The Travel Bug

by Sheila Norton

Move over Thelma and Louise! Travelling is one thing Maddy Goodchild has never really considered doing. She's done lots of things - most of them badly - including getting married much too young and getting divorced soon afterwards. The only thing Maddy's ever done right is raising her teenage daughter. But now she's taken off to travel the world, Maddy can't help feeling a little bit jealous. A surprise win on the lottery gives Maddy and her best-friend a glimmer of an idea. They could do the sensible thing and spend the money on paying off the mortgage and new carpets. Or they could live a little. After all the world is their oyster and who knows what - or whom - might be waiting for them over the next horizon?

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Winner of the RoNAs 'Christmas and Winter Seasonal Award' novel, 2022, with 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'.

I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.

My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.

I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.

I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and Bad and ugly!

2 good friends and their daughters also good friends. A story of ups and downs and how people CAN change and yet still be friends
I did find it got a bit long but there was always something new and different yet to happen.
Recommend

[Carla Baechtle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very well written and pretty predictable. Got it from the English section at the library here--it's so small I kind of have a weird goal of reading all the books there. Most are total fluff, just good for a beach read or a break for your mind. This one was just not that great!

[Julie Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style of the book. fast paced and gossipy. the characters are somewhat flawed but then in real life people are and that's what makes it more appealing. made me want to travel! well that and win money on the lottery.

[Deborah Fulk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light "holiday" read. Kept me occupied on plane.

[Hasinah Ozair · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspires me to go traveling without fear!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storyline and great characterisation.