Friends For Keeps by Celia Anderson

About the Book:

Violet Silverwood loves her life by the sea in East Sussex, but as a widow with grown-up children, she’s ready for a new sense of purpose – and more fun! So, along with her outspoken best friend Marigold and their surprising new neighbour Iggy, Violet launches ‘The Seaside Singles’ Club’, for people who refuse to believe that friendship (or romance) has an age limit.

Meanwhile, Violet’s daughter Beth arrives home hoping for some breathing space, but is swiftly pulled into village life and her mother’s plans, as well as coming face-to-face with an old flame.

As mother and daughter navigate old tensions and new beginnings, they discover that life truly is better… together.

My Review:

It is refreshing to read a novel aimed at older readers, especially when it explores how much of life there is yet to live. Anderson has included a good variety of characters, such as a skinny dipping neighbor. Friendships are made and even those who wonder if life is still worth living find new reasons to do so. There is some humor and some romance. The main theme is refreshing as one is never too old to experience life with enjoyment. This is a good novel for older readers and a good reminder that relationships are so important to provide meaning to life, regardless the age.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Celia Anderson was delighted to be given the opportunity to join the author team at Boldwood in early 2024, and is now ready to start a whole new chapter of her own. She enjoys writing contemporary fiction featuring older protagonists, although a wide age range of characters can always be found in her books. Previously a teacher and assistant head, Celia writes full time these days.

Born and bred in the Midlands, Celia has long been tempted by the idea of living near the sea, and her dream at last became a reality in 2023 when she moved to the south coast.

Boldwood Books, 328 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)