Blog Tour: The Silver Haired Sisterhood by Judy Leigh

 

Tess is stuck in a rut. It seems that most of her friends are off living their lives. Rose is in Paris, Jan is off on a cruise and Pam is off to Greece. The only person still at home is Della. Tess decides that it is time for an adventure so she books a holiday for herself to the Isle of Skye, with the hope that she might get to see the Northern Lights.

When circumstances change for Della, it seems like a good idea for her to join Tess and so off they go. Online, the hotel that they have book looks gorgeous, but the reality is very different when they arrive. The host doesn't appear to know that they are coming, the hotel is dark, there is no food, but it is late so he agrees to let them stay the night, but they are going to have to find somewhere else to stay.

Before they know Tess and Della have been roped into helping Roddy, the hotel's owner, get the place back up and running again. Roddy's wife, Isla has run off, and now wants him to sell the place as soon as possible so she can get her half. Never mind that the hotel has been in Roddy's family for generations.

Soon, there is a veritable cast of characters staying at the hotel, each with their own story of how they came to be there. And each of them is keen to play their part in the resurrection of the hotel in time for Christmas, but there are going to be challenges, not least from the malicious Isla.

Slowly, each of Tess's friends find themselves staying at the hotel, bringing the silver haired sisterhood back together. The big question is what happens next, both for the friends and for the hotel.

Really, this book is about second chances, or maybe I should say for second, third or fourth chances. Many of the characters are either widowed or divorced, and for some of them there is a chance to find new love and companionship. For others, there is a chance to sort out some of their major life choices, but for all of them there is joy, friendship and hard work bringing them all together at Christmas, and that age does not have to be a limiting factor.

The phrase "women of a certain age" is getting a bit of a workout in the media at the moment, but I do think that applies here, although to be fair I think that phrase potentially gets applied to a number of different age groups, including my own. Judy Leigh writes older characters who have the benefit of the experience of life, but who have not forgotten what it means to enjoy themselves. In this case, most of the silver haired sisterhood are in their 70's, and they are not just sitting at home watching TV, but they are out and about having adventures, making friends, having romances and generally enjoying life. It is not all plain sailing, as there are limitations such as health conditions and more, but you have to at least try, right?

I have read a number of Judy Leigh books before and I enjoy them a lot, and this was no exception.I somehow missed that this was a sequel to an earlier novel, Five French Hens, which I haven't yet read. I really don't like reading out of order, but even though I did become aware of it, so it was in the back of my mind while I was reading, in the end I don't think it affected my enjoyment of the book. I do, however, want to go back and read the earlier book now.

I recently reviewed another book set on Skye and I mentioned then that it seems that the Isle of Skye is having a bit of a moment when it comes to being used as locations for books. Or perhaps this has always been the case and I am only just noticing it. Whatever the case, I enjoyed the way that the island was showcased in this book. And it has reinforced the fact that I would really like to go back and visit again, and spend more than just a couple of hours in a small town. And if I could happen to see the Northern Lights too, well, that would be amazing.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by 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. This also counts for the 12 Books of Christmas Challenge.

About the Book

The Silver-Haired Sisterhood

‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls - is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam - the Five French Hens - for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

Travel with Judy Leigh to the magical Highlands in this uplifting, joyous and funny tale of friendships and new beginnings. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SilverHairedSisterhood

About the Author 

Judy Leigh has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional Writing.

All her novels celebrate the ups and downs of life, relationships, the power of laughter and the belief that everyone has a second chance at happiness, whatever their age.



Social Media Links –

Facebook: @judyleighuk

Twitter: @JudyLeighWriter

Instagram: @judyrleigh

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JudyLeighNews

Blog Tour: A Christmas Surprise in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

 

Rachel Mason has kept herself very busy since her husband died several years ago. Between running a busy B&B, looking after her energetic grandchildren and her dog, she doesn't have a lot of time leftover. Despite all of her friends recently meeting their second chance loves, Rachel doesn't have the time even if she had the inclination. And now that her son, Alexander, has announced that he is coming home from London and that he is bringing a surprise, she still has a lot to do before Christmas.

Luke Findlay was glad to offer his son and his partner a place to live when they needed it, but now he feels a bit uncomfortable. When he is offered the chance to take up a locum position in the small town of Pelican Crossing, he knows that his son can look after his veterinarian practice, so he decides to take the offer. After all, he grew up in Pelican Crossing, and being there will help him find out more about his family history.

When Rachel needs to take her dog, Molly, to the vets, she is surprised to see that it is Luke. Luke used to date her sister, and Rachel had a bit of a crush on him. Luke was always really nice to her, and even had a nickname for her, Red. And he is still very attractive! Rachel's own self worth is a little damaged and so she can't believe he would be attracted to her.

