The conversation that follows leads to a Caribbean Christmas Cruise being booked aboard an over fifties ship called The Diamond Star, the ladies are hoping for new beginnings and doing something for themselves for a change and enjoying life.

The Cruise by Caroline James - Fantastic Fiction

I am not a great reader of romantic comedy, but I really enjoy Caroline James’ books. Not just because the protagonists are ladies in their sixties having a fabulous time, but because everything about them and their adventures is so beautifully observed and the pathos and humour eased out. A laugh from start to finish this book shows you that although you grow older in years, you don't have to grow older in attitude” - Lilac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fabulous to read...It's about a girls' weekend with characters in their 60s and determined to have a good time' Woman & Home I absolutely loved this book. Four mature ladies book a spa break to celebrate a 70th birthday. They all have issues bubbling but are determined to have a great break, booking different treatments but meeting up for meals.Caroline James always wanted to write but instead of taking a literary route, she followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing many celebrity chefs.

‎The Cruise on Apple Books

Thank you to @0neMoreChapter_ and @CarolineJames12 for this advanced copy of The Spa Break in return for an honest review. At times elements of Sparadise reminded me of Caroline James previous books, specifically Boomerville and I kept thinking Hattie and Jo would appear. But instead we have a whole brand new cast of equally fantastic characters that Caroline James is so talented at creating. Caroline is a natural story-teller with a gift for humour in her writing." The Write Stuff, London Book Fair.love the journey these four women go on, they arrive at the spa all set for a weekend of pampering and being away from their claustrophobic lives, away from the control freaks of relatives, a weekend of ‘me time’ with friends and a few glasses of prosecco. It did get me wondering if such a normal and pretty simple plot if it could keep me hooked throughout a full-length book, but then things start happening and I will hold my hands up and admit I was wrong it did keep my attention As well as the main characters in the story, there are others for readers to fall in love with. I particularly liked Robin and Stevie; such a great couple and I loved the way they rallied for Serena. Norman was hilarious and I think everyone needs a Norman in their life if they find themselves in a bit of a rut. Really fun story about friendship, love, getting older, taking chances… So hard to put down!” - Kristin⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Cruise by Caroline James | WHSmith

Friendship is the glue that binds the women together and keeps them grounded. It is clear that they just want each other to be happy. You find out some surprising secrets that at least one of them is hiding. Of the three , it seems that Jane changes the most as she gains confidence and loses her self consciousness. With some laugh out loud moments and lively characters, this proves to be a light hearted read and ideal for an escapist holiday read. Oh my word …I couldn't put this down it was so good, following the adventures of Anne, Kath and Jane was brilliant and happy endings throughout’

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For me it was my first book from this author really liked the writing style and the story line of this book. I would have given it 5 stars but there is just to many characters, they was kind of need to make the story but for me just to many. The Spa Break’ is well written. Caroline has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Caroline clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes the characters seem just as real as you and I. I began to think of the four main ladies as friends rather than characters in a book. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt anyway. Oh my word …I couldn’t put this down it was so good, following the adventures of Anne, Kath and Jane was brilliant and happy endings throughout’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a fun journey these three women embark on, leaving their problems at home and setting off into the sun. One widowed, one unmarried, one almost divorced, all aged 63, but not ready to give up on life. I enjoyed seeing them experience new things, slowly revealing more about themselves and coming into their own as the cruise progresses. There is a great cast of minor characters too, each one brought vividly to life. I particularly loved Selwyn, discreetly scattering little handfuls of his dead wife's ashes around the Caribbean as he lets his old life go and embraces the new. If you enjoyed the author's previous novel, The Spa Break, you will love this one too. Girl power for the over sixties!