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The Wildwater Women
Sometimes the best things in life happen when you dare to get out of your depth.
Abby lives and works in the heart of the Lake District. She splits her time between bringing up her daughter, working in the Plum Pie Bakery – and dreaming of the time before her husband, Ben, left.
Lori is on holiday from the States, hoping to find her way to the lake that she’s looked at for years in a picture on her wall back home.
Rebecca is contemplating taking the plunge too. Despite her immaculate appearance Rebecca is keeping quiet about a childhood trauma which has left her scared of the water.
Clarissa is the founder of The Wildwater Women. An all-year-round open-water swimming veteran, and with a fearsome manner, she knows the lakes like no one else and her boundless energy defies her years.
Four women, all from very different lives, all with reason to step into the water and wash away their past. But will the friendship they build be enough to keep them afloat when they each must face their fears?
Abby lives and works in the heart of the Lake District. She splits her time between bringing up her daughter, working in the Plum Pie Bakery – and dreaming of the time before her husband, Ben, left.
Lori is on holiday from the States, hoping to find her way to the lake that she’s looked at for years in a picture on her wall back home.
Rebecca is contemplating taking the plunge too. Despite her immaculate appearance Rebecca is keeping quiet about a childhood trauma which has left her scared of the water.
Clarissa is the founder of The Wildwater Women. An all-year-round open-water swimming veteran, and with a fearsome manner, she knows the lakes like no one else and her boundless energy defies her years.
Four women, all from very different lives, all with reason to step into the water and wash away their past. But will the friendship they build be enough to keep them afloat when they each must face their fears?
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2022
47 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 28, 2025
bought this book at Fred’s book store in Ambleside as i’m in the lake district for a week. was so nice to be able to recognise the places and things mentioned, especially the grasmere gingerbread (which is delicious btw). such a cosy and heart warming read and can’t wait to read more from this author!!
**new review 27/04/2024**
I ADORE this book with my whole heart - feels so special to be reading it while I’m in the Lake District again too!
**new review 27/04/2024**
I ADORE this book with my whole heart - feels so special to be reading it while I’m in the Lake District again too!
April 29, 2022
3.5🌟 loved the setting in the Lakes & references to lots of places I know and have visited, but the storyline was a tad predictable.
August 5, 2023
In the world of holiday read, trashy page-turners, this is a solid 4. Really enjoyed it - the power of female friendship in trying wild swimming and finding the joys and life-giving attributes of it. Thanks for the lend Jasmine!
October 1, 2023
My biggest book disappointment of 2023! I thought this was going to be a wonderful read, but the writing style was so painfully amateurish and clunky that it completely spoilt it for me. The main character was irritatingly insipid for most of the book, the descriptions used were often odd or cringingly awkward (no one's lips should ever be described as quivering like two pink caterpillars), the author clearly has no sense of time (a page of dialogue can't be passed off as an hour long phone call, and mountain rescue isn't arriving in a helicopter 5 seconds after you called), and the supposedly shocking plot reveals were utterly predictable.
These 2 stars belong purely to the Lakes setting, which was enjoyably familiar and comforting, and the fact that the author did a good job of capturing the emotions, connection to nature, and sense of comraderie that I've experienced myself during my own wild swimming journey.
These 2 stars belong purely to the Lakes setting, which was enjoyably familiar and comforting, and the fact that the author did a good job of capturing the emotions, connection to nature, and sense of comraderie that I've experienced myself during my own wild swimming journey.
October 1, 2023
I loved this book and how this group of women came together through open water swimming. It makes me want to go to the lakes for my own swimming adventures.
August 2, 2022
A brilliant read for a holiday. Wild water swimming in the lake district, problems in life and friendships with a happy ending.
August 12, 2023
A gentle story that weaves the lives of four women around the common experience of cold water swimming in the Lake District. Each have a hidden aspect of their lives that is revealed as the cold water opens them up. The Lake District setting is wonderfully evocative and majestic as the women, tiny in comparison, walk to snd swim the wonderfully named lakes and tarns.
March 6, 2024
I could not fault this read. Four different women brought together by wild swimming. The bakery food sounds so lovely even better without the dragon boss. Lori's story is beautiful and tragic but makes you want to live every day a fresh to your own love of life. Ellie has certainly made you think and enjoy life's small pleasures. Set in the heart of the lake district and feels it in the best possible way. Cannot wait for her next book out soon I believe.
