I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review
-There are multiple characters and at some point I was really confused with the names, nicknames, new last names, etc. I still have no idea who Nigella is. The main ones are Josie - Harry's widow, Minnie & Tina, Lin & Neil, Florence and Miss Hamilton.
-I loved the idea of long-term friendships. The Silver Ladies do lunch a lot and it was fun. Of course it doesn't go without a hitch (or two!).
-The book starts a few days in elementary school and fast-forwards 50-60 years later.
-There's a bit of day-to-day life, romance, family duties, mysteries in the sense of well-kept secrets, LGBT, grief, surprise pregnancy, cheating, etc. But there are too many lies in the book. Lying by omission, lying to hide a surprise, lying to keep the family happy, etc.
-There a many a time when I felt the author was unbelievable in her choice of action; let's not forget that most of them are over 70 so they don't flop on a picnic blanket, they can't dance for hours, or start to run after someone, even less rowing a boat.
-I could not stand Lin. She acted stupid or said stupid things ("Was it planned?" Of course not!). She's too needy. She cries ALL THE TIME, she can't even talk to her husband of 49 years to get some facts straight. The reality that she couldn't cook at all was repeated so many times that at 52% I had enough but it didn't stop there.
-Twice or thrice repeated information about Darryl and Charlotte. We hardly saw them so I didn't see the point.
-Finishes with a bit of a twist. Minnie made her bed and must lie in it now. I really liked Jensen.

I absolutely love Judy's stories, the warmth of the wonderfully written characters and the fact that nothing really bad happens, the story just flows beautifully, more please!

I usually really love Leigh's stories. This one was just lackluster. The characters didn't ever really get me invested as her usual characters do. I was disappointed.

I thought this was a cosy multi character drama that had some interesting things to say about friendship and the passage of time, the expectations placed on women and how we navigate difficult choices as we get older. I thought it was perfect holiday read...

A wonderful book about the power of friendship whether it’s been donkeys years since you met or new friendships, it doesn’t matter. Whether young or old this book makes you realise life is for living and if your love can be shared, it will not only benefit yourself but others too.
Loved it

This is a gentle story about three women who have been friends since primary school. Sixty years later, they still meet up for lunch regularly and share each other’s ups and downs. Judy Leigh creates real characters who it is easy to believe in and recognise. As well as the three main characters we also meet their primary school teacher, now a very active 90 year old and the waitress who is struggling with a secret and a host of minor characters, all of whom add their part to the story.

My only issue with this latest novel is that it is all bit too gentle. I didn’t find it as interesting a read as the author’s previous book and the characters didn’t hold my attention as well. It’s a lovely slice of small town life and friendship but I would have liked a little more drama and tension.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for providing my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Very interesting story about the lives of a group of friends. Interesting characters. Interesting story lines. This book has all the feels. I would recommend this book.

I enjoyed The Silver Ladies Do Lunch. You will follow Lin, Josie, Minnie and others. This story has many characters cut they are intertwined with each other. The love and friendship of the young and old that they have for each other makes you want to live in a village/town like that. All in all a very sweet uplifting story with wonderful characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books. This is my own opinion.

The Silver Ladies Do Lunch captured my attention, with their stories, and what they had been doing. I could relate to them, and felt like I was right there with them. There were a few times, I thought wow, I have thought that before. Then laughed.
This book was so inviting, with the bonds they have, the things they did, and it was so nostalgic. From the first time I saw this book, it drew me in, and I knew I was meant to read it.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

I was really looking forward to Judy Leigh's new book. I have reviewed some of hers and loved them all. Miss Hamilton was a wonderful teacher. and had a real personality, even when she was older.

I liked the way they included Sally, a character with a physical disability. I was sad to not have learned more about her, since I have physical disabilities myself. Including her was a great way to include disability awareness. It was a pleasant surprise to find her in the book, because I always say there are never enough characters with disabilities in books.

Every character was completely unique. The pacing was quick and the attention to detail was excellent. Lin and Neil were a beautiful couple.
Josie's backstory of the cruise was humbling. She's a widow after the death of her husband Harry. I enjoyed Minnie’s backstory too.

The lunch scenes and the conversation during them was interesting.

There's a real undercurrent of nostalgia through the whole plot, as well as memories and of moving on.

I grew up in Oxfordshire, and Judy captured the small town atmosphere perfectly, so it was nostalgic for me, too. Oxford was so well detailed, too.

Thanks to Judy Leigh, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

I absolutely love this author and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to their latest novel. This was such a fabulous read and had a nostalgic feel and enjoyed engaging with the characters on their trip down memory late when they were reunited with their old primary school teacher from
Many years ago and how the friendships forged when young had shaped their futures and what journey their lives had taken them since the carefree days of primary school.

Loved how the story unfolded with the characters individual stories and also the events they took part in together and the antics they got up to

This was an all round positive and heartwarming read with the message life is for living and to make the most of it.

The Silver Ladies Do Lunch by Judy Leigh

My favourite read of the year so far, and I should imagine it would make a perfect book group read as well.
Lifelong friends , who at various times in their lives have leant on each other for support .
The book will make you laugh out loud , but it will also pull at your heart strings as well
A brilliant read.

I was hooked from the opening sentence. Is there anyone among us who didn't wonder who our teacher would be? Would they be nice, boring, or mean? Our school year would seem endless or brief based on who was sitting at that desk trying to look strict on the first day. Toss in oddball classmates, humor, crushes, and, best of all, best friends forever, and it'll take you right back to those good-old-days when you sat in a classroom. I've been behind both desks, so this was real for me.

Of course, we age. People come in and out of our lives. We meet the characters as children and follow them into their senior years. Author Judy Leigh does an excellent job introducing us to them, each quickly becoming well-rounded personalities in their own right. Miss Hamilton was a catalyst.

Although there are many moments within I'd love to share, after thinking about it, I decided sharing would dilute the pleasure of reading them raw, without preconceived notions in your minds. Old age isn't for sissies, there is loss and heartache along with joy and love.

Miss Hamilton, who rides back into their lives as a 90 year old on a flashy purple scooter and instructs them to now call her Cecily, is a wake-up catalyst. It was a delight hanging out with this bunch as they navigated real life, their aging bodies, did lunch, and surmounted obstacles. Easy? No. Life isn't always easy but they had each other's backs and, with the inspiration of a memorable teacher, looked forward to the future.

I can't thank #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks enough for introducing me this author. I loved it and while it'll obviously appeal more to golden oldies like me, there's a great deal within that should appeal to readers of all ages. I'll definitely be looking for Leigh's books to read in the future. I think I'll go round up some ladies and do lunch.

The Silver Ladies Do Lunch was so good. Full of humor, love, and long-time friendships. I really did feel how fun getting (oldish) can be. I would highly recommend this to the over-60 crowd as well as to those over 20ish. Build love, family, and friendships forever.

I love a good cozy book about friends. I hope that this book is a series. I can't wait to read more.

I loved all of the characters, Josie, Min, Tina, Neil, Dangerous, etc.
I liked that the author gave every character a well rounded disposition.

I liked how even the town would come into the story. It was a great way to peek into a small moment of time for the ladies.

I can't tell most of the synopsis without giving away some of the story...so just read the book. Its a good book, about friendship, family, and trust in a small English town.

"The Silver Ladies Do Lunch" by Judy Leigh is a heartwarming and delightful tale of friendship, love, and second chances. The story follows three childhood friends, Lin, Josie, and Minnie, as they navigate the challenges of later life. Leigh's writing is filled with warmth, humor, and relatable characters that will capture readers' hearts from the very beginning.

The bond between the three friends is beautifully portrayed, showcasing the enduring power of friendship even in the face of life's challenges. The characters are well-developed, with their unique personalities and struggles, making them feel like real people that readers can easily connect with.

As the story unfolds, the friendships are tested, secrets are revealed, and new opportunities arise, all leading to a heartwarming and uplifting journey of self-discovery and renewed hope. The themes of love, family, and second chances are woven seamlessly into the story, making it a truly heartwarming and enjoyable read.

Overall, "The Silver Ladies Do Lunch" is a feel-good and charming novel that will leave readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling, reminding them of the importance of friendship and the joy of embracing the future with open arms. It's a perfect choice for fans of heartwarming women's fiction and those looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read.

Another lovely book by Judy Leigh, celebrating friendship in people of all ages, though the main characters are in the older age groups. I particularly enjoy the passages where there is a party/lunch/other gathering: the reader is taken on a virtual tour of the room, who is talking to who, what they’re eating and drinking, snippets of conversation, it feels like you are there. There isn’t a strong plot as such, but a gentle meander of the Summer season in a pretty village with friends. A very enjoyable read.

A group of ladies who knew each other at school in the 1950’s get together for lunch. Being of an age they each have their issues- whether it’s dealing with having lost a loved one to the shame of never being able to cook and the onset of age related ailments. There’s a hint of romance and also one of possible betrayal. We get their individual stories and how they have always supported each other through thick and thin. Through their camaraderie there’s much positive mental attitude and of leaving the past where it belongs and looking to the present and the future.
I love Judy’s books. There is always so much more than just a story. There’s a message for all of us perhaps amongst the pages- of carpe diem and living life to the full. Of saying yes and being brave, to stepping outside our comfort zones maybe to embrace the experience. Of the ups and downs life throws at us and how we chose to respond to it and those around us. A story of life, not just of the silver generation, but of us all. One life- live it!
“ If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever” (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

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This novel is realistic fiction at its best. This talented and gifted author has written a cannot put down book. The characters, albeit maybe too many, are fun and likable. I especially, of course, like the silver ladies. They are humorous and dynamic characters who keep the story moving quickly. I liked this book. I really liked this book. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. I am hooked on this author and her portrayal of seniors. That being said, there are younger characters who keep the reader intrigued also. It is a book for all ages. There is a hint of mystery…there is romance…friendship. The themes running throughout this novel are many. Will read it again. And again…do not miss this fantastic book.