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Old Fools #6
Two Old Fools Down Under
When Vicky and Joe wave goodbye to their beloved Spanish village, they face their future in Australia with some trepidation. Now they must build a new life amongst strangers, snakes, and spiders the size of saucers. Accompanied by their enthusiastic new puppy, Lola, adventures abound, both heartwarming and terrifying.
Will the Two Old Fools embrace the Aussie way of life or is it time to stop gallivanting around the globe and return to Britain?
Will the Two Old Fools embrace the Aussie way of life or is it time to stop gallivanting around the globe and return to Britain?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
469 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Twead
42 books192 followersVictoria Twead is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author. Eleven years living in a tiny, remote, mountain village in Spain and owning probably the most dangerous cockerel in Europe, inspired Victoria to write “Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools”. Subsequent books in the Old Fools’ series continue to pop up.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 13, 2020
Not all authors can maintain a stellar quality of writing throughout a substantial book series. Victoria Twead is one who can.
In this book, she recounts her and Joe’s move from Spain to Australia. Unsurprisingly, it’s a decision they agonise over, but it’s the right one for them and their family.
While Joe is delayed in England, Victoria makes the move by herself. Her descriptions of house buying and renovations had me groaning in frustration, chuckling my head off too. I also fell in love with their new pup, adoring every prank, every episode of naughtiness. But their life is not all fun and frolics.
With remarkable candour, the author shares a life-threatening situation. The fear, the trauma, and the desperation she feels. The account is written with an extraordinary depth of humility and emotion I found heart-wrenching to read.
The love for their adopted country radiates throughout the book as we are treated to new discoveries, new friends and family vignettes. Each element is a celebration of Victoria Twead’s writing at its best, an author who is truly a master storyteller. I can’t wait for the next episode.
In this book, she recounts her and Joe’s move from Spain to Australia. Unsurprisingly, it’s a decision they agonise over, but it’s the right one for them and their family.
While Joe is delayed in England, Victoria makes the move by herself. Her descriptions of house buying and renovations had me groaning in frustration, chuckling my head off too. I also fell in love with their new pup, adoring every prank, every episode of naughtiness. But their life is not all fun and frolics.
With remarkable candour, the author shares a life-threatening situation. The fear, the trauma, and the desperation she feels. The account is written with an extraordinary depth of humility and emotion I found heart-wrenching to read.
The love for their adopted country radiates throughout the book as we are treated to new discoveries, new friends and family vignettes. Each element is a celebration of Victoria Twead’s writing at its best, an author who is truly a master storyteller. I can’t wait for the next episode.
January 7, 2025
More Twead magic!
Victoria Twead’s latest book starts where she and hubby Joe are going to be making the move to Australia, to be with their daughter and son-in-law, and their precious granddaughter. Indy is three at the start of the book. House hunting may not run as smoothly as initially expected! Joe is still in the UK, having treatment, while she is house hunting. He will join her in Australia later. This book encompassed my favourite genres: Travel, moving abroad, medical.
Reading a new Old Fools book is like putting on your favourite comfy, cosy, snuggly coat! I love Victoria's books. I can't wait to get into each new one. But there's always that flutter of panic when she presents me one to beta read. Ooh-will it be as good? Will she keep up her high standard? Of course she will! Just early on-and it's perfect, she really has it off to a fine art now. Victoria and Joe are a great team at keeping you entertained with tales of their adventures.
There was so much I loved about this book! Beautiful presentation, eg. fonts; page set-up etc. I loved the little illustrations at the start of chapters, and the delightful little drawings between scenes too. It's just so lovely how the book is set out. That really adds to it to me. Her trademark cliff-hanger sentence at end of chapter-so you just have to read on! Not so many pages in and there was a chuckle already! Victoria's books are such warm and lovely cosy reads. I love how she’s expressed just how eg. Indy says things. She captures everything so you can see it exactly in your mind's eye. Heart-warming. Pages such as this warm the cockles of your heart.
I really liked that the recipes are here, in and amongst the chapters-after each chapter. It's good that you don't have to keep flicking to the back section, and back again. The recipe pictures are in an accompanying photo book-along with many other photos of happenings in the book-this is available on her website via a link in the book.
So often I laughed out loud! In fact: I snorted! And at the eye clinic waiting area!!! Oops! Just hilarious! Then I was sniggering in Morrison’s car park. We'd already been to other shops so it was luxury grabbing a few minutes more reading this fab book while my other half sorted the last bits of shopping. I just could not put this down!
This had the perfect balance of ups and downs. Victoria Twead has waved her writing wand again. Magical!
