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The Midlife Trilogy #1
A Midlife Holiday
She wanted a change. But will a girls' trip to the Mediterranean recapture her joy?
Helen Winters worries the walls are closing in. With her children grown and her selfish husband absent on her fiftieth birthday, she regrets not taking the exciting paths she dreamed about in her youth. So when a well-meaning gift reveals a depressing image of her future, she takes a leap of faith and jets off to Cyprus with two lifelong friends.
Basking in the glorious sunshine and crystal-blue waters while enjoying the attention of handsome men, she. starts to feel truly alive. But her best friend isn't in Cyprus for the sunshine, and when Helen learns the true reason, tensions threaten their lifelong bond and she fears nothing will ever be the same again.
Can she shake off years of disappointment and claim well-deserved happiness?
A Midlife Holiday is the affirming first tale in the Midlife Trilogy women's fiction series. If you like vivacious heroines, relatable humor, and reawakenings of the spirit, then you'll love Cary J Hansson's nuanced take on aging with style.
Buy A Midlife Holiday to reignite your soul today!
Helen Winters worries the walls are closing in. With her children grown and her selfish husband absent on her fiftieth birthday, she regrets not taking the exciting paths she dreamed about in her youth. So when a well-meaning gift reveals a depressing image of her future, she takes a leap of faith and jets off to Cyprus with two lifelong friends.
Basking in the glorious sunshine and crystal-blue waters while enjoying the attention of handsome men, she. starts to feel truly alive. But her best friend isn't in Cyprus for the sunshine, and when Helen learns the true reason, tensions threaten their lifelong bond and she fears nothing will ever be the same again.
Can she shake off years of disappointment and claim well-deserved happiness?
A Midlife Holiday is the affirming first tale in the Midlife Trilogy women's fiction series. If you like vivacious heroines, relatable humor, and reawakenings of the spirit, then you'll love Cary J Hansson's nuanced take on aging with style.
Buy A Midlife Holiday to reignite your soul today!
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
3472 people are currently reading
2751 people want to read
About the author
Cary J. Hansson
11 books103 followersI'm a fifty something mum of three, an ex-dancer, actress, waitress, cleaner, TV presenter, double-glazing sales rep, fax machine operator. You name it and I’ve cleaned it, served it, sent it or sold it.
I write stories about ordinary people, living lives of extraordinary courage and I can promise only two things: no knights in shining armour and no flying cars. My fictional characters save themselves, as in the end we all must do.
A Midlife Holiday is my debut. Here's what people are saying:
“I haven’t devoured a book in one sitting for a long time but I literally could not put this down. It shouldn’t be so rare (or refreshing) to read about the lives of middle-aged women, but it is. Cary J Hansson handles her subject matter with authenticity, providing some seldom heard (yet much-needed) commentary on midlife. The book is compulsively readable ... funny, brutally honest, extremely relatable and a perfect summer read." SouthAsia Magazine
"A fantastic page-turner filled with humor, life lessons, and enlightenment. The book has a beautiful storyline interpreted by well-developed characters. It was also realistic and unpredictable. I am nowhere near fifty, but the midlife crisis is real. The author was also spot-on with friendships. Sustaining friendships isn’t easy, let alone managing them for three decades. " Readers Favorite
I write stories about ordinary people, living lives of extraordinary courage and I can promise only two things: no knights in shining armour and no flying cars. My fictional characters save themselves, as in the end we all must do.
A Midlife Holiday is my debut. Here's what people are saying:
“I haven’t devoured a book in one sitting for a long time but I literally could not put this down. It shouldn’t be so rare (or refreshing) to read about the lives of middle-aged women, but it is. Cary J Hansson handles her subject matter with authenticity, providing some seldom heard (yet much-needed) commentary on midlife. The book is compulsively readable ... funny, brutally honest, extremely relatable and a perfect summer read." SouthAsia Magazine
"A fantastic page-turner filled with humor, life lessons, and enlightenment. The book has a beautiful storyline interpreted by well-developed characters. It was also realistic and unpredictable. I am nowhere near fifty, but the midlife crisis is real. The author was also spot-on with friendships. Sustaining friendships isn’t easy, let alone managing them for three decades. " Readers Favorite
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
April 7, 2022
When does a role become an all-consuming identity at the expense of an authentic life? This novel explores the complexities of adult life with some controversial elements that are sure to ruffle some readers’ feathers. I envision lively discussions of these characters choices as a book club reading.
