Bitmo Sunday book review

Sunday Book Review – Live and Let: Tales of a Pembrokeshire holiday let by Judith Barrow #memoir

Published on by dgkaye

Welcome to my Sunday Book Review. Today I’m delighted to share Judith Barrow’s new holiday memoir where Judith imparts some interesting and often humorous tales about some of the interesting characters who’ve rented and stayed at her holiday rental.

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Blurb:

Author Judith Barrow gives a lively account of her experiences moving to Pembrokshire in the 1970s and managing a holiday let with some interesting visitors, sometimes amusing and sometimes rather challenging.

My 5 Star Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed these tales about some of the crazy shenanigans that have gone on at author, Judith Barrow’s holiday rental apartment in Pembrokeshire, England. One can’t imagine what goes on in a holiday rental, the bizarre, and sometimes hilarious. Let’s just say some of these characters who rented out Barrow’s guest house, took advantage of the author’s good nature – a Vicar no doubt! But was he really? There was an interesting assortment of character renters who abused the property (whether intentionally or not) – two old ladies! What could they have possibly done? The let had also been used covertly to conduct an affair (The Philanderer), while another couple were mistaken, not knowing the difference between a holiday rental and a nudist camp. These are just a few characters Barrow has encountered at her property rental.

The author begins the tales with a story of her earlier life in marriage and their decision to move south to Wales, and build a guest house on their property for added income, introducing us to what would become more like the hilarious house of tales. And based on some of these stories, it would make me question if it was all worth it? I think my favorite story was “Mr. Used-It”. A hilarious tale about a German renter without a word of English – except ‘Used it’, lol. No spoilers, suffice it to say, Ms. Barrow must have the patience of a saint! But the most annoying guest is one that required food, attention and driving services, (The Poet). Personally, I’d have long thrown him out, but again, patience.

After all the entertaining stories, the author shares a few snippets from (hilarious) reviews received from some of her guests, as well as another longer story about her aunt who eventually, years after rentals, moved into the guest house where Barrow shares the history of their relationship.

The book concludes with another story, Whose House Is This? – from an anthology she contributed the story to, a story of fiction and family, which the author is well known for – her wonderfully engaging fictional family sagas.

If you’re ever thinking about renting out your home or guest house, you may want to read this book first, lol.

©DGKaye2024

152 thoughts on “Sunday Book Review – Live and Let: Tales of a Pembrokeshire holiday let by Judith Barrow #memoir”

  9. Hi Debby – this sounds an intriguing read – and obviously the characters would make sense to us over here … an extraordinary collection by the sound of it – I’ve made a note to try and read via the Library later in the summer – cheers Hilary

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      8. I just visited your blog because I hadn’t received anything for awhile as I’m subscribed. Just found my subscription on ‘pause’. Thanks to WordPress. I’ve
        ‘unpaused’ notifications. Lol 🙂 xx

        Liked by 2 people

  15. What a laugh! An interesting idea for a book from Judith. We have bought a small property in Edinburgh now … we may rent it out one day! I have heard some terrible horror stories about renting out flats! In one case one person did 40k damage and wouldn’t leave! Or they don’t pay their rent. They eventually got the person out but that does worry me!

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  16. I just bought the book, based on the blurb–and your review, Debby.

    Yesterday I finished reading an amazing whodunit and have felt the need to explore the “whodunit” theme in a different way. Thanks!

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  18. Pingback: Review of Live and Let form @DGKaye. Much appreeciated! | Judith Barrow

    1. Oh wow, thank you so much Rebecca. I know I sometimes stray off the wall jumping genres but I’m happy to share all, knowing well every book isn’t for every one. 🙂 xx

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  22. Wow! This sounds interesting and hilarious.

    You sure gave it a great review, Debby. Having rented out spaces for a decade in the 90’s, I have no interest any more. Like you say, patience of a saint. The Poet sounds… ….poetic!

    Thanks for the review!

    Hugs 🌹❦🌹❦

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    1. Lol Res, love your last line. But I hear you. Hubby and I talked often about renting out a condo or a basement in the past. The conversation just slithered away. LOL ❤ xxx

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    2. Isn’t it a brilliant review from Debby – I am thrilled, Res. I think it’s important to keep a sense of humour, and then wave the ‘difficult’ visitors off with a smile… and relief. The poet was indeed… poetic!!

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  23. This sounds like a fun read. I’m in the mood for something light. I think I’ll pick it up later tonight when I make my weekly donation to Amazon.

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  25. Love your review, Debby! My favourite was The Poet – a superb tale that had me actually laughing as the events developed. It’s a delightful read and, as they say, truth is stranger than fiction! xx

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    1. HI Trish. You said it girl! You can’t even make that stuff up LOL. I always enjoy Judith’s stories – and storytelling. Thanks for sharing here that you too enjoyed Trish. What’s not to love? Hugs ❤ xxx

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  27. Pembrokeshire is a beautiful part of the country and very attractive to holiday makers, but holiday makers come in many forms. This sounds like a fun read, I admire anyone brave enough to run holiday accommodation. It’s stressful enough having visitors to stay who you know!

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    2. I know we’re lucky to live here, Janet. (so why do we go away on holiday I ask myself- as we’ve just done! So sorry for the late reply). Taking in visitors was fun… most of the time. Looking back, I wonder how I had the energy. LOL

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  30. I need to add this to my home library, Debby! We love watching home shows, but for the buyers who are looking for a place that they can rent out while enjoying it themselves just baffles us. We couldn’t have a place, then rent it out to strangers when we’re not there. It helps pay the mortgage, but still. 🙂 Thanks for another great review! 🩷🌷

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    1. I hear you Lauren. My husband and I discussed buying a rental property and felt the same way. But hey, in these crazy times, a rental property is a little gold mine. 🙂 xx

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    2. It’s a great review from Debby, isn’t it, Lauren! I’m grateful. We were lucky that our aprtment was next to our home, so we were always around. Mind you, with some of our visitors I almost wished we weren’t. LOL

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