Uplifting and engaging, The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley is sure to delight!

Gina Knight got the shock of her life when her husband walked out on her after four decades of marriage! At seventy-one, she never imagined that she would be starting over, but just when she thought that everything was hopeless, she meets Dorothy Reed who, at nearly 90 years old, puts women half her age to shame with her zest for life and her joie de vivre. Dorothy had rescued Gina when she was most in need and when she asks her for a favour, Gina doesn’t hesitate. But does she know just what she has let herself in for?

Going to a French chateau to be a companion to writer Meredith Harper was a no-brainer for Gina. However, on her arrival, Gina finds Meredith in ill health and in the throes of writing her memoirs! Realising that she was sent by Dorothy to spy, Gina needs to get the scoop on what Meredith is putting in her book before anyone else! But just what is the writer plotting to put in her memoirs? And can Gina discover Meredith’s secrets before her cover is blown?

What a joy it is to read Kate Galley’s The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape! Warm, witty and gloriously escapist, this wonderful tale is full of Gallic flavour, larger than life characters who prove that there is no age limit to being fabulous and plenty of humour, drama and secrets to keep those pages turning! A must-read for Judy Leigh fans, The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley should not be missed!

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

I enjoyed “Old Girls Behaving Badly”, so I was looking forward to this next instalment. When Gina accepts a job as a live-in companion to Meredith and Gerald, she finds herself on an aeroplane to France. I was keen to follow her adventure, and also pleased to see the return of her friend Dorothy. I also really liked Lucien; he was an awesome character.

It made me smile to read this. Once again, I found Gina's narrative humorous, but there was also something about it that made me feel connected to her on a deeper level. I also enjoy Gina and Dorothy's friendship.

This was fun, entertaining and heartwarming. If you haven't read the first instalment, “Old Girls Behaving Badly”, I do recommend that one too, but this is enjoyable on its own.

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

Seventy one year old Gina Knight was eighty nine year old Dorothy Reed's companion, and they had struck up a close friendship. Now, while Dorothy was on a cruise with some other friends, Gina was heading to France to be companion/carer for Meredith Harper and her husband Gerald, who was in the early stages of dementia. Meredith and Gerald had recently moved to a chateau owned by her daughter and son in law, and the plan was Rose would take care of them, while working in the chateau. But when Rose and Hugo's son was seriously injured in an accident, they flew to be by his side, which was where Gina came in.

Meredith was a writer and was going to do her memoir. But she had broken her arm, so Gina would be her typist - a fact Dorothy knew about; she wanted Gina to spy on Meredith as many years ago she and Dorothy had been close friends. There had been much mischief in their young pasts, and Dorothy didn't want certain secrets coming to light. That put Gina in a spot...

The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the 2nd in the Old Girls series by Kate Galley and I loved it! I read and fully enjoyed the first - Old Girls Behaving Badly - and was delighted to find a second book featuring the fearless, caring and full-of-life Dorothy and Gina! I certainly hope Ms Galley is writing more about these wonderful old girls! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.

A cosy, escapist read featuring older ladies having fun and solving mysteries. When Dorothy's former friend, Meredith, starts to write her memoirs Dorothy worries that she might reveal a past secret so persuades her friend Gina to be her companion and find out what she's writing. The setting of France is beautifully described and the characters are realistically portrayed. Highly entertaining, as was the first book in the series.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'The Old Girls Chateau Escape' by Kate Galley

This book is well written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline.

This may be the first book I have read by this brilliant author but it definitely will not be my last!! This is the second book in Kate's 'Old Girls' series but can be read as a standalone. I always recommend that you read books in a series in order but there is a silver lining. If you have not read the first book in this series which is called 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' then after you have finished and fallen in love with this book you can go back and read it while you are waiting for Kate's next success to come out!! I was convinced I had previously read 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' but after double checking Goodreads it does not seem I have so I am definitely looking forward to reading that one after I have finished the review for this one so watch out for my upcoming review!! It just goes to show how quickly I clicked with the characters as they already felt like old friends I had previously met immediately!! In this fantastic and cosy read we meet 71 year old Gina Knight whose husband has just left her. Gina had no idea what to do with her life and thought it was all over. That is until her friend Dorothy Reeds suggests that she heads to Provence to become a companion of hers. Gina arrives at the beautiful chateau in Provence where she meets Dorothy's friend Meredith Harper. Meredith needs help looking after her husband Gerald as she is busy writing her memoirs. It turns out the real reason Dorothy recommended the companion role to Gina is because she wants to know what Meredith is writing in her memoirs!! Will Gina be the spy that Dorothy wants to be and if she does will Meredith discover the truth behind Gina being there? What secrets is Meredith writing about? grab your copy of this brilliant escapism for yourself to find out more and I promise that you will not regret it!! With a fantastic storyline ram packed with stunning settings, secrets, friendship, mystery, humour, fun and so much more what else could you ask for and what on Earth are you waiting for?? Grab your copy of this brilliant page turner today!! The characters are all of the older generation which I really enjoyed reading about as it makes a change from the majority of the books that I read where the main protagonists are in their 20's and 30's. I absolutely loved having strong female protagonists, being female myself and I cannot wait to meet them all again in previous and future books in this series!! Kate captivated their individual personalities perfectly and her evocative writing skills made each of them jump out of the pages and come to life. There were moments of laughter, heartache, humour, sorrow and all the emotions you can think of and Kate captured them all perfectly with her words! I enjoyed watching their personalities and friendships develop and change throughout this book. I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting of a few hours as I just could not put it down!! It does not matter where or when you read this book as Kate transports you to France next to Gina at the turn of the page! I would love to see this book turned into a movie which I will definitely be first in line to watch. I don't want to say anything else about the storyline as I don't want to give to much away, I am looking forward to reading more books by Kate and am off to see what other books she has written to add them to my Amazon Wishlist!!

The characters are strong, realistic and I became completely invested in each and every one of them. They all had their own problems, secrets, feelings and all had unique personalities and I just absolutely loved getting to know them all. I felt each of their love , friendship, pain, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. They were all very realistic having their individual strengths, flaws, quirks and weaknesses which I enjoyed getting to know more about. I love seeing strong female leads in books being female myself and I loved these characters. I loved seeing their personalities change and develop as individuals as well as watching them bond with each other as the storyline went on. Kate does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills!! It is so hard to say what I feel about the characters without giving anything away so I won't say anymore about them as I don't want to go into too much detail at the risk of spoiling it for other readers but Kate truly has done a brilliant job at bringing each of the characters to life and I am missing them already. Well done Kate!!!


Overall a fantastic and fun book filled with stunning settings, fantastic characters, mystery and fun!

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This was a very enjoyable book about ladies in their later years, who are still full of fun and a little mischief.

This book was a lot of fun to read. The main character, Gina, was well portrayed. She is a sensible and caring septuagenarian whose husband has recently left her. However, with a friend like Dorothy behind her, she is not going to spend much time licking her wounds but getting on with life.

The book has much to say about love, friendship and the strength of these characters. It is also humorous and has an element of mystery running throughout. I could tell from the writing how much the author cares about her characters and she has done a fantastic job in demonstrating this.

It is an excellent novel that I highly recommend.

The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the delightful, heartwarming romp you didn’t know you needed, proving that age is no barrier to adventure—or getting tangled in a web of secrets!

Gina Knight, 71 and unexpectedly widowed after four decades of marriage, is pretty sure her best years are behind her. That is, until she meets Dorothy Reed, a nearly 90-year-old ball of energy with more joie de vivre than a teenager at a music festival. Dorothy talks Gina into becoming a companion for one of her old friends, Meredith, a successful author living in a picturesque Provence chateau. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.

Meredith is writing her memoirs, and Dorothy has one request: Gina must spy on Meredith and report back on the juicy details. Suddenly, Gina is in way over her head, trying to uncover long-hidden secrets while pretending to be just a kindly companion. Will she uncover the truth before Dorothy gets too curious?

This book is a delightful mix of intrigue, friendship, and unexpected fun. It’s Murder She Wrote meets The Golden Girls, with a little more wine and a lot more charm. Five stars for turning two octogenarians into the ultimate duo of undercover sleuths.

Lots of fun

I enjoyed both of the "Old Girls" books by Kate Galley. Although the 2nd in the series, I think Old Girls Chateau Escape can be read standalone. It is a very amusing family mystery/drama/comedy starring some of us older people, Set in France, it is so much fun. Highly recommended!

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

Ah, retirement—the golden years of relaxation, reflection, and, apparently, amateur spy missions in the South of France. This book delivers exactly what it promises: two old friends, one unexpected adventure, and a surprising amount of snooping for a woman who should be enjoying a quiet cup of tea instead.

Gina, fresh from the wreckage of a 40-year marriage, is just trying to get her life together when Dorothy, a 89-year-old human firecracker, ropes her into a “companion” job that quickly turns into a low-stakes espionage gig. The target? Meredith, a successful writer working on her memoirs—memoirs that Dorothy is very interested in seeing before the rest of the world. Gina, bless her heart, is not exactly Bond material, which makes her attempts at undercover work both hilarious and deeply cringe-worthy.

The book has charm, I’ll give it that. The setting? Delightful—because let’s be honest, any book set in a grand French chateau gets bonus points. The humor? Witty, in a “my grandma is spilling the tea at Sunday brunch” kind of way. And Dorothy? An absolute menace in the best possible sense. But the pacing? Well, let’s just say that at times, the story meanders like a retiree who forgot why they walked into the kitchen. The mystery of what Meredith is hiding takes a while to build up, and by the time the truth is revealed, it’s more of a polite “oh, that’s interesting” than a jaw-dropping scandal.

Still, if you’re in the mood for a cozy caper featuring senior citizens behaving badly (in the classiest way possible), this one might just be for you. Just don’t expect high-stakes drama—this is more “sipping rosé and causing mild chaos” than “Mission: Impossible.”

I love books that have characters of various ages, especially if older people are the main characters. This book has several wonderful older characters.

I did not read the previous book in this series, honestly, I didn't know they had one, but that did not hinder my enjoyment one bit. I followed the story very easily without knowing the history. The book did prefer back to things that I expect happened in the first book. I was giving enough information about the events to continue and not be lost.

There is a mystery flowing through the entire story. I was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed when I found out the answers. I was not. Things fell into place quite perfectly.

I loved the characters, the story setting, and the plot of this book. I really the author’s writing style, and I will be picking up other books written by her in the future.

A sincere thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the immense 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.

This is the second book in a series but I read it easily as a standalone novel. The main characters are women in their 70s and 80s and it’s good to read about older people who bring different perspectives and in this story, memories, a trend started I think by Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club. It’s events of the past that provide the mystery at the heart of the book. With plenty of humour, interesting characters and a beautiful setting in the South of France this is a lovely warm read which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley is a light-hearted contemporary novel that I enjoyed. It is part of the Old Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone.
With lead characters in their seventies and eighties, we see that life is for living whatever your age. Life is an adventure to be grabbed with both hands.
As we move across the water from the shores of England to France, we experience not only a change of weather, but a change of atmosphere too. The region around Aix is warm and sunny in comparison with the grey skies of Britain.
The atmosphere is fun and light-hearted as we join characters with a decades old secret and also a modern-day crime to be solved. Juxta-posing these two scenarios certainly keeps the reader entertained.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. We get to know the lead character intimately as the story is in the first person from her point of view.
Guilty secrets rise to the top – but what is revealed is most surprising and unexpected.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape. It brightened a dull January day.
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.

The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley

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

Blurb

Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!

When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight's husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you'd think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.

Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.

But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?

My Opinion

I haven’t read the previous book in the series but I was able to enjoy this book without all of the backstory – I have now added the first book to my want to read list. Dorothy suggests that Gina takes a job in France to feed her information on Meredith’s memoir, from the beginning it is clear that there are some secrets to be discovered. Kate Galley has definitely shown that her older characters are still capable of having fun. A highly entertaining read.

Rating 4/5

Gina is settling into her new houseboat. She has a new friend or two in Dot and Erik and she's still managing to have an adventure or two!

This time Dot has managed to set her up as the companion of an elderly couple who had just moved to France. Meredith and Dot seem to have crossed paths before and Dot is worried that she is writing her into her memoirs. Can Gina inveigle her way into the couple's good graces while snooping for her new friend?

The description of the French countryside really let my mind wander and get immersed in the story. There are plenty of laughs and the humour has a very sarcastic British vibe. The mystery moves the story along and it was well paced. The very gentle possible-romance with Erik gives us something to look forward to. (P.S. I loved seeing old Dennis get shot down in flames - Go GIna!)

This is a great illustration of why older characters are still worthy of being main characters and not just the secondary character or comedic sidekick. I'm really looking forward to their next adventure!

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

I enjoyed reading this story.

Gina, is travels to France to be a companion for Meredith who is a writer and is recuperating from an injury.

She’s asked to do this by her friend Dorothy, who has an ulterior motive, she wants to find out what Meredith will write in her memoir and whether she will be mentioned.

Whilst Gina helps Meredith’ in typing the memoirs, she also helps to clear up some mysterious happenings with other guests and shows that she’s needed due to her warm nature the problems she’s helped sort out.

Apart from Gina’s story we read about Dorothy and the ways in which she causes trouble when interfering with things.

I highly recommend this book.

After reading the first in this series, I'm thrilled to have had the chance to enjoy the second.

There's always fun to be found in novels of the lives of 'more mature' female friends and this series is a fine example of this. Dorothy convinces Gina to go to Provence as a 'companion' to Meredith who is a successful author but needs help with her husband whose health is deteriorating; however, she fails to disclose that she has an ulterior motive. Dorothy knew Meredith many years ago and has heard that the writer is about to embark on penning her memoirs - what exactly will she be revealing and should Dorothy be concerned? So Gina is despatched to find out something - but she is unaware of exactly what . . .

Alongside fun and humour, there is quite a mystery to be uncovered in this one and it was right up my street. Great characters, a gorgeous location and fine entertainment. I hope this series continues - it's a good, uplifting read in amongst the darker crimes! For me, 4.5* and one I'm happy to recommend.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

Overall a fun easy read perfect for holidays reading by the pool.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy.

Thank you Boldwood and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a fun, light-hearted read which takes two older ladies (70+) on an escape to Provence. Gina’s husband has left her after many years of marriage so accompanying Meredith to a chateau sounds like just the fix.
But is all what it seems ? Is there more to the stories ?

If you’re looking for an enjoyable escape then this is the perfect book, with some laughter and warm hugs thrown in.

The Old Girls' Chateau Escape by Kate Galley was a fun read and the first book i have read by this author and I loved it, especially as it was a heartwarming and humorous story that will have you laughing out loud in parts and I just loved the spirit of the two main characters Gina Knight who is 71 years old and Dorothy Reed who is nearly 90 years old and still thinks she is 21!
Gina's husband of four decades has left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over, until she met Dorothy, a woman so full of life nothing is going to stop her having fun!

So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy's old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no. All packed and excited to travel to the South of France to help Meredith Harper, who is a successful writer, and living in Provence, she needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating.
But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it now becomes clear, that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story.
Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she's sent Gina to spy.

WoW. . . . . . .But what secrets is Meredith keeping?

And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover's blown?

This book was excellent and I am so glad I had a chance to read it, The Old Girl's Chateau Escape was a great way to spend an afternoon reading when it is cold and windy outside. I hope I live to this age and still can have fun..........

This book is the 2nd book in a series called "Old Girls Behaving Badly" and I found it ok to read as a standalone book.

I highly recommend it and a great holiday read,

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

I’m honestly not sure what possessed me to request this book as it’s not the genre I would generally read, and I was unfamiliar with the author. For whatever reason, I’m certainly glad that I did because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was absolutely lovely, the characters engaging, and I particularly enjoyed reading such charming, vivid descriptions of the south of France. I also appreciated that older characters existed in this book (one as old as 89), because often I think anyone above 50 is forgotten in this type of literature. If you’re looking for a delightful way to spend a slow afternoon, this book is certainly it.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kate Galley, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this wonderful book.