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The Age of Misadventure
The gloriously funny new novel about living life to the full, whatever your age, from the author of A Grand Old Time.
55-year-old Georgie Turner doesn’t need a new man. Her daughter, aunt and sister are the most important people in her life (and the most infuriating). But it seems the older they get, the further apart they drift.
Georgie’s never been a fan of her sister Bonnie’s husband, so when she learns her brother-in-law has been up to no good, Georgie sees an opportunity to bring the women of her family back together. Along with her 21-year-old daughter and 80-year-old aunt, she packs Bonnie into the back of her car and they leave Liverpool to hide out on the coast of Sussex. With the help of some sun, sea and bottle or two of prosecco, this will be an adventure they’ll never forget.
But could the right man find Georgie while she’s stopping the wrong man finding her sister?
A gorgeously fun and uplifting novel, perfect for fans of The 100 Year Old Man and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Authors love Judy Leigh’s books:
‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ – Miranda Dickinson
'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' – Cathy Hopkins, bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List
’Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life… a wonderful escapade’ – Fiona Gibson, bestselling author of The Woman Who Upped and Left
55-year-old Georgie Turner doesn’t need a new man. Her daughter, aunt and sister are the most important people in her life (and the most infuriating). But it seems the older they get, the further apart they drift.
Georgie’s never been a fan of her sister Bonnie’s husband, so when she learns her brother-in-law has been up to no good, Georgie sees an opportunity to bring the women of her family back together. Along with her 21-year-old daughter and 80-year-old aunt, she packs Bonnie into the back of her car and they leave Liverpool to hide out on the coast of Sussex. With the help of some sun, sea and bottle or two of prosecco, this will be an adventure they’ll never forget.
But could the right man find Georgie while she’s stopping the wrong man finding her sister?
A gorgeously fun and uplifting novel, perfect for fans of The 100 Year Old Man and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Authors love Judy Leigh’s books:
‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ – Miranda Dickinson
'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' – Cathy Hopkins, bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List
’Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life… a wonderful escapade’ – Fiona Gibson, bestselling author of The Woman Who Upped and Left
354 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2018
1408 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Judy Leigh
22 books409 followersJudy Leigh has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional Writing.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys live music, theatre and football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
February 3, 2019
55-year-old Georgie doesn't want a new man in her life. The most important people to her are her daughter, aunt and her sister. But they have started to drift apart. Georgie has never been a fan of her sisters husband, so when she learns that she has been up to no good, Georgie thinks that this will be the ideal opportunity to bring the women back together. Along with her 21-year-old daughter and 80-year-old aunt, Georgie and her sister Bonnie head off for the coast of Sussex.
The main characters in this book were a mixed bunch, some you liked and some you didn't. Georgie and her daughter Jade were fine, it was their Aunt Nan that got on my nerves the most. She's constantly moaning, very ungrateful and argumentative. The sister Bonnie thought that she was something else, a trophy wife and so very lazy, she thinks that everyone should wait on her. There is some sexual content in this book. The writers style seemed a bit choppy at times. There were parts of the story that just felt a little bit flat.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Judy Leigh for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters in this book were a mixed bunch, some you liked and some you didn't. Georgie and her daughter Jade were fine, it was their Aunt Nan that got on my nerves the most. She's constantly moaning, very ungrateful and argumentative. The sister Bonnie thought that she was something else, a trophy wife and so very lazy, she thinks that everyone should wait on her. There is some sexual content in this book. The writers style seemed a bit choppy at times. There were parts of the story that just felt a little bit flat.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Judy Leigh for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2019
5☆ A Heart warming, Fun, Family Adventure!
The Age of Misadventure is a heart warming, fun, poignant story about Family, relationships, protecting your family, finding love when you least expect it, bonding and adventure.
In the early hours of the morning, Georgina, Bonnie, Jade and Nanny find themselves on the run, from Adie... Bonnie's crook of a husband!
But can they outsmart him? Or
Will Bonnie crack and give in to his bullying and tell him where they are hiding?
Jade is a spoilt brat. She treats her mum like a door mat. Family should always come first. She's selfish and obnoxious and I really didn't warm to her at all. To be honest she didn't really redeem herself at all.
Bonnie has been so grinded down by Adie mentally bullying her, she believes she can't cope without him, even though he puts her and her familes life in danger.
Nanny is my favourite character, she is strong, loveable, sassy, likes a good drink and is thriving on their adventure and their had company. She melts my heart!
Georgina is the glue that holds the family together, always putting her families needs before her own. All she wants is to be close and support them. But they just keep pushing her away. She is a strong business women, with a big heart.
But will she ever put herself first?
When Adie and the Crime gangster that's after then gets closer to finding the girls can they stay strong or will everything fall apart around them. They are about to find out just how much danger their in.
I adored this gorgeous book, it had a lil of everything it was fun, jam packed with drama and laughter, with some tender moments too. It truly was an adventure of bonding, sharing, family, and hiding from the bad guys.
I really would love to see more from this loveable bunch.
Would i recommend reading this action packed, feel good adventure.....
Without a Doubt....100% Yes!!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
The Age of Misadventure is a heart warming, fun, poignant story about Family, relationships, protecting your family, finding love when you least expect it, bonding and adventure.
In the early hours of the morning, Georgina, Bonnie, Jade and Nanny find themselves on the run, from Adie... Bonnie's crook of a husband!
But can they outsmart him? Or
Will Bonnie crack and give in to his bullying and tell him where they are hiding?
Jade is a spoilt brat. She treats her mum like a door mat. Family should always come first. She's selfish and obnoxious and I really didn't warm to her at all. To be honest she didn't really redeem herself at all.
Bonnie has been so grinded down by Adie mentally bullying her, she believes she can't cope without him, even though he puts her and her familes life in danger.
Nanny is my favourite character, she is strong, loveable, sassy, likes a good drink and is thriving on their adventure and their had company. She melts my heart!
Georgina is the glue that holds the family together, always putting her families needs before her own. All she wants is to be close and support them. But they just keep pushing her away. She is a strong business women, with a big heart.
But will she ever put herself first?
When Adie and the Crime gangster that's after then gets closer to finding the girls can they stay strong or will everything fall apart around them. They are about to find out just how much danger their in.
I adored this gorgeous book, it had a lil of everything it was fun, jam packed with drama and laughter, with some tender moments too. It truly was an adventure of bonding, sharing, family, and hiding from the bad guys.
I really would love to see more from this loveable bunch.
Would i recommend reading this action packed, feel good adventure.....
Without a Doubt....100% Yes!!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
July 27, 2022
The Age of Misadventure
2/5 stars
Where to start? Is this a bad book? Well it’s not a complete one star so I did still find that it had its merits. But my Lord, this was one of the most insufferable cast of characters I have ever come across. And as somebody who is a very character-based reader it definitely took from my enjoyment. The plot though, was surprisingly a lot more compelling than I expected given the generic cover.
(I still like this cover a lot don’t get me wrong, it just seemed like one of those not that exciting “beach reads”)
The fact that a big part of this was essentially them hiding from a mobster to avoid getting murdered was extremely unexpected but highly appreciated. It was the saving grace of this book that it ends in a gunpoint standoff.
But let’s now focus on why we’re all here. The characters.