Luke is very attracted to Rachel, but he knows that he is only in town for a limited time so it wouldn't be fair to start anything anyway. So why can't he seem to stay away?

And when Alexander arrives with his surprise, it is not at all what she was expecting. To be honest, Rachel was far more patient with him than I would have been! 

I always love visiting the town of Pelican Crossing. I swear if it was a real place, I could walk into town and recognise some of the people and places in the books. And because it is a very friendly place we could have a chat before I continued on my merry way.

Maggie Christensen's books are very much comfort reads for me. I know when I pick up one of her books, I will be drawn into the lives of the characters, that it will be a book that I can get lost in and that I will close it with a smile. Whilst I have read a lot of her books, I do have some that I am saving for a rainy day, for one of those days where I just need a pick me up read!

Obviously with the title this is set at Christmas time.  It's nice to occasionally read a Christmas story where there is sun and sand, which is what I am used to, rather than cold and snow. 

This is another fun read in the Pelican Crossing series, and I can't wait for the next one!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. This also counts for the 12 Books of Christmas Challenge.

Rating 4/5

About the Book

A Christmas Surprise in Pelican Crossing

Christmas is coming to Pelican Crossing, bringing with it a host of surprises.

Fifty-eight-year-old widow Rachel Mason thought she had her life all figured out – running her quaint Bed and Breakfast, spending time with her grandkids, and keeping her loyal West Highland Terrier by her side. But when her son announces a Christmas surprise, Rachel's world is turned upside down.

Luke Findlay, widowed, retired, and looking to check off items on his bucket list, suddenly finds himself back in his hometown of Pelican Crossing, where he is tasked with temporarily running the local vet clinic.

When the new vet turns out to be Rachel’s teenage crush, and her son’s Christmas surprise is very different from what she anticipated, her life becomes unexpectedly complicated. But then, Luke receives a surprise of his own.

As Rachel and Luke reconnect, sparks fly, and old feelings resurface. But with Luke's impending departure and Rachel's unforeseen responsibilities, can their newfound connection survive?

Fans of heartwarming romances will love this story of second chances and unexpected love.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Surprise-Pelican-Crossing-perfect-ebook/dp/B0DBXPL4NM/

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Surprise-Pelican-Crossing-perfect-ebook/dp/B0DBXPL4NM/

About the Author 

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

This week...

 I'm reading

There's nothing like a bit of plane time to help get through some reading! This week I had two four hour flights where the in flight entertainment was only available on your own device, so I decided to read for a fair portion of that time!

First up, I finished reading Crying at the H Mart by Michelle Zauner, which is the current Cook the Books selection. I will have my review up for that one on the weekend.

I felt like a change of pace was in order so I read the new festive short story from Jenny Colgan called The Christmas Book Hunt, which was available as an Amazon First Reads this month. It was a bit of fun. It has been an age since I read a Jenny Colgan book and I am not really sure why given that I do like them. 

The next book I read was Casa Paradiso by Francesca Scanacapra. This was an interesting read. It's the fourth book in a series that starts in WWII, but this book is actually the history of the house that features in the story starting a couple of hundred years earlier. I need to write the review for this one for Wednesday.

I then went back and finished The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kasiwai. I had started it a few weeks ago but had to put it down to read some other things, so it was good to be able to finish it. It did have me wishing that I could google a few things while I was reading it but I wasn't going to pay for plane wi-fi for that. 

And then, in a case of mistaken book identity, I intended to start reading a Madeline Martin book but instead started The Last Night in London by Karen White. I am really enjoying it so I am definitely going to keep going with it and hopefully get to Madeline Martin in due course.

I've also decided to join in on the 12 Books of Christmas Challenge hosted by Katie at Just Another Girl and her Books. I have read quite a few Christmassy books already and I am sure I can find some more without trying too hard.

Last week I mentioned that I have set up a specific Insta account for my book stuff. You can find me @intrepidreaderandbaker and I would love it if you added it, and I will follow back!

I'm watching


Being away for most of the week meant I didn't really get to watch much this week. I will need to catch up on the finales for both Great Australian Bake Off and Dessert Masters. I know who won one of those and I think I can guess who one the second but hopefully I will get to watch them both soon.

We did watch Greg Wallace's Christmas Escapes, where he spends a weekend in both Copenhagen and Vienna, visiting a few different places, but focusing mainly on Christmas Markets. We have watched them before but they are still lovely to watch and brought back memories of our own visits to Christmas markets a couple of years ago.

