Review of “Widows Waive the Rules” by Julia Jarman: A Delightful At Sea Mystery @JuliaJarman @BoldwoodBooks

In Widows Waive the Rules, three widowed friends embark on a transatlantic cruise filled with mystery, unexpected connections, and a touch of romance.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

The Widows Wine Club—Viv, Janet, and Zelda—has weathered life’s storms together, but when Janet faces another heartbreak, her friends rally to lift her spirits. Booking a luxurious cruise on the Queen Mary 2 to New York, they dive into everything the ship has to offer, from tai chi and dance lessons to cocktails and crafts. However, their carefree holiday takes an intriguing turn when they meet fellow widow Primrose Carmichael, who not only shares Janet’s surname but also had a husband named Mal. As uncanny coincidences pile up, Viv and Zelda grow suspicious and vow to uncover the truth behind the mystery before they reach the Statue of Liberty.

My Thoughts:

Having enjoyed Julia Jarman’s The Widow’s Wine Club, I couldn’t wait to dive into Widows Waive the Rules and reunite with the indomitable trio of Viv, Janet, and Zelda. This time, the women are off on an adventure aboard the luxurious Queen Mary 2, aiming to lift Janet’s spirits after her latest heartache. While this book builds on the characters introduced in the earlier book, this book could still be read as a standalone.

Jarman brings the ship to life with her vivid descriptions of its grandeur, from tai chi classes to elegant evening suppers. It was delightful to see the women immersing themselves in the ship’s activities, enjoying a blend of new experiences and mischief. The dynamic between these characters remains one of the book’s highlights, their deep friendship both heartwarming and humorous.

The plot takes an intriguing turn when fellow widow Primrose Carmichael joins the group. Her shared surname with Janet and the eerie similarities between their late husbands spark a mystery that carries the story forward. Watching Viv and Zelda turn amateur sleuths provided some genuinely funny moments, though the pacing occasionally mirrored the slow drift of sea days.

A standout element was the touching romance involving a blind musician and his guide dog. Jarman weaves in his backstory with care, offering both a poignant subplot and a gentle insight into the remarkable bond between guide dogs and their owners.

Final Thoughts:

Although the mystery unfolds at a leisurely pace, I found the resolution satisfying and fitting for the tone of the story. Overall, Widows Waive the Rules offers a charming escape, blending laughter, friendship, and a touch of intrigue. Fans of women’s fiction will enjoy this continuation of the Widows Wine Club’s adventures, and I, for one, look forward to seeing where life takes them next.

Another Book I’ve Reviewed Written by Julia Jarman:

The Widows’ Wine Club