Having read the first book and really enjoyed it, I had no hesitation in picking up the second. Cruise entertainer, Dickie, is back and just as full of life along with some new cruisers. Although Carmen is the main character, it's her mum Betty who grabs the reader's attention - for all the wrong reasons. Betty is manipulative, demanding, rude and controlling so it's a miracle nobody pushed her overboard.

I enjoyed watching Carmen's transformation, as she gains in self-confidence, not only about her writing but also in herself.

Dastardly Dickie is up to his old tricks but manages to redeem himself at the end. With some naughty goings-on and a mystery to solve, this book is funny, life-enhancing and a damn good read.

There’s a couple on the Diamond Star this time – loud and obnoxious Don (from Halifax) in his lycra gear and his down-trodden wife Debbie taking refuge in drink – who I swear I came across on my last cruise too. And there are so many other characters I recognised including, unfortunately, the few passengers I encountered who were rather like Carmen’s mum Betty. And she so needed some time to herself – struggling to write her second cosy crime book, she really hoped she could learn from her writing hero, Ruskin Reeve, who’s on board as guest speaker. But Betty comes too – a constant drain on her time and energy, never saying thank you, determined not to enjoy any of the new experiences.

But, thank goodness, Carmen makes some good friends on board – Theo, a celebrity chef and the loveliest man (but no chance of romance…), and the wonderful Fran who we met through the French cookery school. Fran’s accompanied by husband Sid – they now have their fine dining restaurant in Blackpool – who’s totally made up to be spending time with one of his personal heroes too. And Fran’s as flamboyant and outspoken as ever – a few shopping trips together see Carmen ditching her shapeless and drab clothes and, despite Betty, finding new confidence and discovering all the fun that can be found.

It’s mainly Carmen’s story, and I was cheering her on at every turn. Ruskin’s not particularly likeable at first encounter, but takes Carmen under his wing – and there’s a nice frisson of attraction between them too. The words start to flow – around her need to attend to Betty’s every need, but with a little help from her friends – until things start to go a little less well for a while. And it’s all punctuated by the various on-board activities – I’m sure over-enthusiastic Kyle was managing everything poolside on my last cruise too – and all the shore excursions around the various ports of the Mediterranean, every destination fully explored and quite wonderfully described.

But there are a number of other stories that unfold in parallel. Perma-tanned and cocky comedian Dicky’s on board again, up to his usual tricks – but worried that he might not be such a regular fixture for much longer. Drag queen Melody’s rather stolen the spotlight – a character that was a real personal favourite – and they really don’t get on. And then there’s a bit of a mystery that unfolds, really worrying Peter who wanders the decks with his clipboard (yes, I think he was on my last cruise too!) – and he enlists Ruskin’s help to get to the bottom of it. And there are some rather interesting times ahead for Betty too – perhaps she’s not quite as attached to her wheelchair (or such a misery) as she makes out.

The characters are simply wonderful, and the whole book felt like spending time among friends – there’s lots of fun and laughter, but so many really touching moments too. And the Diamond Star’s itinerary couldn’t have been more perfect for me – I’ll be revisiting every port on my own cruise in a couple of month’s time, and it’s only made me even more excited about it. But thank you Caroline, I will learn from the pineapple experience – perhaps those tropical leggings I thought would be so ideal won’t be finding a place in my suitcase after all.

This really was the most perfect summer read – I raced through it, loved every single moment, and honestly couldn’t recommend it more highly. Bravo!

This was a fun read with an eclectic mix of characters on a cruise. Carmen has a bestselling cosy crime story and is working on the sequels. Fighting writer's block, she signs up for a cruise so she can see her favorite crime writer, Ruskin Reeve, who is holding a workshop on the boat. Accompanied by her grumpy, meddling mother, Betty, she is hoping to rejuvenate her writing spirit.

I loved all the characters in the story, especially Claire and Theo. Everyone needs a friend like Theo. It was a fun story with great characters, a great storyline, a bit of a mystery, friendship, as well as second chances. Plus, wonderful descriptions of all the locales they traveled to on the cruise.

Thanks to @avonbooks.uk, @netgalley, @rachelsrandomresources, and the author for this arc.

Welcome on board the Diamond Star! The sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, and the sightseeing is amazing.
This is the second book from author Caroline James set on board the Diamond Star. I hadn't read the first book, The Cruise, but it didn't really matter as it appears that the story is set on the same ship but with only a couple of crew members returning as characters, one of which was the old style comedian Dickey Delaney. I was surprised in a good way to see Sid and Fran from The French Cookery School (
which I reviewed here) pop up on the cruise on holidays

Carmen Cunningham is an author who has had one successful cosy mystery novel published. She has a contract for two more, but the words just aren't coming. She also has a very difficult and demanding mother, Betty, who is really, really horrible to her the vast majority of the time. One day, Carmen sees an advertisement for a Mediterranean cruise where there is a special guest. Her author hero Ruskin Reeve is going to be on board and leading writing workshops. Thinking that maybe this might help her writing so she books! Of course, as soon as Betty finds out she is insistent that she too will go on the cruise and must be in the cabin next to Carmen. Poor Carmen. Every time her mother bashes on the wall with her walking stick she is expected to react immediately.

