I might be starting to wind down, but I really couldn’t resist fitting in another visit to the village of Willowbrook – and it’s a pleasure to share my review of the latest book from Celia Anderson, Life in the Old Girls Yet. Published on 12th January 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 to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
It’s rather a long time since I read my first book from Celia – that was 59 Memory Lane, way back in 2019 (you’ll find my full review here), and I can still remember how very much I enjoyed it. But I’ve entirely loved everything she’s written since she joined Boldwood and introduced us to the wonderful Saga Louts. Her first, Life Begins at 50!,was the loveliest story of fresh starts and second chances, both funny and touching, and with individuals I could really identify with (you can read my full review again here). A New Lease of Life (I read it when it was called Onwards and Upwards) might have been even better – that strong sense of community, every single character so beautifully drawn, lots of fun and laughter, and a gentle romance that I became entirely invested in (you can read my full review again here). And then there was Living the Good Life – a great story, with such well-judged emotional touches, and one of those books you set aside at the end with a wide smile on your face and a satisfied sigh (review here). I see this latest book might just be our last visit to Willowbrook – but I really hope it isn’t!
Vee is nervous about returning to the village of Willowbrook. Not only is Dragonfly Cottage – the house her late mum left her – in need of a total refurb, but the neighbours still remember Vee as a troublesome teen, even though she’s now in her fifties.
Luckily, Vee’s quickly swept up by the Saga Louts, three irrepressible women whose friendship, humour and zest for life prove impossible to resist. With Rick, the handsome local handyman who’s helping to renovate the cottage also at her side, Vee begins to feel like it’s never too late to start again.
When the group set off on a road trip to France, laughter, friendship and plenty of vin rouge are on the cards. But some surprising revelations are about to come out, too…
Can Vee finally come to terms with the past and seize her future with both hands?
An uplifting, warm and witty story of love and friendship for fans of Milly Johnson, Trisha Ashley and Maddie Please.
Vee left Willowbrook when she was fifteen, and when she returns in her fifties to move into her late mother’s home of Dragonfly Cottage she finds that people have long memories. She was a particularly difficult teen, but can remember little about the reasons her family left the village – and she does need to focus on making the cottage habitable again, a daunting task in itself. Thank goodness for Rick, the (distinctly gorgeous) local handyman who’s been a support to so many, who rents her a room in his house while they tackle the clean-up together.
And her transition to village life is made all the easier when she’s taken under the wing of the Saga Louts – the three older ladies who always live life to the full. But Beryl – who lives next door – still has a few reservations, remembering what Vee used to be like when she was at school with her son, and some of the questionable activities she was part of.
The Saga Louts love their holidays, and Beryl thinks a visit to Vee’s aunt, now living in France, might help clear up some of the issues that continue to worry her. So, they all agree on a road trip – Rick and Vee taking turns with the driving, the three older ladies in the back, together with their three male friends who are thrilled to be invited along. And the visit certainly does sort out a few of those buried secrets – but it’s an awful lot of fun too. The hotel they stay in has a particularly predatory and voluptuous owner (a character I so enjoyed!), with Rick very much in her sights – and, while wrestling with all the revelations from talking with her aunt, Vee begins to realise that he’s perhaps become rather more than just her friend and landlord.
While you might expect the book to focus on the antics of the older members of the group, there’s a lot more to the story – although there’s plenty of laughter, there’s a fair amount of emotional turmoil too as the secrets of the past slowly emerge. I thought the balance was simply perfect – the laugh-out loud moments, the times of introspection, a fair measure of sadness, and (of course) the sheer joy of spending time with some of my favourite older characters. And it’s quite a story, the more serious issues particularly sensitively handled – perfectly paced, beautifully written as always, and certainly full of surprises.
Don’t be put off reading this one as a standalone – you’ll soon feel you’ve known the Saga Louts forever, and the cameo appearances from other members of the Willowbrook community are a treat for those who’ve read other books in the series, but no obstacle to the enjoyment of a new reader. This was a book I so enjoyed – I really hope it’s not the last time I’ll enjoy the company of those wonderful ladies – and I’d wholeheartedly recommend you add it to your reading list.
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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Thank you so much! This has absolutely made my week!
My pleasure – this lovely read rather made my week too! xx