What do you think?
Rate this book
Lifesaving for Beginners
Together they can turn the tide…
When Maddy receives a call on Christmas Day from her estranged son Jamie who has been missing for the past few years on a Brighton phone number, she decides to go there in attempt to track him down and repair their relationship. As she strolls on the beach one morning mulling over her next steps, she meets the Sea-Gals – a group of feisty women who are sea swimmers.
Seventy-year-old Helga is determined not to slow down because of her age, while twenty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Recently widowed Dominica swims to help deal with her grief, while busy mum of two Claire has started swimming to put herself first for a change.
And with the Sea-Gals by her side, Maddy has a group of trusty and supportive friends to help her rebuild her life. After all, it’s never too late to turn the tide but sometimes we just need our friends to help us through the stormy waters…
When Maddy receives a call on Christmas Day from her estranged son Jamie who has been missing for the past few years on a Brighton phone number, she decides to go there in attempt to track him down and repair their relationship. As she strolls on the beach one morning mulling over her next steps, she meets the Sea-Gals – a group of feisty women who are sea swimmers.
Seventy-year-old Helga is determined not to slow down because of her age, while twenty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Recently widowed Dominica swims to help deal with her grief, while busy mum of two Claire has started swimming to put herself first for a change.
And with the Sea-Gals by her side, Maddy has a group of trusty and supportive friends to help her rebuild her life. After all, it’s never too late to turn the tide but sometimes we just need our friends to help us through the stormy waters…
400 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2022
57 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 27, 2022
I fell completely in love with a previous book by this author, and she’s managed to pull it out of the bag with another easy, but important read surrounding female friendship.
Lifesaving for beginners swaps between the points of view of 5 friends, thrust together during difficult times. They are all so different from one another, but they are connected by their love for the sea.
Although I didn’t love this quite as much as the other book I’ve read by Josie, I still managed to be completely swept up in it. I’ve just taken up swimming myself (although I swim in a pool) and this book inspired me to go to the sea. I live very close to the sea but haven’t visited a beach in years because of my health. I sat on the beach, listening to the sea, smiling and thinking about this story. I can completely understand why the characters love it so much. My biggest takeaway from this book is that I will be making much more of an effort to spend time near the beautiful nature of the sea.
I am always astounded at how well Josie manages to balance such incredibly serious topics whilst keeping a light tone. So many important things were included in this: infidelity, menopause, grief, homelessness, covid, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health and chronic illness. Yet it didn’t feel overwhelming or depressing. A positive tone is used throughout, even when incredibly difficult things are discussed. I also love the focus on women supporting each other, having such strong and empowering friendships. I cannot wait to see what Josie does next!
I recommend this book to fans of easy reads with a focus on female friendships. I want to thank HQ Publishers and Josie Lloyd for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
Lifesaving for beginners swaps between the points of view of 5 friends, thrust together during difficult times. They are all so different from one another, but they are connected by their love for the sea.
Although I didn’t love this quite as much as the other book I’ve read by Josie, I still managed to be completely swept up in it. I’ve just taken up swimming myself (although I swim in a pool) and this book inspired me to go to the sea. I live very close to the sea but haven’t visited a beach in years because of my health. I sat on the beach, listening to the sea, smiling and thinking about this story. I can completely understand why the characters love it so much. My biggest takeaway from this book is that I will be making much more of an effort to spend time near the beautiful nature of the sea.
I am always astounded at how well Josie manages to balance such incredibly serious topics whilst keeping a light tone. So many important things were included in this: infidelity, menopause, grief, homelessness, covid, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health and chronic illness. Yet it didn’t feel overwhelming or depressing. A positive tone is used throughout, even when incredibly difficult things are discussed. I also love the focus on women supporting each other, having such strong and empowering friendships. I cannot wait to see what Josie does next!
I recommend this book to fans of easy reads with a focus on female friendships. I want to thank HQ Publishers and Josie Lloyd for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
December 30, 2022
This novel was enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook of this.
The main character Maddie is the newest member in a swimming gang. To get to that point first though, she originally found out on Christmas Day that her husband has been cheating on her with her best friend.
Anyway, all of the women are of many ages and different backgrounds. They shortly become close friends who are there for each other especially during the tough times.
The audiobook of this piece was great. The voices for all of the different characters are very appreciated. I didn’t realise this novel falls into the category of Women’s Fiction which I think tends to be of an older generation however. This novel really was enjoyable.
Review: https://clife.blog/?p=7077&previe...
The main character Maddie is the newest member in a swimming gang. To get to that point first though, she originally found out on Christmas Day that her husband has been cheating on her with her best friend.
Anyway, all of the women are of many ages and different backgrounds. They shortly become close friends who are there for each other especially during the tough times.
The audiobook of this piece was great. The voices for all of the different characters are very appreciated. I didn’t realise this novel falls into the category of Women’s Fiction which I think tends to be of an older generation however. This novel really was enjoyable.
Review: https://clife.blog/?p=7077&previe...
July 7, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Maddy appears to be living a charmed life with a strong Instagram audience following every minute detail of her beautiful home and garden. But a missed phone call from her estranged son Jamie on Christmas Day, and discovery that her husband is having an affair with one of her close friends, lead her to abandon her current life and move to Brighton to try to find Jamie.
