Book Review - The Old Girl's Network by Judy Leigh

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Title: The Old Girl's Network

Author: Judy Leigh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 16th June 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Is it ever too late to change…

After a health scare, 77 year-old spinster Barbara goes to convalesce in the sleepy Somerset village of Winsleigh Green with her sister Pauline, who is now a widow. The sisters are like chalk and cheese - Barbara, outspoken and aloof and Pauline, good natured and homely – so it’s not long before the tension starts to rise.

But when Pauline accidentally knocks down a vagrant who goes by the name of Bisto Mulligan, the ladies find themselves with another houseguest. As he recovers, it becomes apparent that Bisto is not who he first seemed, and as the sisters get to know the kind and courageous man he really is, it’s clear Bisto has the potential to change both of their lives.

As the spring turns to summer, and Winsleigh Green comes to life, can the three friends make the changes they need to, to embrace fresh starts, new loves, new lives and new horizons. Or do old habits die too hard?

Funny, joyful and with a spring in its step 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 Dawn French, Dee MacDonald and Cathy Hopkins.

I really wasn't sure what to make of Barbara at first, shes a 77 year old spinster with rather forthright views on everything, doesn't see the point in romance, reading fiction, and had a habit of speaking her mind. She is rather set in her ways and has never really had a proper relationship with her sister Pauline. 

Pauline is the complete opposite and loves the little village she lives in, in Somerset, has friends in the community and generally is well liked.  She is very kind hearted and when Barbara has a bit of a fall, Pauline suggests she should come and stay for a few weeks to recuperate. 

To say the sisters don't get on smoothly at first is an understatement but everything becomes far more interesting when Bisto enters the mix (This is a man called Bisto and not actual gravy!). 

Barbara has rather set opinions about Bisto and is convinced he is a lying vagrant, when as readers we can see that there is definitely a lot more to the man than it first appears. 

I loved how this unlikely threesome spent their summer, and becoming more and more a part of life in Winsleigh Green.   I loved the Welly Wanging contest, the explanation of the rules made me laugh.   The bickering friends who seem to hate each other,  the local farmer, the friendly vicar, oh and Dizzy, she's a breath of fresh air, even if she is rather unlucky in love. 

I really enjoyed seeing how the characters developed and changed over the course of the story and I was loving so much of this book. It really is an entertaining read that had me amused and interested too. 

I love how Judy Leigh always feature s characters of a certain age, and brings real life that you may not necessarily expect from that age-group.  

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.