Paperback
Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon
By Penny Mirren
The feel-good novel of 2025 that proves life can begin at any age…all you have to do is get up and go! Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle and Clare Pooley.
‘What a lively and fresh voice Penny has. So funny too and really resonates with someone who never wants to retire or slow down! Sunday Times bestselling author Phillipa Ashely
The best adventures start with a single step…
At 72, Gracie Jenkins thought her days of adventure were behind her. Settled into the familiar rhythms of small-town life, she never imagined she’d lace up her trainers for anything more than a stroll down memory lane. But when a forgotten picture sparks a fire within her, Gracie decides to embark on an extraordinary journey.
With nothing more than sheer determination, Gracie sets out to conquer the ultimate challenge: training for a marathon. Amidst doubts from her family and peers, she finds unexpected allies in her local running club and a newfound coach in her sister, Jill. As Gracie’s steps turn into miles, she discovers strength she never knew she had and a community she never expected to find.
But it’s not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about rediscovering herself along the way. Through the ups and downs of training, Gracie learns that age is just a number and that every stride forward is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Because sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin with a single step…
–––––––-
AUTHORS LOVE PENNY MIRREN!
‘Funny, uplifting and warm’Sunday Times bestselling author PHILLIPA ASHLEY
‘Beautifully written, the characters leap from the page’ Million-copy bestselling author SUE MOORCROFT
‘An uplifting gem of a novel! Funny, heartwarming and hopeful!’ KATE STOREY
‘An uplifting celebration…a great big hug of a book.’ JULIE MA
‘Funny, fresh and gloriously inspiring. I feel joyous after finishing this book.’ KATE GALLEY
‘A likeable cast of characters, an engaging story and delicious food…a fun, involving read.’ JANE LOVERING
‘I loved Maggie from the first page and cheered her on through every chapter.’ RUTH O’LEARY
Praise for Penny Mirren: -
'What a lively and fresh voice Penny has. So funny too and really resonates with someone who never wants to retire or slow down! A breath of fresh air… funny, uplifting and warm.' -Sunday Times bestselling author PHILLIPA ASHLEY -
'Beautifully written, the characters leap from the page' - Million-copy bestselling author SUE MOORCROFT -
'An uplifting gem of a novel! Funny, heartwarming and hopeful, I devoured it in one weekend!' - KATE STOREY,author of The Memory Library -
'I devoured this heart-warming story. An uplifting celebration of the diversity and richness of the undiscovered relationships you didn’t even know you had in your own local community…a great big hug of a book.' - Richard and Judy Book Club author JULIE MA -
'Funny, fresh and gloriously inspiring, Maggie shows us that it is never too late to embrace family, community and your own untapped talents. I feel joyous after finishing this book and hungry from all the delicious sounding food.' KATE GALLEY, author of The Second Chance Holiday Club -
'A likeable cast of characters, an engaging story and delicious food, all combining to make a fun, involving read.' JANE LOVERING, author of A Cottage Full of Secrets -
'Maggie is a wonderful character! I loved her from the first page and cheered her on through every chapter.' RUTH O'LEARY, author of The Weekend Break -
READERS LOVE THE UNRETIREMENT: -
”'A must-read for anyone hungry for heartwarming stories!” - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”'Maggie’s zest for life is contagious…” - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”'Warm, funny and heartwarming … I loved the diverse community of characters!” - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”'A delightful page turner that proves dreams know no age limit.” - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”'Maggie's resilience is as inspiring as her recipes are mouthwatering!” - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”'A delightful concoction of laughter, love, and the sweet taste of second chances.” - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