Judy Leigh writes novels full of vigour, zest and gusto and she is back with a delightfully feel-good tale that is inspirational, uplifting and immensely enjoyable: The Old Girls’ Network.

After a health scare, 77 year old Barbara goes to the sleepy village of Winsleigh Green for some much-needed R&R. Accompanied by her sister Pauline, the two siblings head off to the quaint and quiet Somerset village, but no sooner have they set foot in Winsleigh Green that sparks begin to fly. While Barbara is outspoken and aloof, Pauline tends to prefer her home comforts and is certainly far more good-natured then her sister. The tension between the two of them is soon so thick, it could almost be cut with a knife, but there is further drama in store for the sisters when Pauline accidently knocks down a vagrant called Bisto Mulligan…

In no time at all, the two sisters find themselves with a new houseguest, but they quickly realize that there is far more to Bisto than meets the eye. Barbara and Pauline soon realise that their houseguest is a gentle, kind-hearted and generous man who might just end up forcing them to take a long and hard look at themselves and make some much-needed changes. Will Bisto make the sisters realise that you are never too old for a fresh start, a new beginning… and even a romance?

Will Winsleigh Green provide the sisters with what they have been missing all along? Or will they end up going back to their old ways?

Judy Leigh is on top form with The Old Girls’ Network. A brilliantly told novel that explores the fragility of life and the joys and frustrations of ageing, The Old Girls’ Network is a sparkling, beguiling and fun tale featuring brilliantly drawn characters who come instantly to life and plenty of drama, humour, pathos and mischief to keep readers entertained from beginning to end.

A fabulous read sure to brighten up anyone’s day, The Old Girl’s Network is the unmissable new novel by Judy Leigh.

Rating: 4 spry stars

I really enjoyed this, the latest book written by Judy Leigh. She has written a thoughtful yet mostly lighthearted book. It features an English village setting, and characters who are a mixed bag of folks I’d like to meet. Well, I would like to meet MOST of them anyway.

Barbara and Pauline are 77 and 75 year-old respectively. They are sisters that never had much in common, as they grew up, and that gap widened as their lives progressed. Then Barbara had a health scare. Her doctor told her to go stay with someone for a while. Someone who could ensure that she is faring okay. Therefore, she invites herself to Pauline’s cottage in the village of Winsley Green. Pauline was widowed a couple of years ago, but has found a comfortable niche in this small village.

Then Pauline hits Bisto Mulligan with her car. He was travelling through on his way to France. He joins the sisters in the cottage while he recuperates. Then the fun ensues. We watch as the three main characters interact with the varied folks who live in the village. Barbara is sharp with her opinions that she is not afraid to voice. She does not have a filter, and is often unwittingly harsh and judgmental. Bisto is a bit of an Everyman. He is mysterious about his background but it willing to join in an all sorts of village goings-on. Pauline is kind-hearted and giving. She’s made great connections amongst the villagers.

I loved watching the summer unfold with these main characters and the other villagers. It was just the slice of life (or 'Slice of Village') story that I needed to read during this stressful time of COVID isolation. The story had enough drama amongst all the villagers to keep me interested. I liked experiencing the May Day festivities, the Welly Wanging Contest, and the Shakespeare outdoor drama on the green. I felt like I was part of the village too. It was fun to see how the summer impacted everyone’s lives.

This was a charming book. I would recommend it to readers looking for a light getaway. I think that this fits in the newly emerging 'Up-Lit' genre. Now I'm off to find more books written by Ms. Leigh.

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Boldwood Books; and the author, Judy Leigh for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

At first I thought I'm not going to like this book, how wrong I was. Pauline is a widow living her live in a lovely friendly village with lots of friends. But still feels lost and lonely in her house and just sees all the things that need doing. Her phone rings and its her sister Barbara inviting herself for a holiday. The two sisters are like chalk and cheese, so this will be fun. However an unexpected meeting with an old guy called Bisto, seems to change not only there lives, friendships, feelings but also gets himself firmly sealed into everyone's hearts. A lovely read of how life doesn't just end because your getting old

This is a great feel good read full of heart.

The characters are lovable and intriguing, each has their own story and twists. On the surface it is a lovely light hearted read, but also deals with love, loss and the way in which people channel their emotions.

I really enjoyed the story and found myself wanting to know more once it had ended.

