Ready to set sail on the high seas? It's time to meet and greet today's second Rachel's Random Resources tour as we climb aboard The Diamond Star and chart a course for change! That's right. The ladies three that star in the story are out for change, and we're not simply talking about a makeover, but a life-over, or at least what the next chapter of theirs may look like. Curious? Pack your bags and prepare to board as we take a look at today's ebook of choice...
The Cruise
by
Caroline James
One More Chapter
About the book...
#THECRUISE
Three friends set sail on a luxury cruise… will they be able to catch a husband on the open seas?
Leaving behind the heartache, guilt and disappointment of their real lives, three friends decide that now they’re in their sixties, it’s time they finally did something for themselves!
Swapping Christmas turkeys and BBC reruns for crystal waters, white sandy beaches and smooth golden rum, Anne, Jane and Kath throw caution (and tradition) to the wind as they set sail on a luxury two-week Christmas cruise around the Caribbean.
Will the three friends find the comfort and joy they seek aboard the Diamond Star?
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Having read her prior release, The Spa Break, I knew I was in for a treat. The author gives us something you don't see a lot of...older characters taking the lead, and having the time of their lives...and makes it something that crosses generations. It's relateable whether you're 19 or 99 and the antics they get up to are priceless at any age!
I loved how close they all were, and the initial showdown at the reunion certainly proves that point from the word GO. Can't say I've been to any reunions, but I can imagine being faced with those you didn't really hang with them on a whole new level while everyone is trying to one up each other...no thank you...or perhaps YES PLEASE with a group of friends such as these. They are there for each other through thick and thin, and that's not to say they don't tell it like it is because they most certainly do, they've just been around the block before so they aren't thrown off their game nearly as often. Each one of these ladies goes through a transformation in some way, the most notable, perhaps, being Jane. I really felt her come into her own, and by doing so, she opened herself up for bigger, better, life enriching experiences, and connections. Kath may be the one faring the worst health wise, but she's not out of the game just yet, and aims to prove as much. She doesn't gain as much tangibly as the others, but there is something to be said for peace of mind and taking the reins on one's own life. Anne was the one I worried about the most, seeing as Dicky set his sights on her , but she had a good head on her shoulders and true friends he could rely on...what more could you ask for? We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Selwyn when he has a bigger purpose for his journey too, and plays such a big part in all their stories, albeit for the better. He was quite the character, but in a charming way, and his easygoing, self confident vibes certainly have a transforming effect on those that surround.
All in all, it was a trip in the right direction with a course set for life, love, and friendship...all things that they achieved in spades! Though it wasn't all smooth sailing, by book's end everything is set to rights, and a few characters may just surprise you with their 180s. A great pick for Women's Fiction fans, and those who could use the reminder that the only one that can stop us from truly living is ourselves.
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About the author...
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.
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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
Gina - thank you. You have blown me away with your review for The Cruise and I am so thrilled that you enjoyed it. Huge thanks for reading and taking the time to review. Warmest wishes and happy reading, Caroline xx
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