An Island Promise

by Kate Frost

Three friends, a Balearic promise and a summer that could change their lives forever…

For twenty-one-year-old Belle Madden her first holiday to Ibiza with best friends Gem and Laurie was memorable for all the right partying the night away, planning a future filled with big dreams and making a promise to return in ten years to celebrate living their best lives – hopefully…

Fast forward a decade and Belle is desperate for a change. Eager to escape her relationship troubles, she jumps at a job opportunity that takes her back to the White Isle.

Despite loving island life and her new job, Belle realises something is missing. With their busy lives the three friends have drifted apart, their friendship fractured. Remembering their promise to return, Belle seizes the opportunity to organise a reunion holiday.

After the initial excitement of being back together in Ibiza, cracks start to appear. A lot can change in ten years. Dreams can be shattered, love lost and hope destroyed. And when secrets are revealed, long suppressed emotions begin to unravel…

Will Belle repeat her past mistakes or can a second chance summer be the beginning of a happy-ever-after for friendship as well as love?

Genres: Chick Lit

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2024

About the author

Kate Frost has wanted to be an author ever since she wrote her first novel during the long months she spent off school following open heart surgery when she was seven. The novel was called London's Burning and was a time travel story set during the Great Fire of London.

Over the years Kate has worked in a cinema, a bookshop, a factory and as a part time lecturer at Bath Spa University teaching lifewriting to Creative Writing undergraduates. She's also worked as ground staff at Edgebaston Tennis Tournament, as a Virgin Vie consultant and as a Supporting Artist in the films Vanity Fair, King Arthur and The Duchess.

Kate has a MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has had articles and short stories published in The London Magazine, New Welsh Review and QWF. She now works as a freelance writer/author and lives in the UK with her husband, her son and their dog.

Reviews

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful vacation story about three friends.
A story of friendship and family
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens at the end of a booze-fuelled friends’ holiday to Ibiza. From the opening pages, it’s clear that some choices had been made that may not have benefited from wisdom. Their friendship leads them to make a pledge to return ten years later and recapture the feeling of their early twenties and their adventures on the White Isle.
Now ten years older, their lives have taken surprising directions leaving their once close friendships fractured. Belle, the leading character has romantic notions about their previous holiday and is determined to gather the girls and reunite them on another trip to Ibiza.
The three friends are almost a copy-and-paste version of my memories of visiting Ibiza. Whilst not a carbon copy, I clearly remember the feeling of being free with access to booze and some very handsome men. Belle was perhaps foolishly carrying a proverbial torch for her Ibizan hook-up, Diego. What she didn’t expect was her feelings after 10 years or the secrets that her friends were keeping from her.
An Island Promise delivers beautifully and provides an opportunity to reflect on some of our past actions that may be better left there. I thoroughly enjoyed following the fallout from the revealed secrets and seeing the friends discover a way back to their former closeness. As for Diego, I had his number from the start!

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes readers on a nostalgic and emotional journey to the picturesque island of Ibiza. The novel's vibrant descriptions of the island capture its dual essence: the lively nightlife and serene beaches. The story revolves around Belle, who escapes to Ibiza for a dream job, hoping to find fulfillment beyond her career success. She invites her best friends, Gem and Laurie, to join her in recreating their past fun.

The characters are well-developed, each grappling with personal dilemmas and growth. The narrative's pacing is steady, blending moments of introspection with lively interactions. The book’s strength lies in its exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a beautiful island.

Overall, this is a heartwarming and engaging read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about friendship, second chances, and the magic of new beginnings.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belle, Gem, and Laurie are three friends from England who went to Ibiza in their early 20s to celebrate the end of college. They enjoyed days on the beach and booze-fueled nights having fun and enjoying their freedom. Ten years later, they are older, but not necessarily wiser and have drifted apart. They're still friends, but not as close as they used to be. When Belle decides to take a new job back on the island it presents them with the perfect opportunity to reconnect.