Such fun! Just that little bit different but oh, so very entertaining!

Barbara and Pauline are sisters who don't get on (I know the feeling!); but when Barbara has a bit or a turn, she announces that she is going to stay with Pauline to recover. Faced with this fait accompli, Pauline hopes that finally they can rub along together. When Pauline is inadvertently involved in an accident injuring Bisto Mulligan who, to all extents and purposes, is a bit of a vagrant she immediately takes him into her home to allow his injuries to heal - much to her sister's horror. Will these three manage to survive together peacefully?

Who knew that two ladies in their seventies could be so lively and entertaining? I loved Winsleigh Green (spelled 'Winsley' in the novel); it's full of a fantastic range of characters each with their own idiosyncrasies. As with any village, there is always plenty going on; life can be very busy if you want it to be and I enjoyed all the interaction. A lighthearted story with more than a dollop of truth in the pages but also threaded through with humour. This is an easy, feel-good read - my first by this author but I'll definitely watch out for any future books. Well-written and enjoyable, I'm very happy to give this one 4*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Never Too Late For Growth, Change, Love
This book has so many things going on, just like real life. Many of the characters are getting another chance at love. Most of them need some cathartic change ti open the door to love. The main characters are past their prime, but some are barely adults. The main story is based around two sisters who are in their seventies, getting to know and love each other again. It is written in such a fashion that the reader can't see where it is going until the final denouement. It is a lovely and heartwarming story. I will be looking to read more of this author's work. I received this ARC book from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Really enjoyed this book. Steady paced, great characters, I was absorbed throughout. Will be reading more Leigh books in the future!

A great feel-good and fun story that made me laugh and root for the characters.
The plot kept me hooked till the end, the characters are well thought and interesting.
It's one of the best book I read by this author, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

This is a cute, uplifting book about not giving up on love and happiness no matter one's age.

Barbara, a 77 year-old spinster, has a health scare and decides to visit her widowed sister Pauline in the small Somerset village of Winsleigh Green. Barbara is a retired military secretary who values order and discipline over fun and sentimentality. Barbara and Pauline couldn't be more different. Barbara's outlook on life has made her bitter, out-spoken and judgmental, while Pauline is warm, funny and accepting. They've never gotten along well, and Barbara's visit is sure to cause tension and stress for Pauline.

Barbara's visit couldn't be more poorly timed for Pauline. In her early 70's, she has finely started to come out of the fog of depression over her husband's death. She has made friends and a life for herself in the small village. But, Pauline has never been able to stand up to Barbara, so she has to make the most of the visit.

One day out on a drive, Pauline accidentally hits a man named Bisto Mulligan with her car. He is injured and despite is unkempt appearance, she invites him into her home to recuperate. Bisto, in his mid-70's, is warm and funny. Over time the sisters realize he's not at all the person they thought he was. With Bisto's good humor and warm gestures toward the sisters and small town, he immediately earns a place in the hearts and minds of the small community. As the trio spend the spring, and then the summer together, each begins to make changes in their life and learns to embrace new loves and new adventures.

This was a very cute, easy read. It's enjoyable to watch how the three main characters work through their respective issues and baggage to become happier, healthier people. The supporting characters add depth to the story and give the small village personality. The book gives hope that it's never too late to embrace happiness and change, and that age should never be a barrier to new love and new adventures. If you're looking for a light, easy, fun read, this is the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


READING PROGRESS

At this time period where we need some comfort and joy, along comes "The Old Girls' Network" and the uplifting story it brings. I too am 77 years old and really wish they could both be friends of mine! I have read Ms. Leigh's novels before and will continue to do so....she writes them I read them. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review will appear at link on 7th June 2020

I’ve got a few Judy Leigh books on my Kindle, but this is the first one I’ve read – I’ll definitely be fitting in the other this summer, as The Old Girls’ Network was a really lovely!

I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first, as Barbara is really not a likeable character initially. It would be so easy to write her off as a caricature of a grumpy old lady, but I really liked the development of her character throughout the book. They say there are reasons that we all are the way we are, and this is clearly explained in Barbara’s case.

The village of Winsleigh Green is a perfect, rural village, where everyone knows everyone else’s business but nothing is really meant in an unkind way. Pauline – despite her sister’s opinion of her – is a central figure in the village and her large circle of friends and acquaintances work their magic on Barbara the longer she stays there.

