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The Second Chance Holiday Club
It's never too late to change the habits of a lifetime...
Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand.
So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well-worth living for.
The Second Chance Holiday Club is a heartwarming and funny later-life uplit for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.
Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand.
So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well-worth living for.
The Second Chance Holiday Club is a heartwarming and funny later-life uplit for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
198 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
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April 18, 2024
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This story is told from the first-person perspective of our main character, Evelyn. What I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that the seriousness of the issues were mixed with plenty of moments of joy and there were scatterings of humour throughout. The three main characters are all women of a certain age (70+) but despite that, or maybe because of it, they all want change in their lives.
I loved learning about their innermost secrets and desires. It was so entertaining to read about them growing as individuals and as friends. I was so pleased that these women found their strength in and from each other while learning a few things about themselves and some lessons along the way. This was a very moving and poignant story of grief, friendship, marriage, and moving forward.
The book surprised me in that it wasn't the fluffy read I was expecting, but it did get very uplifting as I read on and I loved the fact that it showed you are never too old to start over or make new friends. What a wonderful debut and I look forward to Kate Galley's sophomore release next year, The Golden Girls Road Trip.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kate Galley, and Head of Zeus | Aria for the giving of the ARC.
#TheSecondChanceHolidayClub #NetGalley
The Book Review Crew Blog
This story is told from the first-person perspective of our main character, Evelyn. What I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that the seriousness of the issues were mixed with plenty of moments of joy and there were scatterings of humour throughout. The three main characters are all women of a certain age (70+) but despite that, or maybe because of it, they all want change in their lives.
I loved learning about their innermost secrets and desires. It was so entertaining to read about them growing as individuals and as friends. I was so pleased that these women found their strength in and from each other while learning a few things about themselves and some lessons along the way. This was a very moving and poignant story of grief, friendship, marriage, and moving forward.
The book surprised me in that it wasn't the fluffy read I was expecting, but it did get very uplifting as I read on and I loved the fact that it showed you are never too old to start over or make new friends. What a wonderful debut and I look forward to Kate Galley's sophomore release next year, The Golden Girls Road Trip.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kate Galley, and Head of Zeus | Aria for the giving of the ARC.
#TheSecondChanceHolidayClub #NetGalley
January 5, 2023
EXCERPT: As soon as I woke this morning, I imagined myself going through Tony's things. I thought about it at the hairdressers while the girl tried to curl my straight white hair, and while I made up my face and wrestled myself into my black wool dress, and again when Carol arrived with her husband to take control of the day. I was still thinking about it when Tony's coffin disappeared behind the curtain. While I should have been focused on the enormity of never seeing him again, never sharing another meal, a conversation, a bed with the man I'd been married to for fifty-five years, I'd actually been imagining myself coming home, kicking off my shoes and walking straight into his study to rifle through his possessions. With good reason it would seem.
ABOUT 'THE SECOND CHANCE HOLIDAY CLUB': Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand.
So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well-worth living for.
MY THOUGHTS: The Second Chance Holiday Club is an entertaining and amusing later-life story about it never being too late to change the habits of a lifetime and chase your dreams.
Evelyn is staid and stuck in her ways. So she is somewhat surprised at herself for booking a 'Tinsel and Turkey' coach tour getaway to the Isle of Wight - anything to avoid Christmas with her sister Carol and her family! But there's a reason Evelyn has chosen the Isle of Wight.
Cynthia is an overly-made-up, outgoing woman with a bung knee who sits beside Evelyn on the bus, noisily sucking sweets and talking to all and sundry. She drives Evelyn insane! And Evelyn knows she is a liar.
Joy is an attractive but quiet woman with more secrets than the bruises she is trying to hide. Why, for instance, does she need two phones?
So, how do these three overcome their differences and become friends? Read The Second Chance Holiday Club to find out. Enjoyable, entertaining, but with some real 'wakeup' calls to us senior citizens and the not so senior citizens amongst us, The Second Chance Holiday Club is an amusing read with some good life lessons cleverly woven into the fabric of the plot.
Even the supporting cast of characters are a breath of fresh air - Alan, the bus driver, on his last tour before taking retirement; Liam, the young student helping out at the 'hotel' (take that description very loosely!) and who wants a career in hospitality; Carol, Evelyn's sister, who Carol resents; and Sarah, the woman Evelyn finds when she's looking for Margaret.
This is a stellar debut novel, one that will not only entertain, but will give you food for thought.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheSecondChanceHolidayClub #NetGalley
I: @kategalley1 @ariafiction
T: @KateGalley1 @AriaFiction
#ageing #contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #friendship #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Kate Galley is a debut author who lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration comes from the many varied lives of her clients as a mobile hairdresser, and the inspiration for this book came from one woman's tale of a hilarious Christmas coach trip.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus, Aria, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Second Chance Holiday Club by Kate Galley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE SECOND CHANCE HOLIDAY CLUB': Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand.
So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well-worth living for.
MY THOUGHTS: The Second Chance Holiday Club is an entertaining and amusing later-life story about it never being too late to change the habits of a lifetime and chase your dreams.
Evelyn is staid and stuck in her ways. So she is somewhat surprised at herself for booking a 'Tinsel and Turkey' coach tour getaway to the Isle of Wight - anything to avoid Christmas with her sister Carol and her family! But there's a reason Evelyn has chosen the Isle of Wight.
Cynthia is an overly-made-up, outgoing woman with a bung knee who sits beside Evelyn on the bus, noisily sucking sweets and talking to all and sundry. She drives Evelyn insane! And Evelyn knows she is a liar.
Joy is an attractive but quiet woman with more secrets than the bruises she is trying to hide. Why, for instance, does she need two phones?
So, how do these three overcome their differences and become friends? Read The Second Chance Holiday Club to find out. Enjoyable, entertaining, but with some real 'wakeup' calls to us senior citizens and the not so senior citizens amongst us, The Second Chance Holiday Club is an amusing read with some good life lessons cleverly woven into the fabric of the plot.
Even the supporting cast of characters are a breath of fresh air - Alan, the bus driver, on his last tour before taking retirement; Liam, the young student helping out at the 'hotel' (take that description very loosely!) and who wants a career in hospitality; Carol, Evelyn's sister, who Carol resents; and Sarah, the woman Evelyn finds when she's looking for Margaret.