Living in a dreary Airbnb apartment, she meets a diverse group of women one day while walking her neighbour's dog on the beach. The women, the Sea-Gals, swim in the sea all year round. They include former sailor Helga, widow Dominica, vegan lesbian Tor, and (later) harassed mother-of-two Claire. each woman has her own troubles, her own fork in the road to navigate, her own decisions to make. Together they find that sea-swimming helps to put life into perspective.
I liked this, but I didn't love it, perhaps because I had already read The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim which has a similar vibe. Also, I felt the ending was a bit unrealistic. However, it did really make me wish that I lived by the sea so that I could go sea-swimming, even though I am a poor swimmer, don't like the cold, and don't really like swimming in the sea!
Josie Lloyd has said that this book is based on her own experiences during lockdown, living in Brighton and taking up sea swimming and the authenticity shows. Also, while I might roll my eyes at the way in which there is a character representing different aspect of a woman's life (the single woman, the mother, the divorcee, the widow, the crone), Brighton is the sort of place where you could easily find a group like this.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Maddy appears to be living a charmed life with a strong Instagram audience following every minute detail of her beautiful home and garden. But a missed phone call from her estranged son Jamie on Christmas Day, and discovery that her husband is having an affair with one of her close friends, lead her to abandon her current life and move to Brighton to try to find Jamie.
Living in a dreary Airbnb apartment, she meets a diverse group of women one day while walking her neighbour's dog on the beach. The women, the Sea-Gals, swim in the sea all year round. They include former sailor Helga, widow Dominica, vegan lesbian Tor, and (later) harassed mother-of-two Claire. each woman has her own troubles, her own fork in the road to navigate, her own decisions to make. Together they find that sea-swimming helps to put life into perspective.
I liked this, but I didn't love it, perhaps because I had already read The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim which has a similar vibe. Also, I felt the ending was a bit unrealistic. However, it did really make me wish that I lived by the sea so that I could go sea-swimming, even though I am a poor swimmer, don't like the cold, and don't really like swimming in the sea!
Josie Lloyd has said that this book is based on her own experiences during lockdown, living in Brighton and taking up sea swimming and the authenticity shows. Also, while I might roll my eyes at the way in which there is a character representing different aspect of a woman's life (the single woman, the mother, the divorcee, the widow, the crone), Brighton is the sort of place where you could easily find a group like this.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
August 29, 2022
Maddy's son and his father had a huge fight and he stormed out of the house. She has not seen him since. When she receives a call from him on Christmas Day, she is not home, but he leaves a message on the machine. She is able to track the call to a payphone in Brighton. At the same time, she finds out that her husband has been having an affair, and his business has gone belly up. She has no reason to stay in her beautiful, instagrammable house any longer. Worried that Jamie may harm himself, she is determined to find him and sets off. While walking the beach in Brighton, she meets a group of women who call themselves The Sea-Gals. It is an interesting group of women who are sea swimmers. We meet seventy-year-old Helga who is determined not to slow down because of her age, twenty-something Tor who is still figuring out who she is, recently widowed Dominica swims to help deal with her grief, while busy mum of two Claire has started swimming to put herself first for a change. This group become fast friends who are there to support one another, offer advice and just be there when they are needed. Together, they help Maddy begin a new life.
I enjoyed this story of friendship, multi-generational friends, new beginnings and of course a bunch of happily ever afters. Maddy was a character that I loved because of her mama bear instincts. She did everything she could to find Jamie and her friends helped out as well. The camaraderie these women had was great. I love my group of friends that is made up of a few widows, a mom with a special needs child, a divorcee and an empty nester. Lifesaving for Beginners reminded me a bit of this group and that helped me connect even more. Friendship is the heart of this book, but there are also themes of loneliness, grief, body image, homelessness, environment and menopause. Apparently there are both physical and therapeutic benefits of swimming year-round in the sea, but I am not a fan of cold water, so will stick to the heated pool. I am a big fan of stories dealing with female friendships as I believe they are very important to share all the changes in life as we grow and get older, so this was a hit for me. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lucy Scott. I enjoyed all the voices she created to become each of the women. Her tone, expression and emotion made this an enjoyable book to listen to and I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy that format.
I enjoyed this story of friendship, multi-generational friends, new beginnings and of course a bunch of happily ever afters. Maddy was a character that I loved because of her mama bear instincts. She did everything she could to find Jamie and her friends helped out as well. The camaraderie these women had was great. I love my group of friends that is made up of a few widows, a mom with a special needs child, a divorcee and an empty nester. Lifesaving for Beginners reminded me a bit of this group and that helped me connect even more. Friendship is the heart of this book, but there are also themes of loneliness, grief, body image, homelessness, environment and menopause. Apparently there are both physical and therapeutic benefits of swimming year-round in the sea, but I am not a fan of cold water, so will stick to the heated pool. I am a big fan of stories dealing with female friendships as I believe they are very important to share all the changes in life as we grow and get older, so this was a hit for me. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lucy Scott. I enjoyed all the voices she created to become each of the women. Her tone, expression and emotion made this an enjoyable book to listen to and I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy that format.
August 8, 2022
This is a lovely book. Good plot, believable characters and a delightful location. I like the idea of sea swimming, but I don't like the cold and I don't swim that well, so maybe it will stay an idea.
July 12, 2022
I’m not a fan of cold water or swimming but this book has inspired me to take cold showers not for long but I’ve started, I’m not close enough to take up sea swimming but it’s certainly something I’ll try on my next seaside visit. I want to experience the feeling of sea on my skin invigorating my body and mind just as described. I want to feel this myself!
