As someone who is just a few short years away from hitting the big 50 myself this book certainly struck a cord with me.
Life Begins at 50! by Celia Anderson
Genres: Womens Fiction

The brilliant, brand-new novel from the TOP TEN bestselling author of 59 Memory Lane

New friends, new flame, new fun . . .

Kate dreamed of a happy marriage, a house full of children and a fulfilling teaching career. But after twenty-five years of married life and about to hit the big 5-0, it’s clear that her dreams haven’t quite come true. Then her husband leaves her for his golf partner, forcing Kate to take stock of what has become of her life.

Luckily, new friendship comes her way in the form of three feisty older women who take Kate under their wings, plus a new flame (could it be more . . .?) sparks with local divorced dad, Milo. As her big birthday approaches, Kate’s zest for life begins to return.

But opening herself up means making herself vulnerable to being hurt all over again . . .

Can it be true that life begins at fifty? And will Kate be brave enough to find happiness, and grab hold of it with both hands?

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Review

As Kate’s fiftieth birthday approaches, she can’t help but notice that her life is distinctly lacking in color – and not just in her wardrobe, where indigo seems to have taken over. As many of us who have crossed or are getting ready to cross that milestone know, this significant birthday often prompts us to reflect on our lives and sometimes wonder where things went awry.

A life full of challenges that include a yearning for a family of her own that never materialized, her father’s sudden death, her mother’s abrupt move to France, and her husband leaving her for his golf partner, taking most of their home’s contents with him. Adding to her woes is a lingering shame over an impulsive act that, while inconsequential, often dominates her thoughts.

Thank goodness for wonderful friends. Sophie always has her back, encouraging her to make the necessary changes with plenty of laughter along the way. Then there are the Saga Louts, three elderly ladies who know how to have fun and are more than happy to include “Junior” in their adventures. Kate enjoys her job at the café, and she has children in her life too, thanks to her earlier days as a teaching assistant. And then Milo, who life hasn’t been kind to either, comes into Kate’s life. Neither is sure they’re ready for anything beyond friendship.

The book does have its darker moments that left me emotional. I will say that this is certainly not “laugh-out-loud,” filled with humor. I found Kate relatable and cheered cheering her on plenty. The friendships in the book are wonderful, and so is the focus on family.

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