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The Golden Oldies' Book Club
Ruth the librarian fears she’s too old to find love, but a discussion about Lady Chatterley’s Lover makes her think again.
Aurora doesn’t feel seventy-two and longs to relive the excitement of her youth, while Verity is getting increasingly tired of her husband Mark’s grumpiness and wonders if their son’s imminent flight from the nest might be just the moment for her to fly too. And Danielle is fed up with her cheating husband. Surely life has more in store for her than to settle for second best?
The glue that holds Combe Pomeroy together is Jeannie. Doyenne of the local cider farm and heartbeat of her family and community, no one has noticed that Jeannie needs some looking after too. Has the moment for her to retire finally arrived, and if so, what does her future hold?
From a book club French exchange trip, to many celebrations at the farm, this is the year that everything changes, that lifelong friendships are tested, and for some of the women, they finally get the love they deserve.
Aurora doesn’t feel seventy-two and longs to relive the excitement of her youth, while Verity is getting increasingly tired of her husband Mark’s grumpiness and wonders if their son’s imminent flight from the nest might be just the moment for her to fly too. And Danielle is fed up with her cheating husband. Surely life has more in store for her than to settle for second best?
The glue that holds Combe Pomeroy together is Jeannie. Doyenne of the local cider farm and heartbeat of her family and community, no one has noticed that Jeannie needs some looking after too. Has the moment for her to retire finally arrived, and if so, what does her future hold?
From a book club French exchange trip, to many celebrations at the farm, this is the year that everything changes, that lifelong friendships are tested, and for some of the women, they finally get the love they deserve.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
2027 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Judy Leigh
31 books402 followersJudy Leigh has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional Writing.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
October 28, 2022
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book is due to be released on December 6, 2022.
As the story begins, we meet seventy-two-year-old Jeannie Sharrock. A lifelong resident of Combe Pomeroy, she runs her family’s orchard and cider business. Divorced from her philandering husband years ago, who has since relocated to Spain, she now lives with her ninety-five-year-old mother Violet, and her teenage grandchildren who stay with her while finishing up with school after their father, Jeannie’s son moved to Spain with his wife. Jeannie has a lot on her plate and does feel overwhelmed but tries to shoulder all her responsibilities with a smile on her face. She enjoys meeting up with her book club at the local library, hosted by Ruth, the librarian and retired university admissions officer who moved to Combe Pomeroy eight years ago. Ruth is lonely and yearns for new experiences, Verity is experiencing trouble in her marriage to Mark, Danielle is dealing with the breakdown of her marriage after her husband’s infidelity and Aurora still nurses a broken heart from decades ago. When a discussion on "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" leads to a short trip to France, the ladies of the group find some respite from their own troubles affording them time to ponder over their current lives and gain perspective on what they want for themselves in the future. Once back, each of them tackles their problems with a renewed zest, making changes with support from one another. We follow Ruth, Aurora, Verity, Danielle and Jeannie through several ups and downs, misunderstandings and celebrations, making up for missed opportunities and finding new ones, proving that you’re never too old to make new friends, find love or go on an adventure!
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club by Judy Leigh is a heartwarming novel about love and friendship, community and companionship, and of course how the love for books and reading can bring people together. I loved the flow of the narrative, the small-town setting and the cast of interesting characters. Violet is an endearing character whose love for telling jokes (some of those puns were hilarious ) results in some amusing exchanges with her daughter and her great-grandchildren. I also enjoyed the literary discussions among the members of the reading group and the heated exchanges between the misogynistic male participant and the female readers made for some interesting moments. Overall The Golden Oldies’ Book Club by Judy Leigh is a lovely heartwarming story that left me with a smile on my face. Perfect for those wanting a light feel-good read!
As the story begins, we meet seventy-two-year-old Jeannie Sharrock. A lifelong resident of Combe Pomeroy, she runs her family’s orchard and cider business. Divorced from her philandering husband years ago, who has since relocated to Spain, she now lives with her ninety-five-year-old mother Violet, and her teenage grandchildren who stay with her while finishing up with school after their father, Jeannie’s son moved to Spain with his wife. Jeannie has a lot on her plate and does feel overwhelmed but tries to shoulder all her responsibilities with a smile on her face. She enjoys meeting up with her book club at the local library, hosted by Ruth, the librarian and retired university admissions officer who moved to Combe Pomeroy eight years ago. Ruth is lonely and yearns for new experiences, Verity is experiencing trouble in her marriage to Mark, Danielle is dealing with the breakdown of her marriage after her husband’s infidelity and Aurora still nurses a broken heart from decades ago. When a discussion on "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" leads to a short trip to France, the ladies of the group find some respite from their own troubles affording them time to ponder over their current lives and gain perspective on what they want for themselves in the future. Once back, each of them tackles their problems with a renewed zest, making changes with support from one another. We follow Ruth, Aurora, Verity, Danielle and Jeannie through several ups and downs, misunderstandings and celebrations, making up for missed opportunities and finding new ones, proving that you’re never too old to make new friends, find love or go on an adventure!
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club by Judy Leigh is a heartwarming novel about love and friendship, community and companionship, and of course how the love for books and reading can bring people together. I loved the flow of the narrative, the small-town setting and the cast of interesting characters. Violet is an endearing character whose love for telling jokes (some of those puns were hilarious ) results in some amusing exchanges with her daughter and her great-grandchildren. I also enjoyed the literary discussions among the members of the reading group and the heated exchanges between the misogynistic male participant and the female readers made for some interesting moments. Overall The Golden Oldies’ Book Club by Judy Leigh is a lovely heartwarming story that left me with a smile on my face. Perfect for those wanting a light feel-good read!
