A feel-good, empowering story about taking control at midlife and finding joy. Feels well-timed and well-written!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.
It was an okay read. I did not much care for the characters, slow read for me.

A Midlife Holiday by Cary J. Hansson is a charming and whimsical tale about self-discovery and second chances, set against the backdrop of a picturesque holiday destination. While the premise holds potential, the execution left me with mixed feelings.

The novel follows a group of midlife friends who embark on a holiday with the hope of rejuvenating their lives and rekindling their spirits. The setting is delightful and the holiday themes add a cozy, festive touch. Hansson’s writing style is engaging, and the descriptions of the setting and events are vivid and immersive.

However, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. Despite their intentions to explore new beginnings, I felt that none of them were particularly relatable or well-developed. Their interactions often came across as superficial, and their personal journeys didn’t resonate as strongly as I’d hoped. The lack of depth in the characters made it challenging to become invested in their stories or outcomes.

The plot itself is light and enjoyable, with moments of humor and reflection, but it felt somewhat predictable and didn’t offer the depth or emotional engagement I was looking for. The resolution, while satisfying on some level, didn’t fully compensate for the disconnect I felt with the characters throughout the book.

Overall, A Midlife Holiday is a pleasant read with a charming setting and an upbeat tone. It’s a nice choice for a light escape, but if character-driven stories are important to you, this one might not be as satisfying.

A Midlife Holiday is the story of three English college friends: Caro, Liz, and Helen, who soon after their 50th birthdays, vacation together in Cyprus. Caro is the wealthy, independent business woman who is aching to be a mother; Liz is a divorced-mother who cares for her special needs adult son and her own sick mother; Helen is a frustrated wife of 25 years who is stuck in a life without joy. A Midlife Holiday is a funny, yet brutally honest book about women who want change in their lives. The novel is the first book in a trilogy. Recommended for discussion groups.

This was a fun read. A bit of a look into the future in a way. So glad I decided to read it.


Loved it. Fun read for sure.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

Great book. I enjoyed Reading it. The characters and plot were interesting life like and easy to connect with.

I like this but it was not my favorite. I wasn’t always sure what was happening. I did like the representation of a woman going through mid-life. I will read the other books in this series. I am not positive it’s a series.

Title: A Midlife Holiday by Cary Hansson

Cary Hansson's "A Midlife Holiday" is a charming and relatable tale that navigates the complexities of reaching a crossroads in life. Set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes and infused with a generous dose of humor, Hansson crafts a narrative that captures the essence of self-discovery and the pursuit of fulfillment.

The protagonist, facing the monotony of everyday life and the pressures of midlife, decides to embark on a spontaneous holiday, hoping to find clarity and purpose amidst the uncertainty. As the journey unfolds, readers are treated to a delightful exploration of the protagonist's innermost thoughts and emotions, as well as encounters with a colorful cast of characters who leave a lasting impact.

Hansson's writing is evocative and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers to exotic locales and allowing them to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations alongside the protagonist. Through witty dialogue and insightful reflections, the author tackles themes of identity, regret, and the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone.

"A Midlife Holiday" is more than just a travelogue; it's a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing life's adventures and embracing change, even when it feels daunting. With its blend of heartwarming moments and lighthearted escapades, this book is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever dared to seek meaning and fulfillment in unexpected places.

In conclusion, Cary Hansson's "A Midlife Holiday" is a delightful read that offers a refreshing perspective on the journey of self-discovery. With its engaging narrative and memorable characters, it's a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

This was so cute and enjoyable. I only wish I had waited to read it until I’m in Greece next year. I loved the personalities of the women, and will definitely read the rest of the trilogy.

I love stories that have women who share a special bond. Ups and downs. Good and bad. Disagreements are uncomfortable, but these best friends somehow seem to always get through it. Every character is completely different. Yet, each one is likable and courageous. I look forward to continuing the series.

This was was an absolute joy to read!
Heart warming, with all the feels & a good helping of humour too... What more could you want from a book?
I'll be running off to read the next installment.

I really enjoyed this book. The story is about 3 middle aged women. It's the first book in a trilogy. I found it very realistic.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC

Absolutely loved this book!

The writing style was really good and I look forward to reading any other books from this author in the future :)

I enjoyed A Midlife Holiday by Cary J. Hansson. This is the story of longtime friends Helen, Caro and Kay. Each is facing midlife challenges so they decide to take a vacation to Cypress.

Of course, conflicts arise that change these ladies lives, but that also strengthens their bonds.

I didn’t love Helen’s storyline, but I empathized and related to it the most of the 3.

The side characters are also very good characters.

This was a definite 3.5 star read for me. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the advanced e-copy.

I found this story to be a refreshingly honest look on life and ageing without being over the top. It was funny but also realistic in the main characters thought process.

I was looking forward to reading this book. There aren’t enough out there that the main characters are my age as this one is but I just could not connect with the three of them. Plus there are just too many real life issues included in the first 6 chapters I completed. I stopped reading.

Thanks for the opportunity.

I liked the premise of the book and interesting to read about women in midlife. However, I did not like the characters of Helen and Carl and could not engage with the narrative.

I enjoy books with older/senior main characters, so I was naturally intrigued by the title. Midlife in this novel is defined as about 50. Helen, Caro and Kay have been friends for decades, although the word friend seems a little generous. Helen and Kay have grown children and Caro has a fantastic career, however, each of them is looking back on the path their lives have taken and are reflecting on mistakes, and passed opportunities.

To be honest, I didn't care for Helen or Caro. They acted like judgemental teenagers instead of supportive friends who've known each other for over 2 decades. Kay seemed to always be in the middle playing referee. I know ti is book 1 in a series and I'd be willing to give the next one a try.

A spectacular celebration of women in their fifties! This read is perfect for armchair travellers and those looking for a humorous take on aging. Thanks for the ARC, so excited this is a trilogy!