ARC Book Review
3.75/4 stars

Tess and her four besties, all in their 70s, call themselves The Hens, and all have exciting, but separate, travel plans. When tragedy strikes, Tess ends up taking one of the Hens along on her dream trip to the Isle of Skye, Scotland, where they have a life-changing adventure. This delightful little book is a quick but sweet and thoughtful read. Leigh presents part travelogue, part senior chick-lit (did I make that up, or is that a real genre? If not, it absolutely should be!!), part romance in this gem of a story. I loved the colorful characters, the vivid descriptions of landscape and food, and the multiple charming story lines. This is a story about friendship, community, support, love and grief. If you liked Sylvia’s Second Chance and are looking for a cozy holiday read, pick this one up!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchanged for my honest review.

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Ah, this was a sweet story!

A bunch of ladies are navigating their later years in various ways. A couple of them end up in Scotland at a hotel that has seen better days and they start to influence the owner in ways that none of them could have foretold.

There are twists and turns in their stories, of course, and I wanted each of them to have their happy endings, however that looked. I loved the character of Daz as well, an honourable mention, since he was not in the demographic of most of the other characters.

The only thing I had a bit of an issue with was the age range, but that is probably because I am a good 15 years younger than the ladies in the book and I couldn't quite get my brain around ladies in their late 70's doing some of the things that they did!

What I COULD relate to is wanting to see the Northern Lights. It is right up there on the top of my bucket list! Also thinking of going to Scotland to see them. Crossing all fingers and toes that it will happen, before I get too old to really enjoy the trek.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

Judy Leigh’s The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is an inspiring, heartwarming, and witty tale about embracing life in your golden years. This delightful follow-up to Five French Hens takes readers on a whirlwind journey to the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland and the enchanting Isle of Skye, where Tess and her friends discover adventure, friendship, and second chances.

At its core, this novel is a celebration of resilience and reinvention. Tess, feeling stuck in her newly independent life, is shaken into action when tragedy strikes her friend Della. Together, they embark on a life-affirming journey filled with stunning scenery, rich history, and new beginnings. Judy Leigh masterfully balances humor and poignant moments, crafting characters who are relatable, complex, and endlessly endearing.

The vivid descriptions of Scotland's landscapes and culture are mesmerizing and bring the setting to life. The addition of romance, unexpected friendships, and the camaraderie of the Hens is the perfect recipe for a feel-good story that also tugs at your heartstrings.

While the pacing in some parts felt slower than expected, the overall charm and emotional depth of the novel more than make up for it. Tess’s growth and the rekindling of the Hens’ bond will leave readers inspired to live fully and fearlessly at any age.

Why You Should Read It:

A touching exploration of friendship, independence, and starting over.
A vividly painted setting that immerses you in the beauty and magic of Scotland.
If you’re in the mood for an uplifting read that celebrates the power of lifelong friendship and adventure, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood will leave you smiling.

Final Thoughts: Judy Leigh has a gift for showcasing the beauty of living boldly, no matter your age. This is a book that will resonate with anyone who’s ever dreamed of second chances and unforgettable adventures.

Feel good, funny and emotional all wrapped up in one gorgeous package.

The Silver Haired Sisterhood is a read that hooked me very quickly. I devoured this in just one sitting with no regrets. This is a book that is warm and full of love.

The characters are well developed, I had a particular soft spot for Tess. We see her starting off in a bit of a rut, however we see her grow throughout the course of this one.

Skye was a gorgeous setting and I loved my trip. The characters made me smile and full on laugh out loud. This has been heartwarming, fun and full of ups and downs.

Judy Leigh has transported me to the pages of this one. I felt as though I knew the characters and was right there with them on this adventure.

I can’t wait to see what Judy has in store for readers next. I definitely want to read more following this one.

This has been a great read that I have really enjoyed.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a group of five older women who refer to themselves as the Hens. Tess, a divorcee, decides to take a trip to the Isle of Skye to see the Northern Lights, and she is joined by Della, who is recently widowed. However, the inn where they plan to stay is not fully operational due to a recent separation between its owners. Tess and Della assist the owner, Roddy, prepare the inn for expected guests. What begins as a vacation quickly becomes a rescue mission, with support from fellow Hen Rosie and, eventually, help from Jen and Pam. The journey brings interesting characters, opportunities for personal growth, and significant life changes.

