Chasing the Sun
by Judy Leigh
A heart warming tale of a 70 year who really is young at heart and decides to chase the sun and a little adventure and may grow older a little disgracefullly. Good characters and Molly and her antics the part about Molly and Nell her sister in Spain escape their troubles and deciding age is just a number. Good beach read.

Found the characters a tad flat and the tale took too long to happen - 10% in, we were still on the same birthday day and going through the minutiae of Molly's day-to-day life. I'm possibly not the target audience for this, but those who love a slowly unfolding story with tons of everyday detail might like it - it just wasn't for me, unfortunately

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

A light hearted summer read. Sun, sangria and new starts. Molly has just turned 70 but feels so much younger inside. She starts a new adventure in Spain. Her sister, Nell, turns up on her doorstep and they end up having the time of their life Spain. Molly then embarks on a solo trip to Mexico to chase her own happiness. Will she find what she is looking for?
Well written, warm and fun, easy to read and a great range of characters from the thong wearing Swede to the hunky Kristof.

Undeniably Entertaining…
Mollie turns seventy, Nell’s husband has left her for a younger model - isn’t it time that these forever young at heart ladies seized the day? Yes, and that’s exactly what they do. They’re off to chase the sun but where exactly will their travels take them? Fun and joyously uplifting with deftly drawn characters, this is an undeniably entertaining feel good read.

What a lovely book who wouldn't want to be Molly at 70 years of age. Great storyline and humour with wonderful characters, I loved Molly and her attitude to growing old and all of her antics. Perfect lighthearted fun beach read

Loved this story of Molly and her sister Nell. Two totally different lives and at a wonderful Golden Age showing that age is just a number and life is for living. Heading off to Spain and leaving troubles behind. This is the first book I've read by Judy and I'll be looking for more.

Molly is a 70 year old widow, who makes the most out of her life. She is happy, and likes her home and neighbors, but when her sister, Nell shows up at her door in tears, she knows she needs to do something drastic. Nell's husband of 40 years, as left her for a 37 year old barista. Molly decides that a few months in Spain will help Nell get a fresh start and hopefully not find out that the home wrecker is pregnant. The two of them spend a few months in Spain and make friends. The stay is going well, when Nell decides to have a relationship with a man who owns a boat that the sisters know. Molly is ready to move on and after meeting a woman she decides to head to Mexico and rent her flat. Things don't go perfectly for Molly, but she adjusts, makes friends and finds a special man. She has no intention of staying in Mexico, but can she leave?

I love this line from the book blurb, "Judy Leigh is back, with her trademark spirit of joie de vivre, fun, warmth and timeless lessons in how to live." as it is exactly what I love about Judy Leigh's books. This story has family drama, some angst, friendship, loyalty and travel as seventy year old Molly and her soon to be divorced sister, Nell, decide they’re not too old to enjoy life, visit new places, meet new people and live! Nell was an interesting character. After a 40 year marriage, she was broken when it ended, but it didn't take long for her to realize it was for the best and she was ready to move on and begin enjoying life again. Molly, is young at heart; creative (body painting, dressing like a cod), spirited, open minded, and spunky. I want to be Molly as she is physically healthy and doesn't seem to have the same aches and pains that I have. She has been alone since the death of her beloved, soul mate and has decided that she needs something new, something different. I would love to have her spunk and free spirit. When love comes her way, she doesn't know what to do as Richard was her soulmate. If you believe in second chances, making the most out of life and remembering that you are alive and in control, then pick this book up. Another great read by the pool.

I want to be just like Molly when I get to 70! Long grey mermaid hair, too.
She is such a fun character- but her impetuous flightiness hides a woman who doesn't yet know she's looking for something.

Lost without the love of her life, she is independent and insular when it comes to her emotions, convinced she is fine on her own, that she doesn't need a man in her life,
And she's right, up to a point, because she shies away from all she meets, despite wondering whether they could be partner material.

Nell on the other hand, has been kicked out of one relationship and seems determined to walk straight into another.

This is a wonderful story about best laid plans, and discovering what's really important in life.

This was the most fun book I read in recent times. Molly just had her 70th birthday, and she wanted to shake her life up. And nude painting was the way to go. Wrapped in cling film with green paint on it, then pressing her body to the canvas to the canvas – that was her birthday gift to herself. I loved she was so adventurous. So much more than I am now.

Her sister’s marriage broke down and to distract her, Molly arranged for a four month long vacation in Spain. Things happened and she flew to Mexico, where she found life’s biggest bounty as she chased the sun.

