On the first night of a week-long cruise, Janet hits it off with another widow, but her friends are both suspicious of this Primrose. And it turns out, they may have reason to be.

I was riveted the whole time. There were definitely moments I found myself annoyed with the main group of friends, but that only added to the story. Their moments of frustration with each other and moments of selfishness felt very realistic, and I loved that overall they were supportive of each other. I liked the previous book in this series but I really loved this one!

I enjoyed this book; I do love books with older main characters (being over sixty myself). The descriptions of the opulent ship and activities of the cruise made me reach for the IPad to research cruise holidays! I found a few bits of the story stretched credibility though, so only 4 stars, but I do recommend this book and will look out for (hopefully) the next in the series.

This was the first book I’ve read by Julia Jarman, but it definitely won’t be the last. Normally, I prefer to start at the beginning, but I didn’t know this one was part of a series, so, while I would have liked a bit more backstory about the ladies, it most certainly is a stand-alone! In fact, Widows Waive the Rules was such fun, and the characters so endearing that I’m going to go back and read the first two books in the Widows Wine Club series. I absolutely love reading about women in middle age or older (I'm 70), and this book is a delight, especially when it comes to the strong bonds of friendship that can see us through not just the best of times, but the most difficult times of our lives. Life is for living, and these women close ranks with love and laughter to take care of one another. I loved that! It’s also a reminder that love can happen at any stage of life. Raising my wine glass to that!

This time, the widows are off on the Queen Mary II, traveling from England to New York City at Christmastime (a repositioning one-week cruise), hoping to raise their friend Janet’s spirits as she continues to grieve the loss of her second husband, the love of her life. At first, reluctant, Janet embraces the opportunity to travel with her friends on the luxury liner. And, the descriptions of life onboard the QMII are terrific, from the staterooms to restaurants, and the on-board activities and entertainment. I felt like I was right there with them, and now want to go on a cruise!
There’s also a mystery involving another widow named Primrose, who coincidentally (or not!) shares Janet’s surname, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as the story continued to unravel. The Widows are a formidable bunch, especially when protecting one of their own, and I’d love to hang out with them. I’m all about characters and realistic dialogue, and this story, along with all the main and secondary characters (including musician Richard and his guide dog) kept me enthralled and entertained right until the end.

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for inviting me to read this advanced reader’s copy. I’m happily providing this sincere review, and now the Widows have a new fan!

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

We meet Zelda, Janet and Viv who enjoy a holiday on board a cruise ship, which was described beautifully.

It was lovely to read about the ladies and what they got up to aboard the ship, and by the end of the story, I felt like I’d known them for ages and would love to remain friends with them.

The story made you laugh at times and at others it made you wonder what they’re doing.

I recommend this book.

I didn’t realize til after I started that this was part of a series, but I read it just fine not having read any of the others, so I can safely say it can be read as a stand alone. You may benefit from some backstory of the characters, but nothing is lost in this new adventure they go on.
The widows set off on an adventure on the Queen Mary 2, bringing them to New York just in time for Christmas. The author does a fab job of setting the scene on the ship and all it has to offer. Janet is grieving the loss of her second husband and Zelda and Viv get her to agree rid the cruise to lift her spirits. Soon after they get onboard, Primrose latches into them. When she begins talking about her life, the ladies realize something is very wrong so they go into detective mode to try to solve the mystery that surrounds Primoses’ story. . The widows are forced to use modern technology like IT and social media as methods of sleuthing. We see how money corrupts people and how love can happen at any age. These women know how to live life to the fullest and care immensely for each other.
This was a fun, lighthearted story with friendship at its core. There’s enough mystery to keep you guessing but there’s also romance when one of the widows meets a blind man and his guide dog Billie on board. Being a member of the over 59 club myself, I love that the characters are older-made them even more relatable. I will be looking for the next books in the series.
Thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Julia Jarman’s *Widows Waive the Rules* is a charming and witty tale of friendship, resilience, and a dash of mystery. The adventures of Viv, Janet, and Zelda aboard the luxurious Queen Mary 2 are filled with humor, heart, and delightful surprises. The camaraderie between the widows is heartwarming. With its vibrant characters, clever plot twists, and the glamour of a transatlantic cruise, this book is an absolute joy to read. Perfect for fans of feel-good stories with a touch of intrigue!

Widows Waive the Rules by Julia Jarman is a charming novel that follows Janet, grieving her second husband’s loss. Friends Zelda and Viv take her on a Queen Mary II cruise to New York, but unexpected drama arises when fellow widow Primrose reveals striking links between her late husband and Janet’s first husband. As secrets unravel, the widows work together to solve the mystery and restore Janet’s happiness.

The book masterfully blends humor, mystery, and heartfelt friendship, with vivid descriptions of cruise ship elegance and engaging characters. It’s a celebration of resilience, love, and living life to the fullest.

Another fabulous adventure with The Muscateers, this was quite an exciting read on the high seas with Janet, Viv and Zelda and not forgetting Billie the gorgeous guide dog. From the UK to America, lots of fun and adventure is to be had, can't wait for the next one

I laughed my way through as I read this in one sitting! These ladies are just so much fun to read about and I sincerely hope the author keeps this series going for years to come!

Another compulsive read from an author who seems to do no wrong. I absolutely devoured this one… You will want to clear your afternoon to read this one straight through!