Once on board, we meet a variety of characters from Dickey to the drag queen Melody, who don't initially like each other which is tricky seeing as they are sharing a backstage dressing room. We meet Ruskin who has his own reasons for coming on the cruise, Theo a famous TV chef, Holden who is an American gentleman and a few other characters.

When mystery author Ruskin initially meets Carmen he pretty much dismisses her, which might say something about him but it also reflects how Carmen feels about herself. She dresses in boring, drab clothing, hasn't had her hair done in forever and hides behind her big glasses. However, colourful Fran gets hold of Carmen and helps give her a makeover, and magically, Carmen begins to shine. Of course, her mother does her best to knock that shine off.

For the crew on the Diamond Star, things start to get a bit problematic when there are a series of jewellery thefts on board. Can the author of mysteries figure out who the thief is before they have to alert the authorities and cause panic on board?

My favourite things about this book was the ports that the boat stops in at. It visits places like Rhodes, Crete and Malta. There was also a description of the ship passing through the Corinth Canal, which as a smaller ship it was able to do, although I don't think cruise ships go through there too often, regardless of their size. All of the places describe made me wish I could go on a Mediterranean cruise now.

We enjoy a cruise. Together we have been on two. The first was to the Caribbean and then recently to Japan. Separately we had done the Pacific Islands. One thing I don't remember seeing much of were the upside down pineapples which apparently mean that you are up for some "good times" if you get my drift. Maybe they were there but I just wasn't seeing them.

If you are looking for a quick, easy and fun escapist read which takes you on a journey through the Mediterranean this is a book for you. There's humour, romance, some interesting characters (good and bad), a bit of a mystery and more.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

The Cruise Club by Caroline James

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.

Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

My Opinion

An uplifting and entertaining read. Caroline James has written a comforting novel with some great characters. With beautiful descriptions this was such an easy read. Pack your bags and join our characters on their cruise.

Rating 4/5

I enjoyed the characterisation and the immersive descriptions, which brought the characters and the various settings to vibrant life. I invested in Carmen, a cosy crime writer who is also the carer for her mother, Betty. Betty is not an easy character to like, mainly because of her attitude towards Carmen, but she is believable and makes the story relatable. The author achieves an entertaining balance of humour and poignancy as new friendship and gentle romance abound. It's an armchair traveller's delight, an escapist and evocative experience.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This book is the next best thing to a real cruise. Lovely story that makes you feel as though you are on board sailing the Mediterranean. Thank you for the ARC.

Just what I needed on a dull summers day, to be transported to the Mediterranean on a cruise ship. Great characters and plenty of fun, especially about the upside down pineapple club. My favourite character was Theo, everyone needs a best friend like him.

A cozy writer finds herself in the middle of a real live cozy mystery when she takes a cruise with her overbearing mom. This is a fun read that has all the feels of a cruise around the Mediterranean and the family dynamics we sometimes miss in the genre. Carmen and Betty have a difficult relationship but you know things might, just might change on this trip. Then there's a bit of romance. Luckily, the crimes here aren't ugly but they are annoying and Carmen is reinvigorated by working the case. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for summer.

A romantic, comedy mystery, this book has it all! Entertaining characters, great locations and self discovery for some. It has a feeling of a follow up novel although it reads easily as a standalone. Great summer read.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Caroline James.

Carmen has been looking after her elderly mother Betty, tired, fed up of the constant taunts, she’s in need of a break so that she can relax and focus on herself, so books herself on a cruise. But, when she explains this to her mother, Betty, she has no intention of being left behind and so, books herself on the same cruise. Now, that holiday seems l less enjoyable.

But, when they board the cruise liner, Carmen makes friends with some lovely people and as the ship travels through the different countries, Carmen and Bex begin to make decisions about their lives and those that they meet on board.

I loved the characters, each one so different and very well described, it felt as though you was on board, visiting the countries, seeing the different monuments and tasting the delicious foods.

I loved Fran, who is also in a previous book, she’s so friendly and so is her husband. Dicky was also a great character.

There was lots of places throughout the story that made you laugh, plenty of romance and new friendships made.

The one line I loved reading was You’ve Got to Have a Dream to Make a Dream Come True.

I highly recommend this book.