Jade-
Holy shit, I have never read about a character who is more of a cunt than Jade. Like seriously, Not even Lord Voldemort is as much of a cunt as she is. As someone who is 24 years old and lives with my mother, my family lives in a way where we split the bills equally we take over meals equally and it’s more of a roommate-ship now that we’re all adults rather than one person having to take care of the other. Jade is living in her mothers house, she should be giving her respect. In general this is a human being who is also her mother she should be giving her respect. I have never seen someone so whiny and annoying and capable of being a next tier asshole all within their first introduction. She manages to make her family being scared and stressed and worried about their lives being on the run about her and how it inconveniences her. Luis, her dude that he’s barely known for more than like a few weeks or at least that’s how it’s implied, was more caring and attentive and worried about her family than she seemed to be. She disgusted me and I would’ve been fine if she was shot at the end of the book.
Nan-
All right so we got the comic relief elderly character. She was insufferable and annoying at times, with there being actual issues at hand and Georgie already being stressed and then just asking for food and all that stuff amongst it. I grew to warm up to her character over the course of the book a bitch but she also just seemed like at this point she should be having a full time caretaker. I literally she gets into a random cab thinks it’s for free and gives up all of their information and where they’re staying, to The very man who’s trying to kill them. Sure, she doesn’t know that but it should be easily inferred that you shouldn’t just be giving random people your location when you’re under protective services. There was cute shit, like the blue streak in her hair or her telling stories of her past but honestly I thought the resolution of the end for her story line would be her going to live in a home.
Bonnie-
If we counted the amount of times I wanted to bitch slap Bonnie in the face while reading this book we would be here forever. She was naïve, she was a bit dumb, and she was the most gross and needy human being when it came to her husband. He cheats on you, he’s very clearly verbally abusive and controlling about what you do with your life, he is or involved i organized crime and now you and your sister are worried for your life because of his shady deals that you didn’t know about and you’re still worried about him. You’re still wanting to be with him. And you won’t give up the stupid fucking bracelet that he gave you that this man that is after you is looking for just because you didn’t want to “lose the last bit of hand that you had”. Sorry I get the people have a hard time letting go but there is a limit. She needed to gain some self-respect, and I felt bad for Georgie being that concerned but I do understand where she was coming from at least. But I will say as a saving grace I do feel like at the very last chapter those last few pages she seemed to show promise of having character development and I’ve been capable of being independent and moving past this man.
Georgie-
Or onto our main gal. George is a bit of George is a bit more of a complex one. She’s kind of dull. She takes care of all of these people just because their family even though they are assholes. But I did care about her, and I had a bit of a soft spot for her. The scenes with her and Marcus were cute I guess, but this grown ass mid 50s woman should be fine with telling her family that she has a boyfriend and communicate that effectively instead of going to sneak out to see this man while they are hiding from a killer. The scene where she goes to end stuff with Marcus, only to decide to have a nice stroll in a coffee afterwards cause she’s a bit sad and then immediately gets sold out and has her wrist almost broken by the main big bad and is just sitting there like “omg how could this have been avoided” possess me off to no end. I hope now she’ll have a very fulfilling life with this man and not let toxic people be so demanding of her time and also that all of these people gain a handful of much needed brain cells.
Luis-
A bit of a racial stereotype comp that I was also uncomfy reading the audiobook parts of his dialogue? Sure. Also the softest little cutie that was immediately more kind to Jade‘s family than she was and willing to have all of these strangers stay in his home and pay for all of their food also yes. This was the only character that I didn’t hate and I would like to protect him with my life I worried for a bit that since he was the only mistake that the author didn’t make that he would end up getting shot and dying and then this book would have no redeeming qualities. Luckily he is thriving, and will hopefully have the most successful of careers.
Overall, I’m sure there’s an audience for this book.
2/5 stars
Where to start? Is this a bad book? Well it’s not a complete one star so I did still find that it had its merits. But my Lord, this was one of the most insufferable cast of characters I have ever come across. And as somebody who is a very character-based reader it definitely took from my enjoyment. The plot though, was surprisingly a lot more compelling than I expected given the generic cover.
(I still like this cover a lot don’t get me wrong, it just seemed like one of those not that exciting “beach reads”)
The fact that a big part of this was essentially them hiding from a mobster to avoid getting murdered was extremely unexpected but highly appreciated. It was the saving grace of this book that it ends in a gunpoint standoff.
But let’s now focus on why we’re all here. The characters.
Jade-
Holy shit, I have never read about a character who is more of a cunt than Jade. Like seriously, Not even Lord Voldemort is as much of a cunt as she is. As someone who is 24 years old and lives with my mother, my family lives in a way where we split the bills equally we take over meals equally and it’s more of a roommate-ship now that we’re all adults rather than one person having to take care of the other. Jade is living in her mothers house, she should be giving her respect. In general this is a human being who is also her mother she should be giving her respect. I have never seen someone so whiny and annoying and capable of being a next tier asshole all within their first introduction. She manages to make her family being scared and stressed and worried about their lives being on the run about her and how it inconveniences her. Luis, her dude that he’s barely known for more than like a few weeks or at least that’s how it’s implied, was more caring and attentive and worried about her family than she seemed to be. She disgusted me and I would’ve been fine if she was shot at the end of the book.
Nan-
All right so we got the comic relief elderly character. She was insufferable and annoying at times, with there being actual issues at hand and Georgie already being stressed and then just asking for food and all that stuff amongst it. I grew to warm up to her character over the course of the book a bitch but she also just seemed like at this point she should be having a full time caretaker. I literally she gets into a random cab thinks it’s for free and gives up all of their information and where they’re staying, to The very man who’s trying to kill them. Sure, she doesn’t know that but it should be easily inferred that you shouldn’t just be giving random people your location when you’re under protective services. There was cute shit, like the blue streak in her hair or her telling stories of her past but honestly I thought the resolution of the end for her story line would be her going to live in a home.
Bonnie-
If we counted the amount of times I wanted to bitch slap Bonnie in the face while reading this book we would be here forever. She was naïve, she was a bit dumb, and she was the most gross and needy human being when it came to her husband. He cheats on you, he’s very clearly verbally abusive and controlling about what you do with your life, he is or involved i organized crime and now you and your sister are worried for your life because of his shady deals that you didn’t know about and you’re still worried about him. You’re still wanting to be with him. And you won’t give up the stupid fucking bracelet that he gave you that this man that is after you is looking for just because you didn’t want to “lose the last bit of hand that you had”. Sorry I get the people have a hard time letting go but there is a limit. She needed to gain some self-respect, and I felt bad for Georgie being that concerned but I do understand where she was coming from at least. But I will say as a saving grace I do feel like at the very last chapter those last few pages she seemed to show promise of having character development and I’ve been capable of being independent and moving past this man.
Georgie-
Or onto our main gal. George is a bit of George is a bit more of a complex one. She’s kind of dull. She takes care of all of these people just because their family even though they are assholes. But I did care about her, and I had a bit of a soft spot for her. The scenes with her and Marcus were cute I guess, but this grown ass mid 50s woman should be fine with telling her family that she has a boyfriend and communicate that effectively instead of going to sneak out to see this man while they are hiding from a killer. The scene where she goes to end stuff with Marcus, only to decide to have a nice stroll in a coffee afterwards cause she’s a bit sad and then immediately gets sold out and has her wrist almost broken by the main big bad and is just sitting there like “omg how could this have been avoided” possess me off to no end. I hope now she’ll have a very fulfilling life with this man and not let toxic people be so demanding of her time and also that all of these people gain a handful of much needed brain cells.