October 25, 2022
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Last year at this time I read The Golden Girls' Getaway by Judy Leigh and loved it, it was my first foray into this author's books. I was really happy to get this one from NetGalley and Miss Leigh did not disappoint. I don't know what it is but I just adore books with ladies of a certain age, who don't act their age and are sometimes up to no good...in the best way possible.
This was such a hoot. In this one, we have Jeannie, Ruth, Aurora, Verity, and Danielle and we go through an apple farm season with them all. They go on a trip to France, enjoy their book club, work at their various jobs and deal with their families and neighbours all while trying to have a good time. I think my favourite character was Jeannie's mother, Violet, she is ninety-five, feisty and fun and let's not forget her jokes. (I love a good pun!) The characters in this book are relatable and the situations they find themselves in are true to life.
I loved this village and would love to live there and be neighbours with these ladies. I would so join that book club and give Matt a piece of my mind while I am at it. What I think is the best part of this book, or what I took away from it was the fact that female friendships are important, never act your age, and you're never too old to try something new or find new love. This was the type of book that you want to hug when you're finished reading it. My last review of this author stated I wanted to read more of her works and the feeling holds true after this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
#TheGoldenOldiesBookClub #NetGalley
Last year at this time I read The Golden Girls' Getaway by Judy Leigh and loved it, it was my first foray into this author's books. I was really happy to get this one from NetGalley and Miss Leigh did not disappoint. I don't know what it is but I just adore books with ladies of a certain age, who don't act their age and are sometimes up to no good...in the best way possible.
This was such a hoot. In this one, we have Jeannie, Ruth, Aurora, Verity, and Danielle and we go through an apple farm season with them all. They go on a trip to France, enjoy their book club, work at their various jobs and deal with their families and neighbours all while trying to have a good time. I think my favourite character was Jeannie's mother, Violet, she is ninety-five, feisty and fun and let's not forget her jokes. (I love a good pun!) The characters in this book are relatable and the situations they find themselves in are true to life.
I loved this village and would love to live there and be neighbours with these ladies. I would so join that book club and give Matt a piece of my mind while I am at it. What I think is the best part of this book, or what I took away from it was the fact that female friendships are important, never act your age, and you're never too old to try something new or find new love. This was the type of book that you want to hug when you're finished reading it. My last review of this author stated I wanted to read more of her works and the feeling holds true after this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
#TheGoldenOldiesBookClub #NetGalley
January 4, 2024
This was a lovely read with great characters some young but septugenerians who form a book club in the little town of Combe Pomeroy Jeanie runs the apple orchard where they make yummy cider, her BFF Aurora runs the local cafe 🍵 their other friends join the book club, sick of their husbands they decide to go on a trip to France where they can relax & get away from it all while there they try land yachting in clumsy yellow helmets.
There is some romance for one of the ladies Ruth & Violet were my favourite characters, Violet was warm , funny & told the most lame jokes she had me chuckling to myself throughout, Ruth has a love interest that was sweet like the old fashioned romance.
All in all this was a lovely read that kept me entertained right through to the end recommended.
There is some romance for one of the ladies Ruth & Violet were my favourite characters, Violet was warm , funny & told the most lame jokes she had me chuckling to myself throughout, Ruth has a love interest that was sweet like the old fashioned romance.
All in all this was a lovely read that kept me entertained right through to the end recommended.
November 28, 2022
This was a wonderful and heartwarming book that left me happy. You are never too old to find love, find yourself, start over, and put yourself first. I loved the feel of camaraderie between the characters in this book. Like a warm sweater on a crisp fall day, this book hit the spot and left me craving apple cider.
Aurora, Verity, Danielle, and Jeannie are all points in their lives where they are examining things - wanting to feel young again, a cheating spouse, and thoughts of retirement. While looking at what the future holds the women look to each other for support while going on a book club trip to France.
This was like a breath of fresh air. It is also nice to see a book with older women looking at their lives, having fun, leaning on each other and having fun. It was endearing and entertaining.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Aurora, Verity, Danielle, and Jeannie are all points in their lives where they are examining things - wanting to feel young again, a cheating spouse, and thoughts of retirement. While looking at what the future holds the women look to each other for support while going on a book club trip to France.
This was like a breath of fresh air. It is also nice to see a book with older women looking at their lives, having fun, leaning on each other and having fun. It was endearing and entertaining.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 29, 2022
Lately I have discovered that I like hard cider better than beer. So, I was thrilled to discover that this book centers around a local cider farm in the village of Combe Pomeroy. Along with the septuagenarian (Jeanne) who owns and manages the farm, we meet her BFF Aurora, librarian Ruth, realtor Danielle, and potter Verity. The five women vary in age with Danielle being the youngest. Still, they form a friendship at their local book club and take a trip to France together. I LOVED their adventures there, especially imagining them land yachting in their clumsy yellow helmets. The structure of the book takes us through an entire year on the cider farm, season by season. I enjoyed this glimpse into the cider business and now I want to open an Angry Orchard. . . Beware, Jeanne's ninetysomething mother Violet loves to tell corny jokes like this one: What do you call an old snoman? Water! If you like this one, you might want to check out The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
There's nothing better than curling up with a warm cup of apple cider and reading a book like The Golden Oldies' Book Club by Judy Leigh. This is a lovely holiday read.
Synopsis:
The heartbeat of Combe Pomeroy is Jeannie Doyenne, owner of the local apple cider farm. The community is a big part of Jeannie's life, and she has many friends. In addition to caring for her very spirited, hilarious 90-year-old mother and her teenage grandchildren, Jeannie also needs some loving care. Has she finally reached retirement age? What is in store for her future?
