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After the Honeymoon
Two couples. One island. Will it be the honeymoon of their dreams or trouble in paradise?
Emma doesn't believe in marriage. But after years of Tom asking, she is finally saying 'I do' to the love of her life. Now on a surprise honeymoon, suddenly Emma finds herself riding solo when Tom falls ill, and she's starting to wonder if this marriage lark is all that it's cracked up to be.
Used to being in the limelight, Winston has never known what a real relationship feels like - until he meets Melissa. After a whirlwind romance, he and his new wife are jetting off to a small Greek island for some much-needed privacy. But the arrival of Melissa's two children soon interrupts their wedded bliss.
Rosie moved to Villa Rosa sixteen years ago when she became pregnant and homeless. Now she runs the place and, after a few days away, she's shocked to come home to find two new couples staying there, let alone a familiar face that stirs up old feelings...
By the end of the week, none of their lives will be the same. But how will they cope after the honeymoon is over?
A riotously feel-good read that is pure escapism for anyone looking for their next summer book. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Fiona Gibson and Sarah Morgan.
Emma doesn't believe in marriage. But after years of Tom asking, she is finally saying 'I do' to the love of her life. Now on a surprise honeymoon, suddenly Emma finds herself riding solo when Tom falls ill, and she's starting to wonder if this marriage lark is all that it's cracked up to be.
Used to being in the limelight, Winston has never known what a real relationship feels like - until he meets Melissa. After a whirlwind romance, he and his new wife are jetting off to a small Greek island for some much-needed privacy. But the arrival of Melissa's two children soon interrupts their wedded bliss.
Rosie moved to Villa Rosa sixteen years ago when she became pregnant and homeless. Now she runs the place and, after a few days away, she's shocked to come home to find two new couples staying there, let alone a familiar face that stirs up old feelings...
By the end of the week, none of their lives will be the same. But how will they cope after the honeymoon is over?
A riotously feel-good read that is pure escapism for anyone looking for their next summer book. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Fiona Gibson and Sarah Morgan.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2014
316 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Janey Fraser
8 books14 followersJaney Fraser always dreamed of writing novels in a country cottage with lots of children, a dog and a pony. Unbelievably, most of her dreams were answered although not without some rather large hiccups along the way!
After a career in women's magazines interviewing celebrities like Julie Walters and Nigel Havers, Janey wrote several non-fiction books about childcare including 'Tidy Your Room; How to get kids to do what you want'. Unfortunately, she has never quite succeeded in doing that with her own three. She has also written a series of children's books, including 'When Mum Was Little' and 'When Gran Was Little'.
Janey has appeared live on breakfast television, talking about her books, and has also been on numerous radio programmes including Woman's Hour and The Learning Curve. She also writes short stories for magazines; runs writing courses; is a regular speaker at literary festivals including Winchester and Guildford.
Her recent hobby is belly dancing, much to the horror of her children. However, Janey firmly believes that embarrassing one's offspring is a perk of the job.
Find out more at www.janeyfraser.co.uk
After a career in women's magazines interviewing celebrities like Julie Walters and Nigel Havers, Janey wrote several non-fiction books about childcare including 'Tidy Your Room; How to get kids to do what you want'. Unfortunately, she has never quite succeeded in doing that with her own three. She has also written a series of children's books, including 'When Mum Was Little' and 'When Gran Was Little'.
Janey has appeared live on breakfast television, talking about her books, and has also been on numerous radio programmes including Woman's Hour and The Learning Curve. She also writes short stories for magazines; runs writing courses; is a regular speaker at literary festivals including Winchester and Guildford.
Her recent hobby is belly dancing, much to the horror of her children. However, Janey firmly believes that embarrassing one's offspring is a perk of the job.
Find out more at www.janeyfraser.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 18, 2020
Emma and Tom have two young children. Tom has always wanted them to marry but Emma has resisted. Eventually he wears her down and she gives in. When friends from work pay for a week’s honeymoon in a villa in Greece for her and Tom, despite her resistance at leaving the children behind with her mother, Emma feels she has to go. The honeymoon turns out nothing like she expects. Winston is a TV keep fit guru. When he marries newly divorced Melissa who has two teenage children, he finds his honeymoon plans are not what he expected either. Then there is Rosie. Rosie arrives at the Villa Rosa sixteen years earlier. Now she owns the villas. Though she recognises Winston he doesn’t remember her. But by the end of the week a lot of secrets will have been uncovered. How many lives will be changed?
This is an enjoyable enough read, although there were some things I could have done without. Might have made it a better book. Told with a sense of humour, it is readable and an entertaining book if not memorable. Rosie and her son Jack, a very likable fifteen years old, are the most interesting of the characters. Jack is a direct contrast to Melissa’s two teenagers who are rude obnoxious brats. But given the way Melissa lets them get away with blue murder this is hardly surprising.
After the Honeymoon is not a book that had me thinking deeply about issues, but it is reasonably pleasant piece of chick lit to spend a few hours with. One of the fun things is the snippet that recounts a honeymoon fact which starts each chapter. Some of these are interesting and amusing. The Greek island setting is beautiful. This is my first book by this author. Will I read another? Possibly. Some things definitely grated with this one and yet, as I said, enjoyable after a fashion. So settling for 3 stars. Maybe it didn’t help that this book came after another book that I just adored, so if you think this sounds like your kind of read, give it a go.
This is an enjoyable enough read, although there were some things I could have done without. Might have made it a better book. Told with a sense of humour, it is readable and an entertaining book if not memorable. Rosie and her son Jack, a very likable fifteen years old, are the most interesting of the characters. Jack is a direct contrast to Melissa’s two teenagers who are rude obnoxious brats. But given the way Melissa lets them get away with blue murder this is hardly surprising.
After the Honeymoon is not a book that had me thinking deeply about issues, but it is reasonably pleasant piece of chick lit to spend a few hours with. One of the fun things is the snippet that recounts a honeymoon fact which starts each chapter. Some of these are interesting and amusing. The Greek island setting is beautiful. This is my first book by this author. Will I read another? Possibly. Some things definitely grated with this one and yet, as I said, enjoyable after a fashion. So settling for 3 stars. Maybe it didn’t help that this book came after another book that I just adored, so if you think this sounds like your kind of read, give it a go.
July 17, 2018
This is one of the best books that I have read about relationships. So much happens it will take your breath away even on a very sunny day. I loved each of all of the characters they all delivered such pure excitement.
The story is about three couples on a honeymoon to a Greek island.
