Another very enjoyable book from Dee MacDonald. I've read both her other books, which I loved, and so was really looking forward to this one too, and it was just as good. This is again about ladies in their 60s, and very funny, about the different dilemmas more mature single ladies have to deal with as they get older.

The story is about Tess and Orla, best friends who own a dress shop together. Tess is the seamstress and Orla keeps everything else on track. They are both ladies of a certain age who decide to join a dating agency. Orla is definitely the more outgoing one, and Tess is mainly looking for someone to accompany her to her daughter's wedding. She also wants to lose weight so she looks and feels good in front of her ex-husband's skinny second wife.

So both Tess and Orla embark on a journey to lose weight, by joining a slimming club, and join a dating agency to find a man too. There are lots of very funny moments, and poor Tess does seem to get the short end of the stick in the dating department. It's certainly enough to put most people off dating agencies! But they meet some great characters and make friends along the way. Tess also finds her self-confidence again and realises that, while she may have started on this quest to look good for the wedding, she ends by feeling a lot better about herself, and through that confidence unexpectedly finds love.

Really lovely book, yet again, by Dee MacDonald. If you are looking for an easy-reading, real feel-good book then this is the one for you. I look forward to reading Dee's next book.

Oh, dear. Such a promising story -- wonderful premise including an interesting shop for the more amply built, two friends running said shop, fascinating secondary characters...However. However, the pace was WWWAAAAYYYY too slow for me and the writing was not optimal. Afraid I have to give this one a pass -- could not force myself to read more than a few pages of this "charming" book.

Good friends, Orla and Tess have combined their talents to run a dress shop catering to heavier women. In their early 60's, the women are now single and would like to meet some eligible men and they'd like to lose some weight. Their attempts to do so prove hilarious although Tess, in particular, learns a great deal from her efforts. MacDonald does a great job of describing Greek history and cuisine as these London ladies embark on a trip to Greece. Light reading yet hard to put down, this book was quite enjoyable.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the characters. They were quite funny and interesting! The story line of this book is excellent, the characters were well developed, and the plot was light and funny.

This was so preciousness I loved following these sweet ole ladies on their journey to live an extraordinary life!! It was just wonderful and full of heart. I hope there’s more!

Hilarious wonderful warm a wonderful read getting older is not for the meek.Highly recommend this novel a delicious read.#netgalley #bookouture

Tess and Orla have been best friends throughout most of their adult lives. So when life gave them lemons and their loved ones let them down, they pooled their resources and bought a dressmakers shop on the corner of Penny Lane. And they’ve been doing just fine ever since.

But one day, while studying her tired eyes and shapeless figure in the mirror, sixty-two-year-old Tess realised that she doesn’t want her life to be just fine anymore. She wants it to be extraordinary. For as long as she can remember she’s put everyone else first. Now she wants to rediscover herself – and experience the kind of whirlwind adventure that will have the power make her smile when she’s confined to the armchair of a retirement home.

With the encouragement of fun-loving and quirky Orla, Tess joins an over-the-hill dating agency and the two friends book a singles cruise around the Mediterranean. And that’s when their adventure of a lifetime really begins…

A very enjoyable and funny story about the woes of trying to rediscover yourself, losing weight and finding love again later on in life.

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of the book – I really enjoyed it.

Tess and Orla are such good friends they even went into business together: a dress shop specializing in plus sizes. But Tess wants more. So, the plan is simple. Just in time for her daughter’s upcoming wedding, she’ll lose a little weight and find a date. Simple enough … right? And even if things don’t quite go according to plan, at least she has Orla by her side.

Was there ever such a pair as Tess and Orla? Author Dee MacDonald has crafted a team of riotous ladies just trying to live their best lives in their sixties. Their spirit, both their joy and their frustration, is what holds this book together. For a large chunk of the text, these two force themselves into the dating world without much success, mostly thanks to a shabby dating service. However, they’re determined to find what they assume will bring them happiness, even if the men they meet would put most anyone off dating.

But what makes this all so compelling is really Dee MacDonald’s writing. She has a breezy style, and the result is like a friend weaving a long story over a drink … and maybe a slice of cake. It’s light and fun, and that adds some shock value when Tess or Orla veer into some of their more extreme shenanigans. It feels as though MacDonald is dishing out tantalizing anecdotes just between friends, drawing the reader closely into the story. It’s incredibly effective.

And there are plenty of laughs. Whether Tess dabbles in another unsuccessful date, cruises around the Mediterranean, or simply banters with Orla, she has a cheeky smile. Sure she worries and frets, but she also accepts whatever life throws at her, diving into each moment as if it’s the most important thing she can do. What’s more, she has fun doing it.

All of this is not to suggest serious topics aren’t tackled. MacDonald has no problem exploring a range of problems that come with life. Perhaps most effectively, Tess examines her struggle with weight. While anyone is fine at whatever size they want to be, MacDonald paints Tess as someone unhappy with how she looks. It’s handled tactfully in that her body does not define who she is, but her internal battle in these moments feels real.

It’s hard not to smile while reading a book about someone taking control their life. It’s even harder when that someone is as fun, charming, and downright delightful as Tess.

I loved this! An easy read that makes you laugh through each chapter. Tess and Orla are a bit overweight and determined to find themselves a man. Through a dating site and cruise, dee Macdonald takes you through their transformations on a few bumps along the day.

Hilarious novel, I laughed until tears poured. "Getting older is not for sissies" and "living your best life" is trying.

I loved Orla and Tess as characters. They (especially Orla) were funny and interesting. Seeing Tess find her confidence and her voice was fun. However, it did bother me how much she sought happiness through physical appearance and a man. The author “tells” us Tess is dieting for herself and that she realizes she doesn’t actually need a man to be happy, but doesn’t “show” us and it’s very unconvincing. The premise of this book is excellent, the characters were well crafted, and the plot quirky and funny. However, it needed better editing to keep the pace more on track.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book. It did not affect my review.

*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
If you're looking for a funny, honest novel about women of a certain age, this one's for you. Tess is 62, divorced, and is a seamstress at a boutique for large sized women called "Curvaceous" which she owns with her best friend. Tess's daughter is getting married, and Tess has let herself go; she desperately wants to lose weight before the wedding, and hopefully find a man to escort her. If it's true love, even better.
The two women join a weight loss group and a dating service for "mature" singles. The reader gets the inside scoop on Tess's disasterous dates, which are quite humorous.
I have to strongly disagree with several other Goodreads reviewers, which I don't normally do. However, I feel that their personal beliefs are giving this book a bad rap (and few stars). I saw no evidence of "rape" in this book. She and one of her dates drink too much, and she wakes to find herself in bed with him. She had agreed to stay overnight, and agrees when he suggests lying down on the bed. Here is what happens when she awakens in the middle of the night, next to him. "And Tess felt herself being enveloped in two warm arms pressed against a manly chest, and aware for the first time in years - of a virile protuberance. And, also for the first time in years, she felt herself responding." And later, "He'd been here, in this bed, and they'd made love. And she seemed to remember that she'd enjoyed it." I've never known anyone who has experienced rape to define it the next morning as "making love". Yes, she regretted her choice when she learned that the man is a serial seducer, but regret does not mean rape.
As far as the criticism that this book sends the wrong message, namely that a woman must have a man, I refer you to the following quotations; "Anyway, she'd already decided she didn't need a man", "she was looking good for herself" and "I don't need a man in my life. I thought I did, but now I don't". This is a light, humorous read, and I highly recommend it.

I was really looking forward to spend time with The Silver Ladies Of Penny Lane, especially since I loved the writing style and humor in The Getaway Girls last year. I was fully expecting to be having a blast while reading Dee MacDonald's newest title, but I guess it just wasn't ment to be... And I turned out having a completely different reaction instead. It's unpopular opinion time again! Because I ended up having quite a few issues with this story and surprisingly none had to do with the fact that the contemporary romance genre normally isn't really for me. I'll try to explain why The Silver Ladies Of Penny Lane didn't work for me below. The first and most important issue I had with this story had to do with one of Tess' dates... More especifically the one in the hotel. I don't want to give away too many details to avoid spoilers, but basically what is described can be considered rape. Disgusting enough on its own and trigger warning worthy, but to make things even worse Tess tries to justify it and blames herself? No, no, NO!! I nearly stopped reading there and then because of this scene. Another thing that bothered me considerably is that way this story completely destroys body positivity. I mean, Tess believing she has to lose weight in order for her to look good, be successful and find a man? Not only shallow but completely contradicts the image their own shop tries to portray. Characters in general are discriminated and talked about negatively because of their weight and appearance and this really left me with a sour taste in my mouth. The story itself is filled with cliches and not in a good way... I personally couldn't even find the humor in them this time around. I also failed to connect to the main characters, mostly due to how they behaved and the negativity towards others. The dates themselves were so cliche that they are almost offensive and most characters really lacked fleshing out for me. A shame, because I was really looking forward to see more mature main characters for a change. What I did like? The writing does read quite fast and I loved the descriptions of the different places of their Greek cruise. This travel element was probably my favorite part of the story. Otherwise, unfortunately this turned out to be a rather disappointing journey for me. I do hope others will react differently to The Silver Ladies Of Penny Lane!