Helen, Caro and Kay have been “best” friends since college although their life paths have taken them in different directions. Now turning 50, each woman is faced with the consequences of decisions they have made. Helen is deeply discontented in her marriage to a selfish, entitled man, accentuated by her children reaching adulthood. Caro, a brilliant financial consultant, has devoted herself to her successful career and discovers how loneliness pervades her life. Kay, a teacher, is on the brink of exhaustion from meeting the needs of her mentally-challenged 22 year old son, her aging parents and her students. When Caro invites her two friends to accompany her on a holiday to Cyprus, the three discover the fault lines in their friendship as well as opportunities for a hard look at their futures.
The book starts off a bit slowly, filling out the back stories of the characters. However, once the trio arrives in Cyprus the action picks up and builds to an emotionally explosive conclusion. There are elements of each woman’s life that I could relate to, particularly the need to reclaim or rediscover the passion and dreams of youth now tempered by hard-earned life wisdom. While there is some humor woven into the story, this is not a carefree, laugh-out- loud novel. It is a thought-provoking exploration of women at a turning point in their lives.
This is the first in a “Midlife trilogy.” I look forward to the next offering in the series.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Helen, Caro and Kay have been “best” friends since college although their life paths have taken them in different directions. Now turning 50, each woman is faced with the consequences of decisions they have made. Helen is deeply discontented in her marriage to a selfish, entitled man, accentuated by her children reaching adulthood. Caro, a brilliant financial consultant, has devoted herself to her successful career and discovers how loneliness pervades her life. Kay, a teacher, is on the brink of exhaustion from meeting the needs of her mentally-challenged 22 year old son, her aging parents and her students. When Caro invites her two friends to accompany her on a holiday to Cyprus, the three discover the fault lines in their friendship as well as opportunities for a hard look at their futures.
The book starts off a bit slowly, filling out the back stories of the characters. However, once the trio arrives in Cyprus the action picks up and builds to an emotionally explosive conclusion. There are elements of each woman’s life that I could relate to, particularly the need to reclaim or rediscover the passion and dreams of youth now tempered by hard-earned life wisdom. While there is some humor woven into the story, this is not a carefree, laugh-out- loud novel. It is a thought-provoking exploration of women at a turning point in their lives.
This is the first in a “Midlife trilogy.” I look forward to the next offering in the series.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 23, 2022
Ever since Helen, Caro and Kay met at college they have been “best” friends, although their lives took them in different directions.
When Helen turns 50, she realizes that each of them are facing the consequences of a decision their “younger selfs” made in College. Helen is married to a selfish and egotistical man, her children are reaching adulthood and are only thinking about their own needs. Caro, is a brilliant financial consultant, she has put all her time, energy and power into building herself a successful career and to brand her name, only to discover how lonely her life actually is. Kay is divorced teacher, on the brink of mental and physical exhaustion. She takes care of her mentally-challenged 22 year old son, her aging parents and, of course, her students.
When Caro invites her two friends to come with her on a holiday to Cyprus, the three discover little cracks in their friendship. It also provides opportunities for each of them to take a hard look at their futures. Once the ladies arrive in Cyprus, they feel a certain need to reclaim and/or rediscover their passions and the dreams of their youth, now tempered by hard-earned, life wisdom. There are funny sections and I caught myself laughing out loud several times.
It is a thought-provoking story about women who are at a turning point in their lives. This is the first in the “Midlife trilogy” series. I look forward to the next book. “A Midlife Holiday” is funny, serious and a very enjoyable read. My thanks to the author, #Cary J. Hansson, #carylharisson, #HanssonPublishing, the publisher, and #NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book.
