I found this book delightful. It delves into the lives of the Williamson sisters who are now both in their late 90's. They live with their nephew Archie who takes care of them. The are always waiting for their next adventure (excitement) to go on. The sisters are decorated WWII veterans and are always asked to appear at parades and events relating to that war. The book tends to go back in time when the women were younger but it is not in any order and may be confusing to some readers. During the past you find that the one of the sisters was a spy and another worked in undercover intelligence. They also had other "excitements" in their pasts with relationships and family. You come to love Josephine and Penny. You become anxious reading about what they plan to do on their next adventure and hope all works out for them. Archie is a delightful character too. He loves his great aunts and loves planning their excitements but even Archie doesn't know the half of their shenanigans. The Aunts get into some trouble along the way which Archie has to get them out of. This book has comedy, drama, heartbreak and excitement. I highly recommend,
Thanks to #netgalley, #willammorrow and @authorcjwray for an ARC of this fun read.

What a fun read! I loved the characters and getting to know the sisters. The book was easy to follow as it jumped back and forth between the past and the present. I would definitely like to read more about the sisters and their lives/actions during the war.

Excitements in this novel refer to adventures, and Archie's Auntie Josephine and Auntie Penny have had a lifetime full of them. Both volunteered for Britain during WWII, and although the Official
Secrets Act prevents them from disclosing exactly what they did, spying and covert operations were part of their remit. But despite being so close, the sisters have kept some pretty significant secrets from each other. One uses sleight of hand to steal fabulous jewels, then pawns them and uses the proceeds to fund schools for girls in third world countries. The other had a sexual encounter at age 18 that affected her entire life.
Archie is a middle aged man who dearly loves and cares for his beloved aunts. Because he's so honest, he cannot fathom the excitements in which Josephine and Penny are involved, but that's part of what makes this such a fun romp.

What a fun book! I am so happy to see elderly protagonists in these mystery books. The Excitements did not disappoint. Hopefully there are some prequels with Josephine and Penny coming to us in the future??

After enjoying stories with seasoned characters like The Thursday Murder Club and Killers of a Certain Age I was keeping an eye out for more in the genre. When this nonagenarian book about two sisters who took part in the World War II effort crossed my path I decided I needed to try it.

It started with more quirkiness than expected and had me off kilter from the very start. I’m glad I understood some of the French phrases randomly dropped in, like ennui (thanks Gilmore girls) which helped me feel more confident about understanding the characters. The story jumps back and forth in time and is told from the perspectives of the sisters as well as from their nephew. All the POV’s were done well and there was really never a dull moment with all the twists and drama Wray delivered.

This story had a little of everything. It was funny, sad, charming, romantic, and informative. I really enjoyed learning about the characters lives and the drama that unfolded in the present day. However, I did have a tough time wrapping my head around a 97 and 99 year old being able to do many of the things they did. I did my best to put that skepticism aside and to just enjoy the ride and when I did it was very fun!

The blurb that got me to try this was “It’s as if The Change were to meet The Rose Code and The Golden Girls.” I loved the idea of those three meeting but this is not even slightly reminiscent of The Change. It is however a little like Rose Code meets Golden Girls!

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me an arc widget!

This book seems quirky and interesting - but it is not for me. The first few chapters are all over the place, and there is way too much telling instead of showing. Unfortunately it just didn’t hook me and I had to DNF.

“After one of the youngsters—possibly Pongo—said “ah bless” in response to Josephine telling them about her plotting room role in The Battle of the Atlantic, Archie noticed Penny begin tapping her right forefinger on the ceremony programme in her lap. To an ignorant outsider, it might have looked like a tic but Archie recognised the Morse code for “moron.” She’d often tapped it out on his forehead.”

One of my reading goals for 2024 was to DNF books that aren’t bringing me joy. I wanted to love this one. I did. The reviews are GREAT so I’m actually not quite sure what I’m missing here.

But I’m 25% in and nothing. Is. Happening. Yes these distinguished older ladies are going to Paris for an award. Yes I love the nephew and just how much he loves his aunts. But I’m bored. I would still give this one a chance, though, if the synopsis intrigues you as the reviews are so, so good!

Thank you to Netgalley, William Morrow, and the author for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was invited to view this after I had already sworn I wasn’t going to accept any more January ARCs. Then I saw the blurb for this book and I just couldn’t pass it up because of my grandmother and great aunts. My grandmother was a regular Rosie the Riveter, helping to build war planes during WWII and my two great aunts ran a diner on a local airfield where they trained troops while their husbands were abroad fighting (my grandmother wasn’t married yet, not that she stayed married for long (I miss her so much)). I was extremely close to my grandma and I adored my great aunts. They were a hoot and a half. I just couldn’t turn this book down.

I’m so glad I didn’t, because this book is just like my grandma and great aunts: a hoot and a half, with quite a lot of story to tell. I laughed a lot and loved the story from beginning to end.

CJ Wray did an impeccable job crafting a story that straddles the past and the present (well, the past and 2022), telling the story of Josephine and Penny Williamson, two elderly women who served England in WWII. In the present timeline they’re traveling with their beloved and loyal great-nephew, Archie, to France so they can receive a medal for their service during the war. The past is the stories of their youth and their adventures in the service and out. These two old ladies had once had quite a number of adventures–good, bad, illegal, legal, sad, mad, amorous, and more.

All of the characters are colorful and well-written. The dialogue is absolutely delightful. Archie is a darling and his great aunts are the kind of great aunt I always wanted to be one day. The story reminds us of just what our elderly went through and how little of them are still left now. It’s a great story all around.

I was provided access to this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Historical Fiction/Military Fiction

Although I appreciate the story the author was trying to tell about these fun, crazy old ladies, I found it quite disjointed. At times, I was not sure which year I was reading about. However, I did like how the story really came together in the end. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this book. IF you like books with WW11 veterans with secret agenda traveling the world read this book.

“The Excitements” by CJ Wray
A Never a Dull Moment Story.
This story ended up being one I loved; but, to be honest it took me a bit of time to truly become addicted to the adventures of Josephine and Penny. I am ever so very glad I persevered and got caught up in the adventures during the 1930’s and 40’s, the adventures in the present and how the past and present connected. This is a worthy read for certain, sure. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

THE EXCITEMENTS is a delightfully charming tale of two elderly sisters who are forever in search of their next "excitement" aka adventure. The ladies are well-preserved, ninety plus year old WWII veterans chock-full of life and dark secrets with a knack for finding trouble . . . or does it find them? The sisters depend on their gay nephew Archie to plan their excitements and get them where they need to be on time. The odd trio travels the world where the sisters are in demand to make appearances at festivals and fundraisers, often giving speeches and receiving recognition and awards for their service. Now, they're off to Paris, France to receive the revered Légion d’honneur medal awarded for their heroism in liberating France. At least that's why Archie believes they're going; however, as they often do, these ladies have a secret agenda to right some wrongs, and this may be their last shot at doing so.

Author CJ Wray has penned a witty tale featuring two eccentric characters unlike any others you've ever met. Penny and Josephine Williams are Britan's war treasures, adored and loved by the masses as war heroes who were part of the famous WREN's and FANY's, working for the Royal Navy and the nursing corps. At least that's the official word; however, what the world doesn't know is that Josephine was an undercover intelligence operative and Penny a spy in their younger days, and they developed several interesting skills rumored to involve grand larceny and hand-to-hand combat. With the trip to France, they have one last chance to settle old scores and pull one last heist. It may be their last big hurrah, so they intend to make it a memorable one and go out with a bang.

For the most part, THE EXCITEMENTS is narrated by Pennie and Archie with the timeline constantly shifting between past and present. The dialogue is entertaining with several tales shared by the sisters about their past adventures. The constant shifting of time may be problematic for some readers as it isn't always in chronological order, often swinging forward and back. While I found myself having to back up on occasion and reread passages to ground myself again before proceeding, it was easy to settle back in quickly. The story relayed in present time is often humorous with the banter between Archie and his aunts a delight to read. Readers will enjoy joining the two spry nonagenarians as they scheme and plot with poor Archie working double-time to stop their shenanigans from landing them in trouble yet again. While the story flows at a nice pace and the tone is overall light, there's a dark undercurrent of suspense ebbing throughout as readers wait for the other shoe to drop to discover what really happened to the sisters in Paris all those years ago that led to the score they're dead set on settling. Sometimes, a plot line is so convoluted, pulling readers in so many directions that the focus tends to get lost in the shuffle, and the story suffers. To a lesser degree, this is what happens in THE EXCITEMENTS in my opinion. At times, it's a comedy - hilarious and fun, other times it's a super spy mystery - intriguing and mysterious. It's most certainly a historical fiction story brimming with interesting information from the time period with a brief side of romance. One thing's for sure . . . it's a smorgasbord of reading pleasure if readers take their time and consume it in small bites, enjoying each part.

THE EXCITEMENTS is a tale of two resourceful nonagenarians with a secret agenda traveling the world, leaving havoc in their wake. The characterizations are pure gold even though the plot line is occasionally a bit muddled. Author CJ Wray excels at incorporating pertinent WWII history into this tale of two elderly, highly decorated veterans gone wild. Prepare to laugh aloud as the Williamson sisters attempt to pull off one final heist. Recommended to history buffs as well as fans of mystery and comedy.

This historical fiction is a really slow start. The entire first half of the book leads to one “main event.” The second half is much better but the very slow start brings it to the three stars.

This book was wonderful! I loved the characters and I just enjoyed their incredible fun story! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

This book grabs you from the first few pages and definitely keeps your attention until the last. I love the way the story develops as we get to know Archie, Penny and Josephine and understand the importance of the “excitements” that Archie delivers to keep his aunts entertained. The adventures and misadventures of Penny and Josephine’s lives define the entire story and there are definitely surprises which makes it even better. As we follow along we learn about how women were treated, but also how resilient and determined they were and the impact of war. This has so many fun twists and turns, including Penny’s big secret, that makes this book so enjoyable. I do wish we had a little more on Jinx as this storyline just seems to appear and disappear without much background. Overall a great book! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback - this did not impact my opinion.

Dive into 'The Excitements,' and you'll be whisked away on a rollicking adventure with Britain's most vibrant nonagenarian sisters, Josephine and Penny Williamson. These ladies aren’t just war heroes—they're the life of every party they crash into.

Author C.J. Wray masterfully blends the guts and glory of wartime espionage with the sprightly antics of two sisters who refuse to let age define them. Imagine if Miss Marple met James Bond and decided to throw a party—that’s 'The Excitements' for you!

Josephine and Penny, our spirited protagonists, aren’t your typical senior citizens. They’ve got more zest for life at 97 and 99 than most people have in their twenties. They’re off to Paris to receive the Légion d’honneur, but this isn't just a trip down memory lane—it's a covert mission to settle old scores. And trust me, these ladies have scores aplenty.

Archie, their devoted great-nephew, is the unsung hero of the story. He’s the anchor to their zeppelin of zaniness, trying his best to keep these audacious aunts from going completely off the rails. He’s like a charmingly overwhelmed ringmaster in a circus of sass and spy-craft.

As for the story itself, it's a whirlwind of intrigue, humor, and a dash of melancholy. The narrative flips between their thrilling war days and their current escapades, weaving a rich tapestry of their lives. You’ll find yourself chuckling at their escapades one minute and tearing up at their past sacrifices the next.

'The Excitements' is a reminder that life doesn't end at retirement. It's a tribute to living life to the fullest, no matter your age. If you're in the mood for a story that combines heart, humor, and a touch of historical espionage, then buckle up and join the Williamson sisters on their latest adventure. Just remember to pack your sense of humor—you're going to need it.

Even though this book was fabulous, it took quite a while to reach that point.

Some of the issues I had with this novel were:
The language-thank goodness my Kindle has a translator. The old-fashioned British language also threw me for a loop at times.
The chapters jumped from year to year, century to century, and not in a straightforward manner.

All this aside, the story was riveting. There were so many secrets, some that I figured out independently and some that just floored me when I found out.

The ending kept me riveted, and I wish there were more to the book so we could have had some solid tie-ups for some of the secondary characters.

I loved this book, and it will be going on my re-read shelf!

ARC was supplied by the publisher, HarperCollins, the author C. J. Wray, and NetGalley. My thanks

The story of sisters Penny and Josephine is most entertaining, filled with quirky characters enmeshed in historical events over decades. Penny and Josephine are accompanied by their nephew Archie to go to Paris and receive the Legion d’Honneur. As the story progresses, there are flashbacks to their times visiting their godmother in Paris, their activities during WWII, and so much more. Both women have kept secrets, even from each other, and those secrets help define their lives. I loved this book, the characters, and highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The Excitements
By: CJ Wray
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
-No spoilers, but the start of this book honestly had me cracking up.

-I loved Penny and Josephine. It was so interesting to see their stories evolve.

-There are A LOT of plot twists in this story.

-This book felt chaotic at times, but I felt like that added to the story.

——
The Excitements was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and William Morrow. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 1/30/24

When I read the synopsis on this book, I knew I had to check it out. 2 sisters in their 90’s who are receiving an award in Paris for their bravery during World War 2? Add in a ton of hidden family secrets and a bit of chaos, and you have this book.

I will say, there is A LOT in this book. Like, there are some storylines that maybe didn’t need to be in the book. It made the book feel chaotic. Now, I didn’t mind that, as I feel it added to the story, but I could see that being a turn off for some people.

Regardless, I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the chaotic elements, and think it’s a fun twist on a story.

#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #fiction #arcreview #netgalley #boogiesbulletpoints #theexcitements #cjwray #williammorrow

Josephine and Penny Williamson are two nonagenarians who have lived surprisingly exciting lives. The sisters came of age at the start of World War II, both joining the war effort after moving from the sleepy family estate to London. But the Blitz was only the beginning of their "excitements."

We meet them in the present as they are about to be awarded medals for their work in supporting the French Resistance. Despite their advanced ages, they still get out and about with their nephew Archie, a London gallery owner. And while Archie always enjoyed their company, he had no idea just how exciting his aunts’ lives were.

The book uses multiple timelines and points of view to tell the sisters’ incredible stories, full of intrigue, deception, family secrets, and revenge.

I loved the characters of Josephine and Penny. And the two main locations of London and Paris, both during the war and in present day, were well handled.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for the opportunity to read an advance review copy of this book.