Luis-
A bit of a racial stereotype comp that I was also uncomfy reading the audiobook parts of his dialogue? Sure. Also the softest little cutie that was immediately more kind to Jade‘s family than she was and willing to have all of these strangers stay in his home and pay for all of their food also yes. This was the only character that I didn’t hate and I would like to protect him with my life I worried for a bit that since he was the only mistake that the author didn’t make that he would end up getting shot and dying and then this book would have no redeeming qualities. Luckily he is thriving, and will hopefully have the most successful of careers.
Overall, I’m sure there’s an audience for this book.
March 23, 2019
Georgie Turner’s entire life revolves around her family— even if they might not appreciate it. Though she has the best intentions by focusing on her daughter, sister, and aunt, she can’t help but feel that she’s stepping on their toes. However, when her sister Bonnie’s husband gets caught up in a shady business deal, Georgie hastily decides they have no choice but to gather together and hide out on the coast of Sussex in what turns out to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Author Judy Leigh has written a novel of family. Like family, much of the plot is heartwarming and feel-good. Also like family, there’s plenty of frustration. That’s not to suggest any parts of this book are bad— it’s a rollicking time. Rather, Leigh has managed to jam her characters together into a complicated situation, and sometimes their annoyances in a high-stakes environment are palpable. Sometimes Jade, the twenty-something daughter, can be irrational. Other times Nan, the grandmother figure, can be difficult. But Georgie and, in turn, the reader, wouldn’t have it any other way.
Brilliantly, because Leigh allows her characters the chance to be temporarily unlikable, it gives them ample space to grow. Each is given a moment to shine, and Leigh has a precise ability to give an authentic voice to each generation of character.
All of this unfolds around a unique adventure centered on keeping Bonnie safe from her sleazy husband’s business contacts. These ladies, led by Georgie, navigate a spur of the moment journey involving gorgeous lodgings, secret love, a bit of prosecco, and the unbreakable bond of family. It’s a wild, rather sweet, ride.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Author Judy Leigh has written a novel of family. Like family, much of the plot is heartwarming and feel-good. Also like family, there’s plenty of frustration. That’s not to suggest any parts of this book are bad— it’s a rollicking time. Rather, Leigh has managed to jam her characters together into a complicated situation, and sometimes their annoyances in a high-stakes environment are palpable. Sometimes Jade, the twenty-something daughter, can be irrational. Other times Nan, the grandmother figure, can be difficult. But Georgie and, in turn, the reader, wouldn’t have it any other way.
Brilliantly, because Leigh allows her characters the chance to be temporarily unlikable, it gives them ample space to grow. Each is given a moment to shine, and Leigh has a precise ability to give an authentic voice to each generation of character.
All of this unfolds around a unique adventure centered on keeping Bonnie safe from her sleazy husband’s business contacts. These ladies, led by Georgie, navigate a spur of the moment journey involving gorgeous lodgings, secret love, a bit of prosecco, and the unbreakable bond of family. It’s a wild, rather sweet, ride.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
February 5, 2021
Georgie is a divorced Liverpudlian single mother, a beautician whose business is in her house. Her daughter Jade is 24 years old and runs a personal fitness business from the basement. Georgie's younger sister Bonnie is married to slimy cheater called Adie, Georgie has tried to get Bonnie to leave him time and again but Bonnie loves him and believes him when he says he loves her. Added to the mix is Georgie and Bonnie's Aunt Anne, known always as Nan or Nanny.
When one of Adie's shady business deals goes wrong Bonnie and Georgie are threatened by a shady gangster so Georgie comes up with a plan to hide from Adie and his business associates by spending a few weeks in Brighton where Jade's new boyfriend, a Spanish footballer called Luis, lives. But travelling with your aunt, your sister and your daughter isn't always the Thelma and Louise road-trip it's cracked up to be. What with the moaning, the constant toilet stops, the sobbing and the sulking. Rather than bring the family back together enforced proximity seems more likely to drive them further apart. Until Adie's associates find them.
I have to be honest, I can't think of four more unpleasant women in one book who weren't serial killers. Bonnie is totally self-obsessed, a grown woman does not make a single cup of tea or coffee, or make dinner for any of the others for weeks and weeks. It all falls on Georgie. Despite being told by Georgie not to use credit cards so that Adie can't trace them Bonnie frequently goes out shopping buying make-up and other essentials. She also blithely tells Adie where they are hiding. Jade is 24 going on 13, I don't think I have ever wanted to reach into my Kindle and slap someone quite as much as I wanted to slap Jade for her constant criticism and moaning and blaming everything on her mother. Goodness only knows what a sweet man like Luis saw in her! Georgie is a 55 year old doormat, scurrying around trying to placate everyone and waiting on them all hand and foot. Then when she meets a man it's instalurve and she starts acting like a teenager, sneaking out and lying about where she's going. Finally Nan, her biggest problem was that she was clearly intended to be the comedy character but her constant malapropisms were wearing.
Overall, the plot was quite good, I liked the pace and the writing was good, although a little too much "I ..., I ..., I ..." for my taste but sadly the characters all seemed a bit two dimensional.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
When one of Adie's shady business deals goes wrong Bonnie and Georgie are threatened by a shady gangster so Georgie comes up with a plan to hide from Adie and his business associates by spending a few weeks in Brighton where Jade's new boyfriend, a Spanish footballer called Luis, lives. But travelling with your aunt, your sister and your daughter isn't always the Thelma and Louise road-trip it's cracked up to be. What with the moaning, the constant toilet stops, the sobbing and the sulking. Rather than bring the family back together enforced proximity seems more likely to drive them further apart. Until Adie's associates find them.
I have to be honest, I can't think of four more unpleasant women in one book who weren't serial killers. Bonnie is totally self-obsessed, a grown woman does not make a single cup of tea or coffee, or make dinner for any of the others for weeks and weeks. It all falls on Georgie. Despite being told by Georgie not to use credit cards so that Adie can't trace them Bonnie frequently goes out shopping buying make-up and other essentials. She also blithely tells Adie where they are hiding. Jade is 24 going on 13, I don't think I have ever wanted to reach into my Kindle and slap someone quite as much as I wanted to slap Jade for her constant criticism and moaning and blaming everything on her mother. Goodness only knows what a sweet man like Luis saw in her! Georgie is a 55 year old doormat, scurrying around trying to placate everyone and waiting on them all hand and foot. Then when she meets a man it's instalurve and she starts acting like a teenager, sneaking out and lying about where she's going. Finally Nan, her biggest problem was that she was clearly intended to be the comedy character but her constant malapropisms were wearing.
Overall, the plot was quite good, I liked the pace and the writing was good, although a little too much "I ..., I ..., I ..." for my taste but sadly the characters all seemed a bit two dimensional.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 5, 2019
Georgie at 55 and feeling very single sees an opportunity to reunite the women of her family, who seem to have drifted away from each other. The timing is perfect as her younger sister’s husband has finally been seen for the cheating rat that he is. All very upsetting for Bonnie but something the rest of the family had suspected for a long time. Then there is ‘gran’ who really is her aunt and one of her daughters. So these four Liverpool ladies of very varying ages get in Georgie’s car and head to the south coast for a little recreation. The Sussex girls have seen nothing yet in comparison to this motley crew.