This is a stellar debut novel, one that will not only entertain, but will give you food for thought.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheSecondChanceHolidayClub #NetGalley
I: @kategalley1 @ariafiction
T: @KateGalley1 @AriaFiction
#ageing #contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #friendship #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Kate Galley is a debut author who lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration comes from the many varied lives of her clients as a mobile hairdresser, and the inspiration for this book came from one woman's tale of a hilarious Christmas coach trip.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus, Aria, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Second Chance Holiday Club by Kate Galley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 2, 2022
“It’s never too late to change the habits of a lifetime…”
This is another of those books I never really thought I would enjoy anything like as much as I did. However, I have no hesitation in awarding this one the full five stars and I would definitely never have guessed that it was a debut novel written by a new author. The messaging was discreet, yet there for all to see. The humour was subtle, but it still made me laugh out loud quite often. And when, despite the more advanced years of Evelyn over myself, I was a little perturbed to find myself comparing many of her quirky and often downright thoughtless traits; and sharp, acerbic, often insulting comments, with my own mannerisms, I came away almost determined to change my inbuilt habits of a lifetime – Am I really like that!
I am only going to divulge the very bare bones of a storyline which offers so much entertainment, building of friendships, new personal beginnings and laying of ghosts to rest… and even a little breaking and entering!
...
Evelyn had been married to Tony Pringle for many decades, when he is found dead inside his car, apparently the victim of a sudden heart attack. Theirs had not been a particularly happy marriage, as, given the prevailing circumstances, it had been rather forced upon a young and reluctant Tony by his family, very much against his wishes. Their son, Stephen, did unite them as a family for a short period, however, following his sudden and untimely death aged just seven, a distance between them was established which neither had the will or inclination to try and reconcile. Tony, as much as he gave off the air of being the successful businessman, was in fact, living off Evelyn’s wealth and therefore never had any intention of leaving her, or giving her her freedom. She in turn, relied heavily on Tony to organise, run and maintain the outward appearance of their lives, accepting the many ‘business trips’ he took, for what they were, or rather what she chose to close her eyes and mind to, for a quiet life.
When his body is recovered, an item of jewellery found in his possession, together with travel documents, makes it clear that he was about to take a trip, although this was news to Evelyn, who does some investigating of her own and discovers in Tony’s home office, a letter and address for a woman on the Isle of Wight. It is perfectly obvious that they were more than just good friends, although Tony had been keeping an even bigger and more terrible secret from everyone, which should she confront his mystery paramour with the information, might blow up in her face spectacularly! Evelyn, who doesn’t drive, has no friends except for her much younger and garrulous sister Carol and her family, and has never been further than the local shopping centre on the bus by herself, amazingly only prevaricates for a few days before deciding to deliver the ring to Tony’s mystery woman, in person. As Tony’s death was so recent and Christmas is only days away, Carol is definitely nonplussed when Evelyn announces that she will not be joining them for the festive period, but is instead taking a ‘turkey and tinsel’ coach trip to the Isle of Wight for a few days.
Much as a very cynical Evelyn had predicted, the trip itself is a catalogue of disasters right from the outset; from the over friendly and definitely over optimistic driver Alan; to the ebullience of her two immediate travelling companions Cynthia and Joy, who although much the same age as herself certainly don’t intend to let the grass grow under their feet and age gracefully; even down to the literally do-it-yourself, dingy hotel experience into which the entire coachload is plunged. Cynthia proves herself to be a consummate organiser, whilst Joy is able to command a kitchen and prepare meals befitting the season, with the help of four very young trainee staff members who have decided to remain and help salvage some vestige of seasonal cheer for this coach load of misery. It seems that all Evelyn manages to do really well – is complain about everything and snipe at everyone! Cynthia isn’t prepared to put up with Evelyn’s morose behaviour for the entire holiday, so she and Joy set about getting to the real reason for her making the trip in the first place. However, in the course of doing so, a surprisingly perceptive Evelyn works out that she is not the only one with a secret and as a tacit understanding develops that all three can be trusted with each others hidden truths, one by one they open up, in a cathartic release of pent up feelings and emotions, although each of them still has amends to make and bridges to build with friends and family back home.
Cynthia is probably the most emotional of the group, despite the ‘public face’ she wears, although it transpires that she is also the one who knows what she wants when she sees it and is prepared to move heaven and earth to get it. Joy has a much more serious problem on her hands, which will ultimately mean a delayed trip home for the three unlikely new friends, as they must wait for Joy to finish ‘helping the police with their enquiries’. Evelyn has a much more tricky visit to make to Tony’s mystery lady friend Sarah, although even she is totally unprepared for the complexity of a situation which is even worse than she could have imagined. Her anger dissipates in light of the sheer magnitude of Tony’s duplicity and lies, with her rather new and unfamiliar mellow approach to a problem, taking over. After a few false starts, some straight talking leaves the air clear and Evelyn surprises even herself with the decisions she reaches. She leaves a struggling, hard-working mother with a whole new start ahead of her and a young hotel trainee happily contemplating his future as a potential top chef. Whilst they will never become bosom friends, Evelyn and Sarah will always have a shared past and a brighter future in common.
By the time they are all finally free to go home, the New Year has already been rung in, so with a rallying ‘all for one and one for all’ agreement, the three new besties resolve to keep in touch and visit often, leaving a much changed and improved Evelyn to do some straight talking with Carol, in the hope of building bridges and tearing down some of the walls she had built around herself. Carol has a couple more revelations for Evelyn, but these she is now well able to take in her stride, much to Carol’s surprise. So whilst forgiveness for Tony is never going to be a realistic option, a calm sense of closure and laying ghosts to rest, makes Eleanor’s transformation complete. Oh! – and talking of walls. There is going to be one very happy and surprised young travel agent soon.
...
Some wonderfully fluent and evocative writing, complemented this beautifully textured, fast-paced, multi-layered storyline, which is narrated in the first person by Evelyn herself. Whilst the physical footprint the story occupies, is quite finely focussed, the narrative about specific places is very descriptive with good spatial awareness, although for any seriously confirmed ‘armchair travellers’ among you, this one might be a little light on location. But believe me, this was one unique hotel stay and botched house-breaking episode, which I could visualise in all its ‘laugh or it will make you cry’ moments.
This was a perceptive and poignant story about moving on, of new beginnings and making fresh starts, with its focus undoubtedly concentrated on the storyline and the cast of characters who occupied its space. The interactions between them as individuals and with the wider community. Their personalities and how a little understanding and compassion, often from complete strangers, could change their perspectives on life. Strange locations and unexpected circumstances only served to help create the bonds which would weave them together and re-define them, creating many immersive and memorable moments which they would never forget.
