As always, Celia Anderson brings a wonderful story with characters you truly want to spend time with and get to know better. This story revolves around the life of Nell Appledore, her husband, Barney, and her father-in-law, Frank, as they embark on a move from city life to life in a small village. Marriage and the move are not all that Nell has hoped for, and this story delves not only into her life, but also into the lives of Barney and Frank, as well as the lives of the locals they meet and befriend. Getting to know each character a bit more and more throughout the book and finding out what brings happiness in their lives is presented wonderfully through meetings of a mutual group they all join. Without giving away the plot, I'll say that each of them learn for themselves, and help the rest of the group learn, what happiness means and how to achieve it. This book is beautifully written, quite deep and emotional at times, and a joy to have read.

Moving home to the countryside and learning to adapt. Another major life change for Nell and Barney, along with Barney's dad Frank. Not long after the death of Frank's wife and Barney's mum Lottie and successful cancer treatment for Barney.
Meeting new friends and making new interests will this be the last step together in the marriage.
Can they find understanding and kindness together or will the attraction of new people be too strong?
A cast of characters that will make them wish that you personally know them.
I became invested in the marriage going forward and cheered both Nell and Barney on.

A very funny story about women in their later years having fun and enjoying life. This was a fabulous read which I enjoyed immensely. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Living The Good Life is a warm, uplifting tale about change, family, and second chances. When Nell, her husband Barney, and his grieving father Frank relocate to the countryside, each brings emotional baggage and uncertainty. While Barney is all-in on their fresh start, Nell and Frank are more hesitant—but soon, the charm of rural life and the support of new friendships begin to work their magic.

Nell and Barney’s rekindled connection is particularly touching, as they rediscover their spark with the energy of teenagers. Frank’s journey through grief, and his evolving relationship with Nell, is both heartwarming and realistic. The humor, especially in interactions between Frank and the witty Beryl, adds levity and charm.

The novel tackles relatable, real-life issues with sensitivity and insight, making it not just a comforting escape, but also a thoughtful read. The characters feel like friends by the end—endearing, flawed, and deeply human. A delightful and moving story about finding joy in unexpected places.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

We return to Willowbrook; the village where the Saga Louts and others love. Nell, Barney and Frank are moving to the village and each of them find their own way of settling into their new lives in this close knit community. Really enjoyed this read.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future

Nell, after being persuaded by her husband Barney, decides to move them to the country along with Frank, Barney's father. The house is in need of urgent repairs so when Nell decides to look for help, Barney isn't happy with her choice!

Nell and Frank decide to join a group in the village, looking for happiness, where they met the local vicar and many of the colourful villagers.

A lovely feel good book, where friendships are made and love is rekindled.

A new author for me and I think this is part of a series but reads easily as a standalone novel due to the engaging characters. It’s great fun and very relatable. The characters face grief and loss, aging (some disgracefully!), problems in long marriages and other challenges. There’s lots of humour and I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend it.

An extremely heartwarming read following the journey of Nell having moved to Willowbank at the instigation of her husband of thirty hears Barney who is convinced that it would be a new start now their children had left home and selling their home and his fathers home their new home has an annexe will be idea for Frank . There is only one small the house will need some work done as it is a tad neglected and Barney is useless at DIY. And there even appears to be the odd crack starting to show in their 30year relationship . The village is full of some wonderful characters and Nell managed with their assistance to find the handyman Rick who is the answer to the family’s prayers. This book will make you laugh and maybe even shed a tear. I absolutely loved the Saga Louts
A group of geriatric ladies who are growing disgracefully.

A great fun read full of vivid characters with a heartwarming uplifting storyline which kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. It was a pleasure.

This is a heartwarming, feel-good story about embracing new beginnings—no matter what stage of life you're in—while also recognising the value of old memories. Although it’s part of a series, it works perfectly well as a standalone. A lovely lighthearted and escapist read!