I loved this story of friendship, family, love, and loss set in a beautiful island setting. I loved the friendships between the girls. Gem got a bit annoying at times, but it was understandable where she came from. Overall, it is a great beachy read and I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time when I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I wanted to read the book at the same moment. "An Island Promise" by Kate Frost tells the story of Belle, Gem, and Laurie's youthful adventures on the enchanting island of Ibiza, one of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The book weaves together tales of the past, present, and future, showcasing Ibiza's vibrant nightlife, serene villages, and beautiful beaches. A decade later, Belle returns to Ibiza for her dream job, seeking the island's enchanting touch to fulfill her life. Despite her career success, she feels like something is missing and decides to reconnect with her old friends, Gem and Laurie, to reminisce about the happy times they shared in the past. They are warmly received by Belle's charming boss, Caleb, who provides them with a luxurious poolside room, sparking Belle's curiosity about fate's hand in their meeting. Belle savors private moments with her friends, longing for the closeness they once had. However, hidden secrets jeopardize their reunion and irreversibly change the course of one of their lives. Within the beauty of the resort, love and choices abound, all under the warm embrace of the sun by the poolside.

Kate Frost's storytelling transports readers to Ibiza, where Belle's journey unfolds. Through Belle's experiences, one can feel the allure of the island - the sandy walks, the azure skies, and the scent of tropical blooms. Ibiza emerges as a haven for love, whether it's finding new love, rekindling old flames, or appreciating the love in one's life. This book promises to be an excellent vacation companion, inviting readers on a heartfelt voyage demonstrating the changes a decade can bring.
I've read this book right by the water, and somehow it was perfect read and story combo for me.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Island Promise by Kate Frost

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

Blurb

For twenty-one-year-old Belle Madden her first holiday to Ibiza with best friends Gem and Laurie was memorable for all the right partying the night away, planning a future filled with big dreams and making a promise to return in ten years to celebrate living their best lives – hopefully…

Fast forward a decade and Belle is desperate for a change. Eager to escape her relationship troubles, she jumps at a job opportunity that takes her back to the White Isle.

Despite loving island life and her new job, Belle realises something is missing. With their busy lives the three friends have drifted apart, their friendship fractured. Remembering their promise to return, Belle seizes the opportunity to organise a reunion holiday.

After the initial excitement of being back together in Ibiza, cracks start to appear. A lot can change in ten years. Dreams can be shattered, love lost and hope destroyed. And when secrets are revealed, long suppressed emotions begin to unravel…

My Opinion

Kate Frost has previously written some delightful novels and An Island Promise was no exception. Kate Frost takes the reader on an emotional journey, and shows just how much can happen in 10 years. This is going to make for a great holiday read.

Belle, Gen and Laurie all have their own secrets which just made the book far more interesting. Kate Frost handles some difficult topics delicately and leaves the reader wanting to know more about the characters.

Rating 4/5

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “An Island Promise” by Kate Frost, the past, present and future come together on the beautiful island of Ibiza. It is one of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea known for lively nightlife, but also quiet villages and beaches. Belle, Gem and Laurie had visited this magical place when they were younger and made memories that lingered long past the last cocktail was served. Ten years later, Belle escapes to Ibiza for her dream job hoping the magic of the island would be the answer to her prayers. Regardless of the success she had achieved in her career, Belle felt she could do more to make her life feel complete. To add some drama to her summer she had invited her best girlfriends Gem and Laurie for a visit so they could recreate the fun they had in the past. Belle’s generous and handsome boss, Caleb, gave them a luxurious poolside room which impressed her besties and made Belle wonder if meeting Caleb was part of a bigger plan for her life. Belle made sure she had private time with her friends because she wanted their relationship to be like it once was. Unfortunately, secrets were revealed that threatened their happy reunion and changed one woman’s life forever. Love and romance were in the air at the gorgeous resort and all the women had decisions to make, as the sun warmed their skin while they relaxed by the pool.

Kate Frost is a creative writer whose characters come alive in whatever exotic locale they happen to be in. I may never travel to Ibiza but I felt as if I was there with Belle as she walked on the beach, gazed at the bright blue sky and breathed in the fragrance of the tropical flowers. Ibiza is the perfect place to fall in love, rekindle a lost love, and realize that the love you have is enough. Many thanks to Ms. Frost for sending me on vacation to a place I will never forget!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second-chance vacation romance, Belle Madden returns to Ibiza a decade after that first life-changing trip with friends Gem and Laurie looking to recapture that magic by taking a new job on the island and rebuilding her fractured friendships with Gem and Laurie. As the three women seek to recapture the magic of their youth on the White Isle, they realize that there are cracks in the magical facade of the island and that Ibiza, like the three women, has changed in the last decade. With old and new relationships changing and growing over the course of the novel, readers join Belle in Ibiza as she seeks to build a new future -- or risks repeating past mistakes. With so many different plotlines and character arcs, readers have many emotional ties to the narrative, especially since Belle is a strong protagonist. With chapters from the perspectives of other characters like Caleb, readers have the chance to see beyond the glitz and glam of Ibiza from multiple perspectives. Other characters reveal secrets behind Belle, Gem, and Laurie’s first trip to Ibiza, and the friendship (and its reconstruction) between the three women is particularly powerful and well-developed in this fun novel of romance, friendship, and second chances.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely sun-drenched novel, set on the Balearic Island that I haven't actually visited, Ibiza.

