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The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous #Review #EmptyNesters

It is good to return to The Empty Nesters series by Ko Porteous. The Twenty Dates was published by All Ways Publishing Ltd on October 8th. You can read my review of Book 1, The Freshman Parents   here The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours? Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series   Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.   When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last chance: twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart. What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't payin...
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Dreaming Under an Island Skye by Lisa Hobman #Review

 

Today I am delighted to feature Lisa Hobman's Dreaming Under an Island Skye which was published by Boldwood Books on 23rd February. 


Is there really such a thing as a second shot at true love?

 

After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.

Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.

Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.

During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.

Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?

Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

 


 My Thoughts

This is one of those books which I resented putting down! It was a lovely escape up to the Isle of Skye and really captured the beautiful part of the world and created a lovely community of characters. Juliette goes there to take a break away from her life in the Cotswold and to try to come to terms with the grief of losing her husband. However, a whole new world opens up. Recovering from depression, she seems attuned to its effects in others and beneath the romance of the story, lies some difficult and dark themes. 

    Family and friendship are major components of the story and Juliette discovers a family connection with the village and the Lifeboat Museum. Juliette is not the only character who is coping with loss and indeed not all the characters are likeable. Unrequited love, bordering on obsession creates difficulties and you really feel for Reid's son, Evin, who has been bullied at school and then faces separation from his Dad. Strong community links make this a special place. It is an ultimately hopeful read with some touching moments.


In short: Love and betrayal sit side by side

About the Author

 


Lisa Hobman has written many brilliantly reviewed women’s fiction titles - the first of which was shortlisted by the RNA for their debut novel award. In 2012 Lisa relocated her family from Yorkshire to a village in Scotland and this beautiful  backdrop now inspires her uplifting and romantic stories.

You can follow Lisa here: Facebook

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Book links: Amazon UK

Thanks to Lisa Hobman, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.


Check out the rest of the tour!


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