly and I wasn’t really sure of the character’s voices. I do think however, that others will find this voice very cheerful.
With many thanks to Netgalley and for digital copy of this audiobook.
Ettie has been unfortunate in love and unfortunate with her job choices when she finds herself a job helping set up a new hotel with a lake. The owners Dominic and Gracie are rather chaotic and a bit short on ideas and Ettie thankfully is full of them.
Ettie loves swimming - it has helped her deal with her anxiety and it is her peaceful place. When she discovers other locals swimming in the lake she joins in. They have to swim in secret as Dominic thinks swimming is unsafe …everything is going well until they are discovered…
This is a very light, gentle, uplifting and often amusing read and Ettie is a fun central character. I loved the setting and the swimming and the blossoming romance between Dominic and Ettie and I was interested in the development of the hotel idea..into something a bit different. This has a big sense of community and well being.
I listened on audiobook. Although the narrator’s voice matched the light tone of the story, I didn’t find it easy to listen to - it was too jolly and I wasn’t really sure of the character’s voices. I do think however, that others will find this voice very cheerful.
With many thanks to Netgalley and for digital copy of this audiobook.
March 24, 2022
This is a truly delightful book with characters of many ages, which is something I always enjoy. There are several characters and all of them bring something especially needed to the story.
As the story progresses, the characters grow and change and it is wonderful to read about how this transformation happens. I especially love the bond between Ettie (30’s) and Gracie (60’s). I always have had a close friend that was older than me, so I adore stories with this type of bond.
Of course, I also enjoyed so much reading about Dominic and Ettie’s relationship. It might not be the normal path to a happily ever after, but it is perfect for the two of them.
The book was a great mix of humorous and serious situations and I totally enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book and recommend it!
I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
As the story progresses, the characters grow and change and it is wonderful to read about how this transformation happens. I especially love the bond between Ettie (30’s) and Gracie (60’s). I always have had a close friend that was older than me, so I adore stories with this type of bond.
Of course, I also enjoyed so much reading about Dominic and Ettie’s relationship. It might not be the normal path to a happily ever after, but it is perfect for the two of them.
The book was a great mix of humorous and serious situations and I totally enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book and recommend it!
I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
May 15, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Jules Wake celebrates hope, optimism, community, friendship and the power of love with her wonderful new novel, The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim.
Ettie and Dominic are two lost souls who have both experienced their fair share of heartache. Ettie feels as if she doesn’t know who she is and is trying to find her place in the world, but with the future stretching uncertainly in front of her she doesn’t know which way to turn or what tomorrow will bring. On the other hand, Dominic’s past is weighing heavily on him. Regardless of how far he tries to outrun old ghosts, they somehow always manage to catch up with him. Dominic feels unable to move forward and to make a fresh start, but little does he realise that – alongside Ettie – everything he has always wanted, which he had long given up on, might just be within his grasp…
Ettie and Dominic have long felt as if the world had left them behind, but when an unlikely group of friends comes into both of their lives, for the first time in a long while, they find themselves feeling hopeful and optimistic. No longer scared about what’s around the corner, Ettie, Dominic and their new friends – including a scruffy dog – decide to take stock of their lives, stop hiding from life and take a chance on themselves – and each other.
Life is for living and with good friends by your side to see you through the good times and the bad, Ettie and Dominic realise that there is absolutely nothing they cannot do – but they first need to trust themselves and take a leap of faith.
Jules Wake’s books are always such a joy to read and The Wednesday Morning Swim is another feel-good charmer that will brighten up every reader’s day. Beautifully told and sparkling with humour, wit and heart, The Wednesday Morning Swim is an uplifting tale about the kindness of strangers, letting down one’s walls and the joys of living that will strike a chord with readers everywhere and have them laughing out loud as well as shed a tear or two.
With characters readers cannot help but care for and packed with relatable drama, heartfelt emotion and touching romance, The Wednesday Morning Swim is another winner by Jules Wake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jules Wake celebrates hope, optimism, community, friendship and the power of love with her wonderful new novel, The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim.
