Can one woman’s marriage survive her best friend’s divorce? Fans of Veronica Henry and Erica James, this is the next book to add to your reading list.
It’s time to get back to where it all began…
Octavia Sheldon thought she’d have a different life. One where she travelled the world with an exotic husband and free-spirited children in tow. But things didn’t turn out quite like that.
Married to safe, reliable Jonathan, her life now consists of packed lunches, school runs and more loads of dirty washing than she ever thought possible. She’s not unhappy It’s just that she can barely recognise herself any longer.
So as Octavia watches her best friend’s marriage break up, it starts her thinking. What if life could be different? What if she could escape and get back to the person she used to be? Escape back to the island where she spent her summers? And what if the man she used to love was there waiting for her?
Today is my turn on the blog tour of this beautiful book ,thank you Kerry and Avon for having me .
Not only am I sharing my review but also a short extract from the book .
I met Kerry last year and she is as lovely in person as she is online . Her debut novel The school gate survival guide is a great read ,I laughed and cried and it got me hooked on Kerry’s writing and The island escape is every bit as good .
I couldn’t put this book down carrying it round while cooking the Sunday roast ,Kerry has got the ability to write characters we will love to a perfection .I felt like i was reading about my own friends adventures and mishaps.
Her writing Is effortlessly funny and real , these are real families that could be anyone of us .
With this storyline there are possibilities as to how it will end but I was shocked and surprised as the story unravelled .
This will make a perfect beach read ,even the title and cover scream SUMMER.
As well as the loveable characters there are a few unsavoury ones and the main one being Scott who reminded me of my ex so was cheering for his wife Roberta to find her strength .
This is a story of families ,friendship love and new beginnings.
A excellent book that I wish Kerry all the best with and will be recommending to everyone .
Now for a sneak peek
My God. I was actually going to need a solicitor. Lord. That meant rights and tapes and statements. I started shaking. I wanted to throw myself around the policeman’s legs and beg him to get me out of here. I dug deep. And strangely enough, thought of my father and his favourite mantra. ‘You can get anywhere with a bit of backbone, Roberta, it’s what defines the Deauville family.’ I don’t think my father ever expected me to grow a backbone to use against him, but I was grateful for it now.
I swallowed and concentrated on breathing. ‘Could you organise a solicitor for
me, please?’ My voice contained only the slightest tremor. ‘And I think I’d better phone someone.’
He nodded. ‘I’ll let them know at the desk.’ He put his hand on my shoulder. ‘Stop shaking. You’ll be OK. Who do you want to phone?’
I dithered. Who would have the Get out of jail free card? Scott? Beg him to come down and tell them it was all a stupid joke? That obviously wasn’t part of his plan. My mother? No, she could transform serving up a Sunday roast into a national emergency – ‘Oh my God, I’ve forgotten the horseradish. Just a minute, get started, it will all go cold, nothing worse than cold food, come on, get eating.’
Me, my bra and the police cell would probably put her on Prozac for good.
My father? I wasn’t sure whether he’d rush to my rescue or say, ‘Serve you right’.
The policeman looked down at me, waiting for an answer. I trusted him. Even his name – Joe Miller, according to his name badge – was solid. GI Joe. He looked like the sort of chap who knew how to fix a dripping tap, who could change a tyre without swearing, who could accept there might be an opinion in the world that was different from his.
‘I’d like to call my best friend, Octavia Shelton.’
He ushered me out of the cell to a side room and I told him the number to dial. I knew she’d be in bed. I imagined her spooned up to Jonathan, all fleecy nightshirt and woolly socks. I was always teasing her about her utilitarian choice of bedwear. Scott would never have put up with it. She seemed to take forever to answer. GI Joe announced himself as calling from Surrey Police, quickly saying there was nothing to worry about – though that, of course, depended on your perspective. He handed the phone to me.
Relief coursed through me. Octavia would get it sorted.
She always did.
supermum ......... wheres my cape ??? 