Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy

This book follows Tess who’s living in her friends house while she is in Paris working and living her best life after getting a divorce while trying to work out what to do next. She then finds out that her friend is going to sell the house so she needs to find alternate arrangements and soon.
She decodes to take a trip to Skye to see the northern lights and to have a break to decide what she’s going to do. Her other friend suddenly loses her husband and ends up coming with her.
It shows that age does not define us and anyone can change their life direction regardless

Loved this funny book. I enjoyed the antics of this group of women who grab life with both hands and get out there and I enjoy themselves which worrying about the consequences. Don't we all wish we could be like that. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Years ago when I read and reviewed Five French Hens, I said I would love to see a sequel. Well the sequel now exists in the form of The Silver-Haired Sisterhood and I am as delighted with this book as I was with the first one.

Although admittedly I can't really remember most of the details many years on from the first book, so it can definitely be read as a standalone. I did though remember Della, and it really was good to catch up with all of these hens.

Now in their late 70s, and getting in at least one case rather close to the big 8-0, it's fabulous to catch up with these ladies and see how their lives have developed further. And they are still up for adventures

Which is what led Tess and Della to head up to the Isle of Skye for a pre-Christmas holiday, only for the hotel that looked amazing on the website to not quite match the reality. By which I mean, the owner wasn't expecting them, is suffering his own heartbreak and has more or less given up.

Della and Tess although they were hoping for a relaxing break, jump into action and their holiday becomes a whole lot busier. But they do get to go one some trips, with the rather memorable Murdo.

i really don't want to give too much away so won't say much more of the plot but would like to stay just how enjoyable this was. I was loving every second of this book, and the characters have found their way into my heart to stay.

And once again with a Judy Leigh novel I am inspired to know that my life won't be over too soon and that you can still have a rich and fulfilling time, even well past retirement age! Absolutely adored this book.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

In a change from a book with young characters, Judy Leigh embraces the Silver Sisterhood - those fantastic women in their seventies.

This group of women were first featured in a previous novel, but there is no requirement to have read it to understand the strength of these characters and the bond that has formed between them.

In this book, Rose is wowing them in Paris, Pam heads to Greece, Jen explores Iceland and when tragedy strikes for Della, Tess feels she must do something with her life. So her and Della take in the highlands of Scotland and also hope to see the Northern Lights.

They arrive at a hotel, which is struggling and the owner and some of the worker all have their own worries. As adventures happen inside and outside the hotel, the rest of Della and Tess friends gravitate to this Highland Hotel where it seems that this was the place they all needed to be.

A book full of warmth, healing and humour and to prove you need your friends no matter what your age.

Judy Leigh did it again. I love her books and the stories the characters have. I have friendships like this and would love to have the travels and adventures the characters have. This is a heartwarming story.

Book Review: The Silver-Haired Sisterhood by Judy Leigh

Judy Leigh's The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a vibrant, feel-good novel that explores the power of friendship, second chances, and embracing life’s golden years with open arms. Set five years after the memorable adventure in Paris, the story follows Tess, a woman in her seventies who finds herself stuck in a rut while her friends continue to thrive and explore the world. A tragedy strikes her friend Della, and this event sparks Tess into action, leading her to the Highlands of Scotland in search of new adventures—and perhaps a little romance.

The narrative is filled with charm, humor, and heartfelt moments. Tess, along with her dear friend Della, heads to the Isle of Skye, where they are swept away by the beauty of the scenery, the rich history, and the chance to start fresh. It’s in this magical setting that they discover a new zest for life, find unexpected friendships, and push the boundaries of their comfort zones. As the story unfolds, they are joined by the rest of their group of friends, the Five French Hens, and together they embark on an even bigger adventure, one that proves age is truly just a number.

Judy Leigh has a unique gift for bringing to life strong, vibrant characters, particularly older women, and showing that their lives are far from over. Tess is a wonderfully relatable protagonist—struggling to embrace independence after years of marriage, but also discovering that life can still offer joy, surprises, and new beginnings. The novel radiates a sense of warmth and optimism, reminding readers that it’s never too late to live life to the fullest.

Leigh’s writing style is light, fresh, and filled with humor, making the book a joy to read. She creates a perfect balance of fun and emotion, ensuring the story never becomes too heavy or overly sentimental. It’s a celebration of friendships, personal growth, and the beauty of life’s later years. The addition of romance and the stunning backdrop of the Highlands only enhances the feel-good nature of the book.

The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is the ultimate reminder that it’s never too late to live, love, and make new memories. For readers who enjoy heartwarming stories about women supporting each other and embracing new adventures at any age, this book is a must-read. Fans of authors like Dawn French and Caroline James will find themselves swept away by this uplifting, joyous tale.

Rating: 4.5/5

Judy Leigh has crafted another brilliant, uplifting novel that will leave readers feeling inspired and energized. The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a delightful celebration of life, love, and the unbreakable bond of friendship. A perfect pick-me-up for anyone looking for a feel-good read that proves life is just beginning, no matter the age. Highly recommended!

A fun read that made me smile repeatedly! Heartwarming and wonderful prose, this was the perfect read to relax and enjoy to brighten your day.

A lovely story, so well written by Judy Leigh. A story of long lasting friendships, relationships, living life to the full and taking chances. Tess is off to Skye in December and her pal Pam is coming along after the unexpected death of her husband. follow their adventures. You will not be able to put this book down willing things to work out for all 4 ladies.

A hug in a book

I'm clucking thrilled to have reunited with the 5 hens! As a senior myself, I'm living proof that life begins at retirement... Or at least I tell myself that. Judy Leigh's novel is a hilarious reminder that seniors can still party, plot and live life to the fullest.
Cheers to the Hens and their escapades! May we all grow old with such wit,wisdom and sass.This book can be enjoyed by all ages. Kudos to the author for writing a story that's got me cackling with delight.
Thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood Books and Judy Leigh for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rather than leave, they end up helping out the owner to get the guest house up and running and ready for the festive season and profitable so he can buy his wife out, but she wants her money now.

They are joined by other guests and friends of the owner to help him achieve it but with various setbacks will they save the guest house or will they need more help?

Great story of friendship, underestimating older people and love.

In this fun new novel starring a group of capable older lady friends -- the self-titled Five French Hens -- as they explore the world, readers join Tess, stuck in a rut in her marriage and needing a change of scenery when tragedy strikes at Della’s life. Both wanting to see the Northern Lights and get a change of pace, they adventure to the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye to find their happiness. As they discover new friends, Scottish adventures, and a hint of romance, the French Hens reunite in the highlands to plan a spectacular new future for all of them. With a host of feisty, funny, and supportive women starring in this new release, readers will love their outlook on life and learn that one is never too old to choose a new path. With its heartwarming message and charming friendships, Leigh’s new novel is excellently written and full of adventure and warmth. The characters and their friendship are the stars of the novel, and readers will really appreciate their character development as individuals and a group throughout this novel. With its fantastic premise and exciting and enjoyable events, readers will love Judy Leigh’s latest novel and her characters’ exploits.

I have procrastinated on starting this book for the longest time because I have read the previous Judy Leigh books and they were quite lengthy so I wanted to finish other books on my tbr pile first. I wish I had read it earlier, because I hadn't realised that it was so motivating and uplifting!

Despite all setbacks at the ripe old (young!) age of the ladies, they managed to band together, even finding love, and see the positivity of what they were facing. Which of course we should do the same at our still very less than middle-aged lives, and learn from them!

What a fun book about friendship! I loved this group of fierce, quirky, independent women and their adventures. This book is a wonderful example of continuing to enjoy life no matter what may happen. Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks

I was unable to finish this book. The characters felt flat and their dialogue didn't fit with the character development. I was really looking forward to this adventure.

I really wanted to love this book, especially since it centres on septuagenarians, an age group I don't often see as protagonists in fiction. When I laughed out loud on the very first page, I was convinced I had found a winner.

However, the charm didn't last. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard to connect with the story. I found it difficult to believe in the characters and found the villain especially unconvincing.

All was not lost; I did enjoy the characters and the promise of the novel. The food references made me hungry, and I liked the book's ending.

Uproarious, emotional and uplifting, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is the fabulous new novel from Judy Leigh.

A lot has changed in the last five years for Tess and her best friends Jen, Della, Pam and Rose. The five French Hens – as they are known – plan to make the most of their golden years, however, Tess cannot help but feel as if she is stuck in a rut. While Rose has wowed Paris, Jen is exploring Iceland and Pam is living it up in Greece, Tess feels as if life is passing her by. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. In desperate need of a change of scene, the two friends decide to stop wallowing and to grab the bull by the horns, so they head off to Scotland and the Highlands to see the Northern Lights.

The scenery is spectacular and the two friends find themselves having the time of their life – especially as their grand adventure leads them to make new connections and maybe even fall head over heels in love. With the other Hens joining the party, the five friends realise that with great pals by your side anything is possible and that the future is ripe for the taking – but only if they are willing to take a chance on themselves…

Judy Leigh’s books are the equivalent of a glass of champagne! Her writing never fails to sparkle, her characters always leap off the pages and her stories are effervescent, delightful and impossible to resist. The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a wonderfully witty, hugely enjoyable and wholly captivating tale about friendship, courage, hope and romance I couldn’t stop reading.

A joy from beginning to end, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is another superb page-turner from the hugely talented pen of Judy Leigh.

What a fabulous, funny and festive book! A wise and emotional look at ageing amongst a group of friends forever. A heartfelt story that really raised my spirits. I couldn't put it down.

Enjoyable slow burn story of a group of more mature ladies. Heartfelt and fun lovely to have older women as the stars. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

When I read the reviews for this book, I expected something profound – a story that would deeply move me. Although I’m not elderly, my life is going through changes, much like the characters in this book. However, the connection I was hoping for never happened. I didn’t feel drawn to the characters, and I struggled to like them, let alone relate to them.

I appreciate that the author addressed ageism and tried to make the characters strong and independent. But at the same time, the characters constantly dwelled on how old they were. I understand that highlighting ageism and its challenges is important, but it felt repetitive to the point of nagging.

The pacing felt off, and the writing was jarring – events happened so abruptly that it was hard to process. For example, one moment a character felt chest pain, and in the next scene, his wife was calmly telling her friend he had died. It felt too sudden, like important moments were skipped over. On top of that, the characters themselves felt lifeless. When her husband died, the wife didn’t seem to fall apart or show much emotion. It felt strange and unrealistic, as if the weight of the situation didn’t affect her at all.

Overall, the book had potential, but the pacing, writing, and lack of emotional depth made it difficult to enjoy.