I love stories about older people with romantic problems that are universal, but this one felt a little flat and contrived to me. The author explained a lot and too much, too often, I think that may be why I was turned off early on. However it is well written and just enough mystery in Bistus to keep me reading!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A fun book, quirky characters and focus on the over 40 category. Two sisters who have never seen eye to eye spend a summer together learning more about each other and what they have missed in the many decades behind them.

Fun, hilarious at times and perfect for readers who like grumpy characters with hearts of gold.

A charming book about women who discover that life still has lots to offer, even when they think their best years may be behind them. The author uses much humour to help develop the sisters' characters and the relationships they form with those in the lovely English village of Winsleigh Green.

Characters in a book can be like real people, they grow and change during the coarse of the story. This book had several characters that became closer to my heart as the story evolved. By the end, I hated to say goodbye to these now friends.

I have read several of Judy Leigh's books and while I liked all of them, this book is now my favorite. She has great character development, plot construction and scenery description. I felt that I was experiencing the story as a resident of the Somerset village of Winsleigh Green. I actually would like to visit this village, full of quirky, lovely people. The book had me laughing so much and then I would find myself with with so much emotion over long held sadness. The village residents pulled together for each other and that is a great thing to help each other deal with the hard parts of life and celebrate the happiness that also comes by.

This book was such a wonderful escape for me, from the world as it is right now, with battle against COVID19. I truly enjoyed it so much!

I want to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of experiencing this story by reading the advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Thanks Netgalley, the Publisher and in this case the author. How this book made me smile and lightened my whole mood. Loved it.

Two sisters could not be any further apart; philosophically, emotionally, or even in appearance. One is loving, kind, and gentle, the other is judgmental, harsh, and stiff. But by spending one glorious summer together and after adding a large dollop of patience, they find the love that should always be present between sisters - a love that they almost missed out on. This is a lovely story, that you will not want to miss out on.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review

Have read other books by this author so pleased to say, wasn’t disappointed.

A fabulously warm inviting book which was so full of laughs and intriguing thoughts.

Absolutely loved the setting and some of the comments made throughout the book.

This is a warm, lovely story of two sisters who both flourish with the friendship of an Irish man who comes to stay. Engaging characters, lovely setting - I enjoyed this and didn't want it to end. A real comfort read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read of two older sisters who end up living together for an extended vacation. The sudden and quirky addition of an Irish stranger adds to the triangle of emotions and adventure in a small town. A perfect storyline while curled up on the couch under a warm blanket, or if the weather's nice being outside in the sun while the characters learn more about themselves and their relationships with each other.

This is delightful book and it made me laugh at many of the things Bisto said and did. It was so refreshing to read a book that centred around two senior woman who lived their lives like they were 20 years younger. Pauline and Barbara couldn’t be any more different both physically and emotionally yet they managed to live together and not have any arguments which is a big accomplishment. I wanted to move in with them and attend all the events in the village and go have a pint at the pub. Every one in the village were great with unique characters that blended together to make a warm and inviting community with the exception of the two old ladies and their vendettas against each other. These two added some laughs with their antics. This book was very light reading and was perfect for this time where our world is looking bleak and scary. I was able to forget everything and step into the village. A wonderful mixture of romance and relationships without the seriousness that some romance novels bring. The author wrote in a way that I could picture these characters without getting carried away with overly descriptive words. The entire book flowed smoothly through the chapters and before I knew it I was done. I was a little sad to say goodbye to these characters but I loved the ending. I was left with a warm and cosy feeling and there isn’t any more you can ask for with a book. Many thanks to Boldwood Boosks. NetGalley and Judy Leigh for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

I enjoyed this charming story of two sisters reconnecting with each other. The characters were very likeable and the story moves along at a good pace. As a Somerset resident, I enjoyed the references to local places such as Taunton, which is not far from where I live. All in all a good read.

Entertaining story of 2 sisters and an Irishman living together in a small English village. One sister owns the home and her sister comes to visit. They come upon the Irishman with a twisted ankle and take him home to heal...

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this Author.
Well what a fabulously warm inviting book full of laughs and intriguing thoughts.
Can highly recommend this very witty book

There’s a dream-like quality to the Somerset Village of Winsleigh Green. It’s an updated dream, as though the trope of the traditional English village has been stretched to try to accommodate inclusivity, tolerance, and sex after 70. In Winsleigh Green, festivals with Morris Dancers coexist with a yoga studio where ladies of all ages ogle the handsome window cleaner. The vicar is an enthusiastic, non-judgmental young woman with wise, life-changing counsel. Alcohol flows freely, but consequences of over-imbibing are mild and quickly mitigated. Neighbors bicker but care about each other. Older women are sought-after knockouts, and people are grateful for firm, heart-felt advice. The copious gossip has a kindly tone and intent. If people are not what they seem, they are even better once you get to know them. Even the laws of nature seem to have been repealed: Sunshine makes elderly skin look great.

Into this happy setting comes guarded and opinionated Barbara. She’s suffered a health scare that offends her as much as it alarms her. She leaves her home in Cambridge to try to strengthen her distant relationship with her widowed sister, Pauline, who is the embodiment of Winsleigh Green – sunny, caring, flexible, and popular. Barbara sniffs at her sister’s Buddha bedspread but envies her empathy and popularity. The plot of the book turns on how the sisters will influence each other, and how that influence will affect their next steps toward happiness. When Pauline hits an inebriated man with her car and insists on moving him into her home to recuperate, additional complications and misunderstandings ensue.

I really enjoyed the village setting, the deep look at the many and varied characters, including the cats (“The Feral Peril”), and some of the gorgeous descriptions. The scene of small plane flight at sunset is particularly beautiful, delicately conveying the exhilaration of speed, color, and lift – and the meaning of the journey for the characters.

I wish the author had shown more and told less. Barbara’s predicament was resonant: the wounded and awkward person who always feels she is going to say the wrong thing, so she distances herself from others. I did not need to be told repeatedly about why Barbara acted as she did. The resolution of the romantic relationships felt forced, like a rom-com. And some of the coarse scenes, apparently meant to be funny, just fall flat.

Overall, though – who wouldn’t want to spend some time in Winsleigh Green, where everyone has your best interest at heart and your skin will look fantastic?