Book Review - Golden Girls on the Run by Judy Leigh

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Title: Golden Girls on the Run

Author: Judy Leigh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 6th December 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Age is just a number. Trouble is a lifestyle.

When octogenarian sisters-in-law Sadie and Bronagh find themselves at the centre of a scandalous (and slightly explosive) bake-off fiasco, there’s only one thing to do – steal Sadie’s grandson’s gleaming red Ferrari and make a run for it.

Sadie is the practical one, all cardigans and contingency plans. Bronagh treats rules as loose suggestions – especially if mischief or wine is involved.

What begins as a quick getaway across Ireland soon spirals into a wild, cross-country adventure filled with fake identities, unexpected friendships, and more than a few brushes with the law.

Sadie and Bronagh may be on the run, but what they find at the journey’s end might just be what they were missing all along…

A heartwarming, hilarious tale of rebellion, rediscovery, and the true meaning of family.

If you love cake, then you will love this. 

There is fair amount of cake and other food in this book, including various baking competitions! With at least one of which involved cheating, and a policeman ending up with his face planted in a cake!  

If you love road trips then you will love this 

Sally and Bronagh end up "borrowing" grandson Rory's Ferrari to make a getaway, after upsetting that policeman, and they drive off to Dublin to let tempers calm down.  Only one thing leads to another including dancing on a bar, and then Bronagh decides vising some relatives in Devon is an even better idea, and they head off to England. 

Only the rest of the family have no idea until they receive postcards, and the family member they are trying to visit is away himself. 

If you love animals then you will love this. 

The runaway octogenarians end up staying at an animal rescue and are enchanted by the horses, donkey and alpacas especially.  To the extent that Sadie is determined to help the rescue out and raise awareness of it.  Especially after  the rest of their family a few days behind them arrive in town, in a fabulous array of vehicles and become equally enchanted by the area.

What starts as an overnight in Dublin, turns into a fabulous holiday for the whole of the O'Connor clan! 

There are though rather a lot of characters, and trying to keep up with all the family members was slightly confusing at times. 

If you have read The Vintage Village Bake Off, then you will recognise the Devonshire setting and will become reacquainted with Robert, Tressie, Harriet and Bunty.  But if you haven't then don't worry as this totally works as a standalone novel. 

I absolutely love Judy Leigh's later in life characters and Sadie and Bronagh were a real joy to meet and love.  And I really loved most of the characters generally, in addition to all the foodie descriptions.  This is set in the run up to Christmas, but although there is a lovely festive feeling to all of this, it can easily be read at any time of year. 

Another totally loveable book from this author. 

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