THE CRUISE: Sail away for a holiday in the sun with this bestselling feel good, romcom! Paperback – 11 May 2023

I had the good fortune to pick up one of Caroline's books last year and I can honestly say that I have never read a funnier book. I started laughing at the start of the story and I didn't stop throughout. When I heard that Caroline was due to release another book, I knew that I was going to have to grab a copy at the earliest opportunity and hibernate until I had read the very last word on the very last page. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because Caroline's next book is called 'The Cruise' and it was released on 20th April 2023 in e-book format with the paperback to follow on 11th May 2023. It's another cracking read from Caroline and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it but more about that in a bit.Oh my word, what can I say about 'The Cruise'? I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and a couple of hours later. This was one of those books that made me laugh right from the start and I haven't stopped laughing since. I soon became addicted to the story and my Kindle was well travelled that day because it went everywhere with me. I just couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I had warmed to the three female lead characters so well that it was almost as if they had become friends of mine. The more of the story that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found 'The Cruise' to be the true definition of an unputdownable, page turner of a read.'The Cruise' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Caroline James. Caroline has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact, reading one of Caroline's books often feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. I love the way in which Caroline so vividly and so realistically describes her characters as she makes them seem just as real as you and I. As I mentioned before, I felt as though the characters had become friends of mine rather than fictional people in a book. I love the positive message that Caroline sends out through the story, which is that growing old doesn't mean that you have to stop having fun. I love the way in which Caroline makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Cruise' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Caroline's work in the future. 'The Cruise' has to be one of my favourite books of 2023 so far. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

And showing friendship is an important love in your life regardless of age.Never read this author before but loved how the story unfolded with fun and love.

I had this book on pre-order for my Kindle and was not disappointed when it finally arrived. I always look really forward to books by Caroline James. This was no exception and it did not disappoint. It is a great read, especially for 'women of a certain age' as it really demonstrates that having fun and doing new things is possible at any age if you are not afraid to take the initial steps. This is what I particularly like about Caroline's books and why I find them so inspiring. They are also very easy to read and I find that I am able to understand and relate to the characters.I have never been on a cruise myself, but I feel that I would certainly try one after reading this book! I find that Caroline's books are great books to read at the end of the day to unwind (which is when I tend to do my reading) and to take on holiday, especially this one, due to its setting on a cruise ship. If you have not tried one of Caroline's books, why not give this a try? You may just find that you will be wanting to book a cruise yourself after reading it!

As a long-time cruiser, enjoyed reading this light-hearted romp about a festive trip around the Caribbean which, on its journey, linked many stereotypes from the cruising community (many of whom I recognised from cruises in the past), and threw in some guidebook information about some of the Caribbean islands for good measure. I haven't read anything else by this author and on the basis of this book am unlikely to especially seek her out again, but the story moved along well enough and kept me mildly entertained throughout.

Thoroughly enjoyed the story weaved about friends and how their lives planned out on the cruise and to follow lives of other passengers. Great escapeism in the warmth of the carribean

Was recommended this by a friend and decided to give it a go as I had not read any Catherine James books before. What a pleasant surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought it was well written, and the characters were so likeable and the plot of the book was so easy to follow with some laugh out loud moments . If you are a certain age and want a holiday read I thoroughly recommend you read this you won’t be disappointed.

A lovely story which follows 3 friends in their 60s who head of on a cruise to find out if theres more to life than what they had. One has always been single, one is widowed after an abusive marriage and one is almost divorced.. Following a school reunion the 3 friends decide they are going on a Carribbean Christmas Cruise. We watch these ladies see life from a very different perspective, living life as they want and letting all their insecurities float away on the blue seas. They make new friends , new relationships and they each find the key to a new and exciting life. An enjoyable story with a few interesting characters to spice things up a bit.

Did not think I would enjoy as it’s not my kind of story as I like a good murder or serial killer. Joe Nesbo or Chris carter etc. However I had nothing to read and bought this by Susan James and I’m glad I did. The story starts of a bit slow but it gets really interesting. You learn about the main characters then the friends they meet on the cruise, staff etc. The description of the scenery as well as the characters will take you into a great story that you are not expecting and funny.