Publication June 4, 2025
Life is tough. So is love. Both have their ups and downs, moments of
sheer bliss and sorrow. No one knows that better than the Silver Ladies,
as the group around almost 92 year-old Cecily Hamilton has dubbed
itself, although it seems to be expanding to include all ages. Life and
love have left their mark, just as loss, the aches and pains of aging,
and uncertainties of life have done. Even Cecily, the glue that seems to
hold the group together, learns that age doesn't dampen emotions.
I
won't detail the plot as much of it is woven into the multi-layered,
inter-connected story, a story of many parts and tender, even troubled
souls. They're friends, many for decades, but must face life on their
own terms. We're immediately drawn to Cecily given the prologue but the
other's stories are just as deep and multi-layered as Cecily's. While
much of their tale is certainly sweet and charming, there's also angst,
loss, uncontrolled anger, long held grudges of a sort, and, yes, romance
and hope. I have found myself liking the central cast of characters
but, trust me, none of them are saintly, even Cecily. That makes them
all the more human to readers. There are even a few you won't like but
their story is there, too. Again, life is made up of both. Their stories
come together and apart periodically but the strength of friendship
holds them together, even when they disagree. Let's just say, the Silver
Ladies aren't necessarily all on the same page regarding Cecily's
decision (nope, not telling) but they don't let it drive them apart.
Instead, they're there to support her, vowing to support her whatever
her decision.
Bottom line, without revealing the story-line,
it's a story of life, the highs and lows, and learning to accept and
cope with each as they come. Enjoying the moment, as they say. I felt
like I was right there with them, fretting over decisions that might
rupture a marriage or keep "meant-to-be" lovers apart, not to mention
seated at the table for that fabulous 92nd birthday party gathering.
What an intriguing, open bunch of friends, the sort of people we'd all
aspire to be ourselves. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the initial intro to
Cecily and her circle of friends/family and allowing me this early peek
at how life is treating them all. I aspire to be like Cecily one of
these days, although I'm not sure a scooter, purple or not, is quite the
vehicle I'd opt for here in Alaska.
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