Cover Image: Heading Over the Hill

Heading Over the Hill

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Member Reviews

This is a fairly enjoyable book, although I didn't really warm to the characters. It raises the question, amongst others, of when are your children grown up enough to look after themselves. All parents should be able to have time to themselves and live where they want to when they retire, shouldn't they? One of the morals of the tale is not to make assumptions based on personal appearance, something we could all do well to remember. Above all this is a story about love and friendship.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this novel.

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This book is a little slice of life in Barnstaple, by the sea, north of Devon, where the reader meets and gets to know some wonderful neighbors that become friends during the course of the story.
I was engrossed in this wonderful book immediately and I am somewhat heartbroken that it is now over and I do not get to continue to read about these characters. I am hoping that they go on to have happy lives. (Yes, I do care about these fictional people!)

I love the author’s style (and I have read all her books published so far). She has a gift of creating characters that become so much more than people on the pages of a book. These characters become real people to me and I honestly adore them. From the unique couple of Dawnie and Billy, to the grumpy Malcolm, and the young at heart (although not young in age) Dilly, they all have a loving place in my memory now. Her description of the scenery transported me to North Devon and the beautiful landscape there. The plot was woven into a glorious tale and I am happy I took the journey with this book.

The story has themes of Laughter, Loving Unconditionally, Compassion, Loyalty, Keeping Hope Alive for the Future, Having Fun, and Treasuring Our Here & Now.

I enjoyed reading this book so much! I highly recommend it!

I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.

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Billy and Dawnie are two aging hippies who have left their family home in the north to their daughter and her extended family. They relocate to Devon to find their "home near the sea" for their golden years. Their temporary landing is Margot Street where they meet a cast of neighbors who initially find Dawnie's attire and Billy's motorcycle everywhere from curious to frightening. As the cast of characters get to know each other better Leigh raises a variety of topics from empty nesters' woes to PTSD to reactions to grief. The author clearly illustrates the dangers of making judgments based on first impressions. As a recent retiree, I strongly identified with some of the characters and their issues. I highly admired Dawnie especially for taking on the aging process with such flair and joy. I highly recommend this book and look forward to hearing more from Judy Leigh.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have enjoyed every book this author has written and this was no exception, this will make you smile and make the days ahead a happier place. Loved it.

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Author Judy Leigh has done it again! This is her fifth stand-alone book. Her first four books have hundreds of sunny reviews. Readers have enthused about the “warm”, “funny”, “positive”, “uplifting”, comfort reads that she has created. Most readers rave about the lovable characters. There’s really not much more for me to add—I loved this book, I loved the characters and the setting, and yes, I will catch up with the first four books as quickly as I can.

Billy and Dawnie roar into a small village near Devon on their Harley. They are in their 70’s. Billy is a huge block of an Irishman, and Dilly is a wild bohemian in colorful clothes and wigs. Although their neighbors are quaking, Billy and Dawnie have a sweet reason for moving to Margot St. They are in their 70’s, and “looking for the perfect home, their happily ever after place.” A place where they can find peace and quiet. Their kids are grown, and Billy has a secret reason why he needs peace. Their plan is to find a quiet cottage by the sea, with enough room for motorcycles and drum kits.

One by one their neighbors get to know Dawnie and Billy and learn to love them. All except one couple, Malcom and Gillian. Everyone else blossoms when Dawnie and Billy give their neighbors a “properly good time.” (Many good times, actually.) Dawnie and Billy know that life may be ordinary, but it’s also precious. Sadness mixes with fun as the two find themselves and spread their own form of joy. “It’s a new phase but it’s a glorious one.”

I adored this cozy and gentle read with its lovely set of characters- each one will cast a spell over you. Dilly is 86 and her son Vinnie, is a sweet and sheltered 52, looking for his own happily-ever-after Lester and Ursula are charming, and Aude and Sylv and their budgie are good fun. The setting by the sea adds to the enjoyment and creates the meaning and feeling of the book.

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

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It was a lovely story regarding a couple whom are in there 70’a starting a new life! Loved all the colourful and joyful characters.

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Sweet-tempered story about acceptance and finding happiness, regardless of age. I found some of the peripheral characters cloying or stereotypical - the outrageous octogenarian, the guy too nice to keep a girlfriend, the bratty teen, the sexy Asian lady.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This is the 1st Book that I have read by the author and I really enjoy this book, This book tells the story of Dawnie and Bill a couple in their 70s who decided they need a change and make it .

I love all the characters in the book and this book reminded me of my father in law who in his 70’s decided to make changes in his life too.

I would give this book 4 stars.

With thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the arc of this book in exchange for this review.

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Heading over the hill is a really touching poignant read that dispels any myths that those over 70 are past it!
Such a diverse collection of characters the only thing they have in common is their seniority of years, yet the friendship bonds they form and the camaraderie they experience,illustrate that it’s never to late to make friends, try new experiences and generally let your hair down! This books really champions the older person, they have so much life experience and us the younger generation can really benefit from their wisdom and advice.
Billy and Dawnie are fabulous! Eccentric, larger than life but with such caring hearts.
A read that will delight and entertain you.
Thank you net galley for this early read.

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I read an advanced copy of, Heading Over the Hill, by Judy Leigh. This is a cute book. I love the characters, just because your older does not mean you stop having fun and adventures. Dawnie and Bill are a cute couple in their 70's, who want a change, so they decide to move to Maggot St. Their neighbors, are not sure what to make of them. A delightful read.

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