Rating: 4.5 Stars

Jules Wake celebrates hope, optimism, community, friendship and the power of love with her wonderful new novel, The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim.

Ettie and Dominic are two lost souls who have both experienced their fair share of heartache. Ettie feels as if she doesn’t know who she is and is trying to find her place in the world, but with the future stretching uncertainly in front of her she doesn’t know which way to turn or what tomorrow will bring. On the other hand, Dominic’s past is weighing heavily on him. Regardless of how far he tries to outrun old ghosts, they somehow always manage to catch up with him. Dominic feels unable to move forward and to make a fresh start, but little does he realise that – alongside Ettie – everything he has always wanted, which he had long given up on, might just be within his grasp…

Ettie and Dominic have long felt as if the world had left them behind, but when an unlikely group of friends comes into both of their lives, for the first time in a long while, they find themselves feeling hopeful and optimistic. No longer scared about what’s around the corner, Ettie, Dominic and their new friends – including a scruffy dog – decide to take stock of their lives, stop hiding from life and take a chance on themselves – and each other.

Life is for living and with good friends by your side to see you through the good times and the bad, Ettie and Dominic realise that there is absolutely nothing they cannot do – but they first need to trust themselves and take a leap of faith.

Jules Wake’s books are always such a joy to read and The Wednesday Morning Swim is another feel-good charmer that will brighten up every reader’s day. Beautifully told and sparkling with humour, wit and heart, The Wednesday Morning Swim is an uplifting tale about the kindness of strangers, letting down one’s walls and the joys of living that will strike a chord with readers everywhere and have them laughing out loud as well as shed a tear or two.

With characters readers cannot help but care for and packed with relatable drama, heartfelt emotion and touching romance, The Wednesday Morning Swim is another winner by Jules Wake.

Ettie (Ethel) Merman has always loved to swim. She was taught by her grandfather and it is something which calms and centres her. Ettie never seemed to have much luck with her jobs though even she couldn’t be blamed for a gas explosion seeing off her previous shop! She hadn’t had much opportunity to develop her skills having had to leave school early to help support her family.

It was obvious to me that she needed to find something she as passionate about and it was brilliant to see her find that passion helping Dominic develop plans for his hotel. She really blossomed given the chance to use her talent and skills.

The wild swimmers at the lake are such a diverse group of people brought to life by Jules Wake in a way that has you rooting for each of them to find what they need to heal. There’s a real spirit of friendship, camaraderie and encouragement.

This is quite a funny book too with the scenes between Ettie and her family providing lots of smiles. Some of the situations Ettie gets herself in are laugh out loud funny. But there’s a poignancy too particularly in her relationship with her grandfather.

One of the characters mentions that to get into the get into the water “you just have to be brave’ and this was a real metaphor for so many of the characters in the book who showed much bravery and courage in some difficult situations. Who would have thought that a weekly swim in a lake would lead to friendship, courage, confidence and, in some cases, love. A real-life changing experience for so many of the characters. The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is a really feel-good and heart-warming read.

I have loved every Jules Wake book, and this was no exception. The community spirit, and the quirky/eccentric characters bring so much fun to the storyline.

This story starts with our main character Ethel “Ettie” Merman (I found her name hysterical because I am sadly old enough to remember the old movies!), as she watches her life in London literally go up in smoke.

When she returns to her family in Yorkshire, she applies for a job as a personal assistant at a hall outside her village, that is being converted into a hotel. Handsome owner Dominic thinks Ettie is a little flaky but his business partner Gracie really likes her and pushes for her to get the job.

What follows next involves a quirky group of people, including Ettie’s grandad, who like to wild swim in the lake in the grounds of the hotel. Unfortunately, Dominic has banned swimming because he worries that someone could drown if unsupervised.

Ettie secretly allows people to swim there on a specific day when she knows that Dominic will be away from the hotel, and thinks that what he doesn’t know won’t be a problem. As feelings grow between Ettie and Dominic, she struggles to find the opportunity to broach the subject with him.

I loved the way in which the swimmers all had reasons why they gained so much benefit from swimming in the lake, even if only the sense of community, and it really was a stunning location for them to congregate.

Jules always writes books that have the perfect balance between humorous moments and more serious issues, with a little romance for good measure. The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim made me want to live in a community filled with caring, if a little eccentric, people, although I’m not sure wild swimming is entirely for me, especially since I can’t swim.

This book gave me bittersweet memories of my late mother-in-law, who loved to swim in the morning! It's a sweet, cozy story - great to cuddle up with a blanket and tea next to the fireplace. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

What a charming and delightful read. I loved the setting and the mix of different types of characters. The characters' side stories - love ones especially - added charm to the story. Uplifting and gorgeous – and highly recommended to all.

Ettie meets Dominic when she interviews for a job at the hotel he is setting up. The lake on his property is a popular spot for swimming, against Dominic's wishes. Can Ettie change his mind or will his past mean he can't allow it to happen?
A great read - loved all the characters.

Ettie was impossible not to love, she was so feisty and sweet, but also flawed and real. Her sound track should be something like "Walking on Sunshine"... such a sunny character. Her boss and love interest in this story, Dominic was the typical grumpy, with a past... something that made him that way. I loved seeing if Ettie could make Dominic any less grumpy or if Ettie just got herself into more and more trouble with Dominic by continuing with stuff he was dead set against.
The supporting cast, especially Grace and grandpa were also great. Such over the top characters, but in a good way and Josh and the other characters added a little more depth and seriousness to the story.

I highly recommend this story of how swimming and friends can be therapeutic!

First time reading this author & did not realize there was another book with some of these characters. It can be read as a standalone easily. It did take a few chapters to get the feel of the quirkiness of the characters and if Ettie was a total ditz or if she had some "smarts". It became predictable about mid way. I could never decide if the whole idea of some scenes was going for a comedy book or chic lit. It is a quick, easy read. Read & hopefully enjoy. It wasn't a favorite for me. I was provided an ARC of this book and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Oh how fabulous this was!

Jules Wake writes as though she’s chatting to you on the sofa with a glass of wine!
This story of Etty, Dominic, Gracie et al was just lovely!
I laughed out loud many times at Etty’s antics and Granddad was just brilliant! You will love him!

The love between the characters and the camaraderie between new friends was just beautiful.

I always find a hidden meaning in Jules’s books usually about friendship.

This is a book that needs to be read whilst cosied up.

Perfect and highly recommended.

This was a thoroughly charming and enjoyable read! Loved all the characters, especially our heroine, Ettie, who although portrayed as a little flaky to begin with, soon shows she has a good heart, and smarter than she gives herself credit for. Perhaps the outcome was a little predictable, but The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim club takes on a life of it’s own as they battle hotel owner Dominic for the right to swim in the lake on his property.

*I was provided with an ebook copy of The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity.

The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is a novel where a group of people come together to convince a local hotel owner that they should be allowed to swim in the lake there. There are various characters, who all have their own reason for wanting to swim but support each other throughout the book.

The book mainly focuses on Ettie, who has moved back to her mum's house in the countryside after a string of jobs in London. She ends up working at the hotel, where she gets involved romantically with the owner, but running a secret swimming club behind his back.

I don't think I can put into words just how heartwarming and wholesome things book was. I really enjoyed reading it every step of the way and I wanted to get out and go swimming after I read it. I will be recommending this to all my friends.

5/5 stars

A delightful slow burner of a story line. The characters are well written with a variety of ages so truly multigenerational The storyline has the hook of wild swimming which is very popular at the moment but the plot has more to it than simply wild swimming. Overall a good read

This book’s description is wonderfully light on detail – I rather liked that – yet together with the book’s title and the publishers’ tag line of “the most uplifting, feel good novel of 2022” it left me in no doubt at all about what to expect and everything I needed to know. It also means though that I really don’t want to wade too deeply into the story and spoil it for others – but I do promise that if you enjoy the same kind of books as I do you’re going to absolutely love this one.

The characterisation is simply wonderful. I had a smile on my face from the moment I met Ettie – she might have a rather chequered employment history, and can sometimes bend the truth a little, but she has the most enormous heart. In much the same way that she immediately won me over, she unexpectedly secures a job as admin support (perhaps the best description for the mishmash of duties she finds herself doing) at Hepplethwaite Hall, the local “big house” that Dominic and Gracie are in the process of turning into a hotel. Gracie (and what a great older character she proves to be!) knows they’ll get on – if nothing else, it’ll mean that she can still swerve some of the more difficult decisions needed, and it’ll allow her to focus on (some might say “faff about with”) the tasks she enjoys.

Dominic is less convinced, and initially a bit stiff and standoffish – but she soon wins him over too, and it even looks like the beginnings of a rather lovely romance. But before it really gets off the starting blocks, it hits a few problems – he can’t forgive a betrayal of trust, and it turns out there are a few deep-seated issues that make him so diametrically opposed to allowing locals to swim in the lake on the estate. And that’s a shame – swimming is when Ettie escapes from all her problems, has time to think, and it means every bit as much to the group of individuals who look forward to spending time in the water.

If I loved Ettie (and Gracie… and, with understanding and getting to know him better, Dominic too), I certainly felt the same about the whole wider cast of characters, those Wednesday morning swimmers. Every one of them has their own substantial story, and the different threads are wonderfully woven together as their individual stories become clear and are developed further. Ettie’s grandfather is a fantastic character – in fact, her whole family features heavily and adds depth and a good measure of extra humour throughout. The redoubtable Hilda – you’ll remember her if you read The Saturday Morning Park Run – is part of the group, and Claire makes a return appearance too. But every one of this multi-generational group becomes important to the unfolding story, as they become friends and pull together in the name of a cause that becomes important to them all.

And that’s as far as I’m going to go – but with the perfect emotional touch and a lot of gentle humour, this character-driven story really was an absolute delight. It’s so filled with warmth throughout, I don’t think the smile ever left my face – even when a happy ending looked increasingly impossible, and there seemed no way for them all to overcome the many obstacles in their way. Uplifting and gorgeous – and highly recommended to all.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Although the 2nd in a series, this is the perfect feel good standalone read. I immediately connected with the characters, especially Ettie and the way she was trying her best to lay foundations and make a plan for her future. I could identify with her feelings of being lost and uncertain.

I loved all the descriptions of the village, especially the lake and the swimming. It really reminded me of all of the physical and mental benefits of swimming, but as the community is formed it also brings to light the social & community impact of sport and recreation.

It is a lovely little gem of a book with an easy style, interesting plot and uplifting and feel.

I would recommend this book and author to fans of Kathryn Freeman, Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

I just cannot resist a Jules Wake book (not that I even try to). There’s something special about them. When I am reading, I completely believe that I belong to, and am part of something and I am always left feeling glowing inside – like I’ve had a successful therapy session.
Although I don’t really wild water swim, I live on the coast and it’s a very common thing in my community and it’s such a wonderful way of bringing people together.
Ettie is working for Dominic and Grace as they try to revive a mansion and turn it into an outward bounds centre. After a string of interesting jobs in London, Ettie is hoping she has found the job that will enable her to settle. As she powers on with changed and renovations, she also becomes closer to members of the community and Dominic.
I loved Ettie and how she created a swimming community full of people who needed the to be there for themselves. I enjoyed the various quirky characters and it was lovely to see Hilda again (from The Saturday Morning Park Run). Dominic is also a lovely character but a little more guarded due to his experiences. I did want to shake Ettie a bit about the secret keeping but I do love a flawed character.
There is a romance plot but this book also has a strong focus on friendship and community and how much this impacts people. It’s also about overcoming fears and moving forward and learning to love who you are.
I adored this book as much as book 1 in this linked series and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s perfect and such a heart-warming, hopeful novel.

At first dip, I wasn't sure in what direction Jules Wake was heading. Soon after treading water, I started cheering for Ettie and Dominic to succeed. Filled with colorful and charismatic characters, readers will fall in love with their antics. After living in London and traveling to the countryside, I can visualize Ettie's journey.

Jules Wake aka Julie Caplin provides escape reads and this time, readers retreat to the countryside. While the Wild Swim is a central plot, the twist examines the swimmers' lives and why swimming provides relief from their regular routines.

Readers, get ready for a wild read and adventure. Jump in, the water is fine and things will go swimmingly!

I always enjoy books by Jules and this one is no exception. Full of warmth and kindness, lovely relatable characters and an excellent plot. Highly recommend.

This story admirably showcases this author's skill in taking relatable characters in everyday circumstances and bringing out what is unique in each person and situation.

Ettie is still searching for a career that suits her. Initially, she appears to lack commitment and drive, but the reader soon appreciates this is not the case. I enjoyed getting to know Ettie and the friends she met whilst wild swimming. Each character has a unique story that emerges and adds to this read's motivational and uplifting quality.

Dominic is driven and determined to make a success of his latest project, whether he enjoys it or not. His past tragedies define him, and meeting Ettie challenges him to think again. Their friendship and romance are lovely and full of humour, misunderstanding and passion. The many engaging elements in this story make it the perfect read to help you relax.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher.

The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake is the most charming contemporary novel that will warm your heart. It is the second book in the Yorkshire Escape series but can be read as a stand-alone.
There is an eclectic mix of characters such as you could meet in real life – from a Grandad to a pair of lovers to a handicapped teen. All of the characters are facing their own unique battles and challenges. As the book progresses, familiar faces from book one pop up along the way.
Swimming is a great leveler. It is a place where your fears and challenges of life melt away for a while as you concentrate on swimming. Everyone is equal in their costumes, goggles and ear plugs. People swim not only to escape but to keep their bodies moving – I can certainly relate as I only learnt to swim in my fifties in 2017 and it enabled me to gain back control of my mobility.
Many characters have personal fears. With love, care and support, these can be faced and overcome.
An old building needs a new purpose and bringing back to life. This is also mirrored in the lives of the characters.
We witness lives that are self-sacrificing in love as they put others first.
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim was a really fun read. It was full of high energy and had a wonderful rapport between the characters. I adored it and hope there will be many more books in this wonderful series.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Jules Wake – you have done it again! Another incredible book that I devoured in a few days. Having already read and LOVED The Saturday Morning Park Run, I knew I was going to love The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim just as much – and I did!

The story centres around the main character Ettie, who having lost another job – this time through no fault of her own – returns to live with her Mum and family. Desperately searching for a new job, she applies to work at Hepplethwaite Hall, the local “big house” that is being turned into a hotel. During the interview, Ettie doesn’t feel like she has made the right impression on owner Dominic, but loves his colleague, Gracie. Ettie is super surprised when she receives a call from Dominic offering her the job.

The main reason Ettie was convinced she wouldn’t get the job is that Dominic caught her wild swimming in the lake at Hepplethwaite Hall. His reaction was somewhat over the top. For Ettie, swimming has always helped her in feeling free and relaxed, so is struggling to understand Dominic’s reaction.

The longer Ettie and Dominic work together, the more they feel the pull of the chemistry between them both, and the start of what could be a beautiful relationship. But Ettie has been hiding something from Dominic that could potentially lead to many problems if he finds out what it is. The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim started with Ettie letting a couple of people swim in the lake with her, but now it has grown to include a large group of people, each of them with different reasons for wanting to do wild swimming – even Gracie has now joined the wild swim group.

When Dominic finds out, it’s the end of the Wednesday Wild Swim and the end for Ettie and him. Can Ettie get to the core of what is troubling him about the wild swimming, and will Dominic ever be able to trust her again? The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is such an incredibly well-written story, with the most amazing cast of characters – Grandad and Josh are two of my favourites, but it was great to see Hilda and Claire from The Saturday Morning Park Run make a reappearance. Friendship, fun, love – this story has it all – for me, it really is a must-read!