As Jeannie and her friends navigate life in Combe Pomeroy, readers will enjoy the cozy atmosphere and humorous banter. It is a time of change and friends are put to the test. The year includes a French exchange trip with the book club and a number of glorious farm celebrations. Will some of the friends finally get the love they seek?
A fun reading atmosphere is created by the characters. The book is free of graphic violence. If you love books that leave you feeling warm and happy, this is the perfect story.
The Golden Oldies' Book Club is available on December 6th.
Thanks to Judy Leigh, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
@BoldwoodBooks @BookandTonic #TheGoldenOldiesBookClub @RachelsRandomResources, @NetGalley #NetGalleyReviewer #Blogtour @JudyLeigh #JudyLeigh #JudyLeighBooks #Boldwoodbloggers #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b
Synopsis:
The heartbeat of Combe Pomeroy is Jeannie Doyenne, owner of the local apple cider farm. The community is a big part of Jeannie's life, and she has many friends. In addition to caring for her very spirited, hilarious 90-year-old mother and her teenage grandchildren, Jeannie also needs some loving care. Has she finally reached retirement age? What is in store for her future?
As Jeannie and her friends navigate life in Combe Pomeroy, readers will enjoy the cozy atmosphere and humorous banter. It is a time of change and friends are put to the test. The year includes a French exchange trip with the book club and a number of glorious farm celebrations. Will some of the friends finally get the love they seek?
A fun reading atmosphere is created by the characters. The book is free of graphic violence. If you love books that leave you feeling warm and happy, this is the perfect story.
The Golden Oldies' Book Club is available on December 6th.
Thanks to Judy Leigh, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
@BoldwoodBooks @BookandTonic #TheGoldenOldiesBookClub @RachelsRandomResources, @NetGalley #NetGalleyReviewer #Blogtour @JudyLeigh #JudyLeigh #JudyLeighBooks #Boldwoodbloggers #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b
November 14, 2022
This is the first book I've read by July Leigh and I really enjoyed it. Both humorous and heartwarming, it was the kind of book you can curl up with and get lost in for a pleasant getaway. Jeannie, Ruth, Aurora, Verity, and Danielle (the main characters) are good friends and are also in a local book club together. They are supportive of each other share in their ups and downs and generally have a great time together. Most of these ladies are retirement age and are facing issues of whether to retire or not, what to do if they retire, can you find love at their age, etc., and this book mostly deals with facing the issues and the importance of female friendship.
The characters are relatable and fun. They have a lot of energy and are involved in many activities (like the ladies trip to France). The writing style was easily readable and draws you into the lives of these women.
Thanks to Boldwood Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 6, 2022.
The characters are relatable and fun. They have a lot of energy and are involved in many activities (like the ladies trip to France). The writing style was easily readable and draws you into the lives of these women.
Thanks to Boldwood Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 6, 2022.
June 30, 2024
This book has taught me what good writing is. Jeannie's life is palpably blissful thanks to her apple farming. The author begins introducing her apple farm, and how her lovely family and friends pitch in to make the experience exhilarating. The book club sessions are interesting, too. It's well written. But, the storyline could have been better. So, I'd give it 3.5⭐️/5. More in my blog: https://booksfoodmylife.blogspot.com/...
November 27, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Golden Oldies' Book Club by Judy Leigh is a wonderful book about community, love, and friendship.
Story Recap:
In the small village of Combe Pomeroy, is a book club, the Golden Oldies book club. Members include Ruby, the librarian who feels like life has passed her by, Aurora, seventy-two years old and full of energy, Verity, married to a grump, Danielle, tired of her cheating husband and Jeannie, the glue that holds the group together.
This must be the year that everything changes for the group. They go on an exchange trip to France, which is the start of the change that the group needs.
My Thoughts:
I love that these women were all older characters but still varied quite a bit in age. July Leigh does a wonderful job with older characters and that’s why I love her books so much.
These characters are so realistic and very entertaining. They get into some trouble but still stay true to their characters. I like that they are all stuck in some kind of rut and they each need to change some aspects of their lives.
And the book is just plain fun. The pacing is wonderful and the book takes us on an adventure immediately. It’s also full of laughs, but also emotion as these women grow and find their true passions in life.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Golden Oldies Book Club to anyone who enjoys Women’s Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Golden Oldies' Book Club by Judy Leigh is a wonderful book about community, love, and friendship.
Story Recap:
In the small village of Combe Pomeroy, is a book club, the Golden Oldies book club. Members include Ruby, the librarian who feels like life has passed her by, Aurora, seventy-two years old and full of energy, Verity, married to a grump, Danielle, tired of her cheating husband and Jeannie, the glue that holds the group together.
This must be the year that everything changes for the group. They go on an exchange trip to France, which is the start of the change that the group needs.
My Thoughts:
I love that these women were all older characters but still varied quite a bit in age. July Leigh does a wonderful job with older characters and that’s why I love her books so much.
These characters are so realistic and very entertaining. They get into some trouble but still stay true to their characters. I like that they are all stuck in some kind of rut and they each need to change some aspects of their lives.
And the book is just plain fun. The pacing is wonderful and the book takes us on an adventure immediately. It’s also full of laughs, but also emotion as these women grow and find their true passions in life.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Golden Oldies Book Club to anyone who enjoys Women’s Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 26, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
He listened to Led Zeppelin for a moment, his face creased with disgust. ‘Are you sure that’s not a woman?’ ‘Definitely.’ Aurora folded her arms. ‘Well, he sounds like a proper girl’s blouse to me.’