I am so determined to be Molly at any age. The author Judy Leigh was brilliant in her portrayal. She was fun, adventurous, exciting, and she knew her mind. I loved how she made me smile whether she was in cod fish costume or naked on the beach.

Each scene could be beautifully envisionsed. Oh who am I kidding? It was so freaking humorous. I had to silence my giggles as it was the middle of the night, yet a few escaped.

The book was one big tale of exciting adventures where emotions stayed just under the page waiting to be discovered. I loved every line, and Molly touched my heart. Full credit to the author.

And the best part was that she had sex at 70 with all the enthusiasm one would have at 20. Big whoopy do!! I loved it.

That’s it… I am turning into Molly now and when I grow up… 70 is the new 30. If you ever manage to get your hands on this book, the mutant ninja on a vespa was simply hilarious.

MY

I absolutely love Judy Leigh’s books, I was so excited to hear that there was a new one coming out.

As always, the characterisation is superb. The characters are more than characters in a book, they become people that you know, friends. Molly is a strong and often impulsive woman, which often ends up resulting in a few hilarious situations. She’s living proof that at seventy years old, life is still full of possibilities and fun. Instead of settling into a quiet retirement, she’s off out, seeking adventure.

There’s more to Molly than just fun and escapades though, she has times of introspection and is still searching for her place in life and for fulfilment. I found her a really deep character once I got to know her.

Nell has been through a traumatic split, and going away is just what she needs. But the trip becomes more than just a holiday, it helps them both to start afresh and re-evaluate their lives. These two women show us that at any age, life is for living, and you can start again and find happiness.

A wonderful book full of fun, adventure, sunshine, laughs and a little bit of romance, but there’s so much more to this story. It’s life-affirming, uplifting and thought-provoking. All in all, the perfect novel to life your spirits and give you some hope, and put a smile on your face. Just glorious.

I am a huge fan of Judy Leigh’s. She writes wonderfully uplifting books about living life to the full – regardless of how many candles one has on their birthday cake – and she is back with a fun, feel-good and escapist Spanish-set tale you are simply going to love: Chasing the Sun.

Molly cannot believe it. Her seventieth birthday is fast approaching and despite the apparent wrinkles in her reflection, inside she still feels like a young woman with a lot of living left to do. Widowed and living alone with her cat, Molly knows that time waits for no man and that life is for living, so rather than reaching for her knitting and looking at stairlift adverts, Molly decides to stop worrying about her next birthday and start enjoying herself. Seizing the day will become Molly’s new mantra and with her sister Nell turning up on her doorstep distraught that her husband of more than four decades has left her for a younger woman, she books tickets for the two of them for the next flight to Spain!

With their bags packed, Molly and Nell get on the plane determined to have the time of their lives and the adventure of a lifetime. In Spain, the two sisters make new friends and begin to enjoy their newfound freedom, however, Molly still cannot shake off this feeling that there has to be more to life than this. Maybe a holiday to Mexico by herself will help revive her flagging spirit? But when she starts looking deep inside herself, will Molly realize that happiness isn’t something that can be easily found on a map, but it’s something that can only be find within? Will she manage to find the joy and fulfillment she is craving and seeking? Or will she find what she has been looking for right under her nose?

Judy Leigh’s books never fail to inspire and entertain and in Chasing the Sun, she has once again written an immensely enjoyable tale about two mature women that will raise the spirits and have you chuckling out loud. Told with all the warmth and wit which have become Judy’s trademarks, Chasing the Sun is a brilliant tale about grabbing a second chance at life irrespective of your age, being spontaneous and bold enough to step out of your comfort zone and a celebration of family and friendship that readers everywhere are sure to relate to.

Judy Leigh’s books are just the tonic for the troubled times we are living in and in Chasing the Sun, she has written another must-read that should not be missed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On Widowers Mollys 70th bday she realises she doesn’t want to become a cliché of old age and when her sister ends up on her doorstep her marriage in tatters, the vivacious and adventurous Molly plans a holiday of a lifetime. This book shows that it doesn’t matter how old you are, we all need a gap holiday to find ourselves. As well as a beautiful tale of soul searching, I felt the heat of the sun on my skin and enjoyed the amazing plant-based tapas meals which were described with the added bonus of the recipes being included!!

