Three women set off on an adventure driving to Italy in a motorhome. Three women who don't even know each other that well having only met at a local class that they attend. Connie has found some old letters and believes that she has long lost relatives on the Amalfi coast and wants to grab the opportunity whilst she can. Maggie has had enough of her partner Ringer who she knows is rather dodgy but fell in love with him many years before and now has just had enough. Gill needs a change in life in more ways than one and so the three amigos set off. On Maggie’s last night at home she finds something of a bonus. A bonus that may have repercussions. This is a wonderful pick-me-up read with a smile on every page. Ladies of “more mature” years (Send All Geriatrics Abroad- Saga- love it!) who have seen it all, Ok not where they are travelling, but have certainly tasted life in all of its forms. I could see this as a film with Maggie being someone like Julie Walters, and Gill being Celia Imrie. Connie- maybe Dame Judi Dench. You get the idea, three women doing something that most would think beyond them and pushing each other in different ways at the same time. Living life to the full and finding friends in others they would never have thought likely One life live it.
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When Connie makes friends with Gill and Maggie at her flower arranging course the last thing that she expected was to be taking off with them in a camper van driving down through France to Italy to look for some long lost relatives! The trio of 70 year olds are in for a few adventures on the way and can Gill find the love that she is looking for and can Maggie leave her old life behind and start again?

A lovely sequel to the Runaway Wife and great to catch up with Connie again, there is a lot of fun and laughs with the odd trio and it makes a great easy humorous read

This wasn't to my taste because it moved rather slowly and took quite awhile for me to care about any characters although I must say the last 20% or so gathered strength and ending was nice

I reviewed Dee MacDonald’s first book The Runaway Wife earlier in the year and absolutely loved it (you can read my review of that book here) so I jumped at the chance to read the follow up and catch up with what the fabulous Connie McColl is doing now.

What she’s doing is taking a fabulous road trip in a motorhome called Bella with two equally eccentric septuagenarians down through France and in to Italy in search of Connie’s long-lost Italian family, and the trip is quite as marvellous and action-packed as the one she took in the first book.

This novel is joyous, as the first one was. The idea of three women who society may have written off as past it grasping life by the proverbial and setting off with no real plan on a mad road trip through Europe, is just wonderful and the whole book is fun, moving and totally life-affirming. I loved every second of it and came away with a happy, warm feeling of contentment – which is all I ever ask from a book of this kind.

I fell in love with Connie in The Runaway Wife and she is just as likeable in this book. Now separated from dull husband Roger, she has discovered she had an Italian grandmother and is determined to go to Italy and find her missing branch of the family. She manages to find herself travelling with two equally dissatisfied women of a similar age, the downtrodden Maggie, who it turns out is not as mousy as first appears and is hiding a HUGE secret, and brassy Gill, who is really as soft as butter and just wants to be loved. These characters are just wonderful; larger than life but totally likeable and believable too, you can’t help but want them all to get a happy ending.

I was totally captivated by the journey, which Dee really brings to life through her descriptions of the scenery, sights, sounds and smells of France and Italy as they travel through. Just like the first book, the ladies end up in plenty of outlandish situations and mad scrapes along the way, but it is all very light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek and a delight to read.

There isn’t much else I can say. This book is a delight from start to finish. Uplifting, fun, satisfying, with enough going on to keep you turning the pages from start to finish. the author’s writing flows beautifully and is easy to read. I just loved everything about it and I am praying this is not the last we see of Connie MacColl.

I quite liked this one :c) Thanks #Netgalley

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I was grabbed by the dedication "For female friendships everywhere" something we must all treasure.

This story is a tale of 3 older women (all approaching 70, although one insists she's only 60) who form a friendship after meeting at a flower arranging class. When Connie decides to stop the class, they continue to meet after class in the local pub.

Connie finds out that she has heritage in Italy and decides to buy a camper van and go investigate further as she has no ties having left her husband and all her children are grown up. Even though they don't know each other that well Maggie and Gill invite themselves along too - Maggie to escape her partner who she feels is cheating on her, and Gill in the hope of finding romance.