The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.
Life was so difficult: you fell in love, then you fell out again and landed with a thump, giddy and stunned.
My Review:
I revel in Judy Leigh’s insightful, clever, and wryly amusing storytelling. She never fails to put a smirk on my face and keep it there, even when she is simultaneously squeezing my heart. Her tales are easy to fall into with fully populated villages of authentic and realistically quirky characters that intrigue, annoy, and entertain me to no end. I thoroughly enjoyed this convivial group of golden gals and can only aspire to be as feisty and cunning as Violet at the tender age of ninety-five.
He listened to Led Zeppelin for a moment, his face creased with disgust. ‘Are you sure that’s not a woman?’ ‘Definitely.’ Aurora folded her arms. ‘Well, he sounds like a proper girl’s blouse to me.’
The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.
Life was so difficult: you fell in love, then you fell out again and landed with a thump, giddy and stunned.
My Review:
I revel in Judy Leigh’s insightful, clever, and wryly amusing storytelling. She never fails to put a smirk on my face and keep it there, even when she is simultaneously squeezing my heart. Her tales are easy to fall into with fully populated villages of authentic and realistically quirky characters that intrigue, annoy, and entertain me to no end. I thoroughly enjoyed this convivial group of golden gals and can only aspire to be as feisty and cunning as Violet at the tender age of ninety-five.
December 9, 2022
The best thing about a novel with women of a "certain age" is that it is almost totally devoid of all the damned angst that YA romance novels include. Plus, with Leigh, you can get an elderly character who cracks really BAD (but funny) jokes! My #bookreview is on my blog here. http://tcl-bookreviews.com/2022/12/09...
December 27, 2022
The Golden Oldies is set in the small village of Combe Pomeroy. We meet a bookclub, The Golden Oldies, made up of Ruby, the librarian who feels like life has passed her by, Aurora, seventy-two years old and full of energy, Verity, married to a grump, Danielle, tired of her cheating husband and Jeannie, the owner of the local cider farm and heartbeat of her family and community. She is getting tired and contemplating retirement. All these women are a various ages, but most of them are mature characters. When discussing The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the group decide an exchange trip to France is just the thing for all of them to get a much needed getaway. A trip to a cider farm and other excursions spur the ladies on to make changes. After returning home they begin to move forward supporting each other along the way, and when some of the people they met in France come to visit them, even more magic and happiness occurs.
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club by Judy Leigh is a heartwarming novel about love and friendship, community and companionship, and of course how the love for books and reading can bring people together. I loved all the characters, except for the misogynistic Mark, who is Verity's husband and the only male member of the book club. They were all older women, which I loved, and they wanted more out of the life they had. I enjoyed seeing them hop over to France for their trip, forgetting their troubles for awhile and making decisions of what they were going to do next. Their adventures were hilarious, doing some things I had not heard of. The scenes of them land yachting in their yellow helmets was so funny. Being a reader, I loved all the conversation around books and think maybe I need to read Lady Chatterley's Lover. This was a wonderful, uplifting story where we learn it is never too late to start over, find romance or make changes in your life. Once again, Judy Leigh left me with a satisfying smile on my face when I finished reading this one.
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club by Judy Leigh is a heartwarming novel about love and friendship, community and companionship, and of course how the love for books and reading can bring people together. I loved all the characters, except for the misogynistic Mark, who is Verity's husband and the only male member of the book club. They were all older women, which I loved, and they wanted more out of the life they had. I enjoyed seeing them hop over to France for their trip, forgetting their troubles for awhile and making decisions of what they were going to do next. Their adventures were hilarious, doing some things I had not heard of. The scenes of them land yachting in their yellow helmets was so funny. Being a reader, I loved all the conversation around books and think maybe I need to read Lady Chatterley's Lover. This was a wonderful, uplifting story where we learn it is never too late to start over, find romance or make changes in your life. Once again, Judy Leigh left me with a satisfying smile on my face when I finished reading this one.
April 9, 2023
A lovely humourous and heartwarming book that revolves mostly older ladies in a small Somerset village. I loved the interaction between the characters and learning about cider making and the traditions.
April 30, 2023
Didn’t finish this, which doesn’t happen often! Quarter of the way through and the book twitters on with no good story line. Life’s too short for books you don’t enjoy.
December 5, 2022
As a woman of a "certain age", I could relate to a lot of the women in this book.
Verity with her boorish husband, Danielle with her cheating husband, Aurora who is footloose and fancy free, Ruth who dutifully does those voluntary jobs around the village that others don't put their hands up for and Jeannie who looks after everyone but isn't great at looking after herself. Honourable mention to Violet, who is 95 years old and fond of bad jokes!
All these women, some of whom have known each other since childhood, some who are newer friends; some who are older, some who are younger, come together for Book Club. They have lively discussions about all sorts of books but the most important things are their connections with each other.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't this cookie cutter kind of book and it wasn't like there was a predictable HEA at the end of the story either, which I appreciated.
As well as the book club bringing them together, I think it was just living in a small village which did that, and having all those connections. I liked all the fellas who featured in this book too, even the not-quite-as-likeable ones!
A really lovely read.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Verity with her boorish husband, Danielle with her cheating husband, Aurora who is footloose and fancy free, Ruth who dutifully does those voluntary jobs around the village that others don't put their hands up for and Jeannie who looks after everyone but isn't great at looking after herself. Honourable mention to Violet, who is 95 years old and fond of bad jokes!
