Joy was at a crossroad in life, and when she went to a lot of trouble to make a perfect Christmas for her grown children and grandchildren. It wasn't working out the way she planned, so she decided enough was enough. She packed some bags and went to France to visit her sister.
While there, she helped out, met new people, and discovered who she is now. She likes who she is now and is going to explore it and see what happens. I enjoyed reading about the things she discovered, the things she didn't see, but others did, and instead of trying to make everyone else feel better, maybe it was time to think about herself, and give to herself what no one else did. Oh, the things she did, discovered, and started to embrace the life she had, kept me reading.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

Having sisters , it’s easier than it sounds ! But like our heroines I wouldn’t trade my sister for the world ! If you don’t have a sister(s) come gets taste of the pure insanity that is sisterhood !

A wonderful story about finding yourself and putting your needs first. Not selfish but essential. Going to visit her sister in France after a horrible Christmas.. finding friendship fun and enjoyment in life again.

Joyful and inspiring. While written about a senior aged woman, there is much in this book that can serve as inspiration for any age, male or female. Joy starts the story stressed, trying to provide her children and their families with the perfect family Christmas. That doesn't go well. Joy soon comes to the realization that while she's growing older, she isn't growing older happily. She decides a trip to France to spend some time with her more spontaneous, enjoy the moment type sister. Isobel is a delight, full of humor and genuine love for her husband Felix, who runs a book shop, and Joy gradually comes to realize that her priorities had included everyone but herself. That's where the story really begins to take off.

It's a delight. Not because it's easy, but it's wonderful to see someone not only realizing all they have allowed themselves to miss out on but taking action to make changes. I won't detail the plot other than to say that it was fun, full of humor and adventure. Even Isobel, already living her best life, finds a path to making it even happier with Joy's more disciplined focus and ideas. Joy finds....well, I doubt I'm giving away anything to say she finds the possibility of second love. She also learns to tolerate rambunctious, fun-loving dogs, Marcel and Antoine, who have distinct personalities, too. I mean, while Joy's adventures, or should I say misadventures (wait until you see what she does to a Chanel outfit, borrowed at that), provide humor, some of the scenes involving the dogs made me chuckle aloud. Let's just say, leaving their footprints in newly poured cement and Marcel's frustration at trying to get a too long branch through a too narrow opening will make dog owners everywhere grin.

So lots of humor and lovely descriptions, but it is the message of living every moment that will resonate most with readers. As a senior myself, I found myself unconsciously nodding as Joy sorts out where she lost herself and how to find her way. Her bucket list is definitely interesting. While I have no interest in some of the items, I took notice of her repeated idea of not having to make things perfect for everyone else. It's a big moment when she finally removes her wedding ring, signaling openness to a new relationship with the initially rather mysterious Luc. In fact, some of the early humor is of everyone conjuring up ideas of his past, Isobel's mother-in-law seeming convinced he is a medical doctor. Uh, well, maybe not, Eugenie, but he may be the answer to what ails Joy. What a delight to see the very realistic relationship develop between them, slow, stumbling build and all.

Bottom line, I loved this book and am wondering how I have managed to miss Maddie Please books before this one. I will definitely be remedying this soon, I assure you. Thanks so much #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Joy, Isobel, Felix, Eugenie, Luc, and, yes, those fun ones. I appreciate the early look and will be avidly looking for anything else from Please. Loved the virtual trip to France, that's for sure, and the imaginative glimpses into Joy's thoughts. I'm pretty sure I'd want to be her new best friend if she were a real person. It was wonderful to see her take charge of her own life.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Joy is excited about having her family over for Christmas. She is hoping that everything will go perfectly. She decided on the spur of the moment to see her sister in Europe. This book made me laugh at times.

The first novel I read from this author was Old Birds on Deck which I enjoyed, so I was looking forward to reading Sisters Making Mischief. Joy has had enough. She just wanted a wholesome family Christmas without and drama, but clearly what was I possibly to achieve. Her daughter announces she’s getting divorced and her son and his family are moving to New York all whilst expecting Joy to wait in then hand and foot. She’s had enough and decides to head to France to spend some time with her sister. It was a pleasant enough novel with nice characters but I can’t say the book really grabbed me. It improved once Joy went to France, but I was expecting the sisters to have more escapades and that just didn’t happen. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

All Jo wanted was a magical Christmas just once but when her children arrive with their children there’s nothing but fights and squabbles her daughter is getting a divorce and her son is moving to America.
Jo decides to go in her own break heading to her younger sisters villa in France. Jo is sick of being everyone’s dogs body and she wants more can her break be the new start she’s hoping for.
Great read with a few chuckles along the way brilliant.

A sweet cozy read which makes you realize how stressful Christmas can be for some. I didn't like the arguments between the siblings and the way the children complained about the food, presents and the fact they had to share a room but, on the whole I enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I totally felt Joy’s pain in having gone overboard to have a wonderful Christmas with the family to have it backfire somewhat with no one really lifting a hand to help. I was infuriated for her although I did have every empathy with what Sara was going through and would probably be the exact same.