A nice little story about two sixty something ladies, Orla and Tess, who’ve decided to join a dating agency for their age group. The story is mostly about Tess who wants to lose weight and meet a man to escort her to her daughter’s wedding a matter of months away. There are some funny escapades with the men, although the drunken night at the hotel I found a little disturbing.
However, being of a similar vintage I love their banter. Tess is getting ready for a date and wondering what to wear and got this reply from Orla “since it’s a lunchtime date I’d ditch the tiara”. Just loved the humour. And there’s more of the same as they go on a singles cruise. Recommended for those who would like a nice light hearted read.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane by Dee MacDonald is a charming and absorbing feel good read.

This is the first book I have read that has seniors as protagonists in what we usually perceive as situations for younger generations and I found it fascinating that it is pretty much the same. Same questions, same worries, same laugh out load and cry situations.

Tess and Orla have been best friends forever, they have gone through divorce and death of partners together, through raising children and building business together. Now is time to find new love. Tess's daughter is getting married and Tess wants to loose some weight and find a charming man to take to the wedding, as her ex-husband will be bringing his almost perfect partner with him. Orla is just looking for fun and romance. They join dating site for seniors which results in many hilarious and too funny for words disasters.

Utterly funny and such a lovely read. Comforting in a way to know that things do not differ too much as time goes by and we become older. It is always stressful and very soul searching when looking for love and age doesn't matter at all.
Beautiful setting while on a cruise with an inevitable happy ending add to the charm of this heartfelt book. Lovable and well developed characters. I also liked that it showed how we can accomplish almost anything we set our mind to.
Highly recommended.

The story is about two friends who run a plus size boutique shop. I found the story to be interesting and really enjoyed the portrayal of their lives. This one is a breezy spring/summer reads. Take it to the beach if you like too.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review.

This book would be great if you are familiar with British slang. I found myself struggling with the language and decided that I had more interesting books to read (for me at least) It could have been the mood I was in, but the book seemed to ramble on with no particular direction. Maybe, when my reading list is shorter, I may come back to this one.

A light story of two sixty-something women in search of love. I had expected so much more from this book but found it very disappointing and lacking originality. The main character, Tess, is likable but it's a very lightweight story. The most disturbing thing about the book is the idea that the only way these women can find happiness is to lose weight and get a man, there is no real sense of the women rediscovering themselves. The emphasis on looks and appearance is bad enough, but the hunt for a man is tasteless and at times offensive. As for the subtitle "An absolutely hilarious feel good novel", I can't agree with this description at all, it certainly isn't laugh out loud funny.
Something more appropriate to the 21st century would have been better.

What an entertaining and riveting read!

Tess was a character I took to straight away. I have to admit I was a little bit more wary about Orla as she seemed quite self obsessed but the more I got to know her, the more I grew to like her, even if at times she did make me roll my eyes with some of her remarks.

The dating agency that Tess and Orla join, well that was the real high light of this story for me. I couldn’t help but chuckle at Tess’s luck with her dates or should I say misfortune. They really do make for a fun read that I was totally hooked on as struggled to put the book down. The cruise itself, whilst still a wonderful read, was a little more sombre in places which really tugged on my emotions. If anything it makes you remember that no matter what life throws at you, get out there and enjoy yourself.

Tess is a real inspiration in many ways through out the novel. She gives hope that even in more mature years, there is still the chance to go out there and find love. Even with out a man, Tess is very much doing it for herself. Her determination to lose weight and feel great for her daughters upcoming wedding had me loving her even more and I wish I had an ounce of that for myself!

The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane is a feel good, fun and fabulous read. I absolutely adored it and was so sad to get to the end as I had enjoyed the story so much. I really hope we get to see more of Tess and Orla as they are larger than life characters who readers will definitely want to see more of. Brilliant!

Having reached a certain age myself, I wanted to read the SILVER LADIES OF PENNY LANE for some guidance in how to maneuver through the world of post menopausal romance.

The book did not disappoint.

The real heroine of the book is Tess. Ditched by a cheating husband and then loosing the man who came into her life next to cancer, she’s a 60-something women looking for love, companionship and someone to spend the rest of her life with. If you use her as a yardstick to senior dating, you just might not think the world is rosy and bright for those over a certain age.

After signing with a dating service that guaranteed her a match or a full refund, Tess is ready to get her money back. There was the farmer who wanted a maid, not a wife; the cheating businessman; the man who wasn’t looking for a woman at all, and the list goes on.

I had to read to the end simply to know if Tess ever found her hero. No spoilers here, but I will say the book was a satisfying read. Along the road to love Tess needs to lose weight and get in shape for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. After all, she’ll be standing next to the woman her husband left her for and the two of them are as different as chalk and cheese. Losing weight and getting into shape after the age of 50 is a struggle every woman in that age bracket who has tried to do it, knows. The book stayed true to the problems inherent in senior dieting and fitness.
Overall this was a lovely book about the problems, pitfalls, and dangers of getting older, of looking for love, and for staying fit and healthy.

Thank you to Netgalley for a sneak peak and I’m giving this book 4 stars.