Victoria Twead’s latest book starts where she and hubby Joe are going to be making the move to Australia, to be with their daughter and son-in-law, and their precious granddaughter. Indy is three at the start of the book. House hunting may not run as smoothly as initially expected! Joe is still in the UK, having treatment, while she is house hunting. He will join her in Australia later. This book encompassed my favourite genres: Travel, moving abroad, medical.
Reading a new Old Fools book is like putting on your favourite comfy, cosy, snuggly coat! I love Victoria's books. I can't wait to get into each new one. But there's always that flutter of panic when she presents me one to beta read. Ooh-will it be as good? Will she keep up her high standard? Of course she will! Just early on-and it's perfect, she really has it off to a fine art now. Victoria and Joe are a great team at keeping you entertained with tales of their adventures.
There was so much I loved about this book! Beautiful presentation, eg. fonts; page set-up etc. I loved the little illustrations at the start of chapters, and the delightful little drawings between scenes too. It's just so lovely how the book is set out. That really adds to it to me. Her trademark cliff-hanger sentence at end of chapter-so you just have to read on! Not so many pages in and there was a chuckle already! Victoria's books are such warm and lovely cosy reads. I love how she’s expressed just how eg. Indy says things. She captures everything so you can see it exactly in your mind's eye. Heart-warming. Pages such as this warm the cockles of your heart.
I really liked that the recipes are here, in and amongst the chapters-after each chapter. It's good that you don't have to keep flicking to the back section, and back again. The recipe pictures are in an accompanying photo book-along with many other photos of happenings in the book-this is available on her website via a link in the book.
So often I laughed out loud! In fact: I snorted! And at the eye clinic waiting area!!! Oops! Just hilarious! Then I was sniggering in Morrison’s car park. We'd already been to other shops so it was luxury grabbing a few minutes more reading this fab book while my other half sorted the last bits of shopping. I just could not put this down!
This had the perfect balance of ups and downs. Victoria Twead has waved her writing wand again. Magical!
January 11, 2020
I was eagerly anticipating the latest 'Old Fools' book from Victoria Twead and was so happy when it arrived on my Kindle. As ever it was a complete delight to read. This describes her move from Spain to Australia where she and Joe can be with their family but, as is the way of things, life never runs smoothly. Joe is in England undergoing radiotherapy while Victoria is in Australia tasked with finding a new house for them. As if that wasn't enough to be dealing with Victoria has her heart set on getting a dog against Joe's advice of course. However the lovely Lola joins the Twead household - and what a character she turns out to be!
The house required extensive renovation and had a pool, against Joe's advice - of course! Eventually after much work and setbacks involving dodgy tradesmen their house is finally ready. To add to their happiness they are blessed with another granddaughter. Life seems to be going well when bad luck strikes.
This memoir is a joy to read. There were times I laughed out loud and times I wept with her. Heartwarming and heart wrenching at times. This must have been so hard to write and remember but it's how life is. Beautifully written in a lovely warm conversational style which draws you in immediately. I loved the link back to El Hoyo in Spain with the little emails from one of the Ufarte twins. Just lovely and made me smile. The little illustrations are beautifully done and of course there's those terrific recipes as a bonus. It's another triumph. Five stars from me.
The house required extensive renovation and had a pool, against Joe's advice - of course! Eventually after much work and setbacks involving dodgy tradesmen their house is finally ready. To add to their happiness they are blessed with another granddaughter. Life seems to be going well when bad luck strikes.
This memoir is a joy to read. There were times I laughed out loud and times I wept with her. Heartwarming and heart wrenching at times. This must have been so hard to write and remember but it's how life is. Beautifully written in a lovely warm conversational style which draws you in immediately. I loved the link back to El Hoyo in Spain with the little emails from one of the Ufarte twins. Just lovely and made me smile. The little illustrations are beautifully done and of course there's those terrific recipes as a bonus. It's another triumph. Five stars from me.
July 14, 2020
Victoria Twead’s Two Old Fool books are a hugely popular series, and this one is as deserving of the praise it’s received as all the rest. It’s an immensely enjoyable, warm-hearted and interesting read.
What I most like about reading memoirs is learning something new about the places people choose to live and the people they meet. Well, I wallowed in all the new things I learnt about Australia from this lovely, personal account of Vicky and Joe’s move to the southern hemisphere. I knew the country had some substantial differences from Europe (and indeed anywhere in the world) in terms of wildlife and flora, but I didn’t realise to what extent they were different. I also knew Aussies had their own language and terms for things, but again, how different these can be was a surprise to me.
The story follows Vicky’s arrival in Australia and her challenges with finding a suitable home to receive Joe, who has had to remain in the UK for health reasons. It also includes her adventures in gaining a new puppy, and all the adjustments that living in a completely new country entail. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was fascinated by the detailed observations she made about life in the Antipodes.