When Helen turns 50, she realizes that each of them are facing the consequences of a decision their “younger selfs” made in College. Helen is married to a selfish and egotistical man, her children are reaching adulthood and are only thinking about their own needs. Caro, is a brilliant financial consultant, she has put all her time, energy and power into building herself a successful career and to brand her name, only to discover how lonely her life actually is. Kay is divorced teacher, on the brink of mental and physical exhaustion. She takes care of her mentally-challenged 22 year old son, her aging parents and, of course, her students.
When Caro invites her two friends to come with her on a holiday to Cyprus, the three discover little cracks in their friendship. It also provides opportunities for each of them to take a hard look at their futures. Once the ladies arrive in Cyprus, they feel a certain need to reclaim and/or rediscover their passions and the dreams of their youth, now tempered by hard-earned, life wisdom. There are funny sections and I caught myself laughing out loud several times.
It is a thought-provoking story about women who are at a turning point in their lives. This is the first in the “Midlife trilogy” series. I look forward to the next book. “A Midlife Holiday” is funny, serious and a very enjoyable read. My thanks to the author, #Cary J. Hansson, #carylharisson, #HanssonPublishing, the publisher, and #NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book.
October 20, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Hansson Publishing for accepting my request to read and review A Midlife Holiday.
Author: Cary J. Hansson
Published: 05/17/22
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Humor -- Women's Fiction
Oh how I wanted to love this the moment I saw the cover. I waited to read this until I could devote 100% of myself to the story. This was just okay for me, and at times I saw blah blah blah as opposed to words on my screen.
The characters are 50ish, middle-aged and in different phases of their lives. The story centers around a group of friends who take a vacation without their kids and/or husbands. Each woman is in a different head space and the book chronicles their journeys.
I didn't relate to any of the women, and consequently didn't like any of them. This was another Charlie Brown teacher blah blah blah read for me.
None of the stories rang true and examples would spoil the book.
There is an audience for this story. I would gift this to someone turning 50 with an invite for a Women's Weekend, and a reminder the characters don't have to be emulated, the travel concept is the treat.
Author: Cary J. Hansson
Published: 05/17/22
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Humor -- Women's Fiction
Oh how I wanted to love this the moment I saw the cover. I waited to read this until I could devote 100% of myself to the story. This was just okay for me, and at times I saw blah blah blah as opposed to words on my screen.
The characters are 50ish, middle-aged and in different phases of their lives. The story centers around a group of friends who take a vacation without their kids and/or husbands. Each woman is in a different head space and the book chronicles their journeys.
I didn't relate to any of the women, and consequently didn't like any of them. This was another Charlie Brown teacher blah blah blah read for me.
None of the stories rang true and examples would spoil the book.
There is an audience for this story. I would gift this to someone turning 50 with an invite for a Women's Weekend, and a reminder the characters don't have to be emulated, the travel concept is the treat.
April 12, 2022
I received this book as an ARC review I was really looking forward to a cute romcom type of book. I could not make it past the second chapter unfortunately the characters to me felt like they were underdeveloped and it seemed as if they were doing nothing but complaining and this made it really hard for me to get into the book and the story as well as it was really hard for me to like the main character like I wanted. I think this book has a good base to start but the first two chapters had too much negativity and it was very Mundine as far as the things that the main character was doing and going through.
July 8, 2022
I knew I would love 'A Midlife Holiday' from the opening line! I haven't devoured a book in one sitting for a long time but I literally could not put this down. This is the first in a trilogy and I cannot WAIT to read the next instalment. It shouldn't be so rare (or refreshing) to read about the lives of middle-aged women, but it is. Cary J Hansson handles her subject matter with authenticity. She illustrates perfectly why menopause is often referred to as "the change" as, over the years, everything alters - our opinions, our bodies, our friendships, our willingness to make ourselves smaller/quieter/compliant. The book is funny, brutally honest and so, so relatable. I loved it. Highly recommend!
N. B.
A more comprehensive review has been published in the July edition of South Asia magazine. Print copies are available and here is the web link:
http://www.southasia.com.pk/2022/06/2...
N. B.
A more comprehensive review has been published in the July edition of South Asia magazine. Print copies are available and here is the web link:
http://www.southasia.com.pk/2022/06/2...
April 20, 2022
I didn't really know what to expect going into this book. I assumed it would be a funny, tongue and cheek, story about three friends who took a trip together and the discoveries they'd make. It was that and so much more. This novel actually hit on so many of the themes and situations that women face as daughters, wives, mothers, friends, colleagues, and more. What is expected of us vs what will make us happy and enrich our lives. What we do for others vs what we do for ourselves. I could relate on so many levels and really enjoyed this story. At the core it's about three women who are still finding their way in the world and navigating the sometimes treacherous path of deep, long, and loving friendship.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC.
May 21, 2022
Chick lit for the middle aged . Three long term friends go on holiday together. Not all goes to plan as disagreements arise though their lives are shaken up and they all break the deadlock of the boring lives they have at home
A reasonably entertaining read , though I did not particularly care about any of the characters , though Kay was the best of the bunch, she came across as fairly insipid. A read for by the swimming pool on holiday , you do not have to think about it too much and things work out (more or less) by the end
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
A reasonably entertaining read , though I did not particularly care about any of the characters , though Kay was the best of the bunch, she came across as fairly insipid. A read for by the swimming pool on holiday , you do not have to think about it too much and things work out (more or less) by the end
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 10, 2022
Helen, Caro and Kay are women of a certain age who fly off to Cyprus for a holiday.
Being a massive fan of the film ‘Shirley Valentine’, I expected to absolutely love this book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.
It was an easy enough read however, I found that I didn’t relate to the characters and if I’m honest I found two out the three ladies quite unlikeable. I won’t be rushing to read the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and of course the author for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Being a massive fan of the film ‘Shirley Valentine’, I expected to absolutely love this book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.
It was an easy enough read however, I found that I didn’t relate to the characters and if I’m honest I found two out the three ladies quite unlikeable. I won’t be rushing to read the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and of course the author for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It’s just beautiful and has such a genuine truth in the story. It’s a story based on friendship but has so much more. I was left needing to know more about the three friends so am really happy that this is part one of a trilogy. I can’t wait for the next books. I think women of a similar age to the characters will really “get” this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.
May 5, 2022
A midlife holiday is a funny totally relatable read that I loved from start to finish!
Three middle aged women who are juggling careers,relationships, children, elderly parents and all whilst being of a certain age!
Caro invites good friends Helen and Kay away on holiday with her as she needs female friendship and company for what she is about to endure! Helen and Kay also have there own reasons for needing a complete break from the life they have at home, over the course of the holiday we see kay catching up on well earned sleep,Caro proceeding with her controversial plans and Helen finding a love of sailing and rediscovering the joy of lust and intimacy !
A great read that I didn’t want to end !
Thank you netgalley for this early read,4
Three middle aged women who are juggling careers,relationships, children, elderly parents and all whilst being of a certain age!
Caro invites good friends Helen and Kay away on holiday with her as she needs female friendship and company for what she is about to endure! Helen and Kay also have there own reasons for needing a complete break from the life they have at home, over the course of the holiday we see kay catching up on well earned sleep,Caro proceeding with her controversial plans and Helen finding a love of sailing and rediscovering the joy of lust and intimacy !
A great read that I didn’t want to end !
Thank you netgalley for this early read,4
June 30, 2022
I read this through my online Book Club and while there were readers who initially found the story funny, they quite abruptly stopped reading. I personally felt any humour injected into this story was overshadowed by sadness and dysfunctionality of the three main characters. Circa 50 years of age Helen, Kay and Caro come across more like teenagers and acquaintances than best friends since an early age.
