It’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Judy Leigh, The Silver Ladies Seize the Day, and sharing my review: published by Boldwood Books on 4th June, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. As ever, 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).
You’ll already know that I’m one of Judy’s biggest fans – while the historical novels she writes as Elena Collins are simply wonderful (as her RNA award for The Wicked Lady confirmed – you’ll find my review of that one here), her second chances/never too late books have always been particular favourites (pop her name into my search bar, you’ll find all my reviews). When I spotted this book, I was delighted – because I’ve met these wonderful ladies before, when I read and really enjoyed The Silver Ladies Do Lunch. I loved the friendship of the three women who’d been there for each other since childhood, Cecily (their former teacher) living life to the full – and the lovely picture of village life, with an established community that certainly had its share of the quirky, eccentric and different but could most definitely pull together when they needed to (you’ll find my full review here). I’m thrilled to be spending more time in Middleton Ferris…
You’re never too old to fall in love…again!
Cecily Hamilton is months away from her ninety-second birthday. She’s lived life to the full, choosing work over romance, friendship over love. And now she has a host of silver-haired friends living nearby, ready to fill her time with picnic lunches, prosecco and cheer!
Cecily thought she was content. She thought her cup was full…
But when the granddaughter of Cecily’s first and only love arrives on her doorstep, claiming that her grandfather, Eddie, is still in love with Cecily after all these years, Cecily wonders if there might be room for a little romance after all. Especially since, one by one, her friends keep falling head over heels for old flames and new.
Can the oldest silver lady of the bunch really hope for her own second chance at love? Is it finally time for Cecily to seize the day?
In her youth, Cecily lost the love of her life when he married another – and, in her quieter and more contemplative moments, she wonders if he ever thinks of her too. But when Eddie’s granddaughter gets in touch to tell her that he most certainly does – and that he’s now living alone, and would love to see her again, she has a difficult decision to make. Might romance still be possible at 92? Can she really set aside all the hurt he caused all those years ago? And she’s not sure if she needs the complication – she has a good life, surrounded by friends, and really doesn’t feel she needs or wants anything more.
And while this book centres on Cecily’s story – and it was one I really loved – there’s plenty going on in her friends’ lives too. As it’s been a while now since she became a widow, Josie’s wondering if it’s now time to call a halt on the conversations she has with her husband while tending his grave – and she’s thrown a bit off balance by the return of her first love to the village, the attraction still there, but she feels far from ready to move on. After the worries about her marriage and wondering if she’s enough, Lin’s marriage to long-suffering Neil, thank goodness, is now back on an even keel: Minnie, still living in Oxford, has had her life hijacked a bit by her recuperating sister Tina, but has been making some decisions about her future. And then there’s young mother Florence, who they all helped and supported in the last book – once more, it seems things might be getting a little difficult for her despite the calming and supportive presence of her lovely partner Adam.
Finding all those characters a bit confusing if you didn’t read the earlier book? There’s a helpful character list at the start, but you really won’t need it – the book is all about the friendship between the women, and you’ll soon become wrapped up in it and feel you’ve known them all for years. And the whole book is just so joyful – yes, of course there are people behaving badly, and life brings the unexpected at times, but the love and support between them all fills your heart. There are new characters too – one a particularly straight-talking surprise, who turns out to be a perfect addition to their group – and things going on within the community, the individuals all as well drawn as the ladies themselves. And if you did read the earlier book, you’ll be delighted to know that Nadine once more makes her presence felt!
I just love these women, who refuse to give in to their aches and pains and troubles and constantly show how determined they are not to throw in the towel and to squeeze every drop of fun out of their lives – I often wish I’d grown up in Middleton Ferris too, and could be part of their friendship group. Their unfolding stories are wonderful and thoroughly engaging, their friendship something to be really treasured – and the author’s fantastic storytelling, bringing them all so vividly to life and with plenty of laughter along the way, makes you feel entirely part of it all. And it’s most certainly not only a book for those of us of a similar age to the Silver Ladies – it honestly couldn’t fail to be enjoyed by readers of any age. I really loved it – one you really need to add to your reading list, and a real personal favourite.
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.
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Thanks so much for your wonderful, kind and insightful words, Anne. As ever, you remind us authors just how much we love writing!