Friendship is the heart of this book with five very different stories and backgrounds.
Set during covid times this story also touches on the subjects of loneliness, grief, body image, homelessness, environment and menopause. Difficult subjects to get a real feel from in pages of a story but Josie Lloyd manages it perfectly you feel there, you experience the sadness the despair the joy.. Wonderful uplifting read that did bring me to tears a few times. A book that you relate to one or more of the characters because of their story, their experience.
Friendship is the heart of this book with five very different stories and backgrounds.
Set during covid times this story also touches on the subjects of loneliness, grief, body image, homelessness, environment and menopause. Difficult subjects to get a real feel from in pages of a story but Josie Lloyd manages it perfectly you feel there, you experience the sadness the despair the joy.. Wonderful uplifting read that did bring me to tears a few times. A book that you relate to one or more of the characters because of their story, their experience.
July 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Josie Lloyd has written another lovely story where a group of women called the Sea-Gals come together to support one another daily and especially during difficult times. The individual storylines of each of these women are compelling and relatable. It is the compassion and care for each other that culminates into one dramatic moment that made the book for me.
Maddie is the newest addition to the group after finding out on Christmas Day that her husband had been having an affair for the past two years. The same day, she received a brief call from her son Jamie who had been missing for several years. She tracks the call to Brighton and travels there to try and find Jamie. She discovers and is fascinated by the Sea-Gals as she walks along the beach one day.
The group is made up of diverse women whose common interest is swimming in the sea. The physical and therapeutic benefits of swimming year-round in the sea were highlighted and each woman had their reason for participating. The women are at different points in their lives which created a significant bond in the group.
I listened to the audiobook version of Lifesaving For Beginners which was narrated by Lucy Scott. I enjoyed the diversity in her voice as she became each of the women in the group and the clarity in her voice. She made the book easy to listen to and would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version to those that enjoy this format.
I recommend this book to those that enjoyed the author’s book The Bright Side Running Club (aka The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club) or to those that enjoy Women’s Fiction. It is a book that celebrates friendships between women and the idea that we are stronger together.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Maddie is the newest addition to the group after finding out on Christmas Day that her husband had been having an affair for the past two years. The same day, she received a brief call from her son Jamie who had been missing for several years. She tracks the call to Brighton and travels there to try and find Jamie. She discovers and is fascinated by the Sea-Gals as she walks along the beach one day.
The group is made up of diverse women whose common interest is swimming in the sea. The physical and therapeutic benefits of swimming year-round in the sea were highlighted and each woman had their reason for participating. The women are at different points in their lives which created a significant bond in the group.
I listened to the audiobook version of Lifesaving For Beginners which was narrated by Lucy Scott. I enjoyed the diversity in her voice as she became each of the women in the group and the clarity in her voice. She made the book easy to listen to and would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version to those that enjoy this format.
I recommend this book to those that enjoyed the author’s book The Bright Side Running Club (aka The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club) or to those that enjoy Women’s Fiction. It is a book that celebrates friendships between women and the idea that we are stronger together.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2022
My daughter Grace suggested I read this book as she felt it would ignite my passion to read more.
I’m a slow reader so to finish it in 7 days is good for me.
The characters felt very real with good story lines reflecting everyday struggles that are relatable which I like.
Easy enjoyable read.
I am excited to read another book by this author.
Thank you Grace
I’m a slow reader so to finish it in 7 days is good for me.
The characters felt very real with good story lines reflecting everyday struggles that are relatable which I like.
Easy enjoyable read.
I am excited to read another book by this author.
Thank you Grace
July 20, 2024
I absolutely loved the Bright side Running Club and have since convinced many other readers to pick it up. I’ve been waiting forever to read her next one and I’m so glad my library finalllllly ordered it!
Maddy Wolfe’s life has just capsized. After her twenty-year marriage suddenly implodes, she heads to Brighton to search for her estranged son, Jamie. But he’s nowhere to be found and for the first time, she’s totally alone. That is, until she meets the Salty Sea-Gals, a group of feisty sea-swimmers.
Seventy-two-year old Helga is determined not to slow down, while thirty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Bereaved Dominica is trying to find a reason to carry on, and busy mum Claire is learning to put herself first for a change.
As their regular cold-water plunges become a lifeline for them all, Maddy starts to realise that these brave women might just help her find both Jamie and herself. Together, will they turn the tide?
This one took me a little bit longer to get into as the author took her time building up each character; but once you knew them, you loved them. I loved how they were each in a different stage of life but were able to help each other through them. Each woman was so inspiring and once the pacing issues were resolved I loved everything about the book!
While the Bright side running club is slightly higher on my list of favourites; I do highly recommend this as well and Josie Lloyd cemented herself as an autobuy author
Maddy Wolfe’s life has just capsized. After her twenty-year marriage suddenly implodes, she heads to Brighton to search for her estranged son, Jamie. But he’s nowhere to be found and for the first time, she’s totally alone. That is, until she meets the Salty Sea-Gals, a group of feisty sea-swimmers.
Seventy-two-year old Helga is determined not to slow down, while thirty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Bereaved Dominica is trying to find a reason to carry on, and busy mum Claire is learning to put herself first for a change.
As their regular cold-water plunges become a lifeline for them all, Maddy starts to realise that these brave women might just help her find both Jamie and herself. Together, will they turn the tide?
