‘The Summer of Going Topless’ reminded me to love myself a little more. Can there be anything better than that? Trails of Tails Candice Summerville is fast approaching fifty-years-old and wonders if she might be invisible. No one seems to notice her – not really. Heck, she often doesn’t notice herself, except for her monthly scrutiny in the mirror to check on her body’s steady slide towards … check on her body’s steady slide towards middle age.
But when her ancient, practical estate car is consigned to the scrap heap, Candice falls in love with a cute, purple convertible, and from that moment on her life begins to take on a whole new meaning. Strangers wave at her and people stop to talk, and suddenly she isn’t invisible any longer.
Life seems to be looking up, especially when she meets silver fox and handy-man, Paul. There’s just one fly in the ointment, one thing that has her second-guessing herself.
Is it the car that Paul sees – or is it her?
What readers are saying about The Summer of Going Topless:
“This book was very funny, but also wonderfully touching – and when Candice really hits her stride, it’s both uplifting and triumphant.” Being Anne
“It’s such an uplifting and often hilarious tale and is a pleasure to read.” Herding Cats
“This book was so much FUN and made me want to run out and purchase a purple convertible. Pure entertainment A lovely pick me up! Delightful characters and a whimsical storyline…” Audio Killed the Bookmark
“This is a very heartfelt and enjoyable read, and you’ll love every minute.” Reading Girl Reviews
“If you are looking for a book to put you in a happy mood then this is the one to read.” Whispering Stories
”The Summer of Going Topless’ is about slowly discovering yourself again and living life to the full.” Kirsty’s Book Buying Addiction
“This is a romantic comedy filled with hopes, dreams, second chances and love. It is a story of starting again, making the most of yourself and your opportunities as well as taking a chance on love.” Splashes into Books
“A funny, poignant romantic tale. This story has a powerful message, couched in an easy to read, lighthearted way.” Jane Hunt Writer
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When you get to a certain age or stage in life, you begin to feel “differently.” I don’t want to say you feel OLD, but you feel less vital, or needed, or, to be honest, less noticed. Candice Summerville has reached that age. Not only are her kids grown and very self sufficient, her husband has traded her in for a newer model, along with a young son by the OTHER woman, now his wife.
At least Candice has her IT job, at which she excels. Her life has become routine, dependable, perhaps boring is more apt. Until one morning when her same old routine is disrupted by her old car giving up.
That is when she meets Jelly Bean. Life begins to change, color is added and Candice decides to figure out what she has been missing. As Candice begins reawakening to the possibilities in life, the reader may also start seeing the world with fresh eyes. What are you settling for, when there are endless possibilities all around you?
This is a fun read and a gentle reminder that we are no older than we make up our minds to be. Life is not over any day we wake up. Does one need a beautiful and fun car to make a fresh start? It may be exciting to try for a while.
The author makes us feel like we are visiting a friend and gives us something to look forward to as Candice figures out her future.
I’m not going to lie to you. I hit a certain age, and my last three cars have all been convertibles. I probably won’t drive a car that is not a convertible again. So I totally get what Candice Summerville is going through. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happily married, things are fine, but there is something empowering about getting behind that wheel with the top down, hair flowing, no matter when the last time you showered, no matter if you have any make-up left on your face. You become a rock star, nothing can stop you, the world is your oyster. At least until you hit your destination.
Liz Davies wrote a wonderfully fun read to remind us that even though we don’t really like change, in the long run it can be ultimately be the best thing for us, no matter how hard we resist. This is such a sweet middle age romance, especially for those of us who never expect to find ourselves in these types of situations ever again. This is a very heartfelt and enjoyable read, and you’ll love every minute, it is perfect for summer, and is a very quick read. I look forward to what Liz has in store for us next. An easy 4 star rating!
Thank you so much to Liz Davies, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, Lilac Tree Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Honestly, I was all on board with this one. From the beginning with the wobbly bit discussion straight through to the oh-so-good-despite-the-circumstances ending, Candice and I were like THAT. No, I’m not her age, which for some people really jangles their bells especially in Chick-Lit type novels, but you can’t tell me there’s not a woman out there that hasn’t had self-doubt, a passing curiosity about WHAT IF, the desire for reinvention, and the unexpected discovery of love when it was least expected. They are LIFE concepts, and the fact that our book loving leading lady has had some life experience under her belt, only made the happiness she found in everything “new” that much sweeter…at least for this reader.
So yes, I was rooting for Candice all the way as she was bolstered by the new attention, found her way through the makeover jungle, and welcomed the changes in her life that SHE wanted for herself, and no one else. When love seemed to be on the table again, my heart sang for her, or rather them…and when grasses were no longer viewed as green enough, I couldn’t help myself from humming the old school En Vogue song “Never Gonna Get It” WITH RELISH! There’s happiness and sadness, times of triumph and confusion, but you know what…that’s life…and Candice does a rather fine job of finding not only her own way through it, but herself, once again.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Such an uplifting story and I read it just when I needed it. Not quite a mid-life crises but an reinvention of yourself. Candace has been living her life according to what others expect of her. Even after many years of divorce, she still dresses the way her ex expected her to. She was the quiet wall flower until the day her car took its last clunk and died. She was lucky her mechanic had a spare vehicle to use until she could buy a new one. “Jellybean” was such a thrill to drive she bought it. So out of character to drive an extravagant car. Then things started to change. She tried yoga, then some new clothes, even a new friend in her life. Her son was shocked and a bit dismayed that his mother was making all these changes in her life. As Candace continued to grow out of her comfort zone, she discovered a new and excited life. A perfect story for anyone stuck in a rut and not sure if you can change your life. It just takes baby steps. Sometimes it is thrust upon you, sometimes it is a choice. We can all make changes. This book came at exactly the right time for me. I recent health crisis caused me to re-evaluate my life and now I need to make those baby step changes to be happier. Recommend the story whole-heartedly and I look forward to many more stories by Liz Davies.