What do you think?
Rate this book
Gin Shack on the Beach #2
Christmas at the Gin Shack
Welcome in the festive season with love, laughter and the perfect G&T in Christmas at the Gin Shack – the most uplifting holiday read of 2017!
Gingle bells, gingle bells, gingle all the way…
Olive Turner might have lived through eighty-four Christmases, but she’ll never get bored of her favourite time of year. And this one’s set to be extra-special. It’s the Gin Shack’s first Christmas – and there’s a gin-themed weekend and a cocktail competition on the cards!
But, beneath the dazzle of fairy lights and the delicious scent of mince-pies, Olive smells a rat. From trespassers in her beloved beach hut to a very unfunny joke played on her friends, it seems that someone is missing a dose of good cheer.
Olive knows she’s getting on a bit – but is she really imagining that someone in the little seaside town is out to steal Christmas? More importantly, can she create the perfect gin cocktail before Christmas Eve – in time to save the day?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2017
54 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 15, 2017
5☆ I adored and devoured this book!
Christmas at the Gin Shack is the second book in the series. Although this could easily be read as a standalone.
I do think it's best to read the first book The Gin Shack on the Beach to get a real understanding of the back story and Characters.
I absolutely adored this book.
It was so good to be back with Olive, the gang and the Gin Shack.
It was like I never left.
All the fabulous Characters were there, The Oakley West Trio - Olive, Randy and Veronica, Richard (Olive's Son), Tony, Esme and their sons and Skylar and Lucas.
Olive, Randy and Veronica all live together in Oakley West retirement home. They are the golden oldies... who are incredibly young and full of life- I adored these 3 so much, so inspirational.
Oh and Randy and Veronica are now a couple... which proves you are never too old to find love! Beautiful!!
I want to mention how fantastic Catherine is at creating memorable characters that can have you laughing out loud one minute to melting your heart the next.
It's such a refreshing change to have the main characters as the older generation, but yet still so full of life, fun and plenty of mischief!!
They certainly gave the younger characters a run for their money!!
Love, love, love Olive, Randy and Veronica!
So back to the Story.....
Poor Olive turns up at the Gin Shack to find it has been Sabotaged, the Gin Shack sign has been turned into 'The Gin's Shite' followed by rotund pink decoupage bum with brown streamers flowing out of it.
Someone is out to Sabotage The Gin Shack!
But Why!!
With Mysterious things happening all around Olive, she is starting to worry she is having memory problems.
Or is there something else going on!!
Who is breaking into Olive's Beach Hut or is it just Olive's imagination?!
Who is the mysterious prankster and why are they sabotaging everything that Olive loves!
So when Olive and Tony decide to enter the Gin Shack into the local papers Competition a Christmas Cocktail.
They decide that they will each make a Gin Inspired Christmas Cocktail and let the Customers decide which one to enter.
When Tony is taken seriously ill, Olive steps in to help Tony keep the Gin Shack going.
But with things going wrong and a potential threat to their business....can Olive and her friends save the Gin Shack and win the Competition?
Can they discover the mystery of the prankster, and who is breaking into Olives Beach Hut!
I guess you are going to have to read it to find out! You won't be disappointed!
Oh and did i mention.... Olive is my hero!!!..... She is now rocking it on her brand new Segway!!.....What a legend!!!
Forget mobility scooters, Olive has got a Segway!!!
Christmas at the Gin Shack, literally has something for everyone, Delicious Gin Inspired Cocktails, Love, Friendship, Family, Relationships, Rilvary, Mystery, Christmas, Action, Adventure, Laugh out Loud Moments, Crazy Antics, Loveable Characters, Warm and Cosy easy to read
Although this is a Christmas book and I adored all the Scrummy Gin Cocktails, this can be read at any time of the year. There was so much going on, Christmas wasn't the main focus. Yes there is lots of yummy alcohol but there is so many other little twists waiting to be discovered.
Enjoy!
Would I recommend this book ........
Without a doubt....... 100%.......... YES!!!!
I really hope this isn't the last visit to The Gin Shack! I can't wait to read more by Catherine.
Highly recommend to readers who love Chick Lit, Contemporary Comedy, Gin, Mystery, Christmas Reads, Drama, Romance, Family and Friendship!
This book really will leave you Gingling all through the pages!
I received this book from the Publisher for free via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed for the Blog Tour.
You can also find my review on my blog website:
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...
Christmas at the Gin Shack is the second book in the series. Although this could easily be read as a standalone.
I do think it's best to read the first book The Gin Shack on the Beach to get a real understanding of the back story and Characters.
I absolutely adored this book.
It was so good to be back with Olive, the gang and the Gin Shack.
It was like I never left.
All the fabulous Characters were there, The Oakley West Trio - Olive, Randy and Veronica, Richard (Olive's Son), Tony, Esme and their sons and Skylar and Lucas.
Olive, Randy and Veronica all live together in Oakley West retirement home. They are the golden oldies... who are incredibly young and full of life- I adored these 3 so much, so inspirational.
Oh and Randy and Veronica are now a couple... which proves you are never too old to find love! Beautiful!!
I want to mention how fantastic Catherine is at creating memorable characters that can have you laughing out loud one minute to melting your heart the next.
It's such a refreshing change to have the main characters as the older generation, but yet still so full of life, fun and plenty of mischief!!
They certainly gave the younger characters a run for their money!!
Love, love, love Olive, Randy and Veronica!
So back to the Story.....
Poor Olive turns up at the Gin Shack to find it has been Sabotaged, the Gin Shack sign has been turned into 'The Gin's Shite' followed by rotund pink decoupage bum with brown streamers flowing out of it.
Someone is out to Sabotage The Gin Shack!
But Why!!
With Mysterious things happening all around Olive, she is starting to worry she is having memory problems.
Or is there something else going on!!
Who is breaking into Olive's Beach Hut or is it just Olive's imagination?!
Who is the mysterious prankster and why are they sabotaging everything that Olive loves!
So when Olive and Tony decide to enter the Gin Shack into the local papers Competition a Christmas Cocktail.
They decide that they will each make a Gin Inspired Christmas Cocktail and let the Customers decide which one to enter.
When Tony is taken seriously ill, Olive steps in to help Tony keep the Gin Shack going.
But with things going wrong and a potential threat to their business....can Olive and her friends save the Gin Shack and win the Competition?
Can they discover the mystery of the prankster, and who is breaking into Olives Beach Hut!
I guess you are going to have to read it to find out! You won't be disappointed!
Oh and did i mention.... Olive is my hero!!!..... She is now rocking it on her brand new Segway!!.....What a legend!!!
Forget mobility scooters, Olive has got a Segway!!!
Christmas at the Gin Shack, literally has something for everyone, Delicious Gin Inspired Cocktails, Love, Friendship, Family, Relationships, Rilvary, Mystery, Christmas, Action, Adventure, Laugh out Loud Moments, Crazy Antics, Loveable Characters, Warm and Cosy easy to read
Although this is a Christmas book and I adored all the Scrummy Gin Cocktails, this can be read at any time of the year. There was so much going on, Christmas wasn't the main focus. Yes there is lots of yummy alcohol but there is so many other little twists waiting to be discovered.
Enjoy!
Would I recommend this book ........
Without a doubt....... 100%.......... YES!!!!
I really hope this isn't the last visit to The Gin Shack! I can't wait to read more by Catherine.
Highly recommend to readers who love Chick Lit, Contemporary Comedy, Gin, Mystery, Christmas Reads, Drama, Romance, Family and Friendship!
This book really will leave you Gingling all through the pages!
I received this book from the Publisher for free via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed for the Blog Tour.
You can also find my review on my blog website:
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...
October 23, 2017
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
When I first started reading ‘Christmas at the Gin Shack’, I never realised that it was the second book in a series. Though I agree that it can be read as a standalone, I believe, to have a better understanding of the characters, and how the Gin Shack came to be, book one really needs to be read first.
With the launch of a competition to find the ‘Best Christmas Cocktail’, Olive sets out to win. She has a lot of determination and knows a thing or two about gin, but when things start going wrong Olive isn’t sure whether she is being sabotaged, or is just losing her mind in her old age.
I enjoyed getting to know 84 year old Olive Turner and her friends Veronica and Randy – the Oakley Trio, (they all live at Oakley West Retirement Home), plus Olive’s son Richard too.