Ettie and Dominic are two lost souls who have both experienced their fair share of heartache. Ettie feels as if she doesn’t know who she is and is trying to find her place in the world, but with the future stretching uncertainly in front of her she doesn’t know which way to turn or what tomorrow will bring. On the other hand, Dominic’s past is weighing heavily on him. Regardless of how far he tries to outrun old ghosts, they somehow always manage to catch up with him. Dominic feels unable to move forward and to make a fresh start, but little does he realise that – alongside Ettie – everything he has always wanted, which he had long given up on, might just be within his grasp…
Ettie and Dominic have long felt as if the world had left them behind, but when an unlikely group of friends comes into both of their lives, for the first time in a long while, they find themselves feeling hopeful and optimistic. No longer scared about what’s around the corner, Ettie, Dominic and their new friends – including a scruffy dog – decide to take stock of their lives, stop hiding from life and take a chance on themselves – and each other.
Life is for living and with good friends by your side to see you through the good times and the bad, Ettie and Dominic realise that there is absolutely nothing they cannot do – but they first need to trust themselves and take a leap of faith.
Jules Wake’s books are always such a joy to read and The Wednesday Morning Swim is another feel-good charmer that will brighten up every reader’s day. Beautifully told and sparkling with humour, wit and heart, The Wednesday Morning Swim is an uplifting tale about the kindness of strangers, letting down one’s walls and the joys of living that will strike a chord with readers everywhere and have them laughing out loud as well as shed a tear or two.
With characters readers cannot help but care for and packed with relatable drama, heartfelt emotion and touching romance, The Wednesday Morning Swim is another winner by Jules Wake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2022
I have a little confession to make. I have several books by Jules Wake on my ‘to be read’ mountain but I just don’t seem to have had the time to read them. What a mistake to make as the saying goes. Having just finished reading ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ and enjoyed it as much as I did, I can say that the books on the mountain will not be there for much longer. I flipping well LOVED reading ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to getting ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I knew that this was a book that I would become addicted to and I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was right on both counts. Part of reason why I loved the book so much has to do with the fact that I ended up loving most of the characters. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters later. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Ettie, Dominic, Grandpa and the rest of the characters. I found ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ to be a delight to read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ is superbly written. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Jules certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and entice the reader into the story. Jules clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Jules describes the characters so well that they seem just as real as you and I and I began to think of them as friends. This book has a bit of everything – drama, romance and humour. I love the fact that this book shows how strong friendships can form between the unlikeliest of people. I love the way in which Jules makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jules’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to getting ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I knew that this was a book that I would become addicted to and I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was right on both counts. Part of reason why I loved the book so much has to do with the fact that I ended up loving most of the characters. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters later. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Ettie, Dominic, Grandpa and the rest of the characters. I found ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ to be a delight to read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ is superbly written. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Jules certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and entice the reader into the story. Jules clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Jules describes the characters so well that they seem just as real as you and I and I began to think of them as friends. This book has a bit of everything – drama, romance and humour. I love the fact that this book shows how strong friendships can form between the unlikeliest of people. I love the way in which Jules makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim’ and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jules’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 30, 2022
Loved it!
Just viewing the cover made me want to hit the water. I knew Jules Wake from the books she writes under her other author name Julie Caplin whose Romantic Escapes series has hit the bestseller charts around the world.
I was curious about this book too, especially after reading the blurb:
She’s trying to figure out her future.
He’s trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, and a scruffy dog who just can’t help getting into trouble, a new community is formed – just when they all need each other the most.
‘She’ is Ettie who after school moved to London, going from job to job until her latest mishap pushes her back to her small hometown. She takes on a job as a temporary assistant at Hepplewaite Estate where her boss, the ‘he’ called Dominic is the one trying to forget his past.