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam - the Five French Hens - for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

Travel with Judy Leigh to the magical Highlands in this uplifting, joyous and funny tale of friendships and new beginnings. This is the perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

Loved it. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others

The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is a cute feel good novel. The story explores themes of aging, loss and grieving, marriage breakup, friendship, new beginnings, etc.

The story is light and not particularly realistic but still enjoyable.

I loved that the characters are mostly older women. It is important for people to see that it is possible to continue living and being vibrant as we age. I also liked the portrayal of the friendships and the way the characters all rallied around each other as needed.

There are a few parts where I found the story dragged on a bit but mostly it was a quick read. I did enjoy the descriptions of the Scottish scenery.

Although I'm yet to read Five French Hens - the book where it all began - it didn't distract from my enjoyment of this book.

I love Leigh's stories with the older generation at heart. She embodies hope for all of us middle aged, going grey ladies that life isn't there for the taking and to relish in every second of it!

Her characters are warm, full of life and so much fun. Whilst they've all faced challenges in their personal lives, their friendships haven't wavered and their bond unbreakable.

I adored every minute of my time with The Silver Haired Sisterhood and I hope this isn't the last we hear from them.

Heartwarming, uplifting and an absolute joy to read.

Tess is stuck in a rut. It seems that most of her friends are off living their lives. Rose is in Paris, Jan is off on a cruise and Pam is off to Greece. The only person still at home is Della. Tess decides that it is time for an adventure so she books a holiday for herself to the Isle of Skye, with the hope that she might get to see the Northern Lights.

When circumstances change for Della, it seems like a good idea for her to join Tess and so off they go. Online, the hotel that they have book looks gorgeous, but the reality is very different when they arrive. The host doesn't appear to know that they are coming, the hotel is dark, there is no food, but it is late so he agrees to let them stay the night, but they are going to have to find somewhere else to stay.

Before they know Tess and Della have been roped into helping Roddy, the hotel's owner, get the place back up and running again. Roddy's wife, Isla has run off, and now wants him to sell the place as soon as possible so she can get her half. Never mind that the hotel has been in Roddy's family for generations.

Soon, there is a veritable cast of characters staying at the hotel, each with their own story of how they came to be there. And each of them is keen to play their part in the resurrection of the hotel in time for Christmas, but there are going to be challenges, not least from the malicious Isla.

Slowly, each of Tess's friends find themselves staying at the hotel, bringing the silver haired sisterhood back together. The big question is what happens next, both for the friends and for the hotel.

Really, this book is about second chances, or maybe I should say for second, third or fourth chances. Many of the characters are either widowed or divorced, and for some of them there is a chance to find new love and companionship. For others, there is a chance to sort out some of their major life choices, but for all of them there is joy, friendship and hard work bringing them all together at Christmas, and that age does not have to be a limiting factor.

The phrase "women of a certain age" is getting a bit of a workout in the media at the moment, but I do think that applies here, although to be fair I think that phrase potentially gets applied to a number of different age groups, including my own. Judy Leigh writes older characters who have the benefit of the experience of life, but who have not forgotten what it means to enjoy themselves. In this case, most of the silver haired sisterhood are in their 70's, and they are not just sitting at home watching TV, but they are out and about having adventures, making friends, having romances and generally enjoying life. It is not all plain sailing, as there are limitations such as health conditions and more, but you have to at least try, right?

I have read a number of Judy Leigh books before and I enjoy them a lot, and this was no exception.I somehow missed that this was a sequel to an earlier novel, Five French Hens, which I haven't yet read. I really don't like reading out of order, but even though I did become aware of it, so it was in the back of my mind while I was reading, in the end I don't think it affected my enjoyment of the book. I do, however, want to go back and read the earlier book now.

I recently reviewed another book set on Skye and I mentioned then that it seems that the Isle of Skye is having a bit of a moment when it comes to being used as locations for books. Or perhaps this has always been the case and I am only just noticing it. Whatever the case, I enjoyed the way that the island was showcased in this book. And it has reinforced the fact that I would really like to go back and visit again, and spend more than just a couple of hours in a small town. And if I could happen to see the Northern Lights too, well, that would be amazing.



I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher,Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. This also counts for the 12 Books of Christmas Challenge.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I loved how a group of senior women come together to support each other through life‘s ups and downs. I loved each and everyone of the ladies, their story and their love for each other. It left me feeling good about female friendship.