The relationship between the sisters, though frosty at the beginning, develops into something much more close, and it’s lovely to see – as it is also lovely to see older characters as people in their own right, instead of supporting characters for a much younger main cast! Although I’m not Barbara and Pauline’s age quite yet, I do feel more and more in the books I read that characters of my age and above cease to be the main focus and fall into the background – perhaps I need to read more books like this??

I would thoroughly recommend The Old Girls’ Network as it’s funny – particularly the two neighbours fighting over the cats – and it’s the perfect antidote to our current. world situation! Pure escapism for a few hours…

The Old Girl’s Network is a lighthearted book, filled with quirky characters in the modern day English village of Winsley. At the story’s center are two sisters, Barbara and Pauline, complete opposites, trying to mend their relationship that has been almost nonexistent over the years. Pauline is single, stern, unyielding, outspoken and practical, while Pauline is widowed, loving, empathetic and “ homey”. Into their lives come a man, Bisto, who mixes things up. The twist in this story is that the three characters are all in their 70’s. It’s not often people at their age are shown as “real people” with hopes, dreams, and emotions. There are a lot of subplots and characters, which sometimes seems like too many to keep track of. That being said, this was an enjoyable book for a summer afternoon on the patio or at the beach, and I enjoyed the author’s story telling.

What an absolute delight to read about vibrant, active, vital people older than 33 years of age in the day and age when youth is the only period of life that matters according to media and all too often portrayed in novels. The main characters of The Old Girls Network are in their mid-seventies, making this novel an absolute hoot to read as it pushes the boat out as to what a reader might find of interest in their fiction. The situations the trio of characters find themselves in are hilarious, and yet the wisdom of a fully lived life shines through in every reaction. And the story has an undeniable funny streak.

“Barbara’s life had been exemplary. Spotless even. But it had been a bit dull. …. She was a spinster for goodness sake. But at least she wasn’t a virgin. That would have been too hard to bear at the final gasp.”

Barbara is a retired officer from the Air Force, something she takes great pride in. She is meticulous and methodical, sure that the Air Force couldn’t have functioned without her work. Pauline is her younger sister and is as opposite of Barbara as possible. Barbara is tall, skinny, short functional haircut and not a very tactful bone in her body. Pauline is shorter, rounder, softer, a mother hen without a brood to watch over since her only daughter has set up a life in New Zealand and her husband has died. The saying chalk and cheese was made for these two sisters, who haven’t actually been very involved in each other lives ever. But Barbara has a health scare and decides that to take the doctors orders of getting rest and relaxation she should invite herself to her sister's cottage in a little village in rural Somerset, England. At first, the women clash as they have at any point in their lives, but as luck would have it, Pauline accidentally runs down Bistro Mulligan, who to all intent and purpose looks like a vagrant wandering around the countryside with no plan or ability to look after himself. Out of guilt, Pauline takes Bistro into her home so that he can recover from his injuries and get back on his feet, which is exactly what Barbara wouldn’t do. At first, it appears that Bistro is nothing more than first meets the eye, and yet as time goes by, his story is revealed, changing how people view and treat him, although Pauline has believed in his goodness from the very start. As the summer goes by, the three people all living under Pauline’s roof become friends, with changes in behaviour and personality revealed in all three people. Several adventures ensue, including the possibility of a romance of two – even at their ages!

This is a charming book, pure and simple, fun and engaging. The main characters are relatable and the life of the village is something that all city dwellers dream of at one time or another; even addressing the lack of privacy who are privy to all manner of interest to the local gossip mongers. The book explores the idea that people can be set in their way and the ability to change, grow and develop at any age. There is laugh out loud moments, and there are situations in which great tenderness is wrapped in clever storylines. The three main characters who you would be lucky to consider your friends, and the effect they have on the lives of those around them, as well as being affected by the same people, is winsome and joyful to read about.

A wonderful story and one that which a follow-up sequel would be a welcome treat.

This is a story of two sisters, who learn to fall back in love again in more than one way. It was heartwarming, fuzzy and amusing. I was invested in the two main characters from the very beginning and their journeys. I love reading about the village, I could image being there!

It was written very well with believable dialogue and flowing language.

