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The Skye Sisters #1
Under a Summer Skye
A chance encounter is about to change everything for Thea Wynter.
The moment she arrived on the Isle of Skye, life changed for Thea. Running from a succession of wrong turns, she comes to the island in search of blue sea, endless skies, and mountains that make the heart soar. Here, she feels at peace.
As head gardener at Rothach Hall, life is exactly how she wants it, with her days spent working in the glorious clifftop garden and her evenings in the cosy local village.
But an encounter with a stranger from the mainland brings with it an unexpected turn – and only time will tell if he is friend or foe.
It seems that even on Skye, life can catch up with you, and Thea is soon faced with the past she left behind – and with it, the family she’s never met…
From old lives to new beginnings, lose yourself on the beautiful Isle of Skye with Thea as she discovers how many possibilities life can truly hold if you look hard enough.
The moment she arrived on the Isle of Skye, life changed for Thea. Running from a succession of wrong turns, she comes to the island in search of blue sea, endless skies, and mountains that make the heart soar. Here, she feels at peace.
As head gardener at Rothach Hall, life is exactly how she wants it, with her days spent working in the glorious clifftop garden and her evenings in the cosy local village.
But an encounter with a stranger from the mainland brings with it an unexpected turn – and only time will tell if he is friend or foe.
It seems that even on Skye, life can catch up with you, and Thea is soon faced with the past she left behind – and with it, the family she’s never met…
From old lives to new beginnings, lose yourself on the beautiful Isle of Skye with Thea as she discovers how many possibilities life can truly hold if you look hard enough.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2024
321 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Sue Moorcroft
65 books1,004 followersSue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.
She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.
An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.
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Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
May 29, 2024
I received a free copy of, Under a Summer Skye, by Sue Moorcroft, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one of The Skye Sisters Trilogy. Thea Wynter escaped to the Isle of Skye. Thea learns you cannot always escape or run from your past. it has a habit of catching up with you. The Isle of Skye sounds beautiful, an idyllic place to visit or live. This is a good beach read book, I liked it.
May 3, 2024
Thea has made a new life for herself.
What a totally gorgeous read. I’m used to Sue Moorcroft writing interesting, entertaining and emotionally charged stories, but in Under a Summer Skye she has surpassed herself. I think it’s possibly my favourite of her books to date.
The setting is simply glorious. There’s such a painterly, poetic but not pretentious, use of language that meant I didn’t feel as if I were reading about Rothach Hall and its environs, but rather that I had been placed there physically. I thought this was a wonderful aspect of the narrative. Skye has long been on my wish list of places to visit, but through Under a Summer Skye I feel as if I’ve already been there. Add in the concept of nature and gardening as healing and restorative themes, and with them so well depicted, reading Under a Summer Skye felt as if I’d been given a breathing space from the trials of the world. It’s glorious.
As well as setting, the plot too is exceptionally entertaining. There are surprises along the way, as well as a simmering attraction between Thea and Dev, that make Under a Summer Skye truly compelling and deliciously romantic. With Thea’s sisters Ezzie and Valentina part of the story, what Sue Moorcroft does is make this book a wonderfully satisfying read, but equally she makes her readers desperate to hear more about the Skye Sisters. I can’t say much more about the storyline for fear of spoilers, but it has a sinuous quality that had me mesmerised.
I loved meeting Thea. Indeed, I loved meeting all the characters, not least because they felt so convincing. There’s a real understanding of nature and nurture making them who they are, and because they all have nuanced elements in their characters, and negative aspects in their past lives or their current situations, it makes them all the more relatable. I confess that I generally do not like dogs at all, but here even Daisy was appealing, realistic and loveable.
The themes of Under a Summer Skye are mature, complex and handled with remarkable sensitivity. Trust is at the heart of the narrative, but Sue Moorcroft skilfully explores the nature of family and how we become who, and what, we become. I think what appeals so strongly is the thought that any of us could find ourselves in similar situations to Thea and Dev, forced to face the consequences of our actions regardless of the nature of our intentions.
Under a Summer Skye is a fantastic story written by a brilliant story-teller. It held me entranced throughout and I absolutely loved it.
What a totally gorgeous read. I’m used to Sue Moorcroft writing interesting, entertaining and emotionally charged stories, but in Under a Summer Skye she has surpassed herself. I think it’s possibly my favourite of her books to date.
The setting is simply glorious. There’s such a painterly, poetic but not pretentious, use of language that meant I didn’t feel as if I were reading about Rothach Hall and its environs, but rather that I had been placed there physically. I thought this was a wonderful aspect of the narrative. Skye has long been on my wish list of places to visit, but through Under a Summer Skye I feel as if I’ve already been there. Add in the concept of nature and gardening as healing and restorative themes, and with them so well depicted, reading Under a Summer Skye felt as if I’d been given a breathing space from the trials of the world. It’s glorious.
As well as setting, the plot too is exceptionally entertaining. There are surprises along the way, as well as a simmering attraction between Thea and Dev, that make Under a Summer Skye truly compelling and deliciously romantic. With Thea’s sisters Ezzie and Valentina part of the story, what Sue Moorcroft does is make this book a wonderfully satisfying read, but equally she makes her readers desperate to hear more about the Skye Sisters. I can’t say much more about the storyline for fear of spoilers, but it has a sinuous quality that had me mesmerised.