Celia has a way of making her characters leap off the page to you in the best of ways. they are vibrant and full of colour alongside a plot that feels the same too. her books always fill me up with such warm vibes even when things arent exactly easy for our characters. you just feel it, this gorgeous inner glow when reading her books. the way she describes what he characters are going through has such a kind and thoughtful way. you are drawn into this story right from seeing the front cover. i immediately wanted to get to know the characters and what was going to happen for them. and this only got better and i was invested only more so when i started reading. i loved this book. and just like my previous of Celia i am blown away by the skill that must go into writing these stunning books which are so smart and woven together in such a way where you are pulled right into the characters lives if only for a little while.
Barney convinces his wife of decades and her father to move to the countryside. neither Frank or Nell are wanting this move but are convinced enough by Barneys insistence to give it a good shot.
but questions come to light for Nell. about her life, her husband and just what she is feeling about everything and all things.
but soon all characters began to learn a few things, settle in and meet a few new and brilliant characters to their lives. and we get to read it!
there is lots of healing and growth to be had for all our characters. Frank and Nell have such a heartening relationship and reading their interactions was so lovely.
all three are enveloped in to the community and all the goings on. there is lots to be involved in at Willowbrook and life goes at a nourishing pace amongst often adorable sets of characters.
bu the book isn't as always without its conflicts or questions. with this Barney and Nell are on the edge, they will either fall or need to work hard to come back together and watching this felt so real. i loved how they tried for each other.
all our characters have new paths to create and might need bravery and "go for it" attitude to do just that. but if and or when they do magic can truly happen especially in this new community.
this is yet another book for the soul. a joy to read.

Nell and Barney and Barney's dad trade life in the city for life in a small country village. they make new friends and adjust to a new normal.

Free courtesy of Netgalley

This is my first Celia Anderson book and I really enjoyed it. it looked at all aspects of getting older, life within a marriage that may fall apart, Illnesses that change you and how to deal with the aftermath of that, and to top it all, moving to a new community.

When Barney insisted on a move to the country to start a new life, he doesn't really see the reluctance of his wife Nell and his dad Frank, who would have an annex in the new house. A move from the city to a country house that needs a lot of work, in a small village wasn't what Nell and Frank were looking forward to, but when they got there, they all tried to forge their own paths to become part of the new community. With the paths that they have taken could this be the end of their marriage.

With some interesting villagers to meet and looking at all the angles of this family, it was a very interesting book to read. I would recommend this book to fans of a good old fashioned story that touches on how life and marriage can be.

Living the Good Life is a warm and uplifting read about starting over, finding your people, and redefining happiness at any age. Celia Anderson weaves together humor, heart, and a touch of small-town charm as Nell navigates major life changes and questions what she truly wants. With lovable characters (including the delightful ‘Saga Louts’) and a relatable story of second chances, this book is perfect for anyone who enjoys feel-good fiction with emotional depth and a hopeful message.

✨3.5 stars✨

This book follows married couple Nell and Barney, alongside Barney’s recently widowed father Frank, as they swap their lives in the city for one in a village in the countryside. The decision was made by Barney much to the reluctance of Nell and Frank, however the story follows them as they start to enjoy their new lives.

I enjoyed all of the village community aspects as well as the growth of all the characters and the writing was engaging which meant I read this book really quickly!!

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I'm sorry to the author but I couldn't get into the story.

I tried and I just couldn't.

It is a DNF for me. Again I am so sorry.

An enjoyable light read which is part of a series, although I think it stands alone if other books haven't been read in the collection. Following a group of residents in Willowbrook, particularly Nell, Barney and Frank who have just moved to the village and meet up with some of the characters from the previous books. Entertaining, light with a warm community feel

First off, I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Nell, her husband Barney, and father-in-law Frank, all move for a new start. They left after Barney dealt with cancer, and Frank lost his wife. Nell wasn't keen on moving, as she was happy at her home.

Once in their new place, they start to meet new people, but instead of doing things as a couple, Nell and Barney are living separate lives pretty much. The majority of this book, the communication between these two is horrible. Instead of talking to their spouse, they both bottle feelings up.

The last bit of the book, they finally start working on being happy with each other again. Barney starts counseling, and Nell learns to really listen.

Overall, this book was just okay. It was a good read on what not to do in a relationship, and how to find happiness again. 3/5. I would still read more from this author, as I think it was just this book that wasn't exactly for me.