‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools’

was awarded the

HarperCollins Authonomy ‘Gold Star’.

What others have said about the book...

GM on Twitter

@VictoriaTwead Your book does mean that now, whenever I see peaches....I giggle... a lot. : /

KR on Twitter

@VictoriaTwead Mum reading ur book whilst in Lanjaron on holiday and loving it :-)

Mie, Goodreads

Loved it. It was the funniest travel/cook book that I have ever read. I know for sure that I have to go to Andalusian one day. Awesome place with awesome people!!

Michele, Chick with books

I just had to read this book after reading that great review. It was light and fun and I loved all of the characters.The perfect read to escape the rainy weekend. I love the idea of house swapping!

Review on Book-Writer-Promotion

Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools by Victoria Twead is a great book, make yourself comfortable because you won't be going anywhere for a while.

Twead delights her audience from beginning to end, taking them with her through the persuading of her husband to move to Spain to the end of their agreed five year trial.

Wit and natural humour keep the reader turning the pages in complete enjoyment as Twead's enthusiasm leaps out of her words.

Be absorbed in their neighbours and their chickens' antics, tremble in fear when their cockerel is on the rampage and be wholly delighted as you make their tale your own.

This is the most enjoyable book I've read for a long time.

Graham Hunt, Houses for Sale in Spain

This book was so good I really regret the month I spent not being able to read it from when my copy arrived. See my video post about it below but really just go to the Amazon link and buy it. The highlights for me are the anecdotes about the jellyfish sting, the snake and the whole saga of the chickens. This is one of the few books I have read recently that has actually made me chuckle out loud and the recipe interludes are inspired. If I had a complaint it would be that the pictures need an accompanying website to be seen in their full glory.

So this is actually a heartwarming book which really tells you one thing and one thing only. If you throw yourself into your Spanish dream with gusto, don’t go living in Expatshire and create social relationships with the people around you then your life in Spain will be successful and full of fun. I will be sharing a post by by friend Justin Aldridge this week which exemplifies this. But in the video are the things to come out of the book by Victoria Twead the author of this wonderful book and her views on living in Spain too. Enjoy.

JC on Twitter:

This book: Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools by Victoria Twead is actually making me laugh out loud, it's pure genius!

@VictoriaTwead It was genius in book format, loved it, I went on your adventure without leaving England, brilliant! =) x

@VictoriaTwead ...OMG!!! LOVED the book! Made me laugh out loud, thank you for sharing, beautifully written! =) x

BR on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Best read for ages, really cheered me up. Can't wait for the TV series then the film...

Rachel Webb, Andalucia For Holidays

Pull up a comfy chair or snuggle down in bed with this book and you’ll be rooted for hours. From page one it puts a smile on your face. Victoria Twead weaves a great yarn, her writing warm and friendly and her story-telling ability just great.

I found it hard to turn out the light and I live in a remote village in Andalucia. Her book just rolls along with their adventure, persuaded hubby and herself, from deciding to give a new life a five year trial to the decision at the end of that time.

Stubborn mules, wacky neighbours, crazy chickens and local recipes all help the “two old fools” through the tough parts and hard work of renovating a home while living in it.

There’s not many a moan or groan in these pages just sheer glee at every turn, her enjoyment oozes out of the pages and invites you to experience every moment from chicken watching to culture shocking moments, stencilling the chicken pen to the house-swap finale it’s fabulous fun.

Suzanne Levin, Chick with Books Blogspot

Chickens, Mules and Two Old fools by Victoria Twead is a funny, laugh out loud, amazing adventure! Victoria can tell a great story! This book was a joy to read! When you open the book it's as if Victoria is sitting down with you over a cup of coffee chatting about what funny things happened on the way to Andalucia. Her warm personality floats off the page and you are hooked to keep reading. Victoria's writing is wonderful, funny, and entertaining! And as if the story wasn't enough, there are spanish recipes sprinkled through out the pages. (and the one for gazpacho looks deelish!)

I want to thank Victoria for my copy of her book! I won my copy this past December in her monthly giveaway and I couldn't have been happier! Chicken, Mules and Two Old Fools certainly put a smile on my face!

Sara on Facebook:

Your book is the best book I've read in a long time - I just couldn't put it down, meeting all the characters and living your life with you was fab.

HAF on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Your writing reminded me a lot of Gerald Durrell - I read My family & other animals for 0-level & loved it.

