In this fun new novel from Celia Anderson, readers meet recently widowed Ingrid as she plans her future and what to do with the debt and treasures left to her by her late husband. Downsizing to the charming village of Willowbrook and preparing to open a short-term pop-up shop, Ingrid has no idea what new friends -- the extroverted local ladies known as the Saga Louts -- and possible romantic partners -- particularly the helpful local craftsman Joel -- are willing to help her, and she can even help them out as well. Following her work in preparing for a new life and a second chance at happiness in Willowbrook, readers will love the cast of characters in this charming village and their growing friendships and relationships over the course of this novel. Funny, charming, and romantic, the characters are really lively and draw readers into the story, especially since they are so central to Ingrid’s own growth as a character. The setting is detailed and charming as a backdrop to her new life, and readers who love cozy second-chance novels will really enjoy Anderson’s latest book. Heartwarming, entertaining, and charming, this is a fun new novel that is excellently written, emotional, and immersive.

A fantastic 4 star read!

Ingrid has recently lost her larger-than-life husband, Tommy, who suffered a fatal stroke during an impromptu karaoke session at a diner.
Trying to figure out what to do with all of Tommy’s “antique treasures” that cluttered their home, Ingrid decides to take over her aunt’s shop in a small village for one year to attempt to sell the items.

Initially Ingrid feels a little claustrophobic in the everyone-knows-everyone village. But when a small group of locals come together to welcome Ingrid and offer their friendship and help setting up Ingrid’s shop, she wonders if it’s possible to find friendship and companionship in this new stage of her life.

I always enjoy a “second chance” book
whether it’s a second chance at life, love, or friendship. I’ve also become a huge fan of authors who write about characters who are 45+ years old and are portrayed as determined, beautiful, smart, sexy, lovable, wise, and capable. And I appreciate those mature female characters still trying to figure out what they want in life.

Thank you NetGalley, Celia Anderson, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for honest feedback. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

I realistically speaking didn't dislike anything about this book, I felt connected to the characters, I liked the writing style, I found it to be an enjoyable read. However this book was kind of just meh to me. There was nothing that stood out for me about this book, it felt somewhat generic which is why I'm giving it 3 stars. However I definitely think this could be a lot of peoples favorite book of the year

Recently widowed Ingrid decides she needs to start afresh and get rid of the ‘stuff’ that her debt ridden Husband has accumulated over his years of being an Auctioneer and bringing home boxes of things in the hope a hidden valuable gem would be amongst it. To assist her to do this her Aunt lets her empty shop to her and Ingrid just wants to sell the items, clear the debt and move on. She doesn’t account however for the friendly locals, the Saga Louts amongst them who are a group of widowed ladies making the most of life. Ingrid starts to be friends with them all as they assist her in getting the shop open ready, along with Josh who helps her move in and his teenage Daughter Olivia who has just moved in with Josh for a while.
This story is about community, friendships, issues that happen to the young and older people and love. I fount the characters loveable, funny, touching and people I would want by my side. I enjoyed this book and it’s a reminder that no matter what love and friendship can change your life in so many ways. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for this review, the opinion of which is all my own.

This book was so good and very motivational! It was a heartwarming story with great characters. This tale about friendship and love is moving and humorous, making it an unforgettable read.

Celia Anderson’s Onwards and Upwards is a joyous, moving and enjoyable tale women of all ages will relate to and adore!

A new beginning is what Ingrid desperately needs. After the death of her husband Tommy, she was left with a large house, a mountain of debt and far too much tat – thanks to the so-called treasures her late auctioneer spouse had collected. When the opportunity to downsize and move to the village of Willowbrook on a temporary lease comes along, Ingrid jumps at the chance. She will open a pop-up shop, stay for a year and move on. She will certainly not put down roots or get involved in village life. Fate, however, has other ideas in store for her…

A group of local ladies called The Saga Louts quickly take Ingrid under their wing and they soon get stuck in helping her build her new business, ‘The Treasure Trove’. Handsome craftsman Joel also pops along to lend his expertise to Ingrid and sparks soon begin to fly between the two of them. Has Ingrid inadvertently found a place where she belongs? Will she make Willowbrook her home? Or will she get itchy feet and move on and leave her new friends behind?

Celia Anderson writes entertaining, emotional and engrossing novels about women who are layered, nuanced, flawed and believable that never fail to hit the spot. Onwards and Upwards is a wonderful tale about new beginnings, second chances, the power of friendship and community and finding a place to call home that will make readers laugh, cry and fall in love all over again.

A fantastic women’s fiction novel readers will want to recommend to all their friends and family, Onwards and Upwards is the latest must-read by Celia Anderson.

Ingrid is a middle-aged woman who is keen to make a fresh start after the sudden death of her husband, Tommy. She lands in a little village called Willowbrook and takes over an empty shop, owned by her aunt, to sell some of the "stuff" that her husband hoarded over the years. He left her with a lot of debt.....and another surprise is coming her way!

Along the way, Ingrid meets the Saga Louts, a trio of interesting women a few years older than Ingrid, who are living their lives to the fullest. She also meets Joel and his daughter Olivia and these two will have a big impact on her life :)

This was a very enjoyable read. Everyone was living their lives and interacting with each other in a way that warmed the cockles of my heart. It wasn't one of those stories where everything is perfect and the main characters fall into each others arms and they ride off into the sunset. No, this is a modern story about modern issues and a woman who is trying to come out from under the shadow of her larger-than-life husband. Recovering from grief takes time too, and the book goes into that in a very sensitive and kind way.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

Such a fun read! Ingrid is a new widow and she is left with a house full of things and a broken heart, but instead of letting it get her down she is determined to thrive as much as possible. The characters are all incredible, the writing style is beautiful, and the entire story is just better than I was even expecting..

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review

Onwards and Upwards was the perfect introduction to Anderson's works. It's feel good, fun and fabulous!

Willowbrook is quintessentially English, has a fantastic community full of spirit and houses some charming characters. I can't wait to visit again!

It's a thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming read that's sharp on friendships, family and hope

Heartwarming and fun with interesting characters and aunique story, this was a wonderful read to sink into to brighten my day!

This is the second book I have read by this author.

Like the first, this book features the colorful older women crew of the village.

The story is engaging and funny. The Saga louts crew are inspiring and encourage us all to keep living no matter what our age.

In this story, a woman moves into the village temporarily after she loses her husband. Of course, she does not expect some of the funny and moving situations she finds herself in.

I enjoy this author for her dedication to featuring women of all ages living life to the fullest or picking up the pieces after unexpected set-backs.

3.5 rounded up

Ingrid lost her husband six months ago and has found her previously luxurious and secure lifestyle was not as secure as she thought it was. Oh, and the company she worked for running hotels has been taken over and she's out of a job. Thinking fast, she downsizes rapidly and takes up the opportunity offered by her elderly aunt, who has just moved into a care home, to move into the flat above her recently closed general store and take over the store to sell the oodles of junk her husband, an auctioneer, had filled the house and stores with.

The aim is to lie low and not engage, but Ingrid is reckoning without the village of Willowbrook's Saga Louts (three older, bold women) and a couple of single dads, as well as the jolly publican and the lovely woman who runs the local cafe in the park. When it all gets too much, they pitch in to help and soon she's tucked into their lives and even showing some interest in one of the chaps. There's some mild peril from a dodgy cousin which is where she realises she needs local support, and accepts it.

Far more than a romance, what I really liked about this (apart from the heroine being 52, the age I was originally on my birthday when I started reading the book (I don't "turn" until 15:40, the time I was born)), was the realistic detail and accidental diversity that fill the book. I do love a bit of detail, and we get to find out exactly how Ingrid brightens her dated flat up and they all set up the shop. Other realistic details include a hospital thread and issues around what one does when one comes out of hospital which will be relatable to many middle-aged readers. One of the older ladies is Black and one of the guys gay, with an Asian family popping up later, none of it particularly remarked upon but quite unusual in the modern village novel if not written by a Global Majority writer and something I do look out for and like.

So a lovely read and I will defintely look out for other books by this author.

Blog review to appear 25 Jan: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/book-review-celia-anderson-onwards-and-upwards/

A really enjoyable book, telling Ingrid’s story and her new start in Willowbrook .
The community in Willowbrook had some amazing quirky characters, but I loved how they all pulled together to help each other . The Saga louts were amazing !
A story of fresh starts with plenty of humour but also some plot twists I didn’t expect.
Absolutely loved it, I would definitely like to read more from this author
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Celia Anderson for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

This is a lighthearted story that includes a man-woman romance, new friendships, and extended families. It is perfect for an easy read with no real highs or lows. It is very level emotionally so you aren't on a roller coaster of feelings - but at the same time, you don't feel as connected to the characters.
The plot was fine but had no real depth. Everyone is so welcoming, an available man is interested in her, the store is embraced with open arms and the birds are chirping. Ok, maybe the bird thing isn't true but it would have been nice to see a little bit more reality and struggle.
The book was not great and not bad. Just so so.

📚 PUBLICATION WEEK BOOK TOUR BOOK REVIEW 📚

Onwards and Upwards By Celia Anderson
Publication Date: January 20, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚MY REVIEW:

Celia Anderson has done it again! Onwards and Upwards is such an uplifting read -- I just love how Anderson expands on the basic rom-rom storyline to add inspiration about second acts, starting over, and moving on after a significant loss. Her books are always so much more than what I expect - and this one was no exception.

After her husband's untimely and unexpected death, Ingrid finds herself with a lot of her husband's trinkets and treasures, as well as a lot of his secret debts. Ingrid makes the decision to take on a short-term rental of her Aunt Sylvia's general store in Willowbrook, an idyllic English village, in the hopes of selling all of her husband's things. Then she plans to downsize and live on her own. However, she quickly learns that the village of Willowbrook and its residents might just convince her to change her plans and open her heart to love again and a better plan than she ever could have imagined.

The characters in this rom-com were absolutely loveable! They were quirky, funny, endearing, and people I wanted to be friends with -- especially the Saga Louts, who were a raucous trio of older women with zero filters and all the loyalty a friend can hope for. The building romance between Ingrid and Joel was a slow burn that had me rooting for them in the end. Sam, Elsie, and Leo added such cute airlines in this read too! There's zero spice in this one, though you will find lots of humor and a pretty inspiring and uplifting message!

Onwards and Upwards is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys stories about second acts in life, the power of friendship, and the beauty of starting over. Thank you so much to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this book tour -- and thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

#OnwardsAndUpwards #CeliaAnderson #BoldwoodBooks #boldwoodbookclub #booktour #RachelsRandomResources #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #romcomreads #bookworm #booklover #booknerd

Onwards and Upwards by Celia Anderson

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

Blurb

Ingrid is desperate to sell up and move on. Recently widowed, she no longer needs the large house or the treasures (and tat) collected by her late husband, Tommy, an auctioneer. Then there’s the debt he left her with, too.

So, she jumps at the chance to downsize and move to Willowbrook on a temporary lease. She’ll open a pop-up shop for just one year – to dispose of Tommy’s accumulated goods – and then move on. No getting embroiled in village life.

But Ingrid hasn’t reckoned on Willowbrook’s extrovert local ladies (known as the Saga Louts). Or handsome local craftsman Joel, with whom there’s a definite attraction. They all want to help set up ‘The Treasure Trove’.

Surprisingly, it turns out Ingrid can also help them.

Will she ever achieve the fresh start and simpler life she craved? Or will Ingrid discover a wonderful new way to move onwards and upwards?

My Opinion

Onwards and Upwards was such a delightful book to read. Celia Anderson has created some charming characters and whilst they are older, they definitely do not disappoint. This is a heart-warming tale about friendship. Willowbrook has such a great community spirit that it sounds like a delightful place to visit.

Rating 4/5

I love stories with the older generation as the main characters. This book definitely fit that criteria. The characters each have different personalities and are wonderfully created. The plot held my interest in a very busy time in my life, which says quite a bit.

I want to thank Boldwood Book and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Sweet

This is the first book I have read by Ms Anderson and I really enjoyed it. I will have to look for her previous book! This is a heartwarming book about the foibles of older women, mostly widows. Our heroines include a new widow who needs to come to terms with unexpected debt and family surprises and a trio of older single women (widows and divorcees) who take the new widow under their wing. I very much enjoyed reading about women in my own demographic who still have future plans, not to mention a bit of romance!

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

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

At the start of the book, we meet Ingrid, who moves to Willowbrook in search of a fresh start after losing her husband, Tommy. Amongst others in the village, she befriends Joel and his teenage daughter. Ingrid isn't sure what to do with all the things that Tommy left behind, but with the help of the other villagers, she opens her own shop, The Treasure Trove.

Ingrid was a lovely protagonist; I found her kind and compassionate, and I really enjoyed following her journey. I also thought Joel and Leo were wonderful characters; they made me smile. The characters who made me laugh the most were The Saga Louts. I enjoyed the bonds of friendship between the characters, which deepened as the story progressed.

This was a sweet, heartwarming story that speaks to new beginnings, and it left me smiling.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Ingrid’s life after the loss of her auctioneer husband is going to be rather different – having been on his arm at every social event when he was the life and soul of the party, she’s decided she’d rather like a fresh start, a smaller and quieter life. But that’s from necessity too, because he’s left so many debts there’s little left – other than a mountain of surplus stock he’s amassed over the years. Her Aunt Sylvia giving up her shop in Willowbrook gives her the perfect opportunity – use it to sell all the stock, then move on. She had no plans to become part of the community – but, seeing her struggling to get things up and running, the community has other ideas.

First there’s a meal in the pub with Sam – he helped her move – and his lovely young daughter Elsie. And Joel – and she has no idea how both he and his teenage daughter Leo will become part of her life. And on a walk in the country to the farmers’ market, she meets the Saga Louts while visiting Kate’s cafe – Beryl, Winnie and Anthea – who decide she really needs their help and energetically throw themselves into getting the shop ready for opening day. They make the whole experience tremendous fun, and also help Ingrid move on from her loss and face the uncertain future. They’re also all there for her when a few other challenges from her past uncomfortably raise their heads. And in return, she finds the opportunity to offer her help and support too – to Joel who’s struggling with single fatherhood, to one of the Saga Louts facing a particularly difficult time.

This was a quite wonderful story about fresh starts and second chances, full of the most supportive friendships to ease Ingrid’s difficult personal journey. It’s a book with such a strong sense of community, and every single character is so beautifully drawn – especially the very real older characters, but young Leo and Elsie equally won my heart. It’s also very much Joel’s story – told from both their perspectives – with all the support he provides, always there when she most needs him, despite the many challenges in his own life. And the growing attraction between them was beautifully handled – unexpected for them both, something neither of them was looking for, and a particularly lovely and gentle romance that I became entirely invested in.

The humour sparkles throughout – sometimes gentle, at other times laugh-out-loud, especially where the Saga Louts and younger characters (all of them without filters!) are involved. But there are also plenty of serious, emotional and more dramatic moments – especially when those secrets from the past emerge, the whole book quite perfectly paced and balanced. And I must add that I also very much enjoyed meeting again some of the key characters from the author’s last book, seeing how their lives had moved on – nothing that would make this one in any way difficult to read as a standalone, just rather a treat for those of us who so enjoyed their stories. And the ending? Well, I thought it couldn’t have been more perfect…

Filled with warmth and hope, a real testament to the strength to be found through friendship and connections, and so beautifully written – this was a book I really loved, and would very much recommend.