Hot Flash Holidays

Hot Flash Club #3

by Nancy Thayer

The intrepid women of The Hot Flash Club are back for the holidays, soothing jingled nerves and stressed shoppers in their exclusive spa and celebrating the joys of the season. In her witty and delightfully wisecracking prose, Nancy Thayer tells a heartwarming tale packed with fun, secrets, romance–and an ample dose of good cheer.

When the Hot Flash friends gather at the spa to trim the Christmas tree, they share steaming mugs of hot chocolate, a few laughs, and a vow to make this holiday one to remember. And it is–but not in the cheerful, ho-ho-ho way they expected. Instead, Christmas brings family conflicts, household accidents, plane delays–and that’s just the beginning.

After a hazardous holiday season, the women make resolutions that they intend to keep . . . in a perfect world. But life–and their friends and relatives–cause complications. Shirley lends financial support to her boyfriend’s schemes, which infuriates Alice, whose own son commits an act she’s not sure she can accept. Marilyn travels to Scotland and falls in love, but her octogenarian mother needs her at home. And when Polly and Faye find themselves pitted against each other by a younger woman, an they overcome this clash to make a new, entrepreneurial dream come true? Then real disaster strikes, bringing new challenges and surprising revelations.

Just as every month of the year throws new problems at us all, so too does the end of the year give us the chance to reunite and put these problems
into their proper perspective. And when the Hot Flash Five get together for the holidays, we should expect nothing less than the unexpected.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Chick Lit, Humor, Romance, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

287 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Nancy Thayer has published 35 novels, including Family Reunion and Secrets in Summer. She has lived on Nantucket Island year-round for 38 years with her husband Charley Walters. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, the group at some major holidays.

[Criket333 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continued the fun & interesting women we have gotten to know & love. Unfortunately we also had the ludicrous situations. I just knew Polly was going to start a fire with all those unattended candles. Who in their right mind would light a set of candles then go take a shower??? No one!!! I was so mad when I realized she was going there! But, it was nice to see them all evolve over a year of holidays. I thought Marilyn's mom Ruth was a nice addition. It was an enjoyable read & I will continue reading the series.

[Sharon Exley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, decent Holiday read. The only annoying thing to me was that these women are in their mid-60’s and acted like that was ancient.

[Pam Papworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I am a woman of 60, I thought this book sounded funny. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it was book number 3 with these characters and struggled for the first few chapters as the other brought up all of the main characters plus their family members. I almost threw in the towel, but I held on and eventually figured out who was whom.

The characters were quite funny, and I could relate to them. Their conditions reminded me of the 7 Dwarves of Old Age: Nappy, Wrinkly, Squinty, Rocky, Saggy, Farty, and Leaky. What a hoot!

The takeaway: From the club's rules, don't let fear rule your life, celebrate every chance you get, and if you're depressed, get up, get dressed, and get out of the house.

[☺Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars rounded up to Four Stars (I am really enjoying Marilyn's storyline, a lot!).
I am hoping the last book of this series, Book 4: The Hot Flash Club Chills Out, winds up the women's stories in a positive fashion - I am kind of sick of the constant health problems, weight woes, and relationship issues Faye, Marilyn, Alice, and Shirley have been struggling with. They are all in their 5O's and 60's and should know themselves better by now.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.....can't wait to start the next book (but I know I'll try to read it slowly as this is the last in the series).

[Kelsey Todt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet easy to read feel good book my sister found for us to read as book group

[Marilyn Fontane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Flash Holidays by Nancy Thayer is a far more enjoyable book than I thought it would be. After Christmas last year it was on a remainder sale, and since I like to read a couple Christmas books each year, I bought it and saved it for this Christmas. It does start and end with Christmas, but in between are New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, April Fool's Day, Mother's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving! Five menopausal women make up the Hot Flash Club: Faye, whose children live in San Francisco and ignore her, is having an affair with Aubrey. But Aubrey's daughter wants him to get together with another of the five, Polly, who is having an affair with Hugh, who keeps helping his needy ex-wife. Alice, on the other hand, doesn't really like her son's white wife, Jennifer--until she gets pregnant. Shirley has a lover, but he is writing a novel, which she is funding, which, if published, will destroy The Haven, the spa she herself runs (and where the Hot Flash Club meets)--but of course she is unaware of the content. And Marilyn has never had much of a love life and takes care of her darling mother Ruth, master of malapropisms, until she meets her perfect partner on a trip to Scotland, but he teaches there and she in the U.S.
Doesn't sound like much, but it is hilarious. I laughed out loud many time reading it. I also choked up seeing scenes about myself. Saving things for children who have different modern tastes and don't value or want them. Trying to please vegan daughters-in-law, who eat awful food and demand everyone else (especially grandchildren) do so too. Loving grandchildren but scaring them as you hobble along. But in spite of these unpleasant, but very real, events, the story is basically extremely humorous. It provides a completely realistic look at the life of an over 50 woman, but told by a narrator that is sympathetic to her characters and has a marvelous sense of humor.
I loved the book and highly recommend it--but I also realize the audience is fairly limited. Many people could not identify with the story. But for those of us who do--excellent.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The originals are back, but not for long. Each chapter is a different "holiday" over the course of a year. April Fools day is a holiday? Hmmmmm. Not enough story in each chapter; I wanted to know more, but had to wait for the next holiday. Most chapters ended with some sort of crisis and the reader has to wait 6wks - 2 months to find out how it was resolved. I'd prefer to go through the process with the character, rather than hear about it later.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and now I'm sad that I have one more book to read and then I'm done. I hope there will be more novels coming in the future. This book is just a joy and fun to read. I see myself in each of the women. Sit back and just read. This series will not solve any problems in the world, but if you are looking for a light read, and several chuckles, this is it.

