Heading Over the Hill by Judy Leigh
Published by Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 3rd December 2021
Womens Fiction
Book Description:
Growing old disgracefully and having a grand old time…
Billy and Dawnie may be in their seventies, but that won’t stop them taking chances or starting again. Their grown-up children have families and lives of their own, so now it’s Billy and Dawnie’s turn, and a life near the sea in Devon beckons.
But the residents of Margot Street (or Maggot Street as Dawnie insists on calling it), don’t quite know what to make of their new neighbours. Billy’s loud, shiny and huge Harley Davidson looks out of place next to the safe and sensible Honda Jazz next door, and Dawnie’s never-ending range of outrageous wigs and colourful clothes, means she’s impossible to miss.
As new friendships are formed and new adventures are shared, Billy and Dawnie start winning their neighbours’ affection. And when life teaches them all a terrible lesson, the folks of Margot Street are determined to live every day as if it’s their last.
Judy Leigh returns with a soul-warming, rib-tickling, timeless tale of true love, true friendship and happy-ever-afters.
My Thoughts:
First of all my thanks go to the publisher, Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this fabulous, fun book. I am a big reader of crime and psychological thrillers so this was a step away from the norm for me. And wow! I absolutely loved it!
We are introduced to retired couple Billy and Dawnie who are looking to put down roots for their retirement. They have moved many miles to live out their dream of a coastal retreat now that Billy has retired from a long army life - it's a big change for Dawnie too, as it will just be the two of them after many years of living with their children and grandchildren in the same house.
Billy and Dawnie make a stir amongst the neighbours as they move into a rented property while they search for their dream home. Maggot Street (as Dawnie not-so-affectionately calls the road) is quiet and quite stereotypical with twitchy net curtains and grumbles about parking, so when the couple turn up on their noisy motorbike some of the residents are less than keen to be friendly. They soon get the neighbours talking, some in a more friendly manner than others.
I love this study of Britishness, and enjoyed reading how the neighbours gradually get to know one another. Judgmental behaviour is rife in some of the properties but as time moves along it becomes clear that everyone has life experiences which have made them the way they are over the years. All it takes is a little bit more effort and understanding with one another to make life happier.
This is a real feel good book although it does have its sad parts which I have to admit did bring a tear to my eye. If only real life could work out the way the residents of Margot Street managed to. Judy Leigh has written a really thought provoking book without being preachy or judgmental at all. She has reflected just about every street in England and I could recognise various of my neighbours past and present in the characters she has portrayed here.
I recommend this if you want a nice easy read with some fabulous people among the pages. I will definitely pick up more of Judy's books in future.
About the Author:
Judy Leigh has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, she completed an MA in Professional Writing.
Her latest novel, Heading over the Hill, is available in December and follows the bestsellers Five French Hens and The Old Girls' Network . All her novels, including A Grand Old Time and The Age of Misadventure, celebrate the ups and downs of life, relationships, the power of laughter and the belief that everyone has a second chance at happiness, whatever their age.
She is a prolific writer, but when she is not at her computer you will find her on the beach, walking, doing yoga or splashing in the sea. She is also a Reiki healer, a vegan and an animal lover. She has three black cats and she enjoys travelling, live music, theatre and football.
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