What progresses then is a journey where the women find out more about each other as they travel through France and Italy. It is sometimes like a slapstick comedy that isn't to be taken too seriously but has heartwarming and serious moments too.

Although the characters in the book are older, they could be in their 40s or 50s and this will appeal to any aged reader. I found it nice that older ladies still have drive and a passion for adventure. Our bodies may start to wear out but our minds certainly don't.

Unbeknown to me until afterwards it turns out this is a follow on book from The Runaway Wife, but it can be easily read as a standalone book. A light bit of Summer/Autumn reading.

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Thank you to Dee MacDonald, Bookouture and NetGalley for an advance copy for review consideration.

I received a free copy of The Getaway Girls by Dee MacDonald in exchange for an honest review. Connie McColl, newly emancipated after more than forty years of marriage, is at loose ends; she doesn’t know what to do next. Finally, she decides to take a road trip to explore her Italian roots - at her age (gasp!) - all by herself (double gasp!) Alas, solitude is not to be; two of her acquaintances, both dissatisfied with their current situations, volunteer to accompany Connie. Barely acquaintances and extremely dissimilar, the three women set forth in a used recreational vehicle. As the women travel, they have many new adventures and some adventures even pursue them from home.

This was a terrific tale of three not entirely mature women finding themselves, finding each other, and figuring out where they belong.

#TheGetawayGirls #NetGalley

A real laugh out loud book Connie and her friends Gill and Maggie have certainly kept me entertained this weekend , definitely had a few strange looks from my husband reading this. Just what I needed 100% recommend .

What a fab book this was, it was so funny, making me laugh out loud on numerous occasions!

I loved reading about Connie, Gill and Maggie on their adventure and felt like joining them as they travelled through France and Italy. Just thinking about them now as I’m writing this up, makes me smile and laugh thinking about their exploits. Of course when you go away with anyone you’re likely to have a few arguments, and because they don’t know each other that well they do get on each other nerves, especially Gill and Maggie. I loved their snipes at each other, it was so funny.

If you looking for a feel good read this summer this is the perfect book, and one I’ve already recommended to a friend, as soon as I’d finished it.

5 Fabulously FUN Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

🎵 and we’ll have fun, fun, fun, till the grandkids take the RV away!🎵

This was such a delightful and fun book from first page to last! This is the follow-up to “ The Runaway Wife “ an equally delightful book, however it can absolutely 100% be read as a standalone.... and I strongly encourage you to pick both of these books up! Filled with so much fun and fabulous characters and the best part these characters are pushing 70.... whether you are 20 or 69 or older, it is just so nice reading a book about women in the later part of their life having the time of their lives! It is good to know the best is yet to come!

This time Connie has traded in Kermit the car for Bella the RV... now living in London teaching flower arranging classes... Connie is starting to get itchy feet... having recently learned of a long lost relative in Italy she decides to purchase an RV and head on a road trip, but this time not alone.... Maggie and Gil, two women taking her flower arranging classes needed to get away as well so they join Connie on this journey.... these ladies were acquaintances before the road trip and part of the fun of this book was watching the bond between them grow and grow and grow.... three very different women bonding over life experiences and learning you still have things to learn no matter your age....

There is also a bit of a dark side in this book.... Maggie left London with $100,000 and left behind an angry man! An angry man determined to catch up with her... can these three ladies have the road trip of their dreams even with that maroon Lexus chasing them? Well you my friends are going to need to read this book to find out! And truly how can you beat a book with fabulous characters visiting beautiful France and Italy? Allowing you to vacation vicariously through them.... loved all the sites, the beauty, the food, the vineyards,and most of all the people...

An absolutely perfect summer read that I would strongly recommend to all!💕

*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this delightful book ***

This book was exactly what I needed while sitting on the porch enjoying a nice summer day! This light and breezy book had a great story! I enjoyed going on this road trip with the characters and laughed out loud a few times!

Hilarious, fun to read and full of food for thought. A book perfect for the lazy summer afternoon that gives you more than some fun.
It's well written, with a cast of great characters and it was a very pleasant read.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC

The Getaway Girls is a fun, energetic novel about three older women embracing their lives and having a jolly good time on a road trip to Italy. The three women don’t know one another very well when they set off, so over the course of their journey secrets are revealed alongside petty arguments.

