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Late Life Adventures in London and Beyond
At sixty years of age and with wanderlust still coursing through her veins, Annemarie uproots her husband, Steve, yet again. This time they move to London, willing to work but eager to see and do as much as they can. Will their age restrict any employment? Will they enjoy soaking up British and European life and wonder at the sights and history? Or will this adventure prove too much and send them speeding back to their native New Zealand?
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2023
128 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Annemarie Rawson
4 books52 followersAnnemarie is a New Zealander who collects new 'best friends' wherever she goes. In her 50's she and her husband, Steve, packed up the house, rented it out, kissed her family and friends goodbye and moved 12,000 km to South West France to work as estate managers for several private families -- swapping corporate, city life for animal husbandry and the French countryside.
Annemarie loves people, animals, travelling, interior design and creating delicious food to welcome people into her home and at her table.
After a stint back in New Zealand, Annemarie decided (at 60) it was time for another adventure and did exactly the same thing, packing up the house but this time moving to London. Two and a half years later they have explored more of London than some Londoners and have bounced around the UK and parts of Europe, capturing it all in photos and blogs.
Annemarie loves people, animals, travelling, interior design and creating delicious food to welcome people into her home and at her table.
After a stint back in New Zealand, Annemarie decided (at 60) it was time for another adventure and did exactly the same thing, packing up the house but this time moving to London. Two and a half years later they have explored more of London than some Londoners and have bounced around the UK and parts of Europe, capturing it all in photos and blogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 10, 2022
An incredibly descriptive journey.
Faced with redundancy, New Zealanders Steve and his wife Annemarie make the decision to "up sticks" and move to London to live.
This incredibly descriptive memoir outlines their first year in that vast city. Author Annemarie takes the reader on this fabulous journey through London and beyond, introducing friends and family, the numerous places they visited, and the delicious food they sampled along the way. Not only are the locations and events vividly depicted, but there is also the bonus of a brilliant photo album at the conclusion of each month, and some mouth-watering recipes at the end.
I read and loved the author's first two memoirs, but in my opinion, this is her best yet: and I cannot wait for the next edition of her and Steve's Late Life Adventures.
Very highly recommended for lovers of travel memoirs.
P.S. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Faced with redundancy, New Zealanders Steve and his wife Annemarie make the decision to "up sticks" and move to London to live.
This incredibly descriptive memoir outlines their first year in that vast city. Author Annemarie takes the reader on this fabulous journey through London and beyond, introducing friends and family, the numerous places they visited, and the delicious food they sampled along the way. Not only are the locations and events vividly depicted, but there is also the bonus of a brilliant photo album at the conclusion of each month, and some mouth-watering recipes at the end.
I read and loved the author's first two memoirs, but in my opinion, this is her best yet: and I cannot wait for the next edition of her and Steve's Late Life Adventures.
Very highly recommended for lovers of travel memoirs.
P.S. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2024
Travels in London and beyond
My interest in this memoir began as a connection to my Mom, who was a Londoner. I have also been to London several times when younger. But my interest grew as I kept reading. Right from the beginning, I knew this was going to be a very good read. The author writes in an easy, friendly style, and the descriptions of London, and beyond bring you right in. The weather, the shops, the museums, the historical sites, friends old and new and the author and her husband 's family.
I laughed at the part where the author and her sister go into a clothing store and do exactly what my sister and I do. Nice to learn we are not the only ones.
A lovely bonus is that at the end of each monthly chapter is a link to photos from that month.
If you love London and areas around it you will love this book as I do. I cannot wait until the next in the series
.
My interest in this memoir began as a connection to my Mom, who was a Londoner. I have also been to London several times when younger. But my interest grew as I kept reading. Right from the beginning, I knew this was going to be a very good read. The author writes in an easy, friendly style, and the descriptions of London, and beyond bring you right in. The weather, the shops, the museums, the historical sites, friends old and new and the author and her husband 's family.
I laughed at the part where the author and her sister go into a clothing store and do exactly what my sister and I do. Nice to learn we are not the only ones.
