59 Memory Lane: The most charming and heartwarming top ten feel good novel of the year!: Book 1 (Pengelly Series)

I really enjoyed reading 59 Memory Lane. The book centres around 110 year old May and her interesting life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have just started the sequel to it called TheCottage of Curiosities and am so glad I didn’t have to wait a long time between the two books as it seemed as if there was unfinished business at the end of 59 Memory Lane. I would certainly recommend his book. Just wish there are more books like this about people over 50

This was my choice for my book club, so I was hoping that it was at least readable. 59 Memory Lane is the story of May Rosevere, who has lived to the age of 110! She lives in a little village in Cornwall but has a big secret. I thought that this was a good book, not brilliant but was readable, easy to read, with an interesting plotline and good characters, Some parts were unnecessary but overall an enjoyable easy read.

Sweet and poignant story ... made me want to kick my shoes off and wander into the beach at 4.30am..,! Only negative is that all the pages fell out ...! Starting with the first few pages ... then a chunk in the middle. V awkward to hold together, catch the dropping pages, and stop them disappearing down the garden ..... it took a 4* down to a 3*; I would’ve gone lower but it’s not the story’s fault ..

I’ll begin by saying I absolutely love this book! The main character, May, is delightful. At one-hundred-and-ten years old, she has all the wisdom and insight that comes with reaching such a grand old age and she isn’t scared to make her views known. Neither is she afraid to admit her mistakes, however, even when doing so means putting herself at risk. May’s secret to such a long life (which I’m not going to reveal) is fascinating and gives this story an air of enchantment; as does its seaside Cornish setting, which further adds to the book’s charm. Celia Anderson hasn’t just created an intriguing protagonist; 59 Memory Lane has a wonderful ensemble of characters and of all ages. Each with their own story to tell, this novel is packed with secrets and dilemmas that cleverly unfold. There’s a real community feel throughout, and I couldn’t help but care about everyone involved. In fact, everything is so well drawn, I didn’t want it to end and I defy anyone not to read it in one sitting. A highly recommended, captivating and uplifting read that you won’t be able to put down.

{spoilers} Some bits of this were nice and good fun, reliable and formulaic like a romance novel. The main character, an old lady called May, does some really awful things that are just glossed over. One of them is quite early on, and from that point on I struggled not to view her as a villain, even though she does do some nice things too. She also does some awful things that are not glossed over, but we are still expected to forgive without her ever atoning for them. Other than that, the characters are pleasant and it’s a quick, fun read.

At almost 111 years old May Rosevere swears by good Cornish sea air, a glass of port in the evenings and several slices of buttered toast every morning. The secret to her longevity however, is none of the above, a secret no one around her has ever discovered. Rose is a much loved member of the community yet her decades long feud with one of her closest neighbours comes to its conclusion as Rose comes to the end of her days and she finds a friend to take comfort in as her life draws to a close. With this book you’ll be able to spend a wonderful few hours wending your way through the lives of the well thought out characters, their trials and tribulations and find out exactly how Rose has kept herself so young all these years and has come to be the wonderfully eccentric elder of the village everyone adores. This book drifted through my life so peacefully I hardly noticed it coming nor going. Yet once it’s over, you mourn its passing ever so slightly. A very enjoyable tale.

I've had this book on my kindle for a while, waiting for me to read it. I've downloaded the sequel so thought it's time to start this, at first I wasn't sure I'd be able to get into the story, but after the 1st chapter or so, I was thoroughly invested in the story. May is 110, and desperate to reach her 111 birthday, she has a gift which means she absorbs memories from items, items she 'borrows' from others; these memories keep her alive, but she becomes greedy, and when her collecting of memories cause problems for other people, people she cares about, she has to make a decision. Alongside May's story, there's Andy and his daughter Tamsin, May's neighbours. Andy needs another woman in his life, but he's still in live with his wife who he lost when Tamsin was born, can he put the past behind him and start to live again? Then there's Julia and her grand daughter Emily. There's history between May and Julia, Julia is a little younger than May. When Julia is asked to befriend May, can they look beyond their problem years previously? I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, and hope it's as good as this one!

May is 110 years old, but she has a secret to her vitality. It's not something I saw coming but makes for such an interesting and unique story. I loved the quaint village setting, the community feeling and the warmth of the characters. It's an easy book to read that will leave you wanting more. A really love book is the only way to sum it up.

I enjoy reading in paper format and I am an avid book collector.

Feel good story about aging with grace and dignity. Delightful characters show the importance of community and family to long and full lives, wrapping the reader in a cozy escape, so needed our current troubled times. The uncommon secret to May's longevity and the surprising secret surrounding her late husband add just the right amount of mystery and charm. Looking forward to reading the sequel.

I loved how this book welcomed you into the lives of everyone on Memory lane. The characters are so believeable and keep you wondering what is going to happen next. Charming story.

The only reason I gave it a 4 star is that it took awhile for me to get into the book. I like books that grab my attention right away. But I kept going and I really did enjoy the story and the characters. May Rosevere is 110 years old and has some very special talents. Julia Lovell is 85, and something happened many years ago and the two woman do not have the time of day for each other. Then Ida Carnell from the Methodist Church comes up with an idea that ends up throwing the two woman together. Many surprises, and a cast of great characters.

This is a lovely story set in Cornwall. May is approaching 111, and is holding onto lots of secrets and mementos of other people. Can she put things into perspective before she passes? This easy to read and moving story was well written and entertaining from beginning to end.