In this fun new novel about family and aging, readers follow almost-retired Nell and Barney as they relocate to the charming rural village of Willowbrook with Barney’s widowed father Frank. Nell is less ready for this fresh start, and cracks in their marriage start to appear as Nell and Barney drift apart. Similarly unsettled, Frank is also struggling with the move, but he and Nell start a weekly community group that explores the secret of happiness, and both find friends through the group. The questions in their marriage, however, might push Nell and Barney further apart as Nell discovers that Barney has been keeping secrets. Packed with details and deeply emotional, readers will love the emotional storylines in this brilliant new book from Celia Anderson, and the characters are the heart of this novel. Their relationships add a lot of depth to their characters, and the character arcs are well-written and detailed. Readers will also really enjoy the depth of detail in the minor characters and their relationships, and the setting is also incredibly detailed and absolutely charming. Packed with details, entertaining, and emotional, readers will love this heartwarming new release from Celia Anderson and the brilliant residents of Willowbrook.

Celia Anderson's 'Living the Good Life' is a heartwarming and engaging tale of discovering a new beginning and a greater sense of what really makes one happy. The book focuses on Nell, who, following the encouragement of her husband Barney, relocates to the idyllic village of Willowbrook for a fresh start in their lives. But this otherworldly transformation exposes imperfections in their three-decade-long marriage, making Nell disoriented and her father-in-law, Frank, uneasy.

The novel really comes alive as Nell and Frank gain their place in the community, as Nell is part of a happiness group and Frank is taken up by a group of neighborhood matriarchs. The author seamlessly interweaves the personal stories of the characters, delving into new beginnings, old scars, and the secrets we hold from those around us. Ideal for readers of Milly Johnson and Judy Leigh, this heartwarming novel is a reminder that happiness rarely turns up where you're looking, but frequently in what we learn from our experiences and the friendships we share.

Brilliant read!
Nell, Barney and Frank moved from the city to the country. Each had their own challenges to overcome.
This book, shows how they negotiate their new lives, make new connections , and reconnect with each other. Really enjoyed this book, loved the saga louts.
Highly Recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Celia Anderson and Boldwood Books for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is an entertaining novel for older readers. When a couple moves, new opportunities present themselves and new relationships are made. I was a bit nervous as these new opportunities seemed to draw the couple away from each other. There are a number of support characters who help flesh out the couple's transition and resulting activities. Some, like the “Saga Louts” are quite the characters.

Anderson does a good job of exploring the changes that come with life for older people and what might result. Friendships are made and the importance of events in life leading to happiness are explored. Readers have opportunities to think about their own lives and what really makes for happiness. It is not a page turner. The action is slow and steady but it is a heartwarming novel in the end.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

Living the Good Life
by Celia Anderson

Nell harbours deep reservations when her husband, Barney, surprises her with the decision to purchase a run-down cottage nestled in the picturesque village of Willowbrook. With their children now grown and having left the nest, and retirement looming just around the corner, Barney's enthusiasm for embracing a quieter, simpler country life is infectious, yet Nell feels a sense of unease. The cottage, charming though dilapidated, comes with an annexe that Barney hopes will provide a comfortable space for his widowed father, Frank, who has recently faced the loneliness of loss.

However, as they embark on this new chapter, it becomes increasingly clear that the move is not the idyllic solution Barney envisioned. Instead of bonding over their shared dreams and adapting to the countryside pace, Nell feels the weight of the shift pushing them further apart. The joys of country living appear to isolate her rather than unite her with Barney. To make matters more complicated, Frank, who had hoped for a fresh start in the tranquil setting, seems unsettled and struggles to adjust to the changes in his own life as well.

This heartwarming novel explores the complexities of midlife transitions, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a diverse group of individuals as they navigate the challenges of aging, connection, and personal growth. Through their shared experiences, this eclectic mix of characters discovers the importance of friendship, resilience, and the unexpected ways they can support one another through life’s hurdles. The narrative invites readers to reflect on the evolution of relationships and the meaning of home, proving to be a delightful and relatable read.

Nell, Barney, and his father, Frank, are indeed living the good life after their move from the city to the village of Willowbrook in this lighthearted and humorous book. Moving is hard work, and it can take a while to settle into a new community, but after some initial missteps, Nell and the others find a way to feel they have come home. Heartwarming read!

Sweet and thoughtful

Living the Good Life is a very good book for the beach or poolside or whenever you are relaxing. It is about newcomers moving to a rural village and how they work to fit in and make a difference. Each of the characters has their own challenges which need addressing. How do they figure out what they need and how to be happy?

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Living the Good Life by Celia Anderson is the story of Nell, Barney and her father-in-law Frank move to the countryside; while Barney is enthusiastic about the move, Nell and Frank have reservations. They soon settle in to their new life and begin to forge friendships and make new connections. All three have a number of issues that need dealing with and as we move through the story the three of them grow and find themselves.