HP, Hungary

Hi, i am half way through the book although hubby had read it all ready. sorry but i have great difficulties reading for more than 15 mins but the book is so good you can put it down and not lose the thread of the story.

i have also laughed my self silly and can relate to many things in the book, i presume most expats can as its so typical of the many things that we all seem to go through.

WG on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead I read chapter about Cocky at lunchtime. Still giggling now and I've been back at my desk for two hours!

CM on Twitter:

@victoriatwead Thanks for keeping my wife calm while she read your book. Thank you!!

NS on Facebook:

Hi Victoria,

I just wanted to say from one exforces wife to another I loved your book. I have told every one to read it. I just couldn't wait to get to the end to see how your 5 year plan went, even though my husband had already told me most of the book as he read it. I hope you accept me as one of your facebook friends. When is the next book out??

Rosie Reay, The Catalunya Chronicle

Forget the Christmas wrappings. Forget the roast turkey. Just pick up this book, nestle into your favourite winter sunny corner and let the world float by with this very relaxing read.

Why? Because when you start turning these pages you will forget your surroundings until the closing pages.This novel is justified in being awarded the Harper Collins "Gold Star".

Mind you, you will be laughing out aloud, but make sure your "better half" waits his / her turn until the end. Don't spoil the moment! A book for Expats, parents, grandparents, teenagers and those poor souls wishing they were living out here.

Victoria's descriptions are so vivid, so colourful and full of vibrancy. I do not know her neck of the hillside in Spain, but I feel I have trod every inch with her on every page. Some of her experiences are so alike our endeavours of mishaps or success, so we have found this a story all Expats will relate to.

Vicky and Joe Twead relocate from Southern England to an idyllic Andalucian life, tucked high up in the Alpujarra mountain ranges. If you are suffering wintry cabin fever blues anywhere in the world this book will definitely raise your spirits as you savour and share all their hearty frolics. Besides, you will surely be tempted to test and taste Victoria's provincial Andalucian dishes. Well, they will make a change from turkey leftovers, I dare say!

You will chuckle along amongst the gaggling chickens called B*gger and F*ck (I kid you not!) and the upturned water fountain - a precious commodity in dry Southern Spain, and the gurgles of the gin twinlings.

Those of us fortunate enough to live in Southern Europe will empathise with all her endearing characterisations, eccentric and otherwise normal, charming provincial local folk. Her creatures are all personified by their hilarious antics and expressions. We all have felt the culture shock in moving abroad. We all started out with a Five Year Plan (mine has just been extended). Theirs is still within that timescale. But will they go back at the end of their time line, or will she start another list?

Weeks later, after finishing the book, you will be standing at your kitchen window doing the dishes and then recall some fleeting scene with chickens or mules or two old fools of characters and laugh out loud all over again.

JN on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that I have finished 'Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools' *sniff*

Carolandrichard, Eye on Spain forum:

Hi Victoria

I just wanted to add my congratulations to you on your hilariously funny book. I started it last night and have about a third left to read. I have had to put it down just so I can get some work done!

We too have a little house in Almeria and I am enjoying reading your stories, so true to life in this area!!

I am also enjoying reading your banter on this thread. Please do keep it up. However, try not to give too many details about your current goings on, I want to look forward to reading all about it in your second book!

Claire T, Eye on Spain forum:

Hi Victoria - I would just like to add to the growing list of positive comments about your book.  You have done what I originally intended, however, I have ended up in a big urbanisation on the coast - for the moment!  I'll be looking for my little place in the campo some time in the future so your book has been a wonderful guide to what I can expect. 

The book was such a good read, I have passed it over to my neighbour who keeps laughing out loud as she reads it on her terrace!  I also told the bookshop at Dos Mares that they need to stock it, so hopefully you should see sales climbing and climbing.

Can't wait for the sequel! 

NS on Twitter:

@victoriatwead loving your book Rex told me all about it so I knew what to expect but still loving your writing.

Peteranne, Eye on Spain forum:

Hi Victoria and Joe

I want to say how much I enjoyed reading your book, I had put it on my Christmas present wish list. The book marks were an extra surprise present that Peter had arranged for me.

I would recommend the book to any one, it was fun and easy to read, very amusing, had me laughing out loud many times. We envy you living your life in Spain, and how you have integrated with the Spanish very well, and they have obviously taken to you too, because you make an effort to talk to the people of the village and join in with their activities.