I don’t want to give anything away but as the title already mentions the swimming club, I think I can safely say that this takes place in the lake of the estate. The people in the swimming club are fantastic characters, most have a lot going on their lives. Slowly through the story it’s revealed why they act as they do.
What I love about Julie Caplin and, thus, also Jules Wake is that she makes her characters so real. They are not black and white. It feels like making friends when you get to know them and there’s usually a lot of humour around.
The book also very much made me want to go swimming again because I too love to be in the water to mull things out, the repetitive movement helping with writing poetry, deciding if I should take that new job or just having a moment for myself away from any kind of distraction. This is how Ettie beautifully describes it:
“Her brain always seemed to be humming with ideas and thoughts, and a few lengths in the pool allowed her to switch off all the superficial, unnecessary stuff and drill down to the important things.”
Needless to say romantic developments bloom at the estate and people get to face their demons. I love how this all pans out, but no, I am not giving anything away only that I did laugh quite a bit, and when I’d finished I just wished I could go visit them all.
I’m sure you’ll feel the same, so why not dive in with Ettie and all the other wonderful characters!
Just viewing the cover made me want to hit the water. I knew Jules Wake from the books she writes under her other author name Julie Caplin whose Romantic Escapes series has hit the bestseller charts around the world.
I was curious about this book too, especially after reading the blurb:
She’s trying to figure out her future.
He’s trying to forget his past.
But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, and a scruffy dog who just can’t help getting into trouble, a new community is formed – just when they all need each other the most.
‘She’ is Ettie who after school moved to London, going from job to job until her latest mishap pushes her back to her small hometown. She takes on a job as a temporary assistant at Hepplewaite Estate where her boss, the ‘he’ called Dominic is the one trying to forget his past.
I don’t want to give anything away but as the title already mentions the swimming club, I think I can safely say that this takes place in the lake of the estate. The people in the swimming club are fantastic characters, most have a lot going on their lives. Slowly through the story it’s revealed why they act as they do.
What I love about Julie Caplin and, thus, also Jules Wake is that she makes her characters so real. They are not black and white. It feels like making friends when you get to know them and there’s usually a lot of humour around.
The book also very much made me want to go swimming again because I too love to be in the water to mull things out, the repetitive movement helping with writing poetry, deciding if I should take that new job or just having a moment for myself away from any kind of distraction. This is how Ettie beautifully describes it:
“Her brain always seemed to be humming with ideas and thoughts, and a few lengths in the pool allowed her to switch off all the superficial, unnecessary stuff and drill down to the important things.”
Needless to say romantic developments bloom at the estate and people get to face their demons. I love how this all pans out, but no, I am not giving anything away only that I did laugh quite a bit, and when I’d finished I just wished I could go visit them all.
I’m sure you’ll feel the same, so why not dive in with Ettie and all the other wonderful characters!
May 1, 2022
I just cannot resist a Jules Wake book (not that I even try to). There’s something special about them. When I am reading, I completely believe that I belong to, and am part of something and I am always left feeling glowing inside – like I’ve had a successful therapy session.
Although I don’t really wild water swim, I live on the coast and it’s a very common thing in my community and it’s such a wonderful way of bringing people together.
Ettie is working for Dominic and Grace as they try to revive a mansion and turn it into an outward bounds centre. After a string of interesting jobs in London, Ettie is hoping she has found the job that will enable her to settle. As she powers on with changed and renovations, she also becomes closer to members of the community and Dominic.
I loved Ettie and how she created a swimming community full of people who needed the to be there for themselves. I enjoyed the various quirky characters and it was lovely to see Hilda again (from The Saturday Morning Park Run). Dominic is also a lovely character but a little more guarded due to his experiences. I did want to shake Ettie a bit about the secret keeping but I do love a flawed character.
There is a romance plot but this book also has a strong focus on friendship and community and how much this impacts people. It’s also about overcoming fears and moving forward and learning to love who you are.
I adored this book as much as book 1 in this linked series and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s perfect and such a heart-warming, hopeful novel.
