Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Dee is days away from her 60th birthday when she discovers that her husband Nigel has booked a week in Portugal around her birthday. Then she discovers he has not only forgotten her birthday but also he booked the week only for him as a golfing holiday with pals. I don't really know what's worse here but who in their right mind doesn't even tell their wife they are going to be away? Someone as selfish, unsupportive and pompous as Nigel, of course. And unfaithful, as it turns out.

Her best friend Babs always thought she had a great marriage. She has been with Geoff for 37 years but suddenly he wants to move to Spain (hello, Brexit?), puts the house on the market, books flights to and house viewings in Spain and generally behaves very inconsiderately and out of character.

So Dee and Babs decide to go on a little holiday to Cornwall to teach them a lesson. There they integrate into a fully formed community with plenty of pets, and Dee reconnects with old friend Kenny. Does it ever actually happen that you become part of the local community while on holiday?

Both husbands try to get their wives back, but my God, Nigel is a piece of work. I found it annoying how the children pressured them to stay together. To me Dee was the more interesting character but it irritated me that she didn't want to take Nigel for everything he got - I certainly wouldn't have been so accommodating.

I like the fact that elderly women are celebrated here as being and having fun and getting second chances. The author does a good job of marketing Cornwall, its food and its people to the reader.
The lifelong friendship and support between Dee and Babs is lovely and uplifting to see. It's never too late for new friends and new beginnings though!

If you are a fan of Judy Leigh and want to read something feel-good and heartwarming with adventures for the mature gals, you could do worse than picking this.