Ten years ago Belle, Gem and Laurie had a wonderful time on a post uni girls holiday to Ibiza, partying the way only 21 year olds can. And it's a holiday that changed them all, and they promised they would return 10 years later.

Well life moves on and they perhaps aren't as close as they were, but then Belle gets a job in a hotel in Ibiza and she persuades the others to join her for a week. It's in a far prettier most sedate part of Ibiza and this is a novel that shows off all sides of this infamous party Island.

I absolutely loved getting to know the island of Ibiza, in addition tot our leading ladies. I also really enjoyed the flashback scenes to their first holiday from all perspectives, especially their last night.

Once of the secrets to come out of that I guessed incredibly early on but I was happy to discover if I was right and if it would ever come out.

And Caleb who Bella is now working for, is a great guy, but going through a tough time. Seeing how he interacts with his extended family was really heartwarming.

This was a really enjoyable story that I really liked.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant if a bit formulaic novel that at times suffered from slow pacing.

Three best friends (Belle, Gem, and Laurie) spend a carefree and uninhibited week on Ibiza to celebrate their graduation before assuming their new roles as adults. They share their dreams and predictions for their futures and commit to reuniting on the island in ten years. The storyline then picks up at present day revealing that their dreams have not been fulfilled as they had hoped, and they have drifted apart.

Belle is the primary focus as she takes a risk and assumes a temporary position at a luxury hotel planning and coordinating events. She is also the driving force behind organizing the reunion and convincing her friends to keep their commitment. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the strain on their relationships is based on withholding the truth of their lives and a long-standing secret.

The outcome is predictable (as well as the “twist”), but the descriptions of the island, the hotel and restaurants, and the warmth of culture kept me engaged to the feel-good ending.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The White Isle, Ibiza, stands resplendent in the story and its sounds and colours are always there, in the background. It is the reason Belle is drawn back, ten years after her holiday there and the setting for the reunion of the three friends, Belle, Gem and Laurie. The three women are very different in personality and struggle to reconnect at first. Each woman has her own backstory and issues to come to terms with. Each can look at the others and envy their lives. Of course, appearances can be deceptive.

Caleb has own sadness and regrets to overcome. On the surface, he seems to have it all but his life reflects his loneliness and unresolved grief he feels. Diego, his brother- in - law, has also done a lot of growing up since he met Belle, Gem and Laurie ten years earlier. They all have to learn to face up to their feelings, be open and honest and live in the present. There is plenty of detail in the storyline as they all interact. Secrets are revealed. The story moves from the present to ten years earlier and back in a meaningful way and to shed light on events and how people are feeling. It all results in an enjoyable read, perfect for holiday reading.

In short: old friendships and new beginnings
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Stacy Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Kate Frost and I really liked it. It is about three best friends, Belle, Gem and Laurie who go on vacation to Ibiza, 10 years ago when they were 21. They have the time of their lives clubbing, partying, drinking, They make a promise before they leave, that they will go back in 10 years! Fast forward ten years, they meet up at a friends wedding, different issues going on in each of their lives, but decide they need to go back to Ibiza. Belle meanwhile has taken a temporary position at a luxury hotel as the Event Planner/Coordinator. She invites her two friends to stay at her hotel. Things take off from here once Gem and Laurie arrive. A blast from their past trip adds drama, as well as Belle's handsome boss. I enjoyed all of the characters and cannot wait to read more by Kate Frost. I received this free copy of the book from Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle, Gem and Laurie went on vacation to Ibiza, for a week, when they were 21, where they had a lot of fun, clubbing, partying, drinking, When they were leaving they decided they would come back in 10 year. 10 years later, they meet at a friend's wedding, and decide that they would go back.
Kate Frost takes us along on their journey's and a lot can happen in 10 years. They really haven't kept in touch much, so it will be interesting spending time with each other. They aren't the carefree girls they were 10 years ago, being back, makes each one see who they are now, and they face the reality they hadn't before. Life has a way of doing that, I enjoyed my time with them in Ibiza, and I did enjoy watching their journey unfold, as they took each day as it came, and made the decision, to become the person they are meant to be today.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

