BLOG TOUR: Christmas at Honeycombe Bay - Lilac Mills

An uplifting, heartwarming seasonal romance set in a quintessential seaside village in Devon, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Sarah Morgan.

Two Scrooges come together for a festive-free holiday season by the sea and find all their anti-Christmas plans going up in smoke when they decide to play Santa for a single mom and her child.

Eloise Garrett thinks Christmas is overpriced, overhyped, and overrated, and without any family to share it with, she feels sad, lonely and isolated. The “season for giving” is just a constant reminder that she's single, sixty(ish), and staring down retirement. But not this Christmas. Determined to avoid the most magical time of the year, Eloise decides to spend Christmas in Honeycombe Bay. Surely a seaside village in the middle of winter won't be too festive?

Ever since his wife passed away, Bartholomew Knott hasn't felt up to welcoming visitors to his guest house. With the prospect of another long, lonely winter, and having become more Scrooge than Santa over the years, Bart is dreading Christmas. However, when he's contacted by someone who dislikes decking the halls just as much as he does, Bart has the brilliant idea of opening the guest house to people who want to escape all things festive.

Christmas isn't easy to ignore, though, not even in off-season Honeycombe Bay. So when fate forces Bart to give shelter to a single mother and child whose holiday has been devastated by a terrible fire, Eloise finds herself playing Mrs. Claus to Bart's Santa-dragging the house's other guest, a heartbroken teacher looking for a break during the holidays, into the action as well. But holiday cheer isn't the only thing sparking under the mistletoe. Will the guests at Honeycombe Bay realize that, sometimes, the best way to escape Christmas is to let it into your heart?

PERFECT FOR FANS OF

- Small-town Christmas vibes

- Later-in-life romance

- Forced proximity

- Grumpy x sunshine

 

What did I think?

It's a little early for me to read something festive but when I saw that Lilac Mills had a new book out I just had to read it and I absolutely loved Christmas at Honeycombe Bay.

Enjoyment of Christmas is a bit of a bone of contention for me as there could be very good reasons why someone doesn't enjoy the festivities.  That's the case for Eloise who has no family to celebrate with so she decides to escape to the seaside village of Honeycombe Bay on its off-season.

Eloise has to persuade Guest house owner Bart to let her stay over Christmas as running the guest house.on his own after his wife died just isn't the same.  There's no messing with Eloise once she gets an idea into her head though as we sure find out throughout the book.  It's unusual to find an older protagonist in a book and I loved that Eloise and Bart are in their sixties but they still have a lot of living to do. 

As a few more rooms become occupied we are introduced to some unforgettable characters who worked their way into my heart and certainly defrosted Eloise's heart.  It is just so lovely to see friendships blossoming and an eclectic group of people becoming a family.  Consider my heart well and truly warmed!

Charming, heartwarming and uplifting, Christmas at Honeycombe Bay is an absolute delight to read.  I think it's perfect for both festive and pre-festive reading as it's obviously not too Christmassy at first with the characters wanting to avoid Christmas.  Put this one on your Christmas list!  A highly recommended read and an easy five stars.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the Rachel's Random Resources blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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About the author:

Lilac Mills lives on a Welsh mountain with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually). She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet. She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.

Lilac also writes under the pseudonyms Liz Davies and Etti Summers

Social Media Links – 

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BLOG TOUR: The Nile Cruise - Caroline James

Sail down The Nile this summer on a voyage of discovery…and just a little bit of mystery!

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?

A gloriously escapist read full of sun, secrets and romance, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.

 

What did I think?

The Nile Cruise is the second virtual cruise I have taken with Caroline James and I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Egypt.

It's a very character driven novel but it's also incredibly atmospheric and it's very easy to visualise the scenes on the banks of the River Nile.  The characters are wonderfully drawn and I love reading books with older protagonists as they are so colourful and amusing.

Hattie meets a lot of different people on her cruise to Egypt and I really got to know them over the course of the voyage.  There's the wannabe James Bond, an influencer and a very hands-on guide, to name but a few.  Hattie makes some firm friendships and finds some unexpected romance among the guests too.

Once again, Caroline James has swept me away on an unforgettable literary journey.  I loved everything about it: the location, the characters, the evocative writing and the fabulous multi-layered plot.  This wonderfully atmospheric and hugely entertaining novel is what pure escapism is all about.  Very highly recommended.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy link: https://geni.us/TNCK

About the author:

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up cruise novels, include THE CRUISE CLUB, and THE ARCTIC CRUISE both hitting the Amazon Top 100 Kindle charts.

