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Holly's Hawaiian Holiday

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Welcome to Holly's Hawaiian Holiday, the third book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands!

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

138 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Daisy James

37 books165 followers
Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plot-lines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

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5 stars
372 (60%)
4 stars
178 (28%)
3 stars
59 (9%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
1,007 reviews21 followers
July 15, 2023
Loved this book and the wonderful setting of Hawaii. Holly is dog sitting and enjoying the sunshine and scenery of this beautiful location but everything is not quite as perfect as it seems. The beaches, flowers and food described had me wishing I was sitting in a beach restaurant sipping a Mai Tai and tucking into a dish of Kailua Pork. Brought back happy memories of a wonderful holiday I spent there many years ago.
170 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2023
Thought this book was not on par with the previous two books. Just couldn’t get enough of what Holly was really like. She seemed so one dimensional.
Profile Image for Barbara.
549 reviews16 followers
August 1, 2023
So-so

Holly's trauma heals, Alani is a flibbertigibbet, men don't just cross their legs - they hook their ankle on their thigh. People lace fingers rather than holding hands. Ho hum. It's the equivalent of a B grade Hallmark movie for me.
1,159 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book of this series, which was set in Tuscany. The second one, set in Provence was okay. This third one, featuring a dog groomer/sitter, is set in Hawaii and includes a number of partially developed characters. Somehow this story never quite jells, although, again, the setting is gloriously describes: wateralls, beaches, tropical rain forests, wedding venues and a ginger plantation. The little Westie Holly is sitting is a winning little guy, but the love interest is almost too perfect and the conflict in the story is mostly happening to the supporting characters.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,062 reviews64 followers
September 7, 2023
Holly's Hawaiian Holiday by Daisy James

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Escape to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands!

When Holly Henderson loses her dog-grooming business in the Blossomwood Bay fire, she’s devastated, and her plans to expand into creative coat-dyeing are over before they began. After her temporary job at Blossomwood Kennels also comes to a heart-breaking end, she’s left with no choice but to accept her cousin’s offer of a dog-sitting assignment for celebrity TV chef Oscar Reynolds if she wants to keep her beloved springer spaniel, Ariel, in dog biscuits.

However, the assignment is in Hawaii and Holly has never been further than a short weekend trip to Paris. With some trepidation, she heads to Oahu and the Mahina family’s ranch where, within five minutes of arriving, she’s run off the road by a speeding Ferrari and doused in an avalanche of “organic” fertiliser.

So much for the glamorous holiday she’d hoped to enjoy!

But despite the inauspicious start, it doesn’t take long for the tropical island paradise to weave its Aloha magic through Holly’s veins. Can the hang loose lifestyle help her find the confidence she needs to deal with the demons that have been chasing her for as long as she can remember? Or will they continue to pursue her, sapping her energy, and ruining her chance of finding happiness?

My Opinion

This is not the first book I have read by Daisy James, but it is the first book I have read in the Blossomwood Bay series. Luckily, I read this whilst the UK was lovely and warm otherwise I would have been jealous of Holly as Daisy James describes Hawaii in such a beautiful way.

As I have proved, this can easily be read as a standalone without spoiling the enjoyment. This was the sort of the book that whisks you away in an instant but was also easy to put down to read in small doses. This was such a lovely book to read, perfect to read whilst on holiday or even if you just want to escape for a few hours.

Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for RomanceByTheBook.
652 reviews14 followers
October 9, 2023
Get ready to escape to the tropical island of Oahu!

The third book in the Blossomwood Bay series focuses on Holly’s story. Like most romance series, you don’t need to read the previous two books to understand what is happening in this story. But if you are looking for great travel romance books, I highly recommend the previous two books because they are so magical and well-written. In this book, we are heading to the gorgeous Hawaiian island of Oahu. I don’t know how Daisy does it because she masterfully brings the settings of her books to life. I felt like I was being transported to Oahu and surrounded by this gorgeous location and its laid-back culture. I fell in love with everything to do with this island. It’s now on my list of places to visit.

The story is paced wonderfully; everything moves along at a quicker pace, which I enjoyed because it kept my attention. I loved all the secondary characters and their stories. They added a lot of fun, charm and chaos. I found myself just as invested in their stories as in Holly and Oscar’s. This book even had a bit of mystery, which was a pleasant surprise. Holly is a sweetheart, and her passion for dogs really just leaps from the pages. I loved watching her learn to finally speak her mind and overcome her fear of confrontation with other people. Oscar surprised me; his character was a bit of a mystery for me at the start. I thought he would be this snobbish, broody hero, but he was this laid-back, sweet guy. He fit into that Hawaiian vibe that this book had going on. The romance between Holly and Oscar is lovely, with very little conflict.

Holly’s Hawaiian Holiday is a fun, easy-to-love romance that will transport you to the gorgeous island of Oahu.

Click on the link to read more reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,367 reviews571 followers
July 31, 2023
I wish I had time to re-read this again and again, as the descriptions of Hawaii an the sun especially really warmed me up during our currently rubbish British summer!