At twenty-one, Belle, Gem, and Laurie enjoy a wild holiday in Ibiza. They pledge to return ten years later. Their final night is full of drama and surprises. Ten years later, Belle is successful but finds her previously loved job difficult now that she has split with her ex. A chance to work in Ibiza gives her an escape. Gem and Laurie's lives have not worked out as planned, and when Belle invites them to a reunion, they decide to try and recapture past magic. I like the connections the author creates in this story, which lead to conflict and a chance to correct past mistakes for the three women. I enjoyed the character development the three friends undergo. I like the insight into life in Ibiza. It's an engaging escapist read with moments of humour, poignancy, and gentle romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

On first impressions, I liked the friendship between the three main characters - Belle, Laurie and Gem. I enjoyed some of their humorous exchanges and banter, and they seemed to speak to what friendship is really about.

As I carried on reading, I felt the atmosphere of Ibiza. It's a popular holiday location, and I got the impression of somewhere that was full of fun and excitement.

As I became more invested in the story, I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters on a deeper level. This was a fun, upbeat read, but it was also a heartwarming story of love and friendship.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[E Dod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel, An Island Promise, has to be one of the best beach reads I have read over the last few years.

I am normally a thriller/mystery reader but this novel sounded good and I am so glad I got to read it. I have never read any of Kate Frost's novels before but I will be doing in the future.

We meet characters Belle, Gem and Laurie who spent an amazing holiday together many years ago, Belle decides to organise a get-together after the three friends have grown up and moved on and drifted apart.

All the women have their own issues and they are all really well likeable characters that you sort of wish were your actual friends.

I found An Island Promise to be heart-warming and a very well written novel.

Thanks to Netgalley, Kate Frost and the publishers for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A escapist tale that is as stunning as the cover of the book as it shines just as brightly through every word written. Belle, Gem and Laurie are three friends having the time of their lives in Ibiza and they make a promise to each other to return in ten years time for a reunion but alot has changed in that time. The settings of this are idyllic and I immediately wanted to be there. The characters are lovely except I could not like Gem, I understand she has a lot going on but I still think she is a terrible friend. The plot has secrets, lies, friendship, love and not to be missed twists! The author has a way with words and it slowly draws you in until you are so absorbed that you can't look away. Friendship and having the courage to start again is at the heart of the story!

[Laura Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Island Promise follows the story of three friends - Belle, Gem and Laurie - from the time they are 21 and partying in Ibiza, to the present day, 10 years later. It is primarily told through the lens of Belle but the readers also get insight into the other women as well.

The descriptions of summer on Ibiza are brilliant, and as someone who hasn't visited the island before, it was tantalising and made me want to go! Belle needs a change in her life and decides to risk leaving her stable job to take a chance on managing events at a luxury hotel and restaurant in Ibiza. What she doesn't tell her new employer is she is hoping to rekindle a summer fling she had 10 years ago!

Over the course of the story, the plot weaves between then and now for each of the characters, and deals with big issues such as infertility, life-changing illness and lost love. I've read and enjoyed other books by Kate Frost and would read more of hers. It was an enjoyable read but I did find the plot a bit predictable and spotted the 'big reveal' a mile off. I would give this a 3.5 out of 5 - rounded up to 4. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years ago, three best friends, Belle, Gem, and Laurie, spent a week in Ibiza to celebrate their college graduation when they were 21. Before they left, they promised to return in 10 years. However, life took unexpected turns, and they lost touch over the years.

Belle receives a job offer to return to Ibiza, which reminds her of the promise they made 10 years ago. She takes the job and reaches out to the other two to convince them to join her for a holiday.