Although I don’t really wild water swim, I live on the coast and it’s a very common thing in my community and it’s such a wonderful way of bringing people together.
Ettie is working for Dominic and Grace as they try to revive a mansion and turn it into an outward bounds centre. After a string of interesting jobs in London, Ettie is hoping she has found the job that will enable her to settle. As she powers on with changed and renovations, she also becomes closer to members of the community and Dominic.
I loved Ettie and how she created a swimming community full of people who needed the to be there for themselves. I enjoyed the various quirky characters and it was lovely to see Hilda again (from The Saturday Morning Park Run). Dominic is also a lovely character but a little more guarded due to his experiences. I did want to shake Ettie a bit about the secret keeping but I do love a flawed character.
There is a romance plot but this book also has a strong focus on friendship and community and how much this impacts people. It’s also about overcoming fears and moving forward and learning to love who you are.
I adored this book as much as book 1 in this linked series and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s perfect and such a heart-warming, hopeful novel.
April 30, 2022
I discovered Jules Wake when I read her book The Saturday Morning Park Run, and this book has the same kind of feel to it. It is about community and friendship.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim introduces us to Ettie, a vibrant breath of fresh air of a character. Ettie has a colourful employment history and when her latest job goes up in smoke (literally) she returns home and looks for her next role. She finds a job at the estate soon to open as a hotel, where she meets Dominic, the owner, and his business partner, Gracie. On the estate there is a lake which Ettie and those who soon become her friends can’t resist taking a wild swim in, despite Dominic forbidding it.
The group that meet for the swimming are such a diverse and wonderful group of characters, from teenager Josh an amputee, to Cyril, Ettie’s grandfather. And we can’t forget Hilda, who for those who have read The Saturday Morning Park Run will remember, she is such a brilliant character I am so glad we’ve got her back. The group including Gracie, Hazel and Jane, bring humour to the book but they are all facing their own challenges and we discover why The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim club is so important to each of them.
Ettie and Dominic’s relationship is great, you can see from the instance that they meet that there is a spark between them and I love how Ettie keeps Dominic on his toes.
What Jules does best is bring such a varied group of characters, different ages and circumstances, together by them each using the same means as an escape from their troubles. In doing so she creates a community that builds friendships and comes to support each other.
I can’t wait to read more from Jules.
This is the perfect, feel-good, uplifting book for the summer.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim introduces us to Ettie, a vibrant breath of fresh air of a character. Ettie has a colourful employment history and when her latest job goes up in smoke (literally) she returns home and looks for her next role. She finds a job at the estate soon to open as a hotel, where she meets Dominic, the owner, and his business partner, Gracie. On the estate there is a lake which Ettie and those who soon become her friends can’t resist taking a wild swim in, despite Dominic forbidding it.
The group that meet for the swimming are such a diverse and wonderful group of characters, from teenager Josh an amputee, to Cyril, Ettie’s grandfather. And we can’t forget Hilda, who for those who have read The Saturday Morning Park Run will remember, she is such a brilliant character I am so glad we’ve got her back. The group including Gracie, Hazel and Jane, bring humour to the book but they are all facing their own challenges and we discover why The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim club is so important to each of them.
Ettie and Dominic’s relationship is great, you can see from the instance that they meet that there is a spark between them and I love how Ettie keeps Dominic on his toes.
What Jules does best is bring such a varied group of characters, different ages and circumstances, together by them each using the same means as an escape from their troubles. In doing so she creates a community that builds friendships and comes to support each other.
I can’t wait to read more from Jules.
This is the perfect, feel-good, uplifting book for the summer.
May 3, 2022
My word what a beautiful, funny and feel good book, which centres around aimless Ettie, and her bosses Dominic and Gracie and of course the Wednesday Morning Wild Swim Club.
Ettie returns home to her mums after her job in a second hand fashion shop in London literally explodes.
Her sister, mum, granddad and niece all live together in a very quirky dynamic.
One thing granddad and Ettie have most in common is swimming.
