Sometimes amid all of the psychological thrillers and romances, I come across a diamond of a read. One that is pure entertainment, with settings and characters I want to get to know better. The Golden Oldies Guesthouse is that kind of book.
Simon and Tess Sparrow are in their golden years, but while on vacation in Cornwall, they impulsively buy an old house with thoughts of renting out rooms to vacationers. That simple set up leads to the introduction of a multitude of characters, from the residents of the village to the guests who eventually come to stay at The Sparrows’ Nest (a very clever name).
There were several times that I felt like I was reading an episode of “Doc Martin” (one of my favorite shows), especially when there were scenes involving the townfolk. The author created characters that one might find in a small town anywhere, complete with amusing quirks and complicated relationships.
I especially liked how each of the guests had their reasons for wanting to spend long periods in an isolated area. I could relate to several of them. Sometimes, it is enough to get away from it all and focus on oneself. If you can do so in a picturesque area with gorgeous views of the ocean, all the better.
I also appreciated how the author moved the plot along. Instead of belaboring points, or drawing out incidents, there were often events mentioned in passing as the action continued. This was excellent because backstory was filled in without losing the main thread
I had not read the first book that these characters appeared in, but I found that I didn’t need to because the author did an excellent job of filling in gaps. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone – but I will be going back and finding the first one 😊
If you want to take a nice vacation to Cornwall, I highly recommend grabbing The Golden Oldies Guesthouse “dreckly.” You will definitely enjoy your visit!
The Golden Oldies Guesthouse: The perfect feel good novel about second chances! by Dee MacDonaldMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I got into this book right from the very beginning. I loved that the main characters (Simon and Tess) were older and trying to find their “second life.” There seriously are not enough books with that theme – there is life after 40 (and even 50)! I liked how the story was in three parts: the first was the set-up, part two was the introduction of the renters and the third dealt with all of the relationships and events at The Sparrows’ Nest. It was like reading a play in three acts with delightful characters and amusing, but realistic events. For a more in-depth review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.
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From the bestselling author of The Runaway Wife and The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane, this is a completely uplifting page-turner about embracing new friendships, finding love and making each day count. Perfect for fans of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village.
Dee wrote her very first book – at around seven years of age! This was a love story which she duly illustrated before sewing all the pages together up one side. Writing was what she ‘was good at’ in school and she won several essay competitions, but then life got in the way and she didn’t pick up a pen again until after retirement.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep., and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
You can find Dee on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeeMacDonald/
and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DMacDonaldAuth