The author takes the reader on an emotional journey, revealing how much can change in a decade. Belle, Gem, and Laurie each hold their own secrets, adding depth to the story. Kate Frost addresses difficult topics with sensitivity, leaving the reader eager to learn more about the characters.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belle, Gem and Laurie decided after going on vacation to Ibiza that they would return in ten years. They made memories during that trip and after meeting up at a friend’s wedding they decided it was time to return to Ibiza.
This is a book filled with friendship- romance and each of their lives and everything they have done in the past ten years.
It was a story of how big or little things can fill the lives of friends.
Kate Frost did a good job of making me like the characters. It was a story of friendship and how they evolve as we age.
Thank you NetGalley, Kate Frost and Boldwood Books for the ARC of An Island Promise. This is my personal review.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars (WHEN is Goodreads going to get half stars? )

I've read many other books by this author and have enjoyed most of them. This one, for some reason, just wasn't among my favorite. The setting was lovely, and I enjoyed reading about a place that I haven't visited yet. The plot was fine, but it was very predictable, and I called the "twist" very early on. I guess it just felt a bit formulaic to me, but I still did thing it was a good read.

One last shout out to the cover designer. One thing that all of Kate Frost's "escapist" novels have in common is that they have fabulous covers, which really entice the reader.

[Hannah Paley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Island Promise was just what I wanted it to be. Formulaic and uncomplicated in all the right ways.
I loved the main character Belle although the depth of her obsession with a 2 night summer fling from 10 years ago was a bit odd especially when so quickly cast aside. Her relationship with her friends and the exploration of how friendships change over the years felt very true to life. Things rarely go exactly as we plan when we are young but life can still be exciting and fulfilling (if you can go and find romance and a rich man in the sun).

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Kate Frost”s books because the story leads readers down a path where what is around the corner is just out of reach.
Belle, Gem, and Laurie swear to meet up again in 10 years in Ibiza to recreate their celebrations except lots of stuff gets revealed.
I thought Belle and Laurie were genuinely good friends, but I couldn’t bring myself to like Gem. She crossed the line on that trip 10 years ago and was not a good friend.
I thought Diego was kind of a dirtbag but his extended family especially his mother Marie were exceedingly kind and welcoming to others who were still considered family.
The ending was very pleasing.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sunny read set in beautiful Ibiza, sunshine, cocktails, clubs and men. Belle, Gem and Laurie have a fantastic holiday and agree to repeat it in ten years time. A lot can happen in ten years and the girls are not as close as they once were, can this holiday bring them closer? Full of surprises, secrets and sunshine.

[Miss Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5, rounding up. It's exactly what it says on the tin. By the numbers summer romance. Not bad, but also not my thing. So by the time I'd read about the buttery light of late summer Ibiza and people avoiding actual conversations for the hundredth time, I had a concussion from rolling my eyes. Nothing surprising here. It is what it is. Cute enough, with a nice neat bow of an ending.

[Maureen Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Loved the description of the white island....... Complicated friendships and I couldn't like Gem the way She spoke to belle and laurie....... Thankfully their persistence paid off. The development of the relationship between Belle and Caleb was so believable. Loved this book and look forward to reading more.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about three friends who go on holiday together, at a time in their early twenties when life is all fun and carefree. The girls pledge to return 10 years later and see if they can recapture the magic. Ten years have changed things, and their one close and unbreakable bond has been damaged, but will Belle, Gem and Laurie be able to fix things? It is a book about love, friendship and second chances, set with a wonderful backdrop of Ibiza. As always, the author manages to transport you to the sunshine.

This is a great beach read for anyone who likes books set somewhere exotic or second chances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Abby Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ *audio book. Three friends traveled to Ibiza and connected with the island so much they promised to have a repeat trip 10 years later. They did, but life experiences had a way of mixing things up for them. Each friend had their own real life issues they were dealing with but Ibiza managed to bring them together and everything was wrapped up in a very tidy bow. An easy summer read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG This was such an enjoyable book to read, i didn't want it to end. I read this in a week. I've read nearly all of Kate Frost books now and i would read more i especially like the ones set somewhere sunny and warm .The book is set mainly in Ibiza (makes me want to go there now). story and characters were great. I hope she brings out a new book soon. keep writing Kate 😃

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly this story was rather predictable, & did not hold any surprises for me. The second half was better than the first. Lovely setting. Luxurious resort. Great local family. Really enjoyed all Kate’s other books.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy & I’m writing a voluntary, honest review.