I have greatly enjoyed Maddie Please’s previous books before, so looked forward to reading this one. This entry is a light story about two sisters, Jill Parker and widowed Diana Wedderburn, both in their early 60’s, who embark on a cruise which Jill has unexpectedly won from something called “Radio Wonderful.” Both sisters are at a bit of a standstill in life, Jill’s husband Eddy having recently retired and she not engaged in enjoyable activities, just house chores; and Diana having lost her loved-but-domineering, ship’s captain-husband, Casper. Once aboard they encounter Evelyn, a lady in her 80’s with plenty of life and fun left, and Raphael, handsome ship’s photographer, both of whom modify the sisters’ life outlook

There are other quirky characters aboard, such as cruise director Dick Dainty, who persuades Diana to overcome her reticence and give a well-received talk on the Bermuda Triangle, and the sisters broaden their perspectives on how to make the most of their remaining lives. Nevertheless, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others I have loved by Maddie Please. Such as The Old Ducks Hen Do and Old Friends Reunited. I would evaluate this book as 3 1/2 stars, upgraded to 4.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book.

I’ve never been on a cruise but would love to having now read this with Jill and Diana’s adventures on board. I loved that there was so much to do. Not just the trips in various countries off board but the activities that take place on board, like line dancing and food art. It really sold the whole cruising package to me.
The trip gives the sisters some much needed bonding time as well as both time to think about their lives in general. Jill and her husband Eddy are retired and neither seem to know what to do with their lives and are just plodding on. Diana is still coming to terms with the death of her husband and finding her own identity after living under his shadow for so long. It was lovely to get to know them both and see how they grow in themselves throughout the story.

There are some wonderful characters we get to meet who are also on board. Some made me cringe in a good way as well as others making me laugh. There is such a feel good vibe all the way through and I felt like I was on the cruise liner with them. The descriptions of food and cocktails also sold it to me and had me wanting to book my next holiday already!

Old Girls On Deck was such a lovely story that shows we can have fun at any age. Getting to retirement age will no doubt be a new chapter in our lives and its remembering to have a purpose and do what makes us happy. The story is filled with fun and endearing moments and the ending left me with a huge lump in my throat. A lovely read to escape into that leaves you on a high!

What a funny story! It’s a very insightful book. It’s an excellent reminder that we all need to enjoy life and take time for ourselves. Diana makes a lot of changes in herself to chase happiness. Jill gains a new appreciation for her husband. Evelyn was adorable and very wise. This is an up,if ting and happy book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This was such a delightful and hilarious book from start to finish. The quirky characters were so much fun and I enjoyed being a part of their adventures! A great summer read for all ages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Old Girls On Deck by Maddie Please is the most delightfully fun contemporary novel that warmed my heart.
Maddie Please has created a wonderful set of characters who meet up and interact on a cruise ship. The leading ladies are sisters and both in their sixties. They make friends with an octogenarian who shows them how to have fun.
Growing older does not have to mean settling. Whilst we still have breath, life is for living.
The sisters re-evaluate their lives. One has been a captain’s widow for five years. She has spent her life in the shadow of her husband. Now it is time to stop hiding behind his memory and start to live and find herself again. Her opinions and knowledge are worth listening to.
The other sister is thankful for her steadfast husband of thirty five years. Now that he is newly retired, she realizes there is a whole world out there to explore. Life is much more than pottering in the garden and television dinners.
The reader is treated to the sights and sounds, the smells and flavours of the Mediterranean. We can almost ‘feel’ the heat and ‘taste’ the delicacies.
All the novel is wonderfully written with some very witty dialogue – I now have Barry Manilow’s (my favourite singer) Bermuda Triangle on my mind! In fact, I am singing it as I type this up! Grab yourself a copy and read, in order to understand this rather bizarre reference!
As I am a sixty year old, like one of the sisters, I totally understood most of the cultural references. I was treated to a step back in time for my memories!
Old Girls On Deck is a really charming and fun read that I can absolutely recommend. Maddie Please’s novels never disappoint and always entertain.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Jill is retired and has just won a radio competition to go on a cruise. Her husband would rather potter at home so she takes her sister Diana, who’s deceased husband used to be the captain on a cruise liner- so she knows a thing or two about it. When word gets around about Diana’s husband, the women are upgraded and treated like royalty. Despite this they find that the time together brings out more than a suntan.
I love Maddie's books, they are always that bit more than a story, they make you think about your own life in many ways. Both Jill and Diana find that being away from the norm makes them think about life and making the most of every opportunity. There are some cracking lines and some that will stay with me- “ the barge of normality sailed without me long ago” and “ I’m lucky to have had something so good that it's hard to say goodbye to”. It's a heart-warming story of life and relationships and moving forward written in Maddie's easy going style. A fun filled, uplifting read with a smile

I LOVED this book! I enjoyed the cruise, the sisters' relationship, and the LOL moments that happened throughout the book. This was a reminder that it's never too late for anything good in life.

I have never read anything by this author before but the subject of the book appealed to me as I’m an avid cruiser. I am so glad I chose this book as it was absolutely brilliant.
It’s all about two sisters who go on a cruise around the Mediterranean after Jill wins the holiday in a radio competition. The story was great fun and i enjoyed the descriptions of the different ports they visited and the ship and other passengers. There were real laugh out loud moments at what the sisters got up to and also the tales about their fellow passengers.
An excellent fun filled book which I would definitely recommend and I can’t wait to read more from Maddie Please.
Thanks to NetGalley, Maddie Please and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.