Visiting the Isle of Skye in the Highlands sounds dreamy. I was looking forward to the adventures of five silver-haired best friends and wanted to tag along for them to see the Northern Lights.

Here are three things I loved:
🥰Rose, Tess, Della, Pam, and Jen are so supportive of each other -- even when many miles separate them. And I loved Pam's dog Elvis!
✨Chasing the elusive Northern Lights is on my bucket list. I am hoping to get a good look sometime when I visit family in the Baltic States one of these years.
👵These ladies may be in their seventies, but they are travelling and enjoying the opportunities that come along while helping others where possible. I think the 70's are the new 50's?

If you compare my rating to the average for this book you will see I am a bit of an outlier. It did not turn out to be the story I was expecting. Frankly it felt like there was more than one book in here and I started to lose interest in the middle. Please do read other reviews as many have loved this one so much more than I did.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

With Christmas approaching, Tess feels a little left out when her friends – of many years – all seem to have exciting plans. Jen’s off on a cruise to Iceland, Pam heading for Greece, Rose is living and working in Paris (in her eighties, but playing piano in a nightclub), and Della’s hoping to get there on a long-promised trip with husband Sylvester. Tess has always wanted to see the Northern Lights, and there’s nothing holding her back, so she impulsively books a solo break on the Isle of Skye – then starts to work out the logistics of how to actually get there. But she does have unexpected company – Della’s Paris trip, for the very saddest of reasons, doesn’t happen, so they travel there together. But on arrival, the hotel proves not to be quite what they were expecting – run down, no warm Scottish welcome, only a reluctantly agreed bed for the night so that they can then look for somewhere else.

It turns out that owner Roddy’s wife has left him, he’s barely coping, and she’s also demanding he sells the hotel to give her half the proceeds. With more guests expected, and seeing a real possibility of turning the place around, Tess and Della decide to step in – they’re full of ideas, and Tess is a particular dab hand in the kitchen – and help an initially reluctant Roddy fight for the hotel’s future. They’re unexpectedly joined by an ailing Rose, struggling to recover from illness, and her young (caring, enthusiastic and rather lovely) friend Daz – and together they all show what a positive approach can achieve. There’s a substantial cast of really well drawn characters – guests Robin and his son Jamie willingly join their efforts, and they also win over curmudgeonly guide and handyman Murdo, slowly helping him change his life in the process. Roddy’s wife Isla though remains determined that they will fail, sabotaging them at every turn – but she really doesn’t realise quite what she’s taking on.

There is, of course, a lot of laughter – the relationships between the women (and the other two join them too before their stay is over) are an absolute joy throughout, with their support for each other, sheer zest for life and finding enjoyment in every available moment. There are serious issues too – a good measure of grief and loss (quite wonderfully handled, and that sometimes moved me to tears), health problems, mental health issues – but always a focus on how life can be made better, grasping every opportunity, overcoming every obstacle, buoyed up by friendships new and old and the glimmer of hope for the future.

The Skye setting is quite beautifully drawn, with the most vivid descriptions – neither their efforts at the hotel nor the snowfall can stop them getting out and about and seeing the beauty to be found on their temporary island home. And I’ve always very much enjoyed the author’s more mature characters – her books are always a firm testament to the fact that it’s never too late to change your life in a positive way, especially with the support of friends. But I really think this book might have been my favourite of them all (so far, of course!) – I was entirely caught up by the fight to save the hotel, the struggles of some of the characters, and the wonderful women who showed such fierce determination to succeed. The whole book is filled with emotional moments that really touch your heart, but immensely uplifting, leaving you with the warmest glow – and it’s the most tremendous fun too. I really couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Judy Leigh delivers a heartwarming gem with *The Silver-Haired Sisterhood*, a celebration of living life to the fullest at any age. With a seventy-seven-year-old leading lady and a vibrant cast of similarly spirited friends—like the indomitable eighty-year-old Rose—this story reminds us that age is just a number and it’s our outlook on life that truly matters.

Through the characters’ journeys, Leigh shows that it’s never too late for new adventures. Life’s challenges are inevitable, but how we face them defines us. Some characters wrestle with grief—one finding warmth in cherished memories, another drowning in survivor’s guilt and alcohol until an epiphany sparks change. Leigh’s message is clear: mistakes don’t define us; what matters is who we choose to be moving forward. Out of hardship, there is always hope.

