Holly Martin writes gorgeous stories that never fail to capture my imagination. Each of her series’ introduce wonderful characters and the books connect seamlessly to bring real joy to the reader. If you’ve somehow managed to not read any of her books, this is a great place to start, or you could also read the first in this series: Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach (link to my review).
I received a digital review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.
Synopsis
They say there’s no place like home and for Roo Clarke this couldn’t be more true. Fourteen years ago she left the sparkling shores of Apple Hill Bay for America, leaving behind her childhood best friend Theo Lucas, and with him a piece of her heart. Nothing has felt right since then, and though she’s certain Theo has long since moved on from their hometown, Roo has high hopes that the exciting new job that’s brought her back here and the quirky beach hut she’ll make her own will fill her heart again.
But Theo hasn’t moved on, he’s right where Roo left him in Apple Hill Bay, and he’s even more gorgeous than Roo remembers. Fourteen years is a long time, but the secret crush she harboured as a teenager burns as intensely as if they’d never been apart. What if this is her chance to tell him how she really felt all those years ago? And what if he felt the same way? What if the lost years melted away, could they fall in love? Or could something unexpected ruin everything between them?
Review
I love Holly Martin’s writing, and this one has definitely secured a place as a favourite. If you’ve not read her books, then you can expect romance by the barrowload as she turns up the heat on mutual attractions.
Roo is a terrific character, she’s harboured a crush on Theo since their teenage years and she is determined to recapture the friendship that she once held so dearly. She didn’t have the best childhood but her ties to the local area bring back more joy than pain and she’s soon rediscovering the familiar faces from her youth. Of course, she’s delighted to find that Theo has remained in Apple Hill Bay and soon finds that her crush has stood the test of time and she’s pulled back to her old feelings.
Theo is a every inch the leading man and is determined not to ruin a second chance with Roo’s friendship. He’s clearly successful and has a new level of confidence that Roo never noticed before. He’s still a family man at heart and that family was one he always shared with Roo.
As Roo starts a new job with a local publisher, she has a massive shock that could mean the end of her plans to stay in Apple Hill Bay. Despite her initial wariness, she continues her work as a graphic designer and there’s a very special nod to Holly’s beloved dog, Skipper.
This is a gorgeous story, and it features a writing style that I relish with a dynamic that I love. Of course, I don’t include spoilers, so you’ll need to read the book if you want to learn more about their friendship. Holly Martin creates characters that are both relatable and completely authentic. Her characters are believable, and I was totally invested in their development. Having worked for a couple of publishing companies, it was fun to revisit that environment.
I even learned something new about squirrels…
Author Bio
Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly’s books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
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This sounds lovely! I haven’t read any of Holly’s books for a while but have always enjoyed them.
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It’s a terrific, romantic read x
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