There are as many unlikable characters in this story as there are loveable ones. I think if I had been Georgie I would have been dropping a couple of them off at the services and taking off myself! Sometimes you just can’t get away from your problems, or in this case someone else's, as trouble was not far behind them. At times the story is chaotic but laced with humour too. You don’t mess with Georgie or her family!
The story began well, lulled a little but really picked up and made up for it as it raced towards the end. All in all it was entertaining.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
There are as many unlikable characters in this story as there are loveable ones. I think if I had been Georgie I would have been dropping a couple of them off at the services and taking off myself! Sometimes you just can’t get away from your problems, or in this case someone else's, as trouble was not far behind them. At times the story is chaotic but laced with humour too. You don’t mess with Georgie or her family!
The story began well, lulled a little but really picked up and made up for it as it raced towards the end. All in all it was entertaining.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
August 29, 2019
The Age of Misadventure by Judy Leigh
2.5 Stars
I became a fan of Judy Leigh after I read her “A Grand Old Time”. Judy has a talent for writing about older characters, so I was pleased to see that many of the characters in this book were in their fifties.
I enjoyed reading the beginning of this book. There are laughable moments and a madcap adventure. Unfortunately, I found three quarters of the way through the book that the pace was too slow and the writing too verbose. I found myself skipping paragraphs. I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book so that I could move on to something else. The main character, Georgie, is a divorcee business woman and is indecisive and almost childish in her relationship with Marcus.
All and all, it’s an okay book, but just didn’t connect with me.
2.5 Stars
I became a fan of Judy Leigh after I read her “A Grand Old Time”. Judy has a talent for writing about older characters, so I was pleased to see that many of the characters in this book were in their fifties.
I enjoyed reading the beginning of this book. There are laughable moments and a madcap adventure. Unfortunately, I found three quarters of the way through the book that the pace was too slow and the writing too verbose. I found myself skipping paragraphs. I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book so that I could move on to something else. The main character, Georgie, is a divorcee business woman and is indecisive and almost childish in her relationship with Marcus.
All and all, it’s an okay book, but just didn’t connect with me.
March 12, 2019
When I saw the blurb for The Age of Misadventure I was really looking forward to reading about the adventures of these women. Sadly I wasn’t for me. I expected it to be a humourous tale but didn't find it as funny as I'd hoped.
Georgie had a need to help and take care of people and did so whether they wanted her to or not. Georgie insisted on getting her sister out of town after learning a gangster was after her. This man had worked with her husband in a dicey business deal and was owed money that he was trying to collect. Her sister loved her husband deeply and didn't care what shady deals he was involved in. Actually, getting out of town wasn't a bad idea. Georgie's daughter and aunt were part of the group leaving town. Her daughter was on her way to live with her new boyfriend and wasn't happy that the other women were going with her. Especially her mother. What young woman wants her mother helping (interfering) with her life? I found Georgie's elderly aunt's (Nanny) antics more sad than amusing. She needed a lot more care than Georgie could give her.
Two of the characters were particularly irritating when they were in hiding. Both Georgie and Bonnie left the house at different times even though they knew better. By this time Jade was with her boyfriend but any time she was with her mother (Georgie) she acted like a grumpy teenager telling her mother to stay out of her life. I didn't like Nanny at all. I couldn't have put up with her. It was funny that she asked for a Guinness so often. Once she got it, she was content.
While the women had quite an adventure hiding from the gangster, I found the middle of the story slow moving. Then it got really exciting toward the end.
The good thing about opinions though is that not everyone has the same ones, so this book will really catch the attention of many readers. All that being said, it was a good book.
I received this book from NetGalley.
Georgie had a need to help and take care of people and did so whether they wanted her to or not. Georgie insisted on getting her sister out of town after learning a gangster was after her. This man had worked with her husband in a dicey business deal and was owed money that he was trying to collect. Her sister loved her husband deeply and didn't care what shady deals he was involved in. Actually, getting out of town wasn't a bad idea. Georgie's daughter and aunt were part of the group leaving town. Her daughter was on her way to live with her new boyfriend and wasn't happy that the other women were going with her. Especially her mother. What young woman wants her mother helping (interfering) with her life? I found Georgie's elderly aunt's (Nanny) antics more sad than amusing. She needed a lot more care than Georgie could give her.
Two of the characters were particularly irritating when they were in hiding. Both Georgie and Bonnie left the house at different times even though they knew better. By this time Jade was with her boyfriend but any time she was with her mother (Georgie) she acted like a grumpy teenager telling her mother to stay out of her life. I didn't like Nanny at all. I couldn't have put up with her. It was funny that she asked for a Guinness so often. Once she got it, she was content.
While the women had quite an adventure hiding from the gangster, I found the middle of the story slow moving. Then it got really exciting toward the end.
The good thing about opinions though is that not everyone has the same ones, so this book will really catch the attention of many readers. All that being said, it was a good book.
I received this book from NetGalley.
March 12, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
THE AGE OF MISADVENTURE by Judy Leigh is a madcap adventure that made me laugh, made me tear up, and infuriated me at one point, but most of all it entertained me from start to finish.
Georgie Turner has managed well on her own ever since her divorce and she doesn't need romance in her life. She has her own home, a successful business, and she adores the women in her life - her daughter Jade, her sister Bonnie, and her old Aunt Nan. But Jade is getting older and has fallen in love and wants Georgie to stop smothering her, Bonnie is a trophy wife to a crook, and Nan seems to be fading away before her eyes. When Bonnie's husband gets himself into trouble with a gangster and cheats on Bonnie again, Georgie sees the chance to whisk all of the people who matter the most to her away until the dust settles and Bonnie is no longer in danger, but things certainly do not always go to plan. But maybe these women will find their inner strength and forge a closer bond somewhere along the way.
This book worked well for me and the characters were all unique and engaging although I have to say that Nan was by far my favourite - she made me laugh and she made me sad and there was never a dull moment with old Nan. Georgie is a more complicated character and there were times where I was completely on Jade's side and could see how overprotective Georgie could be, but I'm also a mum who would do anything to protect her kids so I could understand it a little too. Bonnie drove me nuts!
There is plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns, which makes this story flow well from start to finish and I fully enjoyed THE AGE OF MISADVENTURE by Judy Leigh.
THE AGE OF MISADVENTURE by Judy Leigh is a madcap adventure that made me laugh, made me tear up, and infuriated me at one point, but most of all it entertained me from start to finish.
Georgie Turner has managed well on her own ever since her divorce and she doesn't need romance in her life. She has her own home, a successful business, and she adores the women in her life - her daughter Jade, her sister Bonnie, and her old Aunt Nan. But Jade is getting older and has fallen in love and wants Georgie to stop smothering her, Bonnie is a trophy wife to a crook, and Nan seems to be fading away before her eyes. When Bonnie's husband gets himself into trouble with a gangster and cheats on Bonnie again, Georgie sees the chance to whisk all of the people who matter the most to her away until the dust settles and Bonnie is no longer in danger, but things certainly do not always go to plan. But maybe these women will find their inner strength and forge a closer bond somewhere along the way.