A lovely bonus is that at the end of each monthly chapter is a link to photos from that month.
If you love London and areas around it you will love this book as I do. I cannot wait until the next in the series
.
December 19, 2022
When Annemarie's husband Steve was made redundant she managed to persuade him to move to London - a huge move from New Zealand. A brave move too as they would have to find work when they were there. They are nothing if not adventurous. Annmarie describes in delightful detail their first year in London. I love her beautiful and descriptive writing as she enthusiastically embraces all that is on offer, visiting museums and places of historical interest. They make a special trip to Glasgow to discover where Steve's mother was born. I particularly enjoyed reading her thoughts on places I know well, like the historical Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The warmth of her personality shines throughout and it's easy to see why people are drawn to her and how she easily makes friends. They fit in overseas trips as well and certainly made the most of their time in the UK. They pack in time with family and friends, having fun and dining well. At the end of each chapter is a link to a photograph album of the places visited. A fabulous addition. As well as that there is a collection of some of her scrumptious recipes at the end. I loved Annemarie's first two memoirs and this may be my favourite so far. I'll look forward to more of her late life adventures. I was gifted an advance reader copy of this memoir.
The warmth of her personality shines throughout and it's easy to see why people are drawn to her and how she easily makes friends. They fit in overseas trips as well and certainly made the most of their time in the UK. They pack in time with family and friends, having fun and dining well. At the end of each chapter is a link to a photograph album of the places visited. A fabulous addition. As well as that there is a collection of some of her scrumptious recipes at the end. I loved Annemarie's first two memoirs and this may be my favourite so far. I'll look forward to more of her late life adventures. I was gifted an advance reader copy of this memoir.
September 12, 2023
Having grown up in London, I thoroughly enjoyed Annemarie Rawson’s book about her first year of living in the city and the trips she and her husband took to other parts of the UK and Europe. I could feel her zest for life and her enjoyment of all the experiences London in particular had to offer. Living in Teddington and having the Thames with Richmond and its environs as her stamping ground was a joy to read about. On a personal note, I liked the fact the book ended at Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill where I spent so much of my own youth. A very enjoyable read and recommended for travel lovers.
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December 10, 2022Following on from her two French Platter books, this new book by Annemarie is a delight. After husband Steve is made redundant, she plans to leave New Zealand and live in London for a couple of years. As Steve has a British passport, it's not as crazy as it sounds. This time though, they won't have jobs to go to, but will look for work when they arrive.
As ever, this book is written in Annemarie's easy to read, conversational style. A mixture of everyday life, and excursions around Britain, and to France, Spain and Malta, the descriptions of places - with interesting historical snippets - and food, are superb. And mouthwatering. I wanted to taste so many of the dishes she described! (There are some recipes at the end of the book, and links at the end of each chapter to view photos, which are a lovely addition, so you can see all the places they visited). I loved meeting their friends: Annemarie has a happy knack of bonding with people and becoming close to them, and we even meet Symon and his wife from My French Platter Replenished.
If you've read the first two books, you will love the continuation of their adventures. If you haven't, don't worry, this works well as a stand-alone book, too. I'm looking forward to reading more from this entertaining author.
As ever, this book is written in Annemarie's easy to read, conversational style. A mixture of everyday life, and excursions around Britain, and to France, Spain and Malta, the descriptions of places - with interesting historical snippets - and food, are superb. And mouthwatering. I wanted to taste so many of the dishes she described! (There are some recipes at the end of the book, and links at the end of each chapter to view photos, which are a lovely addition, so you can see all the places they visited). I loved meeting their friends: Annemarie has a happy knack of bonding with people and becoming close to them, and we even meet Symon and his wife from My French Platter Replenished.
If you've read the first two books, you will love the continuation of their adventures. If you haven't, don't worry, this works well as a stand-alone book, too. I'm looking forward to reading more from this entertaining author.