Frumpish and/or judgemental and/or selfish I didn't warm to any of them. Where there was a similarity to Shirley Valentine (a story I loved) heading off to a Greek island to take a break from the mundaneness that had become the main character's life, in this story I felt disinvested in the outcome. I enjoyed reading some parts about Cyprus, but for the most part this felt technical and wasn't for me, and I therefore won't read the sequel. 3 stars
Frumpish and/or judgemental and/or selfish I didn't warm to any of them. Where there was a similarity to Shirley Valentine (a story I loved) heading off to a Greek island to take a break from the mundaneness that had become the main character's life, in this story I felt disinvested in the outcome. I enjoyed reading some parts about Cyprus, but for the most part this felt technical and wasn't for me, and I therefore won't read the sequel. 3 stars
May 4, 2022
You know when you are fast approaching that midlife period, and 50 is a heck of a lot closer than 'young'?
I'm there now, so the prospect of reading about women in that age bracket appealed.
Three women who have been firm friends since their university days are either turning 50 or already there.
One, Helen, married with two adult children and a husband more interested in finding his adventure abroad than at home.
Two, Kay, divorced and caring for her parents and a son with autism.
Three, Caro, the highflying businesswoman with everything she ever wanted, apart from a relationship and her own family.
They end up on holiday in Cyprus, which bears different fruits for each of the women, in turn.
Now, in some ways, there were two stereotypes plugged here; the frumpy housewife-style middle-aged women who have put on the lbs and are no longer fun; instead, they are more intent on keeping house and losing their own identities then there is the sharp-edged woman who appears to have forsaken all of the above in order to secure her great career, and wealth, and ended up lonely.
However, it was good to see them trying to claw back a little bit of what made them individuals, throughout the story, and I would be intrigued to find out how the next stage in their midlives pans out.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hansson Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm there now, so the prospect of reading about women in that age bracket appealed.
Three women who have been firm friends since their university days are either turning 50 or already there.
One, Helen, married with two adult children and a husband more interested in finding his adventure abroad than at home.
Two, Kay, divorced and caring for her parents and a son with autism.
Three, Caro, the highflying businesswoman with everything she ever wanted, apart from a relationship and her own family.
They end up on holiday in Cyprus, which bears different fruits for each of the women, in turn.
Now, in some ways, there were two stereotypes plugged here; the frumpy housewife-style middle-aged women who have put on the lbs and are no longer fun; instead, they are more intent on keeping house and losing their own identities then there is the sharp-edged woman who appears to have forsaken all of the above in order to secure her great career, and wealth, and ended up lonely.
However, it was good to see them trying to claw back a little bit of what made them individuals, throughout the story, and I would be intrigued to find out how the next stage in their midlives pans out.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hansson Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this lighthearted friendship tale. I was invested in the characters and would be really interested in a sequel.
The characters weren’t too complex but I was intrigued by the relationship between them.
I would have liked to read more about Helen and Lawrence to get a better feel for them and their dynamics.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The characters weren’t too complex but I was intrigued by the relationship between them.
I would have liked to read more about Helen and Lawrence to get a better feel for them and their dynamics.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 27, 2023
3.5 rounded to 4. A story an easy listen about three friends navigating where life at “middle age”, through decades of friendship, joy & heartache has left them, and what the next chapter might look like.
April 17, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Hanson Publishing for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Helen, Caro and Kay who have reached their 50th birthdays and turn to each other and travel to Cyprus so that each of these three ladies can say goodbye to their first 50 years and come to terms with how they want to spend their next turns around the sun.
While I am not quite at my milestone birthday, I am rapidly approaching my 30th high school reunion and have been attending and planning this same birthday for some close loved ones.
What I loved about this book - we get to see 3 women that through choice and circumstance have arrived at a moment of introspection and despite sharing the past 30 odd years together - their lifestyles could not be more different. I enjoyed the rawness of seeing their feelings on the page and I definitely felt a kinship with one of these ladies.
What I felt discouraged by was I don’t think we really got to see Kay and I am not sure if there was enough transparency and vulnerability among these three best friends to understand how their friendship had persisted. Life is messy. Painful things happen. Friendship can and should be the the thing that keeps gas in our engines and our car on the road - no matter where our journey is taking us.
The Publishing Day is May 17, 2022 and this is the first book of a planned trilogy. If you are a woman of a certain age with a certain number of miles on your odometer - give this book a read!