This is where the complications of the bond of marriage start on their honeymoon that should be one of the happiest times for couples to spend alone.
Emma Walker and Tom have two children and now plan to get married. Emma is a dinner lady and can not afford a honeymoon as they are so expensive.
Stunned Emma is given a lovely surprise by her friends they have paid for her and Tom one week away.
Winston is a famous TV work out guide with his own slot on TV every morning. He marries Melissa a divorced mother of two teenagers. Winston's personal assistant assured him that privacy was top priority with his wedding and honeymoon in Siphalonia on the Greek island.
Rosie who was pregnant and homeless when she arrived in Siphalonia sixteen years ago. Now Rosie is the owner of the Villa Rose and her son Jack helps runs their villa Rose for the guests serving them Breakfast and Dinner.
with rising temperatures, the story that is about to unfold just gets better and better.
The author has added gorgeous descriptions of the Greek location, that makes you feel you want to pack your suitcase.
So much happens in After The Honeymoon I strongly recommend this novel to all women married or not.
I hope that all readers will enjoy reading Janey's new novel as much as I have.
The story is about three couples on a honeymoon to a Greek island.
This is where the complications of the bond of marriage start on their honeymoon that should be one of the happiest times for couples to spend alone.
Emma Walker and Tom have two children and now plan to get married. Emma is a dinner lady and can not afford a honeymoon as they are so expensive.
Stunned Emma is given a lovely surprise by her friends they have paid for her and Tom one week away.
Winston is a famous TV work out guide with his own slot on TV every morning. He marries Melissa a divorced mother of two teenagers. Winston's personal assistant assured him that privacy was top priority with his wedding and honeymoon in Siphalonia on the Greek island.
Rosie who was pregnant and homeless when she arrived in Siphalonia sixteen years ago. Now Rosie is the owner of the Villa Rose and her son Jack helps runs their villa Rose for the guests serving them Breakfast and Dinner.
with rising temperatures, the story that is about to unfold just gets better and better.
The author has added gorgeous descriptions of the Greek location, that makes you feel you want to pack your suitcase.
So much happens in After The Honeymoon I strongly recommend this novel to all women married or not.
I hope that all readers will enjoy reading Janey's new novel as much as I have.
June 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for allowing me to read this book.
As I am getting married this year and honeymoon also on the horizon I wasn't easily swayed to read this book. I feel my honeymoon will be very different to the couples in this book as we do not have any kids.
This was good read I wasn't overly keen on the jumping between the different couples in each chapter at first but once I got into it and knew who the characters were it was easy to follow. Great story of love, relationships, kids, and blended families.
**Spoiler**
Defo not a fan of Melissa and glad she didn't get her happy ending as she and her kids are vile.
As I am getting married this year and honeymoon also on the horizon I wasn't easily swayed to read this book. I feel my honeymoon will be very different to the couples in this book as we do not have any kids.
This was good read I wasn't overly keen on the jumping between the different couples in each chapter at first but once I got into it and knew who the characters were it was easy to follow. Great story of love, relationships, kids, and blended families.
**Spoiler**
Defo not a fan of Melissa and glad she didn't get her happy ending as she and her kids are vile.
May 23, 2024
Title: After the Honeymoon by Janey Fraser
Release Date: June, 11th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
This book will have you laughing, gasping, and eagerly flipping the pages to see how it all unfolds.
How can one honeymoon cause so much trouble? Emma loves Tom, but she never would have gotten married if he hadn't insisted. And when Tom spends the entire week sick, Emma is left to entertain herself—perhaps a bit too much.
Winston, a breakfast TV fitness star, married Melissa after a whirlwind three-month romance. He's determined to keep their honeymoon private, but Melissa's two children arriving at the Villa Rosa quickly throw that plan out the window.
Rosie, who arrived at the Villa Rosa homeless and pregnant at seventeen, now runs the place sixteen years later. However, Winston's sudden appearance throws her into a tailspin. He might not remember her, but she has never forgotten him...
By the end of the week, none of their lives will be the same. But how will they cope after the honeymoon is over?
Why I enjoyed It:
🌴 Honeymoon Havoc: The setting of the Villa Rosa adds a charming and sometimes chaotic backdrop to the unfolding drama, making it the perfect stage for unexpected twists and turns.
🌟 Relatable Characters: Each character brings their own baggage (literally and figuratively), and you'll find yourself rooting for them even as their secrets threaten to unravel everything.
💬 Witty Dialogue: Janey Fraser’s sharp and humorous writing keeps the story lively and engaging, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
❤️ Unexpected Romance: The interwoven love stories, with all their complications and surprises, keep the romance fresh and unpredictable.
After the Honeymoon is an absolute gem. Janey Fraser expertly juggles multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of romance, secrets, and personal growth. Emma's struggle with her new marriage, Winston's desire for privacy clashing with his new family dynamics, and Rosie's emotional turmoil all blend together seamlessly.
The characters are beautifully flawed and wonderfully human. Emma’s antics while Tom is bedridden provide plenty of comic relief, while Winston’s attempts to navigate his new role as stepfather add depth and heart to the story. Rosie’s backstory with Winston is a poignant subplot that brings additional layers to the narrative.
The Villa Rosa itself feels like a character, its history and charm seeping into the lives of the guests and influencing their fates. The intertwining stories and unexpected connections keep you guessing, and the final revelations are both satisfying and heartwarming.
With its blend of humour, romance, and a touch of drama, After the Honeymoon is a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into a book that's as entertaining as it is touching. Janey Fraser has crafted a story that is sure to leave you smiling and perhaps a bit teary-eyed.
Thank you to The Publisher Embla Books ,The Author Janey Fraser & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: June, 11th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
This book will have you laughing, gasping, and eagerly flipping the pages to see how it all unfolds.
How can one honeymoon cause so much trouble? Emma loves Tom, but she never would have gotten married if he hadn't insisted. And when Tom spends the entire week sick, Emma is left to entertain herself—perhaps a bit too much.
Winston, a breakfast TV fitness star, married Melissa after a whirlwind three-month romance. He's determined to keep their honeymoon private, but Melissa's two children arriving at the Villa Rosa quickly throw that plan out the window.
Rosie, who arrived at the Villa Rosa homeless and pregnant at seventeen, now runs the place sixteen years later. However, Winston's sudden appearance throws her into a tailspin. He might not remember her, but she has never forgotten him...
By the end of the week, none of their lives will be the same. But how will they cope after the honeymoon is over?
