I really enjoyed this delightful tale of three women in their 70s and 80s, all struggling with a combination of COVID "fatigue" and feeling lost because they are no longer able to work at their careers. They decide to borrow a motor home and travel around England and Wales. Their adventure may seem mundane to some, but the real story is how the three women are revitalized by this trip. Quite uplifting!

This is a lively story, featuring three older characters who set out on a journey of a lifetime. It is full of humour and life, with some hilarious episodes and also poignant moments. Set in a world which has just emerged from the restrictions of the Pandemic, it feels full of verve and excitement.

Vivienne, Mary and Gwen have led largely separate lives in their own flats within the same building. This journey establishes them as firm friends as they find out more about each other. The three women are such a contrast and they all have their own stories to tell. Their past weighs down on them as they have each had a loss in different ways. The places they travel to in their motor home and the people they meet adds colour and at times, humour to the story. This is a fun and entertaining read, showing older characters getting on with their lives in a generally positive fashion.

In short: Fun and laughter in spades
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We should all be so lucky in our 70s to have the feistiness, friends, and fearlessness of the titular Golden Girls in this novel. Whilst reading, I imagined myself road tripping with two of my besties decades from now and imagining the witty, wacky banter and adventures that unfold. I found this book to be charming, if slightly too heavily reliant on the "scandalously unfiltered senior ladies" trope. I can see it evolving into a series with new escapades or seasonal themes to further their storylines.

What a great fun book, with beautiful friendships between the characters!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In three flats at 104 Drayton Mews -
Where there'll soon be unexpected news -
Three single ladies in their later years
Each have a flat and live in here.

When COVID caused the lockdown
It left them all lonely and with a frown.
One's an actress in a long running soap
The other two stay alone and try to cope.

Getting together helps all three
Remember how things used to be
Reminiscences help to fuel their desire
To live a life less bland, one full of fire?

A besotted landlord comes to woo
Bringing his motorhome, Venus, too.
Lockdown eases and the ladies decide
It is time to go on holiday and who will drive!

Journey with the three
And then you'll also see
How their friendship grows as they holiday
And make changes to their dreams along the way.

An inspirational story of friendship, support and more
As places, dreams, emotions and possibilities they explore.
A story of being brave and taking chances
Being open to new ideas and even romances!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

For the first few pages I thought I was going to struggle but I carried on reading and then everything fell into place, I went on to really enjoy this story so I am very pleased that I read it. This follows three elderly ladies who refuse to stay quiet in their older years but go out into the countryside of the UK after the lockdown, they have a great time and all the places they visit and places that they see are very well described and brings back memories of places that I have been to myself. Great book, great author and 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgally and publisher for this e ARC.

BOOK REVIEW: The Golden Girls' Getaway by Judy Leigh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2021

Pages: 365
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Travel Fiction | Later In Life Romance
Time Period: Present Day
Location: England

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Getaway Girls by Dee MacDonald
Movie: Calendar Girls

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Another fantastic book from Judy Leigh. I felt like I had been alongside these three wonderful characters, trundling around the UK in their motorhome Venus. All the places that were visited came alive for me.
The strong friendship between the three lead characters came across with such warmth and sincerity. Judy Leigh has such a great insight into people’s lives and this really comes across in her characterisation.
I can honestly say that I never knew what was going to happen next and when the ending came, I wanted there to be more. However, I was left with such a sunny and optimistic feeling from reading this book. I have my fingers crossed that there will be a sequel as I feel that there’s more to explore! Such a joy to read. With thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

This was my third Judy Leigh book and what a pleasure it was to read! The characters were all mature ladies, just like in the other books that I had read by Judy, this time all over 70. Judy is so talented in telling stories and introducing characters to you that by the end of the book you feel like you know these characters better than your own family members and will miss hearing about their adventures. These books also make me want to get the most out of life as I grow older. You are never to old to go on new adventures or to make new friends! Judy’s characters represent women I would be proud to be like as I get older!

“Mary raised her glass, barking a small laugh. ‘To not being completely done yet.'”

I’ll be honest, I started this book feeling really uncertain. I’ve tended to avoid books that provide a reality based on Covid, not really intentionally but because most of my favourite authors have chosen not to write about it. Therefore, I was really surprised with the opening of this book. Of course, I knew it was going to be about lockdown but I didn’t expect it to be quite so laden with references to our stark difference in our current reality. I struggled to see where this one was going, but once I got to know Mary, Gwen and Vivienne, I quickly became addicted. It quickly becomes apparent that this detail is relevant, if not essential, to the beauty of the story.

