It’s such a pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Caroline James, The Arctic Cruise, and sharing my review: published on 15th January 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).
Caroline has long been one of my favourite authors, her well drawn older characters always so easy to identify with – I always love her storytelling, with lots of laughter but plenty of emotional moments too. If you pop her name into my search bar you’ll find my many reviews of her earlier books – and her writing has got better and better. But I’ve especially loved the books in her cruise series – all standalone reads – and I know I’ve mentioned before that my newfound passion for cruising was largely inspired by how much I enjoyed my time I spent in the Caribbean with those wonderful ladies on board the Diamond Star in The Cruise (you’ll find my review here, and it was one of my 2023 Books of the Year). And I was thrilled to find myself on board again with The Cruise Club – the most perfect summer read (you can read my full review here), and a Mediterranean itinerary it was a delight to experience myself only a few months later (but without either the pineapples or moments of drama!).
I couldn’t have been more delighted when I saw where her latest book was taking us – I’m off to the Norwegian fjords in just a few months, albeit without the snow, but I’ve also booked an Arctic cruise (going a little further North, to experience the midnight sun in Svalbard) in 2027. And I really loved it when I saw that this one was set at Christmas – I’ll be cruising (to the Caribbean) for the festive season this year, so I was rather looking forward to finding out what the celebrations would be like on board…
Let’s take a closer look…
Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?
Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…
Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?
As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?
A heartwarming, feel-good voyage of self-discovery, romance and second chances, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.
If you’ve never been on a cruise, this wonderful book will give you a very real taste of what the experience might be like. As I’ve recently returned from one, I really felt like I was back on board again as I accompanied Joy on her first solo cruise experience. Sharing her fears at the hotel before embarkation, I can remember my first time and feeling exactly the same – and it’s even more daunting for Joy as it was a cruise she’d been expecting to take with her husband to celebrate their anniversary. She’s always been someone who’s rather faded into the background – and she does have secrets that she’d rather not share – but it was a sheer joy to see her blossoming as she began to enjoy her trip and every new experience.
And her transformation has a lot to do with her fellow passengers. Despite her own problems, the wonderfully flamboyant (and very kind) Leticia takes her under her wing – and she certainly knows how to enjoy herself. And then there’s Henry, a lovely man and another solo traveller, with whom there’s a bit of a spark – but he does keep mentioning Audrey left at home, so perhaps he’s not quite as unattached as he might be. And, of course, you can’t choose all your dinner companions when you’re on a table for six – but they were particularly unlucky with Kenneth and Barbara, a couple of rather obnoxious social climbers who make their mealtimes (and some of their shore trips) considerably less comfortable. But the other thing that brings Joy down at times is the regular telephone contact with her daughter – having encouraged her to go and enjoy herself, she’s coldly disapproving of everything she does.
Life on board is so perfectly captured – ok, so some elements may be a teeny bit exaggerated, but that just made sharing it all that much more enjoyable (and often extremely funny). There are so many great characters – both crew and passengers – and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent in their company. And I do think every cruise ship might just have its Lady Eleanor, living on board in the owners’ suite – Barbara, of course, would be willing to do just about anything to be invited to one of her soirees. As for the shore trips – every single one was so wonderfully described, while always moving the story on and further developing the relationships between the characters.
The whole story certainly has its emotional moments, some of them unexpected, but the balance is absolutely right – there were certainly plenty of tears of laughter too. And those relationships between the older characters were so very well handled – the married couples behind their closed cabin doors, the many new friendships, and the tentative romance I so hoped would find a way. And, of course, the book was a particularly special treat for someone like me, of similar age to the main characters and having recently discovered the joy of cruising for myself. Just wonderful… a total delight from beginning to end.
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, her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel The Cruise Club, and now The Arctic Cruise.
Her best-selling novel Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is described as “A heartwarming and uplifting read where the characters shine from the page.”
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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Anne, I am as ever, blown away by your wonderful review and I am beyond happy that you enjoyed The Arctic Cruise. Thank you for your time, your generosity and the detail that you give to all your reviews which is so helpful for both readers and writers. Your cruising experiences have been wonderful for me to follow on social media and I wish you many more fabulous holidays and reading hours. With my thanks and love, Caroline xx
Oh Caroline, this book was simply wonderful – much as I do my cruises, I loved every moment, and the review was a pleasure as always xx