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Old Friends Reunited
Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a serious case of writer's block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.
So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France, is Bea’s perfect chance to escape. Surely here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?
But as soon as Bea arrives, she realises this is not going to be the peaceful getaway she anticipated. Her old school friends Gin and Audrie are in various states of marital distress and to top it off a camera crew has arrived to film the goings on at Chateau De St Cyr. Far from being calm, the trip is total chaos!
Thank goodness for Bea's new French neighbour Laurent Sinclair - handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back.
But is Bea brave enough to take a second chance at love at her age?
Perhaps with a little help from her friends...
Escape to the Chateau for another laugh-out-loud feel-good adventure with the #1 bestselling author of The Old Ducks' Club!
So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France, is Bea’s perfect chance to escape. Surely here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?
But as soon as Bea arrives, she realises this is not going to be the peaceful getaway she anticipated. Her old school friends Gin and Audrie are in various states of marital distress and to top it off a camera crew has arrived to film the goings on at Chateau De St Cyr. Far from being calm, the trip is total chaos!
Thank goodness for Bea's new French neighbour Laurent Sinclair - handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back.
But is Bea brave enough to take a second chance at love at her age?
Perhaps with a little help from her friends...
Escape to the Chateau for another laugh-out-loud feel-good adventure with the #1 bestselling author of The Old Ducks' Club!
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2022
1226 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Please
19 books229 followersMaddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to University in Cardiff.
After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.
Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.
After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.
Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 22, 2022
EXCERPT: I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to remember the heat: the rich Provençal sunshine beating down on the stone pergola, the warm air faintly scented with rosemary and garlic. There would be a small, convenient table with a mosaic top by the side of my chair. And, just within reach, a bottle of their famous, sparkling Souffle de St Cyr in an ice bucket. Peace and quiet, apart from the twittering of a few small French birds in the trees and the occasional engaging conversation of my friends. It would be the chance to catch up on their news, have some amusing and entertaining discussion which had nothing to do with resurrecting my finances, or with my word count, deadlines, structural edits or William.
Time to think. Perhaps I had been coping, been strong, for long enough.
Audrie and Gin would commiserate with me over my publishing dilemmas, perhaps offer me some advice or tell me how much they had enjoyed my last book. We could cook together in Audrie's vast kitchen with its huge Lacanche range cooker. I could imagine nights sleeping peacefully, my dreams unclouded by my continuing inability to put one decent sentence in front of another. To remember myself as I used to be. When I wasn't just a bit part in other people's lives.
ABOUT 'OLD FRIENDS REUNITED': Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a serious case of writer's block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.
So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France, is Bea's perfect chance to escape. Surely here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?
But as soon as Bea arrives, she realises this is not going to be the peaceful getaway she anticipated. Her old school friends Gin and Audrie are in various states of marital distress and to top it off a camera crew has arrived to film the goings on at Chateau De St Cyr. Far from being calm, the trip is total chaos!
Thank goodness for Bea's new French neighbour Laurent Sinclair - handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back. But is Bea brave enough to take a second chance at love at her age? Perhaps with a little help from her friends...
MY THOUGHTS: I read this delight in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. In fact, I didn't put it down. Old Friends Reunited was the perfect antidote for a dismal, wet New Zealand winter's day. The only thing that would have improved the experience would have been a glass or two of the delicious bubbly that is frequently downed in this book. WARNING: There is a lot of food mentioned in this book. Delicious food.
The characters are women in their sixties, all experiencing change in their lives, and trying to come to terms with that change and forge a new path for themselves.
Bea is a successful author whose husband recently emptied the bank accounts and ran off to Phuket with his twentysomething-year-old girlfriend. Audrie is certain her husband has another woman and is planning to divorce her - why else would he have a secret phone and be locked away in his study with a divorce lawyer? And Gin is reeling from the failure of her fourth marriage, the one she was sure was going to last forever.
But if you think that this is a book about three women sitting around whining about the men in - or out - of their lives, you would be wrong though, of course, there is a little of that. Usually with a glass of the aforementioned bubbly in hand.
These three have been friends since school; the sort of friends who don't need to meet up each week, who can go for years without seeing one another, but when they do meet up it's like they have never been apart. They just pick up wherever they left off. True friends. BAG - they were known as Baggies at school, now they feel they are just old bags! I so wanted to be the S on the end!
I really didn't expect to enjoy Old Friends Reunited as much as I did, but I absolutely adored this read. It is warm, and funny (I recommend cold, non-staining drinks to accompany this read), and a reminder that when we retire from work, we don't need to retire from life. The outcome might be a tad predictable, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The journey getting there was a wonderful one.