The three main protagonists Cynthia, Joy and Evelyn, represent a complex jigsaw of vulnerable human emotions, which are laid bare when the fragility of the lines between life and death, defeat and survival, love and hate, trust and duplicity, are drawn. However a raw addictive passion and the will to survive, overcomes all the odds stacked against them, making them stronger, determined to be true to themselves, and more united as time goes on. They brought out both the best and the worse in each other and the energy between them was genuine, believable, engaging and authentic to the roles created for them by the author, with the synergy between them obvious to see.
The trauma of grief and loss and the long term effects it can have on mental health is eased when their respective experiences are shared and brought out into open discussion, which for Evelyn in particular, is something which needed to have happened many years ago and spurs her on to seek a spell of professional counselling. Whilst this may not have made her relationship with Tony any easier, they may have been able to help each other overcome their loss, rather than Evelyn retreating further and further into herself, wrapping a blanket of guilt and shame around herself, thus making the gulf between them even wider.
Maybe the ending wasn’t quite as I had expected it to be, but what always makes reading such a wonderful experience for me, is that with each and every new book, I am taken on a unique and individual journey, by authors who fire my imagination, stir my emotions and stimulate my senses. This story was definitely one of a kind, having the power to evoke so many feelings, that I’m sure I won’t have felt the same way about it as the last reader, nor the next, so I can only recommend that you read The Second Chance Holiday Club for yourself and see where your journey leads you!
As one of my fellow bloggers so aptly wrote: “Sometimes reading something different is like a breath of fresh air”. Thank you, Shirley, I couldn’t agree more!
This is another of those books I never really thought I would enjoy anything like as much as I did. However, I have no hesitation in awarding this one the full five stars and I would definitely never have guessed that it was a debut novel written by a new author. The messaging was discreet, yet there for all to see. The humour was subtle, but it still made me laugh out loud quite often. And when, despite the more advanced years of Evelyn over myself, I was a little perturbed to find myself comparing many of her quirky and often downright thoughtless traits; and sharp, acerbic, often insulting comments, with my own mannerisms, I came away almost determined to change my inbuilt habits of a lifetime – Am I really like that!
I am only going to divulge the very bare bones of a storyline which offers so much entertainment, building of friendships, new personal beginnings and laying of ghosts to rest… and even a little breaking and entering!
...
Evelyn had been married to Tony Pringle for many decades, when he is found dead inside his car, apparently the victim of a sudden heart attack. Theirs had not been a particularly happy marriage, as, given the prevailing circumstances, it had been rather forced upon a young and reluctant Tony by his family, very much against his wishes. Their son, Stephen, did unite them as a family for a short period, however, following his sudden and untimely death aged just seven, a distance between them was established which neither had the will or inclination to try and reconcile. Tony, as much as he gave off the air of being the successful businessman, was in fact, living off Evelyn’s wealth and therefore never had any intention of leaving her, or giving her her freedom. She in turn, relied heavily on Tony to organise, run and maintain the outward appearance of their lives, accepting the many ‘business trips’ he took, for what they were, or rather what she chose to close her eyes and mind to, for a quiet life.
When his body is recovered, an item of jewellery found in his possession, together with travel documents, makes it clear that he was about to take a trip, although this was news to Evelyn, who does some investigating of her own and discovers in Tony’s home office, a letter and address for a woman on the Isle of Wight. It is perfectly obvious that they were more than just good friends, although Tony had been keeping an even bigger and more terrible secret from everyone, which should she confront his mystery paramour with the information, might blow up in her face spectacularly! Evelyn, who doesn’t drive, has no friends except for her much younger and garrulous sister Carol and her family, and has never been further than the local shopping centre on the bus by herself, amazingly only prevaricates for a few days before deciding to deliver the ring to Tony’s mystery woman, in person. As Tony’s death was so recent and Christmas is only days away, Carol is definitely nonplussed when Evelyn announces that she will not be joining them for the festive period, but is instead taking a ‘turkey and tinsel’ coach trip to the Isle of Wight for a few days.
Much as a very cynical Evelyn had predicted, the trip itself is a catalogue of disasters right from the outset; from the over friendly and definitely over optimistic driver Alan; to the ebullience of her two immediate travelling companions Cynthia and Joy, who although much the same age as herself certainly don’t intend to let the grass grow under their feet and age gracefully; even down to the literally do-it-yourself, dingy hotel experience into which the entire coachload is plunged. Cynthia proves herself to be a consummate organiser, whilst Joy is able to command a kitchen and prepare meals befitting the season, with the help of four very young trainee staff members who have decided to remain and help salvage some vestige of seasonal cheer for this coach load of misery. It seems that all Evelyn manages to do really well – is complain about everything and snipe at everyone! Cynthia isn’t prepared to put up with Evelyn’s morose behaviour for the entire holiday, so she and Joy set about getting to the real reason for her making the trip in the first place. However, in the course of doing so, a surprisingly perceptive Evelyn works out that she is not the only one with a secret and as a tacit understanding develops that all three can be trusted with each others hidden truths, one by one they open up, in a cathartic release of pent up feelings and emotions, although each of them still has amends to make and bridges to build with friends and family back home.
Cynthia is probably the most emotional of the group, despite the ‘public face’ she wears, although it transpires that she is also the one who knows what she wants when she sees it and is prepared to move heaven and earth to get it. Joy has a much more serious problem on her hands, which will ultimately mean a delayed trip home for the three unlikely new friends, as they must wait for Joy to finish ‘helping the police with their enquiries’. Evelyn has a much more tricky visit to make to Tony’s mystery lady friend Sarah, although even she is totally unprepared for the complexity of a situation which is even worse than she could have imagined. Her anger dissipates in light of the sheer magnitude of Tony’s duplicity and lies, with her rather new and unfamiliar mellow approach to a problem, taking over. After a few false starts, some straight talking leaves the air clear and Evelyn surprises even herself with the decisions she reaches. She leaves a struggling, hard-working mother with a whole new start ahead of her and a young hotel trainee happily contemplating his future as a potential top chef. Whilst they will never become bosom friends, Evelyn and Sarah will always have a shared past and a brighter future in common.
By the time they are all finally free to go home, the New Year has already been rung in, so with a rallying ‘all for one and one for all’ agreement, the three new besties resolve to keep in touch and visit often, leaving a much changed and improved Evelyn to do some straight talking with Carol, in the hope of building bridges and tearing down some of the walls she had built around herself. Carol has a couple more revelations for Evelyn, but these she is now well able to take in her stride, much to Carol’s surprise. So whilst forgiveness for Tony is never going to be a realistic option, a calm sense of closure and laying ghosts to rest, makes Eleanor’s transformation complete. Oh! – and talking of walls. There is going to be one very happy and surprised young travel agent soon.