The book is filled to the brim with amusing scenes, mysterious goings on, and a few red herrings to throw you off the trail too. The was a lot of depth to the plot, which is beautifully realistic too, plus very addictive. You can almost smell and taste the cocktails, though I’m glad it was almost as I detest gin :-)
It was lovely to read a story where the cast are not young twenty-somethings finding their place in the world. Olive is a woman who knows her place already, she is fun and energetic for an octogenarian and doesn’t let anybody stand in her way (though her own body might!). If this story is anything to go by, there should be more books with older characters.
‘Christmas at the Gin Shack’, is the perfect festive book, and if you like gin too then you’re on to a winner.
When I first started reading ‘Christmas at the Gin Shack’, I never realised that it was the second book in a series. Though I agree that it can be read as a standalone, I believe, to have a better understanding of the characters, and how the Gin Shack came to be, book one really needs to be read first.
With the launch of a competition to find the ‘Best Christmas Cocktail’, Olive sets out to win. She has a lot of determination and knows a thing or two about gin, but when things start going wrong Olive isn’t sure whether she is being sabotaged, or is just losing her mind in her old age.
I enjoyed getting to know 84 year old Olive Turner and her friends Veronica and Randy – the Oakley Trio, (they all live at Oakley West Retirement Home), plus Olive’s son Richard too.
The book is filled to the brim with amusing scenes, mysterious goings on, and a few red herrings to throw you off the trail too. The was a lot of depth to the plot, which is beautifully realistic too, plus very addictive. You can almost smell and taste the cocktails, though I’m glad it was almost as I detest gin :-)
It was lovely to read a story where the cast are not young twenty-somethings finding their place in the world. Olive is a woman who knows her place already, she is fun and energetic for an octogenarian and doesn’t let anybody stand in her way (though her own body might!). If this story is anything to go by, there should be more books with older characters.
‘Christmas at the Gin Shack’, is the perfect festive book, and if you like gin too then you’re on to a winner.
October 23, 2017
CHRISTMAS AT THE GIN SHACK WRITTEN BY CATHERINE MILLER
When I requested this gem of a book, I was unaware that it was a sequel. After learning all of the different character's, I realized that this novel can be read as a standalone and be thoroughly enjoyed. I will admit with the vast array of lovable characters to learn I needed to get well to the 50 percent point to get a good grasp of this tight knit beach community. The central character is Olive, an 84 year old spritely, feisty, much beloved character and I hope I am as creative and energetic as Olive is if I make it to her age. Olive gets around driving a segway. She goes skinny dipping in the sea with one of the trio Veronica, from Oakley West retirement homes.
Olive has a son named Richard who finds romance with Skylar, who Olive very much thinks of as a daughter. The Gin Shack is located on the beach and for Christmas Olive is launching a competition for the tastiest, best decorated Gin drink. I wasn't aware there were so many different ways to drink Gin, because I myself have never liked it. Some of the concoctions described in the novel are quite delicious by their descriptions.
If you like reading about a wide range age group of lovable character's then you will love this book. There is really a lot more going on with the plot because it doesn't just center on Christmas. There is much to appreciate such as family, friendship, mystery, community all taking place in a warm, beach themed town where their are a few pranksters. This is a feel good, warm. cozy narrative with Olive as such an inspiration. I am anxious to read the prequel and hope that the author continues writing a third book picking up from where this book leaves off. I felt like this was more of a beach themed book than a book about Christmas. I promise you that Olive will capture your heart and become one of your favorite protagonist to add to your bounty of well developed character's that you hold dear to your heart. Highly Recommended!
Thank you to Net Galley, Catherine Miller and HQ for providing me with my digital copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
When I requested this gem of a book, I was unaware that it was a sequel. After learning all of the different character's, I realized that this novel can be read as a standalone and be thoroughly enjoyed. I will admit with the vast array of lovable characters to learn I needed to get well to the 50 percent point to get a good grasp of this tight knit beach community. The central character is Olive, an 84 year old spritely, feisty, much beloved character and I hope I am as creative and energetic as Olive is if I make it to her age. Olive gets around driving a segway. She goes skinny dipping in the sea with one of the trio Veronica, from Oakley West retirement homes.
Olive has a son named Richard who finds romance with Skylar, who Olive very much thinks of as a daughter. The Gin Shack is located on the beach and for Christmas Olive is launching a competition for the tastiest, best decorated Gin drink. I wasn't aware there were so many different ways to drink Gin, because I myself have never liked it. Some of the concoctions described in the novel are quite delicious by their descriptions.
If you like reading about a wide range age group of lovable character's then you will love this book. There is really a lot more going on with the plot because it doesn't just center on Christmas. There is much to appreciate such as family, friendship, mystery, community all taking place in a warm, beach themed town where their are a few pranksters. This is a feel good, warm. cozy narrative with Olive as such an inspiration. I am anxious to read the prequel and hope that the author continues writing a third book picking up from where this book leaves off. I felt like this was more of a beach themed book than a book about Christmas. I promise you that Olive will capture your heart and become one of your favorite protagonist to add to your bounty of well developed character's that you hold dear to your heart. Highly Recommended!
Thank you to Net Galley, Catherine Miller and HQ for providing me with my digital copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
October 1, 2017
If you are looking for a Christmas book with Gin, Cocktails, Christmas spirit, laugh out loud moments, octogenarian antics, and a loveable cast of characters, then look no further than Christmas at the Gin Shack.
Despite not being a Gin drinker, I could taste the variou Christmas Gin based cocktails the gang were coming up with in an effort to win a cocktail competition. I really wanted to try the chocolate orange one, and some of the decorative touches on the others were fantastic.
This is an excellent sequel and it didn't even feel like I had been away from the Gin Shack. Within pages of starting this book it was like I was back with old friends and family and there were enough subtle hints at the story from the first book that I believe it would work as a standalone too.
Olive is 84 years young, and shows no signs of slowing down, in fact she goes to every effort to make sure she speeds right up. There is after all The Gin Shack to help run, her beach hut, a potential new nemesis for the Gin Shack, still the fame of being part of the Oakley West Trio, and that before she comes up with all manner of ways to make the most of Christmas to their advantage.
Richard who I struggled to like in the first book, has turned the corner and is a much nicer man nowadays, and spends a lot more time at the beach with his mum, and he has great ideas for the future. It is in part due to these ideas that I'm hoping there will be a third book in this series, as I need more from all of these characters.
It's a warm hearted, uplifting, enjoyably entertaining story that was a joy to read. It spread festive cheer as well as plenty of action, good times, rivalries, one nasty man, and a surprising change of heart for one character. I absolutely love spending time at The Gin Shack, which due to the age of the main character is such a refreshing change from most of the other books I read.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 5, 2017
If you have run out of gin, now is the time to stock up in time for Christmas. Nothing better than settling down to a great read and a great tipple.
But have you ever thought of having a festive G&T ?
Olive has.
Still residing at Oakley West retirement home but living life to the full, she is still very much part of the Gin Shack which was created out of her own simple idea and is featured in the first novel, The Gin Shack on the Beach.
Creating a Gin themed weekend and a G&T competition is enough to keep Olive, her son Richard, the managers, Tony and Esme as well as Randy and Veronica, Skylar and Lucas and many more familiar faces.
However, everything seems to be going against them. Tony is taken ill suddenly, and a rival bar sets up business. Their promoting skills seem to be directed at bringing the Gin Shack's name to shame and affecting their business.
Add to this, returning fathers, disappearing children, grottos, food, mince pies and of course plenty of gin.
This really is a joyful novel to read. It is full of warmth and humour. Family relationships are strengthened and it has such a wonderful sense of community that it is a shame that life perhaps is not quite like that. What I also love is the cross-section of ages, covered with the characters this is not simply a book about a group of people all of a certain age. This is a book which shows you age is no barrier to friendship and bringing everyone together is so beneficial; everyone has a part to play and experience to bring.
It is a Christmas book and you can read it without having read the first and still enjoy it. But frankly why would you want to do that when you can read the first and completely immerse yourself in gin. I need to try a Christmas gin.
I think the storyline in this book and the characters, show there is scope for a third book, well I hope so!
But have you ever thought of having a festive G&T ?
Olive has.
Still residing at Oakley West retirement home but living life to the full, she is still very much part of the Gin Shack which was created out of her own simple idea and is featured in the first novel, The Gin Shack on the Beach.
Creating a Gin themed weekend and a G&T competition is enough to keep Olive, her son Richard, the managers, Tony and Esme as well as Randy and Veronica, Skylar and Lucas and many more familiar faces.