We meet Helen, Caro and Kay who have reached their 50th birthdays and turn to each other and travel to Cyprus so that each of these three ladies can say goodbye to their first 50 years and come to terms with how they want to spend their next turns around the sun.
While I am not quite at my milestone birthday, I am rapidly approaching my 30th high school reunion and have been attending and planning this same birthday for some close loved ones.
What I loved about this book - we get to see 3 women that through choice and circumstance have arrived at a moment of introspection and despite sharing the past 30 odd years together - their lifestyles could not be more different. I enjoyed the rawness of seeing their feelings on the page and I definitely felt a kinship with one of these ladies.
What I felt discouraged by was I don’t think we really got to see Kay and I am not sure if there was enough transparency and vulnerability among these three best friends to understand how their friendship had persisted. Life is messy. Painful things happen. Friendship can and should be the the thing that keeps gas in our engines and our car on the road - no matter where our journey is taking us.
The Publishing Day is May 17, 2022 and this is the first book of a planned trilogy. If you are a woman of a certain age with a certain number of miles on your odometer - give this book a read!
October 21, 2022
As an intro to this author, I found it to be relatively well written with some interesting likable characters. I enjoyed getting to know Helen, Kay and Caro, who are long time friends. Each is about to embark on an inspiring journey of self discovery whilst on holiday in Cyprus. It certainly wasn't smooth sailing that's for sure, as Caro is not in Cyprus for a holiday. I did find i wanted more at the end of the story though, so intrigued to read what happens next in 'A Midlife Baby' .
April 22, 2022
I loved this novel. It’s beautifully written and deeply truthful. Friends for thirty years, three women arrive at fifty feeling menopausal, unsatisfied and unrecognised. Their last-minute holiday is anything but restful. Who can be trusted when friends keep secrets? But discovering what’s real sets them free to choose.
Read
August 31, 2024This book has a terrific self-discovery arc ~ It's great to read a book with older main characters.
Each of the women come from relatable pasts, face relatable problems, and address them in their own way.
It's well written, with plenty of charming and funny moments. The main character's emotional journey is touching and empowering. Too many women have faced similar life circumstances, and too few women break free from their shells to truly experience life.
A great start to the series.
Each of the women come from relatable pasts, face relatable problems, and address them in their own way.
It's well written, with plenty of charming and funny moments. The main character's emotional journey is touching and empowering. Too many women have faced similar life circumstances, and too few women break free from their shells to truly experience life.
A great start to the series.
June 16, 2022
A fantastic read and one I will be purchasing as gifts for family members to read! This book was advertised as a modern day Shirley Valentine and I couldn’t think of a better description. Helen, Caro and Kay are all loveable, flaws and all, and such relatable characters. The story has a number of touching moments alongside some great comedy and warmth, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance books or cosy stories.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 27, 2022
As an intro to this author, I found it to be relatively well written with some interesting likable characters. I enjoyed getting to know Helen, Kay and Caro, who are long time friends. Each is about to embark on an inspiring journey of self discovery whilst on holiday in Cyprus. It certainly wasn't smooth sailing that's for sure, as Caro is not in Cyprus for a holiday. I did find i wanted more at the end of the story though, so intrigued to read what happens next in 'A Midlife Baby' .
#Audiobook
#Audiobook
November 28, 2022
I really enjoyed the story of this one. It was refreshing take on a difficult topic identity and self discovery.
I did struggle in places when the POV switched without pre-notice. However on the whole this was an easily digestible read at a good pace.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find it as funny as I was hoping. I also struggled with how unfinished it felt but I suppose that makes sense now I know it’s a triology.
The setting was idyllic and the characters interesting - I do wonder if I’d enjoy it more if I was older and could relate more.
I’ve given this one a 3/5.
December 14, 2023
A great start to a Midlife Trilogy. All of the women are likable.
Merged review:
I love stories that have women who share a special bond. Ups and downs. Good and bad. Disagreements are uncomfortable, but these best friends somehow seem to always get through it. Every character is completely different. Yet, each one is likable and courageous. I look forward to continuing the series.