[Gail Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read this book, but I enjoyed ALL The Hot Flash Club books, because of the humour. I would like to find more books like these and Janet Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" that not only have mystery but also Humour.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

#3 in series I read this after reading #4, We need more books in the series!!!

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hot Flash Holidays by Nancy Thayer is the third book of the Hot Flash Club series set in contemporary Boston. The Hot Flash Club is a group of 5 menopausal & post-menopausal women who have become very good friends by supporting each other through good times and bad. Chapters alternate between each woman's point of view. The book is a tribute to friendship. It begins with how each woman eagerly anticipates and prepares for "the best Christmas ever", only to face unexpected challenges and disappointments. Continuing on through the year, the Hot Flash Club gathers for meetings on holidays, and shares the adventures (and misadventures) they've had.

My favorite part of the book was Marilyn's long-awaited trip to Scotland, where her dreams come true.

Much of the book deals with the physical changes of aging, loss of memory, dysfunctional families. On the one hand, it is depressing, a bleak look ahead. On the other hand, Hot Flash Club members are wonderfully bonded together, doing all they can to help friends survive physical and relationship crises. By the next Christmas, many or their dilemmas are resolved, and they can truly enjoy the season.

The best way to enjoy it is to start the series from the beginning, learn the basic "rules" of the Hot Flash Club, and how each woman's life changed when she joined.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, when I picked up this book, I didn't realize it was part of a series - I wish publishers would make that clear on covers! Second, I bought it because I thought it would be a fun, light Christmas read, and although it does start and end at Christmas, it turns out that "holidays" also means New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day...you get the idea. Being a woman in her 50s myself, the title appealed, but I found it hard to relate to the five main characters. This was partly because they are all introduced at once (along with details about their partners and extended families), and so it's hard to keep everyone straight. Plus it felt so over-the-top and unrealistic: no one is married, everyone is focused on sex, and they are all going through the worst hot flashes EVER every 5 minutes. There were a few genuinely funny moments, but overall it was pretty predictable, and it certainly didn't entice me to read more of the series.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer is a favorite author and this novel is a gift of friendship. It’s Christmas and five friends have gathered to deck the tree at the exclusive spa, directed by Shirley joined by her friends Marilyn, Faye, Alice and Polly. Without their friendship, they would be lost. They are not without their share of problems – divorce, man problems, financial issues, family issues. However, with each other they will overcome their challenges and face the New Year with renewed optimism for the future. I hope you enjoy this novel filled with love of friends and the trials they face.
Nancy Thayer released her first novel in 1980 and has been entertaining her readers ever since. Her novels center on family and friendship and they are very entertaining. I hope you pick up one of her novels this holiday season; I am sure you will enjoy the escape.

[Jill Dancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is cute but I must admit that it was difficult to stay interested, if you know what I mean. It is only one book in the "Hot Flash" series and, since I hadn't read any of the others, I felt like I spent a lot of time playing connect the dots and retracing relationships. I didn't get why Polly (or was it Faye?) didn't have a decent relationship with her son and daughter in law, and why she was kept away from her grandson (who names a kid Jehoshaphat?). I wasn't a fan of the way Alice was written at all. As a stand alone book, this didn't work for me... PLUS I'm not a fan of unfinished storylines and I'm not into it enough to read the next book (or the previous ones)... I will, however, read another Nancy Thayer Christmas book before the end of the year.

[Christina]

DNF I only read the first few pages of this.

A few years back I stopped at a neighbor’s yard sale on a whim. She turned out to be an avid reader and had a table full of women’s fiction. I asked her which were her favorites, and this was one of a small stack of books she selected. As tis the season, I thought I’d give it a shot. But it turns out to be third in a series about five women who are all friends, and I immediately realized it would be too hard to keep track of who was who or get invested in the characters. Also, novels about groups of female friends each tacking a life problem don’t usually resonate with me.