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, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her Westie, and writing and plotting her next novels in her Scottish retreat. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity

Books by Caroline James:

The Nile Cruise

The Arctic Cruise

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure

The Cruise Club

The French Cookery School

The Cruise

The Spa Break

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

Boomerville at Ballymegille

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

Social Media Links – 

Website: www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Insta: Caroline James Author 

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: All In - Claire Powell

A marriage on the rocks. A family in disarray. A weekend in the sun at a luxury, all-inclusive hotel. What could possibly go wrong?

Jo and Dave haven't had a holiday in years. They've had other things on their plate: failed IVF, the death of Dave's mother, doing up the bathroom.

So when Dave’s flashy brother Teddy offers to fly in from Dubai and take them – along with his gorgeous young girlfriend and their curmudgeonly father – to a beachfront resort in the Med, the couple can hardly refuse.

But while romance might be on the cards for some, Jo and Dave soon find that tensions don't disappear in paradise. In fact, they might just get worse...

Set over the course of one scorching weekend, All In is a compulsively entertaining and bittersweet novel that asks: when life gets choppy, how does love stay afloat?

 

What did I think?

All In is a very addictive book and once I started reading I couldn't put it down.  I felt like I was spying on this family holiday as Claire Powell puts each character under the microscope.

The story is told in four parts and I loved the titles of each part that gave some indication of what was to come, although nothing is ever quite what it seems.  Part one is Fun Jo and Jo couldn't feel less like having fun.  She has it in her head that her marriage is over and Dave doesn't help matters by hiding things from her.

When Dave's brother Teddy invites the couple and their dad to go on holiday, sibling rivalry rears its ugly head and adds further tension to Jo and Dave's already strained marriage.  Teddy appears to have it all and Dave feels very inadequate in comparison but once again, appearances can be deceptive.

Claire Powell really knows how people tick and I loved reading each character's thoughts and feelings over the course of the holiday.  Humans are complex characters and this is very evident as you read this compelling novel.

Honest, raw and entertaining, All In is a very thought-provoking and powerful novel that makes me glad to be an only child.  It is perfectly described as bittersweet in the blurb as it's both witty and poignant.  I enjoyed it and think it's well worth a read.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the Novel Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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UK.Bookshop.org

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: The Mini Breakers - Lucy Kennedy

Five women.

Twenty-two years of friendship.

One annual holiday that promises escape, connection and chaos in equal measure.

No matter how hectic their careers, relationships or family lives become, they keep their tradition alive: one week away together EVERY year. This time, the Mini Breakers are heading to Portugal.

But as the sun comes out, so do the secrets.

Between complicated love lives and the messy realities of middle age, this getaway might just be their most dramatic yet.

Scandals, revelations and questionable decisions are guaranteed when this group of gloriously imperfect, perimenopausal and fun-loving friends reunite.

THE MINI BREAKERS is a warm, sharp, wickedly funny story about the friendships that shape us.

 

What did I think?

I really enjoyed my virtual mini break to Portugal with The Mini Breakers and it was a pleasure to meet Kate, Georgie, Beth, Sam and Dee.  This is Lucy Kennedy's debut adult novel and it's an absolute cracker. 

This group of five women have been friends since their school days and, although they may now live miles apart, they all gather together for a holiday every year.  It's so lovely that they have remained firm friends, although it is sometimes challenging with Diva Dee in the mix.

They each have something going on in their lives and, whilst their problems may be quite heavy, Lucy Kennedy's natural Irish wit adds a lightness to the storyline.  Prepare for lots of laughs when you pick up The Mini Breakers as there are some hilarious scenes in store for the reader.

Filled with Irish charm, The Mini Breakers is a witty and entertaining novel that would be a fantastic holiday read, although you might get some funny looks from people around the pool when you laugh out loud.  A highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Love Ahoy! - Jo Lyons

Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea - literally?

But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.

Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love? 

What did I think?

I love Jo Lyons' books and her new novel, Love Ahoy! is a real breath of fresh air in the romcom genre.  Take note doctors, Love Ahoy! should come on prescription; it made me laugh and smile all the way through.

Maddie needs a change of scenery after a recent break up so she hops on a plane and flies to Turkey to work in the head office of a holiday company.  Of course things don't go to plan from the moment she steps on the plane but give the girl her due, she stuck by her decision.  Maddie thought she would be sitting behind a desk at head office but instead she's working on a gulet to give a rich family a holiday to remember.