All these women, some of whom have known each other since childhood, some who are newer friends; some who are older, some who are younger, come together for Book Club. They have lively discussions about all sorts of books but the most important things are their connections with each other.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't this cookie cutter kind of book and it wasn't like there was a predictable HEA at the end of the story either, which I appreciated.
As well as the book club bringing them together, I think it was just living in a small village which did that, and having all those connections. I liked all the fellas who featured in this book too, even the not-quite-as-likeable ones!
A really lovely read.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
November 11, 2022
It is so nice to read a book that focuses on the lives and loves of the older generation. Jeannie runs Sharrock cider farm which has been in her family for generations. Along with her mother Violet, her two grandchildren Ella and Caleb, live with her as their father now lives in Spain. Her friends include Ruth the librarian and Aurora who she went to school with. Ruth runs the book club where other members include Danielle who has split up from her husband and Verity who is fed up with husband Mark and his attitude. Ruth organises for the ladies to go to France on an exchange trip where they stay with Bruno and his family on their cider farm. The characters were all really likeable and I loved how the relationships developed. All in all a lovely easy going read that had the thread of friendship and relationships that aren’t always straightforward. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
Meh
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it is predictable with no real plot. The book examines the lives of the residents in rural England who become caricatures . Good premise, fair execution by the author.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it is predictable with no real plot. The book examines the lives of the residents in rural England who become caricatures . Good premise, fair execution by the author.
December 6, 2022
There’s so much I love about Judy Leigh’s writing that I hardly know where to start – but let me make it her wonderful characters, the five women at this book’s heart.
Jeannie is now seventy-two, the powerhouse behind Sharrocks’ cider farm, her family business – as well as organising operations that vary with the seasons (and particularly successfully), she cares for her elderly mother Violet (now there’s a woman who would try the patience of a saint…) and her two teenage grandchildren, and her thoughts are beginning to turn reluctantly towards the possibility of retirement. Aurora runs the gift shop at the farm – an ageing rock chick of a similar age (but don’t tell her I called her that), brash and over-the-top in every way, but harbouring her own regrets about lost opportunities and the absence of love in her life. Ruth is Combe Pomeroy’s village librarian, straight-laced and very much the archetypal spinster (did I just say that – sorry!), but also living with feelings of not having lived the fullest of lives. The other two are a little younger. Danielle is the local estate agent, facing up to her husband’s infidelities even if it leaves her alone and jobless – and Verity might look as if she has a charmed and privileged life, but her husband is a misogynist and bully, and she’s reaching the point where she’s had more than enough of it.
All the women slowly gained a place in my heart as I got to know them better through their various interactions – at the cider farm of course, at the gift shop cafe and the various events they organise, but also at the monthly book club Ruth runs at the library. The book discussions – and they’re quite wonderful – overlap with and reflect the situations going on in the women’s lives (very cleverly done), and they’re there for each other through good times and bad. There’s a hilarious trip to France – Ruth revives the twinning arrangement with a cider-producing region that’s lapsed a little, knowing they could all do with a bit of a break from the everyday – when they all have the opportunity to let their hair down and get to know each other rather better, so there are some particularly touching moments too.
And it’s also a lovely multi-generational story. There’s young love despite parental opposition, and the grandchildren step up to show that the cider farm might just be in safe hands if Jeannie decides to step back – and there’s romance in the lives of all the ladies too, some of it unexpected (sometimes unwelcome, and sometimes not what it appears), as they each make their decisions about what will bring them happiness. Emotionally, it’s all just perfect – a beautifully told story, the supporting cast as well drawn as the main characters – with that balance between raucous fun and moments that bring a tear to your eye that the author always does so well. I will admit that I did find Jeannie’s mother Violet just a little wearing – her constant joke-telling became just a bit too much – but I was particularly touched by the real affection between her and her daughter.
Wonderful storytelling, characters I really loved, beautifully drawn settings, tears and laughter – this book is yet another triumph from an author who never disappoints me, and very much recommended.
Jeannie is now seventy-two, the powerhouse behind Sharrocks’ cider farm, her family business – as well as organising operations that vary with the seasons (and particularly successfully), she cares for her elderly mother Violet (now there’s a woman who would try the patience of a saint…) and her two teenage grandchildren, and her thoughts are beginning to turn reluctantly towards the possibility of retirement. Aurora runs the gift shop at the farm – an ageing rock chick of a similar age (but don’t tell her I called her that), brash and over-the-top in every way, but harbouring her own regrets about lost opportunities and the absence of love in her life. Ruth is Combe Pomeroy’s village librarian, straight-laced and very much the archetypal spinster (did I just say that – sorry!), but also living with feelings of not having lived the fullest of lives. The other two are a little younger. Danielle is the local estate agent, facing up to her husband’s infidelities even if it leaves her alone and jobless – and Verity might look as if she has a charmed and privileged life, but her husband is a misogynist and bully, and she’s reaching the point where she’s had more than enough of it.
All the women slowly gained a place in my heart as I got to know them better through their various interactions – at the cider farm of course, at the gift shop cafe and the various events they organise, but also at the monthly book club Ruth runs at the library. The book discussions – and they’re quite wonderful – overlap with and reflect the situations going on in the women’s lives (very cleverly done), and they’re there for each other through good times and bad. There’s a hilarious trip to France – Ruth revives the twinning arrangement with a cider-producing region that’s lapsed a little, knowing they could all do with a bit of a break from the everyday – when they all have the opportunity to let their hair down and get to know each other rather better, so there are some particularly touching moments too.