However, everything seems to be going against them. Tony is taken ill suddenly, and a rival bar sets up business. Their promoting skills seem to be directed at bringing the Gin Shack's name to shame and affecting their business.
Add to this, returning fathers, disappearing children, grottos, food, mince pies and of course plenty of gin.
This really is a joyful novel to read. It is full of warmth and humour. Family relationships are strengthened and it has such a wonderful sense of community that it is a shame that life perhaps is not quite like that. What I also love is the cross-section of ages, covered with the characters this is not simply a book about a group of people all of a certain age. This is a book which shows you age is no barrier to friendship and bringing everyone together is so beneficial; everyone has a part to play and experience to bring.
It is a Christmas book and you can read it without having read the first and still enjoy it. But frankly why would you want to do that when you can read the first and completely immerse yourself in gin. I need to try a Christmas gin.
I think the storyline in this book and the characters, show there is scope for a third book, well I hope so!
October 6, 2017
Trying a new cocktail is an adventure one never grows out of. Olive Turner loves her Gin and makes it her mission to come up with unique Gin concoctions especially for the holiday season. Members of the Gin Shack Club meeting set out to compete in a local Cocktail Competition. Olive is a resident of a retirement home but still holds onto her Beach hut. Joy in her retreat hut is marred by an intruder. A new bar business comes to town with an unexpected owner. Antics ensue but just did not hold my interest. "A copy of this book was provided by HQ Digital via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and comments are my honest opinion."
November 23, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers, HQ Digital, for this review copy which was given in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Gin Shack series. It does make sense to have read Book one in the series first before reading this one. I haven’t read the first book yet, and have to admit I did find it confusing without knowing the previous story!
This book takes us back to meet 84 year old Olive Turner, beach hut owner and Gin Shack patron. It’s Olive’s favourite time of year – Christmas! It’s also the Gin Shack’s first Christmas, and they will be taking part in a gin themed weekend and a cocktail competition. All of the people who work or have anything to with the Gin Shack are designing a gin based cocktail, including Olive with her mince pie inspired cocktail! But, things are not to remain all fun and games for long with a new wine bar opening proclaiming to be the best bar in the town!
This was my first Gin Shack book. I loved the idea of this book! I mean, what’s not to like – it has the beach and it has gin….I’m there! I did struggle with the back story of the characters, having not read the first book, The Gin Shack on the Beach. It didn’t really give a quick recap on the story, so I was left wondering who people were and what had happened before. The setting was great, the beach and the beach huts sounded fabulous – what I’d give for a beach hut in the summer months! The drinks sounded amazing! I’m not really a big drinker, but I can be persuaded for a small tipple of gin (or anything else!). Some of the gin cocktails that were being designed sounded yummy and it definitely tickled my taste buds!
I enjoyed the story and in parts it was really funny. I did lose interest at a couple of places throughout the book, but then it picked up again just as quick. The Segway part was particularly humorous! There was an awful lot going on in the story though, and I did get a bit confused at times. On the plus side, as I’ve said above, the setting and the gin were fantastic, and I really liked the characters. I hope I’m just like Olive when I’m her age! I will definitely go back and read the first book as this is what I probably need to enjoy this one to it’s full potential!
Four stars from me, and I would definitely recommend this one, if not just for the gin!
This is the second book in the Gin Shack series. It does make sense to have read Book one in the series first before reading this one. I haven’t read the first book yet, and have to admit I did find it confusing without knowing the previous story!
This book takes us back to meet 84 year old Olive Turner, beach hut owner and Gin Shack patron. It’s Olive’s favourite time of year – Christmas! It’s also the Gin Shack’s first Christmas, and they will be taking part in a gin themed weekend and a cocktail competition. All of the people who work or have anything to with the Gin Shack are designing a gin based cocktail, including Olive with her mince pie inspired cocktail! But, things are not to remain all fun and games for long with a new wine bar opening proclaiming to be the best bar in the town!
This was my first Gin Shack book. I loved the idea of this book! I mean, what’s not to like – it has the beach and it has gin….I’m there! I did struggle with the back story of the characters, having not read the first book, The Gin Shack on the Beach. It didn’t really give a quick recap on the story, so I was left wondering who people were and what had happened before. The setting was great, the beach and the beach huts sounded fabulous – what I’d give for a beach hut in the summer months! The drinks sounded amazing! I’m not really a big drinker, but I can be persuaded for a small tipple of gin (or anything else!). Some of the gin cocktails that were being designed sounded yummy and it definitely tickled my taste buds!
I enjoyed the story and in parts it was really funny. I did lose interest at a couple of places throughout the book, but then it picked up again just as quick. The Segway part was particularly humorous! There was an awful lot going on in the story though, and I did get a bit confused at times. On the plus side, as I’ve said above, the setting and the gin were fantastic, and I really liked the characters. I hope I’m just like Olive when I’m her age! I will definitely go back and read the first book as this is what I probably need to enjoy this one to it’s full potential!
Four stars from me, and I would definitely recommend this one, if not just for the gin!
October 12, 2017
When I first heard about fellow HQ author Catherine Miller's Gin Shack book, I loved the idea. I think that books featuring characters of the more mature age are sadly lacking or a bit stereotypical, but octogenarian Olive is none of those things! Now she is back and it's Christmas time. Olive has plenty to keep her occupied with unseen forces at work, and worrying about her loved ones. I adored Olive, and this book is a beautiful mix of fun, frolics and the worries and perils of growing old and caring about people. The mother son relationship was very engaging, and Olive is one of the best characters I have read in a long time. Would love to see a third book in this series! Every G & T needs an Olive :-)
Catherine has a beautiful Christmas tale here and the sense of community, family and living life to the full. I would highly recommend both books in the series - they do follow on from each other but each can be read as a standalone too. Now excuse me, I have a sudden craving for a mince pie gin cocktail....
Catherine has a beautiful Christmas tale here and the sense of community, family and living life to the full. I would highly recommend both books in the series - they do follow on from each other but each can be read as a standalone too. Now excuse me, I have a sudden craving for a mince pie gin cocktail....
October 17, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
Awww I loved this book!! I thought that the storyline was great and I loved how the book flowed so well. The characters were brilliant and I thought that their interaction was great, the pace was spot on and I loved every page whilst I was reading it - it genuinely is a treat and it really did leave me feeling all warm and cosy - absolutely perfect for a cosy night in - 5 stars from me!!
Awww I loved this book!! I thought that the storyline was great and I loved how the book flowed so well. The characters were brilliant and I thought that their interaction was great, the pace was spot on and I loved every page whilst I was reading it - it genuinely is a treat and it really did leave me feeling all warm and cosy - absolutely perfect for a cosy night in - 5 stars from me!!
October 12, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the chance to review the book, and to Rachel's Random Resources for signing me up to the tour.
Oh Olive, Olive, Olive. Please don't ever get old. I love the way you laugh in the face of adversity - and mobility scooters!
Yes, our intrepid octogenarian is back with a vengeance - and more fabulous gin recipes! This time she's getting ready for Christmas at the Gin Shack, including gin-themed weekends and a gin competition. But again there are obstacles; from the phantom bottom craft-itist (yes, you read that right), adversaries old and new, and old age itself.
It's heartwarming to see how the community of Westbrook Bay rallies around when there are problems. Also it is great to see how some characters from the first book have grown, proving that sometimes leopards can change their spots... or can they?
There are some wonderful laugh-out-loud moments, and Olive's unexpectedly colourful language makes me chuckle, but there are also some more serious moments, too. And nothing is more serious than gin!
This works well as a standalone novel if you haven't read the first one, but why wouldn't you want to read it? It's shaping up to be a great series, and I sincerely hope we haven't seen the last of Olive.
Oh Olive, Olive, Olive. Please don't ever get old. I love the way you laugh in the face of adversity - and mobility scooters!
Yes, our intrepid octogenarian is back with a vengeance - and more fabulous gin recipes! This time she's getting ready for Christmas at the Gin Shack, including gin-themed weekends and a gin competition. But again there are obstacles; from the phantom bottom craft-itist (yes, you read that right), adversaries old and new, and old age itself.
It's heartwarming to see how the community of Westbrook Bay rallies around when there are problems. Also it is great to see how some characters from the first book have grown, proving that sometimes leopards can change their spots... or can they?
There are some wonderful laugh-out-loud moments, and Olive's unexpectedly colourful language makes me chuckle, but there are also some more serious moments, too. And nothing is more serious than gin!
