I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Book-Lovers' Retreat by Heidi Swain Also by this author: Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair, Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market, Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square, Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland
Published by Simon & Schuster UK on 13th April 2023
Genres: Chicklit, Contemporary, Love & Romance, Women's Literary Fiction
Pages: 414
Format: eARC
Source: from Netgalley
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One long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…?
Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime.Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex. But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever…?
Oh wow Heidi has done it again! Can I just run away to Hope Falls now? I absolutely adored this book. From the very first page to the very last page I was engrossed in the story.
Three friends book the summer trip of a lifetime to the setting of their favourite book and film. I instantly fell in love with the cottage and the local area. Heidi always manages to write such vivid settings and this one is no exception.
Our three friends are Emily (our main character), Rachel and Tori. Unfortunately Tori has to pull out of the trip but in steps stranger Alex. I loved all of our characters but there were times when I wanted to bash all their heads together. Rachel and jealous Jeremy really irritated and frustrated me. Emily also at points needed a shake. Tori clearly is the one that brings the no nonsense to this group.
Our stranger Alex has quite the reason for wanting to visit the cottage and his story really touched me.
I would say this book has a bit of a different vibe to Heidi’s previous stories. I can’t put my finger on what it is but it was a bit different. I absolutely loved it and would love to hear Rachel and Tori’s stories in the future too. If you are in need of a summer escape then this is the one for you!
About Heidi Swain
Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.
A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.
Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.
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