...
Some wonderfully fluent and evocative writing, complemented this beautifully textured, fast-paced, multi-layered storyline, which is narrated in the first person by Evelyn herself. Whilst the physical footprint the story occupies, is quite finely focussed, the narrative about specific places is very descriptive with good spatial awareness, although for any seriously confirmed ‘armchair travellers’ among you, this one might be a little light on location. But believe me, this was one unique hotel stay and botched house-breaking episode, which I could visualise in all its ‘laugh or it will make you cry’ moments.
This was a perceptive and poignant story about moving on, of new beginnings and making fresh starts, with its focus undoubtedly concentrated on the storyline and the cast of characters who occupied its space. The interactions between them as individuals and with the wider community. Their personalities and how a little understanding and compassion, often from complete strangers, could change their perspectives on life. Strange locations and unexpected circumstances only served to help create the bonds which would weave them together and re-define them, creating many immersive and memorable moments which they would never forget.
The three main protagonists Cynthia, Joy and Evelyn, represent a complex jigsaw of vulnerable human emotions, which are laid bare when the fragility of the lines between life and death, defeat and survival, love and hate, trust and duplicity, are drawn. However a raw addictive passion and the will to survive, overcomes all the odds stacked against them, making them stronger, determined to be true to themselves, and more united as time goes on. They brought out both the best and the worse in each other and the energy between them was genuine, believable, engaging and authentic to the roles created for them by the author, with the synergy between them obvious to see.
The trauma of grief and loss and the long term effects it can have on mental health is eased when their respective experiences are shared and brought out into open discussion, which for Evelyn in particular, is something which needed to have happened many years ago and spurs her on to seek a spell of professional counselling. Whilst this may not have made her relationship with Tony any easier, they may have been able to help each other overcome their loss, rather than Evelyn retreating further and further into herself, wrapping a blanket of guilt and shame around herself, thus making the gulf between them even wider.
Maybe the ending wasn’t quite as I had expected it to be, but what always makes reading such a wonderful experience for me, is that with each and every new book, I am taken on a unique and individual journey, by authors who fire my imagination, stir my emotions and stimulate my senses. This story was definitely one of a kind, having the power to evoke so many feelings, that I’m sure I won’t have felt the same way about it as the last reader, nor the next, so I can only recommend that you read The Second Chance Holiday Club for yourself and see where your journey leads you!
As one of my fellow bloggers so aptly wrote: “Sometimes reading something different is like a breath of fresh air”. Thank you, Shirley, I couldn’t agree more!
November 13, 2023
Women's Fiction / Family Life Fiction
Publication date : December 1, 2022
Evelyn Pringle's hudband, Tony, died from a heart attack. Although her sister has invited her to spend Christmas with her family, so she wouldn't be alone for the holidays, Evelyn decide to take a spontaneous Christmas coach trip instead. Turns out that Tony Pringle had a few remaining surprises - a diamond ring that clearly can not fit to any of Evelyn's fingers, a ferry ticket and a letter to some strange woman she has never heard of.
On the trip Evelyn meets two other woman, Cynthia and Joy, who are also alone on the trip and running away from their life.
This story grabbed me from the beginning. Despite Evelyn's age (76), it was easy to relate with her issues. Her loss, worries, loneliness were sad but at the same time I liked to see how she started to come out of her shell. It is sometimes scary to think how passive we can be in our lives. How we let someone else decide for us. How our life fly by till we are in our 70s, like in Evelyn's case, and there are more days behind than ahead. Neverless it is never too late to have a second chance and sometimes the worst can bring out the best in people; can form friendships that are well-worth living for.
Publication date : December 1, 2022
Evelyn Pringle's hudband, Tony, died from a heart attack. Although her sister has invited her to spend Christmas with her family, so she wouldn't be alone for the holidays, Evelyn decide to take a spontaneous Christmas coach trip instead. Turns out that Tony Pringle had a few remaining surprises - a diamond ring that clearly can not fit to any of Evelyn's fingers, a ferry ticket and a letter to some strange woman she has never heard of.
On the trip Evelyn meets two other woman, Cynthia and Joy, who are also alone on the trip and running away from their life.
“Everybody loved Tony Pringle; he was charming and handsome, and he could make you feel like the most important person in the world. He could also make you feel as if you mattered so little to him that he could brush you aside in favour of a new car, a new venture - in fact, anything new.”
This story grabbed me from the beginning. Despite Evelyn's age (76), it was easy to relate with her issues. Her loss, worries, loneliness were sad but at the same time I liked to see how she started to come out of her shell. It is sometimes scary to think how passive we can be in our lives. How we let someone else decide for us. How our life fly by till we are in our 70s, like in Evelyn's case, and there are more days behind than ahead. Neverless it is never too late to have a second chance and sometimes the worst can bring out the best in people; can form friendships that are well-worth living for.
“I look at my companions and see the possibility of a different sort of life; one filled with friendship and sharing. I could step out of the darkness I've built around myself and embrace something new, but perhaps that's the wine talking”
December 3, 2022
This was quite a different read, at first I was amused by the main character and the I was irritated by the whole thing. Such a shame as it could have been a good story. I just got bored by it in the end. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 1, 2022
Such a delightful book. Easy to pick up and fall right into the story. I believe this is a debut book if so looking forward to more from this author.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
November 30, 2022
From re-inventing yourself, friendships, to old secrets. This novel shows it does not matter what age you are, you can re-invent yourself at any age.
With Evelyn’s late husband passing, she discovers so much that we can see she kind of did know about but choose to overlook it by not acknowledging any of it. But now that she has, she has used this opportunity to grow as a person emotionally for once in her life.
It was difficult however we join her on this journey. It was an interesting read as it has mature characters in terms of their age as some do not learn lessons at a younger age but this novel shows it does not matter at all.
Adventures can be had at any point in life.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/12/09/book-re...
With Evelyn’s late husband passing, she discovers so much that we can see she kind of did know about but choose to overlook it by not acknowledging any of it. But now that she has, she has used this opportunity to grow as a person emotionally for once in her life.
It was difficult however we join her on this journey. It was an interesting read as it has mature characters in terms of their age as some do not learn lessons at a younger age but this novel shows it does not matter at all.
Adventures can be had at any point in life.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/12/09/book-re...
December 7, 2022
3.5 out of 5
So nice to read a book with elderly leads. Three women, holding secrets, meet as they are each running away to an inn over the Christmas holidays on a bus trip. The three become unlikely friends as the inn isn’t exactly what they all hoped for. They help each other thru their issues and prove that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to put your past behind you and start living.
