Excess Baggage

a brilliant, laugh-out-loud gem of a novel about family… and all that entails

By: Judy Astley

Narrated by: Laura Bratten

A Proper Family Holiday was the last thing Lucy was expecting to have. But as a penniless and partnerless house-painter with an expired lease on her flat and a twelve-year-old daughter, she could hardly turn down her parents' offer to take them on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Caribbean. She'd just have to put up with her sister Theresa (making no secret of preferring Tuscany as a holiday destination) and brother Simon (worrying that there might be some sinister agenda behind their parents' wish to take them all away) with their various spouses, teenagers, young children and au pair.

In a luxury hotel, with bright sunshine, swimming, diving, glorious food and friendly locals, any family tensions should have melted away in the fabulous heat. The children should have been angelic, the teenagers cheerful, the adults relaxed and happy. But...some problems just refuse to be left at home.

American's View

Would have given this higher stars if the author could have gotten over her obvious dislike of Americans.

A light, enjoyable read.

This is a fun story with believable characters. Everyone will identify with at least one of these branches of the family that goes on a tropical holiday all together. The protagonist is likeable and she makes logical choices. There are enough subplots to keep you interested. Definately worth a credit. I have since downloaded several of Judy Astley's novels; they are all good but this one is my favourite.