This had the potential to be the perfect beach/fireside read. (Despite the loathsome present-tense narrative.) But it failed miserably. It didn't take long for me to be hugely irritated by the constant reference to 'the old people'.

The narrator, Emma, and her flatmate/best friend, Mel, find themselves accompanying Emma's grandmother on a coach trip. They find themselves to be the youngest (at a decently adult 28), and therefore, everyone else is ancient. They're immature, childish and disrespectful. I began to wonder how they even managed to get dressed in the mornings without a manual. The assumption was that anyone a day into 70 was a fuddy-duddy, complaining, grumpy old fart who just goes on coach trips. This then turned into an ageist, anti-old-people rant.

I think the following summed up the unlikeability of the main character, and I quote: "She’s around his age and looks like a thousand other old people, sort of grey and plumpish." Seriously? I mean, seriously???

To the author: where's your respect, fictional or otherwise.

This book was seriously awesome. I've read thousands of books and this was by far when of the saddest and funniest books i've read. The author is a just fantastic

This was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. The characters and plot kept me interested. I would read another book by this author.

I really enjoyed this book as the characters were believable and likeable. There was nothing too taxing about it and it would make a good holiday read.

Emma is so forgetful but it's hilarious. How one birthday weekend away to make up for her forgetfulness turns into a coach trip with her nan is really well written. You really connect to all the characters even the grumpy annoying ones! Really enjoyed this.

This is a great book about enjoying the journey and not focusing on the destination. I'll definitely be reading more of Bromley in the future.

An unexpectedly fun read! The first chapter or two didn’t promise a lot, but I’m so glad I persevered as the developing tale of inter generational misunderstandings and eventual understanding was well worth the effort. As was the humour, which had me laughing out loud at times.

Not really for me. Couldn’t relate to the characters and didn’t manage to finish it.
The positives throughout this book were that the descriptions were vibrant and the chatty informal style of the narrator will appeal to many readers.

With thanks to netgalley and the author for the digital copy of this book.

The coach trip is a funny and warm that I really enjoyed, A perfect holiday read, or maybe a coach trip read..

The Coach Trip is a warm and witty story about friendship, misconceptions, compassion and learning to live fully.

Mel and Emma are best friends. When Emma's forgetfulness lets Mel down yet again, she attempts to make up for it by promising her a girls' trip to Edinburgh, but things take a turn for the interesting when Emma remembers she promised to join her grandmother on a coach trip to scatter her grandfather's ashes.

When Mel suggests joining them, Emma doesn't reveal it is actually a coach trip for the older generation but despite their assumptions and annoyance at the start, both generations discover that they have more in common than they thought and that they can learn a lot from one another.

If you're looking for a cozy, feel good read that will make you laugh, The Coach Trip might be for you!

I loved this book. What an absolute feel-good story that you just want to curl up and read. It crossed the generations which was wonderful to read. What a road trip they all had with some unexpected outcomes. This was filled with love, laughter and really good moments. A great read

This book was not what I was expecting, it was so much better!

It is a really good lesson on not working with first impressions, and delving deeper than surface level relationships.

At the start of the book, Emma makes a big error and forgets to pass on a Valentine's card to her best friend, Mel. She commits to a girlie holiday but it clashes with promising to join a coach trip with her grandmother, so they combine both.

The first reaction is comical, that these two young ladies are on a trip with all of these old fogies, but all is not as it seems. Both groups of people react negatively to each other to begin with, but the development of relationships between them all is fascinating, that young people are not shallow and can be interested in the same things as older ones, and that old people are interesting and have so much to offer. The ending, showing the fears of the older people through the young protagonists, is eye opening.

This is a book I would suggest to anyone, it was a quick, funny read that is both uplifting and shocking in equal measure.

"The Coach Trip" by Izzy Bromley is a delightful romp filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists. Classic forgetful Emma finds herself in a hilarious predicament after accidentally ruining a Valentine's Day surprise for her best friend Mel. To make amends, she promises Mel a birthday trip to Edinburgh, only to realize she has already committed to accompanying her grandma on a coach trip to scatter her grandad's ashes—in Edinburgh, on the same weekend.

The novel thrives on the comedic chaos of this diary clash, thrusting together two very different road trips. The juxtaposition of the lively girls' weekend Emma had planned for Mel with the somber journey to scatter ashes surrounded by septuagenarians sets the stage for a series of laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected friendships.

Bromley's writing style is witty and engaging, effortlessly weaving humor into the narrative. The characters, especially Emma and her grandma, are well-crafted and endearing. As Emma navigates the challenges of supporting her grieving grandma while attempting to salvage Mel's birthday celebration, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to moments of poignant reflection.

The strength of the novel lies in its ability to balance humor with genuine moments of connection and growth. The journey becomes not only a physical one but also an emotional exploration for Emma as she learns more about herself, her relationships, and the importance of navigating unexpected twists with resilience and a sense of humor.

While the premise might seem lighthearted, the book also tackles themes of grief, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. The unexpected bond that forms among the diverse group of travelers adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a comedic romp.

In conclusion, "The Coach Trip" is a four-star gem that offers readers a hilarious and heartfelt journey. With memorable characters, a well-paced plot, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, Izzy Bromley delivers a thoroughly enjoyable novel that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and the unpredictable nature of life's adventures. Get ready for a road trip that's bound to leave you smiling.

Ever thought what it would be like to be a youngster on an OAP coach trip? Wonder no more with this feel-good read from Izzy Bromley. Full of laughs, feel-good moments and oodles of love this is one to cosy up with. For those who don’t like saccharine, fear not, this is not sugary sweet.

So original and belly laughing hilarious!
With likeable characters and a road trip that you won't forget anytime soon, what is not to love?

Emma wants to give her best friend, Mel, a birthday to remember/the best birthday EVER, but double books herself when she promises to go with her grandma, which was originally meant for her granddad.

Emma and Mel end up going on this trip, which actually ends up being pretty fun, despite being with a bunch of old-timers.

Emma helps her grandma work through her grief/sadness of the passing of her grandad and gives Mel a birthday she’ll NEVER forget!

I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Coach Trip by Izzy Bromley in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I loved this book and found myself laughing out loud at multiple points throughout the book. It's a light hearted read that will make you smile and be happy you took the time to read it.

I adored this book. It holds everything a good read should have, humour, drama, twists and turns, friendship, family and love. Well worth reading for some true warm fuzzies.

A really enjoyable read, I loved seeing how the opinions on the ‘older’ guests aboard the coach changed.
Fun and heartwarming