This works well as a standalone novel if you haven't read the first one, but why wouldn't you want to read it? It's shaping up to be a great series, and I sincerely hope we haven't seen the last of Olive.
October 18, 2017
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5 stars out of 5
I wasn't aware at the time of requesting this book, but it's a sequel to The Gin Shack on the Beach, which I have not read. And I think my experience suffered because of this.
After reading a couple of chapters I figured out something must have come before, so ended up googling and getting a brief rundown of the first book. Because we dived right into Olive's life, without any recap at all, I had no idea who was who, who I was meant to like or who was relevant to the plot. There were so many side-plots and so many characters I really strugged to connect with anyone, and therefore didn't really care about the distracting drama.
This would have been a cute, Christmassy read; but there was apparently evil forces at work, trying to take down the Gin Shack. A health scare for another character. A blossoming romance between another pair. A family drama. And uncertainty about a couple of characters motives.
It was just too much! The first 40% of the book I was mostly bored as it was all plodding along, then the next 20% was pretty good, and then everything just became so dramatic and a bit silly.
There were some humerous moments scattered throughout, Olive's idea of a mobility scooter really made me laugh. But it just wasn't enough to keep me interested for the whole novel.
If this had just focused on Christmas at the Gin Shack, with the Christmassy cocktail competition (which sounded fun!) and the sub-plot of someone trying to undo all their hard work with their bar; this would have been great. Alas, everything but the kitchen sink was thrown in, so it came across as rushed and it didn't really feel like things were resolved properly at all.
The writing was okay, but the pacing was all over the place (due to everything that was going on), and it did get a little repetitive at times; though I assume that is just the nature of it being an ARC.
I'm afraid it's just a 2.5/5 read for me, it had so much potential, but there was simply too much going on and not enough actual plot to sink your teeth into.
2.5 stars out of 5
I wasn't aware at the time of requesting this book, but it's a sequel to The Gin Shack on the Beach, which I have not read. And I think my experience suffered because of this.
After reading a couple of chapters I figured out something must have come before, so ended up googling and getting a brief rundown of the first book. Because we dived right into Olive's life, without any recap at all, I had no idea who was who, who I was meant to like or who was relevant to the plot. There were so many side-plots and so many characters I really strugged to connect with anyone, and therefore didn't really care about the distracting drama.
This would have been a cute, Christmassy read; but there was apparently evil forces at work, trying to take down the Gin Shack. A health scare for another character. A blossoming romance between another pair. A family drama. And uncertainty about a couple of characters motives.
It was just too much! The first 40% of the book I was mostly bored as it was all plodding along, then the next 20% was pretty good, and then everything just became so dramatic and a bit silly.
There were some humerous moments scattered throughout, Olive's idea of a mobility scooter really made me laugh. But it just wasn't enough to keep me interested for the whole novel.
If this had just focused on Christmas at the Gin Shack, with the Christmassy cocktail competition (which sounded fun!) and the sub-plot of someone trying to undo all their hard work with their bar; this would have been great. Alas, everything but the kitchen sink was thrown in, so it came across as rushed and it didn't really feel like things were resolved properly at all.
The writing was okay, but the pacing was all over the place (due to everything that was going on), and it did get a little repetitive at times; though I assume that is just the nature of it being an ARC.
I'm afraid it's just a 2.5/5 read for me, it had so much potential, but there was simply too much going on and not enough actual plot to sink your teeth into.
December 31, 2019
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2018
Not as good as Gin Shack on the Beach, felt this one struggled in places with some highly unlikely scenarios. If you like a light read it’s okay nothing more.
October 9, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
The GIN SHACK is a little old place where we can get together
GIN SHACK, baby (a-GIN SHACK, baby)
GIN SHACK, baby, GIN SHACK
GIN SHACK, (GIN, baby, that's where it's at) baby, GIN SHACK
Please say that I'm not the only one who changed the lyrics of B-52's song? I think I did it in my last review of the first book in the series as well, thinking about it! Speaking of which, whilst I believe that 'Christmas at the Gin Shack' can be read as a standalone, I would recommend you read the first book 'The Gin Shack on the Beach' beforehand, just so that you're clued up on the history behind certain friendships and banter. There is nothing worse than reading a book with humour in, only to find out that you haven't a clue what they're on about because the information is in the first book of the series. Plus, the first book in the series is a fab read, so either way you're going to be gaining!
We are back with Olive and the gang at the Gin Shack and unfortunately, things aren't as plain sailing as they would have liked. Whilst the Gin Shack has made itself known and routines are in place, a devastating even occurs and all the locals are quite shaken due to the what if's surrounding it. Not only that, Olive and the gang feel as though someone is out to bring the Gin Shack down and, to be honest, whoever they are, are quite brave for going up against Olive. Rather them than me!
Oh how I love Olive, how can anyone not?! She is such a sprightly, fiery and loveable character who is able to stick in your mind a long while after you have finished reading the book. & yes, I am speaking from experience. By the way, it's pretty clear that Catherine Miller's new novel is based on gin. Don't start thinking that you need to be a gin connoisseur to enjoy this storyline, because you don't. You may find that you become one by the end of the book, but you don't have to be one to begin with. Hell, you don't even need to like gin! Sorry Olive....I didn't mean to swear...
I'll admit, I'm not a massive fan of gin, but seeing as I have only had it with tonic, I'll be more than willing to try some of the flavours Olive and her gang concoct. Well, and the one I saw online - Bakewell tart gin anyone?
There is more to this storyline that meets the eye, I've got to say. Yes, it is fuelled by gin. And yes, it is also fuelled by the gin shack. BUT, there are quite a few serious topics going on around the gin which is highly likely to make you stop and think. I loved how the author was able to go from describing Olive's latest purchase and having me in hysterics at her antics, to taking the storyline down an emotional path more than once. Obviously I'm not going to go into detail, but the transition from hilarity to heart-warming was absolutely spot on. It was flawless, unexpected and gave the storyline a whole new dimension. Fantastic writing.
The only irk I have with the storyline is how I struggled to agree with all of the characters having a place in the book. I have to be honest, there was a character from the first book who had come back in this one and, whilst they had a place in the first book, I couldn't quite understand why they had come back in this one. Without being rude, I personally didn't see the point and I feel that the story would still have worked if they haven't been in it.
Aside from that, Catherine Miller has down Olive and the gang proud. I loved seeing how much each character had grown up since the previous book, especially her son Richard. My opinion of him changed greatly in 'Christmas at the Gin Shack' - he wasn't the numpty I thought he was. Far from it if I'm honest!
I hope we see more of Olive and the gang, I really don't want to have to say goodbye to some truly memorable, heart-warming and fantastic characters, because it would be such a travesty if so.
Full of giggles, smiles, unbelievable friendship and gin; 'Christmas at the Gin Shack' had me smiling until the very end. Definitely the perfect escapism, as well as the perfect book to snuggle up with.
Thanks HQ.
The GIN SHACK is a little old place where we can get together
GIN SHACK, baby (a-GIN SHACK, baby)
GIN SHACK, baby, GIN SHACK
GIN SHACK, (GIN, baby, that's where it's at) baby, GIN SHACK
Please say that I'm not the only one who changed the lyrics of B-52's song? I think I did it in my last review of the first book in the series as well, thinking about it! Speaking of which, whilst I believe that 'Christmas at the Gin Shack' can be read as a standalone, I would recommend you read the first book 'The Gin Shack on the Beach' beforehand, just so that you're clued up on the history behind certain friendships and banter. There is nothing worse than reading a book with humour in, only to find out that you haven't a clue what they're on about because the information is in the first book of the series. Plus, the first book in the series is a fab read, so either way you're going to be gaining!
We are back with Olive and the gang at the Gin Shack and unfortunately, things aren't as plain sailing as they would have liked. Whilst the Gin Shack has made itself known and routines are in place, a devastating even occurs and all the locals are quite shaken due to the what if's surrounding it. Not only that, Olive and the gang feel as though someone is out to bring the Gin Shack down and, to be honest, whoever they are, are quite brave for going up against Olive. Rather them than me!
Oh how I love Olive, how can anyone not?! She is such a sprightly, fiery and loveable character who is able to stick in your mind a long while after you have finished reading the book. & yes, I am speaking from experience. By the way, it's pretty clear that Catherine Miller's new novel is based on gin. Don't start thinking that you need to be a gin connoisseur to enjoy this storyline, because you don't. You may find that you become one by the end of the book, but you don't have to be one to begin with. Hell, you don't even need to like gin! Sorry Olive....I didn't mean to swear...