Former Naval Officer Dominic is very much against swimming and swimming in his lake, but an otherwise stern but fun and fair man. Gracie is Dominics business partner and wife of his former comrade.
Ettie applies for an assistants job at the hotel that Dom and Gracie are planning on creating.
I loved their adventure and growth so much and the swimming group are adorable, swimming is good for the health and mental health, we discover what it all means to everyone over the course of the book.
We have love, family, loss, divide, weddings and good food, in particular fish / fishfingers and chips, but most of all we have friendship and respect that builds along with the groups community spirit.
I absolutely recommend this book, as I would any other Jules Wake / Julie Caplin books.
Ettie returns home to her mums after her job in a second hand fashion shop in London literally explodes.
Her sister, mum, granddad and niece all live together in a very quirky dynamic.
One thing granddad and Ettie have most in common is swimming.
Former Naval Officer Dominic is very much against swimming and swimming in his lake, but an otherwise stern but fun and fair man. Gracie is Dominics business partner and wife of his former comrade.
Ettie applies for an assistants job at the hotel that Dom and Gracie are planning on creating.
I loved their adventure and growth so much and the swimming group are adorable, swimming is good for the health and mental health, we discover what it all means to everyone over the course of the book.
We have love, family, loss, divide, weddings and good food, in particular fish / fishfingers and chips, but most of all we have friendship and respect that builds along with the groups community spirit.
I absolutely recommend this book, as I would any other Jules Wake / Julie Caplin books.
April 18, 2022
I’ve read the previous book, The Saturday Morning Park Run, but didn’t realise these two books were part of the same series. After refreshing myself with the first book, I realised that Hilda and Claire from the first book, also make an appearance in this book too! It can easily be read however as a standalone book! In this book we meet Ethel Merman (that made me laugh so much!), known more affectionately as Ettie. She’s returned home to live with her mum and sister after a gas explosion at the vintage clothes shop where she works means she’s lost her job. Ettie manages to get a temporary job at Hepplethwaite Hall, which is soon opening as a hotel run by Daniel and his business partner Gracie. Ettie discovers a lake in the estate grounds, and being a devoted swimmer, she finds herself wild water swimming with local villagers who have also found the lake, much to the anger of owner Daniel!
I love Ettie’s character! She’s such a fun, bubbly character and she made me laugh all the way through. She’s so confident in everything she does – her swimming, her work and her friendships! Despite this confidence, she hides the fact that she and the other swimmers are using the lake from her boss, Daniel and you just know that by betraying his trust is never going to end well! Daniel is a lovely character also, but it’s obvious that he has past personal issues which he’s yet learnt to deal with.
There are so many things to like about this book! The characters are all great and work so well together! I love Hilda, Gracie, Josh and especially Ettie’s grandad, Cyril! Hepplethwaite Hall sounds amazing with Gracie’s flair for interior design, and Ettie’s ideas for it’s future sound like it will the place to stay! The estate grounds sound very picturesque with even its own treehouse! And with the lake being the focus of the book, every visit to it sounded serene and so relaxing! The author has managed to capture so many different emotions throughout the book and it was wonderfully heart-warming and light-hearted throughout!
This book is a definite winner, especially if you like swimming! It’s packed full of family, friendships, love and laughter and once you start it, you won’t be able to put it down until it’s finished! Highly enjoyable, and I loved every minute of it!
I love Ettie’s character! She’s such a fun, bubbly character and she made me laugh all the way through. She’s so confident in everything she does – her swimming, her work and her friendships! Despite this confidence, she hides the fact that she and the other swimmers are using the lake from her boss, Daniel and you just know that by betraying his trust is never going to end well! Daniel is a lovely character also, but it’s obvious that he has past personal issues which he’s yet learnt to deal with.