I loved meeting Thea. Indeed, I loved meeting all the characters, not least because they felt so convincing. There’s a real understanding of nature and nurture making them who they are, and because they all have nuanced elements in their characters, and negative aspects in their past lives or their current situations, it makes them all the more relatable. I confess that I generally do not like dogs at all, but here even Daisy was appealing, realistic and loveable.
The themes of Under a Summer Skye are mature, complex and handled with remarkable sensitivity. Trust is at the heart of the narrative, but Sue Moorcroft skilfully explores the nature of family and how we become who, and what, we become. I think what appeals so strongly is the thought that any of us could find ourselves in similar situations to Thea and Dev, forced to face the consequences of our actions regardless of the nature of our intentions.
Under a Summer Skye is a fantastic story written by a brilliant story-teller. It held me entranced throughout and I absolutely loved it.
May 14, 2024
The first in a new series featuring adopted sisters Valentina, Esmeralda and Altheadora Wynter. This first one features Thea, the youngest.
Thea was a gardener at a venue which was part of a reality TV show when she was involved in a car accident which had life-changing consequences for Fredek Kowski, the cyclist who was hit by her car, even though he was totally at fault by texting in the middle of the road just around a blind bend. Although Thea initially did everything she could to help him, including appearing in his road-safety videos, the dissection of her life by social media trolls and trial by the internet forced her to withdraw entirely and she ended up as gardener at Rothach Hall on the isle of Skye where her sister Ezz is HR manager for a wealthy Norwegian couple who have restored the Hall and gardens. But Thea's life is about to be overturned, Fredek is gathering a social media following as an influencer and he wants Thea to help boost his numbers, with or without her help.
Deveron Dowie had been co-proprietor of a sports news business until his business partner over-extended them, crashed the business and ran off with Dev's girlfriend. In an attempt to claw his life back from the brink, Dev accepts a commission piece for a clickbait celebrity website which is running a 'Where Are They Now' series. His job is to write about Thea, who is also the adoptive daughter of two relatively well-known musicians who died tragically when she was only a teenager. Dev travels to Skye and gets a seasonal job working as under gardener for Thea, but soon realises he wants nothing to do with the article. If only it were that simple.
I've said this before, I love Sue Moorcroft's Middledip series but when she leaves there I struggle. Unfortunately, this book fell into that camp too. I can't quite put my finger on what I don't love, maybe I found Thea a bit 'wet' for a forty-something year old woman, I could better understand her actions and behaviour if she were twenty-something. Also I found Dev's reasoning for not coming clean to be even weaker than it usually is in such circumstances - again something more forgivable in a twenty year old than a forty year old.
Overall, this was a pleasant enough, fade-to-black, romance set on the beautiful isle of Skye.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Thea was a gardener at a venue which was part of a reality TV show when she was involved in a car accident which had life-changing consequences for Fredek Kowski, the cyclist who was hit by her car, even though he was totally at fault by texting in the middle of the road just around a blind bend. Although Thea initially did everything she could to help him, including appearing in his road-safety videos, the dissection of her life by social media trolls and trial by the internet forced her to withdraw entirely and she ended up as gardener at Rothach Hall on the isle of Skye where her sister Ezz is HR manager for a wealthy Norwegian couple who have restored the Hall and gardens. But Thea's life is about to be overturned, Fredek is gathering a social media following as an influencer and he wants Thea to help boost his numbers, with or without her help.
Deveron Dowie had been co-proprietor of a sports news business until his business partner over-extended them, crashed the business and ran off with Dev's girlfriend. In an attempt to claw his life back from the brink, Dev accepts a commission piece for a clickbait celebrity website which is running a 'Where Are They Now' series. His job is to write about Thea, who is also the adoptive daughter of two relatively well-known musicians who died tragically when she was only a teenager. Dev travels to Skye and gets a seasonal job working as under gardener for Thea, but soon realises he wants nothing to do with the article. If only it were that simple.
I've said this before, I love Sue Moorcroft's Middledip series but when she leaves there I struggle. Unfortunately, this book fell into that camp too. I can't quite put my finger on what I don't love, maybe I found Thea a bit 'wet' for a forty-something year old woman, I could better understand her actions and behaviour if she were twenty-something. Also I found Dev's reasoning for not coming clean to be even weaker than it usually is in such circumstances - again something more forgivable in a twenty year old than a forty year old.
Overall, this was a pleasant enough, fade-to-black, romance set on the beautiful isle of Skye.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
May 23, 2024
This book begins with a particularly intriguing and dramatic prologue – an introduction to Thea and a life-changing incident in Suffolk, nine years earlier – that immediately drew me into her story. We then find her having left her former life as a recognisable face on a TV gardening programme, travelling North together with sister Ezzie, now living a far quieter life while working as head gardener at Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye – and this book’s sense of place is absolutely stunning, with the most beautiful descriptions of the setting that now nurtures her troubled soul.
We learn that she’s one of three sisters, all adopted, and that fact drives a significant – and tremendously engaging – part of the developing story, with that fine emotional touch that always distinguishes the author’s writing. But that’s not the only strand. A coincidence, an unexpected bit of drama and a touch of heroics brings Deveron into her life – a man who just happens to be in the right place at the right time, who takes up a seasonal gardening job at the Hall, and their friendship slowly develops – but he’s a man with a few hidden secrets, and when they surface it seems inevitable that the trust between them will be damaged beyond repair. But both of them have made mistakes in their lives, and need to handle the consequences – and I really liked the way the writing shared their separate perspectives and moral dilemmas, making them both immensely likeable and sympathetic.
The whole story is an emotional one, beautifully told – and it introduces a number of serious and complex issues, all so well researched and very sensitively handled, while never losing sight of the very real tenderness of the developing and perhaps ill-fated romance. The writing is just wonderful – their relationship was one I really believed in and I found their story compelling, entirely caught up by the unexpected twists and turns in their lives, desperately wanting them to have their happy ending.
There’s a strong focus on family and its many complications, which is something I always enjoy – and while Thea’s own story takes centre stage, I’ll look forward to getting to know the two other adopted sisters better, both particularly intriguing and well-drawn characters. But there’s plenty of lightness to this story too – gentle touches of humour, with much of it arising from the antics of the lovely four-legged Daisy, whose own story also brings a few touches of the unexpected.
I’ve enjoyed every book that the author has ever written, but this was one I loved – the story, the setting, the individuals at the story’s core and the emotional impact were all quite exceptional, and I really couldn’t recommend it more.
We learn that she’s one of three sisters, all adopted, and that fact drives a significant – and tremendously engaging – part of the developing story, with that fine emotional touch that always distinguishes the author’s writing. But that’s not the only strand. A coincidence, an unexpected bit of drama and a touch of heroics brings Deveron into her life – a man who just happens to be in the right place at the right time, who takes up a seasonal gardening job at the Hall, and their friendship slowly develops – but he’s a man with a few hidden secrets, and when they surface it seems inevitable that the trust between them will be damaged beyond repair. But both of them have made mistakes in their lives, and need to handle the consequences – and I really liked the way the writing shared their separate perspectives and moral dilemmas, making them both immensely likeable and sympathetic.
The whole story is an emotional one, beautifully told – and it introduces a number of serious and complex issues, all so well researched and very sensitively handled, while never losing sight of the very real tenderness of the developing and perhaps ill-fated romance. The writing is just wonderful – their relationship was one I really believed in and I found their story compelling, entirely caught up by the unexpected twists and turns in their lives, desperately wanting them to have their happy ending.
There’s a strong focus on family and its many complications, which is something I always enjoy – and while Thea’s own story takes centre stage, I’ll look forward to getting to know the two other adopted sisters better, both particularly intriguing and well-drawn characters. But there’s plenty of lightness to this story too – gentle touches of humour, with much of it arising from the antics of the lovely four-legged Daisy, whose own story also brings a few touches of the unexpected.
I’ve enjoyed every book that the author has ever written, but this was one I loved – the story, the setting, the individuals at the story’s core and the emotional impact were all quite exceptional, and I really couldn’t recommend it more.
December 7, 2024
I really struggled with this book and in the end found it a chore to get through. I was desperate to like it but didn’t think it compared to Moorcroft’s other novels. Instead, the writing felt incredibly dense, the plot slow and heavy with descriptions – not aided by the lengthy chapters. I didn’t really connect with the protagonist, finding her quite weak and reliant on others.
However, I liked the plot direction, finding this different to the writer’s other stories. The opening chapter is pretty dramatic as readers witness a car accident involving a cyclist. Fast-forward several years and Thea has put this behind her, living with her sister on the Isle of Skye, working as a gardener on a lavish estate. Yet, it would seem the past hasn’t forgotten Thea – in more ways than one – and the story sees how the cyclist from the accident keeps rearing his head and Thea’s family past becomes more prominant.
I liked exploring Thea’s family background, especially as it is revealed that she and her two sisters are all adopted from different families (which I am guessing shapes the other two books in the trilogy). Thea takes tentative steps into finding more about her birth mother, although she does rely heavily on those around her. Not just for emotional support, but even completing the administrative side of things. This made me despair towards Thea because I thought that time and life experiences would have made her a bit more independent, despite her aversion to reading the written word.
I think I got more into the book after the halfway point, as characters were properly established and it was like there was some definite direction to the plot. Furthermore, Thea has made more progress with contacting her birth mother by this point and I think it helped that the story moved away from the estate that Thea works at. Whilst Moorcroft does a great job of describing the setting, I didn’t feel too immersed in Skye, not like other books I have read.
Daisy the dog sounds the absolute cutest! My heart was in my mouth when Daisy’s ownership comes into question but she was one of my more favourite characters, adding a bit of life and soul to the narrative. Daisy seemed to bring a smile to all the characters and I loved reading about her. I hope she makes an appearance in the next book.