I felt completely transported to Hawaii with Holly, and loved getting to know Oscar, Kai, Alani and everyone else that she encounters. After a few tricky years for Holly, this Hawaiian working holiday is a chance for her to reinvent herself and get to know herself again.

I just loved everything that Holly did while in Hawaii, with Max the little Westie she is looking after at her side. And meeting Oscar, an incredibly sex chef was faublous for this reader. I completely feel for him.

This was another simply superb and wonderfully exotic installment into this series featuring the Blossomwood Bay beach hut owners that had their huts wiped out in the boardwalk fire. Each book features a different beach hut owner so they all can easily be read as standalones, but because all the girls are friends, we do get to see what the previously leads are currently up to.

With a healthy dash of four legged friends, dollop of Hawaiian sunshine and welcoming vibes, and drizzle of great food this is a book to warm your heart and let you escape to tropical climates, virtually at least.

Bring on the next book in the series, I can't wait!

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
92 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2023
Holly's Hawaiian Holiday by Daisy James is the third book in the Blossomwood Bay series. The first several chapters and the last few chapters take place in England, while the majority of the book is set in Hawaii. While the books are considered to be a series, each focuses on a different character. In the first book there is a fire on the boardwalk in the small English village of Blossomwood Bay, and several businesses are totally destroyed. None of the young business owners can afford to rebuild, the owner can't be reached, and so each young woman seeks business opportunities elsewhere.

IMO, this book was not as charming or relatable as the first two in the series. Holly never grabbed my interest, and I just never found any characters that were relatable to me and my life experiences. I don't know if the story was too rushed, the characters too flaky or immature, or the fact that Holly could not force herself to stand up for herself or others.

Perhaps the main problem is that I am in my mid sixties. What might be considered cute or funny to a younger audience, I found to be stereotypical and disappointing. When I entered the work force in the late 1970's, I had to work really hard to be taken seriously, and to work myself up from the bottom.
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews117 followers
September 7, 2023
This was a wonderful read for me during August, because it meant I got to spend it in beautiful Hawaii with sandy beaches, gorgeous sea and plenty of sunshine, unlike in England where it was constantly persisting down and the temperature didn’t hit 20 Celsius, or if it did, I definitely didn’t feel like it. I love books like this to give you a holiday of your own when you need your life, brightening a little, even if just for a few hours.

I love the setting of Hawaii, I’ve never been before but Daisy described it so well, I felt I knew it. I like Holly so much, she’s relatable, especially for me who suffers with anxiety, is a people pleaser and doesn’t like confrontation, I’m always happy to read everyday characters who aren’t perfect in every way. I also do love the side characters and supporting cast, they are well written and not just one dimensional, they add to the story and have their own lives going on and not just a side plot. I loved that. This is a perfect read for a summer holiday whether on your own or trying to create one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Frankie.
527 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2024
Loving this series, just an easy reading set of books with good storylines, lovable characters and picturesque sounding countries: Italy, France & now Hawaii.

After the boardwalk fire, Holly finds a job at a local kennels helping out until it get shuts down due to unsafe premises for the animals.
Holly feels guilty and lost with what to do, so when an unexpected call comes from her cousin asking her to dogsit a famous chefs pooch she decides to go for it to then find out it is 3 weeks in Hawaii too!
Fighting against her worries, she goes for the job and finds herself quickly enveloped in island life with new friends, a potential love interest, and her new pooch pal Max but first she needs to get past her fears, doubts and insecurities due to her past.
Whilst helping her new friends in their ventures, she starts to use her voice to help out and also manages to uncover some dishonest sabotage from a newcomer.

Even though it would have been amazing for Holly to stay in Hawaii, it was nice to read that she went home and found a new love for life with her new love and her newfound voice too.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,452 reviews9 followers
September 3, 2023
I am really enjoying the settings in this new Blossomwood Bay series and the latest, Hawaii, played a huge part in the story. Holly's working holiday there gives her the ideal environment to escape from her job and living worries and take a fresh look at how she interacts with her friends. The key to Holly's behaviour rests in her youth. Certain experiences when young have affected her greatly and she now finds it impossible to speak out, wanting to placate and please everybody. The idea of confrontation makes her feel ill.
The supporting cast of characters are a varied lot with their own contribution to the story. They have their own stories going on and in the background is a threat to this Hawaiian paradise. Holly keeps in touch with friends who we have met in earlier books in the series which is great to check in with them. Adding to the humour are the four legged friends who Holly adores. By the end of the story, you feel that Holly has developed as a character and matured. This is a great read for a late summer holiday.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Profile Image for Kel.
597 reviews15 followers
September 4, 2023
What a corker of a story, set in the gorgeous scenery of Hawaii and focused around Holly's love of dogs as she tries to move on follow the fire that destroyed her business on the boardwalk.

