As we go through life, it's common to have moments of reflection and wish that we had done things differently. This sentiment is beautifully captured in the story of Denise "Denny" Lambert, a recently retired sixty-year-old who embarks on a journey of self-contemplation with her fun-loving and spunky group of friends, the Old Ducks.

The story's setting takes us to beautiful Mallorca, where Denny accompanies her stepsister and the Old Ducks on a hen trip. The Old Ducks are a group of lively and adventurous mature women who refuse to let age dictate their lives. They are a delightful and hilarious bunch, always up for a good time, and Denny's friendship with them is heartwarming.

One of the things I appreciated about the story is how the author portrays the characters' age as just a number. It's a reminder that we can continue to explore, have fun, and enjoy life, regardless of our age. The Old Ducks' attitude towards life is contagious, and it's difficult not to be inspired by them.

The story takes an interesting turn when Denny reunites with the man who ghosted her thirty-nine years ago. Bruno is patient, kind, and understanding of Denny's anxieties and doubts. I loved how they took things slow, getting to know each other again, and reminiscing about old times. It's a beautiful portrayal of how love can be rekindled, even after decades apart.

The Old Ducks' antics are another highlight of the story. Their big yellow duck hats and no-holds-barred attitude towards drinking and having fun are sure to make you laugh out loud. The skinny dipping fiasco is a hilarious scene that will leave you in stitches.

Overall, the story is a heartwarming and inspiring read that will leave you feeling uplifted. It reminds us that it's never too late to pursue our dreams and that our age should never limit us. The characters are relatable, and their journey of positive self-discovery is one that we can all learn from.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a wonderful story about mature women and men living life to the fullest in a gorgeous setting, I highly recommend giving this book a try. It's a delightful and heartwarming read that will leave you feeling inspired to embrace life's adventures.

Thank you to Ms. Please for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Lovely to be back with the Old Ducks, they do get up to things and enjoy their lives. This one is just as good as all the others in the series. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

The Old Ducks’ Hen Do by Maddie Pease is an entertaining story proving life isn’t over at 60-ish. Denny has been retired from her government career for several months now and is beginning to feel the need for something of a life when her stepsister, Juliette, calls with the news she is to be married. And more importantly, there is to be a week long hen do in Mallorca, all on Juliette. Juliette had been married before and had a beautiful daughter and twin granddaughters to show for it. Denny though she would never live to see Juliette marry again, but here they were. Upon arriving in Mallorca and ensconcing themselves in the villa Juliette had rented, Denny looked over the hedge and saw a face from her past: Bruno, the man she had been engaged to forty years earlier before he had run off. Oh, my God!

What a quirky group of late middle-agers. Each a character in themselves. Bruno’ cousin was his host as he was to be married and he and the other two had come to bird watch. Bruno was the driver. This was a just a fun, feel-good romp for these lovely, deserving people. There was a thing plot, not much of one really, as in most rom-coms, and a rom-com this was. Divine reading!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Old Ducks’ Hen Do by Boldwood Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #MaddiePease #TheOldDucksHenDo

The Old Ducks' Hen Do by Maddie Please

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Recently retired, Denny Lambert is finding life just a little bit…well, dull. So when her stepsister Juliette announces she’s getting married – again! – and invites Denny on a hen do with the Old Ducks, Denny really can’t say no.

Denny knows something about the Old Ducks and their wild exploits, but she’s just glad to be somewhere hot and sunny and away from her grey life back in the UK. She’s definitely not going to be pulled into any Old Duck mayhem….

But when they arrive at their beautiful Mallorcan villa, Denny is in for a shock. Because right next door is the man who once broke her heart – Bruno Browning. Now with the Old Ducks and an old flame to contend with, Denny’s life suddenly feels anything but dull!

But if she’s learnt one thing from her time with the Old Ducks it’s that life is for living…and that’s exactly what Denny is finally going to do!

Because it's never too late for even the newest Old Duck to learn new tricks...

My Opinion

I was disappointed to learn that this was the second book in the series as it means that I have missed a book release by Maddie Please, I am going to have to go back and read it. With older characters this was a very entertaining read, that can be read as a standalone. I read the majority of this in one sitting as it was enjoyable from start to finish.

Whilst Maddie has written about older characters there are still a lot of antics to read about. A highly recommended read from me, although I would suggest reading this series in the correct order.

Rating 4/5

I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series but I loved so much. This book is witty and heartwarming and it's refreshing that it's based around older characters. This book is really funny, but I love the fact it has a series, poignant element too that I think makes it true to life. I am definitely going back to read the first book while we wait for more adventures.

The Old Ducks' Hen Do is a lighthearted and very humorous story centred around a group of retired ladies on a hen do in Mallorca.
I couldn't help but be inspired by these fun-loving women and I can only hope that my friends and I are as similarly minded and still up for adventure and romance in twenty years' time.