This one took me a little bit longer to get into as the author took her time building up each character; but once you knew them, you loved them. I loved how they were each in a different stage of life but were able to help each other through them. Each woman was so inspiring and once the pacing issues were resolved I loved everything about the book!
While the Bright side running club is slightly higher on my list of favourites; I do highly recommend this as well and Josie Lloyd cemented herself as an autobuy author
May 12, 2024
Ein entzückender Roman - einen Punkt Abzug geb ich nur, weil ich am Anfang Schwierigkeiten hatte, die Figuren auseinander zu halten, da hätte ich mir gewünscht, nicht ganz so viel zwischen den einzelnen Perspektiven herumzuhüpfen. Ich mochte die vielen unterschiedlichen Themen, die in diesem Buch behandelt wurden, das reicht von Verlust und Trauer über das Älterwerden, Liebe und Sexualität bis hin zu Selbstdarstellung auf Instragram und zerrüttete Familien. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir, dass die Damen, so unterschiedlich sie auch sein mögen, trotzdem authentisch Freundschaft schließen und wie sich gegenseitig unterstützen. Einfach herzerwärmend und daher vier Sterne von mir.
September 28, 2022
4.5 stars. This is such a beautiful story of female friendship which really inspired me to get in the water! I loved watched the sea gals progress in their lives as the weather turned from winter to spring.
October 5, 2022
This is a lovely warm hug of a read about a group of women who meet up to go swimming in the sea in Brighton. They all have their own dramas and dilemmas to contend with and the 'sea-gals' as they call themselves come together and help each other out. Fun read
September 17, 2025
A nice feel good book about the power of friendship and how important this can be during hard times
Plus swimming, makes me want to find the nearest beach
Plus swimming, makes me want to find the nearest beach
November 8, 2023
Lifesaving for Beginners is a story of 5 different women who bond over floating and swimming in very cold sea water. All have some sadness in their past, but are supportive of each other. These women are different ages, come from different backgrounds, but still manage to form strong bonds of friendship.
I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, because some of the storylines and endings were predictable, but I still enjoyed reading this sweet little book.
I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, because some of the storylines and endings were predictable, but I still enjoyed reading this sweet little book.
February 27, 2025
Such a lovely book. Weird reading something set during COVID, remember how strange everything was. Reading this makes me want to try cold water swimming!
July 6, 2022
Awesome, absolutely awesome. What a fantastic read, it’s life as it is! More detailed review to follow.
July 20, 2022
The plot is interesting but very obvious. It’s easy to guess the outcomes for all the protagonists well before the end of the book.
I found the odd mentions of covid and the restrictions in force in 2020 and 2021 rather odd. Did these people just ignore the restrictions and carry on regardless?
An easy non-challenging read. It did make me want to go swimming tho :-)
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I found the odd mentions of covid and the restrictions in force in 2020 and 2021 rather odd. Did these people just ignore the restrictions and carry on regardless?
An easy non-challenging read. It did make me want to go swimming tho :-)
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
That was cute, I enjoyed the perspective of much older women. It was a bit of a faff getting everyone in order in the beginning, but once it got going it was sweet. Trent was an ass, wasn’t he? Still, it was cute. I enjoyed the winter swimming aspect!
February 7, 2023
Outdoor swimming isn't for me but I really enjoyed 'joining' the ladies on their swimming adventures
December 31, 2022
I started listening to this on a whim. It had a plotline that had the covid pandemic and the lockdowns in Britain in it, and as I have mentioned it earlier, I have been wondering how authors would be incorporating it into their plotlines. Although it has been two years since it all began, it is hard to imagine a world where it never happened, even in fiction. This book does not lean heavily on the issue but works around it, except for all the characters taking turns putting down the distancing rules as if they are too ridiculous to work. This happened once too often to put me off. I know a lot of the restrictions felt a little too far for many, but almost every character had a go at how it spoils something, small and large.
That tiny rant aside, I really enjoyed the book. I am starting to appreciate these books with older protagonists and relatively stable (but differing) lives.
Multiple women seek out the sea at Brighton to find new meaning in their life or work hard on their current ones. The original Salty Sea-gals has three women who have been meeting up for open water swimming in the sea, even in winter. They are experienced and have created a pattern. The oldest, Helga's body, is fighting her even as she keeps everyone entertained with her quick remarks and supportive commentary, even as she educates everyone around her about the birds they regularly don't pay attention to. Dominica is nursing her sorrow. She misses her husband and is not sure she wants to go back to work the way she was once used to. Tor has not come out to her family and is struggling with the kind of life she leads with her girlfriend.
Then come the two women who end up finding this group and a whole new strength they did not know they had. Claire feels underappreciated at home and struggling with body image issues. Her arc was probably my favourite because it was gradual and had a lot of meaningful conversations before it reached its conclusion. Maggie's life is the most turbulent. She lives her life on Instagram, and that false facade collapses, leaving her struggling. She is trying to find her possibly homeless son and thinking about all the ways her decision might have brought him to that point. Their plotline was also quite adventurous.
Although I may not have delved deeper into the original trio, I did enjoy their individual trials too. It is a very full book, with a lot of meaningful interactions. The narrator did a pretty great job in bringing all the people to life. I was able to imagine very different people based on how the author and, subsequently, the narrator portrayed them. It is not easy to have multiple protagonists and ensure they come across as separate individuals as well as feel like they all got their own time in the story.