June 18, 2024
This book tells of a year spent staying in a west London flat by two New Zealanders in their sixties - hence the title. I lived in Kingston-upon-Thames before moving over to America two decades ago, so it was lovely to revisit this part of the world through Annemarie’s travels! We often cycled to Hampton Court Palace or Teddington Lock along the river path mentioned in the book. Windsor is another town I have lived in, albeit only for six months and I enjoyed hearing about the Rawsons’ day trip there, walking over the bridge to see Eton. The South Bank area of the Thames and walking along by the Shard, Greenwich Market on a Sunday were favourite destinations for me and there were many other equally fond memories brought to life by the author’s lively descriptions of her day trips to museums etc. She and her husband seem to have packed an awful lot into a year! It was lovely to be able to see the many accompanying photos online through a link at the end of each chapter, too. They really brought Annmarie’s adventures to life. Looking forward to seeing where they went in the next year in book 2!
May 31, 2023
Anne-Marie has done all the hard work for you. This book will certainly kindle a desire to follow in her footsteps. A New Zealander with a #8 wire attitude “ We can do this”.
My admiration for this exuberant woman who grabbed life by the horns when her husband Steve was prematurely ‘retired’. Anne-Marie exudes energy and a willingness to give anything a go.
Off to the UK with Steve alongside as a happy tripper.
Spontaneously falling on their feet they settle in the flat of a friend and the good times begin.
Finding employment, reacquainting with old friends and making new, catching up with Family and traveling widely seeing all there is to be seen.
Anne-Marie doesn’t go in for long boring descriptions of the places they see just snippets of interesting history like the clock tower in Malta and the story therein, same about Highgate Cemetery, take your wallet...Cornwall for Xmas? Good advice for Christmas dinner.
This couple float through many of their jaunts, most of which are described in jubilant terms, on more cups of coffee than I have ever encountered before!
Definitely a cup half full book for you to enjoy.
Oh look at the time,
Cappuccino or Americano anyone?
My admiration for this exuberant woman who grabbed life by the horns when her husband Steve was prematurely ‘retired’. Anne-Marie exudes energy and a willingness to give anything a go.
Off to the UK with Steve alongside as a happy tripper.
Spontaneously falling on their feet they settle in the flat of a friend and the good times begin.
Finding employment, reacquainting with old friends and making new, catching up with Family and traveling widely seeing all there is to be seen.
Anne-Marie doesn’t go in for long boring descriptions of the places they see just snippets of interesting history like the clock tower in Malta and the story therein, same about Highgate Cemetery, take your wallet...Cornwall for Xmas? Good advice for Christmas dinner.
This couple float through many of their jaunts, most of which are described in jubilant terms, on more cups of coffee than I have ever encountered before!
Definitely a cup half full book for you to enjoy.
Oh look at the time,
Cappuccino or Americano anyone?
December 19, 2022
I was gifted a copy of this memoir 🙂I was keen to read it as I’d so enjoyed ‘My French Platter’ & ‘My French Platter Replenished’. Being a fan of this particular author, I guessed this latest memoir wouldn’t disappoint - it didn’t!
The author, Annemarie, and her husband Steve, continue to wish for new adventures - this particular one takes them to London to live & work.
It’s a fun, insightful and delightful read in my humble opinion.
The author, Annemarie, and her husband Steve, continue to wish for new adventures - this particular one takes them to London to live & work.
It’s a fun, insightful and delightful read in my humble opinion.
May 13, 2024
I bought this book because it was being promoted in my local bookshop (Poppies in Howick). Written by a Local author, about locations I know well. It’s really a combination of diary and travel guide. My husband dismissed it as a “woman’s book “, which I suppose it is with the constant meetings with girlfriends for coffee and shopping, but between there are very good descriptions of the countryside, the cities, the castles and cathedrals that these two visited.
December 17, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book - it follows Annemarie and her husband's time in London and beyond as the title says. I loved all the places they go to and the interesting historical snippets included. A lovely book and well written. Highly recommend it.
January 8, 2023
Another thoughtful and amusing book from Annemarie Rawson
Having previously thoroughly enjoyed Annemarie Rawson's "'My French
Platter'and 'My French Platter Revisited'I waited eagerly for the publication of her
latest book 'Late Life Adventures in London and Beyond ' that was released two
days ago. As usual I could not put it down! It is written in Annemarie's very
humorous, relaxed style. Her descriptions of everything from clothes to buildings
are intricate and delightful. Best of all, however, are the warmth of her
interactions with people. As a colonial I have visited London several times.