[Crysti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in the series. The first book is still my favorite, but this book continues to follow the lives of the original four ladies from the hot flash club (Alice, Marilyn, Shirley, & Fay) plus the new addition from book two (Polly). Carolyn and her father, Osprey, from book two were also in it as were all the boyfriends and extended families already introduced. Julia and her family made a quick appearance at The retreats open house. But, Beth & Sonny were not much in the novel. Many characters that you almost have to take notes at first but quickly grow to know and love. This book spanned a year and was a cute sequel.

[Hannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ook dit is weer een geweldig boek. Qua opzet wijkt het af van deel 1 en 2, maar dat maakt het juist leuk. Als het hetzelfde zou zijn, zou het eentonig worden. Het verhaal draait nu om de vijf vrouwen van de Hot Flash Club en dat is leuk. Ook een aantal personages uit deel 2 hebben nog een kleine rol. Het einde kwam voor mijn gevoel wat abrupt. Dat kwam omdat de app aangaf dat ik nog een stuk moest lezen. Maar het boek bevat nog een hoofdstuk uit een eerder deel. Nu ga ik aan het laatste deel beginnen.

[Shadoshard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ug. After hunting for decent books about women my age - this book is an example of being careful about what you wish for...

I couldn't get into it - I tried. But the women were so - insipid and flat and I wish my own menopause was as easy to get through as what these women complain about. I don't know many menopausal (or post) that would put up with some of those daughters/in laws and I'm pretty sure the author doesn't know a soul from South Boston by the way she writes of them. I'm sorry but - entitlement is hardly a good foundation to write from and it shows here.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my first hot flash book and i really enjoyed it. however, it would have been very helpful to read the first book in the series prior, to better know the characters and their history. i had a difficult time remembering who was who and who's children and boyfriends belonged with whom. what i did enjoy was reading about less-than-perfect women in my age group. i will go back and read the first book now and probably all of the series as i did enjoy the story and i do like the author's writing style and content.

[Stephanie Brown]

I love Nancy Thayer books, even more when won in book giveaway. I enjoyed this fun escape with a feisty group of females over the age of 50. More and more, I am enjoying reading books about my age group. I love holidays! Loved how each chapter correlates with holiday celebrations and sometimes aggravations. I smiled throughout the book as well as cried too. I can relate to some of the characters. I did not know it was a part of a series. Hope to read the other two when I need a fun book adventure about friends.

[Marianne Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and look very forward to the next in the series although having only given it 3 stars. As a woman of "a certain age" myself, I enjoy stories featuring my peers. However, the main characters (whom I absolutely love) seemed to me in this third book of the series, a decade or more older than the 50's and 60's they supposedly are. Possibly because the book was written 20 years ago? Today, to be in that age group is still to be young, vital, and sexy but these characters continuously labeled themselves old, old, old in practically every other page.

[Crystal Harkness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from goodreads and hadn't read the previous two books. But, even though I had not read the books that came before this one I didn't feel lost or like I was missing much of the story. It is a very well written book. I loved the humor in it and the close friendships the women in this book have. I liked how this book revolved around their holiday ups and downs because the holidays are always crazy. I really enjoyed reading this book and am glad I got a copy from goodreads.

[Betsy Sisson Colegrove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this one, I just couldn't get into it. I will admit I wasn't looking forward to it Because I didn't want to read about the holidays in May. However, I didn't realize the book doesn't just focus on Christmas and New Year's. It focuses on all the holidays throughout the year. So maybe because I wasn't looking forward to it, that may have affected my outlook on the book.

Off to read Summer Love now!!!!

[Carol Nummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

cutE and laughable. I love these women and even envy them. I love truthfulness about adult children. It channelled deal with mine. I recommend this to everyone over sixty

We are a somewhat silly bunch, also uplifting. I will look for this group again. Nancy writes with such hope and color.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these books, so far. The only thing I don't really care for is the self image these women have. They all feel as if the yare too fat, bulging out of their clothes, afraid to see themselves naked...at their ages? They have earned the right to look any way they want, feel beautiful just as they are! I do!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was delightful. If you have experienced hot flashes and dating after 50, it is a hoot. It's accurate as far as some women feeling hot flashes and the complications of dating when you are older (dealing with children, former spouses, etc) And with good friends, it's not unusual for each one to experience either a really embarrassing moment, health issue or have children or parents interfere with dating. Also how really good friends are there for each other.

[Elena Mijares · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute read that can be enjoyed any time of the year! It does start and end with Christmas, though. I didn't realize there were other books about the same characters but it was still fairly easy to follow. I kept mixing up a couple of the characters but otherwise a perfect read to end the year with.

[Melissa Nowicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was pretty hilarious but would even be funnier to my mother, mother in law and their friends. There are a lot of characters to keep track of but by the end of the book I’m pretty sure I had them straight. I caught myself chuckling at how life will be for me in 15-20 years…. Ahhhh the things I have to look forward to! 😂