April 14, 2022
❌Contains spoilers❌
My review: Absolutely loved this book! Following the story of Abby, Rebecca, Lori and Clarissa on their wild swimming sessions, it was lovely to see friendships blossom and fears conquered!
It's a brilliant, feel good book and shows that if something comes up that's new to you, maybe out if your comfort zone but you want to try, just go for it!
I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to everyone! The lake district that this book is set in sounds amazing and now somewhere I'd like to visit some time!
Loved also how the relationships formed as the book went along and I couldn't put it down!
The group became close quite quickly due to the fact they were all trying wild swimming together for the first time and because of that, trust was built from the start. Lori told them she has Alzheimer's, Rebecca told them about her water phobia that she wanted to conquer and Abby told them about Ben's death. All quite big events and they felt comfortable enough with each other to share which just cemented the friendships between them. Clarissa is a dark horse also! A Guinness world record winner, multiple awards and didn't say a word! Amazing group of women! Wish I knew them but in a way, I do by reading this!
Thank you to Ellie and Random Things Tours for having me!
My review: Absolutely loved this book! Following the story of Abby, Rebecca, Lori and Clarissa on their wild swimming sessions, it was lovely to see friendships blossom and fears conquered!
It's a brilliant, feel good book and shows that if something comes up that's new to you, maybe out if your comfort zone but you want to try, just go for it!
I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to everyone! The lake district that this book is set in sounds amazing and now somewhere I'd like to visit some time!
Loved also how the relationships formed as the book went along and I couldn't put it down!
The group became close quite quickly due to the fact they were all trying wild swimming together for the first time and because of that, trust was built from the start. Lori told them she has Alzheimer's, Rebecca told them about her water phobia that she wanted to conquer and Abby told them about Ben's death. All quite big events and they felt comfortable enough with each other to share which just cemented the friendships between them. Clarissa is a dark horse also! A Guinness world record winner, multiple awards and didn't say a word! Amazing group of women! Wish I knew them but in a way, I do by reading this!
Thank you to Ellie and Random Things Tours for having me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
Abby lives in the Lake District and works at Plum Pie Bakery. Lori is her new neighbour visiting on holiday from the US. Rebecca is the head receptionist at a luxury hotel. All three women decide to try a new hobby, wild water swimming and they join The Wildwater Women club, which was founded by Clarissa. The women quickly become friends and all have their own worries, but soon begin to learn more about themselves and each other.
This is a warm hearted book which is the perfect read for summer. The vivid descriptions of the icy cold water are bound to cool you down when you are feeling hot with the summer sun.
The ONLY criticism I have is that whilst the character Lori, was from the US, the diction of her character needed some work. There were many repetitive phrases and words when her character was talking, which seemed only to be used to identify her character as being American. It felt a little awkward and often stopped the flow of dialogue between characters.
I picked up a signed copy of this debut book whilst visiting the Lake District on holiday so it was lovely to be able to identify the different places whilst reading. I hope this author continues to write more books set in the Lake District.
This is a warm hearted book which is the perfect read for summer. The vivid descriptions of the icy cold water are bound to cool you down when you are feeling hot with the summer sun.
The ONLY criticism I have is that whilst the character Lori, was from the US, the diction of her character needed some work. There were many repetitive phrases and words when her character was talking, which seemed only to be used to identify her character as being American. It felt a little awkward and often stopped the flow of dialogue between characters.
I picked up a signed copy of this debut book whilst visiting the Lake District on holiday so it was lovely to be able to identify the different places whilst reading. I hope this author continues to write more books set in the Lake District.
July 27, 2022
I bought this book as I love the lakes, and am a swimmer.
I read it to the end, (I don’t always) . I realise it was written to a formula, but sadly oh so obvious.
Women all with problems, bakery, nasty boss, love interest, ethnic element, all ok in the end.
Sorry, just too obvious for me!
I read it to the end, (I don’t always) . I realise it was written to a formula, but sadly oh so obvious.
Women all with problems, bakery, nasty boss, love interest, ethnic element, all ok in the end.
Sorry, just too obvious for me!
May 13, 2022
I have really enjoyed reading about the adventures of these four strong and interesting women, added to the wonderful location of the Lake District, this is a book to be savoured.
Three very different women come together to embark on a daring new hobby. Abby lives by the Lakes, she's single, still missing her husband Ben and has a small daughter. Abby works in the local Plum Pie Bakery. She enjoys the job, but her boss is a force to be reckoned with.
Lori is American and has recently arrived at the holiday cottage next door to Abby's home. Lori is exuberant and beautifully dressed. She welcomes Abby and firmly encourages her to take a step out of her comfort zone.
Rebecca also lives in the area. Abby has seen her many times in the Bakery and often wondered just what this beautifully dressed, immaculately turned out woman did. Rebecca works at a luxury hotel nearby, but she's really not as composed as she appears.
The three women are going to try wild swimming. They are going to plunge deep into the cold water of a large lake. Lori seems the keenest and Abby is determined to do something different. It is Rebecca who really struggles.
As they are taken under the wing of the formidable Clarissa who leads the group, they gradually learn more about each other, and about themselves. Clarissa herself is a colourful character, with a past that she rarely talks about. Her aim is to encourage the women, to enable them to discover their true selves.
This is a warm hearted and uplifting book, despite the descriptions of the icy water, which did make me shiver at times (I'm a real wuss and cannot imagine ever jumping into deep, cold waters!)
The author uncovers some serious issues in her story and it is done deftly with sympathy and is never heavy. A real joy to read and perfect for curling up on the settee on a lazy weekend.
Three very different women come together to embark on a daring new hobby. Abby lives by the Lakes, she's single, still missing her husband Ben and has a small daughter. Abby works in the local Plum Pie Bakery. She enjoys the job, but her boss is a force to be reckoned with.
Lori is American and has recently arrived at the holiday cottage next door to Abby's home. Lori is exuberant and beautifully dressed. She welcomes Abby and firmly encourages her to take a step out of her comfort zone.
Rebecca also lives in the area. Abby has seen her many times in the Bakery and often wondered just what this beautifully dressed, immaculately turned out woman did. Rebecca works at a luxury hotel nearby, but she's really not as composed as she appears.
The three women are going to try wild swimming. They are going to plunge deep into the cold water of a large lake. Lori seems the keenest and Abby is determined to do something different. It is Rebecca who really struggles.
As they are taken under the wing of the formidable Clarissa who leads the group, they gradually learn more about each other, and about themselves. Clarissa herself is a colourful character, with a past that she rarely talks about. Her aim is to encourage the women, to enable them to discover their true selves.
This is a warm hearted and uplifting book, despite the descriptions of the icy water, which did make me shiver at times (I'm a real wuss and cannot imagine ever jumping into deep, cold waters!)
The author uncovers some serious issues in her story and it is done deftly with sympathy and is never heavy. A real joy to read and perfect for curling up on the settee on a lazy weekend.
June 16, 2022
Book Review
Title - The Wildwater Women
Author - Ellie Wood
My rating ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blurb:
Abby, Lori, Rebecca and Clarissa; all very different women, all with reason to leave the shore behind and wash away their worries. But will their friendship they build keep them afloat when they let themselves get out of their depth?
My thoughts:
This book is based in the Lake District (where I live) so was of special interest to me. I loved reading about real places I’d been to, lakes I’d stood next to and mountains I looked at 🤣
It genuinely reignited my want for nature and the beautiful countryside that I take for granted every day.
Wild swimming, in this area has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Many of my friends do it and truly believe it helps with their physical and mental health. What’s not to love! I have had a little quiet dip once or twice myself too.
I found the main characters were likeable, their situations believable and who doesn’t love that feel good, sisterhood, finding yourself kinda story. A great debut novel for a local author, I hope this is the first of many for Ellie.
There is also reference to some delicious local foods, do try them, they are as good as they sound 😋
Title - The Wildwater Women
Author - Ellie Wood
My rating ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blurb:
Abby, Lori, Rebecca and Clarissa; all very different women, all with reason to leave the shore behind and wash away their worries. But will their friendship they build keep them afloat when they let themselves get out of their depth?
My thoughts:
This book is based in the Lake District (where I live) so was of special interest to me. I loved reading about real places I’d been to, lakes I’d stood next to and mountains I looked at 🤣
It genuinely reignited my want for nature and the beautiful countryside that I take for granted every day.
