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 BookThe 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
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