The Old Girls' Network by Judy Leigh #Review
I am delighted to be part of the celebrations by Boldwood Books for the publication of Judy Leigh's The Old Girls' Network on 16th June.
Is it ever too late to change…
After a health scare, 77 year-old spinster Barbara goes to
convalesce in the sleepy Somerset village of Winsleigh Green with her sister
Pauline, who is now a widow. The sisters are like chalk and cheese - Barbara,
outspoken and aloof and Pauline, good natured and homely – so it’s not long
before the tension starts to rise.
But when Pauline accidentally knocks down a vagrant who goes
by the name of Bisto Mulligan, the ladies find themselves with another
houseguest. As he recovers, it becomes apparent that Bisto is not who he first
seemed, and as the sisters get to know the kind and courageous man he really
is, it’s clear Bisto has the potential to change both of their lives.
As the spring turns to summer, and Winsleigh Green comes to
life, can the three friends make the changes they need to, to embrace fresh
starts, new loves, new lives and new horizons. Or do old habits die too hard?
Funny, joyful and with a spring in its step that reminds you
to live every day like it’s your last. Judy Leigh has once again written the
perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee MacDonald and Cathy
Hopkins.
My Thoughts
This is certainly a delightful book with some original characters who grow before your eyes. My favourite has to be the spiky Barbara, who starts off the book at her lowest and who slowly loses some of the protective shell she has armoured herself with. The relationship between the two sisters emerges and there are some poignant moments between them. Bisto, of course, seems to undergo the most change as you learn the truth about his life and he has quite a few surprises and hidden talents.
With a cast of quirky characters and some dry and witty lines, this is a book to cheer you up and can truly be described as heart-warming. The yoga session has to be one of the high spots for me! It is the sort of book which offers you both humour and pathos
and I would like to think that there could be return trips to visit Pauline, Barbara, Bisto et al.
In short: As Len would say: Laughter. Tears. Perfect.
About the Author
Judy Leigh
is the bestselling author of Five French Hens, A Grand Old Time and The Age of
Misadventure and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s
fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but
currently resides in Somerset.
You can follow Judy here: Twitter
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Judy Leigh, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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