Old Friends Reunited by Maddie Please is due for publication 14th July 2022.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#OldFriendsReunited #NetGalley
I: @maddieplease1 @bookandtonic
T: @MaddiePlease1 @BoldwoodBooks
#contemporaryfiction #friendship #romance #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Maddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to University in Cardiff.
After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.
Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Old Friends Reunited by Maddie Please 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/...
Time to think. Perhaps I had been coping, been strong, for long enough.
Audrie and Gin would commiserate with me over my publishing dilemmas, perhaps offer me some advice or tell me how much they had enjoyed my last book. We could cook together in Audrie's vast kitchen with its huge Lacanche range cooker. I could imagine nights sleeping peacefully, my dreams unclouded by my continuing inability to put one decent sentence in front of another. To remember myself as I used to be. When I wasn't just a bit part in other people's lives.
ABOUT 'OLD FRIENDS REUNITED': Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a serious case of writer's block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.
So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France, is Bea's perfect chance to escape. Surely here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?
But as soon as Bea arrives, she realises this is not going to be the peaceful getaway she anticipated. Her old school friends Gin and Audrie are in various states of marital distress and to top it off a camera crew has arrived to film the goings on at Chateau De St Cyr. Far from being calm, the trip is total chaos!
Thank goodness for Bea's new French neighbour Laurent Sinclair - handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back. But is Bea brave enough to take a second chance at love at her age? Perhaps with a little help from her friends...
MY THOUGHTS: I read this delight in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. In fact, I didn't put it down. Old Friends Reunited was the perfect antidote for a dismal, wet New Zealand winter's day. The only thing that would have improved the experience would have been a glass or two of the delicious bubbly that is frequently downed in this book. WARNING: There is a lot of food mentioned in this book. Delicious food.
The characters are women in their sixties, all experiencing change in their lives, and trying to come to terms with that change and forge a new path for themselves.
Bea is a successful author whose husband recently emptied the bank accounts and ran off to Phuket with his twentysomething-year-old girlfriend. Audrie is certain her husband has another woman and is planning to divorce her - why else would he have a secret phone and be locked away in his study with a divorce lawyer? And Gin is reeling from the failure of her fourth marriage, the one she was sure was going to last forever.
But if you think that this is a book about three women sitting around whining about the men in - or out - of their lives, you would be wrong though, of course, there is a little of that. Usually with a glass of the aforementioned bubbly in hand.
These three have been friends since school; the sort of friends who don't need to meet up each week, who can go for years without seeing one another, but when they do meet up it's like they have never been apart. They just pick up wherever they left off. True friends. BAG - they were known as Baggies at school, now they feel they are just old bags! I so wanted to be the S on the end!
I really didn't expect to enjoy Old Friends Reunited as much as I did, but I absolutely adored this read. It is warm, and funny (I recommend cold, non-staining drinks to accompany this read), and a reminder that when we retire from work, we don't need to retire from life. The outcome might be a tad predictable, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The journey getting there was a wonderful one.
Old Friends Reunited by Maddie Please is due for publication 14th July 2022.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#OldFriendsReunited #NetGalley
I: @maddieplease1 @bookandtonic
T: @MaddiePlease1 @BoldwoodBooks
#contemporaryfiction #friendship #romance #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Maddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to University in Cardiff.
After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.
Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Old Friends Reunited by Maddie Please 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/...
July 14, 2022
I liked this book but I did not love it. The reason being was because I felt something was missing from this narrative: largely Bea’s friends. I was expecting them to be prominent in the story, as the title suggests, but they were merely a supporting cast to Bea’s journey. As such, I did not find the novel as entertaining as I had hoped.
It was refreshing to read about a protagonist in her later years and I enjoyed the wit and sarcasm that comes through Bea’s narrative. She is clearly stuck in a rut with life and this is transferred to her writing career. Faced with looming (late) deadlines, Bea cannot engage herself with her manuscript, recognising it being as lack-lustre as her life at the moment. Therefore, when the opportunity arises to visit her friend in France, Bea hopes this change of scenery will revitalise her writing… and herself.
Whilst there were many entertaining scenes in this story, I think there was a missing spark. As the title suggests, Bea does reunite with her old friends, but Please remains fully focused on Bea. I think the plot would have benefitted from concentrating on the other two women and alternating the narrative perspective. This would have made their characters more developed, rather than them scaffolding the plot. In my opinion, Gin and Audrie are quite forgettable and are missed opportunities for the writer to really expand upon them.
As a result, I thought this novel just trundled along and I did grow to forget that it was not set in the summer months because of all the positivity that Bea finds in France. I did not really believe in her relationship with Laurent but did cheer when Bea eventually finds inspiration with her writing. Watching her character evolve over the novel was really quite lovely and I found her a very endearing character. By the end of the story I really liked her personality and was pleased that she had found happiness again.
