The Cruise: Escape the Christmas craziness and sail away for a holiday in the sun with this bestselling feel good, funny read!

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I happily enjoyed face masks, foot spa and sipped green tea whilst reading this book – whilst the four ladies entertained me and encountered so much more! I liked that the author gave each of these women her own story, though Jane’s arc was the most dramatic, and I appreciated that she was able to truly find herself on her voyage. I also liked the way the friendship between all three women was depicted. Too often women in novels are catty to each other. These women tease each other but are also supportive, which is how the best friendships should be.

The Cruise on Apple Books ‎The Cruise on Apple Books

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." The glossy brochure promised a serene experience of total tranquillity and rejuvenation, but what best friends Bridgette, Emily, Serena and Marjory get is a weekend that upends their lives! While I am not single (I’ve been married forever), I fit the over-fifty demographic, and I really appreciated this fun, feisty, sometimes flirtatious story. Fifty may not quite be the new thirty, but contemporary fifty- and sixty-year-olds are definitely healthier, more energetic, and ‘feel’ younger than they did when our grandparents were that age. It was so refreshing to read a story that really understands that, that I was hooked just from the concept. What follows is a lovely story of making new friends, being your true self for the first time in your life and letting go of all your insecurities and loving life.When I read the blurb about 3 women in their 60s setting off on a cruise, I knew I had to read this book, especially as I’m almost there myself. The Cruise is the first book I have read by Caroline James and I can definitely say it won’t be my last. Oh my word …I couldn’t put this down it was so good, following the adventures of Anne, Kath and Jane was brilliant and happy endings throughout’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Cruise - One More Chapter The Cruise - One More Chapter

More than that, though, I loved the premise. Cruise ships are the perfect microcosms of society, and time aboard one is like living in a heightened reality for a week or two. (Having come off a cruise in March, I’m still wistful for morning coffee on my balcony and free mimosas at brunch.) That’s where everything starts – and suffice to say that by the end of their glorious weekend they’ve all been very much transformed by their various adventures and experiences. I’m guessing we’ve all read the books about a group of twenty-something friends taking a break and finding it life-changing – it’s so much more fun with these rather more mature ladies, who throw themselves into their stay with total abandon and a loud whoop of sheer joy. They decided before arriving that they’d each do their own thing, meeting to catch up now and again – and by the time they all come together at Bridgette’s spectacular last night party, they’ve all changed beyond recognition, and only for the better in so many ways.But overall, this was a fun comedy with each of the girls going on a journey of self-discovery, showing us that happiness really has nothing to do with age. Margory has grown tired of her unfulfilling marriage and h This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline. A laugh out loud, naughty, enlightening heart-warming story about friendship and discovery' Yours Magazine I couldn't get enough of Bridgette, Emily, Serena and Marjory who all have epiphanies of their own during the course of the book, while staying at Sparadise.

Caroline James Author | Caroline James Author

A laugh out loud, naughty, enlightening heart-warming story about friendship and discovery’ Yours Magazine A laugh from start to finish this book shows you that although you grow older in years, you don't have to grow older in attitude” - Lilac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One complaint I had while reading is that while I understand Marjory is heavier than the other women, I don’t think every description of her needed to remind the reader of that. A few examples -> “Plopped Her plump bottom” “her ample bottom wriggled” “she patted her ample bottom” It was too repetitive for me. Oh my word ...I couldn't put this down it was so good, following the adventures of Anne, Kath and Jane was brilliant and happy endings throughout'????? Marjory has an empty nest and very little in common with her husband. Sex is a thing of the past and she feels trapped in her marriage.I had a bit of a confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have a few of Caroline’s books on my ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one yet. What a mistake to make as the saying goes. ‘The Spa Break’ is being marketed as being perfect reading for fans of Judy Leigh and Maddie Please. I am a huge fan of both authors and so I knew that I was going to enjoy ‘The Spa Break’. I was spot on too because I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Spa Break’ but more about that in a bit. The ending held many surprises. It’s a happily ever after story which is to be expected but that didn’t mean that the end is predictable. There were so many fun surprises and I loved each one. These ladies are anything but predictable and that is a large part of what makes the story so fun to read. I recently had the pleasure of reading “The Cruise” by Caroline James, and I must say that it was a lovely read. This novel tells the story of three extraordinary women, all of whom are in their 60s and refuse to let age hinder their zest for life. The book is a perfect fit for this blog, The Grey Brunette, as it shows us that age is just a number, and it is never too late to pursue your dreams and enjoy life to the fullest! You know those books that as soon as you start reading you instantly know that this is going to be a firm favourite?

The Cruise – HarperCollins The Cruise – HarperCollins

I loved the warmth and humour between the friends. The book was so good and I loved there were no cliques and predictable plot turns.’ Dawn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There’s a relatively simple plot set over a long weekend that is all the more realistic because all the action takes place in the hotel and its grounds, making the reader believe any of the events could, genuinely, have happened. I loved the concept that, whist supporting one another and celebrating Brigitte’s seventieth birthday, each of the ladies is able to be an individual, find what works for her and doesn’t need to be just another adjunct to the group. All the minor characters are equally memorable too so that The Spa Break feels natural and engaging. Despite being set at Christmas, this novel is the perfect beach read. (After all, it’s always summer in the Caribbean!) It’s substantive enough to be satisfying, and light enough to zip through in a weekend. Great read! This is one of those books – it will make you laugh and leave you feeling warm and very content. It’s like sunshine on a grey day, that feeling of sudden happiness. Genres covered in this novel include Cruises, Romantic Comedy, Food & Travel Writing, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Aging Parents & Eldercare, Women's Friendship Fiction, Senior Travel, Women's Literary Fiction, Aging, Women's Contemporary Fiction, Love & Relationships, Women's Romance Fiction, Contemporary Lifestyle Fiction, Romance Novel, Travel Guides: Cruises, Contemporary Fiction, Romance Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Literary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.The next best thing to a pampering weekend with your best friends, Caroline James’ The Spa Break should be on every woman’s must-buy list this summer! A really fun read, I enjoyed reading about this fun group of friends! Some of the things that occurred in this book were very concerning/unrealistic to me, but overall, I loved reading about these ladies re-discovering their passions and inner-selves. Caroline is a natural story-teller with a gift for humour in her writing." The Write Stuff, London Book Fair. Linda Hill, Book Reviewer for MY WEEKLY magazine says, "Just what the worlds needs, The Spa Break!" Praise for Caroline James: ‘Fabulous to read…It’s about a girls’ weekend with characters in their 60s and determined to have a good time ’ Woman & Home