Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Caroline James.

Carmen has been looking after her elderly mother Betty, tired, fed up of the constant taunts, she’s in need of a break so that she can relax and focus on herself, so books herself on a cruise. But, when she explains this to her mother, Betty, she has no intention of being left behind and so, books herself on the same cruise. Now, that holiday seems l less enjoyable.

But, when they board the cruise liner, Carmen makes friends with some lovely people and as the ship travels through the different countries, Carmen and Bex begin to make decisions about their lives and those that they meet on board.

I loved the characters, each one so different and very well described, it felt as though you was on board, visiting the countries, seeing the different monuments and tasting the delicious foods.

I loved Fran, who is also in a previous book, she’s so friendly and so is her husband. Dicky was also a great character.

There was lots of places throughout the story that made you laugh, plenty of romance and new friendships made.

The one line I loved reading was You’ve Got to Have a Dream to Make a Dream Come True.

I highly recommend this book.

Absolutely loved this book. Great story and characters. Not been on a cruise but this has made me want to try them.

This story was brilliant! I enjoyed it so much it was like I was there on the cruise, making friends and falling in love. Even the swingers and jewellery thieves just added to all the excitement on board, well done Caroline, another great story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

Carmen Cunningham, a downtrodden middle-aged cosy crime writer books a Mediterranean cruise on the Diamond Star because she sees that her idol, 60 year old crime writer Ruskin Reeve, will be giving talks and workshops. Unfortunately she can't shake off her rude, dismissive and manipulative mother Betty who books herself in a cabin next to her and bangs on the wall with her cane whenever she wants something, which is constantly.

The book is a really interesting account of life onboard a cruise ship, whether it's as a passenger or a staff member. The staff include Dicky Delaney, comedian and cruise ship entertainer, Melody Moon, drag act, Peter the purser, Theo McCarthy, chef and gay widower plus the aforementioned Ruskin Reeve. Passengers are happy restaurateur couple Fran and Sid Cartwright, unhappy couple Don and Debbie and Colin + Neeta Scott. Due to them I will never look at pineapples the same way again!

There are some deeply unlikeable people on the cruise. Betty is almost cartoonishly horrible but also Ruskin is arrogant, talks badly about ex wife Venetia he discarded, only notices Carmen after her makeover, is very critical and at one point patronisingly addresses her as "my dear girl". I wanted to hurl him into the sea, and the romance with such a man felt very unrealistic.

Thankfully, the book gets rescued by the descriptions of cruise ship life, the beautiful Mediterranean places and the many interesting side characters. I loved Fran and Sid who are just so cheerful and positive and are responsible for Carmen's transformation from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. There is also a mystery about some missing jewellery, although, seeing as two crime writers are on board, it was not given a lot of sleuthing effort.

This book apparently has characters from previous books I haven't read but I think it works well as a standalone. Friendships are formed and marriages are observed. The blend of friendship, humour and romance in a sunny Mediterranean setting is entertaining and makes for a light-hearted and fluffy holiday beach read.

3.5 stars

Thoroughly fed up with her demanding mother, Carmen decides to take a Mediterranean cruise, hoping for inspiration to start her second book.
Unfortunately, Betty (Carmen’s mother) discovers her daughter’s plans and tags along with her, making everyone feel as miserable as she is.
There is a diverse set of characters aboard the ship, and Carmen hopes to learn from her idol Ruskin Reeve, how to develop her writing skills. I enjoyed reading about Sid and Fran, his wife, Melody Moon, a drag artist, and Thea is the best friend everyone needs. There is a kind, friendly community aboard the Diamond Star as it sails the Mediterranean, with fun and mischief along the way.
This is a steadily paced, lighthearted romance cruising the Greek islands. The scenery sounds beautiful, and you can imagine seeing the waves lapping onshore, as they explore new friendships and relationships.

This is such a happy tale.
Full of interesting people, places, and cruise romance. A sparkling, energetic story to curl up with and enjoy.

Well this was a fun read. Transport yourself to the Diamond Star cruise as it departs the beautiful island of Kefalonia ahead of a twelve day cruise. Carmen is a successful writer, she’s had one book published but is suffering from writers block. After spotting a newspaper advert for a Mediterranean cruise in which one of her favourite authors is speaking, she books a ticket. It’s her chance for some me time for her away from her demanding elderly mother and hopefully it will inspire her next novel. It’s mainly older clientele in the shop but there’s no shortage of fun and frolics. An enjoyable book that is pure escapism. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

This book missed the spot for me I was hoping for a Katie Fford style story but it was not to be I dont feel cruising or the attached lifestyle is for me, possibly why this book missed the mark.

Perfect for readers who have previously cruised and for those who would like to experience visiting a new port on most days — but without the pineapples and the thefts.
I enjoy a good thriller or mystery, and initially I thought that this was a little tame - but the characters are fantastic and it is their interaction rather than solving the crime which kept me engrossed. Where else could you find a bully, a drag artist, comedian, chef, writer, caring couple, shrinking violet and hosts of unusual parties?
The friendships formed and the kindness shown to others was inspirational and the descriptions of the ports of call tantalising.
Even if you are not normally a reader of cozy mysteries, like me, it may be worth giving this one a try. I loved it . It made me laugh out loud and kept me interested right to the very end.

I had the time of my life while reading The Cruise Club. It was the perfect escapism that I needed and the perfect tonic to while away any ails. The plot is fun and adventurous and the characters are lively which made the story come alive. The setting of the cruise makes you feel like you are on vacation and the descriptions are Devine. I couldn't ask for anything more than what this story gives and the little bit of mischief and mystery ties it up in a pretty bow.

I felt as though I was on the cruise them. A great fun read full of heartwarming characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Scrumptious! This book evokes memories of holidays past. I was there on the cruise with them, soaking up the atmosphere of each country and that’s because of the way that it’s been described. The sights, sounds and smells are all brought to life and I mustn’t forget about the romance, the reinvention of Carmen and the intrigue into who is the thief.
An all together scrumptious book!

The Cruise Club by Caroline James is a delightfully fun contemporary novel that will leave you smiling.
As the title suggests, the action is aboard a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is light and fun-filled, with blue sky days and relaxing nights.
The reader revels in the trips ashore as we ‘see’ some of the treasures that the local landscape has to offer.
There are a wonderful eclectic mix of characters, all of whom are the other side of sixty. Caroline James shows that you are never too old to have fun. Life is for living.
You are never too old to follow your dreams. “Don’t die wondering what it might have been like to be an author. Make it happen.” If you have a dream, why not fulfil it?
Characters bond together. They help each other when needed – whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, or a mother to push in a wheelchair.
Love can still blossom whatever your age. We meet a character who has never loved as well as those who have loved and lost.
The Cruise Club is the perfect read for a glorious summer day. It’s a wonderful light-hearted and fun read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

The Cruise Club is a delightful, feel-good escape that blends humour, heart, and a dash of mystery on the high seas. Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is creatively blocked and emotionally drained, mostly thanks to her overbearing mother, Betty. Hoping to rekindle her writing spark, she impulsively books a place on a cruise ship writing workshop—only to find Betty has invited herself along too.

What follows is a charming, character-rich story set aboard the luxurious Diamond Star. Carmen is surrounded by a vibrant cast: the charismatic author Ruskin Reeve, celebrity chef Theo, and the lovable restaurant-owning duo Fran and Sid. As the cruise winds through stunning ports—Malta’s Valletta being a standout—Carmen begins to rediscover her voice, her confidence, and a hint of romance. Carmen’s transformation, supported by quirky friendships and laced with gentle humour, makes this an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Overall, it is a charming voyage of self-discovery packed with laughter, lovable characters, and a warm sense of community.

Carman writes cozy crime books and lives with her demanding mother, Betty.

When her writing takes downturn, and she needs a break from Betty, Carman decides to book a cruise when she discovers her favourite author, Ruskin Reeve, will be holding workshops. Unfortunately Betty has a similar idea and now Carman isn't so sure her escape on the Diamond Star to the Mediterranean islands will be what she was hoping for!

The book brings people together to forms long lasting friendships and love and a smile to your face with every page!

This was such a fun and heartwarming read! The cruise ship setting was an absolute win—there’s just something so entertaining and cozy about being swept away at sea with a cast of charming, quirky characters and their unfolding drama. Caroline James really nailed the atmosphere; I felt like I was right there on board, sipping cocktails and soaking in the sun.

I didn’t know she had a previous book also set on a cruise, but now I have to get my hands on it—immediately adding to cart.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

As someone who loves a cruise this is right up my street. I read The Cruise by Caroline James and adored it so was very excited to receive an early copy of this. We meet a new bunch of characters and they take us along with them. It deals with friendships and life issues that will make you think and keep you hooked.

Like all good holidays, I didn’t want this cruise to end. This is Caroline James’ genius – to take you to exotic places alongside her characters and to draw them so vividly they become your friends too.
Cosy crime writer Carmen is carer to her ungrateful mother, but she rebels and books a cruise where her author hero Ruskin Reeve is a guest speaker. To her absolute horror, mum Betty books a ticket too and it looks as though Carmen’s plans for a restful and creative holiday are well and truly scuppered. But she hasn’t reckoned on kind and lively restaurant owner Fran, and celebrity chef Theo who befriend her in the most heart-warming ways.
I loved Fran in The French Cookery School and was delighted to see her again and meet her husband Sid. She takes Carmen in hand with surprising consequences and friendships are made, and maybe even a touch of romance. All with the backdrop of gorgeous locations like Rhodes Town, Kefalonia, Malta and Ibiza. Not to mention a little mystery that needs solving as well.
The Cruise Club is the ultimate summer read for friendships and fun, and I heartily recommend it.

After reading the first book set on a cruise,’The Cruise’ ( funny enough ) I was keen to go straight into this follow up book,although it is the subject of cruising and cruises that is the follow on and not the characters we first met as aside from Dick Delaney,the crafty,sleazy ‘star’ comedian we meet a whole new set of travellers who for various reasons find themselves on this Med cruise..

Carmen ( author with writers block ); and Betty,her Mum,were my favourite characters…..Carmen,books the cruise as she sees her fav author, Ruskin Reeve,is doing a set of talks onboard and hopes to go alone,Betty has other ideas and demands to also go….she is terrible and rules Carmens life but you cant help but wonder what on earth she will say this time when you see her appear,she is a force to be reckoned with albeit a cruel one at times

Be prepared for the ‘Golden Oldies Meet Up’s’ 😀…………not quite as you might imagine……

As with ‘The Cruise’ a very funny and at times poignant read with fab descriptions of the ship,the food,the ports,onboard life and of course the wonderful people we find on board

As with ‘The Cruise’ it is an uplifting read and am really hoping for more cruising adventures in the near future from this author

What a gorgeous quote at the beginning of the book! Great start for a book that gets me dreaming about being back on a cruise. That, followed by a great meta line "If Carmel's life was a novel" did make me chuckle and showed an interesting writing style. While I didn't feel I was particularly invested in the romantic relationship, I felt there was enough going on with other characters that I was still keen to keep reading. With the romantic relationship, it did seem to rooted in the celebrity idolisation for me to be invested in the real moments. My main passion was for seeing the development of the mother daughter relationship and wanting to see the main character flourish which was really nice to see with the support of her cruise friends!
Big thanks to NetGalley and the author for the chance to read.