Dee MacDonald has described France and Italy perfectly. From the views of the Eiffel Tower to the smells from the field of Lavender. If you have never been to either of these countries you are in for a real treat as by the end of the book you will feel that you have explored them both.

This light-hearted book was a real pleasure to read. I picked it up whenever I had a few minutes spare and didn’t want to put it down again. I’ve always wanted to go travelling in a Motorhome hopefully, one day in the future. These three women have made me realise that you can go travelling at any age, as age is just a number.

Having read, loved, and absolutely adored the first meeting with Connie in 'The Runaway Wife', I was SO excited to get my hands on 'The Getaway Girls'. Once again, Connie is getting itchy feet from staying in one place 'too long' and, now that she has the confidence to live her life to the fullest, the urge to embark on new adventures it's too strong to ignore. Connie is at the stage in her life where she is expected to 'act' like someone in their late sixties, however someone of a certain age is meant to act that is, but she is more than willing to stick her two fingers up to anyone who chooses to stand in her way.

This time round, however, Connie has decided to drive to Italy, stopping off at some rather delightful sights on the way - but this is an adventure with a difference! She isn't on her own! Connie and two other colourful characters, Gill and Maggie, have decided to accompany Connie on her travels. I'm just glad that they didn't talk about expectations about their holiday before they set off, as I think that they would be rather shocked by the reality!

I loved how down to earth, relatable, and care free 'The Getaway Girls' was! Whilst I thought the overall vibe of the storyline was a little bit more serious and slightly less funny than the previous book, I still rather enjoyed catching up with Connie again and following her as she finally lives her life the way that she chooses. Of course, her summer came with a few hurdles, but it just goes to show that it doesn't matter where you are in life, you'll always be tested by life itself, making those moments of peace very well deserved.

I thought Gill was absolutely brilliant, and I am so glad that Maggie chose to come out of her shell by the end of the book. My opinion of both characters to begin with, were very uncertain as they kept their guards up for reasons which only become clear further into the storyline. I felt quite emotional towards the end of 'The Getaway Girls' - all three ladies had been on quite a journey, seeing different sights for the first time, finding themselves, as well as opening their hearts whilst they still could, the friendships that they had forged as the reached the end of their journey was very touching and extremely poignant. I would consider myself incredibly lucky if I were to reach my sixties and find myself surrounded with ladies as loyal as Gill, Maggie and Connie.

A thought-provoking, energetic, promising, and huggable read which fills your heart quicker than a box full of puppies. Another delightful treat from Dee MacDonald!

I feel bad giving this book three stars, when I gave the first book in the series by Dee Macdonald, five stars. I honestly enjoyed "The Runaway Wife" much better. In this story our main character is Connie, once again. She is now 69 and decides to buy a motor home and travel to Italy, in search of long lost family. Her two new friends Maggie and Gina decide to join her. They are almost 70 as well. The story becomes ridiculous when Maggie decides to steal a bag of money, hidden in the oven by her robber boyfriend. She starts spending paying for as much as she can for herself, Connie and Gina. Meanwhile her angry boyfriend is tracking her every move. A bit too farcical really.

Three years after events from the previous book, The Runaway Wife, Connie is starting to feel a little restless. Time for another adventure then. So when she finds a box that seems to show her paternal grandmother originally came from Italy, Connie decides that’s where she will go.

Joining her on her road trip are two ladies she met in a flower arranging class, Maggie and Gill. These two couldn’t be more different if they tried. Gill is lonely and desperate for a new man after two failed marriages. Maggie would like nothing more but to feel free. Somehow these three ladies strike up the most amazing friendship on their journey to Italy in a motor home.

There will be lots of amazing experiences, new people to meet and even Cupid may make himself known at some point. The adventure isn’t all plain sailing though. Maggie is carrying a secret around with her that may catch up with them all. And what will Connie find out when they reach their destination? Whatever it is, this trip will change their lives forever.

