I am happy to be taking part in the celebrations of the publication of Judy Leigh's Heading over the Hill, by Boldwood on December 3rd.
Growing old disgracefully and having a grand old time…
Billy and Dawnie may be in their seventies, but that won’t
stop them taking chances or starting again. Their grown-up children have
families and lives of their own, so now it’s Billy and Dawnie’s turn, and a
life near the sea in Devon beckons.
But the residents of Margot Street (or Maggot Street as
Dawnie insists on calling it), don’t quite know what to make of their new
neighbours. Billy’s loud, shiny and huge Harley Davidson looks out of place
next to the safe and sensible Honda Jazz next door, and Dawnie’s never-ending
range of outrageous wigs and colourful clothes, means she’s impossible to miss.
As new friendships are formed and new adventures are shared,
Billy and Dawnie start winning their neighbours’ affection. And when life
teaches them all a terrible lesson, the folks of Margot Street are determined
to live every day as if it’s their last.
Judy Leigh returns with a soul-warming, rib-tickling,
timeless tale of true love, true friendship and happy-ever-afters.
My Thoughts
Billy and Dawnie create an impression from the very beginning both on the reader and their new neighbours. They feel like a breath of fresh air arriving at the street and are so vividly described, that you can really picture them- especially Dawnie and her various outfits. Larger than life seems to sum them up. Judy Leigh has created a variety of characters who slowly begin to appreciate the benefits of friendship and affection.
As the story develops, you find out more about the inhabitants of Margot Street and about events which explain their behaviour and attitudes. Humour and pathos stand side by side. You really feel for Dawnie's feelings of loss at her grown-up children having flown the nest. Vinnie's yearning for love is touching. Malcolm breaks your heart a little. The story shows you the strength of the marriages. I loved the description of Dawnie as the solid leg on a mathematical compass, standing steadfast over the years. You learn not to go off appearances and to grasp the moment. Dawnie and Billy also come to appreciate the benefits of being accepted in a community. It is a joyous read, well up to Judy Leigh's high standard.
In short It is never too late!
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.
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