The book is also quite a rollercoaster of emotions as she and Joe learn to cope with his medical conditions alongside the frustrations of renovating their house. Without giving any spoilers, I can admit I choked up a few times while reading it, but I also laughed out loud at some of their DIY adventures.
Written in the author’s friendly, conversational style, I almost felt as if I was reading her diary or letters to her family. This feeling was enhanced by the recipes that separate each of the chapters and the email correspondence from Spain, which gave a sense of continuity with their previous life. All in all, it was a terrific read. Highly recommended.
What I most like about reading memoirs is learning something new about the places people choose to live and the people they meet. Well, I wallowed in all the new things I learnt about Australia from this lovely, personal account of Vicky and Joe’s move to the southern hemisphere. I knew the country had some substantial differences from Europe (and indeed anywhere in the world) in terms of wildlife and flora, but I didn’t realise to what extent they were different. I also knew Aussies had their own language and terms for things, but again, how different these can be was a surprise to me.
The story follows Vicky’s arrival in Australia and her challenges with finding a suitable home to receive Joe, who has had to remain in the UK for health reasons. It also includes her adventures in gaining a new puppy, and all the adjustments that living in a completely new country entail. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was fascinated by the detailed observations she made about life in the Antipodes.
The book is also quite a rollercoaster of emotions as she and Joe learn to cope with his medical conditions alongside the frustrations of renovating their house. Without giving any spoilers, I can admit I choked up a few times while reading it, but I also laughed out loud at some of their DIY adventures.
Written in the author’s friendly, conversational style, I almost felt as if I was reading her diary or letters to her family. This feeling was enhanced by the recipes that separate each of the chapters and the email correspondence from Spain, which gave a sense of continuity with their previous life. All in all, it was a terrific read. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2025
Australian stories that fascinated me. I found Victoria Twead’s book absolutely what I needed to learn about what I’ll be in for if I can ever talk my husband into moving to Australia. Even though I’d visited the country for a month in 2024, I had no idea there were so many different and fascinating creatures that I never get to see in the United States. As Vicky (and Joe) searched for a home to buy, I felt as if I were there viewing the properties. Then there was the language, something that intrigued me as I listened to the new Australian words Victoria learned. Oh, and I almost forgot the many mouth-watering recipes. This fascinating book has it all—there’s something for everyone.
January 8, 2020
I was fortunate to be gifted Victoria's latest book. I have always loved Australia so was keen to read how Victoria found her new country. I loved reading about the purchasing of their new home, the shock when moving in and finding the house, pool and gardens nowhere near how she remembered them when buying the home. The subsequent renovations and all the challenges with tradies. Some great, some not so great. The introduction and thrill of a new granddaughter and the love of being near her daughter and family, choosing her first-ever puppy, Lola, who kept us entertained with her antics and the getting to know the neighbours. All without the help of hubby Joe who has health issues and would join Victoria later, only to end up in the hospital with his life in the balance. A thoroughly enjoyable read and covers a lot about the Australian way of life told in a lighthearted humorous way.
December 26, 2019
I didn't want this book to end.
Victoria Twead has a real knack for drawing the reader in to the very heart of her books and taking them along with her from beginning to end.
This book is about her and husband Joe's move from Spain to Australia. The move is not without its challenges and Victoria and Joe have their fair share. From house hunting, renovations (some a bit dodgy) to an immense downturn in Joe's health; it certainly is an emotional rollercoaster ride for the family.
The couple's love for their new country comes through on almost every page.
A real bonus are the mouth watering recipes at the conclusion of each chapter.
I am a huge fan of Victoria's Old Fool series, and cannot recommend this and the others highly enough.
Victoria Twead has a real knack for drawing the reader in to the very heart of her books and taking them along with her from beginning to end.
This book is about her and husband Joe's move from Spain to Australia. The move is not without its challenges and Victoria and Joe have their fair share. From house hunting, renovations (some a bit dodgy) to an immense downturn in Joe's health; it certainly is an emotional rollercoaster ride for the family.
The couple's love for their new country comes through on almost every page.
A real bonus are the mouth watering recipes at the conclusion of each chapter.
I am a huge fan of Victoria's Old Fool series, and cannot recommend this and the others highly enough.
January 4, 2020
Another great read in the fabulous Old Fools Series!
In this new addition, Vicky and Joe are making the move from Spain to Australia, but Joe must remain in the UK for treatments for a bit. Vicky heads over to house hunt while staying with their daughter, son in law and granddaughter.
I sure gained a whole new level of respect for Vicky and Joe in reading "Two Old Fools Down Under" as even in the best of times a move like this has to be hard.