Here, I felt like both of the above points was achieved, and it is easy for me to recommend this to readers of this genre.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
That tiny rant aside, I really enjoyed the book. I am starting to appreciate these books with older protagonists and relatively stable (but differing) lives.
Multiple women seek out the sea at Brighton to find new meaning in their life or work hard on their current ones. The original Salty Sea-gals has three women who have been meeting up for open water swimming in the sea, even in winter. They are experienced and have created a pattern. The oldest, Helga's body, is fighting her even as she keeps everyone entertained with her quick remarks and supportive commentary, even as she educates everyone around her about the birds they regularly don't pay attention to. Dominica is nursing her sorrow. She misses her husband and is not sure she wants to go back to work the way she was once used to. Tor has not come out to her family and is struggling with the kind of life she leads with her girlfriend.
Then come the two women who end up finding this group and a whole new strength they did not know they had. Claire feels underappreciated at home and struggling with body image issues. Her arc was probably my favourite because it was gradual and had a lot of meaningful conversations before it reached its conclusion. Maggie's life is the most turbulent. She lives her life on Instagram, and that false facade collapses, leaving her struggling. She is trying to find her possibly homeless son and thinking about all the ways her decision might have brought him to that point. Their plotline was also quite adventurous.
Although I may not have delved deeper into the original trio, I did enjoy their individual trials too. It is a very full book, with a lot of meaningful interactions. The narrator did a pretty great job in bringing all the people to life. I was able to imagine very different people based on how the author and, subsequently, the narrator portrayed them. It is not easy to have multiple protagonists and ensure they come across as separate individuals as well as feel like they all got their own time in the story.
Here, I felt like both of the above points was achieved, and it is easy for me to recommend this to readers of this genre.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
June 15, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club was one of my favourite books of 2021; serious but uplifting and entertaining and I definitely expected the same with this book - and I got it.
I often struggle when there’s multiple character POVs and as expected, I did struggle to begin with here, figuring out who was who and who they related to, but that’s a personal thing. But within a few chapters my head was able to ease into it and it wasn’t much of a problem. I think what helped was they were all such different personalities with different stories and motivations so I could keep them separate, but then you had the sea swimming as the glue to hold them all together.
Personally I am not a fan of having covid and lockdowns in fiction books as I’m fed up enough with it in real life, but Josie hit a nice balance, she didn’t make it in your face or an overarching plot point, it was just in the background which I definitely preferred.
There are five main characters and a cast list of many secondary characters. Our main story revolves around Helga, Claire, Dominica, Maddy and Tor.
Helga: is an elderly lady living by herself, with health problems but a strong will, doesn’t take to fools.
Claire: a wife and mother who feels she is becoming invisible, only good for cleaning and cooking.
Dominica: newly bereaved after losing her husband, trying to figure out her place in the world and what her future means now.
Maddy: splits from her husband and travels to Brighton trying to find her son who walked out of the family home.
Tor: a young woman who is dedicated to charity and helping others, struggling with admitting her sexuality to her family.
There’s a lot to swallow there. Lots of sensitive subjects, but somehow, Josie has managed to balance them all. She’s given them all time to shine, time to grow, come to terms with them, and she’s made sure that everything is realistically dealt with by the end. Then you have the secondary characters of Jamie, Alice, Pim, Linus amongst many others. They make a community out of the story and it’s a really friendly community, one I’d be happy to be a part of.
What made me laugh is when I told my mum the basic premise and themes (adultery, divorce, homelessness etc) she sarcastically said, “oh, uplifting stuff then?” And at first glance, you’d be inclined to agree with her. But that’s the thing about Josie’s books (or at least the ones I’ve read) it’s tough on the surface but amongst it all is joy and it is definitely uplifting.
I admit, I do not like Brighton and so I couldn’t identify with all the praise the location was getting in the book. And I’m also frightened of the sea and open water, but the joy of open water swimming, especially in the dark depths of winter, just leaps off the page in such a sparkling way.
The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club was one of my favourite books of 2021; serious but uplifting and entertaining and I definitely expected the same with this book - and I got it.
I often struggle when there’s multiple character POVs and as expected, I did struggle to begin with here, figuring out who was who and who they related to, but that’s a personal thing. But within a few chapters my head was able to ease into it and it wasn’t much of a problem. I think what helped was they were all such different personalities with different stories and motivations so I could keep them separate, but then you had the sea swimming as the glue to hold them all together.
Personally I am not a fan of having covid and lockdowns in fiction books as I’m fed up enough with it in real life, but Josie hit a nice balance, she didn’t make it in your face or an overarching plot point, it was just in the background which I definitely preferred.
There are five main characters and a cast list of many secondary characters. Our main story revolves around Helga, Claire, Dominica, Maddy and Tor.
Helga: is an elderly lady living by herself, with health problems but a strong will, doesn’t take to fools.
Claire: a wife and mother who feels she is becoming invisible, only good for cleaning and cooking.
Dominica: newly bereaved after losing her husband, trying to figure out her place in the world and what her future means now.
Maddy: splits from her husband and travels to Brighton trying to find her son who walked out of the family home.
Tor: a young woman who is dedicated to charity and helping others, struggling with admitting her sexuality to her family.
There’s a lot to swallow there. Lots of sensitive subjects, but somehow, Josie has managed to balance them all. She’s given them all time to shine, time to grow, come to terms with them, and she’s made sure that everything is realistically dealt with by the end. Then you have the secondary characters of Jamie, Alice, Pim, Linus amongst many others. They make a community out of the story and it’s a really friendly community, one I’d be happy to be a part of.