They are vibrant, loveable and empathetic characters, each with their own talents, strengths and demons that they have to deal with every day. My favourite character was probably Gwen, because I loved her Welshness and how she called people a “lush”. Once again, Judy creates a wonderful exploration of growing old gracefully. This is also the first book I’ve read in a long time, with a character called Ceri. A very minor detail, but I loved it all the same 😂.

The “Getaway” is absolutely delightful and their excitement reminds me how I felt on my first trip away since Covid began, in April this year. I loved the fact that this book takes us on a whirlwind tour of some of the beautiful landscapes and coasts in Britain, including my wonderful homeland of Wales. This book still has the escapist feel I enjoy, despite visiting some places that are practically on our doorsteps. This in some ways is the focus of the book, whilst also exploring issues of identity, self-confidence, friendship, romance and growing old.

There are a number of highlights from the book. There are laugh out loud, mischevious and almost slapstick moments. Equally, there are extremely touching and emotional moments, and some of the best of those for me were of Gwen’s singing and the joy in brings to everyone.

I could talk for days about the excitement and enjoyment I had from this book, and how much I rate this author. This is a beautifully original, heart-warming read and highly deserving of all the stars.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Golden Girls Getaway by Judy Leigh
104 Drayton Mews in London is three flats occupied by three single women.
Vivienne Goldman is 71 and lives in the top flat. She’s an actress in a TV soap called The Edge of Edgeware. Her co-star Lennie is her ex-boyfriend.
Gwen Prichard is Welsh, 74 and a former professional singer. She lives in the ground floor flat and is pursued by their landlord – Vicente de Lorenzo, who loves her.
Mary Molloy is 80, a retired nurse from Ireland and lives in the basement flat.
The novel begins during the pandemic, with face masks, vaccinations and lockdowns, which I found really interesting. It shows how each of the three women has reacted to the situation too.
Once lockdown eases, the three women decide to borrow Vicente’s campervan and go off on an adventure. This forms the main part of the novel.
I absolutely loved this book. The main characters are brilliant, all really interesting and inspiring women you can completely believe in. You’ll be cheering them all on and hoping their dreams come true. It’s such a lovely book – warm, uplifting, involving. You’ll wish you were on holiday with them.
Judy Leigh is a wonderful writer and I have already bought another of her books.
9 out of 10

Great read from a great author. A story that has been written and tells of 3 ladies and the easing of lockdown and how they find each other after the loneliness they have had over the last few months. The adventures they get up to had me smiling from ear to ear.

This was an absolutely lovely tale of the journeys and lives of three women, all over 60, who had come to a point in their lives where things had got stuck. They were coming out of lockdown realising they had become more stagnant than they would have liked and they realised life had a lot more to come and they had a lot more to offer.

I loved the different dynamics of the three ladies, Gwen was a lost soul, very affected by lockdown and the loneliness that had come with that. She encompassed the feelings of many people throughout the country currently and it was lovely to see her growth throughout the story. Mary was a feisty, funny and loveable lady who had a huge heart and needed people with which to share it. Vivienne, such a classic beauty, a TV star who had forgotten who she was and what she wanted. All of these women had such a beautiful bond and were a force to be reckoned with.

This tale was a breath of fresh air and I loved reading about the ladies on tour and their many shenanigans! You can read my full review on my blog.

Favorite Quotes:

Back to being stereotypes the public love. I think our days of any substantial roles to get our dentures into are well over.

‘Is it an older woman you’re after?’ She lifted the hem of her skirt to show a soft round kneecap. ‘There’s always myself if you’re seeking a cougar– there’s life in this auld one yet. I’m eighty-one this autumn and I’d be up for a bit of gadding about in the camper van, especially if you throw in some pub meals and a few jars of ale…’

‘I’d like a Buttery Nipple. Three, if you have them. I assume you know how to make a Buttery Nipple?’ The barman stared, amazed, so Vivienne continued. ‘That’s thirty millilitres of Butterscotch Schnapps and fifteen millilitres of Irish Cream liqueur, please.’ ‘I’ll have a Kahlua, Irish Cream and a whisky cocktail,’ Mary piped up. ‘Otherwise known as a Duck’s Fart.’

Gwen felt a little uncomfortable in the red tankini, although Mary assured her that she looked ‘the business’, before turning to Vivienne and commenting, ‘That new swimsuit of yours is very skimpy, Vivienne. You look like you’re wearing orange dental floss.’ Vivienne smiled, adjusted her sunglasses and laid back, her skin gleaming with sun oil; Mary’s words were a compliment.

