Jacqui reviews: The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle by  Sophie Green

“The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle”

Sophie Green

“The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle” written by Sophie Green, is the second novel by this author.

Based between 1982 and 1984, in Shelly Bay, Australia, four women meet as strangers on a beach and end up forming a group dedicated to swimming between Main Beach and Little Beach at sunrise every morning.

Elaine, Leanne, Marie and Theresa are of different ages but despite this, soon become close friends, even though they are from very different walks of life.  A dysfunctional family, a broken marriage, alcoholism, various secrets and a sudden illness form the background of this book that makes it a very interesting read, a hard to put down page turner.  The illness pulls them even closer together and they fight the illness as one.  You cannot help falling for these strong and courageous women, cheering them on, wanting to support them.

I really enjoyed this book as I love books that are written in chapters that are about one character at a time but of course all interlinking.  Also the chapters are quite short and that helps too.  Somehow it seems to make you read quicker!

I recommend this book totally and I seriously hope that if you dip your toes into the waters of Shelly Bay with Elaine, Leanne, Marie and Theresa, you enjoy it as much as I did.

Jacqui