This book worked well for me and the characters were all unique and engaging although I have to say that Nan was by far my favourite - she made me laugh and she made me sad and there was never a dull moment with old Nan. Georgie is a more complicated character and there were times where I was completely on Jade's side and could see how overprotective Georgie could be, but I'm also a mum who would do anything to protect her kids so I could understand it a little too. Bonnie drove me nuts!
There is plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns, which makes this story flow well from start to finish and I fully enjoyed THE AGE OF MISADVENTURE by Judy Leigh.
June 24, 2022
Fun adventures of three women.
February 15, 2019
A fun read, started out really well but lost momentum in the middle for awhile, picked up towards the end. I enjoyed the angst between mother and daughter, not overdone. A nice read,
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
January 2, 2019
This was the first book I read by Judy Leigh. I loved her writing style, her characters and the story. I thought this was my kind of book from the cover and I am so happy that I have found a new (to-me) wonderful author.
I adore stories with various ages of characters, especially if the story has a character of the older generation. This book has people with ages varying from 21 to 88 years old. I am so happy when an older person is valued and cared for by others and when it is such an important part of the plot of the story.
The story had me interested from the very beginning and kept me involved until it ended. The book was funny, intense and heartwarming.
At the beginning of the book, you know the characters on their surface; Georgie - a divorced 55 year old woman still unhappy about the end of her marriage and a bit stuck in her daily rut, Jade (Georgie’s daughter) - a young woman trying to be independent and pry herself away from her mother’s constant watching eyes, Bonnie (Georgie’s sister) - a vulnerable, kind woman being used by her no-good husband, and Nanny Basham (Georgie and Bonnie’s aunt) - an older woman of 88 years that is going day to day, surviving but not living anymore.
As the story progress, the characters become very multilayered and just as in real life, not what they seemed to be at the surface.
Georgie is the ever giving overseer of her loved ones, running herself ragged trying to be all to everyone, usually putting her own needs last. When Bonnie’s no-good husband’s latest deal goes sour, Georgie organizes a trip to give Bonnie some distance and the fact that it coincides with Jade’s moving to live with her boyfriend in a new area, all the better.
Unfortunately, the trouble follows them and a simple “girl’s trip” turns into so much more. All four woman grow in ways unseen before this trip. All four were strong before, but situations occur that make their strength come out full force.
This book was such an enjoyable journey. I am so happy to have found this author and this book.
I want to thank Avon Books UK, the author, and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. I hope in writing this review other readers will pick up this book to read.
I adore stories with various ages of characters, especially if the story has a character of the older generation. This book has people with ages varying from 21 to 88 years old. I am so happy when an older person is valued and cared for by others and when it is such an important part of the plot of the story.
The story had me interested from the very beginning and kept me involved until it ended. The book was funny, intense and heartwarming.
At the beginning of the book, you know the characters on their surface; Georgie - a divorced 55 year old woman still unhappy about the end of her marriage and a bit stuck in her daily rut, Jade (Georgie’s daughter) - a young woman trying to be independent and pry herself away from her mother’s constant watching eyes, Bonnie (Georgie’s sister) - a vulnerable, kind woman being used by her no-good husband, and Nanny Basham (Georgie and Bonnie’s aunt) - an older woman of 88 years that is going day to day, surviving but not living anymore.
As the story progress, the characters become very multilayered and just as in real life, not what they seemed to be at the surface.
Georgie is the ever giving overseer of her loved ones, running herself ragged trying to be all to everyone, usually putting her own needs last. When Bonnie’s no-good husband’s latest deal goes sour, Georgie organizes a trip to give Bonnie some distance and the fact that it coincides with Jade’s moving to live with her boyfriend in a new area, all the better.
Unfortunately, the trouble follows them and a simple “girl’s trip” turns into so much more. All four woman grow in ways unseen before this trip. All four were strong before, but situations occur that make their strength come out full force.
This book was such an enjoyable journey. I am so happy to have found this author and this book.
I want to thank Avon Books UK, the author, and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. I hope in writing this review other readers will pick up this book to read.
February 23, 2019
Oh Good God, I was so disappointed with this book as I was hoping for something a little bit....more.
This is the story of Georgie, her daughter Jade, sister Bonnie and her old Aunt Nan. Georgie has sworn off men after her husband left her for another woman. Jade is smitten with the Premier League footballer she has just started dating, Bonnie is married to a horrible man who owes money to some nasty people, and old Aunt Nan is just a little bit....crazy.
Beware: Spoilers follow!!
I was very disappointed with what followed and passed for story. Bonnie's husband is no good but Bonnie won't listen - not only is he no good, he owes money to a gangster who threatens to kill Bonnie if he doesn't pay up. Georgie decides to leave Liverpool with her sister, daughter and aunt to go and lie low in Brighton where her daughter has decided to move to with her footballer boyfriend. They decide that the best way to get there and cover their tracks at the same time is by driving all the way to Edinburgh, then head to the Lake District, then Northampton and finally Brighton - is it really necessary to do all of that? All it seemed to do was serve as a vehicle for Jade to moan that she was being kept from the man that she loved having only met him two weeks previously.
When they finally arrive in Brighton the women all go and stay in the same apartment block as Jade and her boyfriend - he has a friend who has fortuitously gone to America for knee surgery meaning they can hide out at his place for a few months. Georgie is the only one who ever leaves the flat, venturing into the town to look around where - surprise, surprise - she meets a tall, dark, handsome man who she falls for. Jade, meanwhile continues to be petulant, rude and arrogant, ignoring her mothers phone calls and text messages.
It isn't long before Bonnie has revealed their entire whereabouts to her husband and they are soon being threatened by the gangster who is after the money, a gangster who apparently prefers to do all the threatening himself rather than using henchmen to do it for him. The girls soon go to the police and are assigned police close protection officers to take care of them - and what a useless pair they are, as first Aunt Nan and then Georgie manage to give the protection officers the slip on numerous occasions. In the meantime, the police run around like lunatics trying to find the gangster while he appears to be hiding behind a tree as he materializes every time Georgie leaves the flat, yet the police are always looking for him and "getting close" to arresting him. Jade just continues to moan and protest that they have to have it all sorted out in the next few days because it is all inconvenient for her and her boyfriend, who's game has started to suffer as a result of.....I'm not sure what.
The final climactic scene ends with the gangster managing to get into the flat past both police officers and get Jade and her boyfriend down from the flat upstairs where he holds them all at gunpoint threatening to shoot them one by one until they tell him where the money is hidden - clues to which are on a charm bracelet that Bonnie is wearing. The day is saved by Super Aunt Nan who manages to sneak out of the bedroom, down the corridor, into the kitchen where she finds a plastic veg spiralizer and uses it as a pretend gun to threaten the gangster with...I mean really???
I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book so that I could move on to something better. It's a shame really because there is the makings of a good plot here but it's been so poorly handled that it ended up being dreadful.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Georgie, her daughter Jade, sister Bonnie and her old Aunt Nan. Georgie has sworn off men after her husband left her for another woman. Jade is smitten with the Premier League footballer she has just started dating, Bonnie is married to a horrible man who owes money to some nasty people, and old Aunt Nan is just a little bit....crazy.
Beware: Spoilers follow!!