Enjoyable storyline, but slow moving for me. Characters grew on me. Easy book to pick up and put down.
Thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
So nice to read a book with elderly leads. Three women, holding secrets, meet as they are each running away to an inn over the Christmas holidays on a bus trip. The three become unlikely friends as the inn isn’t exactly what they all hoped for. They help each other thru their issues and prove that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to put your past behind you and start living.
Enjoyable storyline, but slow moving for me. Characters grew on me. Easy book to pick up and put down.
Thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
July 28, 2022
Evelyn Pringle is different from most older women described in novels. She is strongly built and, except for the odd niggling joint pain, in good health. Her relationship with her husband Tony, who has recently passed away, was distant but reassuring. He was there for the family and a popular member of the local community. It his only when she finds a concealed drawer in his desk that she realises Tony had a secret life apart from the one he shared with her. That's when she sets off on a voyage of discovery. to find out the truth about her marriage.
‘Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand. So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well worth living for.’
Evelyn ignores her daughter's plans for the Christmas period and signs up for a few days in the Isle of Wight. On the coach she gets to know the women sitting on either side of her. Cynthia, who is a little older, is a natural organiser. Joy, who is younger than the other two, is friendly but reserved, as if she is hiding something. What I like about these women is their willingness to take control of their lives. In spite of being from a generation of women who were expected to depend on their husbands for everything, they are enterprising and ready to take risks. Evelyn's daring attempts to locate her husband's lover almost land her in trouble, but with the help and support of her new friends she wins through and begins to see the future more posiitively.
I found the premise engaging. Evelyn’s struggle to recover from the shock of her husband’s betrayal is convincing. All of the experiences of the women in The Second Chance Holiday Club seem genuine and arouse sympathy. It is good to see older women being presented as real people with genuine emotions.
‘Evelyn Pringle isn't the sort to make rash decisions. Or any decisions, really – she's always left that sort of thing up to her husband. But he's been found dead, wearing his best suit, with a diamond ring in his pocket that doesn't fit her. When Evelyn finds a letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight, she decides to deliver it. By hand. So begins a very unusual holiday, and an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends, and a little effort on her part, Evelyn discovers that it is never too late to have a second chance at life and forge friendships that are well worth living for.’
Evelyn ignores her daughter's plans for the Christmas period and signs up for a few days in the Isle of Wight. On the coach she gets to know the women sitting on either side of her. Cynthia, who is a little older, is a natural organiser. Joy, who is younger than the other two, is friendly but reserved, as if she is hiding something. What I like about these women is their willingness to take control of their lives. In spite of being from a generation of women who were expected to depend on their husbands for everything, they are enterprising and ready to take risks. Evelyn's daring attempts to locate her husband's lover almost land her in trouble, but with the help and support of her new friends she wins through and begins to see the future more posiitively.
I found the premise engaging. Evelyn’s struggle to recover from the shock of her husband’s betrayal is convincing. All of the experiences of the women in The Second Chance Holiday Club seem genuine and arouse sympathy. It is good to see older women being presented as real people with genuine emotions.
December 4, 2022
4.5 stars
What a marvellous debut novel! Witty in a delightfully dry way, joyful, touching, this was a pleasure to read. The blossoming friendship between the three older women was perfectly written, subtle yet poignant. The author dealt sympathetically and realistically with issues such as grief, adultery, the revelation of long buried secrets and opening yourself up to new experiences.
As older women facing huge changes in their lives, all three had to ask themselves the question, "who am I?" and decide who they want to be in the future.
A wonderfully life affirming book - being older doesn't mean we need to give up our hopes and dreams or forego new experiences and adventures.
Thank you to Net Galley and Head of Zeus for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a marvellous debut novel! Witty in a delightfully dry way, joyful, touching, this was a pleasure to read. The blossoming friendship between the three older women was perfectly written, subtle yet poignant. The author dealt sympathetically and realistically with issues such as grief, adultery, the revelation of long buried secrets and opening yourself up to new experiences.
As older women facing huge changes in their lives, all three had to ask themselves the question, "who am I?" and decide who they want to be in the future.
A wonderfully life affirming book - being older doesn't mean we need to give up our hopes and dreams or forego new experiences and adventures.
Thank you to Net Galley and Head of Zeus for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2022
Evelyn has recently lost her husband Tony to whom she was married for over fifty years. She seems a bit lost until she finds a letter. He wasn't the man she thought she married. And so she heads off to the Isle of Wight where she meets Joy and Cynthia who have their own secrets.
It was really refreshing to read about pensioners for a change. They were a formidable threesome after initially Evelyn being a bit standoffish.
Cynthia is certainly full on.
They got into a couple of scrapes that were very funny.
I've recently returned from Shanklin so it was lovely to return to the IoW.
A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria for the ARC in return for an honest review.
It was really refreshing to read about pensioners for a change. They were a formidable threesome after initially Evelyn being a bit standoffish.
Cynthia is certainly full on.
They got into a couple of scrapes that were very funny.
I've recently returned from Shanklin so it was lovely to return to the IoW.
A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria for the ARC in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2022
Visit the locations in the novel
Ah Evelyn Pringle. She’s older than the usual protagonist in books but she’s different. Made from a different mould. She’s got the odd ache and pain and is griefing her late husband, but she takes comfort in memories of her marriage. However, when she finds out that her husband was not the man she thought she knew, she flees to escape her life for a while and heads to the Isle of Wight.
It was nice to go to the Isle of Wight. Not Bali or somewhere exotic for this journey of discovery. The Isle of Wight made it seem more real and accessible which worked well. There’s a fun journey getting to the island, and navigating the roads and ice cream shops! Wait until she gets to the Needles and meets the locals there.
She is there to take a letter, one she found with her husband’s things and ensure it gets to the addressee. So, this trip is both healing and very symbolic. i was cheering her on from the start and felt humbled she had invited me to go with her. You really do get to know Evelyn Pringle. I admit that name gave me such mental images that I had to go and buy a certain crisp in a tube before I had finished the book.
The thread of friendship and taking control of your life was a nice one in this book. The women she met on the coach to the Isle of Wight was a joy to read! Cynthia and Joy (apt name) I got an insight into what older woman could go through, but realised that this could be women of any age. What matters is the spirit inside them and a sense of sisterhood.
I was immediately on Evelyn’s side and marvelled at how she dealt with her husband’s death and subsequent discovery. Ms Pringle, you have taken me to the Isle of Wight but shown me what a true journey of discovery is all about.
