I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for Old Girls on Deck by Maddie Please, and sharing my review: published by Boldwood Books on 4th July, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. My thanks 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).
I do wish I could manage to read every single book from authors I enjoy – but it’s just impossible these days, when the books are published faster than I can read them. But I SO enjoyed A Vintage Vacation last summer – charming, moving, touching, very funny but with that perfect emotional touch too, and the wonderful Clover who was so easy to identify with (you’ll find my review here) – that this latest standalone novel went straight onto my “must read” list. And, of course, it’s set on a cruise – and those of you who know me will already be aware that my excitement levels are high for my own trip of a lifetime, although there’s still rather a long time until I depart. Let’s take a closer look…
It’s never too late to sail a new course…
When retired Jill Parker wins an all-expenses paid Mediterranean cruise for two she is thrilled! At 63 life in retirement has got a little bit bland for Jill and this might be just the holiday she and husband Eddy need to get the sparks back in their marriage.
But when Eddy admits he would much prefer to build his patio and look through the latest DIY magazine, Jill is left with only one other option – her sister Diana.
Diana has become rather reclusive since her husband, Caspar died, but perhaps this is the push she needs to bring some excitement back into her life, too?
Could this trip be just what both sisters need to reconnect and chart a new path for their futures?
Excited to be exploring new horizons and catching up, the sisters soon discover that not everything is smooth sailing on board. And as they enjoy cocktails together at sundown, they discover that they are both actually a little all at sea…
Jill doesn’t even listen to Radio Wonderful any more – in fact, there are a lot of things she doesn’t do any more, her life in a definite rut that she lacks the energy to change. But she doesn’t check who’s calling when picking up the phone, answers with her usual “Ahoy there” thinking it’s her sister, and finds she’s won a Mediterranean cruise for two in their on-air competition. Husband Eddy would rather get on with building the patio he’s been promising her since he retired – so she decides to go with sister Diana, whose life has rather lacked direction since losing her husband Casper.
It’s time for them both to have some fun – starting with an incident with the balloon arch as they get on board, through all the various on board activities with ample quantities of food and drink, and on their excursions ashore. But it’s not all a laugh a minute – there’s plenty of time for sisterly bonding too. For Jill it’s an opportunity to consider the state of her marriage and how humdrum their life together has become – for Diana it proves to be a chance to blossom away from the considerable shadow of her husband and her part in his former career.
Their individual journeys are really engaging, and both women were particularly easy to identify with. Jill’s first person narration – her distinctive voice endlessly entertaining – was peppered with observations about later life that rang true on so many occasions. One that particularly hit close to home for me was about the fear of stepping outside our comfort zone becoming greater with age, perhaps because we become more aware of potential problems and dangers, and the fear begins to stifle us – it made me SO glad I’ve been brave enough to book my own cruise experience, and I plan to enjoy every moment as much as Jill and Diana did. And they really had the most fantastic role model in the friend they found on board, Lady Evelyn – she might be in her eighties, but certainly knows how to have fun.
The author recreates the whole cruise experience quite wonderfully – all the on board activities from the lectures, through their less than successful attempts at chocolate making and line dancing, and the evening shows led by the irrepressible cruise director Dicky. There’s the range of people aboard that everyone who’s ever cruised will recognise – especially those who are best avoided. And, of course, the ever-present ship’s photographer to capture the highs and lows – and the radio station certainly want as many pictures as possible of their winners having a good time – although there are times when they have reason to be rather glad he’s around.
Yes, of course, there are lots of laughs – but a fair bit of drama too, some unexpected romance, and more than a touch of poignancy as both women grow and change and become more comfortable with what their futures hold. The whole story is beautifully told – no shortage of fun, but lots of opportunities for reflection too. And, when the cruise is over, what a thoroughly perfect ending – leaving you with a tear in your eye, a smile on your face, and a nice warmth around the heart.
This was a book that any reader would enjoy, but particularly those who are a little older – I thought it was the perfect reminder that there’s fun to be had whatever age we might be, and that it’s never too late for the excitement of a fresh start. Just wonderful – and one that everyone should add to their summer reading list.
Praise for Maddie Please:
‘Sea, sunshine, romance and fabulous characters; Maddie’s light touch and sense of fun will lift your spirits!’ Bestselling author Judy Leigh
‘Witty, warm and simply wonderful.’ Bestselling author Sarah Bennett
‘For a book that’s as cheering and restorative as a long lunch with your very best friend, Maddie Please is the author you need to know!’ Bestselling author Chris Manby
‘Genuine and life-affirming…a wonderful, light-hearted novel about how it is never too late to find happiness.’ Bestselling author Kitty Wilson
About the author
Maddie Please writes uplifting, romantic comedies with a steep learning curve for her characters, reflecting the sometimes confusing experiences of today’s women (and men) which can be challenging whatever your age.
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