Sisters Making Mischief by Maddie Please

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Joy Chandler has had enough!

All she wanted was a lovely family Christmas with perfect turkey and luxury crackers. Instead, daughter Sara announces she’s getting divorced...and where is the fizz? And son, John and perfect wife Vanessa announce they are leaving for New York… and are the vegetables organic? And not one of them has made her a cup of tea!

So Joy decides she’s going to leave them all to it and head to France to visit her younger sister Isobel - a break from it all is just what she needs!

Isabel’s potato farm in France might be rustic, but Joy is hoping to find a bit of the old her again. Do her family really only think she's their dogs body? Where has Joy’s joy gone?

Being with Isobel is loud and chaotic and being together brings out both sisters’ mischievous side! And being in France adds a welcome touch of ooh la la to Joy’s life again. Soon, she has a new job, a new man and maybe even, a second chance at living!

My Opinion

Joy has been looking forward to celebrating Christmas with her family, until they all begin to arrive. When Joy’s Christmas isn’t as perfect as she pictured, she takes to opportunity to head to France to stay with her sister. Whilst this book begins at Christmas it is not overly festive, with the majority of taking place just after the New Year – so this book can be read at any time of year.

For me this was an absolutely delightful read and Maddie Please has once again focused on some older characters – but do not let age put you off, they will still make you laugh.

Rating 4/5

The Blurb :
Joy Chandler has had enough!
All she wanted was a lovely family Christmas with perfect turkey and luxury crackers. Instead, daughter Sara announces she’s getting divorced...and where is the fizz? And son, John and perfect wife Vanessa announce they are leaving for New York… and are the vegetables organic? And not one of them has made her a cup of tea!
So Joy decides she’s going to leave them all to it and head to France to visit her younger sister Isobel - a break from it all is just what she needs!
Isabel’s potato farm in France might be rustic, but Joy is hoping to find a bit of the old her again. Do her family really only think she's their dogs body? Where has Joy’s joy gone?
Being with Isobel is loud and chaotic and being together brings out both sisters’ mischievous side! And being in France adds a welcome touch of ooh la la to Joy’s life again. Soon, she has a new job, a new man and maybe even, a second chance at living!


My Thoughts :
Always a huge fan of Maddie Please’s work, I was excited to get stuck into her new book.
Here we meet Joy Chandler, Joy is divorced and has 2 grown up children John and Sara.
Joy is always trying to make everyone happy and this Christmas is no different, that is until Sara and her daughters arrive. Sara is upset and announces she is getting divorced from the girls father after finding out hes cheated in her and then John arrives and announces that his family are moving to New York for a new job offer.
Still expecting Joy to wait on them hand and foot, she decides she has had enough and takes her sister Isobel up on the offer of going to stay with her and her husband Felix in France where they live, just to get away from it all and have a nice chilled break.
Soon Joy is living up life in France, enjoying all the delicious foods and taking in the beautiful surroundings. She gets stuck in helping her sister and brother in law at his book shop and soon forgets home and all the trouble that goes with it.
Enter Luca, handsome, mature and always around to give a hand, Joy strikes up a friendship with him and they soon start to spend more time together and enjoy each others company.
Is it time for Joy to find some love in her life or is she out for a bit of fun and to let her hair down?!.
Once again Maddie Please thrives when she writes about the mature characters, ive yet to not enjoy one of her books. She makes the characters fun and loveable with an air of mystery.
Looking forward to more very soon.

Laugh out loud with tears...

This is only the 2nd book I have read by Ms Please, but certainly won't be the last. I found this book's plot alternates between laugh out loud funny and a bit of tears, life lessons and trying not to smoke someone, first set in England then France. Lots of depth beneath the fun. I was reading mostly in bed but woke myself up laughing many times!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

A truly enjoyable read, one that has words of wisdom for all. Joy has been there for everyone, husband, children, grandchildren but never has taken any “ME TIME”. Now divorce and on her own she plans the perfect Christmas for her children and grandchildren. Unfortunately Sara, her daughter, husband has left her for another woman. Joy son and family is moving to New York. The grandchildren are constantly fighting and Joy’s dreams of a traditional loving Christmas is a disaster. So when Joy’s sister invites her for an extended visit in France she jumps at the chance to get away.
Once in France she discovers that one is never too old to enjoy life, instead of just existing. Great characters, humor throughout and does make one wonder if there is more to life. Thank you #Boldwood Books and #NetGalley for this wonderful read. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this book, it’s funny and will leave a smile on your face. Joy has just spent Christmas with her family and is fed up, her daughter is getting divorced and her son is going away to move to New York. She never does anything for herself so she decides to go to France to see her sister.
This is a heartwarming story about an older woman finding herself again, Joy is the woman who can do anything, but doesn’t believe in herself. The trip to France will show her she can. The setting was perfect. A perfect 5 star read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

After a Christmas where she was being taken for granted Joy decides to spend some time with her sister Isobel at her farm in France. There she meets the enigmatic Luca and discovers that maybe life doesn't finish when you're in your 60s.
The first part of the book, where she spends Christmas with her son and daughter with their families, is a bit depressing, however this is setting the stage for the rest of the book. There are several laugh out loud moments where things go wrong for her, however the description of the countryside, the food and the friendly locals add balance to this. It did sound an idyllic life there for those of us who crave a more laid back lifestyle, with friends and good food. It also shows that for us older folk life doesn't end when you reach your 60s and there is still time to enjoy life and make new relationships. A warm, uplifting book that made me think that maybe a move to France might be a good thing.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

A wonderful story that doesn't shy away from pointing out the drama that occurs for many surrounding the holiday season. It also touches on finding yourself and the fact that it is okay to put your needs first. Many readers will relate to Joy's struggles with striving to have a wonderful Christmas only to have it backfire and then finding yourself doing all the heavy work. The characters are realistic and enjoyable, though some can be a bit infuriating at times. But then again, isn't that how family goes? Overall, this is an uplifting book. I love the fact that the main characters are a bit older than is commonly used in many novels. It adds to the reminder that it is never too late to find your happiness.

Sisters Making Mischief is a charming and hilarious story packed with humor, heart, and a hefty dose of chaos! Maddie Please masterfully captures the trials of family dynamics, aging, and rediscovering one’s self, all with a lighthearted touch that reminded me of Bridget Jones.

Joy’s escape from the pressures of being the family “dogsbody” to her sister Isabel’s rustic potato farm in France is both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. The misadventures in France, paired with the sisters’ witty banter and mischievous antics, make for an uplifting and entertaining read. While the setting brims with charm and a dash of ooh la la, the real magic lies in the characters and their quirky, endearing ways.

That said, a few French errors pulled me out of the story momentarily, but they didn’t dampen my overall enjoyment. This book is perfect for anyone who needs a feel-good escape and a reminder that it’s never too late for a fresh start—or a glass of fizz!

If you love warm, funny, and life-affirming reads, grab this one and let Joy and Isabel’s journey lift your spirits. Maddie Please delivers another winner!

This is s a delightful tale of sibling bonds, chaos, and laughter. The story captures the complexities of family relationships while sprinkling in plenty of humor and heartwarming moments. The characters are relatable, and the mischief they create keeps readers turning the pages. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a lighthearted escape with a touch of sentimentality

Joy dreams of an idyllic family Christmas, but the reality is quite different. Her adult children, and even her grandchildren, seem to think she should wait on them and clean up after them during their stay, while they do nothing to help. The only things they bring to the gathering are a sense of entitlement, a list of demands, and a lot of unnecessary drama. Even before they all leave, Joy decides she’s had enough and heads to France to visit her sister Isobel. Isobel is delighted to help Joy start to put herself first again – and to start living *life again.

I’ve read several books by this author and have enjoyed them all, and this book is no exception. Despite their vastly different personalities, the sisters have an amazing relationship, making me wish I had a sister :) Some aspects of the story are predictable, but other storylines took an unexpected turn, which kept me reading to see what would happen next. Besides being an entertaining story, the book reminds us – especially older women – to enjoy what life gives us, to remember to take time for ourselves, and not to be afraid of what life might bring next.

I have several other books by this author on my to-read shelf, and I plan to add some of them to my list to read next year :)

This inspiring story follows Joy, a senior woman who reevaluates her life after a chaotic Christmas. A trip to France with her carefree sister sparks self-discovery, humor, and adventure. As Joy reclaims her happiness through a bucket list, new love with Luc, and embracing imperfection, she learns it’s never too late to live fully. Maddie Please’s heartwarming tale blends laughter, rich characters, and meaningful growth in a delightful celebration of second chances.

Within the first few pages, it was evident that Joy was both downtrodden and taken for granted. Despite her name, all the joy was slowly being sucked out of her and by the people who should love her the most. Families can be so thoughtless.
As the synopsis explains, Joy resolves to visit her sister and see if she can recapture some of the missing spark from her life.
I wish the protagonist had a different name because there are only so many times that I can refer to the joy in this book before I appear to have a limited vocabulary. As soon as she arrives at the potato farm, her life begins again, and she falls right into step with her new circumstances.
As I have come to expect from this author, the comedy is excellent, and the supporting cast brings depth and community to the story. I particularly liked the idea of a former supermodel loaning beautiful pieces to her friends. Unfortunately, it would never apply to me, as I am not coming to the party with a suitable silhouette.
The Brocante was easy to imagine, and I could also picture the shepherd’s hut. It sounded posh, as it even sported an en suite bathroom.
Of course, being set in France, the food is a strong additional character and brings a delicious layer to the story. I wouldn’t recommend reading while hungry, as you may find yourself eating everything in sight!
This book may include details about the setting, but the story is more about the sisters' reconnection and the discovery that there is life after divorce and retirement. I loved how Joy slipped into her new reality and found the courage to take what she wanted. Sisters Making Mischief is filled with Joy in more than one way.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved this story.

Joy is getting everything ready for her family coming for Christmas, her son and his family as well as her daughter and family.

But, things don’t go to plan. She is doing everything, and they did the complaining/moaning.

After Christmas, one of her families decide to stay on and the other relocates to New York City.

For herself, Joy makes a decision to visit her sister in France.

Will that be a better visit than her family coming to her and will she decide what she was going to do with her life?

I highly recommend this book.

Sisters Making Mischief by Maddie Please

Despite Joy's hard work and amazing preparations, Christmas turns out to be rather disappointing when her daughter Sara arrives with her two daughters and announces she's getting divorced, and her son John reveals he's moving to New York with his wife and two daughters. Joy goes to stay with her sister Isabel in France and whilst there she works out what she wants from the rest of her life now that she's divorced and her adult children are getting on with their own lives.

Oh I loved this book so much - how fabulous to read about older characters, and especially when they're having fun and living life to the full! I loved the setting in France, the romantic interest, the relationship between sisters Joy and Isabel... and I had a soft spot for Isabel's mother in law too, who I imagined like a French Maggie Smith! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.

Sisters Making Mischief by Maddie Please is a delightful and heartwarming read that captures the chaos and joy of sisterhood. Packed with humor, love, and relatable family dynamics, the story pulls you in with its fun twists and genuine moments. Maddie Please's writing shines with wit and warmth, making this a perfect pick for anyone looking for a light, feel-good escape.

Sisters Making Mischief by Maddie Please is the most charming contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I always enjoy novels by Maddie Please as she writes with warmth, welcome and wit. Sisters Making Mischief is like the sun appearing on a grey day, it cheers the reader from the start.
The reader, along with the main character, is transported from a tense Christmas in Britain to a carefree new year in France. The atmosphere and problems in England are in complete opposite to the carefree, fun atmosphere at her sisters in the French countryside. There is a new life, along with new possibilities awaiting.
The lead characters are in their sixties and there is a sprightly mother-in-law who is eighty four. They all show that life is for living whatever your age. It is glorious to see characters not in the first flush of youth enjoying and being invigorated by life.
Maddie Please injects much humor into her tale. With an accident prone lead character, I found myself literally laughing out loud throughout the story. There were some truly hilarious scenes.
A family has stunted the life of a character. She has been a wife, daughter and mother who has shouldered all their problems. Now, newly divorced, it is time to learn to live again.
I absolutely adored Sisters Making Mischief. It was a wonderfully warm and fun read, with wholesome characters who inject life and love into the reader’s day.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Love starts with a feeling but continues as a choice.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This book was so much fun! Going from England to France with great relatable characters and lots of humour. I was totally hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This book was right up my street. There are parts of this story that I and am sure lots of women can completely relate to. A thoroughly enjoyable read, its funny, it's relatable and quite uplifting & feelgood. Heartily recommend this one.

France Bound..
With family falling apart around her, Joy decides to up and leave for France for a well deserved break from it all. Once there, she finds that life at her younger sisters farm is rather chaotic but it seems to succeed in bringing a bit of energy and fun into her life again. An uplifting and heartwarming tale with a well drawn cast of eclectic characters and a plot laced with humour.

Loved this story about Joy, who was preparing for her family to be home for Christmas . Her daughter and he family and her son and his family. Four grandchildren. Well, let's just say it wasn't going as planned and she was doing all the work. Mostly all they did was complain. I am not going to go into detail but after one family stayed and one left england for New York City Joy decided to go visit her sister in France. Read to see how that turned out. Joy, had to decide how she was going to live her life for herself and not everyone else. This book is A GREAT READ.