Member Reviews

Hazel Prior has the rare gift of writing 'feel good' novels that fall into the very narrow window that such stories can occupy before they become too cloying. This is her third about feisty pensioner Veronica Macready, a (now somewhat thawed) misanthrope who decides to leave her fortune to penguin research. In this latest outing, Veronica embarks on a project to save the local sealife centre from closure - and the euthanasia of its penguins. Together with her housekeeper Eileen and ten-year-old penguin fan Daisy, she embarks on a sponsored walk spanning three continents, ending up in Antarctica once again.

Veronica remains a strong character - likeable but prickly, whilst Eileen is sympathetic and relatable. Daisy is cute enough although somewhat generic as a cute child who has suffered adversity. The story is told from the viewpoints of Eileen and Veronica, along with small extracts from Daisy's 'penguin blog' which are mostly basic facts about penguins (I skimmed those bits). It's a bit implausible, but no more so than any other book in the genre, and not enough to spoil the enjoyment of a decent story.

Prior's style is accessible and easy to read, and the story jogs along at a good pace, never becoming dull. There's a good bit of humour as well which always helps a book along. It felt like a quick read even though it is standard novel length. Plot wise it is fairly predictable, but I still felt engaged enough to want to keep reading. It's moving, but not melodramatic, and positive without being unbelievable or too saccharine. If you enjoy 'feel good' fiction, it's a must read, and if you only want to read a couple of books in the genre, Prior's are among the best.

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This is the third book in the trilogy, and after feeling as though the second book was one too many, I found this third instalment a nice surprise. I didn't feel the plot in this one was as forced as the one in the second novel, and that we'd got back to the essence of the first book. I loved all the penguin scenes, and the information in this book about the plight of penguins was eye opening. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I was glad that we got to hear more from the housekeeper. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you so much for an early read. I’ve loved Hazel’s previous books and I was desperate to find out what happened next for Veronica and her friends.

There are lots of secrets, misunderstandings, penguin facts and emotional moments in this lovely book. Loved how the story evolved and gave a reminder about why humans need to do better to help the penguins.

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What a fabulous third book about Veronica, Eileen, Daisy and the rest of the penguin loving crew! The journey they have taken, not just in miles but in their own hearts has been a pleasure to read even though a few years have been shed reading it! I’ve loved reading about the penguins but sad about the devastation we humans cause them. I hope everyone reading the series stops to think of at least one thing they can change for the better. I certainly have.

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This book is like a warm hug.
I adore penguins and I have enjoyed all these books and I am really attached to the characters (and the penguins)
I definitely hope to buy a physical copy too as I just love all penguin related items 🐧

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I have read the two prior books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I started reading this next chapter in Veronica McCreedy's life with a knowledge that I would again be taken on a wonderful adventure, but this time with Eileen having her own adventure and looking after Daisy after she managed to persuade everyone that she must come also. I wasn't wrong, a wonderful adventure was had by all of them, and that even includes the penguins!
We learn a little bit more of what makes Veronica McCreedy tick and how her friendships develop with Eileen, Daisy and Sir Robert, in the most surprising and wonderful ways.
It was nice to learn about Eileen who was able to enjoy the adventures with Veronica first hand instead of being left at home.

A lovely book I was sad to finish it.

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Good to come back to the well loved characters from the previous two books and follow them on th er ir next set of adventures. Veronica is off to Antarctica and the Falklands on a sponsored walk still trying to save her beloved penguins along with a local sanctuary.
An easy read

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I received a free copy of, Gone with the Penguins, by Hazel Prior, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.This is the third book in a series. I have not read the other books in the series. Penguins are so cute! Veronica McCreedy is a penguin ambassador. Veronica goes to Antarctica to fund raise for the penguins. I thought this was an ok read, predictable at times, an unbelievable at times.

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Veronica McCreedy and the gang return for more globe-trotting, penguin-y adventures. As a local wildlife centre prepares to close its doors, Veronica decides to take dramatic action to save the lives of its penguin residents. Stubborn and naively optimistic, she will do whatever she can with the support of those around her.

It's a pleasure, as always, to spend time with the returning cast of characters. This being the third in the series, Veronica has changed and mellowed a great deal while still possessing much of the hardness and obstinacy she possessed at the beginning of book one - it's a character journey which rings true!

This feels, however, like the weakest entry in the trilogy as we traipse through the same familiar snow. The plot tension is forced and tends to be spelled out tediously as we are given a good long look into the different characters' thoughts.

That being said, Hazel Prior writes with a heart and sentimentality which are difficult to avoid succumbing to. Her books often strive to promote environmental conservation and animal protection (for example her previous novel, 'Love and Otter Miracles'). Her writing demonstrates her passion for the cause. There's one revelation in the third act which is very predictable, yet still hits the emotions hard when it eventually happens.

