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Five French Hens

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Who Would Like This Book:

Dive into a heartwarming escapade with five unforgettable women who prove that life, friendship, and a bit of adventure don’t end at 70. If you love stories that celebrate second chances, bonds between women, and the idea of reinvention at any age, this charming, feel-good read set in Paris will have you laughing, relating, and feeling inspired. Perfect for fans of uplifting women’s fiction and those who appreciate seeing vibrant, older characters taking center stage.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the story unrealistic, feeling that the energetic escapades of the seventy-something characters stretched believability. Others felt the characters lacked depth or that the use of the word “hen” was overdone. If you prefer more gritty, complex narratives or are looking for stories focused on younger protagonists, this might not quite hit the mark for you.

A joyful, big-hearted tale of friendship and self-discovery among women in their golden years - Five French Hens is a delightful, easy read that’s as comforting as a warm cup of tea.

About:

Five French Hens by Judy Leigh tells the uplifting story of five women in their golden years who find connection and friendship while attending an aqua fitness class. The characters—Jen, Tess, Rose, Della, and Pam—all come from different backgrounds and life experiences, yet they discover shared dreams and lost hopes as they prepare for a bachelorette party in Paris. The book explores their unique stories with warmth and humor, revealing how their adventures in Paris allow them to embrace change and seek happiness in their lives.

Characters:

The characters are diverse older women, each representing different life experiences and challenges, though some feedback calls for more depth in their portrayals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is warm and light-hearted, with humor and accessibility but occasional repetition.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows five older women who connect through a fitness class and subsequently travel to Paris, exploring their personal growth and shared experiences.

Setting:

The setting is largely in Paris, providing a vibrant backdrop for the characters' adventures.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but becomes quick and engaging as the characters connect.
‘Try again from the beginning, dear,’ she murmured, watching the second hand twitch on the wall clock. It would soon be over and Amelia would leave her in peace. Rose sighed and spoke through clenched...

Notes:

The book features five older women as protagonists.
The characters bond through an aqua fit class.
They embark on a trip to Paris for a hen party.
Each woman has a different life experience and background.
The story explores themes of friendship, change, and self-discovery.
The book emphasizes that it's never too late to pursue happiness.
The characters face issues common among senior women.
The author, Judy Leigh, aims to portray realistic experiences of women over 50.
The narrative highlights personal growth and adventure at an older age.
The book is described as warm, funny, and uplifting.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance as the women explore relationships and love in their later years.

From The Publisher:

The best days of your life might be still to come... When 73 year old Jen announces that she is going to marry Eddie, a man she met just a few months previously on a beach on Boxing Day, her four best friends from aqua aerobics are flabbergasted.

The wedding is booked and, when the groom decides to have a stag trip to Las Vegas, the ladies arrange a hen party to beat all others -a week in the city of love, Paris. From misadventures at the Louvre, outrageous Parisian cabarets, to drinking champagne with a dashing millionaire at the casino, Paris lives up to all their hopes and dreams.

But a week can change everything, and the women that come home have very different dreams from the ones who got on the plane just days ago. Funny, fearless and with a joie de vivre that reminds you to live every day like it’s your last.

Judy Leigh has once again written the perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Cathy Hopkins, Dawn French and Fiona Gibson Praise for Judy Leigh’s books: ‘Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting’ Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life...

a wonderful escapade’ Fiona Gibson, bestselling author of The Woman Who Upped and Left What readers are saying about Five French Hens'It was laugh out loud funny at times and I would definitely recommend giving it a go.' 'highly amusing and gives her characters depth and feeling.' 'very enjoyable novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.' 'The story was great fun, covered each of the ladies in depth, and was very well-written.

I loved it and would highly recommend it.' 'their transformation was absolutely awe-inspiring.' 'I enjoyed every bit of the story!' 'This book has a little bit of everything, romance, humor, and suspense' 'this book is a delightful, poignant read - one that reminds readers that life doesn't end when you reach a certain age - in fact, it just gets better.'

December 2019
345 pages
 
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