Annemarie's book makes me long to return as clearly I have not even scratched
the surface of interesting tourist possibilities. In addition there are fascinating
descriptions of Malta and France. A mistake I made was to leave the opening of
the photos at the end of most chapters, till I had finished the narrative. The
photos were so good, interesting and relative that I would strongly advise
readers to open them in the order in which they appear. An excellent book that
has given me a delightful start to 2023!
Post on Amazon (as jean henrickson) and Goodreads
Having previously thoroughly enjoyed Annemarie Rawson's "'My French
Platter'and 'My French Platter Revisited'I waited eagerly for the publication of her
latest book 'Late Life Adventures in London and Beyond ' that was released two
days ago. As usual I could not put it down! It is written in Annemarie's very
humorous, relaxed style. Her descriptions of everything from clothes to buildings
are intricate and delightful. Best of all, however, are the warmth of her
interactions with people. As a colonial I have visited London several times.
Annemarie's book makes me long to return as clearly I have not even scratched
the surface of interesting tourist possibilities. In addition there are fascinating
descriptions of Malta and France. A mistake I made was to leave the opening of
the photos at the end of most chapters, till I had finished the narrative. The
photos were so good, interesting and relative that I would strongly advise
readers to open them in the order in which they appear. An excellent book that
has given me a delightful start to 2023!
Post on Amazon (as jean henrickson) and Goodreads
January 24, 2023
I am a big fan of Annemarie Rawson’s books, and I have just finished reading “Late Life Adventures in London and Beyond,” which I absolutely love and recommend. Descriptions of places we do not know can be very tedious. However, Annemarie writes about these places from a tourist’s point of view, which helps the reader relate to her descriptions. Besides, Annemarie engages the reader by interspersing information about the trips and places with personal conversations with her husband, Steve, and with her friends. Also, Annemarie writes about pubs and nurseries with the same enthusiasm as she describes historical sites. After reading the book, I want to visit the Hampton Court Palace with the same intensity as I wish to sit in the Petersham Nurseries glasshouse tearoom, have some coffee and a “raspberry and lemon muffin,” as she did. Reading “Late Life Adventures in London and Beyond” was like going on vacation with Annemarie Rawson. Finally, I appreciate that Annemarie Rawson brings the book to life with the photos she has posted on a Facebook page.
January 9, 2023
Once again Annemarie (& Steve) have taken me for an armchair holiday in London & beyond ..
Annemarie’s writing is so colourful & descriptive it’s easy to imagine you are there with them, in the beautiful buildings & villages she describes or to almost taste the food & drinks in the many cafes & restaurants they visit on their travels ..
many times I found myself uttering the words as I know she would have said them & I could almost feel the gentle dig in the ribs she is wont to give... ( we are fortunate to count her & Steve as friends )
I devoured the book in no time flat as I moved from one lovely adventure to the next with them & would highly recommend this wonderful account of their adventures in London & beyond ..
Annemarie’s writing is so colourful & descriptive it’s easy to imagine you are there with them, in the beautiful buildings & villages she describes or to almost taste the food & drinks in the many cafes & restaurants they visit on their travels ..
many times I found myself uttering the words as I know she would have said them & I could almost feel the gentle dig in the ribs she is wont to give... ( we are fortunate to count her & Steve as friends )
I devoured the book in no time flat as I moved from one lovely adventure to the next with them & would highly recommend this wonderful account of their adventures in London & beyond ..
January 31, 2023
I really loved the French Platter books but this one not as much. They sure do drink a lot of coffee. Any outing undertaken always started with coffee. Sure, lots of people drink coffee but I started to find it quite monotonous to constantly read about it in relation to meeting new friends, old friends, family, just going out in general. And since I read the book on Kindle I entered the word coffee and it was mentioned 90 times in a relatively short book.