And it’s also a lovely multi-generational story. There’s young love despite parental opposition, and the grandchildren step up to show that the cider farm might just be in safe hands if Jeannie decides to step back – and there’s romance in the lives of all the ladies too, some of it unexpected (sometimes unwelcome, and sometimes not what it appears), as they each make their decisions about what will bring them happiness. Emotionally, it’s all just perfect – a beautifully told story, the supporting cast as well drawn as the main characters – with that balance between raucous fun and moments that bring a tear to your eye that the author always does so well. I will admit that I did find Jeannie’s mother Violet just a little wearing – her constant joke-telling became just a bit too much – but I was particularly touched by the real affection between her and her daughter.
Wonderful storytelling, characters I really loved, beautifully drawn settings, tears and laughter – this book is yet another triumph from an author who never disappoints me, and very much recommended.
April 3, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet romance. Although it took awhile to get into the book, and there were a lot of characters to sort through, the second half and ending were enjoyable. Lots of fun relationships form and remind us that it’s never too late for love.
December 9, 2022
4.5*
Jeannie Sharrock has run the family cider making business in the small village of Combe Pomeroy with the help of Barney, her farm manager, since her cheating husband left her and moved to Spain. Her son and his wife also moved to Spain, leaving their teenage twins, Ella and Caleb, with Jeannie while they finish their education. She has her nonagenarian mother to consider as well, although Violet certainly isn’t of the shrinking variety. Jeannie is seventy two years old herself and is feeling the strain.
Jeannie’s friends and book club members, Aurora, who runs the on site shop, estate agent Danielle whose marriage has hit the rocks, librarian Ruth, and potter Verity who is getting sick of her controlling and misogynistic husband. All the ladies are about to approach crossroads in the their lives, the catalyst being an impromptu visit to France.
Ruth runs the twinning association with Plouménez in France and has booked a gîte for the bookclub. With several villagers volunteering to keep an eye on the cider farm and Violet, Jeannie was reassured. So it was decided. The bookclub members were off to France and staying by coincidence on a cider farm.
I do enjoy a book with more mature characters, especially when they realise it’s never too late to change what isn’t working, and this group of friends fit the bill perfectly. They are so relatable and their situations believable. I loved reading about the trip to France, the places they visited and people they met, and how it had a long reaching impact.
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout. I’m a fairly recent convert to Judy Leigh’s books but will definitely be searching out more.
Jeannie Sharrock has run the family cider making business in the small village of Combe Pomeroy with the help of Barney, her farm manager, since her cheating husband left her and moved to Spain. Her son and his wife also moved to Spain, leaving their teenage twins, Ella and Caleb, with Jeannie while they finish their education. She has her nonagenarian mother to consider as well, although Violet certainly isn’t of the shrinking variety. Jeannie is seventy two years old herself and is feeling the strain.
Jeannie’s friends and book club members, Aurora, who runs the on site shop, estate agent Danielle whose marriage has hit the rocks, librarian Ruth, and potter Verity who is getting sick of her controlling and misogynistic husband. All the ladies are about to approach crossroads in the their lives, the catalyst being an impromptu visit to France.
Ruth runs the twinning association with Plouménez in France and has booked a gîte for the bookclub. With several villagers volunteering to keep an eye on the cider farm and Violet, Jeannie was reassured. So it was decided. The bookclub members were off to France and staying by coincidence on a cider farm.
I do enjoy a book with more mature characters, especially when they realise it’s never too late to change what isn’t working, and this group of friends fit the bill perfectly. They are so relatable and their situations believable. I loved reading about the trip to France, the places they visited and people they met, and how it had a long reaching impact.
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout. I’m a fairly recent convert to Judy Leigh’s books but will definitely be searching out more.
December 6, 2022
There is a lot happening in this book and it’s too much to write a short summary about but what I will say it’s about four ladies later in life who are all at different points one is raising her twin grandchildren and just needs a break, another still loves to dance and do yoga but loneliness is creeping in another who runs the book club but the librarian thinks she is possibly too old to fall in love with a new book club member Who is much younger than her. The book is about Waymore than these three main characters but as I said it’s too many for me to write a summary about just know this is a feel good book if you love book about friendship not living in the mole society wants you to, then you’ll love this book. I certainly did I started it this morning and didn’t stop until I was done it was so good. I highly recommend it it really is a feel good story. I love the stories with elderly characters in it they cannot get enough of them. I received this book from NetGalley and bold wood books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 21, 2022
I loved this story of a group of older women who come together in a book club. The main character is Jeannie who runs her family’s cider business but is beginning to feel that life has passed her by. The village book club is run by the librarian Ruth and I enjoyed the discussions that they had about the books such as Wuthering Heights and Tess of the D’Ubervilles although these were never too serious.
Other members of the book club feel very similar to Jeannie and so Ruth decides to organise a trip to Brittany for herself and her friends. The scenes in France were my favourite parts of the book especially the scene where they go sand yachting. The trip makes each of the women really think about what they want from life.
This was a lovely story about the fact that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I loved each of the four main characters and the way that their stories worked out.
Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
Other members of the book club feel very similar to Jeannie and so Ruth decides to organise a trip to Brittany for herself and her friends. The scenes in France were my favourite parts of the book especially the scene where they go sand yachting. The trip makes each of the women really think about what they want from life.
This was a lovely story about the fact that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I loved each of the four main characters and the way that their stories worked out.
Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
October 21, 2022
I absolutely love this authors books so I couldn’t wait to start this one. This was such a lovely read and made even better by the fact that it also featured a book club. I couldn’t put it down and read it in practically one sitting.
This author writes about real people and relatable issues and writes about the older age group warmly and with sensitivity and captures them perfectly and within her stories shows that you are never to old for love, second chances or starting again. There was a perfect mix of humour and seriousness and the characters were easy to warm to and their personalities emanated from the page and was easy to picture what they would be like in real life.