This was certainly a heart-warming story about being revitalised in middle-age. I don’t think the age difference between the protagonist and myself was an issue but I do wish Bea’s friends had taken more of a significant role in the story.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was refreshing to read about a protagonist in her later years and I enjoyed the wit and sarcasm that comes through Bea’s narrative. She is clearly stuck in a rut with life and this is transferred to her writing career. Faced with looming (late) deadlines, Bea cannot engage herself with her manuscript, recognising it being as lack-lustre as her life at the moment. Therefore, when the opportunity arises to visit her friend in France, Bea hopes this change of scenery will revitalise her writing… and herself.
Whilst there were many entertaining scenes in this story, I think there was a missing spark. As the title suggests, Bea does reunite with her old friends, but Please remains fully focused on Bea. I think the plot would have benefitted from concentrating on the other two women and alternating the narrative perspective. This would have made their characters more developed, rather than them scaffolding the plot. In my opinion, Gin and Audrie are quite forgettable and are missed opportunities for the writer to really expand upon them.
As a result, I thought this novel just trundled along and I did grow to forget that it was not set in the summer months because of all the positivity that Bea finds in France. I did not really believe in her relationship with Laurent but did cheer when Bea eventually finds inspiration with her writing. Watching her character evolve over the novel was really quite lovely and I found her a very endearing character. By the end of the story I really liked her personality and was pleased that she had found happiness again.
This was certainly a heart-warming story about being revitalised in middle-age. I don’t think the age difference between the protagonist and myself was an issue but I do wish Bea’s friends had taken more of a significant role in the story.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
I seem to be travelling around France with this author, having recently read and enjoyed Sisters Behaving Badly, and I'm not complaining for one minute! If anything, I enjoyed Old Friends Reunited even more.
What's not to love about three women in their sixties getting together again, reminiscing and reflecting ... and having a ball doing so. Writer, Bea and newly-divorced (again) Gin visit their old school friend Audrie (the owner of the château). Since school, their lives have taken them on very different journeys. Reuniting allows them to look back fondly on those years whilst also putting their current lives in perspective. The three women are funny, endearing, quirky and definitely have lots more adventures left to live.
Misunderstandings and uninvited guests lead to shocks and surprises, some funny, others heartwarming. For Bea, through whom the story is told, there comes a delightful new romance and a realisation that old friendships are worth nurturing especially when they can so dramatically turn your world upside down (in the best way).
The perfect way to escape everyday life and live out dreams of pastures new if only for a few hours.
What's not to love about three women in their sixties getting together again, reminiscing and reflecting ... and having a ball doing so. Writer, Bea and newly-divorced (again) Gin visit their old school friend Audrie (the owner of the château). Since school, their lives have taken them on very different journeys. Reuniting allows them to look back fondly on those years whilst also putting their current lives in perspective. The three women are funny, endearing, quirky and definitely have lots more adventures left to live.
Misunderstandings and uninvited guests lead to shocks and surprises, some funny, others heartwarming. For Bea, through whom the story is told, there comes a delightful new romance and a realisation that old friendships are worth nurturing especially when they can so dramatically turn your world upside down (in the best way).
The perfect way to escape everyday life and live out dreams of pastures new if only for a few hours.
July 24, 2022
Three long time friends, Bea a recently divorces author who is dealing with writer's block, Audrie who owns the chateau and thinks her husband is cheating on her and Gin who is reeling from her fourth failed marriage, meet up at Audrie's beautiful chateau in France. They all have high hopes that good wine, conversation and laughs will help them deal with their problems. Will all of them looking for support, things could get quite dismal. Bea is not finding the peace and inspiration she is looking for, so is worried she will not ever get her book finished. Enter Laurent Sinclair, Bea's neighbour, who also happens to be handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back. Can Bea take a chance on Laurent, especially when Audrie tells her that he is a divorce lawyer there to help her husband decide on his next steps. Can the friends help one another with their issues? Will Bea take a chance on love?
This was another delightful read from Maddie Please. Three friends coming together after several years, picking up where they left off, except all with some baggage. This is such a wonderful setting, how can anyone not relax and enjoy their time. All three women were trying to move on in their lives with new beginnings, but first, they had to determine if what they thought was true really is. What I love most about Maddie Please's books is the realization that life does not end at 60, when you retire and your children have their own lives. These women all have lots to give, lots to live for and they do. With a glass of bubbly, good french food, a handsome man and a fascinating setting, there is humor, friendship, and new beginnings. Although somewhat predictable, this was a wonderful story that I recommend to those who enjoy women's fiction with humor and wonderful characters.