‘I’m recovering from a heart attack.’ However, she dug into the sausages with gusto. ‘So, when I’m back in London, I’m starting the 80:20 diet– well, it’s not a diet, it’s more of a way of life.’ Vivienne winked in Gwen’s direction. ‘So, you eat and drink everything you want 80 percent of the time, Mary, and for 20 percent of the time you eat more frugally.’ Mary was puzzled. ‘I thought it was the other way round,’

‘Who are you playing?’ ‘A nun.’ Mary brayed with laughter. ‘Are you sure they know what you’re like? What sort of nun will you be? One that wears lipstick and suspenders and drinks like a fish?’

Vivienne, who had protested throughout the meal that she’d look a sight the following day if she drank any more, was clearly not in control of her wrists: she kept reaching for the bottle, pouring more and then drinking continuously while she chattered. Mary kept up with her, declaring that she’d start the 50:50 diet when she returned to London, much to Gwen’s amusement: Mary had no idea that she’d changed the numbers.


My Review:

These storylines alternated between squeezing my heart with the characters’ challenges and poignant regrets, and putting a smirk on my face from the amusingly clever wit and irreverent sass of the three main protagonists as they bond during their adventure. The mature cast of characters was skillfully contrived and their individual story threads were brilliantly plotted and scaffolded into the narrative.

I adored them all, a feisty actress who enjoyed her wine and always had a relevant Shakespearean quote, an uptight former opera singer, and a retired pediatric nurse gifted in the use of profanity and creative expletives. Of course, the latter was my favorite ;) I plan to be just like her when I grow up.

And score, it has been a good while since I’ve had an addition to my British Isles Words and Phrases list and I have a dozy this time with pox bottle – which Mr. Google informed me is Irish slang for an irritating, unwanted person with the addition of the word bottle used for extra venom. I plan to put this one into immediate use.

It is with great excitement that I take my first dip into what is guaranteed to be a fantastic read from Judy Leigh. Her books, which disregard the modern women’s’ fiction ‘norm’ of ‘gorgeous Twirties-something woman meets hunk and falls in love’ never fail to entertain and I love the understanding that today’s leading character can be of any age whatsoever. You don’t have to be under thirty to want to have fun/love/friendship/sex/romance in your life, or to ‘simply be’ <she shouts from the rooftops, to anyone who is listening>!

I sometimes find myself wondering what cake my latest read would be. This latest offering from Judy Leigh, wouldn’t just be one cake – it would be the most sumptuous afternoon tea; a varied spread, oozing with decadence and just a little bit naughty.

What a fantastic concept – the idea of three women ‘of a certain age’ travelling around the UK in a camper van, to get out of London and to get away from COVID lockdown and how isolated it has made them feel. Again, plaudits to Judy Leigh for recognising that you don’t have to be of a particular age, to have fun!

Vivienne, Mary and Gwen have been leading an alliteratively dull life, undoubtedly exacerbated by lockdown – bland, bleak, blank, boring……….

I had huge empathy for the three friends, especially when silence is described as her constant companion. I so wanted friendship, fun and laughter to take over that companionship role for her and so was delighted when a series of events lead to the friendly triumvirate setting off on holiday together in a four berth motorhome.

I loved the way the author depicted how the friends felt, once they had escaped London, at the realisation that they were actually ‘getting away from it all’ after months of lockdown. One couldn’t help but share their overwhelming joy; I for one felt nothing but empathy for them and the narrative described so eloquently how many people have felt during these unprecedented times.

I adored the way that Mary was so excited about going to Dorset, as she had never been there before; I confess to feeling a tad ashamed, as having grown up in Dorset, I have always taken it for granted somewhat. The way that the friends saw the best in every situation was surely a lesson in humility and gratification to us all. I for one will think back to the wonder of singing and dancing around Stonehenge on a torrentially rainy morning, the very next time that I am presented with a cup less than half full.

The book was laced with a variety of emotions, from poignancy through to sadness, and humour. The humour was subtle but I had some laugh out loud moments, for example Vicente’s ’moment’ in Gwen’s flat and the scene when the barman was thrilled at having recognised Vivienne from a stairlift advert, when she had been certain that nobody would recognise her!

Whilst the friends felt somehow alive, getting outside of London for the first time in ages, it seemed that Mary for one, was feeling in touch with her own mortality, especially after her recent heart attack, if only to wonder at how she had ’suddenly’ gone from being 65 years old, to being over 80! I got the sense that she was going to enjoy life more from now on and I felt that we could all learn from that attitude.

I loved the things that came to mind during their travels, such as the thought of looking into the possibility of an allotment once back in London. I also felt sad at the thoughts of loves lost – of what had been and what could have been. The friends’ capacity to encompass new things and concepts was strangely delightful and Totnes certainly brought their inner hippy chicks to the fore in the most endearing manner!

