I’m thrilled today to be helping launch the blog tour for the latest book from Celia Anderson, Life Begins at 50!, and sharing my publication day review: published today (18th July) by Boldwood Books, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. My thanks (as ever) to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
Celia’s first novel with Boldwood Books, and I’m sure it’ll mean that a lot more readers will discover her fantastic writing. But I’m already a big fan – ever since I read the totally wonderful 59 Memory Lane, with its well-drawn characters, relationships and supportive friendships, and that enchanting trail of memories and things lost (you’ll find my full review here). I would have loved to visit Pengelly again – but sadly, however much I wanted to, I just couldn’t fit The Cottage of Curiosities into my reading list. And when I couldn’t take on The Secret Gift of Lucia Lemon either, I could have cried. But I was so delighted I found the breathing space to read and review Coming Home to Mistletoe Cottage – a really perfect festive read with a focus on fresh starts and second chances, family and its many complications, the warmth of friendship, a little romance, and a lovely touch of magic (you can read my full review again here). This time, the publishers are promising “a laugh-out-loud story of fun and friendship” – but, knowing Celia, I always thought it might be rather more than that. And everything about the book’s description made me so sure that this was going to be the book for me…
New friends, new flame, new fun . . .
Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true.
Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.
Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.
But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .
Can it be true that life begins at fifty? And will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?
As Kate’s fiftieth birthday approaches, she’s very aware that her life is distinctly lacking in colour – and not only in her wardrobe, where indigo seems to have taken over. And as all those of us who’ve passed that threshold will know, this big birthday does tend to be the one when we look back over our lives – and sometimes wonder where everything went wrong. She’s certainly had a lot to handle – a lifelong yearning for a family of her own (which wasn’t to be), her father’s sudden death and her mother’s abrupt departure for a life in France, and her husband leaving her for his golf partner and taking most of their home contents with him. And overshadowing all of that, her shame over one impulsive act – that didn’t have any real consequences, but that frequently dominates her thoughts.
But now might just be a good time time to try and change things, and look forward rather than backwards – and thank goodness for wonderful friends. Sophie’s always watching her back, egging her on to make those changes she really needs, with much laughter along the way: and then there are the Saga Louts, the three elderly ladies who certainly know how to have fun and are more than happy to include “Junior” in their adventures. She enjoys her sociable job in the cafe – and there are children in her life too, god-children from her earlier days as a teaching assistant, especially the wonderful (and distinctly precocious) Elsie, whose young dad is very glad of her support. And then Milo crosses her path – life hasn’t dealt him a particularly good hand either – and there’s a definite attraction, but neither of them are really sure that they’re ready for anything beyond friendship. And that’s even before they find any relationship might just be more complicated than it appears.
But I really mustn’t tell you the full story – instead I’ll just tell you how very much I enjoyed it. It does have its darker edges, particularly when revisiting Kate’s past – and parts of Milo’s story bring a few tears to the eye too – but all the issues are so sensitively handled. And it’s perhaps not entirely “laugh-out-loud”, the humour more gentle than that – ah, but I’d almost forgotten the Louts, they do have their moments! If you’re of an age, you’ll find Kate so easy to identify with – and there were times in this book when I felt myself cheering her on, so delighted when she managed to step outside her comfort zone and stretch herself to try something different (I’ve even added “find a red dress” to my personal to-do list).
The friendships are wonderful, but so is the focus on family – there are more than a few touches of the unexpected there, some emotional, some joyous too. The developing romance? Yes, that was one I really believed in – and what a lovely man. Oh, and when that 50th birthday finally comes – I so enjoyed the way that was handled (yes, a few tears again – but they were mostly happy ones!). And while I’ll admit I do sometimes like my happy endings tied up in a neat bow, I rather liked the way this one left a few small threads slightly dangling – just perfect!
If I ran through everything I enjoyed about this book, this review would be considerably longer. I always love stories about fresh starts and second chances, especially when the characters are past the first flush, but there are those times when an author just gets everything absolutely right – and with her perfect emotional touch and excellent story-telling, this book was one that totally engaged me from beginning to end. I honestly couldn’t recommend it more – one you really need to add to your summer reading list, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Bravo!
About the author
Previously a teacher and assistant head, Celia Anderson now writes full time and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, having proudly graduated from their New Writers’ Scheme in 2013. So far, she has concentrated on writing romantic fiction and/or stories with a flavour of magical realism.
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Sounds lovely!
It most certainly is – and one I really think you need to add to your reading list!