Victoria tells their story with grace and vulnerability, I'm sure there were chapters that were hard to write.
With plenty of laughs, more great recipes in the beginning of each chapter, descriptive scenery of their new homeland and even a few tears shed, this is a another five star read for me by Victoria Twead!
In this new addition, Vicky and Joe are making the move from Spain to Australia, but Joe must remain in the UK for treatments for a bit. Vicky heads over to house hunt while staying with their daughter, son in law and granddaughter.
I sure gained a whole new level of respect for Vicky and Joe in reading "Two Old Fools Down Under" as even in the best of times a move like this has to be hard.
Victoria tells their story with grace and vulnerability, I'm sure there were chapters that were hard to write.
With plenty of laughs, more great recipes in the beginning of each chapter, descriptive scenery of their new homeland and even a few tears shed, this is a another five star read for me by Victoria Twead!
September 3, 2021
On a cruise in early 2020 that stopped at many ports in New Zealand and Australia, we fell in love with the seas and the land and the people and the wine and the food. (At times it almost felt as if we were visiting a different planet full of George Lucas creatures.) Reading about Victoria and Joe's move to the coast not far from gorgeous Sydney was a most enjoyable experience for me (in spite of their many trials and tribulations during this period in their long marriage.) I'm looking forward to reading about more Twead adventures in the future.
April 23, 2022
Victoria Twead has a wonderful way with words. Her previous books in the ‘Old Fools’ series have had me rolling in the aisles with her descriptions of neighbours and colleagues. I’ve followed Victoria’s adventures in Spain, in the Middle East, and now in Australia and can highly recommend them all.
In Two Old Fools down under, Victoria and husband Joe make the move from sleepy Spanish village to Eastern Australia. The descriptions of place and people are spot on as usual. The conversations between princess Nanny and three-year old Indy are a delight and had hubby glaring at me – meaning I was no doubt snorting. But this book also shows Victoria to be a master of emotional outpourings of a very different kind. I gasped and I cried along with the author as unexpected, life-threatening situations arose in the pages of this book. What a work! I’m looking forward to much more from these old fools.
In Two Old Fools down under, Victoria and husband Joe make the move from sleepy Spanish village to Eastern Australia. The descriptions of place and people are spot on as usual. The conversations between princess Nanny and three-year old Indy are a delight and had hubby glaring at me – meaning I was no doubt snorting. But this book also shows Victoria to be a master of emotional outpourings of a very different kind. I gasped and I cried along with the author as unexpected, life-threatening situations arose in the pages of this book. What a work! I’m looking forward to much more from these old fools.
July 12, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed this whole series. As I have said before, I love Victoria's writing style which is always engaging and sprinkled with genuine humour. In this continuation of their story they have made a difficult and life changing decision to move to Australia but things don't always go as planned and they go through some very tough times. We learn more about life in Australia, the beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife and some weird and scary creatures. Another great memoir that was hard to put down !!!
August 21, 2022
Another great read in the Old Fools series though this one had some different twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, however, Victoria still had me laughing with some of the antics that went on during the story. Can't wait for the next in the series!
May 10, 2020
Truly Heartwarming
Once I started reading this book I knew that nothing or no one would drag me away from it – I was right – not even when my Son asked what was for dinner!!
After their life in Spain Victoria and Joe bravely decide to sell up and move on to a new way of life and move to Australia where their daughter, son in law and delightful grand-daughter Indy live.
As is the way of all things, life never runs smoothly and here Victoria describes her lone move to Australia whilst Joe is in England undergoing Radiotherapy. Victoria sets out on her quest to find them the perfect home along with help from her daughter and family.
After many disappointments she settles on what she feels is the perfect place for her and Joe. That is until she looks at it again but this time with her glasses on! Having last minute second thoughts her son in law persuades her that once they have done the work required (oops Joe specifically said no renovations or pool) that they would have a house to their own specification and worth far more than they paid for it. Who can forget Joe´s other words of advice no dog – not yet – oops enter beautiful Lola and what a character she turns out to be. Also a comfort and joy.
Eventually the traumas of restoring a house commence (not unsurprisingly they do not go to plan – Victoria´s or anyone´s). Amidst all this Victoria forges new friendships and of course getting to know the fantastic new wildlife of birds and beasts. Along with overseeing the renovation works of the new house trying to get as much completed before the arrival of her beloved Joe.
New Year saw the long awaited arrival of Joe to join life in Australia. Then more traumatic ill health hits poor Joe and his admission to hospital bring moments of tension and anguish to the story of their life.
