Golden Girls on the Run
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 18
- 5 min read
By: Judy Leigh
Narrator: Phyllida Nash
ISBN: 9781785132643
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 12/06/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
Father Ted meets Thelma and Louise in the BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, relatable read from MILLION COPY bestseller Judy Leigh! Perfect for fans of Dawn French and Caroline James!
Age is just a number. Trouble is a lifestyle.
When octogenarian sisters-in-law Sadie and Bronagh find themselves at the centre of a scandalous (and slightly explosive) bake-off fiasco, there’s only one thing to do – steal Sadie’s grandson’s gleaming red Ferrari and make a run for it.
Sadie is the practical one, all cardigans and contingency plans. Bronagh treats rules as loose suggestions – especially if mischief or wine is involved.
What begins as a quick getaway across Ireland soon spirals into a wild, cross-country adventure filled with fake identities, unexpected friendships, and more than a few brushes with the law.
Sadie and Bronagh may be on the run, but what they find at the journey’s end might just be what they were missing all along…
A heartwarming, hilarious tale of rebellion, rediscovery, and the true meaning of family.
My Review
Thelma and Louise meet The Golden Girls in a delightful, witty, heartwarming romp!
Picture two spirited octogenarian sisters-in-law, Sadie and Bronagh, in a red Ferrari, who find themselves in a whirlwind of humor, love, mischief, and camaraderie as they escape the confines of their small town. After an amusing mishap at a local charity bake-off—where flour flies, and laughs abound—their lives take a thrilling turn.
Judy Leigh's GOLDEN GIRLS ON THE RUN chronicles this unexpected cross-country adventure, brimming with wit and charm. As they hit the open road, these feisty ladies navigate a series of quirky encounters and heartfelt moments, proving that age is no barrier to fun, family, and friendship. With every mile, they showcase their indomitable spirits, reminding us all that sometimes, the best journeys begin with a dash of mischief and a whole lot of heart!
About...
The Bake-Off Fiasco:
Sadie and Bronagh attend a Christmas charity bake-off at a local pub in Ballycotton, Ireland. An incident occurs involving a piece of Guinness cake hitting a police officer, Constable Partlan, prompting the two women to make a quick escape.
The Getaway Vehicle:
To flee the scene, they impulsively "borrow" Sadie's grandson Rory's gleaming red Ferrari, which happens to be parked outside the pub with the keys in the ignition.
The Road Trip Begins:
What starts as a short trip to Dublin spirals into a longer, wild cross-country adventure. The contrasting personalities of practical, plan-oriented Sadie and mischief-loving Bronagh create numerous humorous situations as they travel across Ireland.
Family in Pursuit:
A large group of concerned family members and others realizes the pair is on the run and decides to follow them across the country.
Journey to England:
The duo takes a ferry to Wales and drives down through England to the West Country (Devon), initially planning to visit a relative.
The Animal Sanctuary:
They end up at an animal rescue center in need of funds. The pair becomes involved in helping the sanctuary and decides to organize fundraising activities, which include another bake-off event.
My reflections...
"GOLDEN GIRLS ON THE RUN" is a delightful romp filled with humor that tickles the funny bone at every turn. As the spirited duo, Sadie and Bronagh, embark on their wild escapade, donning clever disguises and delightfully skirting the edges of the law, they uncover a profound sense of rebellion and rediscovery.
Their exhilarating journey not only transforms their own perspectives but also reshapes the views of their families, who are anxiously in pursuit. This vibrant tale beautifully emphasizes the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship, illustrating the joyous celebration of life at any age. The story culminates in a heartwarming triumph, as the characters finally uncover the invaluable treasures they had been missing all along.
This marks my first encounter with the writings of Judy Leigh, who also crafts enchanting dual-timeline historical narratives under the pen name Elena Collins. I was captivated by the spunky, sassy, and zany antics and delightful scandal of the characters, especially as I find myself in a similar age range, reveling in narratives that showcase 'smart, not dead' octogenarians. I look forward to reading more!
Recs...
If you found joy in the humorous and heartwarming tale of unexpected adventures and second chances woven into GOLDEN GIRLS ON THE RUN, you might be delighted to explore several other books that delve into similar themes.
These enchanting stories showcase older women who are not only embracing new beginnings but also discovering the thrill of life’s later chapters. Filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the promise of fun, these narratives celebrate the vibrant spirit of women as they step boldly into the unknown, proving that it’s never too late to seek new adventures.
Other books by Judy:
~The Silver Ladies Seize the Day
~Five French Hens
~Lil's Bus Trip
~A Grand Old Time:
~Heading Over the Hill
~The Golden Oldies' Book Club
and more...
Similar Themed Books
~The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley
~The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman:
~The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
~The Old Gals' Bucket List by Karen King
~Old Girls Go Greek by Maddie Please
~The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan
~The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 06, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
About the Author
Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
Hello. Thanks for visiting my page. It's so nice to meet you.
I'm Judy Leigh. I've lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently I live in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, I completed an MA in Professional Writing. Since then, I have been writing novels and having the time of my life doing it.
I write 'golden' and 'silver' stories that feature characters of all ages, but focus on the lives of older people.
These novels celebrate communities, fun and friendship, love and the power of laughter, the belief that everyone should have another chance at happiness.
I also write under the name of Elena Collins, my grandmother. These are dual timeline historical stories, slightly spooky. Writing in this genre gives me the opportunity to focus on history and the lives of women then and now. Please take a look at my Elena Collins author page. I love writing in this genre and I know you'll enjoy the stories.
I also write cozy crime under the name of JR Leigh. The Morwenna Mutton 'Seal Bay' series is set in a beautiful coastal town in Cornwall, and Morwenna is a sixty-something sleuth who works in a library and the family tearooms, cycles everywhere, swims in the sea whatever the weather and gets into mischief solving local crimes. Please check out these books - they are so much fun to work on.
When I'm not writing, I'm often on the beach or on the moors, walking, doing yoga or travelling. I'm a Reiki healer, a vegan, an interpreter of dreams and an animal lover. I have three black cats and I enjoy sunshine, conversation, laughter, travelling, live music, theatre and football.
I hope you'll join me soon between the pages of a book! WEBSITE