What made me laugh is when I told my mum the basic premise and themes (adultery, divorce, homelessness etc) she sarcastically said, “oh, uplifting stuff then?” And at first glance, you’d be inclined to agree with her. But that’s the thing about Josie’s books (or at least the ones I’ve read) it’s tough on the surface but amongst it all is joy and it is definitely uplifting.
I admit, I do not like Brighton and so I couldn’t identify with all the praise the location was getting in the book. And I’m also frightened of the sea and open water, but the joy of open water swimming, especially in the dark depths of winter, just leaps off the page in such a sparkling way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
I got Lifesaving for Beginners by Josie Lloyd, for free from NetGalley for a fair free and optional review.
Lifesaving for Beginners is a sweet sentimental novel about a group of women who go swimming in the sea of Brighton and work together to deal with the issues in their lives.
Lifesaving for Beginners is one of those novels that I found very difficult to enjoy as a whole, however there were so many amazing chapters showing how the lives had been changed by being in this group.
For example there was a scene on the beach were characters who was suffering with the menopause was able to talk it over with the group and was able to find not only some helpful tips but a better understanding what was happening.
Another scene showed how swimming in the sea particularly when it was snowing was able to help with her issues, and the writing in this section really brought me into her mind.
The problem I had with Lifesaving for Beginners, was the fact that the whole novel was full of these moments for each character, yet there was no connection with the people involved with these scenes, the only connection I had was with the situation, not the people involved.
This could be because of the number of individuals in the story or the way that after a moving scene the next chapter started and you moved onto another person’s issues, only to go onto another character in the chapter after that.
The easiest way for me to describe this book is similar to when you are flicking through the channels on your television, where you get involved with a show for a couple of minutes and then move on to the next channel before changing again.
The way for me the writer could have improved the connection, is either cutting the number of characters down or staying with a character for a couple of chapters to allow readers to gain more of a connection with them or even making the book a collection of short stories.
Having said that with the emotional stories from each character still had me staying with the novel, it is just that there was never enough of a connection with the characters in the book to make it a must read recommendation,
However, Lifesaving for Beginners by Josie Lloyd is still a book which for the correct reader should be added to your TBR.
September 23, 2022
"She studies the picture - a group of women larking around on the shore; women in costumes with wobbly bottoms. Just like hers, their gloved hands held aloft, grins in their faces. It's comforting to know that her tiny gang in the beach is part of a vast movement of swimmers. When everyone else is moaning half the time, the fact that there are people enjoying the benefits of cold water feels like a massive force for good. She likes to think of this veritable army around the coastline of Britain as hardy, can-do types who get things Done. Because...swimming in cold water invokes one's superhero."
Present day Brighton and the 'Sea-Gals', a group of meet as often as they can, whatever their schedules, whatever the weather. There's determined Helga in her seventies, uncertain Tore in her thirties, bereaved Dominica and busy mum, Claire. All have a lot to deal with in the lives and all provide support for one another. They gain a new member in Maddy, who has just left her husband and is looking for son Jamie, she believes is living on the streets nearby. Will they 'Sea-Gals' help one another overcome adversity?
From the author of Cancer Ladies Running Club, and set during the Covid pandemic, this is a tale of female friendships. I liked reading each different perspective, exploring their lives and challenges and their shared love of sea-swimming. It almost made me want to take up swimming in the sea too, except I don't live near the coast! However, I found there were a lot of narratives to keep track of and the reader wasn't given much opportunity to spend time with one character before moving onto the next, which was a shame, but allowed for multiple narratives. Overall I liked this female-focused, feel-good tale of sea adventures and triumph over adversity.
I read this for September's Tasting Notes Book Club from The Book Taster.
Present day Brighton and the 'Sea-Gals', a group of meet as often as they can, whatever their schedules, whatever the weather. There's determined Helga in her seventies, uncertain Tore in her thirties, bereaved Dominica and busy mum, Claire. All have a lot to deal with in the lives and all provide support for one another. They gain a new member in Maddy, who has just left her husband and is looking for son Jamie, she believes is living on the streets nearby. Will they 'Sea-Gals' help one another overcome adversity?
From the author of Cancer Ladies Running Club, and set during the Covid pandemic, this is a tale of female friendships. I liked reading each different perspective, exploring their lives and challenges and their shared love of sea-swimming. It almost made me want to take up swimming in the sea too, except I don't live near the coast! However, I found there were a lot of narratives to keep track of and the reader wasn't given much opportunity to spend time with one character before moving onto the next, which was a shame, but allowed for multiple narratives. Overall I liked this female-focused, feel-good tale of sea adventures and triumph over adversity.
I read this for September's Tasting Notes Book Club from The Book Taster.
July 1, 2022
Lifesaving For Beginners by Josie Lloyd is a marvellous contemporary novel that enchanted me from the start.
The novel is about female friendship as a group of women bond over open water swimming in the sea at Brighton. They are various ages with differing life experiences. As they meet over swimming, they soon become a support network, championing each other and offering love and friendship.
Life impacts us all differently but we all need female friendship to offer advice – ladies who have more experience of travelling down the road of life. The ladies range from mid thirties to seventies and have a wealth of experience – from a lost love to a widow to a mother of two.
We see how women’s roles have changed over the years and how it is important to share how we are feeling with those around us. Our sons need educating in women’s life cycles so they can sympathise with what we go through.