The arrival of their second grand-daughter who Indy insists on calling Dragon. Finally after many setbacks involving dodgy tradesmen their house is ready to be lived in and become a family home.
I laughed and I wept with Victoria throughout this read, as much as it was so heartwarming it was also heart-wrenching, the love that Joe and Victoria have for one another shone through the pages.
The flashbacks to their lives in El Hoyo Spain made me smile and brought back happy memories of how this Old Fools series started – it even inspired me to make Patatas a lo pobre again.
Victoria Twead is an author who can capture and hold the readers attention, fire up their imagination with her unique quality of writing with the ability to drag you in to her mastery of story telling.
Once I started reading this book I knew that nothing or no one would drag me away from it – I was right – not even when my Son asked what was for dinner!!
After their life in Spain Victoria and Joe bravely decide to sell up and move on to a new way of life and move to Australia where their daughter, son in law and delightful grand-daughter Indy live.
As is the way of all things, life never runs smoothly and here Victoria describes her lone move to Australia whilst Joe is in England undergoing Radiotherapy. Victoria sets out on her quest to find them the perfect home along with help from her daughter and family.
After many disappointments she settles on what she feels is the perfect place for her and Joe. That is until she looks at it again but this time with her glasses on! Having last minute second thoughts her son in law persuades her that once they have done the work required (oops Joe specifically said no renovations or pool) that they would have a house to their own specification and worth far more than they paid for it. Who can forget Joe´s other words of advice no dog – not yet – oops enter beautiful Lola and what a character she turns out to be. Also a comfort and joy.
Eventually the traumas of restoring a house commence (not unsurprisingly they do not go to plan – Victoria´s or anyone´s). Amidst all this Victoria forges new friendships and of course getting to know the fantastic new wildlife of birds and beasts. Along with overseeing the renovation works of the new house trying to get as much completed before the arrival of her beloved Joe.
New Year saw the long awaited arrival of Joe to join life in Australia. Then more traumatic ill health hits poor Joe and his admission to hospital bring moments of tension and anguish to the story of their life.
The arrival of their second grand-daughter who Indy insists on calling Dragon. Finally after many setbacks involving dodgy tradesmen their house is ready to be lived in and become a family home.
I laughed and I wept with Victoria throughout this read, as much as it was so heartwarming it was also heart-wrenching, the love that Joe and Victoria have for one another shone through the pages.
The flashbacks to their lives in El Hoyo Spain made me smile and brought back happy memories of how this Old Fools series started – it even inspired me to make Patatas a lo pobre again.
Victoria Twead is an author who can capture and hold the readers attention, fire up their imagination with her unique quality of writing with the ability to drag you in to her mastery of story telling.
November 19, 2022
Victoria Tweed has the assured, gentle voice of a practised storyteller who delights in this world and the opportunities that it offers. She captivates the reader with the challenges a couple of a certain age face by moving to a new country, in this case Queensland, Australia. She reminds us of the satisfaction of being closer to family with innocently amusing grandchildren; of the shocks Australia’s occasionally alarming native wildlife have in store for the unwary; of the frustrations involved in renovating a new-old home with idiosyncratic tradesmen who have their own peculiar ideas about what should be done and when; of the pleasures a new puppy affords and the profound friendships that pets encourage owners to forge with one another.
While sharing amusing, tender, scary and wistful stories, Victoria Twead quietly reminds us that all are pieces of a larger, single, and essentially human story about two married people -- just like ourselves -- with the courage to undertake what we have always wanted to do. Because Victoria and Joe have braved these hazards and still survive, we are gifted the freedom to sit back and enjoy their adventures and occasional mistakes as well as the crises and final delights.
Ultimately, Vicky, as I came to think of her while enjoying this intimate book, discreetly reminds us that we share with one another, as with all living things, our mortality, and so it behoves us to cherish all that we have, while we still have it.
For certain, that’s another reason Victoria Twead’s books are so widely read. They invite us to be armchair adventurers while reminding us of the ties that bind.
While sharing amusing, tender, scary and wistful stories, Victoria Twead quietly reminds us that all are pieces of a larger, single, and essentially human story about two married people -- just like ourselves -- with the courage to undertake what we have always wanted to do. Because Victoria and Joe have braved these hazards and still survive, we are gifted the freedom to sit back and enjoy their adventures and occasional mistakes as well as the crises and final delights.
Ultimately, Vicky, as I came to think of her while enjoying this intimate book, discreetly reminds us that we share with one another, as with all living things, our mortality, and so it behoves us to cherish all that we have, while we still have it.
For certain, that’s another reason Victoria Twead’s books are so widely read. They invite us to be armchair adventurers while reminding us of the ties that bind.
