The Age of Misadventure - Judy Leigh

 

Description

The gloriously funny new novel about living life to the full, whatever your age, from the author of A Grand Old Time.

55-year-old Georgie Turner doesn’t need a new man. Her daughter, aunt and sister are the most important people in her life (and the most infuriating). But it seems the older they get, the further apart they drift.

Georgie’s never been a fan of her sister Bonnie’s husband, so when she learns her brother-in-law has been up to no good, Georgie sees an opportunity to bring the women of her family back together. Along with her 21-year-old daughter and 80-year-old aunt, she packs Bonnie into the back of her car and they leave Liverpool to hide out on the coast of Sussex. With the help of some sun, sea and bottle or two of prosecco, this will be an adventure they’ll never forget.

But could the right man find Georgie while she’s stopping the wrong man finding her sister?

A gorgeously fun and uplifting novel, perfect for fans of The 100 Year Old Man and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Review

I took this book away as a light hearted holiday read and that was a mistake.

Judging by the cover and the blurb I thought this was going to be a laugh a minute tale. Instead I found that there was something serious going on with the trio hiding out from a criminal and getting police protection.

I did enjoy the character of Nan. In fact it was so true to life I felt some of the things she said must have been overheard from my life. I think if it hadn't been for Nan I would have stopped reading about a third of the way through. Her character really carried the story which at times was rather chilling. I didn't care for any of the other characters. Weak willed, or selfish, they just had no backbone for most of the book.

I found the writing overly descriptive and just wanted to know what was going on, rather than a detailed description of a cafe and meals. It also seemed to take a long time for the book to get going and then when it did it was a rather drawn out affair. 

I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ebook copy to review.

Four Aunties and a Wedding - Jesse Sutanto

 

Description

They vow to make it a day to remember…The laugh-out-loud new novel from the bestselling author of Dial A For Aunties, winner of the Comedy Women In Print Prize 2021

It’s supposed to be the perfect day…
After getting away with literal murder, Meddy can’t wait to settle down and marry the love of her life, Nathan. She’s found the dress, got the dream venue at Christ Church College, Oxford, plus having a destination wedding comes with the added bonus of not having to invite her very large extended family.

…But is it even a wedding if nobody gets killed?
Although when her meddling aunties get involved, Meddy knows her wedding is going to be anything but quiet. Even though there’s no dead body hidden in the freezer this time, for better or worse, it’s certainly going to be a day she’s never going to forget…

Review

I really enjoyed the first book, but this follow on just wasn't for me. 

The Bride to be and her Aunties got away with a murder in the first book and it was very funny. This book has a similar theme however I found it too over the top in execution. I also didn't like the fact that it takes place in the main at a wedding, and all I could think about was - what about the Bride's dress!

The book is almost 400 pages long and maybe that is where it went wrong for me. It just seemed like a never ending farce that went on for far too long. I felt sorry for the groom Nathan as he hardly saw her Bride as she become embroiled in one after another mishaps that meant she had to constantly leave her own wedding day.

As the wedding is in Oxford UK, the Aunties have learnt colloquial English - which was amusing. With Meddy's family, plus the other families involved this time, it was a big cast of characters with all their interactions to pull off in a book. I can easily see this being a film, but to read all the action was for me laborious. 

I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.