There are so many things to like about this book! The characters are all great and work so well together! I love Hilda, Gracie, Josh and especially Ettie’s grandad, Cyril! Hepplethwaite Hall sounds amazing with Gracie’s flair for interior design, and Ettie’s ideas for it’s future sound like it will the place to stay! The estate grounds sound very picturesque with even its own treehouse! And with the lake being the focus of the book, every visit to it sounded serene and so relaxing! The author has managed to capture so many different emotions throughout the book and it was wonderfully heart-warming and light-hearted throughout!
This book is a definite winner, especially if you like swimming! It’s packed full of family, friendships, love and laughter and once you start it, you won’t be able to put it down until it’s finished! Highly enjoyable, and I loved every minute of it!
May 3, 2022
*I was provided with an ebook copy of The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is a novel where a group of people come together to convince a local hotel owner that they should be allowed to swim in the lake there. There are various characters, who all have their own reason for wanting to swim but support each other throughout the book.
The book mainly focuses on Ettie, who has moved back to her mum's house in the countryside after a string of jobs in London. She ends up working at the hotel, where she gets involved romantically with the owner, but running a secret swimming club behind his back.
I don't think I can put into words just how heartwarming and wholesome things book was. I really enjoyed reading it every step of the way and I wanted to get out and go swimming after I read it. I will be recommending this to all my friends.
5/5 stars
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is a novel where a group of people come together to convince a local hotel owner that they should be allowed to swim in the lake there. There are various characters, who all have their own reason for wanting to swim but support each other throughout the book.
The book mainly focuses on Ettie, who has moved back to her mum's house in the countryside after a string of jobs in London. She ends up working at the hotel, where she gets involved romantically with the owner, but running a secret swimming club behind his back.
I don't think I can put into words just how heartwarming and wholesome things book was. I really enjoyed reading it every step of the way and I wanted to get out and go swimming after I read it. I will be recommending this to all my friends.
5/5 stars
April 30, 2022
This story admirably showcases this author's skill in taking relatable characters in everyday circumstances and bringing out what is unique in each person and situation.
Ettie is still searching for a career that suits her. Initially, she appears to lack commitment and drive, but the reader soon appreciates this is not the case. I enjoyed getting to know Ettie and the friends she met whilst wild swimming. Each character has a unique story that emerges and adds to this read's motivational and uplifting quality.
Dominic is driven and determined to make a success of his latest project, whether he enjoys it or not. His past tragedies define him, and meeting Ettie challenges him to think again. Their friendship and romance are lovely and full of humour, misunderstanding and passion. The many engaging elements in this story make it the perfect read to help you relax.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher.
Ettie is still searching for a career that suits her. Initially, she appears to lack commitment and drive, but the reader soon appreciates this is not the case. I enjoyed getting to know Ettie and the friends she met whilst wild swimming. Each character has a unique story that emerges and adds to this read's motivational and uplifting quality.
Dominic is driven and determined to make a success of his latest project, whether he enjoys it or not. His past tragedies define him, and meeting Ettie challenges him to think again. Their friendship and romance are lovely and full of humour, misunderstanding and passion. The many engaging elements in this story make it the perfect read to help you relax.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher.
March 19, 2022
There isn’t a Jules Wake book that I don’t rave about – I can’t help it; I genuinely love them all. Jules has such a great style of writing, realistic and combining humour and wit with a down to earth feel. This allows us to relate to the characters, love them and take them to our hearts.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is quirky, jam packed with great characters and a heart felt story of acceptance. Accepting who you are, accepting the challenge of moving past your fears and accepting that you are enough.
If you are a fan of Jules’ books, you may remember (one of all time favourite old ladies) – Hilda. She was a force to be reckoned with in The Saturday Morning Park Run and here she is again, being her fabulous self.
Ettie, our dynamic main character, has stumbled from career to career, not fully settling. When her latest job blows up she returns home, back to her family. Finding work locally at a soon to open hotel, Ettie soon finds the pull of the lake calling her. Swimming helps her mentally and she soon discovers that others have that same desire too. Wild swimming is new to Ettie but soon becomes something she craves – and she isn’t the only one. Unfortunately, it’s banned and the owner is absolutely against anyone swimming in his lake.