I'll admit, I'm not a massive fan of gin, but seeing as I have only had it with tonic, I'll be more than willing to try some of the flavours Olive and her gang concoct. Well, and the one I saw online - Bakewell tart gin anyone?
There is more to this storyline that meets the eye, I've got to say. Yes, it is fuelled by gin. And yes, it is also fuelled by the gin shack. BUT, there are quite a few serious topics going on around the gin which is highly likely to make you stop and think. I loved how the author was able to go from describing Olive's latest purchase and having me in hysterics at her antics, to taking the storyline down an emotional path more than once. Obviously I'm not going to go into detail, but the transition from hilarity to heart-warming was absolutely spot on. It was flawless, unexpected and gave the storyline a whole new dimension. Fantastic writing.
The only irk I have with the storyline is how I struggled to agree with all of the characters having a place in the book. I have to be honest, there was a character from the first book who had come back in this one and, whilst they had a place in the first book, I couldn't quite understand why they had come back in this one. Without being rude, I personally didn't see the point and I feel that the story would still have worked if they haven't been in it.
Aside from that, Catherine Miller has down Olive and the gang proud. I loved seeing how much each character had grown up since the previous book, especially her son Richard. My opinion of him changed greatly in 'Christmas at the Gin Shack' - he wasn't the numpty I thought he was. Far from it if I'm honest!
I hope we see more of Olive and the gang, I really don't want to have to say goodbye to some truly memorable, heart-warming and fantastic characters, because it would be such a travesty if so.
Full of giggles, smiles, unbelievable friendship and gin; 'Christmas at the Gin Shack' had me smiling until the very end. Definitely the perfect escapism, as well as the perfect book to snuggle up with.
Thanks HQ.
October 22, 2017
I hadn’t realised this was a sequel so I had a quick recap of the first book which gave me enough background to become involved with the characters and the story, without actually having read the previous book. Despite being an octogenarian and having been persuaded to move into Oakley West retirement facility by her son after a minor stroke, Olive Turner is determined to live life to the full. Olive’s original ‘gin shack’ was her beloved beach hut where she and her two friends and kindred spirits, Veronica and Randy, met to drink their favourite tipple, becoming known as the Oakley West Trio. The quest to find the perfect gin and tonic began with Olive and her late husband, and Olive has no intention of giving up on their dream. And it makes her feel closer to her husband and daughter when she toasts them at the end of each day.
Olive’s Gin Shack idea escalated and is now a bar in larger premises, run by her beach hut neighbour and good friend, Tony, with the help of the original trio and the beach hut community. Christmas is coming which is Olive’s favourite season, and the Gin Shack members are trying out various delicious sounding cocktail recipes to enter into the Best Christmas Cocktail competition.
'The Gin Shack was famous for featuring different gins. Every week customers got to try two new gin varieties and a cocktail featuring one of those gins. They were already known for their cocktail specials so it made sense that they should try and become award-winners to give their reputation some official gusto. Plus, it would be a fun way to keep attracting customers. Having had such a struggle in its early days, they needed to make sure the Gin Club shack was here to stay.'
I love the concept of this story; the idea of a beach hut community (I’ve always fancied owning a beach hut) and the Gin Shack. And there’s much more to the story than you might at first assume, including lots of Christmas spirit (of both kinds), seeing off pranksters and saboteurs and a touch of romance. It’s far removed from the typical Christmas themed romance however, with the gang of older characters intent on family and friends, maintaining the Christmas spirit and keeping their enterprise going. Olive is a likeable and realistic character with genuine age related issues and tragic events in her past. She has a great attitude to life with a larger than life personality and I love the way she embraces her new purchase as she overcomes the steep climb up from the beach. It’s a refreshing change to have the more mature characters in the forefront of the story.
Catherine Miller has crafted a delightful cast of characters of all ages with an engaging, feel good story full of emotion and humour, a perfect read for the season.
Olive’s Gin Shack idea escalated and is now a bar in larger premises, run by her beach hut neighbour and good friend, Tony, with the help of the original trio and the beach hut community. Christmas is coming which is Olive’s favourite season, and the Gin Shack members are trying out various delicious sounding cocktail recipes to enter into the Best Christmas Cocktail competition.
'The Gin Shack was famous for featuring different gins. Every week customers got to try two new gin varieties and a cocktail featuring one of those gins. They were already known for their cocktail specials so it made sense that they should try and become award-winners to give their reputation some official gusto. Plus, it would be a fun way to keep attracting customers. Having had such a struggle in its early days, they needed to make sure the Gin Club shack was here to stay.'
I love the concept of this story; the idea of a beach hut community (I’ve always fancied owning a beach hut) and the Gin Shack. And there’s much more to the story than you might at first assume, including lots of Christmas spirit (of both kinds), seeing off pranksters and saboteurs and a touch of romance. It’s far removed from the typical Christmas themed romance however, with the gang of older characters intent on family and friends, maintaining the Christmas spirit and keeping their enterprise going. Olive is a likeable and realistic character with genuine age related issues and tragic events in her past. She has a great attitude to life with a larger than life personality and I love the way she embraces her new purchase as she overcomes the steep climb up from the beach. It’s a refreshing change to have the more mature characters in the forefront of the story.
Catherine Miller has crafted a delightful cast of characters of all ages with an engaging, feel good story full of emotion and humour, a perfect read for the season.
November 19, 2017
I have read the first book in this series, so when I saw this one on NetGalley, I requested it and was fortunate enough to get a copy to read and review. Like the first book, this one is a great read. However, I wish the author had provided more back story, so a reader who had not read the first book would better understand and/or appreciate the dialogue, characters and events. Nevertheless, this book can be read as a stand-alone, but, having read the first book, helped me understand and appreciate it more.
In this book, Olive Turner works the magic of her favorite time of the year, involving the gin shack on the beach close to the retirement home where she lives. The first book is all about the home and the gin shack, and it is quite a story. Christmas is never dull or boring for Olive. In this story, there is a contest for the best cocktail being run by the local paper. The gin shack crew is sponsoring a gin and Christmas themed weekend get-away involving “how-to” sessions for gin cocktails. A new owner has taken over the defunct beach restaurant, bringing competition as well as secrets. Tony, who runs the gin shack, has a serious health scare, which rallies the crew around him. Also, Olive and her son Richard have turned over a new leaf in their relationship. These and many others make the book an interesting and quick read.
As I said, this can be read as a stand-alone, without having read the other book, but having read the other book will definitely help the reader understand and appreciate the nuances throughout. In this book, we see a very different side of Olive and her son Richard as well as of the evil retirement home ex-matron. Olive is the main character this time, while Randy and Veronica, her co-conspirators and sleuths from the first book, do not play a very big role. I think I would have enjoyed bigger roles for these two. Others do take up the slack, but I enjoyed the trio working together in the first book. Though this was a great read, I prefer the first book. If you enjoyed that one, this one will also be another treat. If you have not read the first book, I recommend you try to read it first. However, it is not essential to do that. This book is not really a mystery, but it is still a delightful holiday cozy-type book that you will find an enjoyable read.
In this book, Olive Turner works the magic of her favorite time of the year, involving the gin shack on the beach close to the retirement home where she lives. The first book is all about the home and the gin shack, and it is quite a story. Christmas is never dull or boring for Olive. In this story, there is a contest for the best cocktail being run by the local paper. The gin shack crew is sponsoring a gin and Christmas themed weekend get-away involving “how-to” sessions for gin cocktails. A new owner has taken over the defunct beach restaurant, bringing competition as well as secrets. Tony, who runs the gin shack, has a serious health scare, which rallies the crew around him. Also, Olive and her son Richard have turned over a new leaf in their relationship. These and many others make the book an interesting and quick read.
As I said, this can be read as a stand-alone, without having read the other book, but having read the other book will definitely help the reader understand and appreciate the nuances throughout. In this book, we see a very different side of Olive and her son Richard as well as of the evil retirement home ex-matron. Olive is the main character this time, while Randy and Veronica, her co-conspirators and sleuths from the first book, do not play a very big role. I think I would have enjoyed bigger roles for these two. Others do take up the slack, but I enjoyed the trio working together in the first book. Though this was a great read, I prefer the first book. If you enjoyed that one, this one will also be another treat. If you have not read the first book, I recommend you try to read it first. However, it is not essential to do that. This book is not really a mystery, but it is still a delightful holiday cozy-type book that you will find an enjoyable read.
