Tag Archive | Caroline James

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James

Sep18

Don’t Let The Old Man In #thetravellinggrandad

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James is a charming contemporary novel that I absolutely adored.

This is a fun, light-hearted read showing that life is for living whatever your age. The lead character, Atticus Arnot, is seventy and is told “You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

For five years, Atticus Arnott’s life has been on hold following the sudden death of his wife, Clara. An unexpected discovery of Winnie the VW camper van in his barn, awakens the adventurer in him. Encouraged and helped by his friend and his grandson, Atticus Arnott decides to live the dream he and his wife had, and he sets off for Spain with only his dog, Ness, for company, in Winnie the camper van. Along the way, he meets a variety of people, all of whom, welcome him with open arms. A closed life becomes a very open life.

New to social media, Atticus Arnott believes he is posting his photos on Instagram and only his friend and grandson can see them. Unknown to him, #thetravellinggrandad soon has a huge following. “You’re showing the world that age isn’t important when it comes to following a dream.” Whilst we are still breathing, we need to grab life with both hands.

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The Cruise Club by Caroline James

Jul8

Delightfully Fun

The Cruise Club by Caroline James is a delightfully fun contemporary novel that will leave you smiling.

As the title suggests, the action is aboard a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is light and fun-filled, with blue sky days and relaxing nights.

The reader revels in the trips ashore as we ‘see’ some of the treasures that the local landscape has to offer.

There are a wonderful eclectic mix of characters, all of whom are the other side of sixty. Caroline James shows that you are never too old to have fun. Life is for living.

You are never too old to follow your dreams. “Don’t die wondering what it might have been like to be an author. Make it happen.” If you have a dream, why not fulfil it?

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The Spa Break by Caroline James

Jan21

New Discoveries

The Spa Break by Caroline James is a really fun contemporary read that entertained me from the start.

The reader joins four friends in their sixties on a weekend spa break to celebrate a seventieth birthday.

Not shackled by the confines of daily life, it is a journey of discovery for each one of the four.

It is a time of new opportunities. Life is for living, and the four ladies certainly expand their horizons as they try out new activities.

Caroline James writes with much lightheartedness and wit. Her observations, as well as her dialogue, create the comedy.

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The French Cookery School by Caroline James

May2

New Horizons

The French Cookery School by Caroline James is a positively delightful contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. They were an eclectic mix who traveled from England to the French cookery school. There are larger than life characters, salt of the earth characters, a brow beaten woman, a newly widowed woman and more, plus a Michelin starred chef and the owner. Everyone has a back story.

We witness that branching out alone after losing a partner to cancer, takes much bravery, as the late partner’s dream is realised. As he lets a little light in, he finds the strength to live again.

The reader cannot help but like a bubbly northern lass who always has a smile and a kind word. She is hoping for a long-held dream to become a reality.

Our hearts break for a character who has been forever squashed by her husband who is a philanderer and a gambler. She fears the future. She is also caught in the grip of anorexia. A near miss helps her to open her eyes to the possibility that the second half of her life can be better than the first.

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