I’m a huge fan of cruise holidays, having cruised all over the world to places like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Japan, Indonesia, Europe and so on. Equally, I’m a huge fan of Caroline James, who has featured here on Linda’s Book Bag many times – both as an uplifting and joyous writer and as a generous and supportive person. Consequently, it gives me enormous pleasure to celebrate Caroline’s latest book The Cruise Club by hosting a guest post from her today.
(And don’t tell Caroline, but I have chosen The Cruise Club as one of my The People’s Friend Paperback Bookshelf books for July!)
The Cruise Club is published in paperback today, 3rd July 2025, by Harper Collins imprint Avon and is available for purchase through the links here.
The Cruise Club
Because the best adventures are still to come…
Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood rom com full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…
Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…
Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.
Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…
However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.
But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…
Escape this summer on a holiday like no other, where fun and frolics are the order of the day!
All aboard – the three authors I’d risk a lifeboat with!
Romcom author Caroline James picks her perfect fantasy cruise companions.
Bring the books, banter and a few bottles of bubbly…
I love a cruise, especially the charm of a smaller ship where you don’t need a satnav to find your cabin, and the crew remembers your name. Not that I’ve anything against larger resort-style ships where there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. But for me, the charming coastal towns that a smaller ship can slip into, the tucked-away fjords and less touristy gems capture my heart.
Let me take you on a little journey aboard my fantasy cruise ship, where my imagination runs wild. I’d love to introduce you to the three guests I’d invite on this dream voyage – not just for their talent and fame but for the laughter, conversation and unforgettable memories they’d bring to the high seas…
Jeffrey Archer
Who wouldn’t want to be a dinner table guest alongside an author with such a colourful past?
This former politician’s life story could fill the pages of a thriller all on its own. He’s the master of fictional tales, and with his knack for spinning stories, Jeffrey Archer would keep us captivated for hours. From serving time in jail to topping best-seller lists, I’d love to sit back and engage with the man who created so many brilliant and inspiring stories. Jeffrey Archer’s life story is controversial and resilient; hearing it first-hand would be as captivating and fascinating as the fiction he’s given us.
Milly Johnson
Ah, a cruise with Milly…
I can’t think of a more delightful companion for a peaceful afternoon on deck. Milly writes with such warmth and humour that time spent with her would be like stepping into one of her heartwarming novels. A proud Yorkshire woman, she brings northern charm into every conversation. Her books are full of relatable women, raw emotions and stories that resonate with many. I can imagine our deep discussions on love, life, and friendship – maybe over a slice of cake or two. If we decide to head inside for a quiz, I’d want Milly on my team. I’m sure she’d smash it with her knowledge and banter. From writing greeting cards to best-selling novels, Milly is super inspiring, and I know I’d leave the cruise filled with a zillion ideas for my own future stories.
Keith Floyd
The late great ‘Floydy’…
In another life, I was a media agent representing celebrity chefs. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Keith Floyd, many of my chefs did, and they all spoke of him with reverence and respect. Keith Floyd influenced me greatly throughout my life, and he was a culinary rockstar to me. If Floyd was on my fantasy cruise, there would be spontaneous cookery demos on deck, flambé disasters in the galley, and gourmet meals whipped up with whatever he could find in port. Shore excursions would take on a new slant as he dodged the tourist traps to head straight to the nearest backstreet bistro to discover what the locals were eating. Floyd would never be alone with a wine glass glued to his hand, drawing passengers to his energetic, hilarious company. No ordinary chef or traveller, Floyd was a brilliant author whose cookery books were eloquently written and full of rich stories with humour and a genuine love for food adventure.
Thanks to lovely Linda for letting me spend time with you on her wonderful blog.
Happy fantasy cruising, everyone!
I wish you all many hours of joy, whether you’re at sea or ashore,
lost in a good book or enjoying the company of unforgettable friends.
With love,
Caroline xx
****
It’s my pleasure to host you Caroline and happy publication day. What brilliant guests – especially, for me, the wonderful Milly Johnson whom I’m proud to call a friend. I think we should pack our bags, book another cruise and invite Milly along, don’t you?
About Caroline James
Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including The Cruise, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, The Cruise Club, is set to make waves too.
As an entertaining and charismatic public speaker, Caroline brings her unique blend of humour, insight, and inspiration to the stage. With talks that blend behind-the-scenes glimpses into the hospitality world and her journey as an author, Caroline guarantees to enthral audiences with sessions like A Glimpse Beneath the Celebrity Chef Apron or It’s Never Too Late to Get Published.
Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.
When she’s not writing in Venus, her cosy holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.
For further information, visit Caroline’s website, follow her on Twitter/X @CarolineJames12 and find Caroline on Facebook and Instagram.
English (US) · 