October 21, 2017
Following The Gin Shack at the Beach, Catherine Miller has taken us back to the Gin Shack for the festive period. This is a wonderful, light-hearted Christmas read that captures the heart of Christmas.
Olive is living at Oakley West Retirement Quarters and is the young age of 84, she is and enjoying being a fundamental part of the Gin Shack community. The Gin Shack Club started in Olive’s beloved beach hut as a once a week affair which quickly evolved to becoming an actual bar with the community coming together to make it a success. Olive very happily sources the gin whilst Tony, her beach hut neighbour, runs the bar itself.
Technically, Christmas at the Gin Shack can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend that you read the first book to get the history of the characters and their relationships – I didn’t and at times had more questions than answers relating to previous events. The author shares enough information to catch new readers up with the previous book but, I believe, that if you’ve read the first book you’d be more appreciative of the in-jokes. Having said that, this is an enjoyable read in its own right and if this is anything to go by, reading the first book would be no hardship!
Olive is a fabulous character, she is the grandmother that everyone wishes they had, just the right combination of compassion and interfering!
Christmas at the Gin Shack has a bit of something for everyone – there is romance, humour, mystery and a look at family relationships. Alongside the investigation into the so-called craftiti on the Gin Shack and it’s neighbour, the Beach Café, there is also a Cocktail competition which Olive is determined that the Gin Shack will win – what ensues is a plethora of gin-inspired festive cocktails to curate and taste….some far more successful than others!
3.5 Stars
Olive is living at Oakley West Retirement Quarters and is the young age of 84, she is and enjoying being a fundamental part of the Gin Shack community. The Gin Shack Club started in Olive’s beloved beach hut as a once a week affair which quickly evolved to becoming an actual bar with the community coming together to make it a success. Olive very happily sources the gin whilst Tony, her beach hut neighbour, runs the bar itself.
Technically, Christmas at the Gin Shack can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend that you read the first book to get the history of the characters and their relationships – I didn’t and at times had more questions than answers relating to previous events. The author shares enough information to catch new readers up with the previous book but, I believe, that if you’ve read the first book you’d be more appreciative of the in-jokes. Having said that, this is an enjoyable read in its own right and if this is anything to go by, reading the first book would be no hardship!
Olive is a fabulous character, she is the grandmother that everyone wishes they had, just the right combination of compassion and interfering!
Christmas at the Gin Shack has a bit of something for everyone – there is romance, humour, mystery and a look at family relationships. Alongside the investigation into the so-called craftiti on the Gin Shack and it’s neighbour, the Beach Café, there is also a Cocktail competition which Olive is determined that the Gin Shack will win – what ensues is a plethora of gin-inspired festive cocktails to curate and taste….some far more successful than others!
3.5 Stars
November 21, 2017
Get your G&T ready, put on your Christmas Spotify playlist, light up that winter spice candle and snuggle up in bed with a copy of Christmas at the Gin Shack by Catherine Miller. If this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, I’m sorry to say but you may just be a scrooge, and that means no mince pie cocktail for you!
Today it’s my stop for the Christmas at the Gin Shack Blog Tour, and let me tell you that I adored this book. I was looking for something to get me in the Christmas spirit and HQ Digital was like a digital Santa sending me this little gem of a book.
At the time, I didn’t realise that this was actually a sequel for The Gin Shack on the Beach, and I’m not lying when I say that I actually didn’t notice it until I was halfway through the book. This can be read as a standalone but still shouldn’t stop you from starting from the beginning and get to know how the Oakley West trio and the Gin Shack came about. Olive surely has her lot of adventures despite her age.
For someone that has been into YA books for so many years I was a bit apprehensive in reading a book with a mature lady. I wondered if I was able to connect with the main character but when I read the synopsis for the book and Olive’s love for gin, I knew there was a chance I have found my future self! Oh and I was so right! I can only hope to rock a segway and a jiggly Christmas jumper as good as Olive. She is a delightful character and I truly didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. Without spoiling anything, Olive and Veronica’s fake limp incident got me a few laughing tears.
Partially, this book reminds me of the adventure books I used to read as a child. Where a group of friends always found themselves on a mysterious adventure. In this case, Olive knows that something it’s going on in Westbrook Bay and isn’t looking good for her precious Gin Shack, so she needs to get to the bottom of it (Not before getting to the bottom of her gin cocktail and bacon sandwich).
Catherine’s simplistic way of writing and charming characters make this book a beautiful holiday read. The sense of community created in this book, will make you want to move to the seaside and rent a beach hut, maybe even start your own Gin Shack (or in my case my own Rum Shack!).
If you are looking for a Christmas book that it’s funny and adventurous, with a splash of romance and drama this is the book for you.
Today it’s my stop for the Christmas at the Gin Shack Blog Tour, and let me tell you that I adored this book. I was looking for something to get me in the Christmas spirit and HQ Digital was like a digital Santa sending me this little gem of a book.
At the time, I didn’t realise that this was actually a sequel for The Gin Shack on the Beach, and I’m not lying when I say that I actually didn’t notice it until I was halfway through the book. This can be read as a standalone but still shouldn’t stop you from starting from the beginning and get to know how the Oakley West trio and the Gin Shack came about. Olive surely has her lot of adventures despite her age.
For someone that has been into YA books for so many years I was a bit apprehensive in reading a book with a mature lady. I wondered if I was able to connect with the main character but when I read the synopsis for the book and Olive’s love for gin, I knew there was a chance I have found my future self! Oh and I was so right! I can only hope to rock a segway and a jiggly Christmas jumper as good as Olive. She is a delightful character and I truly didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. Without spoiling anything, Olive and Veronica’s fake limp incident got me a few laughing tears.
Partially, this book reminds me of the adventure books I used to read as a child. Where a group of friends always found themselves on a mysterious adventure. In this case, Olive knows that something it’s going on in Westbrook Bay and isn’t looking good for her precious Gin Shack, so she needs to get to the bottom of it (Not before getting to the bottom of her gin cocktail and bacon sandwich).
Catherine’s simplistic way of writing and charming characters make this book a beautiful holiday read. The sense of community created in this book, will make you want to move to the seaside and rent a beach hut, maybe even start your own Gin Shack (or in my case my own Rum Shack!).
If you are looking for a Christmas book that it’s funny and adventurous, with a splash of romance and drama this is the book for you.
October 20, 2017
I wouldn’t normally choose to read a Christmas book in October but the title ‘Christmas at the Gin Shack’ had me intrigued. I haven’t read the first in the series, ‘The Gin Shack at the Beach’ but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this one.
I was interested to find out how a trio of octogenarians had come up with the idea for a gin themed bar right next to the sea. The main character Olive is a force to be reckoned with.She travels around the coastline on a rather unique mode of transport and breaks every rule in the ‘Elderly Person’s Handbook’. In addition to this, she knows everything there is to know about gin!
Olive has to turn into a sleuth when things start to go wrong at the gin shack and despite being eighty-four she won’t rest until she finds out what is going on. She is aided by her son Richard, a lawyer who returns to Westbrook Bay to spend more time with his mum. Lovebirds Randy and Veronica from Oakley West Retirement Quarters are such a cute couple and Veronica’s extensive knowledge of social media really made me chuckle. Friends from the beach hut community Skylar, Tony and Esme are on hand to help out and they all pull together to unravel the strange goings-on.
What really made this book different for me was the delicious sounding flavoured gin recipes. The customers of the gin shack are treated to some really imaginative concoctions and I licked my lips at the thought of some of them.
Packed full of mystery, mischief, and adorable characters, Christmas at the Gin Shack should be in everyone’s Christmas stocking, to be enjoyed with a homemade mince pie and a drop of gin for good measure.
I was interested to find out how a trio of octogenarians had come up with the idea for a gin themed bar right next to the sea. The main character Olive is a force to be reckoned with.She travels around the coastline on a rather unique mode of transport and breaks every rule in the ‘Elderly Person’s Handbook’. In addition to this, she knows everything there is to know about gin!
Olive has to turn into a sleuth when things start to go wrong at the gin shack and despite being eighty-four she won’t rest until she finds out what is going on. She is aided by her son Richard, a lawyer who returns to Westbrook Bay to spend more time with his mum. Lovebirds Randy and Veronica from Oakley West Retirement Quarters are such a cute couple and Veronica’s extensive knowledge of social media really made me chuckle. Friends from the beach hut community Skylar, Tony and Esme are on hand to help out and they all pull together to unravel the strange goings-on.