The story really takes off when Joy goes to visit her sister in France. The idyllic location and one of the most unforgettable characters in the form of Isabel’s mother-in-law. OMG she is hilarious and I don’t think there was one part of the story where she appears in that I wasn’t laughing. She really is brilliant and even though I could imagine what a pain she could be at times, I absolutely adored her.

There are so many wonderful elements to this story with Joy trying to work out what she wants from life. Giving a helpful hand to her sister and brother-in-law with their businesses as she certainly has an eye for things. Along with this we have an interesting love interest who seems to have an air of mystery to him. I thought Joy was so brave and it does inspire you in wanting to make changes to your life.

Sisters Making Mischief was the perfect reading tonic that picked me up. I adore stories set in different countries as there is a feeling of escapism whilst reading and you can easily visualise yourself doing the same thing. Hands down this is one of Maddie Please’s funniest books with plenty of laugh out loud moments that still make me laugh now thinking about them. A joyous and uplifting story that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

I received a free copy of, Sisters Making Mischief, by Maddie Please, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Joy thought her Christmas was going to be relaxing a typical, but then her daughter, Sara, said shes getting a divorce. her son John and his wife Vanessa, are going to New York, so Joy decides to go to France, to visit her sister Isabel. This is exactly what Joy needs to get away, and find herself again, I really enjoyed this book.

A wonderfully uplifting read… A lot of sparkle and mischief… The characters are fabulous… A very relaxing read!

Joy is fed up with her mundane life. After hosting a family Christmas for her ungrateful children she decides to go to France to visit her sister and get away for a while.
As soon as Joy arrives her life begins to change for the better and her confidence begins to return as she finds her self.
There were so many great characters in this story and t Eugenie was hilarious. In fact the book was so funny in parts and had me laughing out loud. There were also serious parts which helped the reader reflect on Joys life and I did see parts of myself in her.
An excellent 5 star read which I would recommend and I would love a sequel to this.
Thanks to Boldwood Books, Maddie Please and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This was just a cute and cozy book, it was about two sisters, older in age and just them living their life how they wanted to. It was a nice read, it was happy and it was just nice to read something light, I enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

This is such a fun book. Joy is 53 years old and is discovering herself while Visiting her sister in France. I just loved this story about older people living their lives for themselves. This book really resonated with me. I saw a lot of myself in Joy. I loved the characters. The book is funny and sweet. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Joy is hosting a family Christmas for the first time since her divorce, she tries to please everyone as they demand different meals to suit their latest food fad, complain, argue, and expect her to wait on them hand and foot without a word of thanks. From Christmas Eve to New Year, she manages to keep her cool, I really felt for her and wanted to shout and make a scene on her behalf.

Expecting to wave all the family off, Joy is shocked when her daughter asks to remain while divorcing her husband. Faced with hosting her unappreciative daughter and also anticipating a role as childminder, Joy's sister's invitation to join her in France offers a perfect opportunity to escape the never ending dramas.

Joy's relief (and mine) when arriving at Isabel's rustic and chaotic home was immense, there she finds somewhere where she's loved and respected, and not merely regarded as The Provider. As the days pass, her confidence returns, she rediscovers her femininity and together the sisters improve Isabel's flagging business enterprise.

The characters are fun and believable, the plot humorous, recommended reading.

I have read so many fun books recently. Sisters Making Mischief was my latest read. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a light-hearted read.

Even the title is fun…this is a pleasant story of family and friends…holidays and problems…the main character tries to please her family…nothing seems to work…she packs up and goes to visit her sister…mayhem on the way…perhaps romance…I liked this book…it is fun…I like this author…curl up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket…sit by the crackling fire…a cup of herbal tea…enjoy this story. Thanks Netgalley

This author never ever disappoints. The plot and characters were believable. I was Sucked in from the start. Of course I would Read another book by this author.

First, Joy’s character development was a highlight for me. Her transformation from the overlooked family member to someone who rediscovers her zest for life felt genuine and relatable. I especially loved how you contrasted her life back home with the freedom and chaos she finds in France with Isobel. The emotional shifts she experiences were well-paced, though I think the story could benefit from a few more reflective moments where she contemplates her evolving relationship with her children—this could add even more depth to the character.

Isobel, on the other hand, is such a breath of fresh air. I loved how she acted as a foil to Joy’s more restrained nature, but it might be interesting to see a bit more vulnerability from her, too. It would add balance to her character and deepen the bond between the sisters, especially as they support each other.

The humor in the book was delightful and often had me smiling (and sometimes laughing out loud), but I think there’s potential to explore a few more “serious” moments, especially with Sara’s divorce and John’s move to New York. These plot points felt like they had a lot of potential for emotional impact, but I sensed they were resolved quite quickly. A bit more tension before Joy escapes to France might make her journey feel even more rewarding.

Lastly, the setting in France was wonderfully depicted, and the atmosphere was rich and vivid. The potato farm was a great choice—so unexpected yet perfect for the themes of simplicity and reconnecting with life’s basics. I think it’s a great metaphor for Joy’s situation.