My enormous thanks to both lovely Becky Hunter and the wonderful Caroline James for sending me surprise copies of The Nile Cruise. I was thrilled to read The Nile Cruise, particularly as a cruise from Luxor to Aswan was the first ‘exotic’ holiday we ever took.  It’s my absolute pleasure to share my review of The Nile Cruise today (aptly read on my most recent cruise). 

You’ll find Caroline featured on several other occasions here on Linda’s Book Bag.

The Nile Cruise was published by Harper Collins imprint Avon on 30th July 2026 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here. 

The Nile Cruise

Will an adventure sailing The River Nile turn the tide for Hattie?

Hattie Mulberry is exhausted. Worn out from the demands of everyone around her, she’s long overdue a break. So, she decides to take a holiday – the adventure of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of her literary hero, Agatha Christie.

Before Hattie knows it, she’s embarking on a glamorous Nile cruise. Not only a voyage steeped in history and world-famous sights, but one where the passengers are almost as fascinating as the views from her luxurious cabin…

As the eclectic band of travellers journey between ancient temples and legendary tombs, guided by handsome Egyptologist Sam, secrets surface, desires awaken, and tensions simmer beneath the Egyptian sun.

Will the magic of moonlit nights on the Nile bring romance and renewal? Or will the infamous curse of Tutankhamun cast a shadow when least expected?

My Review of The Nile Cruise

Hattie is taking break. 

What an absolute pleasure to catch up with Hattie Mulberry as she escapes on a cruise along the Nile whilst Alf (and Drake) refurbish her ancient bathroom. I loved this book! 

Firstly, there is the meticulous research that must have gone into making the Egyptian setting so vivid and authentic. Caroline James transported me right back to my own Nile Cruise because the attention to detail; the heat, the tombs, the people and events, was so realistic it was as if I were aboard the SS Nefertari with Hattie. Anyone who has done this trip will have memories reignited by Caroline James and for those who’d love to go, The Nile Cruise takes the reader there brilliantly.

The plot is so entertaining. We learn about Egypt through carefully curated detail, but we also have a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, a little bit of crime and a glorious injection of humour so that there’s enjoyment in The Nile Cruise on many, many levels. 

Hattie is utterly, utterly, fabulous being generous in all senses of the word. Amply sized with a big hearted attitude to others, her inner beauty is heightened in contrast to the superficial appearance of Anoushka. Through Hattie and the other guests aboard; Caroline James illustrates perfectly how our airbrushed Instagram world is unrealistic and frequently untrue. Instead, her characters feel real and relatable. This means that readers are given permission and confidence to be comfortable in their own skin even as they are being entertained by the narrative. 

Alongside the brilliant characters, the author explores themes that are incredibly relevant to today’s society. In the microcosm of the cruise boat, the reader contemplates identity, grief, love in later life, sexuality, adventure, marriage, parenthood and friendship. The Nile Cruise feels like a narrative written with truth and understanding. Whilst Peter provides humour, for example, the reasons behind his actions are profound and moving. 

I thought The Nile Cruise was a total smasher of a read. It entertained me thoroughly, made me laugh and moved me, and at the same time enhanced my own attitude to life, making me determined to enjoy every moment. How brilliant is that? 

About Caroline James

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including The Cruise, the Amazon Top Five & #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, and her eagerly anticipated follow-up novels, The Cruise Club, The Arctic Cruise and The Nile Cruise are out now.

Her novel Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is described as “A heartwarming and uplifting read where the characters shine from the page.”

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 her cosy writing retreat, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her 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 champion of lifelong creativity.

For further information, visit Caroline’s website, follow her on X @CarolineJames12 and find Caroline on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram.