An easy to read, good fun book.
The 2 sisters are great characters in their own right and adding complications made them even more fun

A good old fashioned story with an uplifting thread running throughout.

I love this new(?) genre of books about us old people. Very amusing and enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

What a wonderfully funny, and joyous read this was. I usually read books with perhaps slightly younger leading ladies, its not something ive consciously ever done it just seems to be that way and this was a breathe of fresh air. It had all the things i love in a book - a little village community, fun characters and wonderful sounding food.



We meet Barbara who has just had an accident and needs to rest, her blood pressure is high and she needs to take life a little bit easier. Pauline, is a widow having lost her husband but has a busy social life, last time her sister stayed was not an enjoyable experience, but she vows to tell her if she oversteps the mark. As the pair begrudgingly settle into a routine, Pauline knocks over a man called Bisto, he looks a bit down and out but been the kind hearted woman she is - she takes him in to help him mend.



Bisto is the glue that could bring the sisters together, as the summer goes on we see the trio all come into their own and find new friendships, a little bit of love and the importance of family. This was honestly a lovely lovely read. The characters were laugh out loud funny, they were warm and friendly and you would certainly want to sample some of the fudge cakes with the trio. In fact, i loved the community as a whole and i feel like we got to spend sufficient time with alot of members of it and discover alot about their lives too.



This was a refreshing, funny and joyful read that really does warm the soul. It proves we can find love in all places at all ages. I was gifted an e-arc for the blog tour but this does not impact my review.

When prickly Barbara decides to spend some time with her widowed younger sister Pauline in her sleepy little village, they both soon realise it was a bad idea. Barbara is so critical, with no time for village gossip or Pauline's odd friends. Pauline is ready to ask her sister to leave when she accidentally hits Bisto Mulligan with her car. Dirty, drunk, and now concussed, he doesn't look like much - but his presence proves the catalyst they all need and it will be a summer none of them will ever forget.

Judy Leigh has written a classic village-life comedy, full of characters - the warring neighbours, the townies who moved in next door, the handsome handyman, the quiet farmer... perhaps they start as caricatures but are painted with such warmth and depth, each one fits perfectly into the whimsical tapestry of Winsley Green as we get to see them through Barbara's slowly mellowing gaze and Pauline's affectionate point of view.

Barbara starts as a character you almost love to hate but it quickly becomes apparent that behind her walls is a hurt woman with a heart of gold. It's almost comical, almost tragic, as she reassesses her life with the same critical eye that she uses on everyone else. And then buys a self-help book.

Pauline is a more sympathetic point of view but perhaps is less interesting, while Bisto is a mystery with his own tangled past that we get to untangle over the course of the book. Also, did I mention that all three main characters are over 70? Because they are and it's really cool to see older characters get the limelight, have fun, and fall in love. It's funny, emotional, and overall a good time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

I have been a fan of Judy's work for a while now and I have read and loved each of her books to date. I read the synopsis for 'The Old Girls' Network' and it certainly sounded like the kind of light hearted, feel good, funny read that I so needed. I was spot on because I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Old Girls' Network' but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the characters of Pauline and Bisto and I even eventually warmed to the character of Barbara, who is Pauline's sister. Although I must admit that I did want to slap Barbara silly with a wet fish for the way in which she spoke to people and in particular how she treated her sister. I think that my animosity to Barbara has a lot to do with the fact that she reminds me of several members of my family. Pauline is a lovely lady, who has been through some tough times but she has made a life for herself and she is settled where she lives. Barbara invites herself to stay with Pauline following her discharge from hospital and Pauline doesn't have any option but to let her stay. Pauline knocks Bisto over in her car and she ends up allowing him to stay at her home. Bisto is a bit of an enigma to start with but he is a kind hearted man, who tells it like it is and he is also rather funny. I did wonder how all three characters would get along with each other in the same house given that they have such different personalities.
Oh my word, I was drawn into this story from the first word on the first page. To say that reading 'The Old Girls' Network' became a serious addiction is a massive understatement. I couldn't bear to be parted from the book for any length of time. It was as if the book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold I wasn't willing to break. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. It will come as no surprise that I managed to binge read the book over the course of a single day. For me, 'The Old Girls' Network' was an unputdownable, page turner of a read. I found myself chuckling away to myself throughout the book. They say that laughter is the best medicine and well that's true because this book did more to cheer me up than any medication could have done.
'The Old Girls' Network' is superbly written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Judy Leigh. She creates some adorable characters, who are impossible to dislike and even the ones who aren't that adorable to start with, seem to redeem themselves. I love the way in which Judy described Winsley Green, which is where Pauline lives. In fact Judy described the village so well that I was all set to pack my bags and move in with Pauline. Before anybody says anything, yes I know 'The Old Girls' Network' is a work of fiction but I find that if I enjoy a book as much as I enjoyed this one then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real. I felt part of this story myself, which is thanks to Judy's very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Old Girls' Network' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Judy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

It is such a delightful change to have stories focussing on the antics of some members of the older generations! In this story after having a health scare 77 year old Barbara invites herself to stay with her sister, Pauline in a rural community. Barbara can’t stand the countryside, is a loner, abrupt, standoffish and aggressive with no real filter when she makes comments. To be honest, I really didn’t like her to start with! Pauline is her complete antithesis – gregarious, kind, caring, an active member of the community and always ready to help anyone in need. The sisters don’t really relate well to one another, they never have. However, when Pauline accidentally knocks down an elderly Irish gentleman, Bisto Mulligan, she ends up taking him home to give him time to recover from his injuries and life sure gets interesting for them all as they get to know each other and this brilliant community works its magic on them all.

The story is packed with fun and laughter and the the whole community is an eclectic mix of fabulous characters who are superbly portrayed and easy to relate to. This is a story which shows that change can be brought about when we least expect it. Fate has a huge part to play in this story. It is story of community, life and living as well as finding romance in your later years. It is a story full of surprises and romance. There’s definitely life left in these septuagenarians and lots of laughs along the way in this highly entertaining read -there’s even a shiny thong involved in one scene that had me in stitches! I have no hestitation in highly recommending this fantastic story, great fun to escape into whatever your age! This is one of those rare stories that I suspect I’ll remember snippets from and be giggling about for some time to come.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after thoroughly enjoying read it.

Barbara and Pauline are sisters, but they are very much like chalk and cheese. So different in their attitudes and perspectives on lives. When Barbara has a bit of a health scare, she reluctantly decides to live with Pauline for a while to recuperate.

Whilst out driving they knock over Bisto Mulligan. Pauline being the ever nice citizen takes it upon herself to invite Bisto into her home to get better. The combination of these three characters is a great idea.

Pauline has lived in Winsley Green for three years now, and has settled in to the village life well. Barbara on the other hand, doesn't quite understand the ways of the village. And, her outspoken and honest views can cause a bit of trouble. Bisto, uses his Irish charm to settle in to life.

Winsley Green has a very colourful cast of characters dwelling there. Judy Leigh writes this story so well I felt like I was a part of the community and gossipping with the locals over a cup of tea.

Whilst reading The Old Girls Network I kept comparing it to Last Of The Summers Wine and Heartbeat. It had all the wonderful elements that is needed for a good ole village saga. Laughs, love, neighbourly disputes, a local pub, village fetes, a hunky window cleaner. This story had it all.

The Old Girls Network was truly an easy escape from reality. A light hearted read full of fun and joy. Will Barbara and Pauline ever see eye to eye though?

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Judy for my gifted digital copy. And, my review was part of Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tour

The Old Girls’ Network is a breath of fresh air with its focus on seventy-somethings!

If you like warm, funny, light-hearted, yet meaningful stories about country life, full of non-malicious village gossip and a supportive community, this book is for you.

The pace of the story is leisurely– it takes its time to describe everything in detail–people, surroundings, or feelings.

As compared to the second half of the novel, not much happens in the beginning and for a long while, I was wondering what the point of the story was and where it was heading.

There are many characters who populate the village of Winsley Green, but you never get lost in the jumble of names and events. Each person’s story is skillfully and engagingly described such that it leaves a distinct impression on the reader.

I especially appreciated the light humor–it made a lot of difference to the story which has its heavy moments. The “Welly Wanging Contest” was hilarious and I enjoyed the whole episode so much! Don’t miss the 90-something arch enemies, Phyllis and Dulcie, who had a falling out in their youth. Bisto provides some laugh-out-loud moments–I cannot forget the last public “show” that he put up for Barbara’s benefit.

The core of the novel is about two sisters, Pauline and Barbara, discovering a new lease of life after crossing their seventies, aided by the appearance of the mysterious Bisto Mulligan. His exact words are, “My philosophy on life is I won’t always be here, but while I am, I intend to make the most of it.”

I didn’t think much of Bisto in the beginning, too, just like Barbara. But the way his character blossoms in each chapter made me look at him with new eyes–again, much like Barbara saw him in a new light.

I found the idea of the elderly looking forward to life with fresh eyes quite radical. No tired cynicism, no boring lectures, no wise preaching. I’m yet to meet someone like the people at Winsley Green in real life!

The book left me with such a good feeling in my heart and a smile on my lips. I’d recommend it for people who want a leisurely escape into a charming world populated by an eclectic mix of villagers.

Thank you to the author and Rachel for my copy of the book!

Pauline and Barbara are sisters with widely different personalities. Pauline recently widowed is a bubbly person willing to look on the bright side of anyone and Barbara is a negative, gloomy pessimist always thinking that everyone is out to either cheat her, rob her or do something to her. It does not make for a good mix when Barbara comes to convalesce at Pauline's home

From the word go you realize that sparks are going to fly as Barbara is critical not just of Pauline's home to her friends and to Bisto the man Pauline accidentally runs over and who to all accounts looks like a tramp. The story goes on covering a whole series of events in a rural village with all the usual characters from the lord of the manor to the publicans to the doctor and his wife, to the newcomers who seem a bit distant. Each one is a different type of person and the characters make up for an interesting whole.

Dealing with relationships, mellowing and relaxing as you get older, getting less judgemental are the lessons to be learnt from the older sisters in this story.

I hate myself a little bit for this, but I find it hard to relate to older characters. As someone who has just entered into her thirties, I like reading about people my own age because I'm able to relate to it. However, as someone who has just faced a health scare with my partner, this rang true to me and I was able to relate through that. It was a good book, I like Judy Leigh as a writer a lot and I hope to read more form her.

WOW, love in the seventies and I don't mean the 1970's but seventy year old youngsters. I know I am in my 70's but I wish I was as fit as these villagers. How to have the time of your life . Judy Leigh, what a wonderful story, I hope you have more like it in the pipeline. Loved this from cover to cover pity I can only give this 5 stars as it deserves far more. Well done Judy.

When I set out at the beginning of this year to read more light-hearted books, this is exactly what I had in mind: a fun, happy story that is not too cheesy. It was nice to read and I became invested in the characters despite the age difference (authors, no need to be ageist in the future; we love characters of all ages!).

I preferred Barbara over Pauline even if she didn’t immediately come across as likable. She had more bite to her and was the main driver of the book’s theme: is it ever too late to change? Even without reading The Old Girls’ Network, I know the answer is no. Life is for living whatever your age. Barbara was a great character to push this message.

However, I have to say that Bisto was my favorite character. With Bisto, came the message “looks can be deceiving”, an important theme that wasn’t mentioned in the article. I loved that message and how Bisto evolved as a character. Saying that, I did think he was written a bit too much as the stereotypical Irish when it came to alcohol. I don’t understand why every author feels the need to play up on that when they write an Irish character.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Old Girls’ Network. I’d certainly be up for reading a sequel *hint hint*

I do so love a story featuring more mature characters, and this one was totally stuffed full of life and love, showing us that neither has to fade when you grow old, unless you let it.

This book was reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine in some ways - I'm thinking of Barbara here - and I adored the 2 main characters instantly. The first chapter was brilliant and compelling and drew me right in, keeping me within the pages until the end, with hardly a break in between.

A true gem! Judy Leigh has written a charming story full of quirk and wit. Barbara and Pauline are sisters. They have never really gotten along and could not be more different. Pauline comes to live with Barbara as she convalesces after an ailment. Barbara is caring and loving and lives in a delightful little village. When the sisters literally run into Bisto he livens things up a bit. So will Barbara and Pauline repair their fractured relationship?

A fun uplifting story. I loved the relationship between the sisters and how it evolved throughout the course of the book. The residence of Winsley were so lively and welcoming, I seriously wanted to go visit. This is just one of those books that makes you feel good about being alive! Sweet and satisfying.

*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

You know the way you can sometimes look at two people and wonder how on earth they can be from the same family? Well, that’s how it is with Barbara and Pauline. Barbara’s stiff and buttoned up, speaks her mind and doesn’t much thought to the impact, all sharp edges and disapproval – some might even say an archetypal spinster. And then there’s Pauline – soft around the edges, warm and eager to please, taking every opportunity for involvement in her local community, an all-round lovely lady. When Barbara invites herself to stay, you can tell it’s not going to go well: you watch with mounting horror as she becomes increasingly obnoxious, with Pauline constantly trying to take the path of least resistance and calm the waters. Can you imagine what it’s like to be in your 70s and your sister still calls you “Pud”? I think I’d have packed Barbara’s bags for her…

When Pauline knocks down Bisto as he leaves the village pub (there’s rather a recurring theme there) – to all appearances, an elderly and rather smelly vagrant – her soft heart makes her offer him a home for a while. You can imagine what Barbara thinks of that – particularly when he gets sozzled on the first night and relieves himself in next door’s rose bushes. But these are three characters about to go on a bit of a journey, and I loved every twist and turn along the way – Bisto might just not be quite what he seems, his secrets are slowly uncovered, and his presence changes everyone whose lives he touches.

The three main characters are superb – their every interaction, the dialogue quite perfectly done, the insights as their new experiences begin to shape them into something different. And the set pieces – the welly throwing competition, the inter-village cricket match (complete with jugs of Pimms), the Shakespearean production on the village green – are just wonderful. Bisto invariably becomes everyone’s focus for attention before returning to the nearest beer tent, Pauline smiles indulgently, and Barbara bristles with embarrassment and indignation. The humour is ever present, and for my tastes perfectly judged – and then there’s that touch of poignancy too, the emotional note sometimes taking you by surprise. These are characters that you grow to love through the book’s course – and yes, I’ll even include Barbara in that statement.

But if the main characters are magnificent, and considerably more complex than you might expect, the author also gives them a wonderfully drawn community to interact with. I think I’d like to live in Winsley Green, so vividly described – by the end of this book, I felt as competitive about neighbouring Milton Rogus as the residents did. Every single person in the village is fully rounded, alive on the page, however peripheral they might be – the bouncy female vicar, the surly farmer, the standoffish new neighbours, the eccentric novelist writing her bodice-rippers, the two old ladies at war all their lives because of an incident in their youth, the Greek god of a window cleaner who becomes an object of lust to hairdresser Dizzy… quite wonderfully done. Every small detail was enchanting – even the antics of murderous Derek and Clive (lest you worry, they’re cats), punctuating the story with their most recent corpses. At one point, Barbara is heard to say “It was never like this in Country Life magazine” – but it’s certainly considerably more fun.

I know I’m older than the average reader, and I guess I was fairly guaranteed to enjoy this book – and I already knew I loved Judy Leigh’s wonderful writing. But if you’re not yet past your prime (and how wrong is that expression?), don’t be put off for an instant – the story’s simply wonderful, the theme of second chances will resonate whatever your age, there’s something for everyone among the characters, and I do defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the perfect ending. And I guarantee you’ll laugh – if you share my sense of humour, you’ll laugh a lot, as you wipe away a little tear. I adored this book – don’t miss it, whatever you do.

A brilliant book which was so uplifting in its prose. I loved it.

I loved the dynamics between two sisters who were in the slightly older age bracket, but absolutely young at heart and most times, in their escapades. I couldn't be that young ever.

Barbara, after a health scare, came to saty with her sister Pauline. The love between them was evident though minor skirmishes do start occurring occasionally. When she knocked a vagrant down, she had to invite him home to recuperate. Bisto was the catalyst who brought about a change in their lives.

My second book by this author, I loved how real the characters felt. The writing brought out the antics of the sisters and made me get the feels. There was a poignancy and depth in it. The whole book felt superfluous as change soon started happening with new outlooks to love and life.

It was the perfect escape from the realities of the world. Emotions and humor made it a delightful afternoon read.

After 77-year-old Barbra has a health scare in hospital, she decides to leave Cambridge and visit her sister, Pauline. Despite the pair never being close, she thinks some time together will do her good. The hilarious and heartwarming village Winsley Green accepts Barbra with open arms and give her the courage to make much needed changes to her monotonous lifestyle.

I'll be honest and say that I absolutely hated Barbra initially. She comes across as cruel, unempathetic and at times downright mean. Her character growth over the course of the book was my favourite to read. I felt like she developed so much during her time with Pauline in Winsley Green. She blossomed and gained so much confidence, it was a delight to read her story.

There are so many loveable characters in the village it seems like a truly magic community. It's a story that's jam packed with laughs and fun and it made this a delight to read. The community have so many hilarious events happening through the book such as: welly wanging, a fete like no other and even an outdoor Shakespeare play.

One scene in this book particularly had me giggling. Thinking about it now is still putting a smile on my face. It's definitely an amusing read and not necessarily what you'd expect from characters in their 70s. I think I'll remember this book, and this scene in particular for a long time to come! It's a treat of a read.

With brilliant characters and hilarious antics, this is definitely a cosy read you'll not want to miss.

I received a copy of the book from the book's publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Barbara is staying with her sister after having a fall due to low blood pressure. Both ladies are in their seventies, Barbara never having married and Pauline now a widow. On a trip one day Pauline knocks over what she thinks is a drunken vagrant. Enter Bisto- so named as a child he loved to smell the cooking just like the kids in the advert of the same name. He says he was on his way to his chateau in France and has lost his belongings and wallet. He is filthy and stinks of drink. Pauline is more trusting and Barbara maybe like most of us thinks “ yeah right- not!”. She is a rather reserved solitary type of person, different from her friendly, gregarious sister who knows and interacts with most people in her village. Pauline insists on taking Bisto in for a while whilst he recovers, and so begins some adventures both with Bisto and of Barbara wondering if how she has led her life has been the best path. I enjoyed this, it's a lighthearted look at life and how we sometimes interact with others- or not. This is one of those reads that can stop time, take you back to time and places in your life and how you or others have dealt with situations. Maybe not a bad thing. I loved Bisto, he is a wonderful character and someone I will remember long after finishing the book. I smiled and it took me to a happy place. Five big stars from me.
(rest of links as part of blog tour)(amazon done- misfits farm)

Judy Leigh writes novels full of vigour, zest and gusto and she is back with a delightfully feel-good tale that is inspirational, uplifting and immensely enjoyable: The Old Girls’ Network.

After a health scare, 77 year old Barbara goes to the sleepy village of Winsleigh Green for some much-needed R&R. Accompanied by her sister Pauline, the two siblings head off to the quaint and quiet Somerset village, but no sooner have they set foot in Winsleigh Green that sparks begin to fly. While Barbara is outspoken and aloof, Pauline tends to prefer her home comforts and is certainly far more good-natured then her sister. The tension between the two of them is soon so thick, it could almost be cut with a knife, but there is further drama in store for the sisters when Pauline accidently knocks down a vagrant called Bisto Mulligan…

In no time at all, the two sisters find themselves with a new houseguest, but they quickly realize that there is far more to Bisto than meets the eye. Barbara and Pauline soon realise that their houseguest is a gentle, kind-hearted and generous man who might just end up forcing them to take a long and hard look at themselves and make some much-needed changes. Will Bisto make the sisters realise that you are never too old for a fresh start, a new beginning… and even a romance?

Will Winsleigh Green provide the sisters with what they have been missing all along? Or will they end up going back to their old ways?

Judy Leigh is on top form with The Old Girls’ Network. A brilliantly told novel that explores the fragility of life and the joys and frustrations of ageing, The Old Girls’ Network is a sparkling, beguiling and fun tale featuring brilliantly drawn characters who come instantly to life and plenty of drama, humour, pathos and mischief to keep readers entertained from beginning to end.

A fabulous read sure to brighten up anyone’s day, The Old Girl’s Network is the unmissable new novel by Judy Leigh.

Rating: 4 spry stars

I really enjoyed this, the latest book written by Judy Leigh. She has written a thoughtful yet mostly lighthearted book. It features an English village setting, and characters who are a mixed bag of folks I’d like to meet. Well, I would like to meet MOST of them anyway.

Barbara and Pauline are 77 and 75 year-old respectively. They are sisters that never had much in common, as they grew up, and that gap widened as their lives progressed. Then Barbara had a health scare. Her doctor told her to go stay with someone for a while. Someone who could ensure that she is faring okay. Therefore, she invites herself to Pauline’s cottage in the village of Winsley Green. Pauline was widowed a couple of years ago, but has found a comfortable niche in this small village.

Then Pauline hits Bisto Mulligan with her car. He was travelling through on his way to France. He joins the sisters in the cottage while he recuperates. Then the fun ensues. We watch as the three main characters interact with the varied folks who live in the village. Barbara is sharp with her opinions that she is not afraid to voice. She does not have a filter, and is often unwittingly harsh and judgmental. Bisto is a bit of an Everyman. He is mysterious about his background but it willing to join in an all sorts of village goings-on. Pauline is kind-hearted and giving. She’s made great connections amongst the villagers.

I loved watching the summer unfold with these main characters and the other villagers. It was just the slice of life (or 'Slice of Village') story that I needed to read during this stressful time of COVID isolation. The story had enough drama amongst all the villagers to keep me interested. I liked experiencing the May Day festivities, the Welly Wanging Contest, and the Shakespeare outdoor drama on the green. I felt like I was part of the village too. It was fun to see how the summer impacted everyone’s lives.

This was a charming book. I would recommend it to readers looking for a light getaway. I think that this fits in the newly emerging 'Up-Lit' genre. Now I'm off to find more books written by Ms. Leigh.

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Boldwood Books; and the author, Judy Leigh for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.