Why I enjoyed It:
🌴 Honeymoon Havoc: The setting of the Villa Rosa adds a charming and sometimes chaotic backdrop to the unfolding drama, making it the perfect stage for unexpected twists and turns.
🌟 Relatable Characters: Each character brings their own baggage (literally and figuratively), and you'll find yourself rooting for them even as their secrets threaten to unravel everything.
💬 Witty Dialogue: Janey Fraser’s sharp and humorous writing keeps the story lively and engaging, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
❤️ Unexpected Romance: The interwoven love stories, with all their complications and surprises, keep the romance fresh and unpredictable.
After the Honeymoon is an absolute gem. Janey Fraser expertly juggles multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of romance, secrets, and personal growth. Emma's struggle with her new marriage, Winston's desire for privacy clashing with his new family dynamics, and Rosie's emotional turmoil all blend together seamlessly.
The characters are beautifully flawed and wonderfully human. Emma’s antics while Tom is bedridden provide plenty of comic relief, while Winston’s attempts to navigate his new role as stepfather add depth and heart to the story. Rosie’s backstory with Winston is a poignant subplot that brings additional layers to the narrative.
The Villa Rosa itself feels like a character, its history and charm seeping into the lives of the guests and influencing their fates. The intertwining stories and unexpected connections keep you guessing, and the final revelations are both satisfying and heartwarming.
With its blend of humour, romance, and a touch of drama, After the Honeymoon is a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into a book that's as entertaining as it is touching. Janey Fraser has crafted a story that is sure to leave you smiling and perhaps a bit teary-eyed.
Thank you to The Publisher Embla Books ,The Author Janey Fraser & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2025
This is the first book I've felt strongly enough to leave a review on because I didn't see any other reviews yet that mentioned the most glaring problem with this book. But we'll get there.
First, the good. It does a decent job of showing the diversity involved in dating and relationships with children and second marriages. The idea was interesting, but it tried to do too many different relationships and did basically all of them halfway.
Now the bad. Many of the characters felt kind of flat or were just plain boring. Most of the time, I couldn't keep the female characters/storylines straight because their personalities all blended together. Greco wasn't even a main character but probably had the most distinct personality, but that might have just been his accent making it so I could tell who was talking without having to keep looking back to remind myself. The communication between all of them was so horrible and childish, it made it painful to read. I could have forgiven that and put it down as a casual, if forgettable read, except for Emma's storyline. Not only did she and Tom meet when she was 15 and he was 22 (gross), but...
*here are the spoilers*
(also TW for sexual assault)
It is never addressed or acknowledged that she was raped while so drunk she thought she dreamed the whole thing. The entire scene was written in such a way that I thought it was going to be a setup for her having been drugged, stressing repeatedly how she just couldn't stay awake. Nothing like any other time anyone drinks. But apparently not? Then, later, it is made known that her rapist has "taken advantage" of another girl before. But it's NEVER TALKED ABOUT AGAIN. Instead, Emma spends the whole book feeling guilty about cheating, and it is only made okay by the fact that her child didn't end up being his. She never even finds out that she isn't his first victim, nor does she or anyone else acknowledge that she was a victim at all. Rosie, after she knows about Yannis's past, actually mentions thinking something may have happened to Emma, but doesn't give it another thought because the baby clearly looked like Tom. She never tells Emma about his past or checks on her at all, and she continues to let the man work at the villa. It is just beyond me how this whole scenario was set up and presented clearly as a sexual assault and then just simply not acknowledged at all? Whatever good there was in this book was so overshadowed by this plot line that two days after finishing the book, I'm still thinking about it, and had to write this review so I can hopefully forget about this book completely.
First, the good. It does a decent job of showing the diversity involved in dating and relationships with children and second marriages. The idea was interesting, but it tried to do too many different relationships and did basically all of them halfway.
Now the bad. Many of the characters felt kind of flat or were just plain boring. Most of the time, I couldn't keep the female characters/storylines straight because their personalities all blended together. Greco wasn't even a main character but probably had the most distinct personality, but that might have just been his accent making it so I could tell who was talking without having to keep looking back to remind myself. The communication between all of them was so horrible and childish, it made it painful to read. I could have forgiven that and put it down as a casual, if forgettable read, except for Emma's storyline. Not only did she and Tom meet when she was 15 and he was 22 (gross), but...
*here are the spoilers*
(also TW for sexual assault)
It is never addressed or acknowledged that she was raped while so drunk she thought she dreamed the whole thing. The entire scene was written in such a way that I thought it was going to be a setup for her having been drugged, stressing repeatedly how she just couldn't stay awake. Nothing like any other time anyone drinks. But apparently not? Then, later, it is made known that her rapist has "taken advantage" of another girl before. But it's NEVER TALKED ABOUT AGAIN. Instead, Emma spends the whole book feeling guilty about cheating, and it is only made okay by the fact that her child didn't end up being his. She never even finds out that she isn't his first victim, nor does she or anyone else acknowledge that she was a victim at all. Rosie, after she knows about Yannis's past, actually mentions thinking something may have happened to Emma, but doesn't give it another thought because the baby clearly looked like Tom. She never tells Emma about his past or checks on her at all, and she continues to let the man work at the villa. It is just beyond me how this whole scenario was set up and presented clearly as a sexual assault and then just simply not acknowledged at all? Whatever good there was in this book was so overshadowed by this plot line that two days after finishing the book, I'm still thinking about it, and had to write this review so I can hopefully forget about this book completely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
After the Honeymoon is a novel by Janey Fraser. While this publication is out in June 2024, I saw it was previously published back in 2014 according to Goodreads. I am not sure if they are two versions of the same novel or the same novel republished, but I just went by the newer version that I read. This story follows multiple couples on an island in Greece, which was a lovely setting and easy to picture as an escape for the reader. The first couple is Emma Walker and Tom who have two children and were gifted a week on the island. Rosie is the owner of the cottage, Villa Rosa, along with her son Jack where the couples stay. The other couple is TV workout host, Winston and his new wife, divorcee Melissa who has two teenagers of her own.
There is a lot of chaos that comes from the different stories coming together. The pacing was really slow at first as the writing did not initially capture my attention. It did eventually get a lot better where I became more invested in the story and characters. I think there are elements that could have been omitted, but the overall story was nicely done. I did like how all the individual characters and their stories came together. I think this novel doesn’t stand out a ton in the large crowd of similar novels, but it was well worth the read. Overall, I think I will continue to read more from the author in the future.