As Ettie settles into her new role she finds herself getting closer to her new boss, she starts to understand why he doesn’t want anyone near the water. Will Ettie and her new friends be able to curb their desires or will Ettie make him change his mind. When Dominic discovers the biggest lies are the ones told by those close to him, he really sees no way back to trusting them again.
Ettie is a breath of fresh air; funny, random and really not afraid to put herself out there. She is a little economical with the truth, but not in a malicious way, in fact it’s usually to help others. She learns a lot about herself as the story progresses, but she is also instrumental in helping others do the same. She is kind, considerate and a little bit sassy.
Dominic sounds dishy, he’s been through a lot and doesn’t suffer fools. He isn’t overly impressed with Ettie but her confidence and charm win him round to giving her a chance. Ettie surprises him a lot, it’s clear he struggles to hide how entertaining he finds her but he is holding back some truths of his own. I loved seeing him start to open up and I always believed he would end up doing the right thing by everyone around him.
Reading this book has been the highlight of my week – its full of friendship, romance and humour. A feel good story that will leave you with a smile on your face. Great characters and superb writing, I highly recommend to all.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is quirky, jam packed with great characters and a heart felt story of acceptance. Accepting who you are, accepting the challenge of moving past your fears and accepting that you are enough.
If you are a fan of Jules’ books, you may remember (one of all time favourite old ladies) – Hilda. She was a force to be reckoned with in The Saturday Morning Park Run and here she is again, being her fabulous self.
Ettie, our dynamic main character, has stumbled from career to career, not fully settling. When her latest job blows up she returns home, back to her family. Finding work locally at a soon to open hotel, Ettie soon finds the pull of the lake calling her. Swimming helps her mentally and she soon discovers that others have that same desire too. Wild swimming is new to Ettie but soon becomes something she craves – and she isn’t the only one. Unfortunately, it’s banned and the owner is absolutely against anyone swimming in his lake.
As Ettie settles into her new role she finds herself getting closer to her new boss, she starts to understand why he doesn’t want anyone near the water. Will Ettie and her new friends be able to curb their desires or will Ettie make him change his mind. When Dominic discovers the biggest lies are the ones told by those close to him, he really sees no way back to trusting them again.
Ettie is a breath of fresh air; funny, random and really not afraid to put herself out there. She is a little economical with the truth, but not in a malicious way, in fact it’s usually to help others. She learns a lot about herself as the story progresses, but she is also instrumental in helping others do the same. She is kind, considerate and a little bit sassy.
Dominic sounds dishy, he’s been through a lot and doesn’t suffer fools. He isn’t overly impressed with Ettie but her confidence and charm win him round to giving her a chance. Ettie surprises him a lot, it’s clear he struggles to hide how entertaining he finds her but he is holding back some truths of his own. I loved seeing him start to open up and I always believed he would end up doing the right thing by everyone around him.
Reading this book has been the highlight of my week – its full of friendship, romance and humour. A feel good story that will leave you with a smile on your face. Great characters and superb writing, I highly recommend to all.
April 17, 2022
THE WEDNESDAY MORNING WILD SWIM by JULES WAKE.
After a gas explosion, Ettie loses her job in a vintage clothing shop.
With no other option she heads home to her mother and ends up squashed in with her sister and niece.
Luckily a job comes along helping to renovate an old manner house into a hotel.
Owner of the manner, Domonic is reluctant to employ Ettie, but Gracie, his business partner takes quite a shine to the bright and cheery Ettie, meaning the job is hers.
In the grounds of the manner house, is a lake, popular with local wild swimmers, of which Ettie is one.
Domonic is not willing for anyone to trespass on his land and especially not to swim in the lake.
Defiantly, Ettie and a group of locals continue to swim when Domonic is out.
Of course the obvious happens, but what will the consequences be for Ettie and her group of friends? Can Ettie’s blossoming closeness to Dominic survive and maybe pave the way forward for everyone?