I am glad to hear there is a sequel, can't wait for that to come out.  Do keep us informed when we can buy it.

We had our children in the same year as you, my daughter is 30 this year - tomorrow in fact, - it really does make me feel old and like you I am only 35 in my head!

NN on Facebook:

hi , I finished ur book and loved it, it was great. now I know what I want to do in my retirement.

if u ever wanted to come to Hungary let me know it would be great to meet u and Joe here. (probably not in winters, its been snowing for a week here but summers and springs are awesome).

thank u again for giving me the opportunity to read ur wonderful book.

cheers.

WG on Twitter:

Sad because I've just finished reading @VictoriaTwead's book. Do you think she'll write another if we ask nicely?

Kelly F on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead 'Chickens' still v much with me,such vivid mental images of Judith & her glam mum, who btw is an example to us all!

David, Spain:

Hi Victoria, Looking at the entries there’s a lot of interest in "Chickens". I know it will disappear off the shelves. Are you thinking of a follow up book yet? lol. Take it easy and get over the shock of "Chickens" selling out of its first run.

Louise, UK:

What a fabulous book! I was given it for Christmas but only read it this week and I just couldn’t put it down. I thought it was great because it all seemed so tempting to go back to simplicity and I loved the chickens and their antics. Thanks for the laughs!

Mendygnl, BYC:

Victoria, I ordered your book and it just arrived yesterday. I'm enjoying it so much and enjoying the tales about the village inhabitants.  Thank you.

Slywoody, BYC:

Carole, Community leader from ExpatFocus:

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining book which had me in fits of laughter. This is a tale of a couple who moved to a tiny Spanish village in the Alpujarra mountains, the challenges they faced and the way the locals welcomed them into the local community. Victoria's description of the chickens and their various escapades made for hilarious reading. I will never look at chickens in the same light again....what wonderful characters! 

I love the delicious Spanish recipes included in the book which gave you a "taste" of Spain, but was especially pleased to see the recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding! had also been included.

If you only read one book this year...make it this one!

HB, Bulgaria:

Hi Victoria, 

I asked for (and received from my father) your book for Christmas having been on your mailing list for some months, and read it in the space of a couple of days - only putting it down when the need arose to carry out the other essential tasks of daily life! A delightful read and well worth the wait - thank you!

At times when reading your book I felt like you must be my Spanish twin.

And maybe you will be pleased to know that our first chickens are due to arrive next weekend (I've never kept chooks before) so this week I will be attempting to build a lean-to to house them at night. They can have free rein round the property in the daytimes until we start planting our first crops, when they will have to be fenced off part of the garden! Looking forward to becoming part of a chicken gang, anyway!

Thanks again for your inspiration!

K and A B, France:

Hello, bonjour, ça va? que tal? and I just want to say how much I enjoyed your book. It did make me laugh in places where it sounded so familiar to all our experiences here in France and  I'm very much hoping to try out some of the recipes.

KR on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Great review, maybe Stephen fry will coming running sooner than you thought! My Dad loved it too, thought it was hilarious :-)

SR on Facebook:

It's the best book I've read in a long time. Can't recommend it enough.

BR on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Just finished CM&TOF. Brilliant!. You are living my dream. If it was made into a film, who would you want to play VT and Joe?

Mn73 wrote:

Non-fiction with a fictional feel. I started reading and then just kept going. Love all the stuff at the beginning as you tried to convince your husband. I love the sense of humour throughout and absolutely delighted in following you and your husband on your Andalucian journey.

Denise Morland, USA

Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools proves once again that moving to a foreign country and fixing up an old house never works out quite as you planned. This time the setting is the Spanish Alpujarra mountains and the naive couple are Joe and Vicky, a British couple looking for a place where the sun always shines.

At first the writing struck me as a bit unedited and rough around the edges, but as the book progressed the style grew on me until I wouldn't have had it any other way. Vicky comes across with a refreshing frankness, leaving nothing out as she and Joe stumble their way into their idyllic, Spanish life.

You haven't properly described the book until you explain how utterly hilarious it is. From the first meeting with their German estate agent where they have to explain that they would like a house with a roof and walls to their hysterical chickens and wacky building contractor with his team of Equators you will be laughing all the way through. I highly recommend this book for a lovely period of escapism. You will thoroughly enjoy hanging out in Spain with Joe and Vicky!