The one thing I really liked were the descriptions of certain parts of London, especially the markets, because I will be going in a few months and will take advantage of that info.
The one thing I really liked were the descriptions of certain parts of London, especially the markets, because I will be going in a few months and will take advantage of that info.
May 11, 2024
This is a year in the life of Annemarie & her husband Steve. They up sticks from New Zealand & move to London, Teddington. Annemarie beautifully describes that vibrant, exciting, travel filled, & fantastic friends made, life in Uk & beyond in Europe. They make the most of every minute & every opportunity. Wonderful memories made, & lovely photographs at the end of each chapter/month. There’s also a recipes section. Looking forward to reading ‘More’ Late Life Adventures. It’s rather scary how long ago I lived in, worked in, & travelled to those places. It was an interesting trip down memory lane for me. Highly recommend.
January 9, 2023
Hi Annemarie just wanted to let you know I have really enjoyed your book Late life Adventures in London. Your enthusiasm comes through strongly on every page and your research has been extensive. Not only did we hear of the many places you visited but I enjoyed your touch of personal information. Steve's family history was intriguing ! I had a special dinner to do the day after I finished the book and I did the recipes at the end of book the Salmon and beetroot entree and the port Wellington both were delicious and went down very well! Just wondering when the next book will be published!!!
February 1, 2023
Fed up with being at the mercy of a competitive labour market in New Zealand, where ageism is rife, Annemarie Rawson and her husband Steve up sticks—again. Only this time, they’re off to London. They have neither jobs nor somewhere to stay—until one of their many friends saves the day.
If there is one saying that sums up this author’s can-do attitude, it’s this: if she fell into the river, she’d come up with two salmon in her pocket. And know how best to serve them for a dinner with friends or family.
I lived in southwest London for a year but was far too absorbed by work to appreciate what was on my doorstep. If I could have my time again, I’d use Late Life Adventures and Beyond as my guidebook. Written in an engaging conversational style, it’s an inspirational read, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
I received a free copy of this book.
If there is one saying that sums up this author’s can-do attitude, it’s this: if she fell into the river, she’d come up with two salmon in her pocket. And know how best to serve them for a dinner with friends or family.
I lived in southwest London for a year but was far too absorbed by work to appreciate what was on my doorstep. If I could have my time again, I’d use Late Life Adventures and Beyond as my guidebook. Written in an engaging conversational style, it’s an inspirational read, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
I received a free copy of this book.
May 6, 2023
Faced with a choice of how to respond to the inconvenient and unsettling news of being made redundant, Annemarie and her husband, Steve, choose courage, resolve, and determination as they decide to see a closed door as an opportunity. I must admit I was stunned by the beauty of the area and the myriad quaint and scenic parks, shops, and pubs. I thought London was just a big city with a palace! My book is full of highlights and bookmarks and I now have a desire to see London. Thank you to this engaging author for sharing her enchanting ventures of London and beyond.
March 11, 2024
Pleasingly Compelling Read
I enjoyed this book so much. It is very informative but also easy and fun to read with practical tips and advice. A joy to link to the images for each chapter on Facebook to visualise all the sights and experiences described in the book. I am so pleased Annemarie shared her story and look forward to reading more of her adventures with her husband, Steve.
I enjoyed this book so much. It is very informative but also easy and fun to read with practical tips and advice. A joy to link to the images for each chapter on Facebook to visualise all the sights and experiences described in the book. I am so pleased Annemarie shared her story and look forward to reading more of her adventures with her husband, Steve.
February 8, 2023
Annemarie your adventures always transport me to such wonderful places. I will use this book as a part of any travel plans I make for the UK. I wish you could add a few more chapters. I love your ability to just do it.
June 13, 2023
Great book
It’s a lovely summary and story, well written. Tempted to use it as a guide book for my next adventure.
It’s a lovely summary and story, well written. Tempted to use it as a guide book for my next adventure.
June 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this delightful, easy to read memoir. Having lived in and visited London many times, Annemarie wrote about places that I am familiar with but she also gave me ideas for my next visit. Loved the photos and recipes too!