I enjoyed all the shenanigans that the ladies got up to, especially their run-ins with the nuns and Denny's episode with the face mask. There were plenty of memorable, laugh-out-loud moments and never a dull moment especially with the group of like-minded gents staying next door to keep them entertained.

Bruno and Denny's story was a little bit sad as their younger selves gave up on each other far too quickly and then they spent the next forty years apart and regretting it. But true love never dies and a second chance romance in their later years was the icing on the cake for me. It was really sweet and endearing.

The Old Ducks' Hen Do has the feel-good factor in spades and a fun read from start to finish.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'The Old Ducks' Hen Do' by Maddie Please


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Maddie Please, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random resources Tours.

Publication date 16th November 2023


This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last! It is also the second book in 'The Old Ducks' Club' series but can be read as a standalone.


This novel consists of 26 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


Wow!! Check out this absolutely laugh out loud perfect summer read!!!

This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.

I absolutely loved this absolutely fantastic and hilarious feel good book! Maddie's evocative writing skills ensures the reader disappears into the storyline with the are and characters coming ito life all around you. She leaves you smelling the sea air, feeling the sun on your skin and leaves you with a smile on your face and feeling much lighter and happier than before you started. It is one of those books that are rammed with feel good moments, laughter, second chances, not acting your age, fun, friendship and absolutely everything that you could ever want in an addictive must read! The storyline is realistic and down to earth and the setting is picturesque. I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this laugh out loud feel good page turner. On several occasions I had to remind myself I was actually in the house and not in Mallorca myself as I was that lost in the storyline!! It is one of those books that I just could not put down and I ended up walking around with my kindle glued to my hands. Every time I thought I will just read one more chapter and then get on with some chores it ended in a way that there was no way I could leave it there so I had to read another and then the same happened until I very sadly came to the last page and its absolutely fantastic ending. I genuinely felt like I was on holidays and I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I'd have to pack my suitcase to leave the gorgeous Mallorca and return to rainy Wales after a stunning getaway. However I am absolutely landed that this book is just the second in what promises to be an absolutely stunning series and I cannot wait to get whisked away into the lives of The Old Ducks' lives again!!!! If you are looking for a stunning inspiring escapism that will make you laugh, smile, and that will turn a frown upside down then grab your copy of this amazing book and thank me later!!! If I am half the woman the Old Ducks' are when I am their age then I will be extremely happy!! An absolute must read ❤️💜


Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the first book. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

A stunning and inspirational story of friendship, romance, second chances and being true to yourself. I absolutely love, love, LOVED it!!


The characters were all solid, realistic and I loved that they all had their own unique personalities. An absolutely fantastic group of friends that had me laughing out loud on too many occasions to count!! I absolutely LOVE the fact that these are all (meant to be) mature women over 50 who each prove that age is just a number!!! They are an absolutely fantastic, refreshing, fun group of characters that I cannot wait to meet again in the previous and future books in this series. I was absolutely delighted when I came to the end and realised that this book is actually the second in a series and I get to have fun with them all again as they very quickly became to feel like friends that I look forward to having fun with!!! The story is mainly told from Denny's perspective. I absolutely loved watching her coming out of the shell and the change in her from beginning to end was fantastic to see. I was rooting for her and Bruno throughout and had my fingers and toes crossed throughout for them to get their happy ever after and second chances but whether they do or not.... Well grab your copy and you'll find out yourself! Although the story was mainly about Denny and Bruno each and every one of the characters and members of 'The Old Ducks' were fantastically portrayed and each and every one of them came to life thanks to Maddie's fantastic descriptions and evocative skills. I won't say anymore as I don't want to turn this into an essay or spoil things for future readers but needless to say I cannot wait to meet them again!!! Congratulations Maddie on creating a fantastic group of characters set in a stunning location with a beautiful storyline. This would make a gorgeous film and I'm looking to meet the next characters you create along with meeting the gang again!!! All of these characters and more make this an unforgettable, stunning book that will have you putting on your sun cream, grabbing yourself a cocktail and being whisked away to Mallorca!!! They all came to life before my eyes and I am really excited to meet them all again!!!


Maddie congratulations on an absolutely fantastic novel and welcome to my top author list. Your book is a page turning laugh out loud and soul lifting success and I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Maddie's 'A Vintage Vacation' which promises to be just as gorgeous as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!!

Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will whisk you off to Mallorca and lift your heart and spirit. A page turning, addictive compelling novel that will leave you wanting more


328 pages.

