On the HahaFiction shelf

The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village

by Joanna Nell

At seventy-nine, Peggy Smart has a crush on Brian, a widower in her retirement village, and doubts he would notice her. Her grown children’s concern makes her fear losing her independence. Then Angie Valentine, a glamorous friend from school whom she hasn’t seen for decades, returns to her life and encourages her to try something different.

Contemporary & literary Romance Wordplay

From the publisher’s blurb

“even to men in their eighties”

Read the full description at Hachette Australia, publisher description

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What makes it funny?

Peggy muddles familiar sayings, turning an apple cart into an apple tart and promising to burn a bridge when she reaches it. Riverina Regional Library’s reviewer singles out these verbal slips as part of her appeal. Her romantic hopes also survive the supposedly unpromising setting of residents’ committees and morning swims.

The comedy at work

Angie’s confidence gives Peggy a companion who encourages her to loosen up. The comedy keeps Peggy’s romantic wishes in view while she copes with the routines and physical embarrassments of aging. The people around her may worry about what she should do, but she still wants to make her own choices.

Try this if…

Late-life friendship and the wish to remain independent matter as much as Peggy’s romantic interest. Readers looking for an affectionate story about older people with plans of their own may appreciate that focus.

Good to know

Peggy is grieving her late husband, and bladder problems and worries about aging are part of her daily life. Her children’s concern for her safety also creates tension over independence.