I was very disappointed with what followed and passed for story. Bonnie's husband is no good but Bonnie won't listen - not only is he no good, he owes money to a gangster who threatens to kill Bonnie if he doesn't pay up. Georgie decides to leave Liverpool with her sister, daughter and aunt to go and lie low in Brighton where her daughter has decided to move to with her footballer boyfriend. They decide that the best way to get there and cover their tracks at the same time is by driving all the way to Edinburgh, then head to the Lake District, then Northampton and finally Brighton - is it really necessary to do all of that? All it seemed to do was serve as a vehicle for Jade to moan that she was being kept from the man that she loved having only met him two weeks previously.
When they finally arrive in Brighton the women all go and stay in the same apartment block as Jade and her boyfriend - he has a friend who has fortuitously gone to America for knee surgery meaning they can hide out at his place for a few months. Georgie is the only one who ever leaves the flat, venturing into the town to look around where - surprise, surprise - she meets a tall, dark, handsome man who she falls for. Jade, meanwhile continues to be petulant, rude and arrogant, ignoring her mothers phone calls and text messages.
It isn't long before Bonnie has revealed their entire whereabouts to her husband and they are soon being threatened by the gangster who is after the money, a gangster who apparently prefers to do all the threatening himself rather than using henchmen to do it for him. The girls soon go to the police and are assigned police close protection officers to take care of them - and what a useless pair they are, as first Aunt Nan and then Georgie manage to give the protection officers the slip on numerous occasions. In the meantime, the police run around like lunatics trying to find the gangster while he appears to be hiding behind a tree as he materializes every time Georgie leaves the flat, yet the police are always looking for him and "getting close" to arresting him. Jade just continues to moan and protest that they have to have it all sorted out in the next few days because it is all inconvenient for her and her boyfriend, who's game has started to suffer as a result of.....I'm not sure what.
The final climactic scene ends with the gangster managing to get into the flat past both police officers and get Jade and her boyfriend down from the flat upstairs where he holds them all at gunpoint threatening to shoot them one by one until they tell him where the money is hidden - clues to which are on a charm bracelet that Bonnie is wearing. The day is saved by Super Aunt Nan who manages to sneak out of the bedroom, down the corridor, into the kitchen where she finds a plastic veg spiralizer and uses it as a pretend gun to threaten the gangster with...I mean really???
I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book so that I could move on to something better. It's a shame really because there is the makings of a good plot here but it's been so poorly handled that it ended up being dreadful.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2019
3.5 Stars
Misadventure certainly sums up the zany story-line in this book.
Definitely a story where you need to suspend your belief in reality while reading as this was a completely unexpectedly wild ride.
Somehow multiple generations of one family end up on the run, after Bonnie's husband does one too many dodgy deals, and some really nasty bad guys want some revenge,
I didn't really take to most of the women in this book, but did enjoy Aunty Nanny, who has a habit of not quite using the right words, to some hilarious consequences. Plus she is easily the most fun of the characters and really came into her own.
The last third I was barely able to tear myself away from, as when everything started to heat up and come together, it did it in an addictive style.
Story wise it felt quite original, and the writing was certainly good, I just didn't really gel with most of the characters.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Misadventure certainly sums up the zany story-line in this book.
Definitely a story where you need to suspend your belief in reality while reading as this was a completely unexpectedly wild ride.
Somehow multiple generations of one family end up on the run, after Bonnie's husband does one too many dodgy deals, and some really nasty bad guys want some revenge,
I didn't really take to most of the women in this book, but did enjoy Aunty Nanny, who has a habit of not quite using the right words, to some hilarious consequences. Plus she is easily the most fun of the characters and really came into her own.
The last third I was barely able to tear myself away from, as when everything started to heat up and come together, it did it in an addictive style.
Story wise it felt quite original, and the writing was certainly good, I just didn't really gel with most of the characters.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 25, 2022
Enjoyable fun read featuring a wonderful group of women.
March 19, 2019
The Blurb :
55-year-old Georgie Turner doesn’t need a new man. Her daughter, aunt and sister are the most important people in her life (and the most infuriating). But it seems the older they get, the further apart they drift.
Georgie’s never been a fan of her sister Bonnie’s husband, so when she learns her brother-in-law has been up to no good, Georgie sees an opportunity to bring the women of her family back together. Along with her 21-year-old daughter and 80-year-old aunt, she packs Bonnie into the back of her car and they leave Liverpool to hide out on the coast of Sussex. With the help of some sun, sea and bottle or two of prosecco, this will be an adventure they’ll never forget.
But could the right man find Georgie while she’s stopping the wrong man finding her sister?
My Thoughts :
I was huge fan of Judy Leigh’s first book A Grand Old Time, so I was excited to see she had a new release. I just adore this cover on the book not only does it scream summer but its bright, colourful and a book you can read at any time of the year.
We meet Georgie Turner who is a 55 year old divorcee and happily single. Georgie has a daughter named Jade, a sister called Bonnie and their aunt who they call nan. Georgie feels they are all slipping away and getting on with their own lives, When Georgie’s brother in law Adie gets caught up in some nasty business his actions threaten the safety Bonnie when she has to deal with gangsters. Georgie takes it upon herself to take them all away to Brighton to get away from the troubles Adie has left behind. What follows is an adventure of many twists and turns.
Although Judy Leigh’s last book A Grand Old Time is still my favourite this was an enjoyable read. I love reading about older charactors in these books, its a change from the usual run of the mill stories and cast that are below 30 years old, most in this story were over and in their 50s which was very refreshing to read.
I cant wait for the next book released.
55-year-old Georgie Turner doesn’t need a new man. Her daughter, aunt and sister are the most important people in her life (and the most infuriating). But it seems the older they get, the further apart they drift.
Georgie’s never been a fan of her sister Bonnie’s husband, so when she learns her brother-in-law has been up to no good, Georgie sees an opportunity to bring the women of her family back together. Along with her 21-year-old daughter and 80-year-old aunt, she packs Bonnie into the back of her car and they leave Liverpool to hide out on the coast of Sussex. With the help of some sun, sea and bottle or two of prosecco, this will be an adventure they’ll never forget.
But could the right man find Georgie while she’s stopping the wrong man finding her sister?
My Thoughts :
I was huge fan of Judy Leigh’s first book A Grand Old Time, so I was excited to see she had a new release. I just adore this cover on the book not only does it scream summer but its bright, colourful and a book you can read at any time of the year.
We meet Georgie Turner who is a 55 year old divorcee and happily single. Georgie has a daughter named Jade, a sister called Bonnie and their aunt who they call nan. Georgie feels they are all slipping away and getting on with their own lives, When Georgie’s brother in law Adie gets caught up in some nasty business his actions threaten the safety Bonnie when she has to deal with gangsters. Georgie takes it upon herself to take them all away to Brighton to get away from the troubles Adie has left behind. What follows is an adventure of many twists and turns.
Although Judy Leigh’s last book A Grand Old Time is still my favourite this was an enjoyable read. I love reading about older charactors in these books, its a change from the usual run of the mill stories and cast that are below 30 years old, most in this story were over and in their 50s which was very refreshing to read.
I cant wait for the next book released.
March 8, 2019
"You know that big clock on my mantelpiece, the loud one that keeps ticking away all the time, tick-tock? You don't expect it to stop but one day it will tick and then it won't tock. Or it'll tock and then it won't tick again."
I have received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this book, I had feared that being a 21 year-old, I might feel a sense of disconnect with the protagonist and most other key characters being in their fifties and beyond. But I didn't. I so didn't.
There are few novels as aptly named as The Age of Misadventure. It was an misadventure in all, but one that shows that the best adventures are a miss.
I opened this thinking it would be a chick-lit, cosy mystery as I needed a change of pace. But this story was so much more than that. It was a beautiful tale of bonding of three generations of women separated by opinions and years of routine, but still interwoven by the bond of familial ties and people past.
Georgina, our protagonist is the eldest of the two sisters, and the glue that holds three generations of women together. She is caught between concern for her daughter, sister and last surviving Aunt while constantly swatting away the chance at love after being betrayed by her ex-husband of about twenty years.
Sometimes, the dialogues, the details and the general pace of the story towards the beginning got a tad bit tedious. But then it kicked off and never slowed down. Overall, it was a very comfy read, filled with laughs, giggles, and fond relatability with the anecdotes and experiences of the characters.
There was no magical ending here, nor any incredulous, unrealistic love stories. It was a smooth natural tale of self-love, love for family and plenty of naughty bit and pieces that left a warm fuzzy feeling in me throughout!
I have received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this book, I had feared that being a 21 year-old, I might feel a sense of disconnect with the protagonist and most other key characters being in their fifties and beyond. But I didn't. I so didn't.
There are few novels as aptly named as The Age of Misadventure. It was an misadventure in all, but one that shows that the best adventures are a miss.
I opened this thinking it would be a chick-lit, cosy mystery as I needed a change of pace. But this story was so much more than that. It was a beautiful tale of bonding of three generations of women separated by opinions and years of routine, but still interwoven by the bond of familial ties and people past.
Georgina, our protagonist is the eldest of the two sisters, and the glue that holds three generations of women together. She is caught between concern for her daughter, sister and last surviving Aunt while constantly swatting away the chance at love after being betrayed by her ex-husband of about twenty years.
Sometimes, the dialogues, the details and the general pace of the story towards the beginning got a tad bit tedious. But then it kicked off and never slowed down. Overall, it was a very comfy read, filled with laughs, giggles, and fond relatability with the anecdotes and experiences of the characters.
There was no magical ending here, nor any incredulous, unrealistic love stories. It was a smooth natural tale of self-love, love for family and plenty of naughty bit and pieces that left a warm fuzzy feeling in me throughout!
January 29, 2019
After reading Judy Leigh’s début novel A Grand Old Time I was really looking forward to this book. Sadly I wasn’t too keen on it. The characters didn’t gel with me and I didn’t especially enjoy the story.
The story is about 55 year old divorcee Georgina, a beautician with her own business. She has a 24 year old daughter Jade who’s a personal trainer, a sister Bonnie – professional house wife and then there’s Nan – Georgie’s Auntie but they all call her Nan. Bonnie is married to Adie a dodgy wheeler dealer and womanizer, but Bonnie thinks the sun shines out of his proverbial backside. In her eyes he can do no wrong, whatever misdemeanour he commits he can always be forgiven because really, he loves Bonnie (well Bonnie thinks so). That is until he goes one step too far and now he’s got himself in far deeper than ever before, with a real life gangster on the war path who decides if he can’t find Adie then he’ll come after his wife and his sister-in-law instead.
In the meantime Jade has landed herself a professional footballer boyfriend Luis. They plan to share a flat together in Brighton. What better place for Georgina to hole herself up with her sister and Nan to lie low for a while and hide from gangster Beddowes. Jade reluctantly lets them stay in the flat of one of her boyfriends footballer friends who’s currently away, with strict instructions to stay out of the way of her and Luis.
That’s the story. Now the characters, and this is why I couldn’t grow to like the book. Jade and Georgina were OK, I quite liked them. Nan, sorry, she just got on my nerves most of the way through the book. She did come good at the end but up to that point I suffered her character rather than embraced her. She was ungrateful, argumentative and was always moaning. Most reviewers of the book seemed to love her though, ah well.
Bonnie. Oh Bonnie. If I had been Georgina, sister or no sister I think I would have throttled her long before any gangster got the opportunity. She wouldn’t have it that her husband was a complete waste of space or that he didn’t give a damn about her and just saw her as a trophy wife who he could pick up and drop on a whim. She was so lazy too. Her sister did nothing but wait on both Nan and Bonnie hand and foot while they were in hiding in the flat without a moments gratitude. Bonnie spent pretty much most of the time through the book crying and droning on about her precious Adie.
I did enjoy the ending. It was incredibly far fetched but that really didn’t matter as it was all part and parcel of the humour and fitted perfectly. It moved at a faster pace and kept you on the edge, enthralled at how it was all going to end. I just wish there had been a little bit more excitement through the rest of the book.
All in all, for me it was an OK story. I got a little bit bored when they were hiding in the flat, that bit seemed to drag on for too long I thought, but it did have its funny moments. That’s just my thoughts though, and whilst this book wasn’t for me, it won’t put me off reading more from this author as I do like her sense of humour.
The story is about 55 year old divorcee Georgina, a beautician with her own business. She has a 24 year old daughter Jade who’s a personal trainer, a sister Bonnie – professional house wife and then there’s Nan – Georgie’s Auntie but they all call her Nan. Bonnie is married to Adie a dodgy wheeler dealer and womanizer, but Bonnie thinks the sun shines out of his proverbial backside. In her eyes he can do no wrong, whatever misdemeanour he commits he can always be forgiven because really, he loves Bonnie (well Bonnie thinks so). That is until he goes one step too far and now he’s got himself in far deeper than ever before, with a real life gangster on the war path who decides if he can’t find Adie then he’ll come after his wife and his sister-in-law instead.
In the meantime Jade has landed herself a professional footballer boyfriend Luis. They plan to share a flat together in Brighton. What better place for Georgina to hole herself up with her sister and Nan to lie low for a while and hide from gangster Beddowes. Jade reluctantly lets them stay in the flat of one of her boyfriends footballer friends who’s currently away, with strict instructions to stay out of the way of her and Luis.
That’s the story. Now the characters, and this is why I couldn’t grow to like the book. Jade and Georgina were OK, I quite liked them. Nan, sorry, she just got on my nerves most of the way through the book. She did come good at the end but up to that point I suffered her character rather than embraced her. She was ungrateful, argumentative and was always moaning. Most reviewers of the book seemed to love her though, ah well.
Bonnie. Oh Bonnie. If I had been Georgina, sister or no sister I think I would have throttled her long before any gangster got the opportunity. She wouldn’t have it that her husband was a complete waste of space or that he didn’t give a damn about her and just saw her as a trophy wife who he could pick up and drop on a whim. She was so lazy too. Her sister did nothing but wait on both Nan and Bonnie hand and foot while they were in hiding in the flat without a moments gratitude. Bonnie spent pretty much most of the time through the book crying and droning on about her precious Adie.
I did enjoy the ending. It was incredibly far fetched but that really didn’t matter as it was all part and parcel of the humour and fitted perfectly. It moved at a faster pace and kept you on the edge, enthralled at how it was all going to end. I just wish there had been a little bit more excitement through the rest of the book.