So whilst I wasn’t blown away by this story, I think I will keep persevering with this trilogy. Hopefully having a different sister at the forefront of the narrative will help me warm to the story more. Having enjoyed so many of Moorcroft’s books in the past, I am optimistic I will connect better to the next one.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, I liked the plot direction, finding this different to the writer’s other stories. The opening chapter is pretty dramatic as readers witness a car accident involving a cyclist. Fast-forward several years and Thea has put this behind her, living with her sister on the Isle of Skye, working as a gardener on a lavish estate. Yet, it would seem the past hasn’t forgotten Thea – in more ways than one – and the story sees how the cyclist from the accident keeps rearing his head and Thea’s family past becomes more prominant.
I liked exploring Thea’s family background, especially as it is revealed that she and her two sisters are all adopted from different families (which I am guessing shapes the other two books in the trilogy). Thea takes tentative steps into finding more about her birth mother, although she does rely heavily on those around her. Not just for emotional support, but even completing the administrative side of things. This made me despair towards Thea because I thought that time and life experiences would have made her a bit more independent, despite her aversion to reading the written word.
I think I got more into the book after the halfway point, as characters were properly established and it was like there was some definite direction to the plot. Furthermore, Thea has made more progress with contacting her birth mother by this point and I think it helped that the story moved away from the estate that Thea works at. Whilst Moorcroft does a great job of describing the setting, I didn’t feel too immersed in Skye, not like other books I have read.
Daisy the dog sounds the absolute cutest! My heart was in my mouth when Daisy’s ownership comes into question but she was one of my more favourite characters, adding a bit of life and soul to the narrative. Daisy seemed to bring a smile to all the characters and I loved reading about her. I hope she makes an appearance in the next book.
So whilst I wasn’t blown away by this story, I think I will keep persevering with this trilogy. Hopefully having a different sister at the forefront of the narrative will help me warm to the story more. Having enjoyed so many of Moorcroft’s books in the past, I am optimistic I will connect better to the next one.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2024
Under a Summer Skye is the first in a trilogy featuring the Skye Sisters.
Thea Wynter is loving her life as head gardener at Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye, having made the move from Suffolk following a traumatic event nine years before – the intriguing prologue relating to this had me hooked. She has her own cottage, Thistledome, and spends time with her sister Ezzie, who also works at Rothach as assistant manager. However her peace is to be disturbed by a stranger and a rescued dog.
I loved the vivid and evocative descriptions of Skye and the author’s research trips bring the location to life. I’ve enjoyed holidays to Scotland before but have never been to that part however it is definitely a wishlist destination. Not only Skye but also the delightful looking Quimper, across the channel in Brittany, is also a tempting proposition after the story takes us there.
I so enjoyed getting to know Thea, the youngest of the three Wynter sisters. The eldest, lawyer Valentina lives with her family on the Scottish mainland and having had this introduction to the sisters, I’m looking forward to following their stories in future books. Thea was an easy character to like and engage with and certainly didn’t deserve all the unwanted attention she received from someone in her past. Having appeared on TV years before as part of a gardening/reality show, Thea was no stranger to publicity however now she just wants to live privately and quietly. All is not quite what it seems though and there are some surprises along the way for the reader.
As to be expected with a Sue Moorcroft book, there is a rather hot male lead. Deveron (Dev) Dowie, the ‘accidental gardener’ was well suited to Thea. Both may have made unwise decisions but ultimately they were good people with a natural charm. It is clear to the reader from the outset why Dev is at the Hall and I was on tenterhooks waiting for the inevitable fallout. Thea’s story and her history is the main focus here but there is more besides. The family unit is an important part of the story however that may be formed. The question of identity is raised, and how do we become the people that we are. Is it through genes or nurture.
There is more than just romance here with other background themes including the use and toxicity of social media to make money from someone else’s distress. And there is an adorable dog – I defy anyone not to fall in love with Daisy.
This was a warm and engrossing read from an author who never disappoints. With its superb location, well crafted characters, drama and romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I’m definitely there for books 2 and 3.
Thea Wynter is loving her life as head gardener at Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye, having made the move from Suffolk following a traumatic event nine years before – the intriguing prologue relating to this had me hooked. She has her own cottage, Thistledome, and spends time with her sister Ezzie, who also works at Rothach as assistant manager. However her peace is to be disturbed by a stranger and a rescued dog.
I loved the vivid and evocative descriptions of Skye and the author’s research trips bring the location to life. I’ve enjoyed holidays to Scotland before but have never been to that part however it is definitely a wishlist destination. Not only Skye but also the delightful looking Quimper, across the channel in Brittany, is also a tempting proposition after the story takes us there.
I so enjoyed getting to know Thea, the youngest of the three Wynter sisters. The eldest, lawyer Valentina lives with her family on the Scottish mainland and having had this introduction to the sisters, I’m looking forward to following their stories in future books. Thea was an easy character to like and engage with and certainly didn’t deserve all the unwanted attention she received from someone in her past. Having appeared on TV years before as part of a gardening/reality show, Thea was no stranger to publicity however now she just wants to live privately and quietly. All is not quite what it seems though and there are some surprises along the way for the reader.
As to be expected with a Sue Moorcroft book, there is a rather hot male lead. Deveron (Dev) Dowie, the ‘accidental gardener’ was well suited to Thea. Both may have made unwise decisions but ultimately they were good people with a natural charm. It is clear to the reader from the outset why Dev is at the Hall and I was on tenterhooks waiting for the inevitable fallout. Thea’s story and her history is the main focus here but there is more besides. The family unit is an important part of the story however that may be formed. The question of identity is raised, and how do we become the people that we are. Is it through genes or nurture.
There is more than just romance here with other background themes including the use and toxicity of social media to make money from someone else’s distress. And there is an adorable dog – I defy anyone not to fall in love with Daisy.
This was a warm and engrossing read from an author who never disappoints. With its superb location, well crafted characters, drama and romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I’m definitely there for books 2 and 3.
July 16, 2024
The Skye’s the limit
If you’ve never been to Skye or any of the Scottish highlands and islands you can fall in love with the place through the pages of this book. An intriguing tale of three sisters whose past kept me turning the pages until I reached the very satisfying conclusion. A great list of characters who you can empathize with and root for. I’ll be pre-ordering number two in the series as I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds. Highly recommended.
If you’ve never been to Skye or any of the Scottish highlands and islands you can fall in love with the place through the pages of this book. An intriguing tale of three sisters whose past kept me turning the pages until I reached the very satisfying conclusion. A great list of characters who you can empathize with and root for. I’ll be pre-ordering number two in the series as I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2024
A new series from one of The Queens of escapism.
Set on the gorgeous Isle of Skye we meet Thea who works as Head Gardener at Rothach Hall. She moved there with her sister Ezzie following her stint on a reality TV series. But the past is close behind and Thea has to battle lots of obstacles before finding true peace.
This was such a lovely easy read with such lovable characters, and Daisy the dog was adorable too.
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this advanced copy for which I'm under no obligation to leave my review
Set on the gorgeous Isle of Skye we meet Thea who works as Head Gardener at Rothach Hall. She moved there with her sister Ezzie following her stint on a reality TV series. But the past is close behind and Thea has to battle lots of obstacles before finding true peace.
This was such a lovely easy read with such lovable characters, and Daisy the dog was adorable too.
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this advanced copy for which I'm under no obligation to leave my review
December 6, 2025
A lovely, cozy book that you can just sink into. Great setting and good characters. I enjoyed this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 20, 2024
A lovely romance set in a beautiful location. There were many threads to this story such as Thea’s childhood, her past and Dev’s secrets but they all weaved together to create a great story.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
August 3, 2025
This book was not my thing... I didn't really like the story
March 28, 2024
This is my first time reading Ms. Moorcroft, and I didn’t really know what to expect. I love stories set in small communities, and the setting of the Isle of Skye in Scotland definitely interested me. And just 2% into the story, when Thea witnesses a handsome stranger rescuing a drowning dog, I was hooked.
Often when I read I’ll pause to look up the pronunciation of a word, because even reading silently to myself I like to pronounce things correctly. I didn’t have to worry about that here, thought, thanks to the author who skillfully and helpfully inserted pronunciations, such as Thea remarking to Dev that when she moved to the Island from Suffolk she thought “Sleat” was pronounced “sleet” rather than “slate” (so did I). And most surprising to me was learning that “Loch” is pronounced with a “chh” sound at the end rather than as “lock”! Who knew?! There are also lot of great descriptions of the countryside, the village, the ocean, the sky. And the author is obviously very knowledgeable about gardening, or did some thorough research on the subject.
Thea and her sister both work at a manor home that is partially open to the public, Thea as head gardener, and Ezzie in administration. In her previous life Thea had starred on a reality TV show, until a collision between her car and a bicyclist spun her world into chaos. But she, along with Ezzie, has made a new life for herself in this remote area. When Dev shows up just in time to rescue that dog, Thea mistakes him for a job applicant, and Dev seizes on the idea and runs with it. He’s actually there to try and secure an interview with Thea for a trashy celebrity website, a job he hates but has taken out of financial need. The thought of spending the summer on Skye, working with his hands in the gardens instead, seems like heaven and an opportunity too good to pass up. But the purpose of his original mission has already set wheels in motion, and he spends much of the book trying to do damage control and agonizing over whether or not to confess the truth to Thea. I loved Dev, but at times I wanted to knock him on the head and tell him he needed to come clean. I often had a feeling a dread, for of course the day of reckoning would come eventually.
This was a truly delightful read, that touched on some deep issues, as Thea, who was adopted, also deals with learning who her birth mother is. The secondary characters are not necessarily fleshed out well, but I was so caught up in Thea and Dev, and Ezzie, and eventually Thea’s birth mother, that I didn’t care. And the little dog, Daisy, who is a joyful character in her own right. I gather that the second book in the series will be Ezzie’s story, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.
*Received via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed*
Often when I read I’ll pause to look up the pronunciation of a word, because even reading silently to myself I like to pronounce things correctly. I didn’t have to worry about that here, thought, thanks to the author who skillfully and helpfully inserted pronunciations, such as Thea remarking to Dev that when she moved to the Island from Suffolk she thought “Sleat” was pronounced “sleet” rather than “slate” (so did I). And most surprising to me was learning that “Loch” is pronounced with a “chh” sound at the end rather than as “lock”! Who knew?! There are also lot of great descriptions of the countryside, the village, the ocean, the sky. And the author is obviously very knowledgeable about gardening, or did some thorough research on the subject.
