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The Spa Break by Caroline James

cher1634's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

sbn42's review against another edition

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4.0

Bridgette is fast approaching 70 and arranges a spa weekend with three close friends. The reader should feel an urge to be introspective as certain ages approach. While the story is quite far-fetched, it can cause one to wonder what they may have given up or avoided along the way and whether a course correction is in order. This had a very personal tone as I did my own review, unrelated to the wacky story on the surface.

gerbrough55's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

The Spa Break by Caroline James

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A weekend at the spa will leave four old friends with a whole lot more than they’d bargained for…

The glossy brochure promised a serene experience of total tranquillity and rejuvenation, but what best friends Bridgette, Emily, Serena and Marjory get is a weekend that upends their lives!

There for a girls’ weekend to celebrate Bridgette’s impending seventieth birthday, the spa soon has these spicy sexagenarians realising that there are unexpected benefits to age and experience, and that over the hill certainly doesn’t mean out of the game…in any respect…

I initially struggled to figure out how Caroline was going to turn a spa weekend into a full book but very quickly it becomes apparent that this weekend is going to be life changing for all four of our leading ladies. A nice and easy read offers an ideal opportunity to escape reality.

This book is well-written and flows so well it is so easy to get drawn in and read a large chunk in one sitting. A cheerful read, with many chuckle worthy moments. All of these things make for a lovely read.

Rating: 4/5

lucie437's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

3.5

sarahinreaderland's review against another edition

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3.0

Thank you to @0neMoreChapter_ and @CarolineJames12 for this advanced copy of The Spa Break in return for an honest review.

Description

tessa_talks_books's review against another edition

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5.0

What’s it about (in a nutshell):
4 female friends, all in their 60s, go on a spa retreat to celebrate one of them turning 70. With a lot of fun and reflection, they each learn to embrace a whole new side to themselves and with that, a whole new lease on life.

What I Enjoyed:

The characters are all relatable and recognizable. I felt like I knew each one of these lovely ladies. They are the women I volunteer with, attend church with, and enjoy as neighbors. They each have hit a point in their lives when they realize that they aren’t happy with the status quo. But change takes courage. Change takes finding a new direction. Change takes admitting the truth and embracing their needs. Do they have what it takes to find happiness? All they need is a weekend at the spa to show them the way.

The ending held many surprises. It’s a happily ever after story which is to be expected but that didn’t mean that the end is predictable. There were so many fun surprises and I loved each one. These ladies are anything but predictable and that is a large part of what makes the story so fun to read.

I loved the theme of your never to old to start a fresh chapter in your life. This is something I believe strongly in. After all, age is just a number and we all deserve happiness at any and all ages. I loved watching these four women realize that and grab on to the changes needed to make happiness a reality.


Characters:
Bridgette Haworth is the birthday girl. A well-respected horticulturalist, she gives lectures on cruise ships and tends to her own award-winning gardens. Thinking she had secured the best room at the spa, Bridgette’s fun starts when she finds out that not only did she not have the penthouse suite but that she had to stay in one of the spa’s glamping tents.

Serena Alleyne is a celebrity chef who has recently been replaced by a much younger chef by the tv network. She’s not ready for her career to end and her fun starts when she meets the couple staying in the penthouse suite that was supposed to be Bridgette’s.

Emily is a thin, spry lady who feels completely invisible. Her husband left her for a much younger woman and even started a family with his young bride. Emily’s grown sons live with her and still act like they are kids who need taking care of. Her fun starts when she takes a yoga class for the first time.

Margory has grown tired of her unfulfilling marriage and has started having thoughts about the one who got away. Her fun begins when she gets a very magical massage.

Reminds Me Of:
Fantasy Island

What I Wish:

I just wish that when I am in my 60s, I am just as brave as each of the women in this story and am willing to make changes for happiness-sake.

To Read or Not to Read:
If you are looking for a fun, relatable story that will leave you ready to start your own new chapter, The Spa Break is just the book you are looking for.

kathijo63's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.5

I can only hope that when I reach the age of these ladies that I have the same kind of friendships that have lasted through time. The story had many laughs as I chuckled at their different ways of relaxing and enjoying themselves in new ways. It makes me want to go spend some time at a Spa!

theweebookworm's review

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0