Book Review: Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime by J.B. Morrison

Title: Frank Derrick's Holiday of a Lifetime
Author: J.B. Morrison
Published: June 4th 2015 by Pan
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Frank Derrick is eighty-two. And apparently that makes him old. But he just doesn't feel old. Sure, his limbs ache, he can't sleep more than a few hours a night and it takes him a while to get going in the morning. But he's still Frank. A dad, a granddad, a friend to Bill the cat.

So when he receives a phone call from Los Angeles with news that his grown-up daughter's life is falling apart, his natural instinct is to drop everything to be with her. Unfortunately for Frank, that means using his life savings and putting himself in danger of losing his home. But then, Frank's never been one for long-term plans. He can sort out where he and Bill the cat will live when he's back.

And so Frank gets on a plane for the first time in his life. He was never much good at helping his daughter through crises when she was growing up. He left all that to his wife Sheila, who died nearly ten years ago. Now it's time to step up to his role of father to Beth. Joining forces with his determined granddaughter Laura, they begin The Reunion Project in an attempt to bring some happiness back into Beth's life and to bring the family back together again for one happy family holiday.

First of all I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: Last year I had the pleasure of reading The Extraordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81, which I absolutely loved. Imagine my excitement when it was announced that there was going to be a sequel! And what a sequel! I absolutely loved Frank's new adventure in Los Angeles. Within the first couple of pages I was already laughing with Frank's antics. It felt like catching up with an old and dear friend. 

Frank's preparation for his big journey are hilarious. From when he goes to get his photo taken for the passport to his shopping the best garments to blend in in Los Angeles (you wouldn't even find those colourful and loud shirts in Hawaii), all of it had me giggling non-stop. But the best part is when he lands in LA (with Bill the cat on tow) and we meet his family, his daughter who is recovering from cancer and his grand-daughter, a lively girl who instantly connects with his cool grand-father. 

Put Frank Derrick in a such a crazy place like LA and you get the most fun, entertaining but also moving story. It was really interesting to discover the city through Frank's eyes. He is like a child with a new pair of shoes, excited about everything. He really fits in this environment and sees himself leaving behind good old England for sunny America. 

But the story is not all laughs and giggles. As with the first book, J.B. Morrison reminds us that life is fragile and we need to appreciate the little things. Frank, even with the spirit of a younger man, is now 82 and not as fit as he would like. During the book, there are some really moving moments that make you connect with this character even more. I really hope Frank touches as many lives as possible as he is such a unique and special character.

Definitely a story to enjoy this summer, Frank Derrick's Holiday of a lifetime will leave no one indifferent. A highly recommended read!

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Also, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to interview the author, J.B. Morrison. If you missed it, go have a look now! 


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