This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon,at time of review, which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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I love the Old Duck and was glad to catch up. Entertaining, compelling, well written.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book really resonated with me. Denny has recently retired and finding life a bit dull. Then her step-sister Juliette calls to say she's getting married and invites her on a hen do with her friends the old Ducks. She's heard of their fun exploits and agrees to join her in Mallorca, Spain in a rented villa When she arrives she's ready for a fun week in the sun of Mallorca and spending time with her step-sister and friends. Much to her surprise next door is Bruno the man that once broke her heart. He's spending time with friends who are there to birdwatch. As the week goes along she finds her old spark again. I loved this story of Denny rediscovering herself after her retirement and a life dedicated to being a government worker. I thought the author did a great job of creating vibrant, fun characters who were enjoying their time in a beautiful villa in Spain and enjoying what life had to offer there.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for an ARC of this book.

EXCERPT: I looked around at everyone laughing and wished and wished it could be possible to bottle the feeling inside me. I was sitting with good friends in a beautiful little town. There was a view of the sea, the memory of a delicious meal, and perhaps a wider view of my future than I had considered when I came here.
I would not allow myself to sit at home, just reading and eating chocolate as I had imagined. I might even be bold enough to go on holiday on my own. Nothing about this experience had been difficult, after all. How exciting! And there was still the rest of the holiday to enjoy, then Juliette's wedding. And of course Bruno, who was never far from my thoughts.
What had that postcard said? Fear is temporary. Regret is forever.

ABOUT 'THE OLD DUCKS' HENS DO (OLD DUCKS CLUB #2): Recently retired, Denny Lambert is finding life just a little bit…well, dull. So when her stepsister Juliette announces she’s getting married – again! – and invites Denny on a hen do with the Old Ducks, Denny really can’t say no.

Denny knows something about the Old Ducks and their wild exploits, but she’s just glad to be somewhere hot and sunny and away from her grey life back in the UK. She’s definitely not going to be pulled into any Old Duck mayhem….

But when they arrive at their beautiful Mallorcan villa, Denny is in for a shock. Because right next door is the man who once broke her heart – Bruno Browning. Now with the Old Ducks and an old flame to contend with, Denny’s life suddenly feels anything but dull!

But if she’s learnt one thing from her time with the Old Ducks it’s that life is for living…and that’s exactly what Denny is finally going to do!

Because it's never too late for even the newest Old Duck to learn new tricks...

MY THOUGHTS: The Old Ducks' Hens Do is an entertaining read, but I expect no less from Maddie Please. I loved the characters and felt like I was right there along with them on Juliette's hens' do. These ladies sure do know how to have fun without overstepping the mark - there are plenty of laugh out loud moments as well as some touching ones.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, once-bitten twice shy which only makes it all the more realistic. I could totally understand all of Denny's reservations and doubts.

The author makes the most of the beautiful setting of Mallorca and I have added this to the list of places I want to go.

Although this is #2 in a series, it is easily read as a stand-alone. I haven't read the first in the series but intend to remedy that immediately.

The Old Ducks' Hens Do is a quick and fun read. It's a reminder that while we may be wrinkled on the outside, inside we feel little different to what we did in our twenties. It's just that our bodies aren't quite as obliging as they used to be!

Some of my favorite lines:
I think my life can be summed up in one sentence; 'Well, I didn't see that coming.'

For me, life began at sixty, up until that point it was all research.

When you are a kid you want to be a teenager. When you're a teenager you want to be an adult. When you're an adult you want to be a cat. (So true! 😂🤣)

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#TheOldDucksHenDo #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Maddie Please was born in Dorset, brought up in Worcestershire and went to University in Cardiff.

After a career as a dentist Maddie now lives in Devon with her exceptionally handsome and supportive husband. They have 4 adult-ish children all of whom have left home and are probably rather surprised by all this. She did warn them.

Maddie is a voracious reader, and would enjoy hoovering, defrosting the fridge and cleaning the windows but unfortunately she doesn't really have time. She is very disciplined and sensible about her writing and she likes to write every day because it gets her out of doing the ironing.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Old Ducks Hens Do by Maddie Please for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Denny is finding life to be very dull. When her stepsister Juliette announces she is getting married and invites Denny to go away with the old ducks for a hen do Denny says yes. Well this book was just one big ball of laughs and I really wanted to jump in the pages and join the girls on their trip away because they were having a blast and I wanted to be a part of it. The characters are older women and I love how it shows that older people can have just as much fun as the young maybe even more. My cheeks are sore from laughing and smiling so much. This book is definitely lively and I wanted it to go on forever, I will just have to be patient and wait for the next book in the series. A book that will take your mind of your troubles and make you feel like making the most of life!