Nell is the main care giver and expected to ensure both men are looked after without a thought as to what she wants. I liked how she chose to put herself first and made an effort to make friends and join the community. I loved how Nell’s relationship with Frank strengthened as he dealt with his grief and how his life had now changed.

Nell and Barney are having issues within their marriage and it was interesting how it was portrayed and resolved. They both seemed to enjoy the friendship of another new friend, yet ultimately they really only had eyes for each other as they put the work in to ensure their marriage carried on and was happy and fulfilling. I enjoyed seeing Nell and Barney reconnect and almost become teenagers again as they rediscover themselves.

I absolutely loved the Saga Louts: their honesty, earthiness, and lack of filters were a breath of fresh air. This is a heartwarming, multilayered story, both funny and poignant, filled with well-drawn characters and good storytelling. This is my first Celia Anderson book and definitely not my last. It looked at all aspects of getting older, life within a marriage that may fall apart, illnesses that change you and how to deal with the aftermath of that, and to top it all, moving to a new community.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#LivingTheGoodLife #Boldwood #NetGalley

Moving to a new home, leaving the familiar behind
Hoping that will help new opportunities to find.
But Barney is the only one with such dreams
His wife and father aren't so sure, but go along it seems.

Willowbrook seems a delightful place to go
Country living will be a change for all of them to know.
Their old home had memories, perhaps best left behind
Maybe here time together will prove less hard to find?

However, his plans don't seem to work out for these three
As DIY disasters and less of each other they seem to see.
As cracks in their marriage start to develop even more
Nell and Barney find different things to explore.

As Frank, his dad, finds the change difficult, too,
What will be needed to help pull them all through?
The friendly community, the local 'Saga Louts'
Maybe can help them think again considering what life's about.

A story where long help secrets drive folks apart
But can Barney be brave and share what's in his heart?
There's jealousy and possibilities with others, too,
What will they choose to do?

A story of new opportunities for making a fresh start
But will it be together or will it drive them apart?
A moving story exploring relationships and community, too,
A fantastic read I highly recommend to you.

For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Celia Anderson has developed the perfect small town, Willowbrook, and populated it with many unique characters. While Willowbrook serves as the setting for her stories, each book features a distinct set of characters. You'll see the same group of personalities recur throughout each book. These are "feel good" stories that paint a picture of a community of neighbors, those folks who lend a hand or an ear as they share good fortune and all the news you never knew you needed.

There are always new journeys to take, no matter your age. When Barney convinces Nell to move to Willowbrook, she does so with trepidation; she's not a fan of change. Barney's father is moving with them, so she'll have a familiar face to talk to. After a short while, the move to Willowbrook seems like a bad decision, but Nell is determined to make it work. The journey from newcomer to neighbor will test Nell and Barney, but they will find their place in this small town, where everyone knows everyone.

Living the good life is such a heartwarming, wholesome book it was a total joy from start to finish and I really didn’t want it to end!
Willowbrook is such a charming village full of great characters some familiar from previous books , they are such a warm welcoming community it really makes you want to live there!
Barney has decided to uproot his wife Nell and father Frank and move them to Willowbrook for a new start, hopefully helping them settle into retirement and helping Frank get over the loss of his wife. Nell and Frank are not really on board with this plan but have no choice in the matter!
Willowbrook has other ideas and welcomes the family with open arms, embracing them in a warm hug of inclusivity, a sense of belonging and healing friendships
A real feel good read that I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read.

First of all I would to thank the author and NetGalley for the arc.
Celia Anderson's "Living the Good Life" is a heartwarming and whimsical novel that offers a delightful escape into a world of community spirit, second chances, and the simple joys of life.

The story typically centers around quirky characters who find themselves in unexpected situations, often leading to personal growth and the forging of unlikely friendships. Anderson's prose is gentle and evocative, painting vivid pictures of quaint settings and the everyday magic found within them. Themes of self-discovery, the importance of connection, and finding happiness in the small things are beautifully explored without ever feeling preachy.

"Living the Good Life" is a perfect read for anyone seeking a feel-good story that leaves a lasting smile. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are found right on your doorstep, and that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. If you're looking for a charming, optimistic, and ultimately heartwarming read, this book is a wonderful choice.

A wonderful tale of a couple and father-in-law that relocate from a big city to a small town and of their adjustment to a calmer life. It is a story of finding new friends, new purposes, and a way back to united love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nell certainly has reservations when husband Barney decides to buy a run-down cottage in the village of Willowbrook, but it’ll be fresh start for the family. Barney himself has had a rough time after his cancer diagnosis and treatment – although he’s now well again, and never talks about it – and father-in-law Frank is still coming to terms with the loss of his wife and life partner, so their plan to convert the annex for him to live in seems perfect. Although Barney’s full of plans and ideas, his DIY skills prove not to be quite up to the mark – thank goodness for the particularly fit Rick the handyman, only too happy to step in (even if Barney rather snarls every time he appears…).

But that leaves him with time on his hands – and after a visit to the cafe, where he has his first encounter with all the local characters, he finds the perfect distraction. And that leaves Nell searching for something to do too – until she meets the Rev Bev on a visit to the village shop, and gets swept up in her plans to set up a group focused on finding the secret of happiness. And that group – of course – includes the Saga Louts, without filter as always, ensuring there’s plenty of laughter along the way (but more than a touch of poignancy too – and some drama). I’m going to step away from telling the story, but it really is a totally delightful read – filled with warmth, really life-affirming, emotional at times, underpinned by friendships and relationships old and new.

I particularly loved Nell – her fears that her marriage is on the rocks, and her determination to do everything in her power to put things right again. And Barney’s quite wonderful too – I really liked the fact that we saw their difficulties from both their perspectives in all their unexpected (and perfectly handled) complexity. And while the Saga Louts bring their usual mayhem – and plenty of joy – to the story, I really loved Rev Bev, the most wonderful character with her own secrets and hidden depths. I felt entirely part of the community as the various story threads unfolded – every individual is so very real, the older characters particularly well-drawn – and the group’s various activities as they all pursue their own definition of happiness provides the most perfect framework. And don’t worry for an instant that this is the third visit to Willowbrook – I loved meeting old friends again, seeing how their lives have moved on, but you’ll fit in straight away and feel you belong.

A total joy from beginning to end – one of those lovely books you set aside at the end with a smile on your face and a satisfied sigh. And so beautifully written, with such well-judged emotional touches – I really loved it.

Living the Good Life is the first book I’ve read by Celia Anderson and what an absolute joy it was to read. It didn’t take me long to get to know all the characters and I found myself totally hooked on the story. I really felt for Nell having to move to a completely new place with her husband and father in law . An unsettling time for them all but with the help of the villagers perhaps things won’t turn out too bad .
This is an easy read but it’s full of emotion and some laugh out loud moments.

Loved this later in life book it was an amazing read very cosy handling some great topics. It did it with rawness and sensibility very well

I’m delighted to be part of the Book Blog Tour for this book- Out Now!!

The peaceful village of Willowbrook seems to be the ideal place for a new lease of life – at least according to Nell’s husband, Barney. With an empty nest and coming towards retirement, he’s persuaded her to try country living. Their cottage even has an annexe that’s perfect for Barney’s widowed father, Frank.

Nell is less sure about this fresh start… and it’s not long before cracks in her thirty-year marriage begin to appear. Instead of spending more time together, she and Barney seem to be drifting apart. Frank, too, is unsettled.

A weekly community group exploring the secret of happiness provides a way for Nell and her father-in-law to navigate their new surroundings. Nell finds some friends, and Frank is quickly taken in hand by the neighbourhood matriarchs – the self-styled ‘Saga Louts’!

But will questioning what makes her happy push Nell even further away from Barney, especially when she discovers the secrets her husband has been keeping? Or can opening up to others help old wounds heal and bring them back together once more? What really is the secret to happiness?

🔴 This book was adorable and I loved this book so much!! Nell and Barney & Frank Move out of the city, to a gorgeous little village. This is about a group of middle age, up to past retirement age - a mixed bag of people, who for some reason … help each other through life’s hurdles. 🔴

#netgalley #bookblogtour #celiaanderson #livingthegoodlife

Nell's husband, Barney, has decided that they need to move to a village and his father Frank will be coming too, after becoming widowed recently and needing more help around the house. Unfortunately, Barney doesn't seem to have taken either Nell nor Frank's feelings into account with it all and so this causes resentment.

It doesn't help that they have moved into a fixer-upper and that Barney is really bad at DIY.......there is, however, a handyman who is willing to help them out - and the fact that he is quite easy on the eyes is not lost on Nell!

This was a nice story of a woman of a certain age who is finding her feet in a new environment. Having done this myself in the past 18 months, I understand how unsettling it really is to do it. Nell gradually finds her feet with some of the characters from the first book (although this book can easily be read as a standalone).

I have to admit that I didn't particularly like the character of Nell. I wanted to shake her, at times, for the lack of communication between her and Barney and her tendency to get upset at the drop of a hat.

Nevertheless, all the different characters with their various personalities really made this story something special and it was lovely that they all got to know each other so much better when they became part of the Rev Bev's new group.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

having read the first book in this series i was excited to start this, did i love it as much as the first one? well no but i did find it entertaining and it was a light easy read with a fun story line. looking forward to reading this authors next book

Life changes for Nell, Barney and her father-in-law, Frank, after they move to the countryside. It was nothing like they expected, and then one day, Nell is asked about an idea for a group to bring people together. It tuned out to be things that make each one happy. As the meeting move forward, we see the connections and friendships starting to form. Each one started thinking about themselves, and the things that made them happy, the things that made them sad, the things they could change to be happier in their lives.
The transformation in the people here, the things they did, and the things they learned, led me to think about my own journey. This is a story of discovery, seeing things differently, you can change, and you can feel happier and better with your life.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.