I loved this story from the very first page. Ettie is a brilliant main character. She is funny, bright, feisty and flawed.
Dominic is a bit of a grump, but as they say, still waters run deep, and there is a lot more to him than just the uptight facade. Underneath he is really rather lovely.
This is a well thought out and nicely written story. It has some very likeable characters and is full of warmth and charm.
I loved escaping in to each page. This book is an utter delight.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some characters from previous books make an appearance in The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim, but this is a stand alone read.
Excellent narration from Laura Brydon.
Out in audio and ebook on 30/4/22
Paperback released on 21/7/22
With thanks to #Netgalley and #HarperCollinsUkAudio for an audio arc of #TheWednesdayMorningWildSwim by #JulesWake.
April 29, 2022
A lovely feel good Yorkshire tale of family, love and wild swimming!!
Ettie is trying to seek her fortune in London when she loses her job due to a gas explosion and has to return home to Yorkshire to her family. She applies for a job as a girl Friday for a house opening soon as a hotel, which changes her life in every way........no spoilers!!!
Fabulous characters, a real taste of Yorkshire, wild swimming, love, romance, friendships, and more!!
A refreshing read, classic yet completely on trend and current.
I enjoyed this one immensely, highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!!
Ettie is trying to seek her fortune in London when she loses her job due to a gas explosion and has to return home to Yorkshire to her family. She applies for a job as a girl Friday for a house opening soon as a hotel, which changes her life in every way........no spoilers!!!
Fabulous characters, a real taste of Yorkshire, wild swimming, love, romance, friendships, and more!!
A refreshing read, classic yet completely on trend and current.
I enjoyed this one immensely, highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!!
April 18, 2022
“The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim” by Jules Wake is the perfect comfort read for a gloomy day or just to get out of a reading slump. The book follows the story of Ettie, a 30ish lassie who just hasn’t found the right job for her yet. After her most recent workplace literally blew up (gas leek in a London vintage clothing shop), Ettie packs her bags and goes back home to live with her family (grandad, mother, and sister) in their Yorkshire home. Lucky for her, Dominic, an ex-Navy new house-owner decides to open a bed & breakfast business, and needs an assistant to help out! A the same time, a secret swimming club (secret only for Dominic) gets together to swim in the lake next to Dominic house, despite his forbidding them to do so...
There were so many beautiful moments in this book and all so beautifully narrated that I couldn’t say that one of them is better than the other. I think it helped a lot to have such a variety of characters and having such visual descriptions of how they mix one with another. Although I’m not a native English speaker, I could tell when the narrator, Laura Brydon, was focusing on introducing the Yorkshire dialect and dialect into the reading. It fit so well with the story!
Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, One More Chapter , and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #TheWednesdayMorningWildSwim #NetGalley
There were so many beautiful moments in this book and all so beautifully narrated that I couldn’t say that one of them is better than the other. I think it helped a lot to have such a variety of characters and having such visual descriptions of how they mix one with another. Although I’m not a native English speaker, I could tell when the narrator, Laura Brydon, was focusing on introducing the Yorkshire dialect and dialect into the reading. It fit so well with the story!
Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, One More Chapter , and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #TheWednesdayMorningWildSwim #NetGalley
April 28, 2022
I loved this! Ettie was a character that was so real and relatable. I really enjoyed reading about her journey of self discovery. She has no idea of how many lives she has touched and what a wonderful kind heart she has. Dominic is a perfect match for her, he accepts her, flaws and all and helps bring out the best in her, just as she helps bring out his fun side and helps him overcome his issues that are holding him back and impacting his happiness. All the other side characters are amazing too. I loved Josh and Grandad. Ettie certainly got her straight talking from him. A group of random strangers became friends and massively improved their own happiness by a weekly wild swim, amazing.
January 15, 2023
Finished reading: January 14th 2023
"When we're swimming, we're just us. People in our own right. It sounds odd, but it's easier to talk about things together, or not talk about them if we don't want to."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
September 17, 2023
Another great read from Jules.
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