It’s an absolute pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Celia Anderson, Living the Good Life, and sharing my review: published on 19th July by Boldwood Books, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, in hardcover, and as an audiobook. My thanks (as always) 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 writes the loveliest books. I can still remember how much I enjoyed 59 Memory Lane (the first in the Pengelly series) when I read it back in 2019 – such beautifully drawn characters and a really intriguing (and different) story of memories and things lost (you’ll find my full review here). I really adored her first book with Boldwood, Life Begins at 50! – fresh starts and second chances, individuals I could really identify with, funny and touching, and the most wonderfully told story. And her next book A New Lease of Life (I read it when it was called Onwards and Upwards) was even better, taking us back to Willowbrook – Ingrid’s difficult personal journey, that strong sense of community, every single character so beautifully drawn, and a particularly lovely and gentle romance that I became entirely invested in. And that humour sparkled throughout – sometimes gentle, at other times laugh-out-loud, especially where the Saga Louts and younger characters (all of them without filters!) were involved (you can read my full review again here). Her last book, Dancing Under the Moon, was a re-release – a standalone – that I just couldn’t find space for on my reading list, and I do plan to catch up soon. But I was so delighted when I saw that her latest book was taking us back to Willowbrook once more – I rather like it there…
A heartwarming, feel-good story about embracing new beginnings, treasuring old memories and finding out what’s truly important in life.
The peaceful village of Willowbrook seems to be the ideal place for a new lease of life – at least according to Nell’s husband, Barney. With an empty nest and coming towards retirement, he’s persuaded her to try country living. Their cottage even has an annexe that’s perfect for Barney’s widowed father, Frank.
Nell is less sure about this fresh start… and it’s not long before cracks in her thirty-year marriage begin to appear. Instead of spending more time together, she and Barney seem to be drifting apart. Frank, too, is unsettled.
A weekly community group exploring the secret of happiness provides a way for Nell and her father-in-law to navigate their new surroundings. Nell finds some friends, and Frank is quickly taken in hand by the neighbourhood matriarchs – the self-styled ‘Saga Louts’!
But will questioning what makes her happy push Nell even further away from Barney, especially when she discovers the secrets her husband has been keeping? Or can opening up to others help old wounds heal and bring them back together once more?
Nell certainly has reservations when husband Barney decides to buy a run-down cottage in the village of Willowbrook, but it’ll be fresh start for the family. Barney himself has had a rough time after his cancer diagnosis and treatment – although he’s now well again, and never talks about it – and father-in-law Frank is still coming to terms with the loss of his wife and life partner, so their plan to convert the annex for him to live in seems perfect. Although Barney’s full of plans and ideas, his DIY skills prove not to be quite up to the mark – thank goodness for the particularly fit Rick the handyman, only too happy to step in (even if Barney rather snarls every time he appears…).
But that leaves him with time on his hands – and after a visit to the cafe, where he has his first encounter with all the local characters, he finds the perfect distraction. And that leaves Nell searching for something to do too – until she meets the Rev Bev on a visit to the village shop, and gets swept up in her plans to set up a group focused on finding the secret of happiness. And that group – of course – includes the Saga Louts, without filter as always, ensuring there’s plenty of laughter along the way (but more than a touch of poignancy too – and some drama). I’m going to step away from telling the story, but it really is a totally delightful read – filled with warmth, really life-affirming, emotional at times, underpinned by friendships and relationships old and new.
I particularly loved Nell – her fears that her marriage is on the rocks, and her determination to do everything in her power to put things right again. And Barney’s quite wonderful too – I really liked the fact that we saw their difficulties from both their perspectives in all their unexpected (and perfectly handled) complexity. And while the Saga Louts bring their usual mayhem – and plenty of joy – to the story, I really loved Rev Bev, the most wonderful character with her own secrets and hidden depths. I felt entirely part of the community as the various story threads unfolded – every individual is so very real, the older characters particularly well-drawn – and the group’s various activities as they all pursue their own definition of happiness provides the most perfect framework. And don’t worry for an instant that this is the third visit to Willowbrook – I loved meeting old friends again, seeing how their lives have moved on, but you’ll fit in straight away and feel you belong.
A total joy from beginning to end – one of those lovely books you set aside at the end with a smile on your face and a satisfied sigh. And so beautifully written, with such well-judged emotional touches – I really loved it.
About the author
Celia Anderson is a top ten bestselling author of women’s fiction. Previously published by Harper Collins, she is now writing uplifting golden years fiction for Boldwood.
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This review has not just made my day, it’s made my year, Anne!
Delighted to hear it – always a pleasure! xx