Wild swimming, in this area has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Many of my friends do it and truly believe it helps with their physical and mental health. What’s not to love! I have had a little quiet dip once or twice myself too.
I found the main characters were likeable, their situations believable and who doesn’t love that feel good, sisterhood, finding yourself kinda story. A great debut novel for a local author, I hope this is the first of many for Ellie.
There is also reference to some delicious local foods, do try them, they are as good as they sound 😋
April 28, 2022
I love books that are set in places that I have visited, especially somewhere as special as the Lake District. The book is all about four women who all have their own story to tell but find themselves bonding whilst doing wildwater swimming. It is a story about how they all can help each other through tough times, and through relatable situations. They are real women with real life problems, I loved reading about these women and how their bond grows and how they support each other through thick and thin. I am sure there are women out there who will be able to relate to at least one of these women. It was a easy story to follow and pick up and put down.
September 23, 2024
This was a really easy read, but still very enjoyable. It's a story of friendship and reminders that you don't always know what other people are going through. The main character Abby has a child, is struggling to find herself after becoming a mother and turns to wild water swimming as a form of therapy. As a new mum I really appreciated her story arc and felt connected to her sense of responsibility to her daughter and the guilt/anxiety that comes with. The ending was typical of this type of book in that it was a happy ending for all and there were definitely stereotypes you can see coming from a mile off. But as a whole this was a pleasant heart warming read.
April 12, 2024
A lovely easy read. I enjoyed being able to recognise the places in the book after recently spending time in the Lake District in a recent family holiday, we stayed in Ambleside.
Adventure, friendship and empowerment with a touch of predictability but heartwarming none the less!
Adventure, friendship and empowerment with a touch of predictability but heartwarming none the less!
September 22, 2024
Not my usual genre but I love the Lake District and I love open water swimming.
This is a sweet book that keeps you wanting to read on. Some lovely descriptions of the Lakes and great to see the relationship developing through open water swimming.
This is a sweet book that keeps you wanting to read on. Some lovely descriptions of the Lakes and great to see the relationship developing through open water swimming.
September 30, 2024
This was an audio book from the library that I chose because of the title. I found it a bit soft and even ridiculous/implausible in places but there were some nice parts and I liked the direction the story took.
June 21, 2022
Read this in a day! It was so good and made me feel so happy inside! I’m defo going to try wild swimming this summer. The female camaraderie in this book is unmatched and I really really loved it.
September 9, 2022
3.5 - I really enjoyed this book. Lovely setting and sympathetic characters. I would like to read more about these women.
June 11, 2023
3.75 stars.
This is the kinda book I love! So wholesome and cute. I love how it focussed entirely on friendship and only toward romance toward the end. Loved the journey all the women went on throughout the book. Super sweet and easy to read book. :)
This is the kinda book I love! So wholesome and cute. I love how it focussed entirely on friendship and only toward romance toward the end. Loved the journey all the women went on throughout the book. Super sweet and easy to read book. :)
September 30, 2023
Since I love open water swimming I loved this book. A gentle reminder of the healing nature can do. The slow pace was nice for a change and the descriptions of the Lake District made me want to go there asap. A really sweet story of friendship and learning to live life to the fullest.
October 14, 2023
Very wholesome!
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April 6, 2025Birthday gift from Matt and Steph ❤️🏊🏕️
September 16, 2025
A cute book to read whilst in the Lakes.
My favourite places being portrayed in a lovely story was so nice to read.
Not the most interesting story but nice for the setting, probably more 2.5 ⭐
My favourite places being portrayed in a lovely story was so nice to read.
Not the most interesting story but nice for the setting, probably more 2.5 ⭐
January 21, 2025
As a cold water sea dipper I was interested to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it followed the journey of three women brought together through wild swimming in the Lake District. The landscape descriptions were wonderful and the characters very real, all held together with a good background storyline.
July 4, 2025
3.5⭐️
Predictable but great the book was based on female friendships
Predictable but great the book was based on female friendships
October 17, 2025
Wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. Wholesome though
March 26, 2024
Slow to start but fell in love with the characters and their bond by the end
April 9, 2025
Enjoyable easy read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews