There is little I like more than a book featuring an older woman as the lead character (or close to the lead character.) Older women are over the nonsense that makes life noisy. They know how to cut through the palaver and focus on what matters most to them and their loved ones. They are interesting to read about and provide excellent lifestyle inspiration. Clearly these are very good reasons to begin this book club with a difference in the new year of 2025.
To be in the book club, please register your interest in the comments and stay tuned to this very blog. It is free, of course. I will update with the mechanics and logistics and incantations of how it will all work in a week or so. It’s going to be simple and fun. You can do as little or as much as you like. Or just quietly observe. Or ignore us altogether. The choice is yours.
I’m thinking a book every two months?
I’m thinking a live chat where we can discuss said book at the end of the month.
I’m thinking the encouragement of online chatter on members’ various platforms about the OLBC.
I’m thinking the sharing of ideas about the featured book with complete abandon.
I’m thinking a book-inspired craft project shared here for one and all.
Perhaps a recipe too?
A little dive into the life of the author?
Maybe a chance to win a prize or two?
That kind of thing.
The first book is Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. This is a favourite cosy read of mine and I love it to pieces. It’s not ALL cosiness. Reality does descend, questionable decisions are made, lovely country properties are acquired with the greatest of ease. That said, it’s the sort of ‘suspend disbelief’ title I love to disappear into. It will be high summer in Australia when we are reading this, but I think it’s the perfect way to fend off the heat. If you are reading in the northern hemisphere it will be a whole other seasonal experience, which feels fine too, right?
You can buy this title by ordering it from your favourite bookseller. I also have a couple of copies of vintage editions in my online bookshop. I’m only shipping to Australia at this stage. If you buy from me, just note that your package will likely not arrive in time for Christmas due to the festive kerfuffle with postage at this time of the year.
Would you like to join? I promise it will be fun.
Pip xoxo
PS: If you have any suggestions for Old Lady Books for the Old Lady Books Club (OLBC), let me know!
If you fancy, buy me a coffee! โ>ย https://ko-fi.com/piplincolne
Me too please!
Yay! Welcome, Kerry! x
Hope not too late!
Never too late!!! ๐ Welcome, Catriona! x
Which book are we reading after WinterSolstice?
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy xxx
Hello. I love your blog so much I only just discovered it. Am I too late to join the book club? X
You’re NOT too late!! ๐ Welcome, new friend!
Iโd love to join !
Iโd like to join the Old Ladies Book Club
No problem! Welcome to the club! It’s a slow and low-stakes version of a book club, due to the chronically ill nature of its President! Appreciate the interest, Kate. x
Hi Pip, I’m a little late but would love to join in too ๐
Better late than never! ๐ Welcome to the gang! x
Loved the book! Canโt wait to have ginger cake and rave about it!!!
Just ordering the book now. Interested to read it as I usually read paranormal books.
Hi Pip, looking forward to joining in! Like a lot of people I read this a long time ago but looking forward to getting into it again. Bought a second hand copy at a book fair in Braidwood ๐
I’m keen to join. Thanks Pip.
Hello there! I’m keen too!
yes please! Am a big fan of RP!!
read all her books many times, including this one. would love a discussion.
My first book club, sounds lovely.
I don’t know if I officially said “I’m in” but … but, I’m in!
I’ve been reading this book whilst at the pool … and IN the pool (I have a method!).
It’s a bloody joy so far, and I’m SO impressed with how many people have signed up to read. What a cracker.
Yes, sounds like a treat ๐
Yes please, I’m a little late, but keen to join
I donโt need a push to add more reading to my daily life, more of a shove. Please count me in.
Count me in Pip, I need a gentle push to do some reading.
I have the book and would love to join inโฆ
Iโd love to join your book club Pip! By the way, you have an amazing way with words!
Oh yes please! Iโd love to follow along thank you.
I’d love to join your book club! I have read ‘The Shell Seekers”by this author and really enjoyed it! Looking forward to diving in! x
Iโd love to join in please!
Am I too late to join? Would to love to please ?
Havenโt been in a bookclub before,count me in please
Ooh, yes please! Count me in! Xx
Please sign me up as well. I could not believe that last Friday we went to the library as usual, and in the for sale section was a pristine copy of ‘Winter Solstice’ for only 50 cents, and it is a hardcover! So happy about that! I think it was meant to be. I have read this book before but it was a long long time ago. All her books are wonderful and so are Maeve Binchy. I was so sad when she died…she did write such wonderful books as did Rosamund Pilcher.
Iโm so thrilled to be joining this club. I have started the book now. It’s a total departure for me and Iโm loving it so far. Itโs gentle and quiet in a way that soothes me at the moment, while still being enthralling.
I would love to be a part of this – thank you!
I’ve acquired the book, so hopefully count me in (although I may just lurk around the edges ๐
Love this idea and looking forward to the year. Please count me in as a member. Waiting for my book from the local library.
please add me
I would love to join this book club. Believe it or not I use to work in a library and NEVER had time to read books and I ran book clubs. Now that I am no longer there I can’t wait to actually have the time to leisurely read books!
How wonderful. Please count me in. I discovered Rosamunde Pilcher via Gina Stanyer Books youtube a while ago. I’ve been trying to collect them also and have three in my possession including The Winter Solstice. Gina also likes the Miss Read series of books but I’ve only been able to locate one of those as yet. Thank you.
THanks Pip! I am in!
I would love to join!
Meeeee ?
This sounds like a fun way to find some new-to-me books – I’m in!
Hello lovely Pip! I am in, thank you!! ????
PATSY
I would love to give this a go, thank you Pip.
Yes please! I’d like to be part of the book club too ๐
Hello having! trouble comment area I want in book club Linda Sue Brown Ilinois USA
Yes please Iโd love to join! I have actually read this book and would gladly re-read it! Love RP! Thanks Pip
Yes please! I have read and re-read The Shell Seekers many times so keen to read another Rosamund Pilcher.
Yes please, Pip, got my copy at the opshop today!
Yes please I would love to be in the book club.
Yes, would love to join Pip!
A no pressure book club, sounds great thanks Pip!
Yes, please reserve me a seat. A comfy one with a beverage of choice. Thank you.
Yes please ๐
I am in, please ??
Count me in ๐
Sounds good. Iโm in
Count me in
How do I sign in?
Your comment is your sign up. Just keep checking back for Old Lady Books Club updates on this blog!
Yes please, I am tickled pink by this idea, what a great idea Pip! And a great first choice – I will track the book down and look forward to going on this adventure with you! Ike x
Yes, please!
Count me in Pip ๐
Great idea! Would love to join
Oh? Did I sign up? I may have, please check that Iโm not already in!
I loved the background information. Will definitely search out the book and join. It is not one I would normally go for. Literary snobbery. Guilty. Your post peaked my interest. Thank you.
I do like the introduction and your understanding of how long it takes to read books when being โbusyโ takes over! Please count me in.
sign me up!
I’m in !
I’m in. Just put a hold on a copy at the library. Thank you!
Wonderful! I’ve been wanting to get back into reading but have a hard time choosing a book. Looking forward to this. Thanks x
Iโd love to join the OLBC . Thanks ??
Wonderful book club idea! Great first book choice.
I do love Rosamunde Pilcher books.
This sounds wonderful! Iโll join please – I have always wanted to be a part of a book club.
I would love to be a part of the bookclub
Save me a seat! ?
I’m in! If there is still space.
Hi Iโd love to join you!
Yes, I think I would like the sense of companionship that this will bring. Thank you x
Yes please. Sounds great
Yes please. I would love to join
I loved that book. I was so sad when I finished it.
Yes please!
Hi – id like to join the book club please!
Is Olive Kitteridge old enough? Iโm in.
Hi Pip,
I would love to join the book club please ?
Yes please.
Iโd like to be part of the book club too plz!
Yes please sounds like great fun and enjoyment
Hello Pip,
I would love to join the book club.
Robyn
Yes please!! I was worried I may have missed it
Yes please! I would like to join.
Every two months feels doable. The libraryโs audiobook should be available in time ๐
Please count me in, this sounds so good.
This is my cosy pick too. Love listening to the audiobook version. Will be along for the ride ๐
Iโm in ?
This sounds like fun! I am an older lady who would love to join your book club! I haven’t read any of Rosamunde Pilcher’s books yet, but ‘Winter Solstice’ seems quite fitting. I live in Canada, and the winter solstice was yesterday. ๐
Keen! Books, chatter and radical humans folded in with dollops of your voice too Pip, this might be the balm recruited for 2025.
I am definitely in. Thanks so much for organising Pip and if anyone is near ish to edithvale they are welcome to borrow my copy ๐ love that book
I noticed a copy of this book at my local street library last week and popped by this morning to see if it was still there. It was! So I’ve taken it as a sign I need to join in too please ?
I am in from the US too
Count me in, please, Pip. It sounds like it will be a fun group.
Joining in from the US. Thank you!
I’d love to join! Yay!
Iโd love to join!
Yes please!
I would love to join thanks. Sounds like such a fun group to be part of.
Ooh, yes please, Pip! Iโm in! ?
Would love to join your book club. Iโm inspired by your chosen book too. Will hunt a copy and looking forward to reading your recommendations Pip. Plus getting some crafting inspo too ?
Sounds wonderful!!
Hi – I’m interested, but I live in the United States. So what time would the live chat….be?
(If that part doesn’t work I’ll still join anyway, hey it’s an excuse to read more.)
Iโm in ๐
Sounds lovely ๐ count me in too
Would love to join!
Hi Pip. I’d love to join too! So happy you’re starting with this one, an ideal book to read in summer.
I would like to join.
Iโm in
Oh Pip, sent you an email and then discovered I could do this here. I would love to join your OLBC. Cheers, Lucia
Yes please! Iโm almost officially an old lady so this is perfect.
I would be interested – now to find a copy.
Would love to be part of this!
Interested for sure!
Yes indeedy!
Iโm definitely in Pip, all the way from UK. Sounds lovely. Iโve never belonged to a book club!
Iโm absolutely in, picked up a copy from a National Trust bookshop this afternoon so Iโm ready to go!!
Yes Please!
I am in!
Yes, please! I love Rosamund Pilcher (sadly I can’t find my copy of this lovely book, but I’ll get another), and I’m really interested to see what other books you choose.
I’m in…and have quite a few suggestions ??
For the past 20 years or so, I have mainly focused on reading stories about women written by women, because the male author’s gaze was getting so predictable and boring.
I need to read more and scroll less!
I’m in.
Yes Pip! Yes!
Super idea! Yes please
Yes please Pio
Yes please Pip. Winter Solstice is one of my favourite books of all time and I’d love to talk to other people who share that love!
Count me in please
In!
Count me in! ?
I’m in -love a cosy read !
Yes pls Pip!
Would love to join – always up for a new book recommendation.
Yesyesyes! X
I just reserved it from the library so I am in too please
Yes please!
Love to join in, thank you.
Briliiant! Yes, please!
Love the sound of this. Iโm in! Thanks Pip x
Me please
Iโd love to join!
What a fantastic idea! I’m in. Thank you so much for doing this – and for making it free.??
Def count me in, Pips.
Yes please!
Yessy! I’m gonna hunt this one down. Thanks for the brilliant idea Pip.
This sounds just wonderful and so much fun??
I just ordered my copy!! Canโt wait!!
Yes, please!
Oh yes please. Hunting the book down now:)
Oh yay!!! Iโm definitely in please! Iโve just been thinking about joining an online book club. This sounds great!
Love to join, thanks.
Thanks so much Pip – I’m in! This is the best!
Yes please!
This sounds interesting to me & I have the book but have not read it.
Sounds great!
Iโm in! Hurrah xx
Sounds perfect! Count me in!
Yes please! I have never read any of her books but I think Mum might have a copy on her shelvesโฆ what a wonderful idea.
I’d love to join! I always love new reading suggestions!
Yes please. I have read her books many times. September is another favourite. Count me in. Julie H
Yes please Pip! Iโve reserved the book already. What a great idea, thank you xx
Count me in. What a great idea!
Great idea! Iโm in please ?
This is great!! count me in ๐ I moved countries just two months ago, a getting back on my professional career, itยดs exciting, itยดs what I wanted for myself, but at the same time itยดs so hard and lonely. I wanted to find a way to connect with people around the world while doing hard stuff again, and your newsletter got to me with this idea at the right time ๐ Thank you so much for putting all this together. Lots of love
Iโm in! This sounds like great fun. Have you thought about Iona Iversonโs Rules for Commuting by Claire Pooley?
This has been on my TBR pile for a while, I would love to join!
I would love to join in!
Oh yes please! Such a lovely thing to
Look forward to .Thanks Pip
I already have a copy on my shelf so Iโm in!
Remember when you did a year of Australian writing? That was such a fun year of reading for me so I bet this will be too xx
Oh Pip, how lovely! Iโm in too Thankyou ?
What a lovely idea! I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and keep meaning to comment. I am also a Pip, and I have a chronic illness and I am a crafter – so I feel we have a lot in common! I love to read and enjoy a good book club, and I’m getting towards being an old lady, so this sounds perfect!
Ooh I love this idea. Please count me in xx
Yes please ?
Iโd love to join. Thanks Pip.
Yes please, Iโm in
Count me in too ๐
Yes please! xx
Oh Iโd love to join. Winter Solstice is one of my favourites when I need something cosy to read.
Yes please!
Oh yep! I’m in. Have ordered the book.
How fantastic! Sign me up ?
How fantastic! Sign me up ?
Ooh brilliant idea – this ‘old lady’ has never joined a book club but this sounds perfect. Love all your craft too. Loving Audible as I crochet.
You could put my name down as well pleaseโฆ..
Sounds great!
Old ladies and books? Iโm in!
Yes please and thank you
Always wanted to join a book club so this will be delightful! Thanks Pip
I would love to join! Such a great idea !
Also, happy Christmas ?.
I would love to join!
Count me in Pip! You
Absolutely!
I’d love to join!
Yes please.
Oh how fun! All of this sounds lovely x
Sounds super cute. Have you read Richard Osmanโ Thursday Murder Club series? Some fabulous old ladies in there!
Iโm keen! Thanks Pip ๐
Old ladies book club sounds perfect.?
How wonderful!! I’d love to be part of this book club <3
Yes, me please!
Love this idea! I agree with the Liz Byrski recommendation too.
Ooh love old ladies and books. Great combination. Count me in
I love the sound of this bookclub. Will hunt around for a copy of the first read. Great work, Pip!
Sounds fabulous- canโt wait
Yes, please! And the 3 books in the To Be Read pile can just wait a little longer!
Iโm very interested. Looking forward to seeing the suggestions
Sounds lovely! I’m in.
I would love to join! As a 58yr old and a member of a local monthly book club which is coincidentally made up of our superior generation, I reckon I could totally do it online (sometimes you just donโt want to get off the couch and get out your jammies). Also the crafty bit appeals to me as I have just started getting into crocheting dolls and have a keen interest in making miniature rooms. Also, Pip, have followed you since the heady days of blogging heydays. x
Me me me please!
Yes to book club. I’m re-reading Winter Solstice currently. It is a comfort. Fabulous.
Sounds like fun. I’d like to join!
Me too please! Iโve never read any Rosamunde Pilcher books but I am an old lady.
Ooh, this sounds like a great ideaโฆyes please to joining in! x
This is perfect! I’m in.
So keen. This will be fun, thank you Pip
Oh, I’m in! Sounds fun, and achievable enough to fit in my busy life.
This sounds wonderful, I’m in ๐
Ooooh yes please, I think I have this book on my bookshelf from decades ago. I’m going to look forward to re-reading it.
I would love to join in. Just read my first Rosamunde Pilcher last month, The Shell Seekers and loved it
Liz Byrski has some great books featuring older women
Iโm in for book club! I love old ladies!
Iโm so down for this!!โฆfirst ever book club for me! Iโve never liked the sound of any as they always seem to have way too many bossy pants rules!!
โฆand the idea of hunting for them in the oppies is the 100โs & 1000โs on the cake for me!!โฆ
Iโd like to join, please.
Iโm in for the Book Club! Yay you!
Ooh I would love to join! I read this book many many years ago so it will be nice to dive in again ๐
A lovely old lady book I read recently was Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy ๐ thanks, Pip x
Such a fabulous idea Pip, Iโd love to read along with others in the OLBC.
Winter Solstice is a great book – this sounds like a fabulous excuse to re-read it!
Would love to join in Pip. I love Rosamunde Pilcher and I donโt think I have read this one. Sounds exciting.
What a fantastic idea, Iโm in!
I would love to join! As an older woman (68 and counting) it sounds like lots of fun, thank you Pip
Iโd love to join! I havenโt read any Rosamunde Pilcher before. Off the top of my head, some other older lady focussed novelsโฆ Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner, E F Bensonโs Lucia and Mapp series, Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, The Woods in Winter by Stella Gibbons, Merlin Bay by Richmal Crompton. Yay for old ladies! ๐
Yes, Iโm in! Iโm an old lady of 51 so this book club sounds like a perfect fit. Will try and find it in an op shop.
This sounds fun! Iโm in Virginia USA so we are in Winter Solstice. I have read some of her books years ago.
Yes I’d love to be part of that! I’ll look for the book
Yes please! It sounds perfect. I haven’t read Winter Solstice but there’s a copy in my local library.
Count me in! I think I may have read this book before, and if so, it’s either been long enough or I’m old enough to not quite really recall. Ha!
This sounds rather lovely! I’m in. My library has a copy of the book ๐
Perfect ANU! See you there! (Whereby ‘there’ is here!) ๐
Thanks for the enthusiasm, champ.
Hi Pip
I need another book club and this sounds lovely! Please count me in xx
Iโm in! Love a book club. Have not read this author before so excited to jump in.