As a fan of anything penguin, I am very glad that these books exist and I can't help the strong urge they give me to appreciate and fight for this wonderful world that we live in.

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Another lovely penguiny book from Hazel Prior. Although this wasn't my favourite of the three books in the series, it still flt like a fitting end to the trilogy (I'm assuming it's an end though it might not be!) and I enjoyed reading it. All the usual characters are in here, with put-upon housekeeper Eileen coming more to the fore this time - I enjoyed her chapters. Hazel Prior is now very firmly on my must read list - I will always prioritise a new book of hers over other authors as her books just hit the mark. They're heart-warming without being cheesy and I love that about them.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this novel.

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Gone with the Penguins brings a heartwarming end to the Granny McCreedy trilogy. It follows 87-year-old Veronica McCreedy, who in this instalment sets out on a mission to save a penguin sanctuary by walking 100 miles with her housekeeper Eileen and young friend Daisy.

Veronica is a quirky but ultimately, lovable character, and as with the two previous books, this read considers relevant themes regarding conservation and climate change, with plenty of fascinating penguin facts peppered throughout too.

I will miss you Granny McCreedy! You have been a memorable and even inspiring character.

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Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I am absolutely bereft now I’ve read the final instalment of this amazing trilogy. I loved it so much! I cried sad but mostly happy tears and I thought the ending was just perfection. I’m going to miss Mrs McCreedy and her zest for life. She is such an inspirational character that I will always remember and cherish. Thank you to Hazel Prior for sharing this incredible story with us. 5 stars

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I loved Away With the Penguins, so I was very happy to read this. I hadn't realised that there had already been a sequel, Call of the Penguins so, unfortunately I'm reading a little out of sequence.
It was enjoyable and finished Veronica's story off nicely. I'm hoping for a happy ending for Eileen too.
Thanks to Netgalley.

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A rather slow start but another charming read with lots of information about conservation and, of course, penguins. Everything wraps up nicely in the end giving a nice feel-good read.

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I’ve enjoyed all of Hazel Prior’s books so far and this is no exception.
When I read the first penguins book I had no idea there’d be two more! And what a treat they’ve been.
Whilst I loved the first book the most, I’m so glad we got to spend more time with Veronica, Daisy and the penguins.
Uplifting books with beautiful animals.
What’s not to love?

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Another great book from Hazel. Having read both previous books it was lovely to catch up with Veronica and friends again. A lovely feel good light hearted read.

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I’ve read this authors previous books and love them so grabbed this one when I saw it on netgalley UK and it went straight to the top of my to be read list
In this book ,the third in the series,we meet the same characters again and elderly Veronica, her cleaning lady and her young friend Daisy all determined to walk 100 miles to save a local penguin Charity. In comes the famous TV presenter who offers to take them down to the south Atlantic to the Falkland Islands and onto the Antarctic to complete their walk and revisit some of their penguin friends.
I loved the fact that Veronica in her 80s was not too late to discover love and it’s exactly what you want for her.
I love the fact that the otter Sanctuary near Exeter is mentioned from the authors non-Penguin related novels . I don’t know if it’s just me but I love it on the TV when characters from different series appear and this works just as well in novels
Hazel writing is easy to read clear and flowing with beautiful descriptions and the ability to precisely nail character description. Her cast feel entirely real and like well love soap stars you feel you can predict how they will behave as you know them so well by now.
If you loved Hazel‘s previous novels you’re going to love this one. It has everything the others have plus a bit of romance.

I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published in the UK on the 7th of November 2024 by Random House UK Transworld publishers penguin , of course it had to be penguin didn’t it just noticed that
This review will appear on NetGalley UK, Goodreads and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.wordpress.com
After publication, the review will also appear on Amazon UK

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This is the 3rd book in the series, and I enjoyed as much as the others! A light hearted story, following Veronica, Daisy and Eileen’s mission to save a penguin sanctuary! It held my attention and I read it in no time! A great holiday read.

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I really enjoyed the two previous books in this series Away with the Penguins and Call of the Penguins and I was delighted to receive a copy of her new book Gone with the Penguins.
Another adventure with Veronica McCreedy when she becomes Penguin Ambassador.
A charming story with likeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House, Transworld Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Oh I was so so excited and happy to have been approved to read this before publication.

I fell in love with Veronica in Book 1 and 2 having read both books only earlier in the year.

This trilogy is super heart warming and I don't know anyone who hasn't read these books and not fallen in love with Veronica.

Getting reacquainted with the characters was like a warm hug I didn't know I needed.

I will remember Veronica and the penguins for a long time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the publishers and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

5 stars from me.

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