Merged review:
I love stories that have women who share a special bond. Ups and downs. Good and bad. Disagreements are uncomfortable, but these best friends somehow seem to always get through it. Every character is completely different. Yet, each one is likable and courageous. I look forward to continuing the series.
December 8, 2023
This was a fun read - relatable and nostalgic for this old gal. I enjoyed the author's use of descriptive writing, and given the British influence, I had to stop a few times to translate the object or situation being discussed. It certainly made me soul search back to my 50's! Good read!
March 14, 2024
A Midlife Holiday by Cary J. Hansson
Midlife Trilogy #1
9h 11m narrated by Lisa Armytage, 320 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction
Featuring: Quinquagenarians, Long-Term Friendships, Martial Issues, England, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Self-Actualization, Long Chapters, Sandwich Generation, Kyrenia, Cyprus; Infertility, Infidelity, Sex, Profanity, Parents, Drama
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Whole Lotta Trouble" by Stevie Nicks, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Adore You" by Harry Styles, "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
My rating: ⭐️⭐️¾✈️🏖⛵️
My thoughts: 📱20% 1:53:21 Chapter 4 - This is okay. I was contemplating quitting until she said cruise, and again once I realized there would be no cruise, I decided to finish the chapter, and the ending was better. In chapter 2 the story picks up a lot, so I'm sticking with it. Each chapter is over 30 minutes though, which is why I'm stopping now. Too long to risk another chapter this late.
📱33% 3:02:06 Chapter 6 - It's officially meh. The story is mildly interesting but the characters talk in riddles and aren't likable or funny. Basically, they met in college and are now 50 or about to be and are unhappy with their lives so Caro, the most boring of all, suggests they go to Cyprus but she has anterior motives that are just as bland as the rest the the plot.
📱37% 3:27:40 Chapter Eight - This is putting me to sleep. Nearly 40% in and we're still not on holiday yet.
📱43% 4:01:44 Chapter 8 - I could just quit and I might. We are finally on holiday and it's just as bland, wordy, and boring as before.
📱87% 8:03:50 Chapter 16 - I don't know if it was the break, acceptance, or if the second half is just better but this has improved a lot. Unfortunately, I still don't like any of the characters but I've grown accustomed to them.
So, I didn't like it; but I was interested in the story by the end. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue this series, but I have the books on standby. I didn't find this humorous at all and nearly every single character comes off as selfish and self-centered, which I can't imagine in a friend group, you'd need someone to cater to you. If I continue it will only be because I'm curious about a geriatric pregnancy.
Recommend to others: Maybe. This seems like the type of story some readers will enjoy and others would be possibly annoyed by.
Midlife Trilogy
1. A Midlife Holiday (2022)
2. A Midlife Baby (2022)
3. A Midlife Gamble (2023)
the story of the ring (2023)
Midlife Trilogy #1
9h 11m narrated by Lisa Armytage, 320 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction
Featuring: Quinquagenarians, Long-Term Friendships, Martial Issues, England, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Self-Actualization, Long Chapters, Sandwich Generation, Kyrenia, Cyprus; Infertility, Infidelity, Sex, Profanity, Parents, Drama
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Whole Lotta Trouble" by Stevie Nicks, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Adore You" by Harry Styles, "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
My rating: ⭐️⭐️¾✈️🏖⛵️
My thoughts: 📱20% 1:53:21 Chapter 4 - This is okay. I was contemplating quitting until she said cruise, and again once I realized there would be no cruise, I decided to finish the chapter, and the ending was better. In chapter 2 the story picks up a lot, so I'm sticking with it. Each chapter is over 30 minutes though, which is why I'm stopping now. Too long to risk another chapter this late.
📱33% 3:02:06 Chapter 6 - It's officially meh. The story is mildly interesting but the characters talk in riddles and aren't likable or funny. Basically, they met in college and are now 50 or about to be and are unhappy with their lives so Caro, the most boring of all, suggests they go to Cyprus but she has anterior motives that are just as bland as the rest the the plot.
📱37% 3:27:40 Chapter Eight - This is putting me to sleep. Nearly 40% in and we're still not on holiday yet.
