New York Times bestselling author When Vicky and Joe wave goodbye to their beloved Spanish village, they face their future in Australia with some trepidation. Now they must build a new life amongst strangers, snakes, and spiders the size of saucers. Accompanied by their enthusiastic new puppy, Lola, adventures abound, both heartwarming and terrifying.Will the Two Old Fools embrace the Aussie way … embrace the Aussie way of life or is it time to stop gallivanting around the globe and return to Britain?
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I was fortunate to be gifted Victoria’s latest book. I have always loved Australia so was keen to read how Victoria found her new country. I loved reading about the purchasing of their new home, the shock when moving in and finding the house, pool and gardens nowhere near how she remembered them when buying the home. The subsequent renovations and all the challenges with tradies. Some great, some not so great. The introduction and thrill of a new granddaughter and the love of being near her daughter and family, choosing her first-ever puppy, Lola, who kept us entertained with her antics and the getting to know the neighbours. All without the help of hubby Joe who has health issues and would join Victoria later, only to end up in the hospital with his life in the balance. A thoroughly enjoyable read and covers a lot about the Australian way of life told in a lighthearted humorous way.
In “Two Old Fools Down Under,” Victoria and Joe have left their home in El Hoyo, for a new life in Australia near their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Indy.
Sadly, Joe is undergoing treatment in England, so Vicky is tasked with finding them a new home, with no pool that needs little renovation. The home she falls in love with looks very different when the previous owners depart, and a lengthy adventure with assorted tradesmen ensues. The pool also requires significant repairs…
I love the author’s lovely conversational style, with numerous comical anecdotes. She also introduces her readers to the flora and fauna of Australia, and new arrival Lola – the puppy.
El Hoyo is not forgotten, as she weaves in regular updates from the Ufarte twins.
Unfortunately, just as life seems more settled, Joe experiences further health issues and life for the family becomes a rollercoaster ride.
You will get caught up in the lives of the Tweads as they travel the globe, this time living in Australia. Read it in one sitting.
Another great read in the fabulous Old Fools Series!
In this new addition, Vicky and Joe are making the move from Spain to Australia, but Joe must remain in the UK for treatments for a bit. Vicky heads over to house hunt while staying with their daughter, son in law and granddaughter.
I sure gained a whole new level of respect for Vicky and Joe in reading “Two Old Fools Down Under” as even in the best of times a move like this has to be hard.
Victoria tells their story with grace and vulnerability, I’m sure there were chapters that were hard to write.
With plenty of laughs, more great recipes in the beginning of each chapter, descriptive scenery of their new homeland and even a few tears shed, this is a another five star read for me by Victoria Twead!
I really enjoyed this book about Joe and Vickie. They are like old friends, that it is enjoyable to read about new happenings in their lives. It is sad to see Joe so ill, but good to see how caring and helpful Vickie is with him. The love that has developed and lasted through the years is evident in this memoir. Vickie writes with such candor and ability to express what is happening in a fun way. She also is able to survive the perils in their lives. I am looking forward to the next book, and have read all of the other books that she has written.
More Twead magic!
Victoria Twead’s latest book starts where she and hubby Joe are going to be making the move to Australia, to be with their daughter and son-in-law, and their precious granddaughter. Indy is three at the start of the book. House hunting may not run as smoothly as initially expected! Joe is still in the UK, having treatment, while she is house hunting. He will join her in Australia later. This book encompassed my favourite genres: Travel, moving abroad, medical.
Reading a new Old Fools book is like putting on your favourite comfy, cosy, snuggly coat! I love Victoria’s books. I can’t wait to get into each new one. But there’s always that flutter of panic when she presents me one to beta read. Ooh-will it be as good? Will she keep up her high standard? Of course she will! Just early on-and it’s perfect, she really has it off to a fine art now. Victoria and Joe are a great team at keeping you entertained with tales of their adventures.
There was so much I loved about this book! Beautiful presentation, eg. fonts; page set-up etc. I loved the little illustrations at the start of chapters, and the delightful little drawings between scenes too. It’s just so lovely how the book is set out. That really adds to it to me. Her trademark cliff-hanger sentence at end of chapter-so you just have to read on! Not so many pages in and there was a chuckle already! Victoria’s books are such warm and lovely cosy reads. I love how she’s expressed just how eg. Indy says things. She captures everything so you can see it exactly in your mind’s eye. Heart-warming. Pages such as this warm the cockles of your heart.
I really liked that the recipes are here, in and amongst the chapters-after each chapter. It’s good that you don’t have to keep flicking to the back section, and back again. The recipe pictures are in an accompanying photo book-along with many other photos of happenings in the book-this is available on her website via a link in the book.
So often I laughed out loud! In fact: I snorted! And at the eye clinic waiting area!!!
Oops! Just hilarious! Then I was sniggering in Morrison’s car park. We’d already been to other shops so it was luxury grabbing a few minutes more reading this fab book while my other half sorted the last bits of shopping. I just could not put this down!
This had the perfect balance of ups and downs. Victoria Twead has waved her writing wand again. Magical!