All in all, for me it was an OK story. I got a little bit bored when they were hiding in the flat, that bit seemed to drag on for too long I thought, but it did have its funny moments. That’s just my thoughts though, and whilst this book wasn’t for me, it won’t put me off reading more from this author as I do like her sense of humour.
February 9, 2019
I very much enjoyed Judy Leigh's previous book (A Grand Old Time), so i didn't hesitate at the chance of reading her latest book 'The Age of Misadventure'. This book was just as enjoyable and quite often, i found myself smiling. The main character is Georgie (Georgina) and in parts, i was visualising my own sister who shares the same name. Furthermore, Brighton is just a 15 mins drive from where i live. I rarely write what a story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do recommend. Hope it isn't too long before i am enjoying another book by Judy Leigh.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
January 31, 2026
What A Great Book!
This was my first Judy Leigh novel, and it absolutely won me over. From the cover, I suspected it would be my kind of story—and I was right. I’m so glad to have discovered a wonderful new (to me) author.
I especially love stories that span generations, and this one does it beautifully. With characters ranging in age from 21 to 88, the novel highlights the richness that comes from different stages of life intersecting. I’m always moved when an older character is not only present, but deeply valued and central to the story, and that care and respect felt like the heart of this book.
The story drew me in from the first pages and held my attention all the way through. It was funny, emotional, and deeply heartwarming—a truly engaging read from beginning to end.
This was my first Judy Leigh novel, and it absolutely won me over. From the cover, I suspected it would be my kind of story—and I was right. I’m so glad to have discovered a wonderful new (to me) author.
I especially love stories that span generations, and this one does it beautifully. With characters ranging in age from 21 to 88, the novel highlights the richness that comes from different stages of life intersecting. I’m always moved when an older character is not only present, but deeply valued and central to the story, and that care and respect felt like the heart of this book.
The story drew me in from the first pages and held my attention all the way through. It was funny, emotional, and deeply heartwarming—a truly engaging read from beginning to end.
February 6, 2024
A good, light read with a bit of adventure, romance, and suspense. You don't have to think much but simply be carried along by some likeable and not so likeable characters. The main character, who tries to interfere in her sister's and daughter's life, is sometimes annoying. The plot is a bit predictable, but still...it has action that zings constantly from one zany event to another. The 88-year-old aunt tries to be hilarious or amusing with her mispronunciations, but the lines often fall flat. I do recommend the book, however, for some rollicking fun and for an escape from reality. Most of us need that from time to time, don't we?
April 25, 2025
I really liked this story. From the cover art and quotes from other authors, I was expecting a feel good sister/friend lighthearted novel. But I think this story is more a cozy crime story, full of anxiety and drama, with splashes of humour too. I was frustrated by the police not arresting the criminal sooner - that seemed too contrived for me to believe. Not a huge fan of Bonnie, but she was integral to the story. Nanny was great and quite the hero in the end! I will definitely read more of Judy Leigh's books and will read this one again.
September 20, 2020
Well, this book could have been a 4 star rating, but one of the main characters was just too unlikeable. I couldn’t get pass how much I disliked the Jade character. I really mean that too. Nothing about Jade was pleasant, she was rude, and selfish. All the other characters in the story were good. The sister Bonnie wasn’t my favorite either, as she came off as a pushover and lacked self respect, but she had some good points. The plot itself was interesting, but lacked in some of the smaller details. Overall, glad to have read it.
January 24, 2021
Absolutely loved this book, the characters are so funny and loving, it’s difficult to not fall for Nans whit!
This book really gripped me from the first chapter and I immediately got hooked on their unexpected adventure. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun Witty read
This book really gripped me from the first chapter and I immediately got hooked on their unexpected adventure. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun Witty read
January 9, 2020
A fun, fast-paced read. Never a dull moment!
February 7, 2025
Well! Thank goodness I've finished that!
I felt I needed a light read after a few heavy ones, but that was way too light.
Didn't really like or empathise with any of the characters. Jade, the daughter in particular was very entitled and selfish.
Georgie, the mother, wound me up particularly with her lack of respect for the policemen trying to 'protect' her. Always escaping to do her own thing, that is, to meet up with a mystery man she had known for minutes.
Even the villain wasn't believable! I mean who would wait for people to get out of bed before making threatening demands!
I could go on, but I've wasted enough time reading the book!
On to the next, phew!
I felt I needed a light read after a few heavy ones, but that was way too light.
Didn't really like or empathise with any of the characters. Jade, the daughter in particular was very entitled and selfish.
Georgie, the mother, wound me up particularly with her lack of respect for the policemen trying to 'protect' her. Always escaping to do her own thing, that is, to meet up with a mystery man she had known for minutes.
Even the villain wasn't believable! I mean who would wait for people to get out of bed before making threatening demands!
I could go on, but I've wasted enough time reading the book!
On to the next, phew!
Read
June 25, 2023Good start but really boring and repetitive in the middle. ended ok but overall not a stellar read.
September 28, 2025
a fun quick read. loved the character of Nan.
January 21, 2019
I am undecided about this book.
It is very funny in parts, with Nan stealing the show. However, I found the plot a little far fetched and the characters selfish and irritating - it was not a book which gripped me from start to finish.
Having said that, the storyline theme of family and the choice to become a strong woman is well depicted.
Having read and enjoyed Judy’s first book I look forward to reading her next.
It is very funny in parts, with Nan stealing the show. However, I found the plot a little far fetched and the characters selfish and irritating - it was not a book which gripped me from start to finish.
Having said that, the storyline theme of family and the choice to become a strong woman is well depicted.
Having read and enjoyed Judy’s first book I look forward to reading her next.
April 30, 2019
The Age of Misadventure is Judy Leigh’s second novel, her first being the very funny A Grand Old Time. Loved the cover, very bright and colourful. This wonderful book is about three generations of women in the Turner family. We have the lovely Georgina and her sister Bonnie, Georgina’s daughter Jade and the wonderful Aunt Nan (my favourite character!) who is just incredible and so very funny. Everything she said and did was hilarious and made me laugh so much especially when she used the spiraliser!
An unexpected unplanned trip turned all their lives upside down at first but turned into a journey of a lifetime for them all which brought all the family so much closer together and gave new meanings to all their lives. They had one huge adventure, full of troubles, but in turn full of love and happiness too.
Such a wonderful story which shows in adversity, everyone working together (well most of the time!) brings out the best in people and unites them and makes them even stronger. Through bringing them all together they have manage to make all their futures much brighter and enabling them to live life to the full and go beyond.
The ending was not what I expected – much better than I expected :-)
A fun book which I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Full of fun, laughter and lots of smiles!
I look forward to Judy Leigh’s third novel.
This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
An unexpected unplanned trip turned all their lives upside down at first but turned into a journey of a lifetime for them all which brought all the family so much closer together and gave new meanings to all their lives. They had one huge adventure, full of troubles, but in turn full of love and happiness too.
Such a wonderful story which shows in adversity, everyone working together (well most of the time!) brings out the best in people and unites them and makes them even stronger. Through bringing them all together they have manage to make all their futures much brighter and enabling them to live life to the full and go beyond.
The ending was not what I expected – much better than I expected :-)
A fun book which I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Full of fun, laughter and lots of smiles!
I look forward to Judy Leigh’s third novel.
This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
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