What really made this book different for me was the delicious sounding flavoured gin recipes. The customers of the gin shack are treated to some really imaginative concoctions and I licked my lips at the thought of some of them.
Packed full of mystery, mischief, and adorable characters, Christmas at the Gin Shack should be in everyone’s Christmas stocking, to be enjoyed with a homemade mince pie and a drop of gin for good measure.
November 27, 2017
Olive returns for a seasonal sequel in this hearty serving of Christmas cheer. The Gin Shack is thriving, after the ups and downs of the first novel, and Olive and her friends are preparing for Christmas; preparations which obviously and invariably involve a lot of gin in very festive combinations. But there’s a cloud on the horizon; someone has been leaving rather rude decoupage sculptures, complete with streamers, pinned to the Gin Shack sign, and no-one seems to know who the culprit is. When a new bar opens nearby, tensions rise as someone’s past comes back to haunt them. Will the indomitable Olive triumph against the odds once again, and what of the other members of the Gin Shack crew? Will it be kisses under the mistletoe or will they be left out in the cold in the face of this new competition?
It was so lovely to catch up with Olive, Richard, Skylar and co for this next instalment of the Gin Shack series. Olive is such a likeable, relatable character, and Catherine Miller captures the triumphs and tribulations of the octogenarian Olive in a charming and hilarious way. There are moments in this novel that are pure comedy gold, and Miller’s one liners always raise a smile, but this is also a novel packed with heart. The drama goes hand in hand with the humour, and there were definitely a couple of moments that were heart-hittingly poignant. This was a real feel good read, perfect for Christmas, packed with wit, humour, heart, and as many permutations of a gin cocktail as you might expect. I can’t wait to see where Olive goes next.
It was so lovely to catch up with Olive, Richard, Skylar and co for this next instalment of the Gin Shack series. Olive is such a likeable, relatable character, and Catherine Miller captures the triumphs and tribulations of the octogenarian Olive in a charming and hilarious way. There are moments in this novel that are pure comedy gold, and Miller’s one liners always raise a smile, but this is also a novel packed with heart. The drama goes hand in hand with the humour, and there were definitely a couple of moments that were heart-hittingly poignant. This was a real feel good read, perfect for Christmas, packed with wit, humour, heart, and as many permutations of a gin cocktail as you might expect. I can’t wait to see where Olive goes next.
December 11, 2019
This is a lukewarm but somewhat cute Christmas-related book that had some potential that it completely missed the mark in trying to live up to. I had read that I didn’t have to read the original Gin Shack installment to enjoy this one...I disagree as there were many references to the original story here and the drama and plot from what I can gather seemed more natural than this one.
This story had the opportunity to be a bit more than the typical Christmas fluff-filled story. Specifically, someone’s ex returns to town and this character could have been both interesting and complex as he resumed associating with his ex and the child he had abandoned years ago. The story could have been about his family’s and the community’s reaction to his return, which could have included many bumps and misunderstandings along the way leading eventually to a place where he would at least be starting to earn the trust of those around him. What did the author do instead? She treated this character as a one-dimensional cliche who I can only envision as having a handlebar mustache and a wardrobe of all black to convey the fact that he’s a villain to the core.
On the bright side, it was nice to read a story with a senior citizen acting as the heroine complete with a quirky personality. Also, I’m looking forward to trying the orange/chocolate martini recipe that’s included at the conclusion of the book. All in all though my Christmas reading list is off to a slow start and I’d preferred to have skipped this one entirely.
This story had the opportunity to be a bit more than the typical Christmas fluff-filled story. Specifically, someone’s ex returns to town and this character could have been both interesting and complex as he resumed associating with his ex and the child he had abandoned years ago. The story could have been about his family’s and the community’s reaction to his return, which could have included many bumps and misunderstandings along the way leading eventually to a place where he would at least be starting to earn the trust of those around him. What did the author do instead? She treated this character as a one-dimensional cliche who I can only envision as having a handlebar mustache and a wardrobe of all black to convey the fact that he’s a villain to the core.
On the bright side, it was nice to read a story with a senior citizen acting as the heroine complete with a quirky personality. Also, I’m looking forward to trying the orange/chocolate martini recipe that’s included at the conclusion of the book. All in all though my Christmas reading list is off to a slow start and I’d preferred to have skipped this one entirely.
October 14, 2017
I will start by saying I haven’t read the first book in the series so I suspect I have missed a lot of the basics to the characters and possibly some ‘in-jokes’. It took me a while to settle into the rhythm of Christmas at the Gin Shack.
Olive is an elderly lady (84) who is flying in the face of ageing and she was the inspiration for me in the entire story. The antics she gets up to along with her fellow ‘gang’ at Oakley West retirement home are a blend of hysterical or emotional. Her means of transport is ingenious and creates a wonderful image of speeding grannies!
Yes, obviously based on the title there is a lot of gin involved. I don’t drink alcohol for medical reasons so any intricacies were lost on me not being a connoisseur but I found the concoctions/recipes entertaining for their entry into the local gin cocktail competition.
There is sabotage, mystery, friends and family .. some lovable older characters which makes for a refreshing change. It proves growing old doesn’t have to be a drag if you can still have adventures!
A warm, festive, cuddly book which had me laughing out loud in places .. I think I will have to go backwards and read The Gin Shack now to fully appreciate it.
Thanks to the author, publisher, netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy and inviting me onto the tour. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Olive is an elderly lady (84) who is flying in the face of ageing and she was the inspiration for me in the entire story. The antics she gets up to along with her fellow ‘gang’ at Oakley West retirement home are a blend of hysterical or emotional. Her means of transport is ingenious and creates a wonderful image of speeding grannies!
Yes, obviously based on the title there is a lot of gin involved. I don’t drink alcohol for medical reasons so any intricacies were lost on me not being a connoisseur but I found the concoctions/recipes entertaining for their entry into the local gin cocktail competition.
There is sabotage, mystery, friends and family .. some lovable older characters which makes for a refreshing change. It proves growing old doesn’t have to be a drag if you can still have adventures!
A warm, festive, cuddly book which had me laughing out loud in places .. I think I will have to go backwards and read The Gin Shack now to fully appreciate it.
Thanks to the author, publisher, netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy and inviting me onto the tour. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 24, 2018
For those who have stopped by lately will know how much i loved the Gin Shack and couldnt wait for a repeat visit whilst i continually searched for my perfect G&T. It obviosuly wasnt going to take long was it?
Olive is getting ready to celebrate her favourite time of the year and with lots to celebrate including the Gin Shacks first gin weekends and a cocktail competition, i was fully expected just a nice little catch up with Olive and the gang. What i wasn't expecting was some of the hardships they came across. Not just a few badly poured gins but jokes that are a little passive agressive and an almost meeting with death.
Christmas at the Gin Shack is a wonderful read with a perfect blend of gin (& the odd mention of wine) friendship & drama. It is a good read to curl up with on a cold night and remind ourselves of the festive season that seems a lifetime ago.
Christmas at the Gin Shack is the second book however i do beileve you can read this alone and still completely understand the narrative, however its nice to be familiar with the characters, especially as we see them change, maybe its the festive season ?
Whatever is causing the changes around the Gin Shack, some are for the better & others not so much. What i do know is that i loved this book.
Its another great read and a 4*
Olive is getting ready to celebrate her favourite time of the year and with lots to celebrate including the Gin Shacks first gin weekends and a cocktail competition, i was fully expected just a nice little catch up with Olive and the gang. What i wasn't expecting was some of the hardships they came across. Not just a few badly poured gins but jokes that are a little passive agressive and an almost meeting with death.
Christmas at the Gin Shack is a wonderful read with a perfect blend of gin (& the odd mention of wine) friendship & drama. It is a good read to curl up with on a cold night and remind ourselves of the festive season that seems a lifetime ago.
Christmas at the Gin Shack is the second book however i do beileve you can read this alone and still completely understand the narrative, however its nice to be familiar with the characters, especially as we see them change, maybe its the festive season ?
Whatever is causing the changes around the Gin Shack, some are for the better & others not so much. What i do know is that i loved this book.