December 3, 2022
Wow this book was such a delight to read. It tells the story of three ladies who have never met before and have all decided to get away on a Turkey and Tinsel break. Evelyn, Cynthia and Joy all have their own reasons for booking this trip but none of them had any idea as to how it would develop and what it would mean for them all.
The story is told from the point of view of Evelyn who is on a journey of discovery both to find out who her late husband really was and also who she is now without him. The writing is exquisite, there are lots of laughs and also some very poignant moments as the ladies start to open up to each other. It touches on grief, love, betrayal, friendship and futures.
Although they are all a few years older than me they were all really relatable and it was such a heart warming story that I strongly encourage you to read it. This was Kate Galley's debut novel and I can't wait for a second
The story is told from the point of view of Evelyn who is on a journey of discovery both to find out who her late husband really was and also who she is now without him. The writing is exquisite, there are lots of laughs and also some very poignant moments as the ladies start to open up to each other. It touches on grief, love, betrayal, friendship and futures.
Although they are all a few years older than me they were all really relatable and it was such a heart warming story that I strongly encourage you to read it. This was Kate Galley's debut novel and I can't wait for a second
October 11, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I would never have guessed this was a debut novel as everything feels like it’s been honed over many years. The storyline, the characters, the themes, they all seem so well accomplished.
Evelyn immediately reminded me of my dear late Nan. Not that she took up spontaneous trips to deal with her husband’s lies, but there was just something comforting and familiar about her that leapt off the page and gave me a big hug. It really gave me a chance to remember my Nan which was unexpected but lovely.
I didn’t initially connect with Cynthia or Joy. I felt Cynthia was too brash and too in-your-face, and I felt Joy was a bit of a wet weekend. However, as the story got going, they both came out of their shells and showed off their vulnerability, and by the end, I couldn’t split the trio up. Whilst all ladies of a certain age and seemingly very similar, between them, they portray a variety of complex emotions.
There’s a small, but important, supporting cast including Liam, Sarah, Carol and Alan - but as good as they are, none of them held my attention for long. For me, this was a three women powerhouse.
I did think it was going to be a very nice, sweet story about an old lady who decides to go on holiday. But it’s more involved than that. Yes it’s a story about an old lady travelling, but there’s so many layers. There’s sadness and loss and grief, loneliness and friendship, love and hate. It’s a very clear story about what to hold on to and what to let go and what to move on from.
It’s got a very powerful undertone of loss. The loss of spouses, children, relatives, friends and strangers. But it’s not morbid or disheartening in any way. It’s because of this loss that we learn to appreciate what we have.
It didn’t end exactly how I thought it would; it went in a different direction which was still a satisfying and pleasing ending.
It’s such a gorgeous book to read, and one I possibly wouldn’t have picked to read myself, but I’m glad I got the chance. It’s very similar, in my opinion, to Josie Lloyd’s “The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club”. That’s not to say the plots are the same, but they’re both stories of womanhood and female friendship and loneliness, and how even the worst of times can bring out the best in people.
It is very sweet, but vengeful, funny and sad, entertaining and enjoyable. It proves you’re never too old to start again and go on an adventure. It’s a quick read, perfect for cold winter evenings with a mug of something hot.
I would never have guessed this was a debut novel as everything feels like it’s been honed over many years. The storyline, the characters, the themes, they all seem so well accomplished.
Evelyn immediately reminded me of my dear late Nan. Not that she took up spontaneous trips to deal with her husband’s lies, but there was just something comforting and familiar about her that leapt off the page and gave me a big hug. It really gave me a chance to remember my Nan which was unexpected but lovely.
I didn’t initially connect with Cynthia or Joy. I felt Cynthia was too brash and too in-your-face, and I felt Joy was a bit of a wet weekend. However, as the story got going, they both came out of their shells and showed off their vulnerability, and by the end, I couldn’t split the trio up. Whilst all ladies of a certain age and seemingly very similar, between them, they portray a variety of complex emotions.
There’s a small, but important, supporting cast including Liam, Sarah, Carol and Alan - but as good as they are, none of them held my attention for long. For me, this was a three women powerhouse.
I did think it was going to be a very nice, sweet story about an old lady who decides to go on holiday. But it’s more involved than that. Yes it’s a story about an old lady travelling, but there’s so many layers. There’s sadness and loss and grief, loneliness and friendship, love and hate. It’s a very clear story about what to hold on to and what to let go and what to move on from.
It’s got a very powerful undertone of loss. The loss of spouses, children, relatives, friends and strangers. But it’s not morbid or disheartening in any way. It’s because of this loss that we learn to appreciate what we have.
It didn’t end exactly how I thought it would; it went in a different direction which was still a satisfying and pleasing ending.
It’s such a gorgeous book to read, and one I possibly wouldn’t have picked to read myself, but I’m glad I got the chance. It’s very similar, in my opinion, to Josie Lloyd’s “The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club”. That’s not to say the plots are the same, but they’re both stories of womanhood and female friendship and loneliness, and how even the worst of times can bring out the best in people.
It is very sweet, but vengeful, funny and sad, entertaining and enjoyable. It proves you’re never too old to start again and go on an adventure. It’s a quick read, perfect for cold winter evenings with a mug of something hot.
October 27, 2022
Three women strangers until they meet on a holiday trip. Tears, laughter, angst and friendship are all in this delightful book. Each are running away from their life as they know it. But each has a chance to change their lives and learn a lot about themselves, if only they have enough courage to hold on and enjoy the ride. Thank you Netgalley, the author and the Publisher, the Head of Zeus for this satisfying book.The comments and review are my honest opinion.
September 8, 2022
Wonderfully sweet story of Evelyn Pringle an older, settled lady, whose husband suddenly dies.
She finds new friends that are not expected while on a sudden holiday trip, taken to solve a mystery that she found left by her deceased spouse.
Who knew that a beautiful friendship would develop and these ladies would help to deliver and solve Evelyn's dilemma!
I definitely recommend this book! Well done and it has a lot of detail. I easily could put myself in with these "girls" while reading! Thank you to #NetGalley and #HeadofZeus, Aria for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review, I will be awaiting more to read from this new author!
She finds new friends that are not expected while on a sudden holiday trip, taken to solve a mystery that she found left by her deceased spouse.
Who knew that a beautiful friendship would develop and these ladies would help to deliver and solve Evelyn's dilemma!
I definitely recommend this book! Well done and it has a lot of detail. I easily could put myself in with these "girls" while reading! Thank you to #NetGalley and #HeadofZeus, Aria for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review, I will be awaiting more to read from this new author!
October 11, 2022
What a brilliant book. It was life affirming, funny, witty, positive and the friendship shone through. It dealt with loss, grief, anger, adultery and much much more. I loved it was set on the Isle of wight as I’m reading here on holiday. I would really recommend this book to anyone just wanting a good read. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2022
A tale beautifully told - and I’m not just saying that because she’s my sister 😆 Chapter 28 made me cry 🥹
November 30, 2022
A charming, light hearted read touching on themes of friendship and how you're never too old to change your ways.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
November 24, 2022
This story focuses on Evelyn as she travels to The Isle of Wight to hand deliver a letter her husband has written to another woman. It was lovely to see how Evelyn began to come out of her shell and made a few friends along the way. She has been recently widowed and it seemed to me reading this that her husband had made all the life decisions for them both. This was a lovely uplifting story and I can't wait to read more from this author
November 20, 2022
Evelyn has just been widowed. When sorting through her husbands effects, she finds a letter to another woman, along with a ring, and her world suddenly changes. She decides to travel to the Isle of Wight to find the mysterious Maggie - will she find out the truth, and will she accept the changes the trip brings to her life?
I found this quite hard going, slow in places, and I struggled to keep concentration. However, in the end it was a lovely story of friendship, containing a number of tough storylines that were handled sympathetically.
I found this quite hard going, slow in places, and I struggled to keep concentration. However, in the end it was a lovely story of friendship, containing a number of tough storylines that were handled sympathetically.
November 8, 2022
When Evelyn’s husband dies, the discovery of a letter means that she must reevaluate her whole marriage. Unable to bear the thought of Christmas at home, she impulsively decides to book a coach trip to the Isle of Wight to see if she can unravel some secrets from the past.
This is the lovely story of how Evelyn comes to terms with the past and steps into a new future; of how she sheds her brittle exterior and opens up to new friends; of how she comes to terms with grief and finds new hope. The author skilfully weaves the past and present together and gradually reveals Evelyn’s family history as the story progresses. I found this to be an easy but very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the lovely story of how Evelyn comes to terms with the past and steps into a new future; of how she sheds her brittle exterior and opens up to new friends; of how she comes to terms with grief and finds new hope. The author skilfully weaves the past and present together and gradually reveals Evelyn’s family history as the story progresses. I found this to be an easy but very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2022
Recently widowed Evelyn Pringle cannot face the prospect of spending Christmas with her sister and her family so books a coach trip to the Isle of Wight. Evelyn has an ulterior motive for the trip as she suspects her late husband had a secret second family living there. Evelyn isn't sure what she's going to do when she gets there but she knows she needs to do something if she is to find closure.
Poor Evelyn. Right at the beginning she isn't a likeable character. At seventy-six she's set in her ways, self-contained and abrupt. As we get to know Evelyn we discover that there are lots of reasons for her ways, the main one being depression following the death of a child. There's also the generational aspect; keeping things to yourself to avoid gossip, just getting on with life, no time to feel sorry for yourself. This is compounded by a loveless marriage.
We begin to see changes in Evelyn over the course of the story, only small changes, nothing seismic, but small changes none the less. The majority of the changes are a result of the unlikely friendship Evelyn strikes up with two other women on the trip, Cynthia and Joy. Evelyn likes to keep herself to herself and initially looks down her nose at Cynthia in particular, thankfully Cynthia is one of those characters who likes to take charge and doesn't understand the word "no".
Both Cynthia and Joy are running away too and over shared secrets the women form a friendship. It's lovely to read about new friendships and supportive relationships focusing on the older generation.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK
Poor Evelyn. Right at the beginning she isn't a likeable character. At seventy-six she's set in her ways, self-contained and abrupt. As we get to know Evelyn we discover that there are lots of reasons for her ways, the main one being depression following the death of a child. There's also the generational aspect; keeping things to yourself to avoid gossip, just getting on with life, no time to feel sorry for yourself. This is compounded by a loveless marriage.
We begin to see changes in Evelyn over the course of the story, only small changes, nothing seismic, but small changes none the less. The majority of the changes are a result of the unlikely friendship Evelyn strikes up with two other women on the trip, Cynthia and Joy. Evelyn likes to keep herself to herself and initially looks down her nose at Cynthia in particular, thankfully Cynthia is one of those characters who likes to take charge and doesn't understand the word "no".
Both Cynthia and Joy are running away too and over shared secrets the women form a friendship. It's lovely to read about new friendships and supportive relationships focusing on the older generation.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter
@Debbie_Hart_UK
October 23, 2022
Evelyn is recently widowed when she discovers secrets about her husband's life. Not wishing to spend Christmas with her sister and family, she books a trip away. The coach trip to the Isle of Wight has ups and downs , perhaps more downs ! Evelyn slowly thaws with a couple of women on the trip and all their secrets are gradually revealed. This is a book about friendship, relationships and grief. Emotions are dealt with realistically and the women support each other and open up to each other in a heart warming way. A great and thought provoking read
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 20, 2022
This is a lovely story, with surprising twists! It centres around cantankerous 80-something Evelyn, who had recently lost her husband Tony to a heart attack. Whilst sorting through his things she finds a letter hidden in his desk drawer, professing his love to another woman and admitting a hideous crime he commitred almost fifty years ago.
Shocked by the discovery she decides that she can't face Christmas alone with her thoughts and needs to get away. On a whim she books a turkey and tinsel coach trip to the Isle of Wight, which ends up being more eventful than expected. The coach party discovers that their their luxury hotel has been double booked and they end up being put up in a ramshackle hotel, with few staff instead!
When the remaining hotel staff walk out in protest to working conditons the coach party is left to fend for themselves! The pensioners rally together to make the best of things and enjoy Christmas. The reserved Evelyn finds herself striking and unlikely friendship with the exuberant Cynthia and troubled Joy and in doing so starts to work through some of her problems.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters' stories are gradually revealed, with some surprising twists! A reflective and cosy read. A great debut book from Kate, I look forward to reading more from her!
Shocked by the discovery she decides that she can't face Christmas alone with her thoughts and needs to get away. On a whim she books a turkey and tinsel coach trip to the Isle of Wight, which ends up being more eventful than expected. The coach party discovers that their their luxury hotel has been double booked and they end up being put up in a ramshackle hotel, with few staff instead!