Absolutely loved this book. Great story and characters. Not been on a cruise but this has made me want to try them.

This story was brilliant! I enjoyed it so much it was like I was there on the cruise, making friends and falling in love. Even the swingers and jewellery thieves just added to all the excitement on board, well done Caroline, another great story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

Carmen Cunningham, a downtrodden middle-aged cosy crime writer books a Mediterranean cruise on the Diamond Star because she sees that her idol, 60 year old crime writer Ruskin Reeve, will be giving talks and workshops. Unfortunately she can't shake off her rude, dismissive and manipulative mother Betty who books herself in a cabin next to her and bangs on the wall with her cane whenever she wants something, which is constantly.

The book is a really interesting account of life onboard a cruise ship, whether it's as a passenger or a staff member. The staff include Dicky Delaney, comedian and cruise ship entertainer, Melody Moon, drag act, Peter the purser, Theo McCarthy, chef and gay widower plus the aforementioned Ruskin Reeve. Passengers are happy restaurateur couple Fran and Sid Cartwright, unhappy couple Don and Debbie and Colin + Neeta Scott. Due to them I will never look at pineapples the same way again!

There are some deeply unlikeable people on the cruise. Betty is almost cartoonishly horrible but also Ruskin is arrogant, talks badly about ex wife Venetia he discarded, only notices Carmen after her makeover, is very critical and at one point patronisingly addresses her as "my dear girl". I wanted to hurl him into the sea, and the romance with such a man felt very unrealistic.

Thankfully, the book gets rescued by the descriptions of cruise ship life, the beautiful Mediterranean places and the many interesting side characters. I loved Fran and Sid who are just so cheerful and positive and are responsible for Carmen's transformation from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. There is also a mystery about some missing jewellery, although, seeing as two crime writers are on board, it was not given a lot of sleuthing effort.

This book apparently has characters from previous books I haven't read but I think it works well as a standalone. Friendships are formed and marriages are observed. The blend of friendship, humour and romance in a sunny Mediterranean setting is entertaining and makes for a light-hearted and fluffy holiday beach read.

3.5 stars

Thoroughly fed up with her demanding mother, Carmen decides to take a Mediterranean cruise, hoping for inspiration to start her second book.
Unfortunately, Betty (Carmen’s mother) discovers her daughter’s plans and tags along with her, making everyone feel as miserable as she is.
There is a diverse set of characters aboard the ship, and Carmen hopes to learn from her idol Ruskin Reeve, how to develop her writing skills. I enjoyed reading about Sid and Fran, his wife, Melody Moon, a drag artist, and Thea is the best friend everyone needs. There is a kind, friendly community aboard the Diamond Star as it sails the Mediterranean, with fun and mischief along the way.
This is a steadily paced, lighthearted romance cruising the Greek islands. The scenery sounds beautiful, and you can imagine seeing the waves lapping onshore, as they explore new friendships and relationships.

This is such a happy tale.
Full of interesting people, places, and cruise romance. A sparkling, energetic story to curl up with and enjoy.

Well this was a fun read. Transport yourself to the Diamond Star cruise as it departs the beautiful island of Kefalonia ahead of a twelve day cruise. Carmen is a successful writer, she’s had one book published but is suffering from writers block. After spotting a newspaper advert for a Mediterranean cruise in which one of her favourite authors is speaking, she books a ticket. It’s her chance for some me time for her away from her demanding elderly mother and hopefully it will inspire her next novel. It’s mainly older clientele in the shop but there’s no shortage of fun and frolics. An enjoyable book that is pure escapism. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

This book missed the spot for me I was hoping for a Katie Fford style story but it was not to be I dont feel cruising or the attached lifestyle is for me, possibly why this book missed the mark.

Perfect for readers who have previously cruised and for those who would like to experience visiting a new port on most days — but without the pineapples and the thefts.
I enjoy a good thriller or mystery, and initially I thought that this was a little tame - but the characters are fantastic and it is their interaction rather than solving the crime which kept me engrossed. Where else could you find a bully, a drag artist, comedian, chef, writer, caring couple, shrinking violet and hosts of unusual parties?
The friendships formed and the kindness shown to others was inspirational and the descriptions of the ports of call tantalising.
Even if you are not normally a reader of cozy mysteries, like me, it may be worth giving this one a try. I loved it . It made me laugh out loud and kept me interested right to the very end.

I had the time of my life while reading The Cruise Club. It was the perfect escapism that I needed and the perfect tonic to while away any ails. The plot is fun and adventurous and the characters are lively which made the story come alive. The setting of the cruise makes you feel like you are on vacation and the descriptions are Devine. I couldn't ask for anything more than what this story gives and the little bit of mischief and mystery ties it up in a pretty bow.