This was another delightful read from Maddie Please. Three friends coming together after several years, picking up where they left off, except all with some baggage. This is such a wonderful setting, how can anyone not relax and enjoy their time. All three women were trying to move on in their lives with new beginnings, but first, they had to determine if what they thought was true really is. What I love most about Maddie Please's books is the realization that life does not end at 60, when you retire and your children have their own lives. These women all have lots to give, lots to live for and they do. With a glass of bubbly, good french food, a handsome man and a fascinating setting, there is humor, friendship, and new beginnings. Although somewhat predictable, this was a wonderful story that I recommend to those who enjoy women's fiction with humor and wonderful characters.
July 19, 2022
Old Friends Reunited by Maddie Please
Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a severe case of writer's block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.
So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France is Bea's perfect chance to escape. Indeed here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?
I have read several of Maddie's previous books; a particular favourite is The Old Ducks' Club (which, if you haven't read, I would highly recommend); this story is no different.
Yet again, Maddie has written a story full of friendship, love and laughter that many of us at that 'certain age' can easily relate to.
I appreciate the descriptive chapters and the small touches that make the story such a joy to read.
Bea's school friends Audrie and Gin are fabulous characters, both have their issues, but the warmth and understanding from each friend are played out and written so well; with such wisdom, I found myself giving out my thoughts and advice. as I read along.
I am happy to recommend this addictive, entertaining story.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, author Maggie Please and Rachel's Random Resources for a copy to read and review and for the invite to the
Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a severe case of writer's block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.
So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France is Bea's perfect chance to escape. Indeed here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?
I have read several of Maddie's previous books; a particular favourite is The Old Ducks' Club (which, if you haven't read, I would highly recommend); this story is no different.
Yet again, Maddie has written a story full of friendship, love and laughter that many of us at that 'certain age' can easily relate to.
I appreciate the descriptive chapters and the small touches that make the story such a joy to read.
Bea's school friends Audrie and Gin are fabulous characters, both have their issues, but the warmth and understanding from each friend are played out and written so well; with such wisdom, I found myself giving out my thoughts and advice. as I read along.
I am happy to recommend this addictive, entertaining story.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, author Maggie Please and Rachel's Random Resources for a copy to read and review and for the invite to the
June 18, 2022
This was the second book I’d read by the author after Sisters Behaving Badly, and it did not disappoint either. Maddie Please has a way of creating lovable and quirky female (and male too!) characters, in this case the “Old Bags” or “Baggies” being the main ones. Bea, Audrey and Gin attended St. Martin’s boarding school together as young girls, have maintained their strong ties, and plan a reunion at Audrie’s lovely chateau in France, which has been featured in a popular tv series. Of the three, Audrie has never been divorced but seems to be experiencing a marital crisis with long-term spouse Victor, who is planning retirement, as the other friends arrive.
The adventures and misadventures of these three 60’ish-aged ladies are hilarious and engaging, especially as the tv crew arrives again, but throughout the author creates heartwarming scenes and unique connections among the Baggies and other characters. Life lessons are experienced in a light, funny way. I will be watching closely for future books by this author, anticipating more amusing reads,
I have come to expect uplifting and fun reads from #Boldwood Books and thank them and #NetGalley for this Advance Reader’s Copy.
The adventures and misadventures of these three 60’ish-aged ladies are hilarious and engaging, especially as the tv crew arrives again, but throughout the author creates heartwarming scenes and unique connections among the Baggies and other characters. Life lessons are experienced in a light, funny way. I will be watching closely for future books by this author, anticipating more amusing reads,
I have come to expect uplifting and fun reads from #Boldwood Books and thank them and #NetGalley for this Advance Reader’s Copy.
February 10, 2023
Maddie Please doesn’t disappoint! I love her books because the character are middle aged women who find themselves and discover what they want in life and go for it. Each book I’ve read takes place in a different country so I feel like I’m traveling while I read. Already order the next one!
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August 8, 2022DNF.......this one just wasn't for me.
February 7, 2023
A laugh out loud that was.
I read soo many books, but this one was as it said, and I did laugh. Enjoy it. It is one for those of us on the other side of 60.
I read soo many books, but this one was as it said, and I did laugh. Enjoy it. It is one for those of us on the other side of 60.
June 20, 2022
Old Friends Reunited by Maddie Please is a delightful contemporary novel that will put a smile on your face.
The leading characters are three sixty year old women who have been friends since school. It is lovely to get glimpses of the girls they once were as they reminisce. It is refreshing to have leading characters who are not in the first flush of youth. They were very easy for me to relate to.
We see that life is for living. While we are still breathing, we can still grab life with both hands. We may retire from our jobs but we do not need to retire from life.
A jaded life is given a new lease, fresh inspiration and the opportunity to try new things. Life opens up after accepting an invitation to travel from Britain to reunite with school friends in France. Life in Britain seems grey in contrast to the vibrancy of France.