**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Embla Books, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
There is a lot of chaos that comes from the different stories coming together. The pacing was really slow at first as the writing did not initially capture my attention. It did eventually get a lot better where I became more invested in the story and characters. I think there are elements that could have been omitted, but the overall story was nicely done. I did like how all the individual characters and their stories came together. I think this novel doesn’t stand out a ton in the large crowd of similar novels, but it was well worth the read. Overall, I think I will continue to read more from the author in the future.
**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Embla Books, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
May 23, 2024
After The Honeymoon by Janey Fraser
Rating:3.5/5
Release Date: 11 June 2024
Emma adores Tom, yet their marriage was more his insistence than her choice. With Tom unwell throughout their trip, Emma contemplates seizing the opportunity for entertainment.
Winston's marriage to Melissa, following a brief whirlwind romance, clashes with his desire for privacy as a TV fitness personality. Rosie, once homeless and pregnant at seventeen, now manages Villa Rosa after sixteen years. Winston's unexpected arrival rattles her, stirring up memories she never let go of.
As the week unfolds, each character's life takes unexpected turns, leaving them wondering how they'll navigate the aftermath once the honeymoon ends.
While enjoyable, there were certain aspects that could have been omitted to enhance the book.
Rosie and her affable fifteen-year-old son, Jack, stand out as the most intriguing characters. Jack's amiable nature starkly contrasts Melissa's two rude and obnoxious teenagers.
Overall, this book was a wonderful experience, crafted with delicate precision and overflowing with attention to detail and a captivating plot. It exudes brilliance, warmth, and upliftment throughout.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Embla Books, and the author, Janey Fraser, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:3.5/5
Release Date: 11 June 2024
Emma adores Tom, yet their marriage was more his insistence than her choice. With Tom unwell throughout their trip, Emma contemplates seizing the opportunity for entertainment.
Winston's marriage to Melissa, following a brief whirlwind romance, clashes with his desire for privacy as a TV fitness personality. Rosie, once homeless and pregnant at seventeen, now manages Villa Rosa after sixteen years. Winston's unexpected arrival rattles her, stirring up memories she never let go of.
As the week unfolds, each character's life takes unexpected turns, leaving them wondering how they'll navigate the aftermath once the honeymoon ends.
While enjoyable, there were certain aspects that could have been omitted to enhance the book.
Rosie and her affable fifteen-year-old son, Jack, stand out as the most intriguing characters. Jack's amiable nature starkly contrasts Melissa's two rude and obnoxious teenagers.
Overall, this book was a wonderful experience, crafted with delicate precision and overflowing with attention to detail and a captivating plot. It exudes brilliance, warmth, and upliftment throughout.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Embla Books, and the author, Janey Fraser, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
June 26, 2024
Two honeymoons, one week, and a ton of chaos...Can relationships survive the secrets they contain? And what happens when your honeymoon is anything but relaxing?
This story is a wonderful, light summer beach read. The story follows two couples - Tom and Emma, and Winston and Melissa - each with their own challenges. After arriving to Rosie's idyllic Greek getaway Villa Rosa, each couple is tested: when Tom falls ill, can Emma enjoy the vacation she was not keen to be on in the first place? And how will Melissa's two obnoxious teenagers change the honeymoon vibe Winston was hoping for? And better yet, how will the unmarried Rosie's story come to add chaos into the mix? This is the kind of drama that can only happen on a Greek island (if you know what I mean).
A well-crafted story that touches on motherhood, romance, relationship challenges, and the nostalgia of what might have been, this one is not to be missed. It is refreshing to witness a different take on relationships and see the shared struggle that is often invisible (or, at least absent from the popular rom-com summer reads). While the book started a little slow, the pace picks up and crescendoes in a lovely ending that feels both realistic and satisfying. I would read again for sure!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the galley and chance to review.
This story is a wonderful, light summer beach read. The story follows two couples - Tom and Emma, and Winston and Melissa - each with their own challenges. After arriving to Rosie's idyllic Greek getaway Villa Rosa, each couple is tested: when Tom falls ill, can Emma enjoy the vacation she was not keen to be on in the first place? And how will Melissa's two obnoxious teenagers change the honeymoon vibe Winston was hoping for? And better yet, how will the unmarried Rosie's story come to add chaos into the mix? This is the kind of drama that can only happen on a Greek island (if you know what I mean).
A well-crafted story that touches on motherhood, romance, relationship challenges, and the nostalgia of what might have been, this one is not to be missed. It is refreshing to witness a different take on relationships and see the shared struggle that is often invisible (or, at least absent from the popular rom-com summer reads). While the book started a little slow, the pace picks up and crescendoes in a lovely ending that feels both realistic and satisfying. I would read again for sure!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the galley and chance to review.
June 4, 2024
This book offers a refreshingly different take on relationship stories, showcasing the complexities and realities of life that movies often gloss over. Sometimes, there is no "forever after," and this story delivers that dose of reality. The characters were intriguing, but I felt that Greco and Rosie's relationship fell flat. Their passion didn’t really come through on the pages, and there was a noticeable lack of chemistry between them.
The main plot revolved around Winston’s relationships with Jack and Rosie, which were far more compelling. The little honeymoon facts and anecdotes sprinkled throughout were a delightful highlight, adding a touch of whimsy to the narrative.
I’d recommend this book to those who believe in "forever after" but are also realists at heart. It was a fun read that offers a grounded perspective on love and relationships.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Embla Books and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2014
What can happen after the honeymoon? Is marriage really the answer to everything? Are you actually really sure that you know the person you're going away with? And are you sure that the person you think that you know doesn't hide any secrets, secrets that in fact could end the marriage?
I am a big fan of Janey Fraser. She writes in a such an affordable, down - to - earth way about things that are our bread and butter, but she can do this in a very engaging, interesting way.
After the Honeymoon follows the story of two couples spending their honeymoon on a beautiful Greek island and Rosie, owner of the pension. One of the couples are Emma and Tom. They already have two children but married just now: Emma doesn't believe in marriage and in her opinion a paper doesn't guarantee that you are going to stay together or love each other more. But Tom has actually twisted her arm and so they finally got married. They are both not on the gravy train and the honeymoon is a wedding present from all their friends: they are to spend one week in a private cottage of Villa Rose.
What should be the happiest week of their lives turns out to be a week from hell. Tom has a food poisoning so he spends the whole time in bed and Emma is left alone to make new friends, visit the island and go sightseeing. She makes friends, indeed, especially with one of the cooks from the Villa.
In fact, the private cottage should be booked for Winston and Melissa but somebody has made a mistake and now they must spend their week in Rosie's private room. Winston is a famous TV fitness star and Melissa is a make - up artist, divorcee with two children. They don't know each other too long but were sure they felt in love and so they get married. Winston hoped for a nice, private cottage where he could spend his honeymoon only with his wife. The things get a little complicated when it happens that Melissa's two spoiled children can't stay with their father, as it was already organised, and must be flown to Greece. Then - although Winston's assistant has reassured him that it is a PRIVATE island - there is another couple from UK who as well got his cottage! But never mind the cottage, the children from hell are already there and Winston slowly realises that he was never going to be one of the priorities on Melissa's list. Her children and their needs - no matter how irrelevant and stupid they were - are the most important thing. Melissa finds excuses for every single thing that her children do - good or bad, although they rather excel in doing bad things.
Rosie is the owner of the Villa. She has a teenage son Jack who helps her to run the pension. After she got pregnant as a young girl her father forced her to leave home and after some time Rosie found her place on this small Greek island. She's not there when the guests arrive, comes back some days later. It is a big shock for her to see her guests, and especially Winston. He is the boy with whom she fell in love with when she was young but then they lost touch. Is he going to recognize her?
Oh dear. There are so many characters in this book but they are all brilliantly written and there was not a single moment that I felt confused or didn't know who is who. And I don't only mean our main characters, the backstage characters are one of the best I have a pleasure to read about, they add some spice, some pepper, lightness and freshness to the story. They are very vivid, just pop out of the pages and feel like real 3-D people. All of them super developed, with their own meanings and opinions, strong and firm personalities. You can't stay neutral to them, I had feelings for them all, some of them I really liked and some I despised. For example, from the beginning I have thought that Melissa is a little meh, and I personally was not sure if her feelings are true and after seeing her coping - or should I rather say not coping - with her children, and then with her husband I was sure that my gut feeling was right again. Tom I wanted to continually slap, bang his head on the wall or shake strongly, he felt like a wet weekend and I really wasn't sure what Emma saw in him at all.
The best characters I think were Rosie and Jack, and the relationship between mother and son was brilliant, a dream one actually, I guess every other would like to have such son.
Like I already said, the characters were brilliantly written and developed and it was a real joy to read about them and the situations that they put themselves into or that expected them. The book is full of those and there was not a single minute that I have lost my interest. The pace is only right, it's full of twists and turns and while some of the situations were predictable, the most of them was not and I was never sure where Janey is going to take us. The chapters are being told from either Emma, or Rosie, or Winston's point of view and they alternate between them and this was the best way to write this story. A brownie point goes to the true honeymoon stories, history of honeymoon, honeymoon fact between the chapters, which I enjoyed reading immensely. Add to this beautiful descriptions of the Greek Island that took my breath away and made me yearning for a holiday in Greece and you have your perfect, summer holiday's read. Janey writes with a lot of detail and the descriptions are very exact but she does it in a very interesting, colourful and realistic way.
It was a great read, written in a beautiful, subtle way, with a lot of love to details and gripping storyline. A brilliant, warm and uplifting book. There happens so much but every thread is solved and the author didn't leave me with any questions opened. I feel totally fulfilled and very content and would really recommend this read to you. There is nothing that can go wrong!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
I am a big fan of Janey Fraser. She writes in a such an affordable, down - to - earth way about things that are our bread and butter, but she can do this in a very engaging, interesting way.
After the Honeymoon follows the story of two couples spending their honeymoon on a beautiful Greek island and Rosie, owner of the pension. One of the couples are Emma and Tom. They already have two children but married just now: Emma doesn't believe in marriage and in her opinion a paper doesn't guarantee that you are going to stay together or love each other more. But Tom has actually twisted her arm and so they finally got married. They are both not on the gravy train and the honeymoon is a wedding present from all their friends: they are to spend one week in a private cottage of Villa Rose.
What should be the happiest week of their lives turns out to be a week from hell. Tom has a food poisoning so he spends the whole time in bed and Emma is left alone to make new friends, visit the island and go sightseeing. She makes friends, indeed, especially with one of the cooks from the Villa.
In fact, the private cottage should be booked for Winston and Melissa but somebody has made a mistake and now they must spend their week in Rosie's private room. Winston is a famous TV fitness star and Melissa is a make - up artist, divorcee with two children. They don't know each other too long but were sure they felt in love and so they get married. Winston hoped for a nice, private cottage where he could spend his honeymoon only with his wife. The things get a little complicated when it happens that Melissa's two spoiled children can't stay with their father, as it was already organised, and must be flown to Greece. Then - although Winston's assistant has reassured him that it is a PRIVATE island - there is another couple from UK who as well got his cottage! But never mind the cottage, the children from hell are already there and Winston slowly realises that he was never going to be one of the priorities on Melissa's list. Her children and their needs - no matter how irrelevant and stupid they were - are the most important thing. Melissa finds excuses for every single thing that her children do - good or bad, although they rather excel in doing bad things.
Rosie is the owner of the Villa. She has a teenage son Jack who helps her to run the pension. After she got pregnant as a young girl her father forced her to leave home and after some time Rosie found her place on this small Greek island. She's not there when the guests arrive, comes back some days later. It is a big shock for her to see her guests, and especially Winston. He is the boy with whom she fell in love with when she was young but then they lost touch. Is he going to recognize her?
Oh dear. There are so many characters in this book but they are all brilliantly written and there was not a single moment that I felt confused or didn't know who is who. And I don't only mean our main characters, the backstage characters are one of the best I have a pleasure to read about, they add some spice, some pepper, lightness and freshness to the story. They are very vivid, just pop out of the pages and feel like real 3-D people. All of them super developed, with their own meanings and opinions, strong and firm personalities. You can't stay neutral to them, I had feelings for them all, some of them I really liked and some I despised. For example, from the beginning I have thought that Melissa is a little meh, and I personally was not sure if her feelings are true and after seeing her coping - or should I rather say not coping - with her children, and then with her husband I was sure that my gut feeling was right again. Tom I wanted to continually slap, bang his head on the wall or shake strongly, he felt like a wet weekend and I really wasn't sure what Emma saw in him at all.
The best characters I think were Rosie and Jack, and the relationship between mother and son was brilliant, a dream one actually, I guess every other would like to have such son.
Like I already said, the characters were brilliantly written and developed and it was a real joy to read about them and the situations that they put themselves into or that expected them. The book is full of those and there was not a single minute that I have lost my interest. The pace is only right, it's full of twists and turns and while some of the situations were predictable, the most of them was not and I was never sure where Janey is going to take us. The chapters are being told from either Emma, or Rosie, or Winston's point of view and they alternate between them and this was the best way to write this story. A brownie point goes to the true honeymoon stories, history of honeymoon, honeymoon fact between the chapters, which I enjoyed reading immensely. Add to this beautiful descriptions of the Greek Island that took my breath away and made me yearning for a holiday in Greece and you have your perfect, summer holiday's read. Janey writes with a lot of detail and the descriptions are very exact but she does it in a very interesting, colourful and realistic way.
It was a great read, written in a beautiful, subtle way, with a lot of love to details and gripping storyline. A brilliant, warm and uplifting book. There happens so much but every thread is solved and the author didn't leave me with any questions opened. I feel totally fulfilled and very content and would really recommend this read to you. There is nothing that can go wrong!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
June 1, 2024
After the Honeymoon had the most fabulous setting for a book that anyone could read. I always find books set in Greece to be extra romantic and fun to read. As I started the book, I was filled with excitement for what was going to be happening – the hopes of it being romantic and fun. The words did not flow off the page into my heart like I wanted them to.
For the most part I did like some of the characters in the story, but the rest were just there and not too interesting or even adding much to the book.
It was ok for me but not one I will be curious about what they are all up to after finishing the book.
Thank you NetGalley, Janey Fraser and Embla Books for the ARC of the book After the Honeymoon. This is my personal review.
For the most part I did like some of the characters in the story, but the rest were just there and not too interesting or even adding much to the book.
It was ok for me but not one I will be curious about what they are all up to after finishing the book.
Thank you NetGalley, Janey Fraser and Embla Books for the ARC of the book After the Honeymoon. This is my personal review.
June 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book which centred around 3 couples and the ups and downs of their relationships.
The Greek setting was beautiful and i really felt like I was there with them.
The characters were interesting and relatable with Emma being my favourite.
I loved the fact that there were real life quotes from married couples about their honeymoons between the chapters which really made me laugh out loud.
A brilliant book which was true to life and I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Janet Fraser and Embla Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Greek setting was beautiful and i really felt like I was there with them.
The characters were interesting and relatable with Emma being my favourite.
I loved the fact that there were real life quotes from married couples about their honeymoons between the chapters which really made me laugh out loud.
A brilliant book which was true to life and I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Janet Fraser and Embla Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
November 4, 2024
I really liked the concept of this book and I enjoyed the characters, getting to know them and following their story. However for me, this was too long and as a result the plot lost its oomph and I found myself losing interest and getting bored. As a result it took me a lot longer to read than it would normally which was a shame.
This aside, I was connected to the plot and found this a feel good, entertaining read, full of laughs and love. I did enjoy this read but if it had been a bit shorter then I think it would have been vastly improved.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for an advance copy.
This aside, I was connected to the plot and found this a feel good, entertaining read, full of laughs and love. I did enjoy this read but if it had been a bit shorter then I think it would have been vastly improved.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for an advance copy.
March 7, 2025
This was set in Greece and the U.K. loved the different settings and how they both meshed well together. I definitely want to visit Greece now!
I thought the characters were well written, and they had emotion and heartfelt premises. I felt a lure towards Emma, especially when she didn't know who she was without her children. I did get very irritated reading anything about Rosie and Winston. I wanted to hurt for Winston but I truly couldn't put myself there. I loved hearing his inner monologues and seeing his relationships flourish. But, at times, he fell flat.
It was a little too 'HEA' and tying together for me. After a certain point, it dragged. I enjoyed it before that!
I thought the characters were well written, and they had emotion and heartfelt premises. I felt a lure towards Emma, especially when she didn't know who she was without her children. I did get very irritated reading anything about Rosie and Winston. I wanted to hurt for Winston but I truly couldn't put myself there. I loved hearing his inner monologues and seeing his relationships flourish. But, at times, he fell flat.
It was a little too 'HEA' and tying together for me. After a certain point, it dragged. I enjoyed it before that!
October 1, 2024
The setting in this book was gorgeous. Who wouldn’t want a honeymoon in a Greek villa?
Well, possibly not the honeymoon the two couples had here. Emma reluctantly went on the trip to begin with and now hubby Tom is ill.
Winston was looking forward to a private honeymoon alone with his wife Melissa, but wasn’t counting on her two teenage daughters being there. Who, by the way are awful.
Rosie, owner of the villa has secrets of her own.
This was a good read and kept my interest but it wasn’t anything amazing. If you’re a fan of women’s fiction I’m sure you’ll like it.
3.5 stars
Well, possibly not the honeymoon the two couples had here. Emma reluctantly went on the trip to begin with and now hubby Tom is ill.
Winston was looking forward to a private honeymoon alone with his wife Melissa, but wasn’t counting on her two teenage daughters being there. Who, by the way are awful.
Rosie, owner of the villa has secrets of her own.
This was a good read and kept my interest but it wasn’t anything amazing. If you’re a fan of women’s fiction I’m sure you’ll like it.
3.5 stars
June 11, 2024
I can’t be the only one who couldn’t stand the name Gawain? That being said this was a great story about 2 couples on their honeymoons and what goes on during and even before it. Then we see the aftermath of the honeymoon as well and how much that trip that should have been one of the best times of their lives completely changed all their lives. I really liked how this was written and how it wasn’t just fairytale.
February 24, 2025
After the Honeymoon - Good Read🙂
I envisioned myself being in Greece, looking at the sea and feeling the warm sun on my shoulders. As the characters were introduced, I felt like I could reach out and touch them. I enjoyed this book very much and you will, too. Good job, Janey Fraser!
I envisioned myself being in Greece, looking at the sea and feeling the warm sun on my shoulders. As the characters were introduced, I felt like I could reach out and touch them. I enjoyed this book very much and you will, too. Good job, Janey Fraser!
June 15, 2024
Firstly, thank you so much for letting me read after the honeymoon early.
In this beautiful story, we really see how marriage can be so different for many people. And how with the right work and communication with the right person a marriage can really flourish
In this beautiful story, we really see how marriage can be so different for many people. And how with the right work and communication with the right person a marriage can really flourish
June 17, 2024
After The Honeymoon was such an enjoyable read. Janey Fraser does an outstanding job of reminding us that marriage can be and is very different for everyone. I loved the Greek setting!
Thank you NetGalley & Embla Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley & Embla Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 14, 2025
After the Honeymoon an unexpectedly amusing tale
After the Honeymoon by Janey Fraser is a delightful and amusing tale of the marriages of several seemingly different couples and their unique families
After the Honeymoon by Janey Fraser is a delightful and amusing tale of the marriages of several seemingly different couples and their unique families
June 19, 2024
Amazing read!!!