Its another great read and a 4*
November 11, 2017
I laughed all the way through this book (well, not in the places where I wasn't meant to laugh, it would have been weird if I'd done that!) at the antics of Olive and her friends. This book really needs to be made into a film in the classic British Film Comedy style that our film industry has a tradition of doing so well, it would be a festive hit year after year. Preserving the element of surprise when the nature of Olive's invalid carriage is revealed might be a problem, but I've already worked that out - the head torched, introduced later in the book, could be moved to an earlier point in the film, and Olive's would include a camera, so we'd have just her forward view until the big reveal.
Like other reviewers, I think it is best appreciated if you have already read The Gin Shack on the Beach - the back story establishing the relationship between the characters is just too complex to be fully included in a new book - although the plot and humour stand alone perfectly well without knowing the background.
great characters, great laughs, lots of bling and booze and a very happy ending - what more could you wish for in a Christmas read?
Like other reviewers, I think it is best appreciated if you have already read The Gin Shack on the Beach - the back story establishing the relationship between the characters is just too complex to be fully included in a new book - although the plot and humour stand alone perfectly well without knowing the background.
great characters, great laughs, lots of bling and booze and a very happy ending - what more could you wish for in a Christmas read?
December 17, 2017
First up, I have to confess that I haven't read Christmas at the Gin Shack - not that I didn't want to but I never managed to find the time somehow and that's to my shame. This is a wonderful Christmas read.
I can honestly say I've never come across a festive read featuring beach huts before but it works! The story, the characters, the writing are all top notch. Olive is a fabulous creation and I'm sure as all of us advance in years we'll be hoping to find a bit of what she has within. How to grow old with class and excitement! This is enjoyable, entertaining and even has a 'baddie'. What a marvellous concept! It makes for a great festive read and this is one you should definitely add to your Christmas reading pile.
The characters come alive and jump off the page - what a fantastic fun novel and one I'm so glad to have read and reviewed. Catherine Miller is definitely an author to add to my 'do not miss' list.
My thanks to Anna Massardi of Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this one - I'm only sorry that illness stopped me from taking part in the Blog Tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
I can honestly say I've never come across a festive read featuring beach huts before but it works! The story, the characters, the writing are all top notch. Olive is a fabulous creation and I'm sure as all of us advance in years we'll be hoping to find a bit of what she has within. How to grow old with class and excitement! This is enjoyable, entertaining and even has a 'baddie'. What a marvellous concept! It makes for a great festive read and this is one you should definitely add to your Christmas reading pile.
The characters come alive and jump off the page - what a fantastic fun novel and one I'm so glad to have read and reviewed. Catherine Miller is definitely an author to add to my 'do not miss' list.
My thanks to Anna Massardi of Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this one - I'm only sorry that illness stopped me from taking part in the Blog Tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
February 26, 2018
This was a cute book with a very memorable central character, Olive. I love that she is older and not the usual character one expects to find in a book with romance as a theme. This book will make you laugh out loud in some places and be swept away by sentimental emotion in others.
If you love the kind of holiday books that make you remember what is important during the festive time of year, this one will do quite nicely. I loved the themes of family and friendship included in this book and thought the quest for the perfect cocktail was interesting as well. This novel warmed my heart and I was sorry to see it end when I read the last page.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming holiday tale to remind them of the good things in life. I love the way this author expresses the feelings of her characters and makes them seem like friends that you have known for your entire life. I walked away from this smiling--the symptoms of reading a well written book.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
If you love the kind of holiday books that make you remember what is important during the festive time of year, this one will do quite nicely. I loved the themes of family and friendship included in this book and thought the quest for the perfect cocktail was interesting as well. This novel warmed my heart and I was sorry to see it end when I read the last page.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming holiday tale to remind them of the good things in life. I love the way this author expresses the feelings of her characters and makes them seem like friends that you have known for your entire life. I walked away from this smiling--the symptoms of reading a well written book.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2017
I was struck by the range of characters who form the community in Christmas at the Gin Shack. They set the book apart. Olive, the central character is in her 80's with all the life experience that that brings. Some of her challenges are age related and it was refreshing to see them set in a piece of contemporary fiction. There's lots of humour to be had at the Gin Shack and it was lovely to read about such a warm, inclusive community.
In addition to a bit of budding romance, there's also a mystery to be solved. It is not obvious how it pans out and some of the characters surprise you. I particularly liked the friendships which Olive has formed, and found her relationship with Lucas, the young son of Skylar, to be particularly touching. The plot flowed along nicely and although I was reading it in October, nevertheless, I got a warm, festive feeling- it's just right for those cold, dark nights.
In short: a fabulous cocktail of festive fun.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.
In addition to a bit of budding romance, there's also a mystery to be solved. It is not obvious how it pans out and some of the characters surprise you. I particularly liked the friendships which Olive has formed, and found her relationship with Lucas, the young son of Skylar, to be particularly touching. The plot flowed along nicely and although I was reading it in October, nevertheless, I got a warm, festive feeling- it's just right for those cold, dark nights.
In short: a fabulous cocktail of festive fun.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.
December 18, 2023
I should have read this book in 2017 when I received it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy this book but unfortunately it didn’t give me that warm Christmassy feeling, I think it’s mainly because there was a lot going on but as it was just based around fun and the characters were elderly, I didn’t really get a feel for them. Thats me though.
We follow Olive and her friends from her retirement home, as well as her son and other beach traders, as they prepare for a gin competition at Christmas.
I’m not gonna lie, the gin cocktails sounded really lovely and I did feel like the characters had genuine relationships but I would have preferred less characters.
Some felt like they were just there to pad it out.
I’m glad I finally found time in the festive season to actually read this festive book and I’m glad that I did, it had a lovely ending.
I do wish that I had fallen in love with the characters a little bit more.
However, I did enjoy it and it’s a good story.
3/5 stars
I did enjoy this book but unfortunately it didn’t give me that warm Christmassy feeling, I think it’s mainly because there was a lot going on but as it was just based around fun and the characters were elderly, I didn’t really get a feel for them. Thats me though.
We follow Olive and her friends from her retirement home, as well as her son and other beach traders, as they prepare for a gin competition at Christmas.
I’m not gonna lie, the gin cocktails sounded really lovely and I did feel like the characters had genuine relationships but I would have preferred less characters.
Some felt like they were just there to pad it out.
I’m glad I finally found time in the festive season to actually read this festive book and I’m glad that I did, it had a lovely ending.
I do wish that I had fallen in love with the characters a little bit more.
However, I did enjoy it and it’s a good story.
3/5 stars
December 10, 2019
This is a lovely festive read, which feels warm and full of Christmas spirit. It’s not a conventional Christmas romance novel either with a typical romance. It’s so much better than that.
The story is told by Olive, an elderly lady living at a retirement home. She’s beginning to slow down a bit and is having increasing problems with her mobility. Her husband has died and she finds herself devoting most of her time to her beach hut. Her friend Tony, with Olive’s support, has opened a Gin Shack in one of the beach huts. It’s turned into quite a success with a few folks from the retirement home enjoying supporting their venture. When Tony becomes ill and another beach hut opens to rival the Gin Shack, things are bound to become interesting.
This was an extremely well written and fun book to read. I loved the fact it was told from an elderly perspective and the fact she uses a Segway to get around! Overall a fun Christmas book with plenty of humour as well as overcoming adversity.
The story is told by Olive, an elderly lady living at a retirement home. She’s beginning to slow down a bit and is having increasing problems with her mobility. Her husband has died and she finds herself devoting most of her time to her beach hut. Her friend Tony, with Olive’s support, has opened a Gin Shack in one of the beach huts. It’s turned into quite a success with a few folks from the retirement home enjoying supporting their venture. When Tony becomes ill and another beach hut opens to rival the Gin Shack, things are bound to become interesting.
This was an extremely well written and fun book to read. I loved the fact it was told from an elderly perspective and the fact she uses a Segway to get around! Overall a fun Christmas book with plenty of humour as well as overcoming adversity.
October 13, 2017
You've gotta love an 84 year old who runs, of all things, a gin shack! You don't need to have read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this one. Olive is terrific - I hope I've got her spunk at her age. A threat to her precious beach shack sets this book in motion. I'm strictly a martini drinker but I really enjoyed reading the various cocktail recipes involving gin that Olive and her cohorts dream up for a cocktail competition. Olive's son Richard, who has previously been sort of a snot, becomes a good guy none too soon in this installment. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a quick, sprightly read that's a little different from the normal Christmas themed book- it's not about romance or second chances, it's about a group of olders banding together as the family they are to make things right. Try it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews