By Tessa Pulyer Posted on

The Spa Break by Caroline James #BookReview #RomCom #Giveaway

The Spa Break – The laugh-out-loud romantic comedy of the year for fans of The Book Club with Jane Fonda & Judy Leigh!

 A weekend at the spa will leave four old friends with a whole lot more than they’d bargained for…

The glossy brochure promised a serene experience of total tranquillity and rejuvenation, but what best friends Bridgette, Emily, Serena and Marjory get is a weekend that upends their lives!

There for a girls’ weekend to celebrate Bridgette’s impending seventieth birthday, the spa soon has these spicy sexagenarians realising that there are unexpected benefits to age and experience, and that over the hill certainly doesn’t mean out of the game…in any respect…

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

What’s it about (in a nutshell):

Four female friends, all in their 60s, go on a spa retreat to celebrate one of them turning 70. With a lot of fun and reflection, they each learn to embrace a whole new side of themselves and gain a new lease on life.

What I Enjoyed:

The characters are all relatable and recognizable. I felt like I knew each one of these lovely ladies. They are the women I volunteer with, attend church with, and enjoy as neighbors. They each have hit a point when they realize that they aren’t happy with the status quo. But change takes courage. Change takes finding a new direction. Change takes admitting the truth and embracing their needs. Do they have what it takes to find happiness? All they need is a weekend at the spa to show them the way.

The ending held many surprises. It’s a happily ever after story, which is to be expected, but that doesn’t mean that the end is predictable. There were so many fun surprises, and I loved each one. These ladies are anything but predictable, which is a large part of what makes the story so fun to read.

I loved the theme that you’re never too old to start a new chapter in your life. This is something I believe strongly in. After all, age is just a number, and we all deserve happiness at any and all ages. I loved watching these four women realize that and grab on to the changes needed to make happiness a reality.

What I Wish:

When I am in my 60s, I just wish that I am as brave as each woman in this story and am willing to make changes for happiness.

Reminds Me Of:

It reminded me of Fantasy Island because each of the friends were put in situations that helped them grow.

Characters:

Bridgette Haworth is the birthday girl. A well-respected horticulturalists, she gives lectures on cruise ships and tends to her own award-winning gardens. Thinking she had secured the best room at the spa, Bridgette’s fun starts when she finds out that she did not have the penthouse suite and had to stay in one of the spa’s glamping tents.

Serena Alleyne is a celebrity chef who has recently been replaced by a much younger chef by the tv network. She’s not ready for her career to end, and her fun starts when she meets the couple staying in the penthouse suite that was supposed to be Bridgette’s.

Emily is a thin, spry lady who feels completely invisible. Her husband left her for a much younger woman and even started a family with his young bride. Emily’s grown sons live with her and still act like they are kids who need care. Her fun begins when she takes a yoga class for the first time.

Marjory has grown tired of her unfulfilling marriage and has started thinking about the one who got away. Her fun begins when she receives a very magical massage.

To Read or Not to Read:

If you are looking for a fun, relatable story that will leave you ready to start your own new chapter, The Spa Break is just the book you are looking for.

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James, has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but escapes whenever lockdown allows. A public speaker, which has included talks and lectures on cruise ships worldwide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. Caroline writes articles and runs writing workshops, is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer & Journalists and the Society of Authors. In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking with Fred, her Westie and in summer, wild water swimming. In winter, when not working, she relaxes with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Social Media Links –

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Amazon Author Page

Giveaway to Win a Fred the Westie soft toy and a personalised box of chocolates (UK Only)

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17 Replies to “The Spa Break by Caroline James #BookReview #RomCom #Giveaway”

  3. D. Wallace Peach says:

    This book sounds really good, Tessa. I don’t find many books with older ladies as the main characters, and I love the take-away that we’re never too old to grow, change, and embrace happiness. A wonderful message. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Teri Polen says:

    I had high hopes for this one, and I’m glad it turned out so well. The description kind of reminds me of the movie The Book Club. You’re never too old to start a new chapter!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Carla says:

    Yes, I want to read this book! Off to see if I can find it. I had not heard of this one, but it is my friends and I! I am over 60 and love books I can relate to. Great review, Tessa.

    Liked by 1 person

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