The Old Ducks Hen do is the second book in the old ducks series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Oh my goodness I loved this book so very much. Denny who is in her early sixties has recently retired and has just been invited to her stepsister Juliette’s hen party in Majorca. There’s absolutely nothing to stop her from going as she is now retired so the world is her oyster. Denny gets the surprise of her life when she arrives at the Majorcan villa they are staying in and who she sees leaves her positively dumbstruck for a while. The story mainly revolved around Denny but the other female characters we were first introduced to in the first book of the series but this book clearly explains who they all are. One of the things I Ioved about this book was the more mature lady element and it goes to show that women over a certain age can still have lots of fun and laughter. Packed full of humour but also there was a slightly serious side to this read in parts which made the book all the more poignant and interesting. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book and I really hope there will be a third book in the series as I want to find out more about The Old Ducks.

This is the first book by Maddie Please that I have read, but will look for more of her writings. I enjoyed reading a story that had humor and such a fun group of women over 60. It isn’t easy to find books written specifically for the 60+ woman. I loved the warm sunny location and would love to go there with a group of women friends to have just as much fun as these Old Ducks.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this advanced read copy. My review is entirely my own opinion.

Great Light Hearted Read ❣️

It’s been awhile since the release of The Old Ducks Club but reading this brings back those memories of that holiday. The Old Ducks Hen Do can easily be read as a standalone book if you’ve not read the The Old Ducks Club.

Great lighthearted read bringing a new member into the club.

I first discovered this author when I read The Old Ducks Club back in May 2021. The characters that appeared in that first book, are all present and correct in this one, with the lovely addition of Juliette’s sister, Denny. The story is told mainly from Denny’s perspective as she navigates her new world of retirement and feeling surplus to requirement.
Despite being determined to avoid any of the high jinx that she heard from the Old Duck’s last trip, Denny soon finds herself being pulled into a series of funny happenings. What she couldn’t have factored into her adventures, was seeing an old flame, Bruno, and she soon realises that she is still carrying a spark for him.
I absolutely loved this story and found myself continually rooting for Denny and Bruno to catch a break. I guess I really am an old romantic, as I was continually hopeful that they would have the chance for a happy ever after. Of course, restarting a romance, forty years after it fizzled out, is no mean feat, and Maddie Please makes her characters work for their happiness.
Whilst the main focus of the story was on Denny and Bruno, there was a terrific supporting cast formed by the Old Ducks and their Stag party celebrating neighbours, who were also enjoying their later years.
As I have now come to expect, there are plenty of hilarious moments along with some lovely wistful pauses as the friends reflect on their friendships and what the future may hold for them.
While this story is a wonderful work of fiction, Denny is not much older than me, so it was good to know that I can get into trouble and still look forward to a happy ending. However, I don’t fancy skinny dipping!

Denny is invited by her stepsister Juliette to her hen party in Mallorca, along with other members of the Old Ducks. Recently retired Denny decides to go along to what sounds like a lovely villa in a glorious location. Settling in they find that there is a stag party staying in the villa next door consisting of 60 something years old bird watchers - and Bruno, an old flame of Denney's who left her heartbroken at university all those years ago.
It makes a nice change reading about people with a similar age to myself, highlighting that we aren't just the old fogies that we are expected to be. Although I haven't read the first book in the series, a common experience for me nowadays, this is easily read as a standalone book. The men are maybe a bit cartoonish, surely twitchers aren't all like this, but this just adds to the fun. There is a seriousness about how people can be lonely, but this is counterbalanced by TBR general light feel of the story. Definitely recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Oh Maddie, thank you so much for this wonderful story, I've laughed out loud, cried and felt every emotion in between and I'm so pleased that Denny and Bruno (Benny) have finally found their happy ever after, I definitely need an Old Ducks club!

I loved this book!!! After reading some not so lighthearted books, I definitely needed to visit the Old Ducks and Denny. This book, and others by this author, just bring a smile to your face and belly laughs. It is impossible to stay in a down mood when you read this! Can’t wait for more!!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book.

After her retirement Denny is looking to fill her days with things she can do. She finds out that her sister is getting married

Her sister, Juliette has planned a bachelorette trip with Denny and two other friends in Mallorca.

Whilst there, Denny finds out that her ex is also in Mallorca.

She gets a chance to find out what happened all those years ago, and also that she still has feelings for him.

I loved reading about the Old Ducks and their antics in Mallorca, some made me laugh.

I recommend this book.

The Old Ducks’ Hen Do is actually book number two from the ‘Old Ducks Club’ series of books and i really enjoyed it, a lot!! Although this book is a sequel it can very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems at all.

This story is mainly set in Mallorca and i really enjoyed reading all about it and through the authors wonderful writing style it honestly felt as though i was there, immersed in all of the Spanish goodness!

I loved this book and found myself speeding through the pages so that i could find out what was going to happen.

A wonderful read and i really hope that there is going to be a few more in the series…….