As always in this authors books there was also a sense of community and camaraderie between friends. This was the perfect feel good and uplifting read
Thank you netgaley for the arc of this fabulous read which comes out on 6 December.
This author writes about real people and relatable issues and writes about the older age group warmly and with sensitivity and captures them perfectly and within her stories shows that you are never to old for love, second chances or starting again. There was a perfect mix of humour and seriousness and the characters were easy to warm to and their personalities emanated from the page and was easy to picture what they would be like in real life.
As always in this authors books there was also a sense of community and camaraderie between friends. This was the perfect feel good and uplifting read
Thank you netgaley for the arc of this fabulous read which comes out on 6 December.
September 21, 2023
An easy read about female friendship, apple cider business, and new and old romances. The story is set in both England and France. There is not much of a plot - I just followed along the chapters and interesting characters.
One special character, a 95-year-old feisty lady named Violet, keeps showing off her huge repertoire of corny jokes throughout the book. I had fun "torturing" my family by reading some of the jokes out loud. 😆
One special character, a 95-year-old feisty lady named Violet, keeps showing off her huge repertoire of corny jokes throughout the book. I had fun "torturing" my family by reading some of the jokes out loud. 😆
December 26, 2022
Very Tedious
I almost stopped several times before I finished this book. I ran out of data and couldn't get another book, so I kept plodding along. The people in this village were very boring, gossipy, and unbelievable. I never got close to being carried away. I especially did not like Jeannie...thus the "tedious" part. Don't bore yourself.
I almost stopped several times before I finished this book. I ran out of data and couldn't get another book, so I kept plodding along. The people in this village were very boring, gossipy, and unbelievable. I never got close to being carried away. I especially did not like Jeannie...thus the "tedious" part. Don't bore yourself.
March 31, 2023
I've read a few of Judy Leigh's books and really enjoyed them but for some reason I wasn't thrilled with "The Golden Oldies' Book Club." It was good and as usual humorous at times, but it just didn't have the same oomph to it the others did. This will absolutely not stop me from reading more from Leigh as I love the way she highlights seniors and the wonderful things they do. Happy Reading!
October 4, 2023
So incredibly tedious and dull... just a book about old people doing nothing. One dimensional characters, heavy use of hackneyed storylines and some truly cringeworthy dialogue.
November 24, 2022
The storyline is light & whilst slightly predictable, it works well. The characters are all quite different and I liked that they range from the teenage grandchildren to 95 yr old Violet, all of whom have key roles. The village book club is run by Ruth the librarian, and for anyone who enjoys reading, the book club discussions will appeal. In fact, you might just want to move to a village and/or join a book club!
When the opportunity arises to visit France, as part of the village “twinning” with Ploumenez, five of the ladies head for an adventure in France that will bring them closer together and cause them to each re-evaluate their lives as they sample French cidre, explore the local area and make new friends.
All of the characters have distinct personalities but Violet is a particular delight with her wit & wisdom as well as that slight sense of “I’ll say what I want” that comes from being 95 years old!
The book is ultimately about friendship, family & community - it will appeal to anyone who enjoys funny, light hearted books and is just the sort of thing to curl up with on a cold winter evening, or as a light “beach-read”.
I’m not 100% sure about the title, I think I’d have referenced the apples/cider as the book club is a small part of the story whilst the apples/cider making are a theme that runs through the whole book & shows evidence of good research into the production methods, types of cider etc.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
When the opportunity arises to visit France, as part of the village “twinning” with Ploumenez, five of the ladies head for an adventure in France that will bring them closer together and cause them to each re-evaluate their lives as they sample French cidre, explore the local area and make new friends.
All of the characters have distinct personalities but Violet is a particular delight with her wit & wisdom as well as that slight sense of “I’ll say what I want” that comes from being 95 years old!
The book is ultimately about friendship, family & community - it will appeal to anyone who enjoys funny, light hearted books and is just the sort of thing to curl up with on a cold winter evening, or as a light “beach-read”.
I’m not 100% sure about the title, I think I’d have referenced the apples/cider as the book club is a small part of the story whilst the apples/cider making are a theme that runs through the whole book & shows evidence of good research into the production methods, types of cider etc.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
December 10, 2022
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Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-book of The Golden Oldies’ Book Club to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hats off to Judy Leigh for writing about older people! It was a breath of fresh air after reading about all these 20 or 30-somethings recently. Giving the older population a voice and showing that they can lead interesting lives, and even have romance after you hit 50 was enlightening. I understand Leigh has written other books about the above 50 crowd, and I’ll definitely be checking them out in the future.
I don’t know if I could ever be a part of a book club because my tastes definitely don’t run along the lines of book club fiction. I also don’t know if I could deal with the inevitable arguments that would arise discussing books, which would just be disappointing to me given how I feel about books. And I know I’d end up with someone like some of the husbands in the book. Oh, I was ready to reach into my book and slap the misogyny out of one guy! I’ve had to deal with more than my share of those in the city I live in, mostly older gentleman who still want to live in the 1950’s with their wives at home, barefoot and pregnant.
I absolutely loved the setting of the apple farm and the whole production of apple cider. Every year, without fail, my mother and I would go apple picking, and with my mother, she always picked for an army. My best memories are apple picking with my mom and the kids, and it was bittersweet to take her bushel baskets to the orchard this fall and go picking without her. The fact that the woman running the apple orchard is in her 70’s made the whole story that much sweeter, as sweet as the cider she makes. 🙂
What I liked best about the book is that even though the characters are older than me by a decade or two, they’re completely relatable. Leigh has a way of making the characters jump off the page and seem like people you would meet off the street. That takes a special kind of writing skill.