One thing we did do in Perth was go to the movies. My sister, my cousin and I went to see Wicked, which was fab. It was a bit long, but other than that I thought they did a great job. We now have a year long intermission to see the second half. 

Life


We went to Perth last week to spend some time with family and spread my Dad's ashes. He died just over a year ago, but with my sister and I living in a different state we needed to go back over there just to do this one final goodbye. I don't remember going to the place he had chosen before, but it was a lovely spot and very fitting for my dad who loved the land in WA and also loved water.

We visit Perth quite regularly, but I still like to find new things to do. I had not intended to visit Fremantle this time, although it is one of my favourite places, but in the end we went down there to see a digital exhibition that they have on called Empress Josephine's Garden. It was very interesting in that it spoke about the French exploration of Australia, including sending lots of plant and animal specimens back to Empress Josephine's chateau at Malmaison. She was a serious collector, and I was surprised by a couple of things I learned such as the fact that she had correspondence with Sir Joseph Banks for some time, until France (under Napoleon) and England went to war.

Given we we were in Fremantle I had to do my customary visit to the wreck of the Batavia, which is part of the Dutch related history of Australia, and then have some fish and chips.

Another highlight is that we did the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail through Perth. We had dinner at a very cool Asian restaurant, and then we walked from one end of Perth to the other visiting 20 Christmas lights installations around the city. It was great to be able to do this with my cousin and her family, my aunt and sister. We definitely got our steps in. Now I need to find something Christmassy to do here in Melbourne

I will do a bigger post about this at some point in the next couple of weeks, but here was my favourite video which I managed to get completely by coincidence. I love that you can see that I am walking through the bubbles. It's very short at only 4 seconds! 

Posts from the last week

Top Ten Tuesday: Not New!

Weekend Cooking: A Recipe for Christmas by Jo Thomas



I've linked this post to It's Monday, what are you reading? as hosted by Book Date

Weekend Cooking: A Recipe for Christmas by Jo Thomas

When the first line of a book is "How many Lindor chocolates can you fit into your mouth at the same time?" you know that it is going to be a fun read.

When Clara was made redundant from her HR role, she decides that it is time for her to take a chance, in many aspects of her life. Her newish boyfriend, Dan, has just been offered a new role in Switzerland. Clara has two options. Either it is all over with Dan or she can take a chance and move to Switzerland with him. At 40, she thinks it is time to take the chance. In order to make good use of her time, she decides to sign up for a chocolate making class which her previous employer will pay for as part of her exit package. 

Clara thought she was signing up for a somewhat fun chocolate course,but it is actually a big deal, for serious chocolate makers, and they are all vying to win a prize that money can't buy - the opportunity to see their own signature chocolate flavours in the market with a prestigious Swiss chocolate brand.

Right from day one, Clara feels out of her depth. The other people on the course are already professionals, have no problem with any of the key techniques and no patience for someone who shouldn't even be there. However, Clara has no idea, so she knows she is going to have to work harder than anyone else as she has so much to learn. The last thing that she wants is to have to repay her previous employer for the course.

Each week her efforts are judged by the leaders of the course and also by famed chocolatier Gabriel Hartmann. He is grumpy and distant and just wants to be left alone, but when Clara figures out his secret, they begin to work together. And when the professional jealousies amongst the course participants threaten to derail everything for Clara, she is the person who can bring everyone together.

From the first bite, I was fully invested in the chocolatey goodness of this book. From the exploration of flavours and chocolate techniques, to the snowy beauty of Switzerland at Christmas. But there is more to it than that. Clara shows adaptability and strength in deciding that she wants to change, and in recognising when the chances that she has taken are not working out and doing something about it. It was also a reminder that not everyone is necessarily what they seem.

I really enjoyed this book, and it is a perfect read for this time of the year.

I have previously read a couple of Jo Thomas earlier books, and so I was very keen to read more, especially her Christmas books! The ones I have read are very food forward. She often does a cooking post on Instagram as well about food. I will definitely be reading more from her, hopefully before next Christmas!

For the record, I am not sure that I want to even see how many Lindors I can fit into my mouth. We do buy them but usually only for special occasions (like Christmas) and when I have them I want to savour them. I love the way that you bite through to the centre part, which depending on how hot or cold it is can be almost liquid. Delicious. I might need to go and buy some just because it's Saturday. That's a special occasion right?

I will be sharing this review with Foodies Read hosted at Based on a True Story and the 12 Books of Christmas challenge hosted at Just Another Girl and Her Books.

Weekly meals

Saturday - Chicken Shwarma
Sunday - Chicken Shwarma (leftovers)
Monday - Indian Coconut Prawn Curry (new)
Tuesday -
Wednesday - Away
Thursday - Away
Friday - Away

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page