Kirsten B wrote:

Oh yes - It's like Driving Over Lemons with even more twists of humour and laughter.

Tricia wrote:

Love this!! I work at B&N and will track this down and buy it. Just the kind of thing I like.

DR on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead -BTW I really enjoyed "Chickens". The Bethina made me chuckle!

Alison Meacham, California wrote:

I really enjoyed the book - it was truly one of those didn't want it to end books.  I could identify with your story to some extent as I moved from the UK almost a decade ago, but of course to a very different country.  We moved to the US in 2001. It was interesting to see how welcome the locals made you feel.

JH on Twitter

@VictoriaTwead Angela just LOVES the book I got her for Christmas. ;)

A. C-S On Facebook:

I started to read the book and I could not put it down. You certainly have a great literary style.

RJ on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Am on train now, got 8 hours to kill. Book in hand, am at 9 & half dogs..LOL!

Maureen, UK wrote:

Congratulations Victoria, I am only half way through this book which only arrived this morning and I can't put it down, dreading coming to the end of it, when do you think your next one is coming out? I can just picture you up in that village.

Take care and thank you so much for such a good read and a good laugh.

Just finished your book, I put it down as I was getting near the end and wouldn't touch it for a few days as I couldn't bear to finish it, I am missing it already, what a fabulous book, your life in Spain sounds brilliant.  Please let me know how your all getting on, you Joe and the chickens, hope they are producing their eggs again, bought some massive ones at the weekend and they are all double yokes, they reminded me of you.

PS I am telling everyone about this book, normally I pass it on but can't bear to part with this one, my son has been for the weekend and I said if I finish it you can take it back for Ana, but he forgot and I didn't remind him, love the recipes in it...

Iain Macdonald of Orce Serrano Hams wrote:

You may be wondering why we are talking about a book on Top Spanish Tapas... Welcome to guest writer Victoria Twead, author of ‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools. This book really is a fantastic read and has already had raving reviews. Each chapter begins with a Spanish recipe (so there is the foodie bit) some of which are our very own!

Sara Risdale, of FarmingFriends.com wrote:

I recently bought myself the book Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools by Victoria Twead after I came across Victoria on Twitter and had exchanged a few communications relating to Spain where Victoria now resides and where the book is set.

I love reading, and this book is a perfect gift for a book worm, a food lover and anyone with a dream for starting a new life. This book was a joy to read as Victoria brings the characters that we meet in her book to life so that you feel like you know them yourself. The characters you meet along the way are colourful and loveable.

Victoria writes with humour and pathos making this a funny book with laugh-out-loud moments as well as bring tears to my eyes as I read some of the events occurring in the book. I really didn’t want the book to end, I was enjoying living the Andalucian life along with Vicky, Joe & the hens and reading about all the events and encounters they had in the first few years in the village.

I found the book very inspirational as it shows a dream coming true. Anyone dreaming of starting a new life, a simpler life or a life abroad should read this book. It made me want to move abroad but it really made me want to move to the same village in Spain and meet the characters of the book and enjoy the village events like Vicky and Joe did.

The stories of the acquisition of the hens, the egg sales and meeting the cockerel were highlights of the book for me.

Not only is ‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools’ a great, entertaining read but it is also interspersed with wonderful Spanish recipes which help to bring the true flavour of Spain to life.

I highly recommend this book – it would make a great gift.

Kelly On Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Just ordered 'Chickens, Mules' on Amazon as my Christmas read, can't wait - All 5 * reviews, can't be bad! x

Andrew Camerón --RondaViva Lifestyle Magazine wrote:

Victoria Twead writes a fantastically funny tale of five years living as reluctant chicken farmers in a small village in Almería in Southern Spain. "Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools" is an hilarious rib-splitting read from beginning to end.
We are introduced to village characters, both animal and human, ache for the trials endured by poor Joe, and find ourselves laughing on every page wishing the end wouldn't come quite so soon. We meet characters such as Mother, a spliff-smoking 85 year old sex-kitten, and her daughter Judith, a larger-than-life expat who keeps ten dogs. `That one's called "Half", dear. Always said we'd never have ten dogs, so now we have nine and a "Half".'