February 25, 2023
In Two Old Fools Down Under, we see Victoria Twead bravely moving on to Australia to join her daughter Karly and her family while husband Joe is getting cancer treatment in the UK. Vicky stays with her daughter, husband Cam and toddler granddaughter, Indy. To her immense joy, she learns that another grandchild is on the way!
She learns how to get around in Sydney, knowing that she will soon leave her new safety nest and look for a home for her and Joe. She finds a fixer-upper in a less expensive part of Australia, close to the beaches and in driving distance to Karly’s house. Her new neighbors are overjoyed that the former, loud neighbors are gone. She begins to fix up the place, buys her first puppy that she names for her former Spanish neighbor, Lola. She meets fellow dog walkers and awaits Joe’s arrival on New Year’s Eve.
She is entertained by her new pen pal, one of the Spanish Ufarte twins who keeps her updated on the El Hoyo gossip, long walks to the beach with fellow dog walkers, spends time with her granddaughters, Indy, and Winter and watches ongoing drama among the inconsistent repair workers at her home.
Joe arrives and they work as a team and continue to oversee the house repairs, but soon Joe becomes frighteningly ill, and he spends several weeks in the ICU. He gets out and becomes stronger only to have another scary bout with breathing. Though their lives are forever altered they vow to go on to see special places that they vowed to enjoy together!
She learns how to get around in Sydney, knowing that she will soon leave her new safety nest and look for a home for her and Joe. She finds a fixer-upper in a less expensive part of Australia, close to the beaches and in driving distance to Karly’s house. Her new neighbors are overjoyed that the former, loud neighbors are gone. She begins to fix up the place, buys her first puppy that she names for her former Spanish neighbor, Lola. She meets fellow dog walkers and awaits Joe’s arrival on New Year’s Eve.
She is entertained by her new pen pal, one of the Spanish Ufarte twins who keeps her updated on the El Hoyo gossip, long walks to the beach with fellow dog walkers, spends time with her granddaughters, Indy, and Winter and watches ongoing drama among the inconsistent repair workers at her home.
Joe arrives and they work as a team and continue to oversee the house repairs, but soon Joe becomes frighteningly ill, and he spends several weeks in the ICU. He gets out and becomes stronger only to have another scary bout with breathing. Though their lives are forever altered they vow to go on to see special places that they vowed to enjoy together!
March 25, 2022
Reading “Two Old Fools Down Under” I felt like Victoria opened her home to me over a cup of tea and scones as she shared about her life ‘Down Under’, making me feel as comfortable as possible. Victoria has the gift of describing a turn of events, a very detailed account of her move to Australia. I felt like I was watching a reality show or a sitcom. How I wish I had all the time in the world because I would take a month off and binge on all Victoria’s Two Old Fools series. I started at book 6, right after I read ‘Dear Fran, Love Dulcie’ and after having a brush with a history of Australia, I wanted to learn more about this country. Like opening a Pandora’s box, now I am hooked and want to start with Book 1.
It’s definitely very entertaining as she shares details about her life with Joe, and Lola taking a supporting role. I love the recipes at the end of each chapter; it makes me feel like spending the day with her and moving from tea into the kitchen, while she’s preparing the ingredients over a bottle of wine. She is narrating the situations, with her challenges house-hunting, renovating her new home, training Lola, etc. disclosing everything, not holding back, the good, the bad and the ugly. There are lot of joyful and poignant moments as well. What a relief that its’ a series and I can have more of Victoria’s adventure. I recommend this book highly.
It’s definitely very entertaining as she shares details about her life with Joe, and Lola taking a supporting role. I love the recipes at the end of each chapter; it makes me feel like spending the day with her and moving from tea into the kitchen, while she’s preparing the ingredients over a bottle of wine. She is narrating the situations, with her challenges house-hunting, renovating her new home, training Lola, etc. disclosing everything, not holding back, the good, the bad and the ugly. There are lot of joyful and poignant moments as well. What a relief that its’ a series and I can have more of Victoria’s adventure. I recommend this book highly.
June 1, 2021
In "Two Old Fools Down Under," Victoria and Joe have left their home in El Hoyo, for a new life in Australia near their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Indy.
Sadly, Joe is undergoing treatment in England, so Vicky is tasked with finding them a new home, with no pool that needs little renovation. The home she falls in love with looks very different when the previous owners depart, and a lengthy adventure with assorted tradesmen ensues. The pool also requires significant repairs...
I love the author's lovely conversational style, with numerous comical anecdotes. She also introduces her readers to the flora and fauna of Australia, and new arrival Lola - the puppy.
El Hoyo is not forgotten, as she weaves in regular updates from the Ufarte twins.
Unfortunately, just as life seems more settled, Joe experiences further health issues and life for the family becomes a rollercoaster ride.
Sadly, Joe is undergoing treatment in England, so Vicky is tasked with finding them a new home, with no pool that needs little renovation. The home she falls in love with looks very different when the previous owners depart, and a lengthy adventure with assorted tradesmen ensues. The pool also requires significant repairs...
I love the author's lovely conversational style, with numerous comical anecdotes. She also introduces her readers to the flora and fauna of Australia, and new arrival Lola - the puppy.
El Hoyo is not forgotten, as she weaves in regular updates from the Ufarte twins.
Unfortunately, just as life seems more settled, Joe experiences further health issues and life for the family becomes a rollercoaster ride.
October 22, 2021
I've followed Victoria and Joe's adventures from the beginning, and this book is equally as fabulous as all the rest. Leaving their beloved Spanish home is a wrench, but a necessary move. While Victoria goes to Oz, health issues mean Joe will have to join her later, so she gets the dubious pleasure of searching out a home, and the definite pleasure of choosing a puppy. As always, the characters are so well described that you feel as if you know them. I have to confess to finding part of the book difficult to read: not through any fault of Victoria's writing, but the situation she and Joe go through is so similar to one I experienced with my husband, and she describes it so well, that I felt as if I was I was going through it again, and feeling the same emotions. What an incredible writer she is. From playing princesses to dealing with wildlife, from happiness to trepidation, this is a wonderful book, and I thoroughly recommend it.
September 22, 2020
Another one of Victoria Twead's excellent adventures, moving from Spain to Australia and sharing with the reader the ups and downs of becoming "Aussie".
What a great story teller the author is - making me believe I was really there experiencing the excitements and worries of moving to a new home in a new country. Wonderfully descriptive.
The addition of Lola to the Twead family was a delight to read about and the reasoning behind her name made me smile, what a good idea.
I felt the authors pain when she talked about her husband's illness and subsequent hospital admission. I truly hope Joe is enjoying better health.
Finally, I loved the addition of recipes, very enticing.
A well deserved 5 star review.
What a great story teller the author is - making me believe I was really there experiencing the excitements and worries of moving to a new home in a new country. Wonderfully descriptive.
The addition of Lola to the Twead family was a delight to read about and the reasoning behind her name made me smile, what a good idea.
I felt the authors pain when she talked about her husband's illness and subsequent hospital admission. I truly hope Joe is enjoying better health.
Finally, I loved the addition of recipes, very enticing.
A well deserved 5 star review.
October 29, 2021
Well, what can I say! Yet another brilliant book by the talented Victoria Twead. I can’t decide whether I like this one better than her first one – Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools. It certainly is a close call. What I particularly enjoyed with ‘Down Under’ was the author’s insight of life in Australia, a country that is still on my ‘bucket list’. I admire Vicky’s bravery in totally ignoring her and Joe’s good sense by taking on a house that needed a considerable amount of refurbishment and a puppy all at the same time. And in the end both house and dog were the right decision. A thoroughly enjoyable read. A little advice. For those who have not read any of Victoria Twead’s books I recommend you start with the first book and work your way through them. You will not be disappointed.
June 6, 2022
Wow, Vicky did it again! Outstanding continuation of the saga of the old fools.
This edition had spectacular highs and heartbreaking lows.
I loved the pen-pal entries. It was integral and a great laugh amidst chaos and pain. My heart was in my throat several times, truly scared - brought to tears. Laughed my butt off elsewhere. What a mix.
The Christmas street party so evocative of The old Spanish village, which was delicately threaded throughout.
I say this about each edition, this was the best. What a craftsperson. What dialogue. The pace is outstanding. Plenty of unexpected drama, totally expected.
Again, the character development was spectacular and you can see these people clearly in your mind. Just outstanding.
This edition had spectacular highs and heartbreaking lows.
I loved the pen-pal entries. It was integral and a great laugh amidst chaos and pain. My heart was in my throat several times, truly scared - brought to tears. Laughed my butt off elsewhere. What a mix.
The Christmas street party so evocative of The old Spanish village, which was delicately threaded throughout.
I say this about each edition, this was the best. What a craftsperson. What dialogue. The pace is outstanding. Plenty of unexpected drama, totally expected.
Again, the character development was spectacular and you can see these people clearly in your mind. Just outstanding.
October 8, 2024
Vicky and Joe are an adventurous couple who I admire for their ability to withstand many trials and tribulations.
My home means everything to me and I couldn't imagine pulling up stakes to keep moving and renovating each new house but this doesn't stop this duo and it probably brings them closer together. In this sixth book of the "Two Old Fools" series, they buy a house in Australia and discover once again how much work it is going to be to bring it around to their living standards. The story includes the many hired hands it takes to bring their dream home to fruition and how they cope with the not so great ones.
Vicky's humour and zest for life are evident through her story telling abilities and that each day brings a new adventure.
My home means everything to me and I couldn't imagine pulling up stakes to keep moving and renovating each new house but this doesn't stop this duo and it probably brings them closer together. In this sixth book of the "Two Old Fools" series, they buy a house in Australia and discover once again how much work it is going to be to bring it around to their living standards. The story includes the many hired hands it takes to bring their dream home to fruition and how they cope with the not so great ones.
Vicky's humour and zest for life are evident through her story telling abilities and that each day brings a new adventure.
June 1, 2020
Another sparkling and engaging read from this wonderful series. A new chapter of their lives takes them to Australia, where the same wonderful anecdotes, stories and events that we have come to love from this writer are woven expertly together to create a book that is hard to put down. Being able to spend time with her family, and adding a lovely four-legged friend to the mix, is balanced against the reality of Joe's health problems, but Victoria manages to balance all of these stories with an easy style of writing that makes you feel that you actually know her. Another polished performance in this wonderful series of books.
November 21, 2020
Mrs. Twead takes us on another fun read after moving to Australia to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Sadly, in this memoir, her husband Joe experiences some scary moments after being hospitalized with several viruses and COPD. One hopes that he is doing much better now and they are able to enjoy all the beauty that Australia offers. There are a few laugh out loud moments while Victoria is trying to renovate the home she buys, and her encounters with the various insects that inhabit Australia. Her books are always perfectly edited which makes the read all the more enjoyable. Look forward to the next one.
February 28, 2020
As before
This is my 5th book in this series and I love them. The author describes day to day as if you were there with her, with a great deal of humor! Although this book deals with her husband, Joe’s, illness, and the house she bought that “needed work”, you are right there with her!
This is my 5th book in this series and I love them. The author describes day to day as if you were there with her, with a great deal of humor! Although this book deals with her husband, Joe’s, illness, and the house she bought that “needed work”, you are right there with her!
April 13, 2021
A great read as always
I have lived in Spain 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed Victoria’s books about her life in Spain. I love Spain and never want to leave but reading about Victoria’s move to Australia made me wish I was there. The favourites for me are the wildlife, the dogs and, of course, the fun in the book
I have lived in Spain 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed Victoria’s books about her life in Spain. I love Spain and never want to leave but reading about Victoria’s move to Australia made me wish I was there. The favourites for me are the wildlife, the dogs and, of course, the fun in the book
January 30, 2022
Not as expected
I was intrigued by the cover and brief description and found on reading it that it did not relate. I loved the warmth of the couple and people they met. It almost feels like a fairy tail ending, but I know it's not, as life always takes unforeseen twists and turns. But it shows the importance of now and not over-thinking, human resolve is fascinating.
I was intrigued by the cover and brief description and found on reading it that it did not relate. I loved the warmth of the couple and people they met. It almost feels like a fairy tail ending, but I know it's not, as life always takes unforeseen twists and turns. But it shows the importance of now and not over-thinking, human resolve is fascinating.
December 18, 2019
Read it!
Since I have read all in Two Old Fools Series and follow Victoria Twead on Facebook, I can hardly qualify as an unbiased reader. It would be like reviewing a book by a very good friend. So my 5 star review isn’t unbiased, but l am truthful in saying it is enjoyable as it describes the up and downs of moving to Australia, living in that "different" land while renovating a fixer upper home. I certainly recommend especially if you have been with Vicky and Joe in her previous books.
Since I have read all in Two Old Fools Series and follow Victoria Twead on Facebook, I can hardly qualify as an unbiased reader. It would be like reviewing a book by a very good friend. So my 5 star review isn’t unbiased, but l am truthful in saying it is enjoyable as it describes the up and downs of moving to Australia, living in that "different" land while renovating a fixer upper home. I certainly recommend especially if you have been with Vicky and Joe in her previous books.
December 29, 2019
Vicky Tread has done it again
What fun to go to Australia with Vicky. Although it was a tough couple of years, her writing is so very entertaining. I learned things I never knew about down under and am looking forward to her next book as I always do.
What fun to go to Australia with Vicky. Although it was a tough couple of years, her writing is so very entertaining. I learned things I never knew about down under and am looking forward to her next book as I always do.
March 6, 2020
This is a wonderful read. I'm lucky to still have other books by this author that are as yet unread. Ms Twead has a true gift for taking ordinary, everyday events and weaving them together into a rich, captivating tale. I very much look forward to the rest of the Old Fool series. Old Fools? Hardly!
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