#BookReview ~ The Cruise Club by Caroline James ~ @CarolineJames12 @rararesources #TheFrenchCookerySchool

The Cruise Club

Because the best adventures are still to come…

About the Book:

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood romcom full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment. Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

My Review:

The Cruise Club was a really fun read that takes place primarily on a cruise ship. Carmen is an author with writer's block. When she sees an ad for a cruise that will be featuring workshops by one of her favorite authors, Carmen books a trip. Her intent is also to spend some time apart from her domineering mother, Betty. Plans don't often work out for Carmen, and a motherless trip is no exception. Now, instead of a nice, relaxing vacation to help get her creative juices flowing, she still has to put up with her mother. Same domineering mother, just in a different environment. 

Carmen has been browbeaten by her mother her entire life. After her father died, Betty upped the ante. Now, instead of talking down to her in the privacy of their own home, Betty has it on full display. Betty verbally abuses Carmen, and Carmen just lies down and takes it. If I had a mother like Betty who treated not only me, but others out in public, the way she does, I'd forsake the inheritance and toss her right straight into a home without passing go or collecting $100. 

Fortunately, the Diamond Star cruise ship is filled with likable characters. They often find themselves coming to Carmen's rescue when Betty's antics are over-the-top. Theo is a wonderful man, who becomes a spectacular friend. Fran and Sid are such a sweet and loving couple. Melody and Dickie are part of the onboard entertainment who share animosity more than they share experiences of life on a cruise ship. 

I was pulled into this book by the description but was gladly hooked and kept engaged by the characters, setting, and various themes woven through the pages. This book is terrific at evoking strong emotional responses in the reader and I enjoyed every single minute. This is my first experience with Caroline James and it won't be my last.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

My Rating:

  

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated readers and cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is set to make waves when it launches in 2025.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in Venus, her holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.

Social Media Links:

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

X: @CarolineJames12

Bluesky: CarolineJamesAuthor

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Insta: Caroline James Author

TikTok: carolinejames494

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