But that's not all. Woven into the story are a number Spanish recipes given to Vicky by characters in the book and the village ladies. No wonder HarperCollins described the book as `charming' as well as `hilarious' and `laugh-out-loud funny'. If you liked Chris Stewart's "Driving over Lemons", you won't regret reading Victoria Twead's "Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools".

Take it from me, this is one paperback that should be on every bookshelf and I know people will be talking about B***** and F***, two of Vicky's hens for years to come.

NE On Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Book arrived, thanks. Mum’s nabbed it but I’m next in queue. Mum loving it & keeps roaring with laughter.

On Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead Just finished 'Chickens & Mules'. Really loved it. Great characters and couldn’t put it down.

Justin Aldridge --Eye on Spain wrote:

This has to to be THE book for anyone with an interest in moving to Spain or trying to make out what life is like here.
A very well written and extremely funny book by Victoria Twead, who is an Eye on Spain member and often hangs out around the forums.
This is Victoria's tale of hers and Joe's move from Southern England to Southern Spain, full of fun and frolics and with a wonderful array of characters that amuse the reader from start to finish.
Highly recommended and perfect for getting any "scrooge" laughing at Christmas.

Erma Odrach --Goodreads, Erma Odrach author of Wave of Terror wrote:

If you're looking to experience sunny Spain, and maybe even life in a tiny village tucked in the Alpujarra Mountains, and without leaving home, then Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools is for you.

Approaching retirement, Vicky and her husband, Joe, one day decide to pack up their bags and leave their comfortable Sussex, England home and settle in the village El Hoya, Spain. It is not long before they come to learn village life is full of surprises and mishaps, with hilarious culture clashes at every turn. When Vicky and Joe unintentionally find themselves chicken farmers, Vicky says, "Oh, please! Our Spanish neighbours already thought we were insane, sitting on the yellow sofa gazing at our flock, letting them hop onto our laps, talking to them."

Whether saved by a mule or sitting at a party table in the middle of the road celebrating a neighbour's birthday (and blocking traffic), 'Chickens' not only paints a warm, funny and colourful picture of rural Spain, but also tells of how two zany Brits came to fit right in. Light-hearted and full of sunshine. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

C.C. on Facebook:

Giving your book for Christmas was a big hit with my English g.f. !!

Cas P, UK wrote:

Hi Vicky, This is an absolute delight. I'm sure most of us have toyed with the idea of relocating somewhere warm (with us it's Italy, as we spent 3 years there once) and it’s fascinating to read the tale of someone who's actually done it.
I really felt the depression of the constant English rain. I also loved the description of the house-search and the way they fell for The House. I'm sure it's not just because of all those 'living abroad' programmes that I could see and smell and taste it all.
The image of 'Mule' bouncing round the streets looking for her master was so endearing.
I fell completely in love with Cocky. I can quite see why he had to go, though!

Cheri,  USA wrote:
I can very much see why ‘Chickens’ has a shiny, gold star. This is just lovely. I was entranced and thoroughly enjoyed coming along for the ride. What I love best are the details; they helped to make Spain come alive for me and the myriad quirks of each person had me laughing and reading on.
Delightful.

Sylvia, UK wrote:

What gorgeous and humorous writing, Vicky. I laughed aloud.

Robrow, UK wrote:

This is extremely funny and very well written. I think you've perfectly captured the spirit that moves two people to begin an entirely new life in a foreign country. The cast of characters they meet is peculiarly charming, and the things that happen to Vicky and Joe are believably comical.

Maria, Dubai wrote:

Oh this is priceless! I haven't laughed so much in ages! Wonderful! My box of tissues is running low...

BW on Twitter:

@VictoriaTwead By the way, my husband finished your book and loved it! Can't wait to read it when I have free time.

Lallie, UK:

Before I forget, Joe has the patience of a saint - I would have gone crazy over going back for that painting. That made me laugh a lot. And poor man - the trotter.
You make the narrating voice engaging and have mastered the task of conveying the other characters and their eccentricities so that we are hooked in. It has a My Family and Other Animals feel about it in that sense. I even felt an urge to bite the pig's trotter for the experience.