I have loved the previous books from this series and it was lovely to get to spend more time with Holly. I remembered why I loved her so much straight off the bat in the first few pages and loved joining her on her adventure as she left Ariel at home and headed to Hawaii to dog sit the adorable Max.When Holly left on this adventure it was clear she didn't know what to expect, yet as the story unfurled it became clear that she had made a firm friend in Alani and she threw herself into the island life after initially being hesitant.

A story filled with unfiltered love for animals, gorgeous beaches and beautiful views, this was a wonderful story to read as our summer draws to an end and can be read as part of the series or as a stand alone story.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,177 reviews45 followers
September 3, 2023
Wow! This is the first book of this series that I have read and it can easily be read as a standalone but I enjoyed reading this so much that I am going to now read the first two books of the series. I could easily read this one again and again and not get bored as for me it's just that type of book. The Hawaiian sun felt great on my skin as we have just finished winter here in Australia. The food descriptions and the food truck had my mouth watering for the homemade food and I loved getting to know some Hawaiian sayings and customs. It has all my favourite things filled in the story, it has some wonderful dogs and sun filled fun along with food and of course romance. I really could not get enough of Holly's Hawaiian Holiday and I didn't want it to end!
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
September 10, 2023
What a lovely read this proved to be
With travels, adventure, romance and mystery.
A heartwarming story with lovely dogs, too,
My pleasure to read - and to review!

After a series of disasters,
Holly isn't looking for happily ever afters,
She's wanting to make ends meet
Dog-sitting on Oahu should be a treat!

Arriving on the island, more things go awry
But the island paradise means she won't cry.
New job, gorgeous new dog and places to go
She's very happy she didn't say no!

A gorgeous story with characters who
I found it so easy to relate to.
A dream location, I'd love to explore
And a story with romance and so much more!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Profile Image for Piper.
1,775 reviews22 followers
September 3, 2023
I am so jealous of Holly and her trip. This book felt homely and safe. I love that the premises of this trip are to look after a dog.

I grew to love Oscar. He's been through a lot, too, and Max is an adorable cutie. I love how she didn't expect to fall in love or solve a crime, and it was fun to follow Holly's adventure. Furthermore, I loved the food truck and wanted to stop by it. It is such a fun concept on the island.

Thanks to Daisy James, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,686 reviews79 followers
July 22, 2023
I really enjoyed book one and two from the Blossomwood Bay series. This time, Holly is off to Hawaii after her friend Layla gives her assignment. The setting is amazingly well described as all Daisy James’ settings are.

I thought Alani was friendly and welcoming.

The book was relaxing and I was happy to be part of Holly’s adventure.

Thanks to Daisy James, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars
Profile Image for Between The Pages (Gemma M) .
1,362 reviews30 followers
September 1, 2023
I have loved this series from the start and enjoyed seeing each of these ladies grow and overcome the disaster that happened in book one. It does make references to previous books but works well as a standalone. In this story, Holly is off to Hawaii to look after someone's dog. What she doesn't expect is for her to be welcomed, to feel at home, to fall in love, and lastly, to solve a crime while there. The ending was beautiful, and it was a lovely read and holiday for the mind. I already can't wait to see what the next book has to offer us. A well-deserved four stars from me.
50 reviews
July 28, 2023
Fun Hawaiian Showcase

It was lovely to see my home island depicted so beautifully in this new book from Daisy James. I could picture all the places she described. The big block hotel she describes does happen to be happy place for me on the island. Each to his own. Thank you, Daisy James.
Profile Image for Armelle.
302 reviews
September 14, 2025
At both personal and professional loose ends, Holly travels from her home in England to Hawaii, to take a short-term job caring for a celebrity chef’s dog. While there, she finally finds the courage to move beyond a difficult past.

The mini-lectures, both on Hawaiian culture and personal growth, felt awkward and forced.
82 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2023
A great read

I loved this book. It was lovely to feel you were in Hawaii as well. I loved meeting all the characters. I loved how it involved family friends and romance. I couldn't put it down.
37 reviews
August 15, 2023
A Nice Getaway From Stress

This book written with delightful characters, beautiful back drop of Hawaii, and lovely story line, provided a wonderful getaway from my stressful office work life. Daisy Jones is a lovely author. Can't wait to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Chris.
444 reviews22 followers
November 2, 2023
Romance in Hawai'i

The third book in the series is equally as good as the first two, and I really enjoyed Holly's story. As a dog lover, I really enjoyed the inclusion of Holly's four-legged friends. And the setting in Hawai'i was wonderful.
9 reviews
July 10, 2023
Wow!

I loved the suspense and couldn’t read fast enough! LOVED this Book 3❣️Although I wanted Holly to stay in Hawaii I still loved ghe ending. When’s the wedding?!
Profile Image for Susan Hutchinson.
983 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2023
Another wonderful story, easy to read. Loved this series how everyone copes and find solutions to their problem!
35 reviews
January 20, 2024
enjoyed this

I have read a few of these Blossomwood Bay series books and liked them, even though the endings are predictable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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