This story made me incredibly nostalgic for all things Italy, which has always felt like home to me. It was huge fun to recognise so many places I’ve visited myself. But more than anything, it made me envious as I’d love to do something like this. Just jump in a motor home or a car and take off, not necessarily knowing where you’ll be spending the night or even if you’ll be coming back to the life you’ve left behind.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these three amazing women. There’s something to admire and like about each and everyone of them. I can only hope that I’ll be as healthy, adventurous and fun as they are when I am that age. This is a truly inspirational, delightful and uplifting story with plenty of chuckles but also rather moving at times.

A heartwarming, entertaining and perfect summer read! I loved being a part of another one of Connie’s adventures and I do so hope there will be more to come. After all, it’s never too late for another adventure and you’re never too old to live life to the fullest!

Happy Publication Day! The Getaway Girls in a funny, feel good summer read for 2018! This is a story about three women in there sixties with one big adventure ahead of them to Italy! Its going to be a bumpy ride…

This story is bound to get those page turning and have you laughing out loud in parts! I enjoyed every second of it. Well written, brilliant characters and easy to read. It made me want to go on a trip myself! Haha. These ladies who hardly know each other slowly become bestfriends. A heart warming, hilarious in parts story.

I awarded four stars and would recommend this to you. Read brilliantly as a standalone as I do believe a previous character was in another book written by this author which I didn’t even realise until I wrote this review!

You’ll probably noticed I’ve put the cover pic on this post more than once and that’s because I have my FIRST EVER front cover quote so I’m rather proud of it!! I also have quotes from my review for the previous book by Dee MacDonald mentioned at the back of this follow up so I was once again thrilled, especially as The Runaway Wife is one of my favourite books of the year! I was desperate to meet the wonderful character of Connie again and all my wishes came true when I got a copy of The Getaway Girls. This is the follow on to The Runaway Wife but set a couple of years later and involves a new set of friends for Connie who join her on her next adventure.

Connie is such a heroine of mine! After she decided to up and leave her demanding family and her “happy to golf in retirement” husband to go and find herself on an emotional but utterly hilarious journey of self discovery, Connie now has the freedom to live the life she deserves. Meeting Gill and Maggie at a flower arranging class, the women form a friendship that leads to them planning a holiday full of fun and frolics while they still can! Connie decides to buy a campervan to give them some freedom as they set off for Italy. Connie wants to investigate a family connection there, Gill is looking for some later-life affection and Maggie is running away from a relationship that isn’t working. But one of the women has a secret that threatens to follow them and destroy their relaxing break in the sun.

If I loved Connie before then I absolutely adore her now! She had such guts and courage in the first book and thankfully, that drive to put herself first for a change followed her here into The Runaway Girls. But I have to ask…….driving a campervan through Italy!?!! Is she mad?!! I have seen the way the Italians drive and I would rather eat my right arm than drive over there!!! The trip that the women took brought back so many memories of my own recent Italian getaway and Dee MacDonald managed to bring a perfect sense of Italian ambience to her narrative. Living la Dolce Vita seemed to suit Connie and I loved watching her become more relaxed as she continued her journey of self discovery with more life affirming experiences.

Dee MacDonald once again made me laugh out loud one minute and then hit me with a emotional bombshell the next. Having really enjoyed her first book about Connie, I was concerned that I would be disappointed by the second not living up to my high expectations. But I needn’t have worried-I loved The Getaway Girls just as much as The Runaway Wife. It was hilarious, delightfully different with an intimacy that warmed my soul. And it’s not because I’m a more mature woman myself that I felt such an affinity with the lovely Connie! Dee MacDonald brought a realism to the burdens of married life that many women face, no matter what their age, showing that it’s never too late to find the courage to live the life you want rather than the life you think you should have.

Another 5* read for me and highly recommended, although I do advise that you also read The Runaway Wife first to get the full Connie experience!

It is an easy summer read with likeable characters and an interesting storyline. I recommend it to ladies of a certain age who don't consider themselves too old to enjoy life. Especially if they want to learn about famous sights in France and Italy.

I loved The Getaway Girls. It’s warm, uplifting and a great tale of friendship and adventure.

I haven’t read the first book but this one can easily be read as a stand alone. The story flows well and I found myself hooked and wanting to see what Connie, Maggie and Gills’s next adventure would be. This book is brilliantly written and you feel like you’re among old friends.

This book deserves 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.