Thea and her sister both work at a manor home that is partially open to the public, Thea as head gardener, and Ezzie in administration. In her previous life Thea had starred on a reality TV show, until a collision between her car and a bicyclist spun her world into chaos. But she, along with Ezzie, has made a new life for herself in this remote area. When Dev shows up just in time to rescue that dog, Thea mistakes him for a job applicant, and Dev seizes on the idea and runs with it. He’s actually there to try and secure an interview with Thea for a trashy celebrity website, a job he hates but has taken out of financial need. The thought of spending the summer on Skye, working with his hands in the gardens instead, seems like heaven and an opportunity too good to pass up. But the purpose of his original mission has already set wheels in motion, and he spends much of the book trying to do damage control and agonizing over whether or not to confess the truth to Thea. I loved Dev, but at times I wanted to knock him on the head and tell him he needed to come clean. I often had a feeling a dread, for of course the day of reckoning would come eventually.
This was a truly delightful read, that touched on some deep issues, as Thea, who was adopted, also deals with learning who her birth mother is. The secondary characters are not necessarily fleshed out well, but I was so caught up in Thea and Dev, and Ezzie, and eventually Thea’s birth mother, that I didn’t care. And the little dog, Daisy, who is a joyful character in her own right. I gather that the second book in the series will be Ezzie’s story, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.
*Received via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed*
May 19, 2024
I don’t know how Sue Moorcroft does it. She writes fabulous books with innovative stories, gorgeous locations which make you want to jump on the first plane, plot twists, and extraordinarily well crafted and believable characters – flaws and all.
When life circumstances meant that Thea had to disappear, it seemed like a good idea to go to Scotland where her oldest sister already lives. Thea and her middle sister Ezzie both found a job in a beautiful stately home on the Island – Thea as Head Gardener and Ezzie – running the office as deputy manager. When a handsome stranger, Dev, rescues a puppy from drowning he steals a little bit of her heart – as does the puppy. Despite misgivings as to why all his worldly goods are in his car, he is given a job at the stately home when it turns out that he is an excellent gardener. Is the mysterious Dev all that he seems? Will the secrets that Thea is running from catch up with her on this remote Island?
A beautifully written story, set in a gorgeous part of the country, and with very believable characters. Lots of twists and turns – all in all a wonderful story. Sue Moorcroft does it again
When life circumstances meant that Thea had to disappear, it seemed like a good idea to go to Scotland where her oldest sister already lives. Thea and her middle sister Ezzie both found a job in a beautiful stately home on the Island – Thea as Head Gardener and Ezzie – running the office as deputy manager. When a handsome stranger, Dev, rescues a puppy from drowning he steals a little bit of her heart – as does the puppy. Despite misgivings as to why all his worldly goods are in his car, he is given a job at the stately home when it turns out that he is an excellent gardener. Is the mysterious Dev all that he seems? Will the secrets that Thea is running from catch up with her on this remote Island?
A beautifully written story, set in a gorgeous part of the country, and with very believable characters. Lots of twists and turns – all in all a wonderful story. Sue Moorcroft does it again
June 9, 2025
I recently read the second Skye Sisters book and wanted to read the first before reading the final book in the trilogy coming out later this month. Thea, Essie and Valentina are sisters, all adopted into the Wynter family. This is Thea's story. The book opens with a car accident, involving a cyclist, but we don't know what happened until later in the book. Thea and Essie are now living on the Isle of Skye, both working at Rothach Hall. Thea is the head gardener and is quite happy in her quiet life. When someone recognizes her, they put a post on instagram about the reality star from a gardening show. This leads to a man who has been trying to find her showing up at Rothach Hall to try and get her to do appearances with him at an influencer convention. She wants no part of it. Add in that an old neighbour shares information with Valentina about her birth mother and that has Thea in a bit of a tizzy. Does he want to meet her birth mother? Why did she give her up, or away in Thea's view. There is also a man who works for a tabloid site, Dev, who is there to interview Thea, but when he gets to know her, falls in love with her instead. With so much going on in Thea's life, what is she going to do?