I felt that I was able to escape from lockdown vicariously via this invincible trio and I didn’t want the book to end, despite becoming my own oxymoron, by staying up all night to finish it! Mental note to self, not to start reading the next Judy Leigh blockbuster so close to bedtime!

Thanks @BoldWoodBooks #NetGalley for a complimentary eARC of #TheGoldenGirlsGetaway by Judy Leigh upon my request. All opinions are my own.

At the end of the Pandemic lockdown, three women borrow a motor home and escape their boredom and isolation by touring the British countryside. Vivienne (popular soap actor), Mary (retired nurse), and Gwen (retired opera singer) are all mature women in their 70s and 80s. Even though they live in the same building, they don’t know each other very well. Throughout the trip, their friendship deepens and and they rediscover joy and laughter, the power of sisterhood, and good times.

Uplit + the power of Sisterhood + mature characters + living your best life + adventure + moving out of your comfort zone + road trip + friendship + second chances + humor = an entertaining, quick, and light vacation or weekend read.

Lots of life to live at 70+! I love the premise and the characters, the snappy writing, and the armchair travel! Each character’s personality shines as these mature (70+) women set out on a spontaneous vacation (adventure) in a motor home. They meet a few colorful characters and challenge and support each other along the way.

As usual in uplit, there is a tidy HEA ending and some details in the story need to be overlooked (like driving off in a motor home with no instruction, practice, or knowledge…..like assuming a majority of women 70 to 80 could simply be comfortable plopping on the ground for a picnic and then be able to spring up on her own with no assistance.)

I love the thoughtful themes of feeling invisible at a certain age, pondering what women of that age have to offer, living your best life after retirement, precious friendships, and hope for the future.

You might love The Golden Girls’ Getaway if you are ready for some uplit or a light quick read, if you love stories about older and mature characters, or if you appreciate thoughtful themes. Book clubs might enjoy this mostly lighthearted selection!

When I found out Judy Leigh had a new novel, I couldn't resist the urge to download it. I adored her previous novels, Heading over the Hill, Chasing the Sun and Lil's Bus Trip.

Vivienne, Mary and Gwen are such great characters and this novel was so funny, feel good and laid-back.

Great to experience another Judy Leigh book. Judy's writing style is seamless and enjoyable. With Judy Leigh's books, I just know I have a winner and a memorable novel with fun characters that are real and a plot that is imaginative.

Thanks to Judy Leigh, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for a voluntary review.

5 stars

After my recent diet of rather serious books, The Golden Girls’ Getaway was a welcome helping of light relief. A Devon cream tea after a bowl of beetroot soup, if you like.

All three of the characters were a delight to become acquainted with: Vivienne, the stylish former soap-actress afraid she has been consigned to thespian obscurity; Gwen, the former opera singer who now only has an audience of one – herself; and Mary, who cooks up a mean curry and has an impressive and imaginative range of swear words. Probably my favourite of the three was Gwen. I found it touching how at the beginning of the book she thinks of herself as having lost the knack of living, spending most of her time as she does in her flat. And although all three of the ‘golden girls’ experience a transformation in their lives, I felt Gwen’s was the most deserved because of her kindly nature.

I loved the idea of the three of them sharing the motor home, sitting outside of an evening admiring the view at their overnight stop and sipping a glass of wine – although I’d not be quite so keen on the chemical toilet! I enjoyed eavesdropping on their conversations about love, life, missed opportunities and new horizons, and witnessing their reaction to the various places they visit.

There were some laugh out loud moments such as the ‘full frontal frolic’ (sorry you’ll have to read the book for more detail), an accidental lock-in, a quadbike rescue, Vivienne being recognised for a role she wouldn’t consider the height of her acting career, and Mary’s microphone testing spiel.

The Golden Girls’ Getaway is a heart-warming and entertaining way to spend a few hours. So let’s join them in their toast ‘To the three of us and the best of times to come’.

Another wonderful read from Judy. Three shall we say more mature ladies (of years not necessarily of anything else) set out in a motorhome once lockdown has been eased. One is an actress and has just been killed off in her long running series, one was formerly a singer and the other was a nurse. Vivienne, Mary and Gwen have tales to tell. They all live in flats in the same block and despite close proximity are really only now getting to know each other- all found they have had their own loneliness in the last few months with the pandemic and even beforehand. Their adventures and stories made me smile.
This is one of those books ( a slumpbuster) that re-affirms the good in life and in people and brings a smile and hope and treasuring each and every day. That adventures can be had whatever your age and abilities and its your outlook on life that changes the world around you. An inspirational read with a huge smile.
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(amazon done- misfits farm)

Couldn't finish. I could not get in to this book at all. I always give books a good chance but this one did. It hold my interest.