I would recommend.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. This book was a joy to read. I loved Barbara and her outspoken ways. It has parts that will make you laugh out loud and Barbara and Pauline are a hoot! Thank you Boldwood Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

“The Old Girls Network” is a cute tale of sisters who have grown apart and are brought back together when one experiences health troubles. This book shows,love is possible at any age and anywhere.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a delight to read. Again, in this, the authors fourth novel, the central characters are in their twilight years and to be honest I find them the most fun to read about. They may be ageing, but they’re not done with life yet.

The story is set in an English country village – Winsleigh Green during a warm, quintessentially English summer. I loved this little village, somewhere I’d definitely be happy living.

Through the first half of the book Barbara does tend to be a bit of a misery. A typical spinster, she’s set in her ways, straight laced and speaks as she finds. Completely different to her sister who’s a far happier person with a sunny disposition and a desire to embrace village life and offer help to anyone who might need it. When Barbara first turns up on Pauline’s doorstep and invites herself to stay, Pauline soon starts to regret making her welcome and it’s not long before she recalls why they just don’t get along. However, she does feel sorry for her sister and lucky for Barbara, Pauline has quite a forgiving nature and is willing to bite her tongue and put up with her grumpiness.

When they literally bump into a stranger in the village, Bisto Mulligan, who steps out into the road in front of Pauline’s car, Pauline decides to offer this odd but pleasant and apparent vagrant, a temporary roof over his head while he recovers. She feels it’s the least she can do after running him over. Much to the disapproval of Barbara.

So the story centres around these three elderly folk and follows them through the many ups and downs of village life. Whilst you’re reading you don’t really think of them as being in their 70’s. There are lots of supporting characters within the village to compliment the main protagonists. There are all the typical things that go on like the village fête, a welly throwing competition, yoga in the village hall, a sexy window cleaner, village gossip, a touch of romance here and there. It all adds up to fun and frolics in the sun.

A light hearted, uplifting and funny read but with poignant moments scattered amongst the fun here and there. It’s a wonderful story to read in the garden in the sunshine, with a cool drink by your side to take you away from all the upheaval we’re experiencing at this present time.

*Review to be posted to blog on Thursday 11 June
*Already posted on Goodreads

I really wasn't sure what to make of Barbara at first, shes a 77 year old spinster with rather forthright views on everything, doesn't see the point in romance, reading fiction, and had a habit of speaking her mind. She is rather set in her ways and has never really had a proper relationship with her sister Pauline.

Pauline is the complete opposite and loves the little village she lives in, in Somerset, has friends in the community and generally is well liked. She is very kind hearted and when Barbara has a bit of a fall, Pauline suggests she should come and stay for a few weeks to recuperate.

To say the sisters don't get on smoothly at first is an understatement but everything becomes far more interesting when Bisto enters the mix (This is a man called Bisto and not actual gravy!).

Barbara has rather set opinions about Bisto and is convinced he is a lying vagrant, when as readers we can see that there is definitely a lot more to the man than it first appears.

I loved how this unlikely threesome spent their summer, and becoming more and more a part of life in Winsleigh Green. I loved the Welly Wanging contest, the explanation of the rules made me laugh. The bickering friends who seem to hate each other, the local farmer, the friendly vicar, oh and Dizzy, she's a breath of fresh air, even if she is rather unlucky in love.

I really enjoyed seeing how the characters developed and changed over the course of the story and I was loving so much of this book. It really is an entertaining read that had me amused and interested too.

I love how Judy Leigh always feature s characters of a certain age, and brings real life that you may not necessarily expect from that age-group.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The Old Girls’Network is a funny book about sisters that are now senior citizens and not letting age get in their way. Being never close growing up and drifting away during their lifetime, Barbara seeks out her younger sister Pauline to recover from a slight mishap she had. Pauline not to excited and on the way to her place she bumps into Bisto. Really! The characters keep coming and before you know it, you know the whole village. Judy Leigh is great at helping you keep all the characters straight. Funny parts, especially if you know any seniors you will relate. If you like a funny read, wacky characters and a “Oh really” moment, this book has you name on it.

Love this book! Okay, so Barbara is definitely Judy Dench. This is such a fun story that will definitely appeal to older readers. It’s nice to find a story that gives hope to those of a certain age if they find themselves alone in their golden years and are lonely. Lessons on how we judge others and that it’s never too late to change for the better. Really enjoyed this!