I was glad to read Thea's story, as it is the basis for the series. She may be the youngest, but she seems to have the most going on. One thing learned about is logophobia, fear of the written word. I had never heard of this before. I liked learning about Thea's adoptive parents throughout this story, with her meeting and talking to a friend of her mother's as well as newspaper clippings. I really liked Dev. He helped Thea with her research, and they had a great meet cute. Dev rescued a cute dog, that Thea names Daisy. She was drowning and he went in to save her. Thea keeps her and Daisy becomes an adorable guard dog. As Dev helps Thea do her research they become close, and a definite item, but of course there is a conflict that almost causes Dev and Thea to end their relationship. I loved the setting of this story and enjoyed how the plot played out. I was rooting for Dev and Thea, and I was happy with how this one turned out. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Helen McAlpine. This is the first time I have listened to this voice actress and I enjoyed her performance. I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
I was glad to read Thea's story, as it is the basis for the series. She may be the youngest, but she seems to have the most going on. One thing learned about is logophobia, fear of the written word. I had never heard of this before. I liked learning about Thea's adoptive parents throughout this story, with her meeting and talking to a friend of her mother's as well as newspaper clippings. I really liked Dev. He helped Thea with her research, and they had a great meet cute. Dev rescued a cute dog, that Thea names Daisy. She was drowning and he went in to save her. Thea keeps her and Daisy becomes an adorable guard dog. As Dev helps Thea do her research they become close, and a definite item, but of course there is a conflict that almost causes Dev and Thea to end their relationship. I loved the setting of this story and enjoyed how the plot played out. I was rooting for Dev and Thea, and I was happy with how this one turned out. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Helen McAlpine. This is the first time I have listened to this voice actress and I enjoyed her performance. I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
May 9, 2024
Thea Wynter is head gardener at Rothach Hall and enjoys her life, with days spent working hard in glorious gardens and evenings at the cosy village pub with her friends and sister. But Thea has a secret. She’s running from her old life and now it’s catching up with her while, at the same time, she meets a mysterious stranger who might be friend or foe.
The latest novel from the ever excellent Sue Moorcroft is the first book in the Skye Sisters trilogy (the first trilogy Moorcroft has embarked upon) and takes place, mostly, on the Isle of Skye. The isle plays a key role, in both this and (presumably) the next two books and Sue paints it wonderfully, from the views to the colours, from the roads to the buildings, making the place feel alive. The same can be said of her characters who, as always, spring off the page.
Thea is a conflicted woman, who tries to do the right thing but sometimes doesn’t, who adores her adopted sisters and parents, who’s been hurt in love but is trying to escape from a mistake she made years before, where a man was injured - his fault, not hers - but for which she managed to cop the blame of the public. Ezzie, who works at Rothach Hall, is equally well sketched, perhaps more vulnerable (as we later discover) but acting as a perfect foil for her younger sister. The eldest sister, Valentina, lives away from Skye and has less of a part to play here, so it’ll be interesting to see her story explored in another book. The sense of family that’s created, both blood and adopted, is sensitively explored and adds real weight to the emotions of the piece.
The characterisation is thorough and all of them - from the leads to the support - are relatable (even the ones who serves at the antagonists) and I quickly came to care for Thea and her situation, especially when family matters take a shift about halfway through. Dev, the romantic lead, is as conflicted as the object of his affections and that’s played out so well, you feel for him even knowing that the news will come out at some point - hey, it’s a Sue Moorcroft novel. There are always obstacles.
With some nicely-timed comic relief from Daisy the dog, who initially brings Thea and Dev together, a sure sense of place - both in Scotland and France - and a good pace, this is a cracking novel that shows Moorcroft on top form. I’m really looking forward to reading the stories of the other two sisters now.
The latest novel from the ever excellent Sue Moorcroft is the first book in the Skye Sisters trilogy (the first trilogy Moorcroft has embarked upon) and takes place, mostly, on the Isle of Skye. The isle plays a key role, in both this and (presumably) the next two books and Sue paints it wonderfully, from the views to the colours, from the roads to the buildings, making the place feel alive. The same can be said of her characters who, as always, spring off the page.
Thea is a conflicted woman, who tries to do the right thing but sometimes doesn’t, who adores her adopted sisters and parents, who’s been hurt in love but is trying to escape from a mistake she made years before, where a man was injured - his fault, not hers - but for which she managed to cop the blame of the public. Ezzie, who works at Rothach Hall, is equally well sketched, perhaps more vulnerable (as we later discover) but acting as a perfect foil for her younger sister. The eldest sister, Valentina, lives away from Skye and has less of a part to play here, so it’ll be interesting to see her story explored in another book. The sense of family that’s created, both blood and adopted, is sensitively explored and adds real weight to the emotions of the piece.
The characterisation is thorough and all of them - from the leads to the support - are relatable (even the ones who serves at the antagonists) and I quickly came to care for Thea and her situation, especially when family matters take a shift about halfway through. Dev, the romantic lead, is as conflicted as the object of his affections and that’s played out so well, you feel for him even knowing that the news will come out at some point - hey, it’s a Sue Moorcroft novel. There are always obstacles.
With some nicely-timed comic relief from Daisy the dog, who initially brings Thea and Dev together, a sure sense of place - both in Scotland and France - and a good pace, this is a cracking novel that shows Moorcroft on top form. I’m really looking forward to reading the stories of the other two sisters now.
July 15, 2024
Sue Moorcroft’s Under a Summer Skye is a romantic, engaging and enjoyable page-turner that will whisk you away.