As the novel progresses it is a joy to see a life blossom.
Our children always need us no matter how old they are. Too often they see us as their mum and not a person in our own right with a life to live that is ours alone.
I found one of the saddest scenes in the book was a phone call from a daughter to her mum (read the book and see what you think) – Just as a life was beginning to bud, the daughter wanted to re-box it. I was reminded of a similar scene in the Douglas Sirk movie All That Heaven Allows with Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson where her children buy her a television to keep her company while they go off and live their lives.
The book was highly amusing as one of the leading ladies is accident prone. I laughed out loud at her antics in a kitchen with a slippy floor!
Old Friends Reunited was a really fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to much more from Maddie Please.
I received a free copy via Net Galley for a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The leading characters are three sixty year old women who have been friends since school. It is lovely to get glimpses of the girls they once were as they reminisce. It is refreshing to have leading characters who are not in the first flush of youth. They were very easy for me to relate to.
We see that life is for living. While we are still breathing, we can still grab life with both hands. We may retire from our jobs but we do not need to retire from life.
A jaded life is given a new lease, fresh inspiration and the opportunity to try new things. Life opens up after accepting an invitation to travel from Britain to reunite with school friends in France. Life in Britain seems grey in contrast to the vibrancy of France.
As the novel progresses it is a joy to see a life blossom.
Our children always need us no matter how old they are. Too often they see us as their mum and not a person in our own right with a life to live that is ours alone.
I found one of the saddest scenes in the book was a phone call from a daughter to her mum (read the book and see what you think) – Just as a life was beginning to bud, the daughter wanted to re-box it. I was reminded of a similar scene in the Douglas Sirk movie All That Heaven Allows with Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson where her children buy her a television to keep her company while they go off and live their lives.
The book was highly amusing as one of the leading ladies is accident prone. I laughed out loud at her antics in a kitchen with a slippy floor!
Old Friends Reunited was a really fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to much more from Maddie Please.
I received a free copy via Net Galley for a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy old friends reunited.
Following three old school friends in a magnificent chateau in France as they each deal with the struggles of the stage of life they are in especially with marital turmoil and self-discovery.
I loved this book more than I expected. I could not put it down. I loved Bea and I'm very happy she got what she deserved in the end. I feel when into this book thinking that it was going to be one story, but it came out to be a different one. Which I quite enjoy I would love to say more on this, but I don't want to spoiler anything.
I'm definitely going to pick more from this author.
Following three old school friends in a magnificent chateau in France as they each deal with the struggles of the stage of life they are in especially with marital turmoil and self-discovery.
I loved this book more than I expected. I could not put it down. I loved Bea and I'm very happy she got what she deserved in the end. I feel when into this book thinking that it was going to be one story, but it came out to be a different one. Which I quite enjoy I would love to say more on this, but I don't want to spoiler anything.
I'm definitely going to pick more from this author.
June 22, 2022
I've never read anything by this book before, but I'm likely to check out future books.
I love that this story had older, more mature characters, as I find that so rarely in books these days. Bea, Audrie, and Gin are realistic and relatable characters. I loved the setting, as well. There are many heartwarming scenes. This is a great choice for a fun, lighthearted summer read.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I love that this story had older, more mature characters, as I find that so rarely in books these days. Bea, Audrie, and Gin are realistic and relatable characters. I loved the setting, as well. There are many heartwarming scenes. This is a great choice for a fun, lighthearted summer read.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
June 17, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Cute story! Easy and fast read. The cover is really cute also. Light hearted story perfect for a good weekend read.
August 31, 2025
KU Free Trial | 2.5 stars rounded up | I really struggled with this, because I couldn't stand almost any character in it. I ended up skimming the vast majority of the first half, because otherwise I would have thrown it across the room, and given that it's a Kindle version, that would not have been ideal. About 25% of it was worth reading, unfortunately that was approximately the 65%-90% section. The acknowledgement mentions it was written during a difficult time for the author, and I note that her author bio underwent a change, removing reference to a "wonderful husband". I don't know if the two things are related, but I rounded up instead of down out of sympathy.
February 28, 2023
It's good to read of an older generation embracing the idea of falling in love again, just when they believe they are past it. A gentle and amusing read.
February 14, 2023
Entertaining
Delightful read. I never thought about it but I’m sure a great percentage of single women in their 60s have felt the way Bea does. She did it and learned she could be happy and have a satisfying life.
Delightful read. I never thought about it but I’m sure a great percentage of single women in their 60s have felt the way Bea does. She did it and learned she could be happy and have a satisfying life.
February 14, 2023
Great read
This book was full of up and down with life's changing moments. The characters were strong supportive and fun .
This book was full of up and down with life's changing moments. The characters were strong supportive and fun .
July 15, 2022
I read and loved Maddie’s previous two books. I read the synopsis of ‘Old Friends Reunited’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Maddie Please- a fun, light hearted and uplifting story. I wasn’t to be disappointed because that perfectly describes ‘Old Friends Reunited’. Overall I did thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Old Friends Reunited’ but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into ‘Old Friends Reunited’. Part of the reason was because I didn’t take to the character of Audrie and I found it rather hard to warm to her. In fact there were times when I could have quite cheerfully slapped her with a wet fish as she was getting on my nerves. However, I did eventually thaw out a bit towards Audrie and when Gin turned up, the story really did take off for me. From them on I found it increasingly difficult to put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was anywhere near the truth or if I wandered down the wrong path entirely. I soon got to the end of ‘Old Friends Reunited’ and I had to say goodbye to Bea, Audrie and Gin. I found this to be an amusing and fun story.
‘Old Friends Reunited’ is well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Maddie Please. She has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Maddie’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Maddie certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them info what proves to be one heck of a fun story. Maddie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes the characters seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Maddie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short and overall I did enjoyed reading ‘Old Friends Reunited’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Maddie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into ‘Old Friends Reunited’. Part of the reason was because I didn’t take to the character of Audrie and I found it rather hard to warm to her. In fact there were times when I could have quite cheerfully slapped her with a wet fish as she was getting on my nerves. However, I did eventually thaw out a bit towards Audrie and when Gin turned up, the story really did take off for me. From them on I found it increasingly difficult to put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was anywhere near the truth or if I wandered down the wrong path entirely. I soon got to the end of ‘Old Friends Reunited’ and I had to say goodbye to Bea, Audrie and Gin. I found this to be an amusing and fun story.
‘Old Friends Reunited’ is well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Maddie Please. She has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Maddie’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Maddie certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them info what proves to be one heck of a fun story. Maddie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes the characters seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Maddie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short and overall I did enjoyed reading ‘Old Friends Reunited’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Maddie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
July 25, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by Maddie Please, but it will not be the last. I loved the story and her writing style. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. The story is based on three friends with very different personalities and varied life situations. The women were at times quirky, independent, strong, and living life in their sixties. I think the fact that they were discovering how much more they could experience endeared them to me. What a wonderful reflection of how special and lasting friendships can be...how we should be open to new experiences and new adventures, and love is just around the corner when you least expect it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 8, 2022
I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down! Lots of laughter, love and romance in France just what you need for a holiday read.
The storyline is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. What do you need when you are going through divorce and marital difficulties? Friends in France of course! Oh and a handsome man that can take your mind off it all!
I recommend this book as the perfect holiday read.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down! Lots of laughter, love and romance in France just what you need for a holiday read.
The storyline is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. What do you need when you are going through divorce and marital difficulties? Friends in France of course! Oh and a handsome man that can take your mind off it all!
I recommend this book as the perfect holiday read.
March 27, 2023
I really enjoy Maddie Please’s novels but the first half of this one was a little difficult for me - lots of chaos and sarcasm…two things I need less in my life! However, I loved the second half of the book. It’s how I want to see the world today - humorous and finding love in the ppl and things around me.
December 8, 2022
I have read one other book by the author, and the common denominator between the two is the fact that the main protagonists are older than the average 30-somethings in other books. This story is of three friends, all with adult children and friends for almost three decades. Each comes with their own secret(and not-so-secret) problems and their dynamics forms part of the plotline. We only get the story from one point of view, however, that of a successful writer Bea. She is facing writer's block and decides to take a holiday when her friend invites her to France to stay at her Chateau.
She easily makes a sudden trip to France and leaves her extremely dependent children doing their own things. Once there, she finds out her friend imagines a possible divorce in her future as well. This part was actually funny because I can imagine the conversation happening in real life to real people as well. As is the lack fo understanding of each other's 'work'.
Bea's story was nice in itself, but I wanted more of the friends reuniting part, mostly because it was what I was expecting. The togetherness is not as prevalent as the cover signifies. They all do their own thing, and two of the three end up having an interesting conversation during the course of their day.
If my expectations had been different or if the three friends spent longer together than in this narrative, I would have rated it higher. I think fans of this author would appreciate this book more than I did. The writing is well done and conveys the environment well and keeps the reader involved in the events of the page.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
She easily makes a sudden trip to France and leaves her extremely dependent children doing their own things. Once there, she finds out her friend imagines a possible divorce in her future as well. This part was actually funny because I can imagine the conversation happening in real life to real people as well. As is the lack fo understanding of each other's 'work'.
Bea's story was nice in itself, but I wanted more of the friends reuniting part, mostly because it was what I was expecting. The togetherness is not as prevalent as the cover signifies. They all do their own thing, and two of the three end up having an interesting conversation during the course of their day.
