It’s an absolute delight today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from the wonderful Caroline James, The Cruise Club, and sharing my review: published on 3rd July by Avon Books, it’s now available as an e-book on all major platforms, 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).
When I first discovered Caroline’s wonderful books, there weren’t many authors writing about the lives of women of my age and who I could identify with so strongly – things (thank goodness!) have now changed a lot, but she remains one of my very favourite authors with her wonderful storytelling, laugh-out-loud moments and perfect emotional touch . If you pop her name into my search bar you’ll find glowing reviews of some of her earlier books like Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me and her novella Jungle Rock – and, like so many others, I absolutely loved The Best Boomerville Hotel and Boomerville at Ballymegille (one of my Books of the Year in 2020). And her books have just got better and better. The Spa Break was a joy from beginning to end, with those wonderful female friendships (one of my 2022 Books of the Year). And I know I’ve already mentioned that my future cruising plans were largely inspired by how much I enjoyed The Cruise – I totally adored it, and it was one of my 2023 Books of the Year. And as for The French Cookery School – every single character found their place in my heart, and I really didn’t want the experience to end (and yes – of course it was one of my 2024 Books of the Year!).
But there was something particularly special about The Cruise, and the time I spent in the Caribbean with those wonderful ladies, the crew, and the other passengers on board the Diamond Star – and I couldn’t have been more thrilled than when I discovered that we’d be setting sail again (same ship, different destination) for her latest book. Let’s take a closer look…
Because the best adventures are still to come…
Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood romcom full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…
Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…
Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment. Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…
However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.
But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking…
Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…
There’s a couple on the Diamond Star this time – loud and obnoxious Don (from Halifax) in his lycra gear and his down-trodden wife Debbie taking refuge in drink – who I swear I came across on my last cruise too. And there are so many other characters I recognised including, unfortunately, the few passengers I encountered who were rather like Carmen’s mum Betty. And she so needed some time to herself – struggling to write her second cosy crime book, she really hoped she could learn from her writing hero, Ruskin Reeve, who’s on board as guest speaker. But Betty comes too – a constant drain on her time and energy, never saying thank you, determined not to enjoy any of the new experiences.
But, thank goodness, Carmen makes some good friends on board – Theo, a celebrity chef and the loveliest man (but no chance of romance…), and the wonderful Fran who we met through the French cookery school. Fran’s accompanied by husband Sid – they now have their fine dining restaurant in Blackpool – who’s totally made up to be spending time with one of his personal heroes too. And Fran’s as flamboyant and outspoken as ever – a few shopping trips together see Carmen ditching her shapeless and drab clothes and, despite Betty, finding new confidence and discovering all the fun that can be found.
It’s mainly Carmen’s story, and I was cheering her on at every turn. Ruskin’s not particularly likeable at first encounter, but takes Carmen under his wing – and there’s a nice frisson of attraction between them too. The words start to flow – around her need to attend to Betty’s every need, but with a little help from her friends – until things start to go a little less well for a while. And it’s all punctuated by the various on-board activities – I’m sure over-enthusiastic Kyle was managing everything poolside on my last cruise too – and all the shore excursions around the various ports of the Mediterranean, every destination fully explored and quite wonderfully described.
But there are a number of other stories that unfold in parallel. Perma-tanned and cocky comedian Dicky’s on board again, up to his usual tricks – but worried that he might not be such a regular fixture for much longer. Drag queen Melody’s rather stolen the spotlight – a character that was a real personal favourite – and they really don’t get on. And then there’s a bit of a mystery that unfolds, really worrying Peter who wanders the decks with his clipboard (yes, I think he was on my last cruise too!) – and he enlists Ruskin’s help to get to the bottom of it. And there are some rather interesting times ahead for Betty too – perhaps she’s not quite as attached to her wheelchair (or such a misery) as she makes out.
The characters are simply wonderful, and the whole book felt like spending time among friends – there’s lots of fun and laughter, but so many really touching moments too. And the Diamond Star’s itinerary couldn’t have been more perfect for me – I’ll be revisiting every port on my own cruise in a couple of month’s time, and it’s only made me even more excited about it. But thank you Caroline, I will learn from the pineapple experience – perhaps those tropical leggings I thought would be so ideal won’t be finding a place in my suitcase after all.
This really was the most perfect summer read – I raced through it, loved every single moment, and honestly couldn’t recommend it more highly. Bravo!
About the author
Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including The Cruise, the #1 best-seller that has captivated readers and cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, The Cruise Club, is set to make waves when it launches in 2025.
Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.
When she’s not writing in Venus, her holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.
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Oh Ann, you made me laugh out loud – pineapple leggings? Er… possibly not 🙂
As ever, a million, zillion thanks for your wonderful review and I beyond thrilled that you enjoyed The Cruise Club and thank you sincerely for the time you take to read and review. Hugely appreciated. Wishing yo and your followers many happy reading (and cruising) hours. With love, Caroline xx
I’ll be taking a closer look at some of my other tropical prints too! I really loved it Caroline – and such perfect timing ahead of my own adventure. Love, Anne xx
What a delightful review of “The Cruise Club”! It sounds like another fantastic read from Caroline James, full of humor, heart, and intriguing characters. I especially love how she continues to shine a light on later-life romance and second chances. This definitely sounds like the perfect summer escape!