There is a carefree tone to Judy Leigh's latest novel and a feeling of being set free. Indeed, that is how Molly and Nell feel as they face life without their partners. You get to glimpse into Molly's thoughts through her journal entries. There are some amusing cameo characters who appear in the story, both in England and on the sisters' travels. Life is certainly never dull. Molly faces up to her impendng seventies and to the crisis in her sister's life by going on her travels to discover some new experiences. Full of enthusiasm and life, she always grasps at new experiences.
This feels like a fun and entertaining read, with lots of amusing episodes. It feels like a celebration of life, as Nell discovers that you can always start again. Travelling through Spain and then Mexico, it is a bright, energetic story which is optimistic in outlook.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

I loved the fact that the main character in this story was not the normal twenty or thirty something but rather a lady in later life. It was refreshing to read.
I enjoyed watching the reinvention of Molly and Nell as they travelled to Spain and Mexico, aquiring adventures along the way.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for the ARC copy for review.

An uplifting and life affirming story I loved it and loved how well it describes the path of a senior woman to have her life back.
Excellent plot and character development.
Highly recomennded.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

How refreshing to read a book about women in the later phases of their life.

Molly is 70, recently lost the love of her life. She decides she is going to go and live in spain for a few months and drags her sister nell along for the ride. After a while Molly decides to go to Mexico where she meets a local chef and falls head over heels, but life, distance and memories prevent Molly from giving in to her feelings.

Such a charming and delightful read, i really enjoyed it.

I’d not read any Judy Leigh before but this won’t be my last book of hers I read. This was a great read about recapturing your life and the feeling that you have more to give. I loved that the main characters were older women and Molly’s solo trip to Mexico was inspiring. I read this during the lovely spring weather but this will be perfect lounging by a pool with drink in hand.

The Blurb:
Molly’s seventieth birthday comes as something of a shock. The woman in the mirror certainly looks every day of those seventy years, but inside Molly feels she still has so much more living left to do. Widowed and living alone with her cat Crumper, Molly fears she is slipping into a cliché of old age.
When Molly’s sister Nell appears on her doorstep, distraught that her husband of more than forty years, Phil, has left her for a younger lover, the women decide to seize the day. By the morning, flights are booked, bags are packed, and off they go for an adventure in Spain.
The sun, the sea, the new friends and the freedom are just the tonic for broken hearts and flagging souls. But even Spain isn’t enough to revive Molly’s spirit. A solo journey to Mexico is booked as Molly continues to chase the sun and to chase happiness. Will she find what she’s looking for in Mexico, or will she discover that true contentment can’t be found on a map, but it might just be found in a new flame.

My Thoughts :
Being a big fan of Judy Leigh I was excited to get started on her new book Chasing the Sun.
I love how colourful her covers always are and I think they attract a reader even before the blurb is read.
Here we meet Molly, she is celebrating her 70th Birthday she decides she needs a change and something exciting to do. She still feels young and after her husband Richie passed away Molly has been alone ever since, apart from the company of her cat Crumper. Molly now whats to make the most of the time she has left.
Molly’s sister Nell, seems to have it all that is until her husband Phil cheats on her with a younger woman and decides that is where he wants to be. Devastated and alone, Nell goes to stay with Molly.
Its not long before Molly feels its time to take Nell away from whats happening with Phil. So she books them on a flight to Spain and off they go. With Molly’s house and cat being looked for 4 months by her neighbours son and girlfriend they are all set and ready to go.
I really enjoyed the build up to the holiday as we got to learn more about both Molly and Nell and what had been going on in their lives. Molly ultimately wants to protect her sister from the news that Phil’s new girlfriend is pregnant so the best thing she can do is take Nell away from Somerset where they live and not return until the child is born, hoping by then that Nell would of had some healing time and feel a better about the situation she has been put in.
Everything that happened in Spain and Mexico was a laugh a minute, with such vivid descriptions it was easy to get lost in the thick of things. It was great to see Molly go to Mexico on her own and not be afraid to branch out.
I loved both of these characters but Molly has to be my favourite.
I love how Judy Leigh writes about the older generation and how this story is very much a stark reminder that life can be lived to its fullest, no matter what age you are.
Already waiting on the next release from Judy Leigh.

Molly celebrates her 70th birthday in an optimistic mood but she is single and feels very much alone. Her

daughter is independent and Richie, the love of her life has passed away.. It is time to move on. In the space of a

few months Molly visits Spain and Mexico with her sister Nell. They met wonderful people, sharing new

experiences. She hopes to make a better, happier future for herself and just maybe someone special. This is a

wise, therapeutic, and uplifting tale. that shows the way to look ahead.. Molly is chasing a new life. I loved her

story.