As family relationships have broken down, we witness the desperate love of a mother searching for her son.
Life is not what we see on social media. Real life happens after the perfect picture has been posted.
The novel highlights those who are unseen by many – the plight of the homeless and the tireless work of the Samaritan volunteers who really do save lives. Sometimes CPR is needed and sometimes we just need someone to listen.
Lifesaving For Beginners was a powerful novel that I just could not put down. I ‘lived’ the action and applauded the ladies for their love and friendship.
I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is about female friendship as a group of women bond over open water swimming in the sea at Brighton. They are various ages with differing life experiences. As they meet over swimming, they soon become a support network, championing each other and offering love and friendship.
Life impacts us all differently but we all need female friendship to offer advice – ladies who have more experience of travelling down the road of life. The ladies range from mid thirties to seventies and have a wealth of experience – from a lost love to a widow to a mother of two.
We see how women’s roles have changed over the years and how it is important to share how we are feeling with those around us. Our sons need educating in women’s life cycles so they can sympathise with what we go through.
As family relationships have broken down, we witness the desperate love of a mother searching for her son.
Life is not what we see on social media. Real life happens after the perfect picture has been posted.
The novel highlights those who are unseen by many – the plight of the homeless and the tireless work of the Samaritan volunteers who really do save lives. Sometimes CPR is needed and sometimes we just need someone to listen.
Lifesaving For Beginners was a powerful novel that I just could not put down. I ‘lived’ the action and applauded the ladies for their love and friendship.
I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2022
“Lifesaving for Beginners” is a contemporary novel which focuses around the events triggered by the disappearance of Maddy’s son (Jamie). Told from multiple points of view, the novel follows Claire, Dominica, Helga, Maddy, and Tor, as they bond during their swimming sessions in the sea and learn from each other how to deal with the effects of time on their relationship with their spouses, family, and the effect of time on their own bodies.
As the story develops and each of the narrators starts to take their life in their own hands, I found myself rooting for all of the “Sea Gals” to find their happy ending. Each of their stories are so full of emotions and drama that it is really hard not to get attached to the characters. While emotion is the key element of the novel, the element of surprise is not that strong and I found myself predicting most of the scenes, which is also why I felt that it took me a long time to finish the book.
Having listened to the audio version, I also found it surprisingly good how narrator Lucy Scott found a way to give each character their own voice through emotions.
Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ, 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!
#LifesavingforBeginners #NetGalley
As the story develops and each of the narrators starts to take their life in their own hands, I found myself rooting for all of the “Sea Gals” to find their happy ending. Each of their stories are so full of emotions and drama that it is really hard not to get attached to the characters. While emotion is the key element of the novel, the element of surprise is not that strong and I found myself predicting most of the scenes, which is also why I felt that it took me a long time to finish the book.
Having listened to the audio version, I also found it surprisingly good how narrator Lucy Scott found a way to give each character their own voice through emotions.
Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ, 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!
#LifesavingforBeginners #NetGalley
April 11, 2023
This is definitely a 2022 edition but it has more than 400 pages. The story ends on page 399 but acknowledgments and reading group questions go on to numbered page 406 and there are 5 leaves before page 1. ISBN 9780008373696. Typeset at Trondheim, printed and bound at Croydon using 100% Renewable Electricity.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Five women main characters, each with an average of over 3 named relatives, not to mention some named neighbours - I made pencil notes at the back to keep track.
Rare or novel language: "mamils" = middle-aged men in lycra; "parkour"; "kayake" for kayak
Imaginary world:
p 295 a real-world full/super/blood moon rises very near sunset, not after dark as this one does
Not unexpectedly, inconsistent punctuation and paucity of commas and of "whom".
Other errors:
p 43 "registered on the electoral role"
p 48 "their house and their life seems to be ..."
p 67 "starlings are swooping ..., a huge in sync ariel display, ..."
p 138 "Burn's Night"
p 235 "having not seen Trent for months, it feels..."
p 298 "... lights come on along prom."
p 314 "Trent ... doesn't step over the threshold. ... (p 316) He yanks open the door and stalks out."
p 318 "there's [should be "there are"] plenty of paddleboarders and a couple of jet-skiers..."
p 355 "metal grills over the windows"
Not as long a list as in some modern novels!
Thoroughly enjoyable. Five women main characters, each with an average of over 3 named relatives, not to mention some named neighbours - I made pencil notes at the back to keep track.
Rare or novel language: "mamils" = middle-aged men in lycra; "parkour"; "kayake" for kayak
Imaginary world:
p 295 a real-world full/super/blood moon rises very near sunset, not after dark as this one does
Not unexpectedly, inconsistent punctuation and paucity of commas and of "whom".
Other errors:
p 43 "registered on the electoral role"
p 48 "their house and their life seems to be ..."
p 67 "starlings are swooping ..., a huge in sync ariel display, ..."
p 138 "Burn's Night"
p 235 "having not seen Trent for months, it feels..."
p 298 "... lights come on along prom."
p 314 "Trent ... doesn't step over the threshold. ... (p 316) He yanks open the door and stalks out."
p 318 "there's [should be "there are"] plenty of paddleboarders and a couple of jet-skiers..."
p 355 "metal grills over the windows"
Not as long a list as in some modern novels!