February 12, 2023
Once again Annmarie has written another fabulous book that is both fun and easy to read. She takes us through the ups and downs of her London life and makes it so easy to imagine it all. I highly recommend it especially for a holiday or entertaining read. I now can’t wait for her next book.
April 1, 2023
What a great adventure!
Another great read from Annemarie Rawson, with her chatty, fun and very readable style of writing. I welcomed the chance to head off with Annemarie and her husband Steve, as they took life by the horns once again and headed off to the UK. I wondered if I would enjoy this book as much as her others, set in my beloved France. Well, I did! I found everything to be full of interest, detail, humour and joy. Their day to day goings on, the friendships made, the trips... Lovely to read about. Speaking of trips, I found the descriptions of Malta, in particular, really interesting.
So yes, I highly recommend this book, and I wonder - is there another adventure coming up?
Another great read from Annemarie Rawson, with her chatty, fun and very readable style of writing. I welcomed the chance to head off with Annemarie and her husband Steve, as they took life by the horns once again and headed off to the UK. I wondered if I would enjoy this book as much as her others, set in my beloved France. Well, I did! I found everything to be full of interest, detail, humour and joy. Their day to day goings on, the friendships made, the trips... Lovely to read about. Speaking of trips, I found the descriptions of Malta, in particular, really interesting.
So yes, I highly recommend this book, and I wonder - is there another adventure coming up?
January 1, 2023
Having read Annemarie Rawson other two books I was excited to learn of book number 3.
It didn’t disappoint and I have just finished this Christmas read. I loved the Facebook posts of the photos and I looked through those after each chapter. The book brought back some great memories of the time I was lucky enough to spend with my family touring the UK and visiting almost all the places Annemarie and her husband did.
I’ve also added some places to go for my travel to do list 😂
I’m looking forward to book 4 as ‘never to old to travel’ has become my motto.
It didn’t disappoint and I have just finished this Christmas read. I loved the Facebook posts of the photos and I looked through those after each chapter. The book brought back some great memories of the time I was lucky enough to spend with my family touring the UK and visiting almost all the places Annemarie and her husband did.
I’ve also added some places to go for my travel to do list 😂
I’m looking forward to book 4 as ‘never to old to travel’ has become my motto.
January 4, 2024
I enjoyed reading about the authors year in London. This was a nice travel guide.
March 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The author’s wonderful descriptions made me want to live in London, to see and do all the fun things she did! I’ve been to London, but one doesn’t know an area when just visiting as opposed to someone who lives there. It’s a fun, interesting read!
June 23, 2023
An Absolute Delight
I enjoyed traveling vicariously with Annemarie and Steve. It’s inspiring to dream about the adventures that life can hold even “late in life”. 🧡😊🧡
I enjoyed traveling vicariously with Annemarie and Steve. It’s inspiring to dream about the adventures that life can hold even “late in life”. 🧡😊🧡
January 12, 2025
I am really inspired by Annemarie’s approach to life - she in always throwing herself into activities that bring her joy and making new friends along the way. She realizes that most people are like mice on a wheel, unable to make the most of their life in the way she does.
The next time I visit London, I plan on using this book as a guide to help me decide where to go.
I was stunned to learn that she visited Malta in 2018, and happy to see that she was left with a good impression overall!
My only niggle was that the descriptions were a bit long sometimes. I enjoyed the dialogue much more!
The next time I visit London, I plan on using this book as a guide to help me decide where to go.
I was stunned to learn that she visited Malta in 2018, and happy to see that she was left with a good impression overall!
My only niggle was that the descriptions were a bit long sometimes. I enjoyed the dialogue much more!
May 7, 2023
In Annemarie’s usual flair for colour, enjoyment of every thing she comes across, her drive, self belief, she doesn’t disappoint. Once again she packs up Steve and takes him halfway across the world to try something different. Steve is currently unemployed but not a problem, he will get a job in London. Or will he. Will Annemarie? Have they bitten off more than they can cope with? In the mean time they are living the life. Thank you Annemarie for writing this fabulous book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews