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The Trip of a Lifetime (by Kate Galley)
Once again Kate Galley has taken me on a delightful journey through the pages. The characters are well developed and while Martha and her granddaughter, Erin, are the primary characters, there are several more who add to the story. Seeing a group of older adults have an adventure with their younger companions (for the most part) was entertaining. The setting of the various provinces of Canada had me wanting to book a train excursion across the country. There are some flashbac

Ms. Ladybug
11 hours ago1 min read
Friends for Keeps (by Celia Anderson)
I have fallen in love with books set in England. And the cast of ladies of a mature age who are realizing there are still plenty of adventures ahead is uplifting. The characters are well developed and the time you get to spend with the newly formed Seaside Singles Club will fill your heart. There are some emotional moments ... thoughts of suicide, grief, end of a relationship ... but the sense of community these characters develop is heartwarming. As you journey through the p

Ms. Ladybug
14 hours ago1 min read
Lost Secrets of the Scottish Castle (by Jane Lovering)
I enjoy books that are set in Scotland. And when a castle is part of the setting, I am definitely interested. This was a unique viewpoint to the story. I did not mind the time travel aspect, but this one fell short for me. I never connected with the characters. I struggled to stay invested in the story. It took too long to gain momentum and then the ending felt rushed. There are several positive reviews, so you may want to read this and see if it appeals to you. Thank you to

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 151 min read
Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay ~ Micklewick Bay #3 (by Eliza J. Scott)
I have enjoyed the few books I have read in the Micklewick Bay series by Eliza M. Scott. And this one was appealing to read while the weather in North Carolina this summer has been extremely hot. So a dip into the pages of this book was a welcome relief. This was a sweet read. A book of love, loss, relationships, and a time of self discovery. I enjoyed watching Hannah’s growth and the second chance at life and love. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 81 min read
A Wedding at the Little Bookshop by the Sea ~ Micklewick Bay #7 (by Eliza J. Scott)
I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Micklewick Bay series by Eliza J. Scott. The characters are what makes this book come alive. The relationship between Florine and Ed is refreshing. And the community of friends is heartwarming. Of course there has to be the one character who is difficult. And Ed’s mother takes it to the extreme. Mother-in-laws like her is why I was determined to NOT be “that” mother-in-law. A nice story about love, family, relationships, humor, and

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 81 min read
The One Who Felt Like Home (by Tammy Karasek)
This was a sweet and easy read that wrapped you up in warm hugs. I loved the two primary characters, Gracelyn and Brent. The interactions between them is open and honest. I appreciated Gracelyn’s sense of humor and her outgoing personality helped balance Brent’s more why and reserved nature. Their families provided a wonderful support network for each of them. The Christian focus was heartwarming and a delight. This is a refreshing story of hope, love, faith, family, communit

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 31 min read
Old Girls Go Off the Rails (by Maddie Please)
Once again the author has pulled me into a story of delightful people of “a certain age.” I loved the characters and the relationship between friends Lizzie, Anna, and Harriet. Discovering that life has so much to offer in your 60s was so uplifting. It was entertaining to observe these three friends care for each other but yet there were moments of disagreements. However, it did not affect the depth of their friendship. I enjoyed the various stops along the European train exc

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 281 min read
Until We Meet Again ~ Mimi's Journey #2 (by Roberta Kagan)
I have typically loved reading historical fiction books that take place during WWII. But I have read so many that I feel like I am oversaturated with that genre as struggle finding one that covers a new aspect of that time. However, Roberta Kagan managed to pull me into the story of Mimi and Nick. It was an emotional journey through the pages. Though their story has them spending the majority of the book apart, their lives were touched in different ways by the Nazi propaganda

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 121 min read
Lost (by Rachel Hartigan)
I really enjoyed learning the background story of Amelia Earhart. What an amazing woman and I wonder what she would have been able to accomplish if she had survived her last great adventure. The theories of where her plan crashed or where she escaped were interesting. And with each one, I hope that it would be the clue to her disappearance. Some of it was a little technical, but the author’s research was extensive and I appreciated her efforts. I am so glad I had the opportun

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 31 min read
Golden Girls on the Run (by Judy Leigh)
When I open a Judy Leigh book, I know I will be in for a delightful journey through the pages. How much trouble can two octogenarians get into? Well pick up this book and you will be treated to loads of fun, laughter, adventure, and a desire to experience life at full speed ... especially if it is in a red Ferrari! The animal rescue aspect was endearing. And the relationships Sally and Bronagh develop along the way are entertaining and heartwarming. Once again I was treated t

Ms. Ladybug
May 311 min read
Echoes of the Past ~ Marsh Point #2 (by Ashley Farley)
This second book in the Marsh Point series is family drama to the extreme. I loved the addition of Julia Becker and her son who were part of the Witness Protection Program. The siblings from the first book have returned but this one focuses more on the brother, Will. Once again you are pulled into the story and will be sitting on the edge of your seat as you discover lies, truths, hidden agendas, and misuser of power and authority. You will grow to love and care about the cha

Ms. Ladybug
May 311 min read
Long Journey Home ~ Marsh Point #1 (by Ashley Farley)
I loved this first book in the Marh Point series. Getting to know the four siblings, Ashton, Carri, Savannah (though she has been missing for 30 years), and Will was an exploration into family dysfunction. Pealing away all the layers of life with an alcohol mother and basically a father who was there but did nothing to help his son and daughters was heart wrenching. Ashton is such a good soul and your heart will break at the abuse she endures by her husband and siblings. This

Ms. Ladybug
May 311 min read
The Old Girls' Island Getaway ~ Old Girls #3 (by Kate Galley)
Oh, I love the time I spend in the Pages with Dorothy and Gina. The excursion to the island of Corfu was enjoyable. I want to book a vacation there! With Dorothy's 14-year-old granddaughter, Juliette, along for the trip, the ladies have a lot of fun. There are some emotional moments because you know the trip is only because a dear friend is dying. But they managed to make the most of their time together. A little mystery is sprinkled throughout the pages, and the resolution i

Ms. Ladybug
May 151 min read
The Woman Who Turned Her Life Around (by Fiona Gibson)
This is the first book I have read by Fiona Gibson, but it will not be the last. She is now on my radar and I will be looking for any new books. She releases and will be going back and reading earlier ones. This book will take you on a journey … a real road trip as well as one through the emotions of friendship, love, loss, the opportunity for new beginnings, and a chance to discover what we expect in life. The characters are true to life and relatable. Your heart will ache a

Ms. Ladybug
May 151 min read
Life in the Old Girls Yet (by Celia Anderson)
Celia Anderson is one of my go to authors when I want to get lost in the pages of a delightful story that takes place in Britain with a group of ladies of a certain age. And Life in the Old Girls Yet fits that to a tee. The characters are full of life, sassiness, and spunk. There are secrets hidden throughout the pages and journeying along with Vee, Althea, Beryl, and Winnie … and local handyman, Rick … will have you enjoying the ride. A story of new beginnings, learning how

Ms. Ladybug
May 151 min read
Weekend on Sullivan's Island ~ Heart of the Lowcountry #2 (by Ashley Farley)
After starting this book, I went back and read the first book in the series, After the Storm. It definitely helped to set up the lives of the characters so I knew about relationships and where life had taken them. This one was an emotional rollercoasters. The pages are filled with drama extraordinaire. Current, potential, and past romantic relationships are put to the test and I found myself flipping through the pages as quickly as possible to see how things would be resolved

Ms. Ladybug
May 51 min read
Wildflower Heart ~ The Wildflower House #1 (by Grace Greene)
What an emotional read. This one deals with a huge amount of loss. Your heart will break as Kara experiences a multitude of heartache. But journeying with her as she handles life and the many changes and challenges she faces will have your heart aching for her. People she needs and the relationships she develops are supportive, and provide a good glimpse into how your life can be positively influence by love and care. Being the first book in the series, this introduces you to

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 271 min read
Sisters Making Mischief (by Maddie Please)
I love Maddie Please books and how “women of a certain age” demonstrate they are not ready to be put out to pasture yet. Joy is my hero. She pulls up her big girl panties and decides it is time to discover what SHE wants in life. Amid humor, trials and tribulations of family dynamics, and the chance of a new life with a potential love interest, you will be in for a warm and cozy story that affirms that life does not end at 40. Grab a glass of wine and curl up with this deligh

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 171 min read
Katharine, The Wright Sister (by Tracey Emerson Wood)
While like most people, I know a lot about Orville and Wilbur Wright, I was not familiar with the story of their sister, Katharine. I was looking forward to learning more about her personally as well as what part she may have played in the brothers’ efforts to fly. I was disappointed in the book because the characters were rather flat and I ended up not being drawn into their story. This ended up being more of a technical paper than a novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourceb

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 171 min read
The Sweet Life Café (by Helen Rolfe)
I loved this cozy book about family, relationships, love, loss, forgiveness, and second chances. Centered around The Sweet Life Café and the characters of Addie, Susanna, and Aunt Gayle, you will find your heart breaking at some moments while overflowing with love at others. Family relationships may be difficult, but experiencing life from the viewpoint of the three main characters will bring comfort as they discover long health, secrets, find healing, and grow together as a

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 271 min read
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