December 29, 2023
Five women, ranging in age from 70 to 30, each one with her own problems and joys become a unit of support and understanding. Because each has a secret (or two) that they are reluctant to share, they do not probe others too deeply, but allow each woman to become comfortable enough to eventually open up to the others. This allowing each to be silent yet receive the support of the group and share in the wonderful release that cold water swimming, helps each on her personal journey. -----The five women are very different from each other: Maddy, a perfectionist home designer crafts person who finds her husband has had a 3 year affair and her son is deep into drugs and disappears; Helga, 70, an artist, bird expert, prize-winning sailor, still longs for a lost love; Tor, youngest of the group, doesn't know how to tell her family she is gay and is living with her partner; Dominica, newly widowed, has difficulty finding her way without her husband; and Clare always puts others first and doesn't know how to put her own needs in order. Together they swim and surmount challenges. -------I enjoyed this book, but I read it on kindle and had no idea how long it was! I thought it would be a short feminist story... but it was much longer than I expected. I got a little antsy for the end after a while. (Note: it is 416 pgs)
July 16, 2022
Lifesaving for Beginners by Josie Lloyd
Narrated by Lucy Scott
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily
When Maddy receives a call on Christmas Day from her estranged son Jamie who has been missing for the past few years on a Brighton phone number, she decides to go there in attempt to track him down and repair their relationship. As she strolls on the beach one morning mulling over her next steps, she meets the Sea-Gals – a group of feisty women who are sea swimmers.
Seventy-year-old Helga is determined not to slow down because of her age, while twenty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Recently widowed Dominica swims to help deal with her grief, while busy mum of two Claire has started swimming to put herself first for a change.
The first thing that struck me about this book was how much Josie was using covid as a theme through the book - this actually spoilt my enjoyment. A satisfying ending redeemed this book a bit, but I feel like I am in the minority not loving this book. The characters are all enjoyable and overall this is a powerful book, with some very strong female characters.
Rating 3/5
Narrated by Lucy Scott
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily
When Maddy receives a call on Christmas Day from her estranged son Jamie who has been missing for the past few years on a Brighton phone number, she decides to go there in attempt to track him down and repair their relationship. As she strolls on the beach one morning mulling over her next steps, she meets the Sea-Gals – a group of feisty women who are sea swimmers.
Seventy-year-old Helga is determined not to slow down because of her age, while twenty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Recently widowed Dominica swims to help deal with her grief, while busy mum of two Claire has started swimming to put herself first for a change.
The first thing that struck me about this book was how much Josie was using covid as a theme through the book - this actually spoilt my enjoyment. A satisfying ending redeemed this book a bit, but I feel like I am in the minority not loving this book. The characters are all enjoyable and overall this is a powerful book, with some very strong female characters.
Rating 3/5
July 26, 2022
My first experience of a Josie Lloyd book was when I read The Cancer Ladies Running Club last year, which I loved, and this latest book is another example of Lloyd’s ability to write about serious issues, but ultimately create a heartwarming, positive story. It is a reminder that it's never too late to make new friends, that sometimes we find them in unexpected places, and how powerful those friendships can be when life throws us its inevitable challenges.
A group of five women, all of different ages and leading very different lives, come together to form the Salty Sea-Gals, a sea-swimming group in Brighton. They are all dealing with issues of their own and as they bond over swimming, they begin to form a close-knit support network.
All of them have interesting stories which are celebratory intertwined and I have no doubt there will be a character every reader can relate to in some way. And I suspect after reading this there will be lots of people who have never thought about cold-water swimming who will be inspired to give it a go. It’s an uplifting, well written book, perfect escapist reading.
A group of five women, all of different ages and leading very different lives, come together to form the Salty Sea-Gals, a sea-swimming group in Brighton. They are all dealing with issues of their own and as they bond over swimming, they begin to form a close-knit support network.
All of them have interesting stories which are celebratory intertwined and I have no doubt there will be a character every reader can relate to in some way. And I suspect after reading this there will be lots of people who have never thought about cold-water swimming who will be inspired to give it a go. It’s an uplifting, well written book, perfect escapist reading.
March 22, 2023
I really love the concept of this book. Life is all the better when you surround yourself with people who support and love you and it is reciprocated.
The Sea-Gals are such a great group and really quite funny. My friend and I are hoping to start cold water swimming and this book as given me a funny insight into what it might be like.
Poor Helga is going through a lot, but I love that she has the Sea-Gals to help her get through the rough times.
I really like the connection to the pandemic but it's just mentioned now and then and is really relatable.
I love the chat on the beach that Claire and Ash have. It's something all teens should know about whether they're male or female. I like how concerned Ash sounds when his mum shares it with him.
This book is emotional, romantic and funny amongst other things, it's a really heart-warming story and I love the different characters and how the author dips into details in each of their lives. They're all connected but have a very different time and experience with one shared thing of being part of the Sea-Gals.
The Sea-Gals are such a great group and really quite funny. My friend and I are hoping to start cold water swimming and this book as given me a funny insight into what it might be like.
Poor Helga is going through a lot, but I love that she has the Sea-Gals to help her get through the rough times.
I really like the connection to the pandemic but it's just mentioned now and then and is really relatable.
I love the chat on the beach that Claire and Ash have. It's something all teens should know about whether they're male or female. I like how concerned Ash sounds when his mum shares it with him.
This book is emotional, romantic and funny amongst other things, it's a really heart-warming story and I love the different characters and how the author dips into details in each of their lives. They're all connected but have a very different time and experience with one shared thing of being part of the Sea-Gals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews