This book had an enjoyable plot, was humorous in places and had distinct characters. I think having the flashbacks later in the novel would have made this a more engaging reading experience for me.

This book has received a tremendous amount of publicity, and there have been many excellent reviews. Now that I have read this one, I can see why. In these pages readers will find humor, excitement, some heartbreak, good characters, many settings, and some surprises.

Overall, this is a story of two sisters, named Penny and Josephine. As the novel begins, they are in their 90s and about to receive a special honor in France. Readers discover that each of them had an exciting war, meaning World War II.

In addition to learning about their wartime experiences, readers learn about those close to Penny and Josephine. This includes everyone from housekeepers to a special nephew to those that they have loved over the years.

I think readers will be taken by the story and its characters. it is one with a unique flavor

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for access to this arc.

I don’t want to spoil any of the secrets by telling too much about the plot. It’s intricate, carefully woven and does the best thing for me – leave a bread crumb trail to back up what happens without totally giving the game away. I did guess one thing but so much springs from that bit that I was still thrilled at the end. But the rest? Wheels within plot wheels. Things fold back on past events then spring forward to now. Friends might end up enemies or on the other side of a double cross. The granddaughter of an admiral annoys everyone with her naval whistle but along with a nun, whose Morse code skills are better than Penny ever guessed, they – and a hen party in Paris – arrive in time to help save the day. Or rather they try to, but Archie, Penny, and Josephine have some tricks up their sleeves and a magnificent emerald ring somewhere else.

Penny and Josephine are well rounded characters but aren’t turned into quirky oldsters. They make mistakes and hold onto grudges but they learn from them. Their intentions are (usually) the best. They think the world of Archie and support his “toujours gay.” Their marriages aren’t what people think but the sisters allow people to think what they want. They both worked to support the Allied cause during World War II but their service might not be what people think it was.

I love how the world (and the Paris police) gets truly schooled about how these nonagenarians aren’t out to pasture. That a piece of German shrapnel is a handy thing to hang onto. That the spirit of Robin Hood isn’t dead. That DNA from Archie overcoming his aversion to spit leads to something wonderful. How Penny and Josephine have each other’s backs. And the outcome of the SOE jump is something I never saw coming. This is a marvelous book which I highly recommend. A

This book came as a recommendation for me and I’m not sure it would have come across my desk otherwise. I am SO thrilled it did. It is one of the most unique historical fiction, dual narrative, dual timeline novels I’ve read. And it’s FUNNY. It has heart and humor and two sassy sisters who are not quite ready to admit their age. It’s part history, part caper, part comedy- it just hits all the right notes. The Williamson sisters’ story must be read. The whole book is a delightful romp.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

4 solid stars. A very good debut effort on this tale of two nonagenarian sisters with WWII backgrounds, who are way more than they seem! I also enjoyed the third MC, their gay and clueless but very much beloved nephew, Archie as he deals with “the Excitements” that ensue whilst learning of buried family secrets. And I learned about the British OSE, WRNS & FANY. This one’s fun & has a lot of heart & charm! My thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the free DRC!

The Excitements by CJ Wray is a totally entertaining book about two elderly sisters, 97 and 99, and their doting great-nephew, Archie. It is told in several timelines as in lives lived that long there are plenty of memories. They are both spritely and not nearly as demented as they seem at times. They have a caregiver, Arlene, who is referred to as their housekeeper. They don’t require a caregiver. Penny is especially prone to theft: jewelry and other things. The jewelry she sells to fund the foundation named after her late husband, which supports education and uplifts women. They had been in the war, Penny as a member of FANY and Josephine as a WREN. Penny had spent some time learning to be a spy but was unable to jump out of the plane at the last minute. It saved her life, as it turned out. Josephine has also married, but not out of love. The love of her life had been killed by the Nazis seventy years earlier. The love of Penny’s life had been a crooked cop; they had been involved for over fifteen years. It was an amusing and enthralling tale that spanned nearly a century.

Archie, as it turned out was gay. The sisters didn’t care and they made it easier for him to come out to his parents. By the end of this story, that fact made little difference in the world and the sisters were happy about that. Josephine and Penny had strict moral standards. That those standards were not the same as those of most people, meant little to them. They were extraordinary characters, written by a master. Wray made the story flow easily despite the fact that it jumped from the present to various times in the past to keep the whole thing flowing. I loved these women and the affection Archie felt for them and his realistic view of them. The world tend to retire people when they get old and these two women exemplify why that is misguided. This was a fun and enlightening book, that I hope many will read. Thanks CJ Wray.

I was invited a read The Excitements by William Morrow. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #WilliamMorrow #CJWray #TheExcitements

I really didn't know what to expect from this book. I thought there might be a fair amount of humor - and there is - but there is also much, much more. CJ Wray wrote a book I had difficulty putting down, with mystery, danger, poignant moments, life-altering secrets, and flawed, layered characters who kept me coming back for more.

Events unfolded like a movie across my mind as the adventures - both past and present - of these two ninety-something sisters played out over the course of the book. I could visualize Penny and Josephine so clearly. And Archie, their great-nephew, as well. The relationship between Archie and the aunts was so endearing. Granted, it could be a bit frustrating and befuddling for Archie at times, while humorous at others, but always overflowing with mutual respect and love.

I enjoyed the way the author slowly unveiled the layers of each sister via flashbacks throughout the book. Each of them turned out to be so much more than I had imagined when the book opened in present time. The flashes from present day to WWII era and back - with occasional stops during decades in between - happened sporadically, requiring me to keep my attention focused. Occasionally, if I took a break from reading, I found myself having to re-read pages to reorient myself but for the most part I was able to keep up without confusion. There was a lot going on. These two women did not lead quiet, uneventful lives. I have a feeling I might be reading this one a second time, just to make sure I didn't miss any gems on the first go-around.

There's a terrific supporting cast - both past and present - who helped drive the story as well as providing insight into events that shaped Penny and Josephine. There's also a fair amount of fascinating historical information about British women who served during WWII, and the sometimes secret missions on which they were sent.

Humor, suspense, poignant moments, danger, family secrets, and two whip-smart elderly ladies who may be in their sunset years but are still smarter - and more savvy - than the average bear, bring this story to life. I'd love to see it on screen. They'd have to age her a bit but I was picturing Helen Mirren as Penny the entire time I was reading. I give The Excitements an enthusiastic 4.5 stars.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

The Excitements by C. J. Wray is a delightful and witty story of two women veterans who served in World War Two. Josephine and Penny are in their nineties and are always in a mood for excitement. Archie, their brother's grandson, is very close to them and takes care of their affairs. The trio with the caretaker of the ladies makes a trip to France, and what follows is a very witty, funny but at the same time poignant story.

Set both in the present and the past (World War Two) era, this book is just a delight. Penny, Josephine, and the other two war veterans are delightful as the main characters. The adventures they get into make this book a very interesting one. Combining historical fiction with humor is such a good combination. I hope there is a follow-up or a series featuring Penny and Josephine. This book is definitely Toujours gai, as Penny says!!!!

Thank you, William Morrow @williammorrowbooks for this book.

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.