The Dolce Vita Divas by Maddie Please

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

Blurb

At the ripe (and fabulous) age of 64, Joanna Dawson finds herself seeking a new adventure. Her husband, Greg, has run off with a TBT (thin, blonde, trollop, obviously), her kids have flown the nest, and her social calendar is emptier than her wine rack.

As Jo's 65th birthday looms, she's left Is this it?

Enter Susie, her best friend, with an offer Jo can’t quite an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to honour their late friend Ellen. Jo's not sure she wants to go all the way to Italy, but with nothing else to do and if only to make Susie happy, she agrees. A holiday is a holiday after all.

Capri is even more gorgeous than Jo imagined and soon she and Susie are having the time of their life, especially as Jo is reunited with her dashing first love, Paulo. The one who, most definitely, got away…

Things might have fizzled with Paulo decades ago, but in the land of sun, pasta, and far too much wine, Jo begins to Could this be her second chance at life…and amore?

My Opinion

Maddie Please has once again written a heart-warming adventure. A wonderful, light-hearted read. Maddie Please has shown that even though her characters are older, they can still have fun.

Rating 4/5

The thing I always enjoy about Maddie Please’s books is that they feature older characters, I guess because they are more relatable to the point I am in life, as well as the fact that you don’t see it as often. It’s just plain fun to have feel good books based on characters that are over 30!
Joanne is retired and turning 65 and since her husband has gone off with his secretary, she’s left to figure out what her future looks like, especially now that her grown son has come back to live with her after his own relationships ended.
When an invitation to a celebration of life for one of their friends who passed away 5 years ago comes, her best friend Susie, suggests they take a mini vacation to the isle of Capri, and go to the celebration and get away from life for a while. Jo knows that while she is there, she will come face to face with her first love, Paulo.
There is so much to enjoy about this story-found family, second chance love, the setting, the food, even the supporting characters like Paulo’s mother were so much fun!
This is a reminder that it’s never too late to take life by the hand and lead it in the next direction instead of letting it lead you.

Thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book: it’s a lovely story with so much humour & it is a great read, a typical Maddie Please book about older people & second chances. She is one of those authors whose new books I eagerly await & will buy without question, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an early copy of Dolce Vita Divas, thanks to Boldwood Books & Netgalley.

Susie & Joanna are the main characters in Dolce Vita Divas. They’ve been best friends since they were at university together; now approaching 65 they’re wondering what else life has to offer them, each feeling a bit jaded & lonely with failed relationships & children now grown up; will it just be more of the same, or could it be more fun? They go to a hotel for a spa weekend to celebrate their birthdays, then receive an invitation from their old uni friend Paolo to go to Italy for a joint celebration of his mother’s birthday & of the life of Ellen, Paolo’s late wife. Feeling in need of adventure - & the opportunity to meet some handsome Italian men - they decide to go, & make plans to travel to Capri where the celebration is taking place at the hotel owned & run by Paolo & his family. This is where the fun really begins ……

I really liked Susie & Joanna, they’re strong women willing to face the challenges that may lie ahead despite their fears. Written with empathy & sensitivity, I thought they were believable & realistic characters. Being of a similar age, I could empathise with their situation & thought this was realistically depicted. There are some great supporting characters in Ceci (Paolo’s mother) & her 2 younger sisters Sylvia & Lucia; like so many siblings they were continually bickering, true to life & providing plenty of lol moments. Eric, Paolo’s 5 year old grandson was another great character, who suffered under his mother’s experimentation with methods of parenting and was continually testing boundaries.

It’s a great story, well told. Written with Maddie Please’s usual warmth & humour, it’s an entertaining read that deals sensitively with issues that face many older women who find themselves unexpectedly single in later years, with a strong feeling of optimism & hope. I loved this book; it lived up to my expectations & more. I think it’s one of her best books yet.

This is a wonderfully uplifting and life-affirming story that celebrates friendship, fresh starts, and the enduring magic of romance—no matter your age. Maddie Please whisks readers away to the stunning shores of Capri with Jo and Susie, two women rediscovering joy and purpose in the most delightful way.

After years of routine, Jo and Susie take a leap into the unknown with a sun-drenched escape that quickly becomes more than just a getaway. What unfolds is a charming blend of laughter, healing, and unexpected romance, all wrapped in the beauty and warmth of Italy. Paulo and his eccentric family bring added charm and hilarity, keeping the story lively and full of heart.

The author’s writing shines with humor, compassion, and a deep understanding of women at midlife who are ready to embrace the next chapter. Perfect for fans of feel-good fiction with mature heroines, The Dolce Vita Divas is a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and second chances.

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

I enjoyed reading this book.

Jo is stuck in a rut after her husband left her for someone much younger than her. Now that her children and grandchildren have lives of their own, she’s not sure what she should do.

Then, her friend Susie and she head off to Capri, to join in the celebrations being marked for their friend Ellen who’s no longer with them.

Jo knows Ellen’s husband as he is her first love,

We get to know how they met as well the friendship between Susie, Jo and Ellen and how they lost touch.

There was lots of fun, drama and moments of laughter.

I recommend this book.

3.5 stars rounded down

This book was an uplifting story of two women- Jo & Susie- embracing a fresh chapter in life in Capri. If you are into second chance romance, you will enjoy this book. I loved the reminder that it's never too late to find meaningful happiness.

If you are at a point in your life when you feel stuck or craving for more out of life, although not a non-fiction, this book will inspire you.

This book reminded me that no matter your age, you are still deserving of real and passionate love.


Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books & Maddie Please for this exclusive access to the book in exchange for my honest review.

The Dolce Vita Divas is a cheerful, escapist read with a sunny Italian setting and a cast of fun-loving women embracing life in their later years. Maddie Please definitely delivers on the promise of lighthearted entertainment, and there are some genuinely funny and heartwarming moments throughout. That said, the story sometimes veered too far into caricature, with characters that felt more like exaggerated types than fully fleshed-out individuals. The plot was predictable and the emotional stakes were low, which made it hard to feel fully invested. I was hoping for deeper character development as there aren't many books for 'senior' ladies looking to escape into light romance.

Based on the synopsis I expected to love this book but it fell flat in so many ways that it was a struggle to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Joanna is 64, divorced and rudderless until an old friend invites her and best friend Susie to Capri. She and Paulo used to have feelings for each other but she lost his number and he married her friend Ellen. Can they get a second chance?

I liked the setting and the characters but there wasn't much plot, just a lot of agonising and regret, plus some feisty nonnas and a bratty five year old. I like the fact that there were a lot of elderly characters but there are so many books for silver ladies that do it better.

Juliette from The Old Ducks' Club makes a guest appearance as Joanna's neighbour, but this is a standalone. A lot of people will love this but I found the plot too thin, plus, in this day and age you really shouldn't call a woman a trollop anymore.

can someone please make Susie and Jo real and then ask them to take me on their holiday or just allow me to come round for tea and to be enveloped into their world. these two characters were great. they were a warming buzz of what you want friendship to be and what you want them to ask you to do with them... i mean lets all go on an expenses paid trip to Italy please.
its such a cozy book. but a life affirming one too. its also got that touch of class and maturity that woman of their age bring. and when this age woman dont let go of themselves or their love of life its truly one of the best things to see, read and be inspired by.
i couldnt and didnt want to put this book down. and wanted it to go on as i neared the end because its just so feel good.

the book takes you with two friends to the shores of Capri to honor a friend. these two gals need a fresh look and start to this next chapter they are facing. and where better than the land of sun,sea and location location location.
then you have to add in to the mix our Paulo. who was a gorgeous human being and i fell in love with both him and his family. they add that extra wit, humor and gorgeousness to this book. oh and of course Paulo was the one that got away for one of our ladies so there that sizzle to the mix.
if you need a feel good book then this is for you. and if you dont feel you need a feel good book then trust me you do, you'll want this one and not regret a second of it.
more Maddie "please"...

This charming and uplifting romance swept me away to the sun-soaked shores of Capri alongside Jo and Susie—two women embracing a fresh chapter in life. Both at a stage where they’re craving more than just routine, they leap at the chance to escape their ruts with an all-expenses-paid trip to celebrate a dear friend’s life. What unfolds is a heartwarming journey filled with laughter, love, and second chances.

I loved the reminder that it’s never too late to find meaningful happiness. Jo and Susie’s stories are both relatable and inspiring, especially for anyone who's ever felt stuck or in need of something more. Then there’s Paulo and his family, who add such a delightful dose of humor—I found myself smiling constantly throughout the story.

With a perfect mix of heartfelt moments and lighthearted fun, this story was a joy to devour. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good romance that reminds you that love (and adventure) has no age limit, this one belongs at the top of your list.

Thank you to the Author, Maddie Please and NetGalley for giving me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Joyous..
An all expenses paid trip to Italy may well be just what the doctor ordered in this fun, frothy and heartwarming tale of second chances, sun, Italian wine and big portions of pasta. Joanna may well discover that life after sixty four is, perhaps, the best time of her life - ever. With a cast of well drawn, credible and eclectic characters, a beautiful setting and a pacy narrative, this is a rather joyous slice of escapism.

First of all thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Dolce Vita Divas.
If you want to read a feel good book, this is the one. It is a light read. Not a man’s book. . I like how it includes past and present, not at all confusing, as some books are.
Looking forward I. Reading more from this author.

I have enjoyed some of Maddie Please's previous books with older FMCs and seeing as that is where I am in life, it is great to read feel-good fiction targeted at that age.
Joanne is a retired woman, about to celebrate a key birthday and reflecting on her life.
She's going to hit 65, divorced, with an ex-husband shacked up with his secretary, three grown-up children, two granddaughters and has recently, reluctantly, welcomed her son back home while he mops up his life after a breakup.
A short birthday break with one of her best friends, Susie, gives her reason to want to stretch her wings a little further, out of the comfort of her staid life.
They find themselves in Capri, to celebrate the life of one of their friends, Ellen, who passed away, and Jo faces a person she classes as her first love. Paulo.
I'm not going to detail what what happens, but there is plenty of wine, pasta, and humour. The side cast of characters, including the indomitable Contessa, mother of Paulo, and little Eric, Paulo's 5-year-old grandson, bring much enjoyment to the tale, and ultimately, seeing a woman grab her life back when others are saying "What? At your age?", is just inspirational!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Maddie Please is a fabulous writer that brings her characters to life.

This book actually starts in 1984 when 2 people meet and may have that "instant attraction" moment, unfortunately they do not meet again until it's too late and their lives have moved on. Friendships feature heavily in this book. Susie and Joanna are two women that would absolutely be my friends, still looking for life to be fun and have purpose. they go to a memorial event in gorgeous Capri. We then follow the story of Paulo and Joanna, meeting again in later life, is it time for each of them to have a second chance?

I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down.

The Dolce Vita Divas by Maddie Please is a most delightful contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting.
Maddie Please has created a wonderful, light-hearted read about second chances and really living life whatever your age.
All the characters are over sixty. They prove that age is no barrier to having fun. “I used to think life had passed me by and then I realized it hadn’t… Take every chance you get.” We need to grab life with both hands. We are never too old to re-write our story and to have a good ending – even an eighty-five-year-old knows how to live life. After all age is just a number.
The action is in the first person from the lead characters point of view. We get to know her intimately. Her life has been full, raising children but her first love has never left her heart. After her husband of many years left her (before the book opened), she realizes that now is the time to make some life changes.
A holiday in Capri with a friend, and in memory of another friend, offers new possibilities.
The landscape is in glorious technicolour compared with grey England. The reader can ‘feel’ the warmth and ‘see’ the vibrant colours.
We witness sibling rivalry and see various different parenting styles. We see that everyone appreciates being given boundaries as when we know the rules, life is simpler for all.
As we grow older, our role in life changes. Our children are grown and “I wanted to feel needed again.” We need to be adaptable as life changes. Growing older can still mean life is full and fun.
I always enjoy the novels of Maddie Please. They bring a smile to my face. Light-hearted banter is amusing and her characters are a joy to behold.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed being whisked away to Capri with best friends, Jo and Susie. Both women are at a time in their lives when they are looking for more and wanting to get out of the rut they have been living in. When an all expenses trip to celebrate the life of one of their good friends comes around, well of course they can’t say no!

The one thing I love about this author’s books is that there is hope for us all. She shows us that age is just a number and in no way defines us. If anything, with age, retirement age especially, does come with some advantages. The setting of the story was yet another winner and I lapped it all up. Paulo’s family were certainly an interesting bunch that provided some fun and laughter. In fact there were more than a few laugh out loud moments at poor Jo’s expense.

The Dolce Vita Divas had me smiling throughout. It has a wonderful mix of humour as well as heartwarming moments. It’s a reminder that whilst family will always be important, we shouldn’t lose ourselves along the way. Hugely entertaining and wonderfully uplifting, I quickly devoured this utterly gorgeous read!

Joanna is approaching her 65th birthday and is at ends with her life after her husband , Greg leaves to be with a younger women!

Jo's best friend Susie arrives with details of a paid trip to Capri, Italy to celebrate the life of their friend Ellen who had passed away a few years ago but had also married Paulo, Jo's first love.

What happens when Jo and Paulo reunite?

First time read from this author but loved this fun and witty book a must read!

This is my second book by Maddie Please and I just couldn’t put it down it was an excellent read.

Jo’s husband has left her for a younger woman AKA the TBT thin, blonde, trollop, her children and grandchildren have their own lives and she feels at a crossroads.

What perfect timing for her and her best friend Susie to make a trip to Capri to remember their late friend Ellen and get away from it all. However Ellen’s husband Paulo is Jo’s first love and what follows is a time for them to reconnect with plenty of drama, fun and laughs along the way.

This book was brilliant and I didn’t want it to end, the flashbacks to when Jo was young were great and there was plenty of humour which had me laughing out loud.

There were plenty of great characters which were so descriptive and I especially loved Ceci.

Thanks to NetGalley, Maddie Please and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.