Smiling woman with bobbed silver hair in emerald green blouse sits at laptop with a mug in hand

‘Engaging, funny and
resoundingly human’

Books + Publishing

Cover of Mrs Winterbottom takes a Gap Year shows illustrated suitcase and hat on yellow background

A witty and touching tale about mismatched expectations and living life in the moment, from the bestselling author of The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital


Husband and wife GPs Alan and Heather Winterbottom have worked in their idyllic rural practice for over forty years but they've decided to hang up their stethoscopes and retire. Joy! Celebration! Or not . . .

While Alan dreams of growing his own vegetables, Heather dreams of exploring the Greek Islands and seeking new adventures.

When Heather decides to take a year off from her old life, from her marriage - from Alan - she embarks on a Greek odyssey full of unforgettable experiences, pitfalls and temptations. But could what's waiting for her back in Netherwood be Heather's biggest adventure yet?

“Heartwarming, tender and oh-so-funny, this is a story that will leave you smiling.” Ali Lowe

“In creating senior-driven stories free of stereotype and suffused with charm, Joanna has captured the wit, experience, smarts, attitude, sorrow and mischief of an age group that is all too often invisible.”

Better Homes & Gardens

Books

Reviews

"Funny, insightful and deliciously refreshing – the most heartwarming book we've read in a long time."

Women's Weekly

"Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm...extremely well written and highly addictive."

Sun Herald

"A powerful work wrapped in a gentle cover of affection and fun…This is a wise, kind and insightful writer. An astute observer of the human condition."

Living Arts Canberra

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About Jo

Joanna Nell is a British-Australian writer, GP and advocate for positive ageing. She is the author of five bestselling novels The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry ParkerThe Great Escape From Woodlands Nursing Home, The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital and Mrs Winterbottom takes a Gap Year.

Joanna's short fiction has won numerous awards and been published in magazines, journals and short story anthologies including Award Winning Australian Writing. She has also written for The Sydney Morning Herald's Spectrum and Sunday Life magazines.