When the remaining hotel staff walk out in protest to working conditons the coach party is left to fend for themselves! The pensioners rally together to make the best of things and enjoy Christmas. The reserved Evelyn finds herself striking and unlikely friendship with the exuberant Cynthia and troubled Joy and in doing so starts to work through some of her problems.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters' stories are gradually revealed, with some surprising twists! A reflective and cosy read. A great debut book from Kate, I look forward to reading more from her!
June 30, 2023
What a fantastic book! Can't wait for book 2!
January 7, 2023
When Evelyn Pringle’s husband Tony dies, her life it thrown into disarray and not for the reasons you think. When sorting through his possessions she comes across a piece of jewellery and a letter written by her husband to another woman. Evelyn knows she has a decision to make, ignore the letter and let the past gnaw away at her, or delivery the letter to the recipient who lives on the Isle Of Wight.
Before she knows what’s happening, Evelyn finds herself waiting for a coach which takes her and others on an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. Making new friends in Joy and Cynthia, the trio discover that it's never too late to have a second chance at life.
When I started this book, I didn’t really like Evelyn, she seemed grumpy and pushed away everyone who tried to help her, but over the course of the story, you see her vulnerable side and this is mainly thanks to Joy and Cynthia who are two people you would really want as friends.
I would love to read a follow up in a little while to see what route their paths took – a fantastic debut novel.
Before she knows what’s happening, Evelyn finds herself waiting for a coach which takes her and others on an adventure no one could have predicted – least of all Evelyn herself. Making new friends in Joy and Cynthia, the trio discover that it's never too late to have a second chance at life.
When I started this book, I didn’t really like Evelyn, she seemed grumpy and pushed away everyone who tried to help her, but over the course of the story, you see her vulnerable side and this is mainly thanks to Joy and Cynthia who are two people you would really want as friends.
I would love to read a follow up in a little while to see what route their paths took – a fantastic debut novel.
June 2, 2023
A feel good novel focused on three women finding themselves and each other following the passing of their husbands / ending of their marriages. I loved how each of the characters storylines developed throughout the novel, with the reader learning along with the other characters.
December 12, 2022
I can’t believe this excellent well written book The Second Chance Holiday Club is a debut book by Kate Galley. I love finding new authors and now Kate Galley has become one of my favourite new authors. I found this story unputdownable, as I instantly became trapped into the life about the main character Evelyn Pringle.
Evelyn is in the older generation age, who has been married to her husband Tony for many years, until she received dreadful news that her husband had be found dead in his car from a heart attack.
After 58 years of marriage, you would think Evelyn knew everything about her husband, but how wrong could she be?
Evelyn is in for a big shock, her husband’s wedding ring is returned to her, with another ring that doesn’t seem to fit Evelyn.
I must admit I did feel like I was snooping too with Mrs Pringle, looking in her dead husband’s study. Then the air kind of changed when Evelyn finds a lilac envelope with a woman’s name written on it.
We are taken on a quite humours Christmas coach trip to the Isle of Wight, but the question is why has Evelyn really gone on this coach trip with the letter her husband wrote to another woman?
The Second Chance Holiday Club is one of the best fictional stories I have read with so many different themes running through, heartwarming marriage, grief, heartache, friendship a little bit of mystery, and flair of humour. After enjoying The Second Chance Holiday Club I’m really looking forward to the 31st August 2023 when Kate Galley’s next book is being released The Golden Girls Road Trip
Evelyn is in the older generation age, who has been married to her husband Tony for many years, until she received dreadful news that her husband had be found dead in his car from a heart attack.
After 58 years of marriage, you would think Evelyn knew everything about her husband, but how wrong could she be?
Evelyn is in for a big shock, her husband’s wedding ring is returned to her, with another ring that doesn’t seem to fit Evelyn.
I must admit I did feel like I was snooping too with Mrs Pringle, looking in her dead husband’s study. Then the air kind of changed when Evelyn finds a lilac envelope with a woman’s name written on it.
We are taken on a quite humours Christmas coach trip to the Isle of Wight, but the question is why has Evelyn really gone on this coach trip with the letter her husband wrote to another woman?
The Second Chance Holiday Club is one of the best fictional stories I have read with so many different themes running through, heartwarming marriage, grief, heartache, friendship a little bit of mystery, and flair of humour. After enjoying The Second Chance Holiday Club I’m really looking forward to the 31st August 2023 when Kate Galley’s next book is being released The Golden Girls Road Trip
September 23, 2022
Evelyn was an older character and it seemed unfair that she had to discover what she did.
Her husband found dead in a vehicle in another part of the county with ring in his pocket
and a cryptic letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight. Her marriage to Tony has
been devoid of any deep feeling for a long time, and they had just got into a rut with Tony
ruling the roost most of the time, using Evelyn's money for his own advancement.
Evelyn decides to pursue her own investigation and their follows a hilarious journey to a
run down hotel on the Isle of Wight in the company of a tour group - including ladies as
dysfunctional as any you could find but all finding comfort and solace in each other. Evelyn
was set in her ways, did not like to mix, was very particular what she did and how she did
things which were very annoying to read about until you realized that most ladies of her age
were like that. (Made me very keen to be otherwise as I am in the same age category as her!!!!)
The story was sad and funny. Discovering the truth of Tony's infidelity which went back decades
his long relationship with the other woman, Evelyn making amends in the way she knew how which was wonderful and peace coming to both Evelyn and the other woman's daughter who was resentful, angry and wary at the beginning was a good ending for all.
Very character driven, very descriptive of the Isle of Wight as well and the courage of three
women to overcome odds in their personal lives.
Her husband found dead in a vehicle in another part of the county with ring in his pocket
and a cryptic letter addressed to a woman on the Isle of Wight. Her marriage to Tony has
been devoid of any deep feeling for a long time, and they had just got into a rut with Tony
ruling the roost most of the time, using Evelyn's money for his own advancement.
Evelyn decides to pursue her own investigation and their follows a hilarious journey to a
run down hotel on the Isle of Wight in the company of a tour group - including ladies as
dysfunctional as any you could find but all finding comfort and solace in each other. Evelyn
was set in her ways, did not like to mix, was very particular what she did and how she did
things which were very annoying to read about until you realized that most ladies of her age
were like that. (Made me very keen to be otherwise as I am in the same age category as her!!!!)
The story was sad and funny. Discovering the truth of Tony's infidelity which went back decades
his long relationship with the other woman, Evelyn making amends in the way she knew how which was wonderful and peace coming to both Evelyn and the other woman's daughter who was resentful, angry and wary at the beginning was a good ending for all.
Very character driven, very descriptive of the Isle of Wight as well and the courage of three
women to overcome odds in their personal lives.
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