The family on the boat is hilarious and I absolutely adored five year old Emir - he is so cute and precocious that he was definitely my favourite character (and that's saying something as I'm not a huge fan of kids!).  The romance part of the storyline is absolutely sizzling as the chemistry between Maddie and Jackson almost left scorch marks on the page.  Be careful you don't get your fingers burnt, Maddie (and readers!).  There's also a bit of a mystery element with more than one character hiding something (and I'm not talking about Emir's stash of pilfered goods).

Cute, flirty and fun, Love Ahoy! is a hugely entertaining read packed with sun, sea and secrets (you thought I was going to say something else there, didn't you?).  It's a sunny smile of a book and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

I received a digital ARC for the bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: How to Slay on Holiday - Sarah Bonner

You’d kill for a holiday like this one…

Chloe and her husband Scott are holidaying with their families on the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos. But Chloe has a secret... She has hired a hitman to kill Scott when they return home. This week, her plan is to pretend to be such a happy wife that no suspicion can possibly fall on her after the murder.

But she's reckoning without Scott’s meddlesome sister, Tori, plus the rivalries and demands of both families. Can she deal with them all while keeping her murderous intentions hidden?

Then Chloe wakes up in their villa covered in blood, next to a dead body, with no memory of the previous night. Panic ensues as she tries to piece together what happened - and just who else on this holiday might be a secret killer...

Fans of Katy Brent, Bella Mackie and Julie Mae Cohen won't be able to resist this twisty, darkly funny crime thriller.

 

What did I think?

OMG I loved this book! It's the first book by Sarah Bonner that I have read but I will definitely be reading more of her books now that I have read this cracking thriller.

I loved Chloe, even though she has planned the murder of her husband down to every last detail...or so she thinks.  Of course, it goes slightly wrong and that's when the dark humour ramps up several notches.  

I'm keeping my review purposefully brief so I don't inadvertently give away any of the plot that would spoil it for others but I absolutely loved it.  I did work out some of the twists but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book one iota.  

Incredibly entertaining and highly addictive, How to Slay on Holiday is a fun, slightly gory and sharp darkly comic thriller.  I thought it was brilliant and I think it would be a great holiday read.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link: https://mybook.to/howtoslayonholiday

About the author:

Sarah Bonner is the author of several bestselling psychological thrillers.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Bonner-Author/61559588900774/ 

Twitter: @sarahbonner101

Instagram: @sarahbonner101

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahBonnerNews

Bookbub profile: @SarahBonner

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BLOG TOUR: The Holiday Escape - Heidi Swain

Her dream holiday is his everyday life. His dream holiday is her normal life. What happens when they collide?

 

Ally and her dad, Geoff, run the family business, a creative retreat, from their home Hollyhock Cottage in picturesque Kittiwake Cove. They give their guests their dream break, but Ally hankers after glamourous city living, fancy restaurants and art galleries.

Ally’s survival strategy is to escape out of season, take a break abroad and pretend to be the person she always imagined she would be. She meets Logan while she’s away and he turns out to be exactly the kind of distraction she’s looking for.

With her spirits restored, Ally returns home, picks up the reins again and sets her sights on another successful season, but when Logan unexpectedly arrives on the scene, she soon realises she’s in for a summer that’s going to be far from straightforward…

 

A story about bringing a holiday home – and what happens when what goes on on holiday comes back to bite you…

 

What did I think?

I absolutely adored Heidi Swain's new novel, The Holiday Escape and I felt bereft when my virtual visit to Kittiwake Cove came to an end.  Although, as with all Heidi Swain books, I left Kittiwake Cove with a warm glow in my heart and a huge smile on my face.

Ally appears to be living her dream life, running the family business with her dad, but staying in Kittiwake Cove wasn't part of her life plan.  Torn between familial duty and her own happiness, Ally comes up with a compromise: she will take an annual short break from her real life and live the dream life she thought she would be living.

On one such trip, Ally meets Logan in Barcelona and has the most amazing time until it's time to return home.  The last person Ally expects to see turning up to rent her holiday cottage is Logan and she has some explaining to do.  

Oh I just loved this whole book from start to finish.  Ally's lovely relationship with her dad and her longstanding friendship with Flora bring a smile to my face just thinking about them now.  There is so much going on in the book to keep the reader entertained and there's a real rollercoaster of emotions to experience throughout the story.  I loved every single character and I even loved the return of Terrible Tara, Flora's old nemesis.

Entertaining, charming and so incredibly heartwarming, pack your virtual bag and head off to Kittiwake Cove for a few days.  You're guaranteed to enjoy your trip as much as I did.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Long Weekend - SM Thomas

An exclusive invitation to a luxurious island resort should be the holiday of a lifetime for Emma. But beneath the lavish settings and indulgent amenities, lies a sinister plot waiting to be uncovered.

Emma's boss, Rebecca, gifted her the ticket to Hotel Horizen's grand opening, but Emma has her own agenda - to write a tell-all article about the rich and famous guests. Little did she know, this weekend would become a nightmare she never could have imagined.

As she delves deeper into the secrets of the elite, Emma realises she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Will she uncover the truth and make her mark as a journalist, or will she become the next victim in this twisted game of power and deception?

If you enjoyed "The Guest List" by Lucy Foley or “One by One” by Ruth Ware, you won't want to miss this gripping thriller.

 

What did I think?

SM Thomas draws the reader into Long Weekend from the very start as it is clear from the first page that something terrible has happened.  Now that's what I call a hook!  So put on your virtual running shoes when you pick up Long Weekend as you're sure to race your way through this book like I did.

Journalist Emma is clearly the odd one out on the guest list for the opening of Hotel Horizen as all of the other guests are rich and famous.  They are so self-centred that they don't seem that bothered about who Emma is and why she's on the plane with them.  The guests had to hand over their mobile phones on arrival but Emma has a hidden camera but it becomes increasingly clear that her photos might never make it off the island...and nor might she.

Oh the suspense is palpable and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough whilst sitting on the edge of my seat and biting my nails.  I had no idea how the story was going to play out and I loved every minute of it.

Gripping, addictive and thrilling, Long Weekend is filled with secrets and suspense.  It would make a fantastic holiday read as you're lying by the pool but beware of any rustling in the bushes.  Eeeek!

Many thanks to the author for sending me a digital ARC to read and review; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Vacation - John Marrs

How far would you run to escape your past?

Venice Beach, Los Angeles. A paradise on earth.

Tourists flock to the golden coast and the promise of Hollywood.

But for eight strangers at a beach front hostel, there is far more on their mind than an extended vacation.

All of them are running from something. And they all have secrets they’d kill to keep . . .

 

What did I think?

Originally published as Welcome to Wherever You Are, The Vacation is another outstanding novel from John Marrs.  I found it a bit daunting at first as there are a lot of characters but oh my word, I enjoyed every second of it.

Set in Venice Beach, Los Angeles this is a brilliant character driven novel with a whole range of colourful characters who are thrown together in a rundown hostel.  They all have different reasons for staying there and I devoured each and every one of their wonderful stories.

With short, punchy chapters written from a particular character's perspective, The Vacation is a real page turner as something might happen to that character at the end of the chapter and you can't wait to continue their story but it's time for someone else's perspective to take over.  It definitely exercised my speed reading muscles as I just couldn't read it fast enough.

I loved each and every character and I couldn't pick a favourite as I was deeply affected by many of their stories.   John Marrs' wonderful writing brings the characters to life and the way that their stories ebb, flow and intertwine is sublime.

Completely addictive and filled with suspense, The Vacation is the perfect holiday read for 2022, although it's so addictive that you're sure to finish it well before your holiday ends.  An easy five stars from me for this highly recommended book.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Sun Damage - Sabine Durrant

The heat is intense.

The secrets are stifling.

She just needs to escape . . .

Nine guests arrive at a remote villa in the south of France.

They know each other well. Or think they do.

But at least one of them has plenty to hide - and nowhere to run.

Under the relentless sun, loyalties will be tested, secrets revealed, and tensions pushed to the point of no return.

 

What did I think?

I've enjoyed some Sabine Durrant novels in the past and Sun Damage is no exception, although strangely the blurb doesn't seem to accurately reflect the novel.  So much so, that you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd picked up the wrong book when you first start reading.  Bear with it though, as this is a tense and claustrophobic novel that is so easy to read.

Ali and Sean are con artists, preying on the wealthy without a second thought.  When a con takes an unexpected turn, Ali sees her chance to escape Sean's clutches and finds herself masquerading as a chef for a British family who have rented a holiday villa in the south of France.  How the other half live, eh?

It's hard to actually like Ali as a character as she is a con artist so you're never sure who the real Ali is.  The family dynamic and the relationships between the guests was very interesting to read, as was Ali's relationship with Sean.  I found it fascinating how quickly and easily they managed to glean information about their marks, which is of course a lot easier in this digital age.

I didn't find it as twisty as I expected from the blurb, I think my imagination must have been working overtime as I worked out most of the plot quite early on and even expected more twists to be revealed from clues I thought I'd picked up, but they didn't materialise.  So, even though I was left with a few unanswered questions I still enjoyed the book.

Sun Damage is quite a slow burner but it's compulsively readable.  It's beautifully written as you would expect from a Sabine Durrant novel, with characters that you love to hate.  It's a good book to take on holiday to read by the pool and a stark reminder to not post your whole life on social media.

I received a gifted hardback copy from the publisher as part of the Tandem Collective readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Island - Adrian McKinty

IT WAS JUST SUPPOSED TO BE A FAMILY VACATION.

A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT CHANGED EVERYTHING.

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE CAPABLE OF UNTIL THEY COME FOR YOUR FAMILY.

After moving from a small country town to Seattle, Heather Baxter marries Tom, a widowed doctor with a young son and teenage daughter. A working vacation overseas seems like the perfect way to bring the new family together, but once they're deep in the Australian outback, the jet-lagged and exhausted kids are so over their new mom.

When they discover a remote Dutch Island, off-limits to outside visitors, the family talks their way onto the ferry, taking a chance on an adventure far from the reach of iPhones and Instagram.

But as soon as they set foot on the island, which is run by a tightly knit clan of locals, everything feels wrong. Then a shocking accident propels the Baxters from an unsettling situation into an absolute nightmare.

When Heather and the kids are separated from Tom, they are forced to escape alone, seconds ahead of their pursuers.

Now it's up to Heather to save herself and the kids, even though they don't trust her, the harsh bushland is filled with danger, and the locals want her dead.

Heather has been underestimated her entire life, but she knows that only she can bring her family home again and become the mother the children desperately need, even if it means doing the unthinkable to keep them all alive.

SOON TO BE A HULU ORIGINAL SERIES

 

What did I think?

The Island is so tense and gripping that I couldn't put it down.  It's the first book by Adrian McKinty that I have read, although I do have The Chain in my bookcase so I'll be bumping that up the queue now.

Tom brings his family along on a trip to a medical conference in Australia.  Heather is his second wife and she has a strained relationship with Tom's children.  The children are grieving for their mother who died under tragic and mysterious circumstances.  Tom has moved on quickly and I didn't like him at all; he seems to treat his family as his possessions.  On a rare occasion where Tom agrees to do what the kids want, they find themselves trapped on an island with no escape.

From the minute they set foot on the ferry, there is a deep sense of unease.  The O'Neill family are the only people on the island and they don't like outsiders.  They are a scary bunch, none more so than the matriarch Ma, and you don't know what they will do  next as they're playing by their own rules.  They didn't bank on Heather stepping up to defend her family though.

I can totally see why this is being made into a series; it's a thrilling survival story and there's so much action that I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page.  The tension is palpable throughout and I really couldn't predict what was going to happen. 

The Island is a fantastic action-packed survival thriller that really keeps the reader on their toes.  It's an unpredictable rollercoaster of a read and one I'd definitely recommend.  I can't wait to see it brought to life on TV.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour; all opinions are my own.

My rating:

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The Castaways - Lucy Clarke

You wake on a beautiful, remote island.

Sparkling blue seas, golden sunsets, barely a footprint in the sand.

Yet this is no ordinary escape.

 

Next to the wreck of a plane, a stranger paces. Another sharpens a knife, scoring a list of the dead onto a palm tree. Others watch from the shadows of a campfire – all with untold stories, and closely-guarded secrets…

This is no ordinary holiday.

This is no ordinary island.

This is no ordinary beach read.

Gripping, twisty and full of sun-soaked atmosphere, THE CASTAWAYS will whisk you far away to the island – and never let you go.

 

What did I think?

Oh wow, I enjoyed this book.  It had my eyes glued to the page from start to finish and I couldn't read it fast enough - what a page turner!

Through a dual timeline, I immersed myself into Lori's story in the 'Then' chapters and her sister Erin's story in the 'Now' chapters.  Erin has never given up hope that her sister might be still be alive following the disappearance of her flight en-route to a remote Fijian island.  But, with so many islands in the area, nobody even knows where the plane actually crashed.

Lori's plane crash left me breathless and I didn't realise I had been holding my breath until I actually released it.  All of the scenes are so vividly described that I felt as if I was there.  I can't imagine anything worse than being trapped on an island with strangers.  When it comes to survival, you really can't trust anyone.  I don't want to say any more about the stunning plot for fear of releasing any spoilers as each reader needs to experience the shocks and surprises for themselves.

Twisty, gripping and so very addictive, The Castaways is a real page turner.  It's vivid, atmospheric and breathtaking - I loved it.

I chose to read a digital ARC via NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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