Patricia Santos Marcantonio's "Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes" is a lively and engaging novel that blends humor, heart, and a touch of mystery in a small-town setting. The story revolves around a group of eclectic characters whose lives intersect at the local bowling alley, Cactus Lanes, where secrets are revealed, friendships are tested, and mischief is never far away.

Marcantonio's writing is witty and warm, capturing the quirky charm of the town and its residents. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, each bringing their own unique personalities and issues to the mix. As the plot unfolds, the novel explores themes of community, redemption, and the unexpected ways people can change each other's lives.

"Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes" is a delightful read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about small-town dynamics, colorful characters, and the ups and downs of everyday life, all wrapped up in a humorous and heartwarming package.

A lovely story of fun and friendship! All blossoming at a bowling. Love to see read of the main character finding happiness and herself.

Oh is this a fun book or what?! I loved every minute of it. Made me laugh, made me smile and made me think that life can be great no matter what age you are. The characters are so well portrayed and believable you can see yourself in this book. The writing is so well done you will pick it up and finish it before you know it. I just couldn't put it down.

Completely and utterly loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

what a fun book!
it was full of friendships, family and bowling
a great read full of lively characters that had me smiling but also parts infuriated me (no spoilers but you will know when you read it!)
a story of how one woman finds herself and her happiness

A funny and charming story of Maggie who after the death of her husband, Bob, has to find out who she is. On sorting out her house she finds momentous from her childhood including a photograph of her as part of the school bowling team.

This leads her to the Cactus Lanes where she finds a purpose, friendship and in time love. It does not come easy and requires courage to stand up against both family and societal expectations of her.

She learns what is important and who is important to her.

A lovely novel - to be recommended.

New Author to me, loved it, engaging, funny and fresh. A recommended writer and book. It took me away from the mundanity of my present life, thank you.

I loved this later in life coming alive and rediscovering yourself book!! It was so good. I had the best time reading this book. It was heart warming and shows that you can still find happiness even after dark days in life.
I just reviewed Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes by Patricia Santos Marcantonio. #NetGalley
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This is such a fun and enjoyable read that was so uplifting, it was hard not to have a smile on your face when reading.

With literally no idea why I ended up downloading this, I won't be reviewing it in full. The two chapters I have read seemed OK – a bit too much of a slow-burner for me to want to stick around, and a book that promises a lot that is predictable and a lot (like the whole bowling plot) I wouldn't be interested in. I could see a Keyes or a Moyes taking such a scenario and making something much more engaging, but I wouldn't suggest anyone should avoid this as a disposable beach read.

A delicious tale that blends humor, romance, and the magic of newfound friendship. The writing is warm and witty and I enjoyed following Maggie on her journey of self discovery.
Many thanks to Harpercollins UK and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is about moving on after the death of a spouse but not in the way you imagined.

The protagonist is finding her feet and her identity after the death of her husband.

It did not start with a bang. Instead, the first part was boring and I almost did not finish. By the second half, it began to come together and I became vested in the story.

It was fun being at the Lanes and catching up with the characters and their lives. I loved that Maggie finally grew a spine and was able to stand up to her daughter.

A humorous, fun book to read on those days when you just want a light read.
It was nice to read a story about an older woman.
Second chance romance to find that it is ok to love again.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a great read about learning to listen to yourself and not public opinion. A feel good book, with - spoiler alert - a happy ending. Possibly more details regarding 10 pin bowling than most people need in their lives, but worth a read!

This was the first book I've read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I just wish I had Maggie's bowling skills, as she is awesome! This is a heartwarming book about friendship, second chances, and finding happiness in the most unexpected places.

The main characters husband has just died. But it gives the main character a chance to think about what they want now and where they want their life to lead. Allowing in happiness and love to their lives. But the only worry is how the children will take it. A uplifting story about love after loss.

Margaret has lost her husband and in doing so is finding life. She is free to do whatever she wants, the only limitation being her worries about what her children will think.
It was lovely to see a romance about an older woman, and the focus on her new hobby was a helpful part of the plot. However, I felt myself skimming through large chunks of this to get it read. At times, Margaret’s acts of defiance just seemed a bit ridiculous, rather than a ‘you go girl!’ Moment and for this reason I gave it 3 stars however it was a cohesive plot with some sweet moments.

Found this book to be a good read and makes you realise that life goes on and very often for the better. The story line was good and most people I am sure will enjoy reading this. 4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

"Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes" is a story about recently widowed, Margaret, also known as Maggie. After her husband passes away and having lived through a dead marriage, Maggie decides to find joy in life again. She discovers Cactus Lanes, a cool bowling alley in Las Vegas. It's not just a place to bowl; it's a place where Maggie finds friends and even a chance at love with the owner, Frank Martinez.

The book teaches us that life isn't just about winning or losing. It's about being true to yourself and taking chances, even if it feels scary. Through her journey, Maggie learns important lessons about love, forgiveness, and being herself.

One of the best parts of the story is the people Maggie meets at Cactus Lanes. They all help her grow and find happiness in unexpected ways.

This is a heartwarming book about friendship, second chances, and finding happiness in the most unexpected places.

I fell in love with the colourful cover and loved this life affirming story that tells you that i's never too late to be alive.
I loved the senior, the storytelling, had fun and was moved.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Margaret is struggling after the death of her husband following a long, loveless marriage. She tries bowling again, after a brief spell of success at school, and finds a new meaning in life.
I did really feel for Margaret, she struggles with her self-esteem, not helped by her daughter taking after her father. The story covers racism, snobbery but also companionship and a sense of belonging, preventing it being too downbeat. I was lucky enough to briefly visit Las Vegas on holiday, enabling me to visualise the locations. Unfortunately when I tried bowling I didn't reach anywhere near any level of proficiency, but did feel the excitement of those who can play well. Definitely something different and a book that I really enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.