Love the idea of having a friendship group as sleuths as we only really see individuals or duos. And they did make me giggle. A power house of a group. And really liked how utterly supportive they were for eachother. Then there is the mystery which was a great one to try and solve along the way with the group.
I didn't know of this author or that there had been previous. So I'm now on my way to learn more about this fab group of woman in authors previous. Bit I e joyed it wholeheartedly as a standalone and my first entry to the group.

Widows Waive The Rules by Julia Jarman is a wonderful contemporary novel that I absolutely loved. The book is part of The Widows Wine Club series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.
Once more the widows are off on an adventure, travelling from Britain to New York on the Queen Mary II, arriving in time for Christmas. With comprehensive descriptions from the author, we share the experience of life on board the Queen Mary II – from staterooms to ballrooms, pubs, restaurants and on-board entertainment, there is something for everyone.
Planning for the trip began in the summer sunshine as the friends wanted to bring some life back into their recently widowed for the second time friend. “Grief doesn’t make you immune to grief. It piles it on, so you start to think life isn’t worth living.” Depression has robbed their friend of life as each day she is merely going through the motions.
Everyone needs good friends. Friends who support each other through all the seasons of life and who will go the extra mile.
Super sleuthing was called for as an unscrupulous character has tried to throw a spanner in the works and disrupt the life of one of their own. Modern methods, requiring the us of I.T. skills and social media are employed to solve the mystery.
We see just how low a family will stoop in order to meddle in the lives of those they are supposed to love. And how the love of money corrupts people.
Love is not just for the young. Love happens even for those in their twilight years.
Widows Waive The Rules was a delightful light-hearted and fun novel. The characters know how to live life to the full. They care deeply but also know how to have fun and realise that life is for living.
I always look forward to following the Muscateers on their adventures and look forward to many more books.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Widows' Wine Club, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to read and review the next book in the series. The book picks up after Janet has lost Alan, her second husband, and is struggling to deal with life without him. Determined to raise her spirits, Zelda and Viv offer to take her on a cruise to New York on the Queen Mary. Although reluctant at first, Janet comes round to the idea and the three head off on their voyage of a lifetime.

However, when another widow - Primrose - latches onto their group, things start to take a turn for the worse. Primrose has some secrets of her own and when she starts to talk about her own late husband, it becomes clear that there are striking similarities between Primrose's and Janet's first husbands. As these revelations start to unravel Janet's new-found happiness, it is down to the widows to solve the mystery and put Janet back on track.

This was a lovely, light-hearted read with friendship at its core. The bond between the widows is so strong and this comes across clearly throughout the story. The attention to detail is brilliant - from the description of the opulent Queen Mary to the relationship between blind cellist Richard and his guide dog Billie. The mystery has enough twists to keep you guessing and changing your mind as more details become known.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for this advance copy.

Delightful adventure sprinkled with careful sleuthing by this group of friends. They want to raise the spirits of friend Janet after her recent bereavement. They set off on a cruise to New York but are beset by a mother and daughter determined to upset the apple cart for Janet and set d it bts in her mind about her first and unhappy marriage. Her trusty friends turn into diligent sleuths to save her from ruination

An enjoyable tale of three widows enjoying a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 whilst investigating a mystery that involves one of the trio. I liked the characters and the romance between Zelda and Richard the cellist and his lovely guide dog. An enjoyable easy read.

✨4 stars ✨

This was the first book that I have read by this author after receiving an ARC via NetGalley and I really enjoyed it! Upon further research I think this is a sequel of sorts to one of this author’s previous books, however this did not take away from my enjoyment of this book and the story and characters. Therefore, I’d definitely say you could jump straight into this!!

The plot follows three best friend, Janet, Viv and Zelda as they journey on a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean as we see what they get up to on the luxury adventure. However, their travels are interrupted when they are joined by Primrose and then a mystery unfurls from there.

I really enjoyed the exploration of friendship especially with the characters being older so I would really recommend this as the mystery kept me hooked through to the end.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Janet is dealing with the grief of losing her second husband Alan unexpectedly. In the hopes of raising her spirits,
Zelda and Viv convince her to embark on a cruise aboard the QM2. Things are going well until an encounter with
another passenger starts Janet doubting the validity of her first marriage. The three are aided in their investigation
by Richard, one of the musicians on board. A delightful addition to the series.
#WidowsWaivetheRules #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

This book was full of mystery. Lots of twists and turns. It’s a very humorous book. Lots of sad moments as the characters are widows. . 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.

A cute little read that I very much enjoyed.
I love how the author described the Queen Mary 2.
She’s described the ship so well that I felt like I was on board with Zelda, Janet , and Viv.
I really enjoyed in getting to know these wonderful ladies and by the end of the book I felt like they were my friends lol.
Sometimes I giggled at them and other times I just shook my head.
The mystery man was what kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
I agreed with Janet. I won’t say why cause I don’t want to give anything else away.
I really enjoyed this story and hated to see it end.
5 stars from me for this cute and funny read. I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

An enjoyable easy read if you suspend all disbelief in the plot. Zelda and Viv persuade their recently widowed friend, Janet to go on a trans-Atlantic cruise to New York. Despite asking for a table for 3, Primrose pushes her way onto their table. Her husband, now deceased, was Mal Carmichael the same name as Janet's first husband. Was Carmichael a bigamist and is Primrose entitled to some of the considerable wealth that he left to Janet. Rather than tell Primrose to go through Janet's lawyer, they spend much of their cruise on the internet trying to find out if there is another explanation.
I gave a generous 4 star rating as it was enjoyable despite spending most of the book tut-tutting the ridiculous plot lines.