Set against the stunning backdrop of a snowy December on the Isle of Skye, Leigh’s vivid descriptions transport readers, immersing them in the beauty and serenity of the landscape. The novel also highlights the power of friendship—“the family you choose”—and the joy of second chances, proving that while we can’t change the past, tomorrow is filled with possibilities.

This uplifting tale will warm your heart, make you smile, and leave you inspired. Judy Leigh’s storytelling is as beautiful as ever, and *The Silver-Haired Sisterhood* is a testament to her ability to craft novels that resonate deeply with readers. I can’t get enough of her work!

I love the premise of this book and I adore "The Hens." It's wonderful to see older characters in books and read about true female friendships. These characters are full of life - and so are so many older women who live in a cloak of invisibility as they age. Thank you Judy Leigh for bringing such great characters to the page.

The Silver Haired Sisterhood is set five years after the eventful week in Paris that was the subject of Judy Leigh’s earlier novel, Five French Hens. It was lovely to reconnect with the five hens again and see how their lives have continued.
I really enjoyed the Scottish setting of this novel and the story of how Tess and Della help Roddy get his hotel back on its feet. The friendship between the women really shines through as does their zest for life. Despite being in their late seventies, they are not too old for romance or adventure. I wasn’t totally convinced by the romance as it seemed to come out of nowhere but I did love the references to Walt Whitman’s poetry and the book definitely made me want to explore that more.
This was a lovely heart-warming read and I am very grateful to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Favorite Quotes:

I’m not trying to push your buttons– if I was, I’d be looking for mute...

I heard a horrible screeching noise coming from the hall. I thought we had bats. Roddy, please can you tell this howling harpy to sling her hook. I’m trying to get some rest.

My Review:

Judy Leigh is a master storyteller and agile writer. She never fails to provide an entertaining, engaging, and heart-warming read. I have become a lifelong acolyte of this talented scribe and constantly haunt her listings for new amusing tales to peruse. Her characters are realistically flawed yet always endearing and worth knowing. I wouldn’t mind getting older if I could have as much fun as these spirited septuagenarians.

First thing first: I'm a great fan of Judy Leigh's silver panthers and I love their zest for life and how they face difficulties counting on their friendship and accept the change that can bring happyness.
This is the follow up to Five French Hens and was elated to catch with the ladies and read about them again.
There was a lot of changes, new adventures in the life of some of them but Tess is acting like a lurker more than an active member of this group.
A tragic event will bring them to Highlands and things will change.
I laughed out loud and was moved, rooted for the ladies, and thoroughly enjoyed the story as Ms Leigh is an excellent storyteller.
A story that keeps you reading and feeling different emotions. Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Saucy seventies

I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky sweet story about people mainly my age, that is the seventies. There's still a lot of life! Some of life's challenges, too! All treated with sensitivity and verve. Obviously not literary fiction, this is a book to be enjoyed beside the fire or under the duvet.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

The Silver-Haired Sisterhood by Judy Leigh

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

Blurb

Five years after seventy-something Tess jetted off to Paris with her best friends, Jen, Rose, Della and Pam - the Five French Hens - for Jen’s hen do, a lot has changed. Prospective groom Eddie has been given the heave-ho, Tess’s husband has been sent packing and the Hens are making the most of their golden years.

But Tess is stuck in a rut. Rather than embrace her independence, she watches on as Rose wows Paris, Jen explores Iceland and Pam heads to Greece. But when tragedy strikes Della, Tess is shaken into action. They both need a change of scenery and longing to see the Northern Lights, they head to the Highlands of Scotland and the magical Isle of Skye.

There Tess and Della get more than they bargained for. Along with stunning scenery and breathtaking history, they find new friends, grand adventures and even romance. And when they’re joined by the other Hens, together they start plotting a fabulous new future for them all.

My Opinion

Judy Leigh has once again written a delightful book with some older characters – even though our characters are in their 70s they still manage to go on an entertaining adventure. I started reading this book with the aim of just reading a few chapters and before I knew it, I was at the end. Our Hens support each other through both the good times and the bad in this uplifting read.

Rating 4/5

I enjoyed reading The Silver-Haired Sisterhood by Judy Leigh. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!