If my expectations had been different or if the three friends spent longer together than in this narrative, I would have rated it higher. I think fans of this author would appreciate this book more than I did. The writing is well done and conveys the environment well and keeps the reader involved in the events of the page.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
May 21, 2024
it is a story of friends reuniting after all this time. Bea the writer with writer's block, she is just not inspired to write the book that was expected to come out now she has grown out of that series.
Then there is Jean, who just divorced her 4th husband and how her child went with dad instead of her.
and Finally the host, the only one who is still married but is panicking that her husband is going to retire and be home all the time. she is accustomed to live as if she is single with an absent spouse.
instead of a quiet working vacation, she is in the middle of a upheaval with fighting spouses, man-boys that has no sense whatsoever, trying to find herself again, and a love interest.
I like that the old friends are there to help each other, available to help each other grow and resolve problems that they normally wouldn't be able to air out, I feel the exposure to the old friends are enough to carry out the title of the book. Can't have a book with nothing but just old friends get together. what is that going to be like? a couple pages? nay, would chuck the book out if that is the case.
the end result, they each found a new direction to life, a new definition for themselves to carry forward, a bright outlook.
Then there is Jean, who just divorced her 4th husband and how her child went with dad instead of her.
and Finally the host, the only one who is still married but is panicking that her husband is going to retire and be home all the time. she is accustomed to live as if she is single with an absent spouse.
instead of a quiet working vacation, she is in the middle of a upheaval with fighting spouses, man-boys that has no sense whatsoever, trying to find herself again, and a love interest.
I like that the old friends are there to help each other, available to help each other grow and resolve problems that they normally wouldn't be able to air out, I feel the exposure to the old friends are enough to carry out the title of the book. Can't have a book with nothing but just old friends get together. what is that going to be like? a couple pages? nay, would chuck the book out if that is the case.
the end result, they each found a new direction to life, a new definition for themselves to carry forward, a bright outlook.
December 19, 2022
A light-hearted tale of old school chums meeting up in their 60s
The scenic descriptions of the French countryside are vivid and the characterizations well-rounded. Having known each other since grade school in England, these three women are very different but hilarious together. The wealthiest lady has racked up multiple marriages and thinks nothing of shopping at the finest stores in Paris. Another is a total klutz who has been afraid to open herself to love after her husband left her for a younger woman. Both women go to visit the third woman whose husband, a lawyer, has worked with his wife to restore a French mansion, but she is beside herself with worry that he will be under foot if he goes through with his retirement. By the end, they all learn important truths about themselves. The first half of the book is not as humorous as the last half, so the story improves as it moves along.
The scenic descriptions of the French countryside are vivid and the characterizations well-rounded. Having known each other since grade school in England, these three women are very different but hilarious together. The wealthiest lady has racked up multiple marriages and thinks nothing of shopping at the finest stores in Paris. Another is a total klutz who has been afraid to open herself to love after her husband left her for a younger woman. Both women go to visit the third woman whose husband, a lawyer, has worked with his wife to restore a French mansion, but she is beside herself with worry that he will be under foot if he goes through with his retirement. By the end, they all learn important truths about themselves. The first half of the book is not as humorous as the last half, so the story improves as it moves along.
January 17, 2023
I liked the fact that the main characters are all in their sixties, and I feel that the books does its job in showing how life doesn’t stop after a certain age and that doubts, relations, and everyday struggles stay (more or less) the same throughout life.
What put me off a little is the abrupt sexual innuendo — nothing wrong with it, it’s just that the novel suddenly changes in tone and atmosphere without a proper scaffolding. I think that the relation between Bea and Laurent could have been built more thoroughly throughout the book, since (oddly enough for a novel that claims to be about “old friends reunited”) it occupies the second half of the book. I still liked the happy ending though.
The author also missed the opportunity to develop more deeply the other characters.
All this considered, at the end of the day it was a mildly enjoyable read.
What put me off a little is the abrupt sexual innuendo — nothing wrong with it, it’s just that the novel suddenly changes in tone and atmosphere without a proper scaffolding. I think that the relation between Bea and Laurent could have been built more thoroughly throughout the book, since (oddly enough for a novel that claims to be about “old friends reunited”) it occupies the second half of the book. I still liked the happy ending though.
The author also missed the opportunity to develop more deeply the other characters.
All this considered, at the end of the day it was a mildly enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
Inspiring!
Like the other Maddie Please stories I have greatly enjoyed, this book is the story of a woman recently turned 60. She has been abandoned by her husband for a younger woman, taken for granted by her children as they firmly believe there is nothing in her life as important to her as being their mother. Although a successful novelist with a very loyal following, she has writer's block. Her life has entirely lost its savor. She is convinced the best of her life is behind her, and she might as well adjust her expectations to a lower level. Most fortunately, a visit to old friends changes every thing!