As someone who's had to move house too often and hates it, I was rolling my eyes in sympathy over Man with a Van. There really is something here for everyone - those who like travel, those with the dream of moving abroad, those who love an eccentric cast of secondary characters, The tone is perfect for a light enjoyable read - summer afternoon in the garden or alternatively a winter evening inside for escapism.
PS - forgot the farting local. Priceless! :)

Joanna, UK wrote:

I love this. You've made me feel as if I was there with you. The characters are wonderful. I know they are real but you've made them come alive on the page. The reader can see Judith and her dogs, Kurt with his sales pitch and Joe with his practicality. The prose flows so smoothly and is easy to read. It's got humour and irony.

M.D.Cooper, USA wrote:
I have to say that I immediately fell in love with this story.
Some of the things I just loved:
The bit about the lists, followed by the list itself!
Joe's return list... made me chuckle.
I like how 'The House' is capitalized. That sort of thing isn't done here in America, it’s so British and cool.
Nine and a half... I had to find my wife and show her that :D
The first two houses were a riot, no roof and no walls... but a roof and a palm tree! Kurt is a riot.
The line about trading sapphire skies for steel was really nice.
Loved how 'all' the wheelbarrows in Spain are green with yellow handles. Isn't it odd how some things like that just stand out?
I also love Bethina and Paco
The line 'Small boys with crickets not welcome' made me laugh loudly.

Cordelia wrote:

I think you have a natural talent for writing and the book flows effortlessly. I just kept on reading and reading ignoring the phone, doorbell, people talking to me!!

Dale, Australia wrote:

I used to love watching the British show where people would go to Europe and buy, renovate or build houses to move to. Some bought houses to set up as B&Bs. Great stuff. So this book has two things I enjoy. A well written story and a great location.

Bren, Australia wrote:

What a beautiful story, Chicky Vicky! Charming, romantic, I want to live in Spain. A friend of mine lived in Spain with her grandparents until she was 6 and sent to London to live with her parents. She still misses her first life as one of those free-spirited village children. How lucky you are to experience it.
Very well written, lively, engaging. Judith & mother & the dogs, Paco & Bethina/Carmen, and the sister and brother in law were great characters. How could they possibly be real? People don't make up characters as good as this in their fiction! Have you shown your sister this?
Great stuff!

S.William Shaw, USA wrote:

Wow, a very fun and enjoyable read.  I love how the narrative is pure story driven - no excess fluff - my kind of read. Great job.

Scott Bartlett, Canada wrote:
The idea for 'Chickens' is elegantly simple, and it's a very easy story to settle into. I don't know if this will make any sense, but I felt very cozy and at home while reading it.  It is that cheerful zaniness that produces the laughs. Skilfully done.

D. King, UK wrote:

I wish I could just sit here and read this all day, but I can't. What a wonderful story and style. I'm more like Joe than you, Victoria, but just as Joe has done so would I. If my wife wants something, she eventually gets it and I fall right in line... ;) [I've just got to keep this book from her curious eyes for as long as possible...]

Jason Horger, USA wrote:

Chickens, Mules, and Two Old Fools has a good soul, loving Andalusia and its inhabitants warts, vagaries, and all.  You genuinely feel for Vicky as she and Joe embark on their quixotic adventure in the south of Spain, but still can't wait to see what embarrassing and potentially perilous situation will draw them in next.  Beautifully and comically painted portrait of living the 'easy' life as an English expatriate.

HarperCollins wrote:

‘laugh-out-loud funny...especially the Spanish women heckling over eggs from “The English”...hilarious...engaging...the interspersion of recipes is charming’ 

Lucy Fox, author of The Keeper of the Enchanted Pool wrote:

‘Oh, I love it! It’s one of the funniest things I have read in a long while. It reminds me a lot of one of Billy Hopkins’ books.
Your recollections of everything that happens on your venture into a new life are brilliant and extremely well told. The people you met were real characters, especially Dick and Dale.
And the trotter, how could you have done that to your poor husband! Evil, but hilariously priceless.’

Danny Gillan, author of  ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ wrote:

'I love the relaxed writing style and easy humour of this. Great stuff!'

Robin Bayley, author of ‘The Mango Orchard’ wrote:

‘Victoria Twead is a natural storyteller with a knack for charm and wit.’ 

Aleck Loker author of  18 books including ‘Ancient Explorers of America’ wrote:

'This is wonderful. I have tears in my eyes...the humor, the warmth, the joy...I love this book...the two of you sitting on the sofa in that dusty street listening to Spanish tunes on the crackly radio. What a sight you must have been...'