This book was alive with characters that I could see and feel…as if I knew them personally. The book reminded me of a Mauve Binchy book, which for me is a top honor.
This book was alive with characters that I could see and feel…as if I knew them personally. The book reminded me of a Mauve Binchy book, which for me is a top honor.
August 6, 2024
charming
Twisting but easy to understand. Charming and fun. I read it one go. Took me 3 hours only, couldn’t put it down.
Twisting but easy to understand. Charming and fun. I read it one go. Took me 3 hours only, couldn’t put it down.
September 26, 2024
DNF.. got to 28% somehow but couldn’t bring myself to continue. Most of the characters were so annoying they just made me angry and that’s not what I’m looking for in the books I read.
March 28, 2025
woven relationships
Great read, interesting weaving of characters. Believable and heartfelt from each character’s perspective. You’ll find yourself rooting for each character.
Great read, interesting weaving of characters. Believable and heartfelt from each character’s perspective. You’ll find yourself rooting for each character.
Read
April 20, 2025Dnf second page.. her child’s name is Gawain and her husband and her met when she was 15 and he was 22. 🤢
July 13, 2025
3.5 🌟
November 25, 2025
Really did not like these characters.
August 14, 2016
When I was offered the chance to take part in Janey Fraser’s blog tour for her new novel After The Honeymoon, I was quite pleased! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Janey’s novels and I actually have her previous three on my shelf, but I haven’t had time to read them. Janey is actually popular women’s fiction writer Sophie King, and with so many novels under her belt I was really looking forward to trying her work. After The Honeymoon looked and sounded utterly amazing, but I was actually quite disappointed in the novel, if I’m honest.
Probably my favourite part of After The Honeymoon was the Greek setting. It sounded like the most idyllic place to live – barring the fact you can’t flush loo paper down the toilet which is quite simply disgusting in the extreme. Villa Rosa sounded like such a lovely, quaint place to stay and if all the guests (namely Melissa’s two kids!) hadn’t caused such a rucus, I could totally see the appeal and why it was popular. I didn’t mind the characters too much – I really liked Rosie, the owner of Villa Rosa, and I adored her son, Jack, who was the modest, likeable 15-year-old any mother would be proud to call their own! I did think the book started slowly, but as the secrets unravel and the in-fighting between all the couples begin, the novel does pick up some pace, although I did perhaps think it was a bit too much to shove into the last quarter of the book…
The real problems I had with After The Honeymoon were the other characters. Emma and Tom are supposed to be on their honeymoon, yet Tom spends the entire honeymoon laid up in bed, allegedly sick. It confused me that Emma was so willing to just let him rot in bed the whole week. It was RIDICULOUS. I was embarrassed on her behalf. But, I was also embarrassed by Emma, too. It’s the first time she’s left her kids (which I understand) but she treats her mother, who’s looking after the kids, as if she’s incapable of doing it, and is always ringing and worrying and ringing and worrying some more. She frustrated the life out of me with her actions. I really wanted to like Winston, too, but he was just rude and awful, consistently whinging about Melissa’s two kids (who were brats, I absolutely stand by him in that regard) but he knew that getting into his marriage and he still got married, so he should have shut his mouth and got on with it.
I also personally found the writing quite jarring and clunky. The novel doesn’t flow like most novels do. The novel is written in third-person, but it just felt wrong, switching from Emma, to Winston, to Rosie, with no rhyme or reason. It should have been like a helicopter view of them all, not separate entities. I also found the novel quite repetitive – Emma is always described as “moon-faced” and “plump”, whenever Winston saw her that’s how he described her and I wanted to punch him in the face. I really wanted to love the novel – Janey is a popular author, but this wasn’t really the novel for me. Many others will enjoy it, but it wasn’t really the read for me, which is a shame.
Probably my favourite part of After The Honeymoon was the Greek setting. It sounded like the most idyllic place to live – barring the fact you can’t flush loo paper down the toilet which is quite simply disgusting in the extreme. Villa Rosa sounded like such a lovely, quaint place to stay and if all the guests (namely Melissa’s two kids!) hadn’t caused such a rucus, I could totally see the appeal and why it was popular. I didn’t mind the characters too much – I really liked Rosie, the owner of Villa Rosa, and I adored her son, Jack, who was the modest, likeable 15-year-old any mother would be proud to call their own! I did think the book started slowly, but as the secrets unravel and the in-fighting between all the couples begin, the novel does pick up some pace, although I did perhaps think it was a bit too much to shove into the last quarter of the book…
The real problems I had with After The Honeymoon were the other characters. Emma and Tom are supposed to be on their honeymoon, yet Tom spends the entire honeymoon laid up in bed, allegedly sick. It confused me that Emma was so willing to just let him rot in bed the whole week. It was RIDICULOUS. I was embarrassed on her behalf. But, I was also embarrassed by Emma, too. It’s the first time she’s left her kids (which I understand) but she treats her mother, who’s looking after the kids, as if she’s incapable of doing it, and is always ringing and worrying and ringing and worrying some more. She frustrated the life out of me with her actions. I really wanted to like Winston, too, but he was just rude and awful, consistently whinging about Melissa’s two kids (who were brats, I absolutely stand by him in that regard) but he knew that getting into his marriage and he still got married, so he should have shut his mouth and got on with it.
I also personally found the writing quite jarring and clunky. The novel doesn’t flow like most novels do. The novel is written in third-person, but it just felt wrong, switching from Emma, to Winston, to Rosie, with no rhyme or reason. It should have been like a helicopter view of them all, not separate entities. I also found the novel quite repetitive – Emma is always described as “moon-faced” and “plump”, whenever Winston saw her that’s how he described her and I wanted to punch him in the face. I really wanted to love the novel – Janey is a popular author, but this wasn’t really the novel for me. Many others will enjoy it, but it wasn’t really the read for me, which is a shame.
June 1, 2014
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Emma and Tom have been together for many years and have two lovely children together. Emma was never a big fan of marriage, but after years of Tom asking her, she finally decided to say ‘yes’. Her idea was a relatively small wedding and no honeymoon, but then her friends surprise her with a week-long holiday for her and Tom at a pension on a beautiful Greek island. Emma isn’t too excited, but when Tom ends up being sick for the whole week, she has all the time in the world to relax and do what she wants. Winston is a TV celebrity who has his own popular fitness show and even though he hasn’t known make-up artist Melissa that long, they decided to get married and spend a relaxing holiday on a remote island in Greece, far away from the cameras. Yet, when Melissa’s ex-husband suddenly dumps their two spoiled children with Winston and Melissa, their honeymoon suddenly isn’t that calm and peaceful anymore. Rosie is the owner of pension Villa Rose, which she runs together with her teenage son Jack. When she was pregnant at 17, she was forced to leave home and ended up on the small Greek island where she has built a new life for herself. But the arrival of two honeymoon couples suddenly brings her a completely unexpected blast from the past.
It honestly doesn’t matter which name is on the front cover of the book, Sophie King or Janey Fraser, you can be sure there will be an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story waiting for you. I love books with multiple storylines told from the point of view of different characters, and in ‘After the Honeymoon’ we are introduced to a great cast of different characters which each have their own story to tell. I specifically enjoyed Rosie’s tale; I immediately liked her and was curious to see how things would work out for her and her son Jack. However, both Emma and Winston were also wonderful characters, and I loved jumping from one couple to the next, which kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down.
Even though the book deals with several storylines and a large group of characters, the author deals with this in an excellent way and the story was at all times easy to follow and understandable. I really loved the idea of joining these couples on their honeymoon, and the weeks after it. The focus was not on how they met and fell in love, or their wedding, but the period afterwards. I also thought the setting was quite fabulous; the Grecian island of Siphalonia sounds like such a gorgeous and relaxing place, and it wasn’t difficult to imagine myself there! Another lovely extra is the collection of honeymoon facts and stories in between the chapters. ‘After the Honeymoon’ is an amazingly warm, truly engaging and well-written book, and a great read for a day out in the sunshine or to take with you on your summer holiday.
Emma and Tom have been together for many years and have two lovely children together. Emma was never a big fan of marriage, but after years of Tom asking her, she finally decided to say ‘yes’. Her idea was a relatively small wedding and no honeymoon, but then her friends surprise her with a week-long holiday for her and Tom at a pension on a beautiful Greek island. Emma isn’t too excited, but when Tom ends up being sick for the whole week, she has all the time in the world to relax and do what she wants. Winston is a TV celebrity who has his own popular fitness show and even though he hasn’t known make-up artist Melissa that long, they decided to get married and spend a relaxing holiday on a remote island in Greece, far away from the cameras. Yet, when Melissa’s ex-husband suddenly dumps their two spoiled children with Winston and Melissa, their honeymoon suddenly isn’t that calm and peaceful anymore. Rosie is the owner of pension Villa Rose, which she runs together with her teenage son Jack. When she was pregnant at 17, she was forced to leave home and ended up on the small Greek island where she has built a new life for herself. But the arrival of two honeymoon couples suddenly brings her a completely unexpected blast from the past.
It honestly doesn’t matter which name is on the front cover of the book, Sophie King or Janey Fraser, you can be sure there will be an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story waiting for you. I love books with multiple storylines told from the point of view of different characters, and in ‘After the Honeymoon’ we are introduced to a great cast of different characters which each have their own story to tell. I specifically enjoyed Rosie’s tale; I immediately liked her and was curious to see how things would work out for her and her son Jack. However, both Emma and Winston were also wonderful characters, and I loved jumping from one couple to the next, which kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down.
Even though the book deals with several storylines and a large group of characters, the author deals with this in an excellent way and the story was at all times easy to follow and understandable. I really loved the idea of joining these couples on their honeymoon, and the weeks after it. The focus was not on how they met and fell in love, or their wedding, but the period afterwards. I also thought the setting was quite fabulous; the Grecian island of Siphalonia sounds like such a gorgeous and relaxing place, and it wasn’t difficult to imagine myself there! Another lovely extra is the collection of honeymoon facts and stories in between the chapters. ‘After the Honeymoon’ is an amazingly warm, truly engaging and well-written book, and a great read for a day out in the sunshine or to take with you on your summer holiday.
September 20, 2015
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
As I read this novel I was reminded of Rosamunde Pilcher but in today’s world. There was something that flowed so well about the writing and the story itself unfolded naturally with all the character and plot development that you would want.
I loved the honeymoon portion of the book. The time when all the characters were taking part in their holiday in Greece brought out the relationships in a legitimate manner and I even liked that Winston’s secrets were not dropped on us but rather slowly uncovered. Emma and Tom were so frustrating but Emma so endearing that I couldn’t help but like her and I was appreciative of the fact that Janey Fraser didn’t give them a just humdrum life but also gave Emma some spunk. Their relationship was tired and it unfolded as one would expect during the rest of the story. I liked that Emma unfurled during her vacation, detaching herself slowly from her children and becoming again a woman in her own right. There’s nothing like a holiday to remind you of who you are and for this Tom was in the right. Much as I didn’t care for him during their honeymoon there was something honest about him that I still liked during the start and remainder of the novel.
I found it a little long but that might just be me. There seemed to be some repetition about Rosie and the Winston/Charlie’s connection that could have been left out but on the whole the story missed nothing and it was well paced. It was a fun summer read and I liked that Fraser did not fill the spaces with floaty descriptions, sounds and smells, I enjoyed being able to form the images in my mind on my own.
Thank you to Arrow, Random House for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
As I read this novel I was reminded of Rosamunde Pilcher but in today’s world. There was something that flowed so well about the writing and the story itself unfolded naturally with all the character and plot development that you would want.
I loved the honeymoon portion of the book. The time when all the characters were taking part in their holiday in Greece brought out the relationships in a legitimate manner and I even liked that Winston’s secrets were not dropped on us but rather slowly uncovered. Emma and Tom were so frustrating but Emma so endearing that I couldn’t help but like her and I was appreciative of the fact that Janey Fraser didn’t give them a just humdrum life but also gave Emma some spunk. Their relationship was tired and it unfolded as one would expect during the rest of the story. I liked that Emma unfurled during her vacation, detaching herself slowly from her children and becoming again a woman in her own right. There’s nothing like a holiday to remind you of who you are and for this Tom was in the right. Much as I didn’t care for him during their honeymoon there was something honest about him that I still liked during the start and remainder of the novel.
I found it a little long but that might just be me. There seemed to be some repetition about Rosie and the Winston/Charlie’s connection that could have been left out but on the whole the story missed nothing and it was well paced. It was a fun summer read and I liked that Fraser did not fill the spaces with floaty descriptions, sounds and smells, I enjoyed being able to form the images in my mind on my own.
Thank you to Arrow, Random House for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
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