📱43% 4:01:44 Chapter 8 - I could just quit and I might. We are finally on holiday and it's just as bland, wordy, and boring as before.
📱87% 8:03:50 Chapter 16 - I don't know if it was the break, acceptance, or if the second half is just better but this has improved a lot. Unfortunately, I still don't like any of the characters but I've grown accustomed to them.
So, I didn't like it; but I was interested in the story by the end. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue this series, but I have the books on standby. I didn't find this humorous at all and nearly every single character comes off as selfish and self-centered, which I can't imagine in a friend group, you'd need someone to cater to you. If I continue it will only be because I'm curious about a geriatric pregnancy.
Recommend to others: Maybe. This seems like the type of story some readers will enjoy and others would be possibly annoyed by.
Midlife Trilogy
1. A Midlife Holiday (2022)
2. A Midlife Baby (2022)
3. A Midlife Gamble (2023)
the story of the ring (2023)
June 27, 2022
I am sorry to say this book wasn't for me in spite of being the right age to empathise with this trio of women, I am 51, very nearly 52. For an unknown reason I just could not connect emotionally to any of the characters, Caro, Helen or Kay and found much of the book to be predictable and clichéd.
The premise of the book is the passage of time and how we change. The women have known each other for decades and now at 50 ish, one is disillusioned with her marriage, another is trying to feel OK about taking a holiday without her son who has Autism, and the third is desperate to have a baby.
The location for the story is Kyrenia, Cyprus and other readers have found the novel to be funny. My sense of humour is clearly sagging along with my body parts as I didn't laugh at all.
Maybe the Pigeonhole stave format didn't work in this instance. Maybe if I had read the whole book in less than 10 days I would have agreed it was light hearted and entertaining. For some readers it will be, and maybe an ideal read for holiday. Just not my thing at all.
For anyone who does like it, look out for the next 2 books as I believe this will become The Midlife Trilogy.
The premise of the book is the passage of time and how we change. The women have known each other for decades and now at 50 ish, one is disillusioned with her marriage, another is trying to feel OK about taking a holiday without her son who has Autism, and the third is desperate to have a baby.
The location for the story is Kyrenia, Cyprus and other readers have found the novel to be funny. My sense of humour is clearly sagging along with my body parts as I didn't laugh at all.
Maybe the Pigeonhole stave format didn't work in this instance. Maybe if I had read the whole book in less than 10 days I would have agreed it was light hearted and entertaining. For some readers it will be, and maybe an ideal read for holiday. Just not my thing at all.
For anyone who does like it, look out for the next 2 books as I believe this will become The Midlife Trilogy.
May 10, 2022
Three lifelong friends now turning fifty head off on holiday to Cyprus but it not quite what all of them were expecting. Not my normal genre but I devoured this book. It is a joyous funny read but covers the aspects of life that women of this age encounter - menopause, fertility , coping with the problems of both grown-up children and ageing parents. There were aspects of each of the friends with which I could identify. Echos of “Shirley Valentine” and how refreshing for the main characters to be of this age for a change. I would highly recommend this novel and am looking forward to the second part of the trilogy. Thank you NetGalley, Hansson Publishing and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 21, 2024
This book is Part 1 of the Midlife Trilogy series and could be for any woman over the age of 50. There are laugh out loud moments squeezed in-between the serious issues each character is facing. You may see yourself in these characters juggling elderly parents and young adult children, all the while holding down the house and forging ahead with careers. Husbands inattentive or nowhere to be found, these three best friends are preparing for their second act. Lisa Armytage was the narrator for the audiobook, and she did an outstanding job.
August 24, 2023
Such a fun summer book! I love that more writers are connecting to old chicks like myself, and not just as a “wise aunt” character, or women who are either embarrassing themselves or wistfully looking backward.
Bonus—the audiobook narrator is perfect for these characters.
Bonus—the audiobook narrator is perfect for these characters.
January 4, 2024
It started off cute bc I loved the old ladies but then I realized these old ladies were a SNOOZE FEST
January 12, 2024
A funny story about the life of 3 friends.
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