She becomes aware that she likely still has 30+ years ahead, time to rediscover herself, outside the role of divorced wife and mother. She goes to France and is inspired to learn to eat well, laugh alot and best to love. Such a good book!
Like the other Maddie Please stories I have greatly enjoyed, this book is the story of a woman recently turned 60. She has been abandoned by her husband for a younger woman, taken for granted by her children as they firmly believe there is nothing in her life as important to her as being their mother. Although a successful novelist with a very loyal following, she has writer's block. Her life has entirely lost its savor. She is convinced the best of her life is behind her, and she might as well adjust her expectations to a lower level. Most fortunately, a visit to old friends changes every thing!
She becomes aware that she likely still has 30+ years ahead, time to rediscover herself, outside the role of divorced wife and mother. She goes to France and is inspired to learn to eat well, laugh alot and best to love. Such a good book!
September 13, 2022
Another great book about us olders
Old friend reunited, is such a great story. So many of us do get to an age we surrender and the women who don't give us a touch of life. My health isn't perfect but this book, as others by this author, bring me joy. I have old friends and though we don't have these adventures we have one joy. These books are so much better than just reading about 20 and 30 something s who have so much more going in life (as we once had more than now.) This woman found courage and love and throughout the book and had and plans adventures. This gives me joy in my quiet room where I live vicariously - bad health and all!
Old friend reunited, is such a great story. So many of us do get to an age we surrender and the women who don't give us a touch of life. My health isn't perfect but this book, as others by this author, bring me joy. I have old friends and though we don't have these adventures we have one joy. These books are so much better than just reading about 20 and 30 something s who have so much more going in life (as we once had more than now.) This woman found courage and love and throughout the book and had and plans adventures. This gives me joy in my quiet room where I live vicariously - bad health and all!
June 30, 2023
Old Friends Reunited
Loved this story that shows that life is still an adventure to be had. Even if you are nearing retirement.
Bea, a famous author of romance, can’t seem to concentrate enough to finish her current book.
She goes to visit an old friend in France at a chateau and they are joined by another mutual old friend.
The hosting friend is worried her husband is thinking of divorcing her whilst Bea and the other friend are divorced.
Enter a film crew, teenage boys who shouldn’t be let near a flame and a warring couple and the laughs/chaos follows.
Then there is Laurent who has a mutual attraction with Bea.
Loved this story that shows that life is still an adventure to be had. Even if you are nearing retirement.
Bea, a famous author of romance, can’t seem to concentrate enough to finish her current book.
She goes to visit an old friend in France at a chateau and they are joined by another mutual old friend.
The hosting friend is worried her husband is thinking of divorcing her whilst Bea and the other friend are divorced.
Enter a film crew, teenage boys who shouldn’t be let near a flame and a warring couple and the laughs/chaos follows.
Then there is Laurent who has a mutual attraction with Bea.
July 23, 2023
There was lots to like about this well written book but I must admit that there were certain elements that were irritating. I think that the book should either have focussed on Bea and Laurent or spent far more time on each of the three friends.
Also I felt Audrie and Gen were totally underwritten.
Audrie was such an idiot and she behaved more like a teenager than a nature woman. I knew her no better at the end of the book than I had at the beginning.
The willingness by all the friends to jump to conclusions with absolutely no reason was irritating, not funny.
Nonetheless, an enjoyable read.
Also I felt Audrie and Gen were totally underwritten.
Audrie was such an idiot and she behaved more like a teenager than a nature woman. I knew her no better at the end of the book than I had at the beginning.
The willingness by all the friends to jump to conclusions with absolutely no reason was irritating, not funny.
Nonetheless, an enjoyable read.
September 15, 2023
60 is a new beginning
I enjoyed the ever hopeful atmosphere of this book with the possibility of happiness and satisfaction in life and work despite difficulties such as divorce and
lack of inspiration at work. The main characters effort at meeting with her old school friends pays off in this story. I liked the implied moral lesson that there is more worthwhile life to be lived if we give ourselves the chance to experience it and take up opportunities when they are on offer. The new male boyfriend came across as a bit flat and more the product of wishful thinking than being real!!
I enjoyed the ever hopeful atmosphere of this book with the possibility of happiness and satisfaction in life and work despite difficulties such as divorce and
lack of inspiration at work. The main characters effort at meeting with her old school friends pays off in this story. I liked the implied moral lesson that there is more worthwhile life to be lived if we give ourselves the chance to experience it and take up opportunities when they are on offer. The new male boyfriend came across as a bit flat and more the product of wishful thinking than being real!!
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