The only thing I didn’t like was the field trip to France. The characters’ actions and reactions and just the fact that the action took place outside of England was a bit of a downer for me. If you’ve read my blog for any time at all, then you know I love a great many things I’ve read about the English, the countryside or seaside, the bigger cities and quaint villages, everything. But that was a minor inconvenience to me and probably wouldn’t take away from the story if you read it.
I look forward to reading more from Judy Leigh in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-book of The Golden Oldies’ Book Club to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hats off to Judy Leigh for writing about older people! It was a breath of fresh air after reading about all these 20 or 30-somethings recently. Giving the older population a voice and showing that they can lead interesting lives, and even have romance after you hit 50 was enlightening. I understand Leigh has written other books about the above 50 crowd, and I’ll definitely be checking them out in the future.
I don’t know if I could ever be a part of a book club because my tastes definitely don’t run along the lines of book club fiction. I also don’t know if I could deal with the inevitable arguments that would arise discussing books, which would just be disappointing to me given how I feel about books. And I know I’d end up with someone like some of the husbands in the book. Oh, I was ready to reach into my book and slap the misogyny out of one guy! I’ve had to deal with more than my share of those in the city I live in, mostly older gentleman who still want to live in the 1950’s with their wives at home, barefoot and pregnant.
I absolutely loved the setting of the apple farm and the whole production of apple cider. Every year, without fail, my mother and I would go apple picking, and with my mother, she always picked for an army. My best memories are apple picking with my mom and the kids, and it was bittersweet to take her bushel baskets to the orchard this fall and go picking without her. The fact that the woman running the apple orchard is in her 70’s made the whole story that much sweeter, as sweet as the cider she makes. 🙂
What I liked best about the book is that even though the characters are older than me by a decade or two, they’re completely relatable. Leigh has a way of making the characters jump off the page and seem like people you would meet off the street. That takes a special kind of writing skill.
The only thing I didn’t like was the field trip to France. The characters’ actions and reactions and just the fact that the action took place outside of England was a bit of a downer for me. If you’ve read my blog for any time at all, then you know I love a great many things I’ve read about the English, the countryside or seaside, the bigger cities and quaint villages, everything. But that was a minor inconvenience to me and probably wouldn’t take away from the story if you read it.
I look forward to reading more from Judy Leigh in the future.
December 11, 2022
I was looking forward to reading this story in which a group of older women shine, supporting each other and living life to its fullest. For some of those women – Ruth and Aurora – this proved to be true as both seem to come to life when they realised what they really wanted out of life. Jeannie, the main character, was more difficult to root for; it was as if she’d already resigned herself to a boring, safe existence, as if giving up running the cider business made her not only redundant in the orchards but in life as well. She had many opportunities come her way, but it felt like she was more reluctant to enjoy herself. For a woman who’d run a business for so long, she didn’t seem to want to choose her own destiny but rather let it simply happen.
What I did enjoy about this story was the seasonal element of the apple trees, from the wassailing in January, to the new growth of spring, the explosion of summer blossom and fruit, and finally the autumn harvest before winter set in once again. I felt this cycle was complimented by the multi-generational cast. The older characters are looking to wind down (some more than others) whilst the younger characters bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the business and the village.
For me, the story is heavy on description, and as beautiful as the subsequent village scenes are, I felt it had the effect of slowing the story down too much. The book club aspect of the plot formed a consistent backdrop to the changing fates of the characters, though I think it was the visit to France that finally made most of the women see the direction in which their lives were heading, and as such decided to control their future for themselves.
Aside from Jeannie, Ruth, Aurora, Verity and Danielle, stand-out characters for me were Violet (Jeannie’s mum) – but, oh, those jokes were soooooo bad, and Barney, whose down-to-earth, matter-of-fact honesty made me laugh out loud. The younger characters, too, were very real and pitched in to help. The French trip was a hoot – the sand-yachting hilarious – and the new arrivals to the village (primarily Anthony & his brother, Mikey) not only spiced up the village gossip but also helped inspire the younger members of the book club – Verity & Danielle - to take control of their lives and invest in themselves and their futures.
Overall, an engaging read about family, friends and community, and the realisation that life is for living, no matter your age.
What I did enjoy about this story was the seasonal element of the apple trees, from the wassailing in January, to the new growth of spring, the explosion of summer blossom and fruit, and finally the autumn harvest before winter set in once again. I felt this cycle was complimented by the multi-generational cast. The older characters are looking to wind down (some more than others) whilst the younger characters bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the business and the village.
For me, the story is heavy on description, and as beautiful as the subsequent village scenes are, I felt it had the effect of slowing the story down too much. The book club aspect of the plot formed a consistent backdrop to the changing fates of the characters, though I think it was the visit to France that finally made most of the women see the direction in which their lives were heading, and as such decided to control their future for themselves.
Aside from Jeannie, Ruth, Aurora, Verity and Danielle, stand-out characters for me were Violet (Jeannie’s mum) – but, oh, those jokes were soooooo bad, and Barney, whose down-to-earth, matter-of-fact honesty made me laugh out loud. The younger characters, too, were very real and pitched in to help. The French trip was a hoot – the sand-yachting hilarious – and the new arrivals to the village (primarily Anthony & his brother, Mikey) not only spiced up the village gossip but also helped inspire the younger members of the book club – Verity & Danielle - to take control of their lives and invest in themselves and their futures.
Overall, an engaging read about family, friends and community, and the realisation that life is for living, no matter your age.
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