Cover Image: The Big Five O

The Big Five O

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Member Reviews

I read this book as it was a very poignant time in my life too! I thoroughly enjoyed it. A rollercoaster of emotions both mine and in the book! Couldn’t put it down.

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The premise of the book is great and the author really delivers. Great read. Highly recommended. .

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A feel good read telling the story of four friends as they approach 50. I enjoyed this. Lighthearted but not too fluffy. Likeable characters.

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Coming up to the Big 50 myself this book really resonated with me. It is a story about friendship and understanding.and you soon become engulfed by the characters of the 4 friends. A light hearted snap shot into these women's lives as they travel towards the Big 50 and the party to end all parties.

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This was a cute story about a group of women turning 50. It is a light, fun read. I think it would be a great book for a book club or for a group of women to read together.

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I really enjoyed Roz and Fays stories. I would read more books about them and how they ended up where they are. Charlotte uses alcohol to numb her emotions, from her daughter being away at school and her husband with his history of adultery now being unreachable at times. Sherrie’s cute upstairs neighbor turned love interest was predictable from his first introduction. I really wanted to like this book. It was just too many story lines to keep up with. It was a cute book and a fun read.

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I wish I had friends like the ones in this book. Although their friendships will be tested since each one of these 4 women have secrets. Secrets that are too big to tell your best friends. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It made me laugh, made me tear up, and had me guessing throughout the whole book. I loved watching each one of these characters develop. Such a fun read!

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a preview copy of this book. I was drawn to the story mainly because of the title and the fact that I too will be celebrating this year so thought I would be able to relate to the book. Unfortunately it didn’t wow me and I actually found it confusing at times trying to keep up with who the characters were and what they were doing and what their secret was etc where the chapters kept jumping.

The story follows 4 friends, who are nearing their 50th birthdays, and it’s the run up to a party that they have planned to celebrate their big birthdays. Charlotte is very successful in business but insecure in her marriage, Roz is struggling financially, Fay is scared to embark in a meaningful relationship and Sherie has the job but never got the husband and family. Their stories are intertwined and there are several cliffhangers in the book - one of them is ill, but you don’t find out who until the end. At times I found the book a bit drawn out but I think that’s because I didn’t really like the characters much

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A wonderful light hearted story about four friends turning 50. Though there were some serious parts most of this story is light, fun and fast paced. As the characters developed throughout the book it became harder to put down. The characters are relatable which makes this book even more enjoyable. After reading this book I will be looking for more books by Jane Wenham-Jones. I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

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Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review #thebigfiveo #netgalley

Roz, Sherie, Charlotte and Fay are four best friends who turn The big five O within the same year. Between them they are setting up anjoint birthday party for all of their friends, families and loved ones. However will they all make it to the party? And is everything as it seems on the surface or is their deeply ingrained secrets?

The cover of this book enticed me in with the four illustrated (my favourite type of cover) ladies partying about a table. It made me know that this would be a fun read.

Once opening the book it is a page turner. To the point where instead of reading it quickly i saved the last chapter for the next day because i didnt wanr it to end.

Each character had their own secrets which they were keeping from each other. Therefore it made you feel like you were the only person who knew. Something which i felt made the book very special.

Sheries cancer diagnosis was kept secret until the end. Their were small chapters throughout which went through her appointments and diagnosis. Small hints were made throughout that threw me off the scent and made me think it was Fay. The author even added in Sheries argument with Nate just before she went off somewhere making you think that was rhe reason why she'd left and not that she was having her surgery. Until it all came out right at the end. The author did this fantastically and it added suspense.

Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as cancer, affairs and single parenthood. I do not feel this takes away from the fun feel of the book.

I would love a follow on book in this series regarding how the story progresses with their new loves and now all the secrets are out.

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I love the idea of the storyline but sorry this one just wasn't for me. I gave it a good go and read several chapters but it just didn't grip me.

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A fabulous story of friendship, growing older together and the twists and turns that life throws at you. It really does make a wonderful read.

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Set in Broadstairs four friends, Fay, Charlotte, Roz and Sherie are fast approaching their 50th birthdays and are arranging a great party. They all come from different walks of life but all seem to be carrying a secret from each other.
I found the characters a little confusing to work out It did, however, have me smiling at some of the situations and scenarios. and weepy at others. It's not a bad book, worth a read if you haven't anything else in the offing but not one I will be looking out to read from this author again.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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This was a new author to me and I have to admit I really enjoy her writing style. This book was a fun chick book.it's about 4 friends who are all turning 50 and anyone who has turned 50 can relate. Boy the secrets that come up. I actually laughed out loud while reading their adventures. I will say with the 4 different ladies stories going on in the beginning I had a little bit of a hard time keeping track of who's story was who's . I have recommended this book to a few of my friends, who also really enjoyed it.

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First time reading a book buy Jane Wenham-jane and what an absolute joy it was. The Big Five 0 had everything you could want Inna book. A wonderful rollercoaster read.

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Asa woman not so far off the big 50 myself, I really enjoyed this story of four women all celebrating their birthday at a big bash. Each woman seems to have a happy life but of course there are things going on below the surface and as we gradually discover secrets and hidden truths, the women become closer and more supportive. Very enjoyable read.

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I have actually been surprised at all of the really positive reviews of this book. For me, it was really slow to start and I never found it entertaining. Not sure why it didn't appeal to me, but I just did not enjoy the book at all.

However, I appreciate NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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A fiftieth birthday is a big deal for anyone, and these four friends are no exception. With secrets to be revealed, these well rounded characters need each other's support more than ever.

A terrific read. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

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They’re planning a party the seaside town of Broadstairs will never forget, but these four 49 year olds have far more on their minds than canapés and balloons for their half-century…
Empty-nester Charlotte’s in a lather over what her husband might be up to
Single mother Roz lives in fear that her teenage daughter will discover how she pays the bills
Tough Business woman Fay crows about her no-strings toy boy but hides the real story behind her divorce
Singleton Sherie’s cat is the only male in her life who ever stays around. Or is he?
They’re all keeping secrets but as the big birthday looms, the beans are about to spill. As the shocks come out, one of them is going to need her friends more than ever…

I had a great time reading this book and now I am looking forward to reading more books by the same author. Many many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to this eARC.

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I loved this book. Its great to read that there is still fun to be had after a certain age. Great news for those of us nearing it lol. Its well written and i think quite relatable to the reader. I love books about female friends and to read how the dynamics of the group work. A definite book to add to your wish list.

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