Thea is desperate for a new beginning. After a series of wrong turns and false starts, she wants to leave the past behind. The second Thea arrives on the Isle of Skye, she feels at peace and as if she has at long last found everything she had been looking for. As the new head gardener at Rothach Hall, Thea spends her days working in the majestic clifftop garden and her evenings relaxing in the local cosy village. After a long period of uncertainty and instability, Thea has at long last found somewhere she truly belongs – until a chance encounter with a stranger from the mainland turns everything on its head…
Thea had come to the Isle of Skye to escape, but it seems that regardless of how far you run, the past will always find you. Forced to confront the truth about the family she has never met, secrets from her old life come to the fore that could imperil and jeopardise the future she had built on the Isle of Skye. Can Thea ever heal from old wounds and move forward with her life? Will she ever manage to find the happiness she has spent a lifetime seeking? Or is she doomed for a life full of heartbreak, disappointment and loneliness?
Sue Moorcroft is at the height of her storytelling powers with Under a Summer Skye. A spellbinding tale about healing, redemption and renewal, Under a Summer Skye is infused with humour, pathos, warmth and heart and is full of characters that will linger in your mind weeks after you’ve finished reading this book.
Feel-good, romantic and hugely enjoyable, Under a Summer Skye is another winner from much-loved writer Sue Moorcroft.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thea is desperate for a new beginning. After a series of wrong turns and false starts, she wants to leave the past behind. The second Thea arrives on the Isle of Skye, she feels at peace and as if she has at long last found everything she had been looking for. As the new head gardener at Rothach Hall, Thea spends her days working in the majestic clifftop garden and her evenings relaxing in the local cosy village. After a long period of uncertainty and instability, Thea has at long last found somewhere she truly belongs – until a chance encounter with a stranger from the mainland turns everything on its head…
Thea had come to the Isle of Skye to escape, but it seems that regardless of how far you run, the past will always find you. Forced to confront the truth about the family she has never met, secrets from her old life come to the fore that could imperil and jeopardise the future she had built on the Isle of Skye. Can Thea ever heal from old wounds and move forward with her life? Will she ever manage to find the happiness she has spent a lifetime seeking? Or is she doomed for a life full of heartbreak, disappointment and loneliness?
Sue Moorcroft is at the height of her storytelling powers with Under a Summer Skye. A spellbinding tale about healing, redemption and renewal, Under a Summer Skye is infused with humour, pathos, warmth and heart and is full of characters that will linger in your mind weeks after you’ve finished reading this book.
Feel-good, romantic and hugely enjoyable, Under a Summer Skye is another winner from much-loved writer Sue Moorcroft.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2024
Sue Moorcroft has once again penned a lovely, summery read, whisking readers away to the wild, and wonderful Isle of Skye. In this remote corner of Scotland, Thea Wynter has found a haven, working as head gardener at local manor house Rothach Hall. She escaped to Skye nine years earlier together with her sister Ezzie, following a brief TV career. The two are hiding a potentially devastating secret, but since they ran away to Skye, Thea has been feeling safe. That is, until a nasty website that asks ‘where are they now’ type questions discovers her whereabouts and her past catches up with her …
Former sports journalist Deveron Downie has reluctantly been working for that trashy website as he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Following his ex-wife’s and business partner’s betrayal, he has lost almost everything and is unsure of his future, until he starts a seasonal job at Rothach Hall and meets Thea. The attraction between them is undeniable and almost instantaneous, and grows the more time they spend together. But Dev also has a secret, one that could destroy Thea’s trust in him in one fell swoop. Is it better to keep quiet or confess?
As always in Sue Moorcroft’s stories, there are some serious issues raised – adoption, drink driving, criminal liability, the power of influencers and/or internet trolls, and much more. But underlying it all is a wonderful, heart-warming romance that has the reader rooting for Thea and Dev, and hoping they’ll be able to overcome the misunderstandings and get a new beginning.
I am now dying to visit Skye for myself. Although not the usual sun, sea and sand type holiday destination, it definitely sounds incredible and well worth the long journey required to get there. For those who prefer armchair travel, this story is also ideal and I loved it!
Former sports journalist Deveron Downie has reluctantly been working for that trashy website as he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Following his ex-wife’s and business partner’s betrayal, he has lost almost everything and is unsure of his future, until he starts a seasonal job at Rothach Hall and meets Thea. The attraction between them is undeniable and almost instantaneous, and grows the more time they spend together. But Dev also has a secret, one that could destroy Thea’s trust in him in one fell swoop. Is it better to keep quiet or confess?
As always in Sue Moorcroft’s stories, there are some serious issues raised – adoption, drink driving, criminal liability, the power of influencers and/or internet trolls, and much more. But underlying it all is a wonderful, heart-warming romance that has the reader rooting for Thea and Dev, and hoping they’ll be able to overcome the misunderstandings and get a new beginning.
I am now dying to visit Skye for myself. Although not the usual sun, sea and sand type holiday destination, it definitely sounds incredible and well worth the long journey required to get there. For those who prefer armchair travel, this story is also ideal and I loved it!
December 5, 2024
A Wonderful and Emotional Romance
I adored this book.
Set during a long summer in Scotland, the Isle of Skye, adopted sisters Essie and Thea work at Rothac Hall, a restored property owned by the Larsons from Norway.
Thea is head gardener and is awaiting arrival of a seasonal worker for interview when a man runs across the grounds and dives into water to rescue a skinny, bedraggled little doggie.
The man is Deveron - down on his luck he writes for a click bait site, Everyday Celebs. He's been sent to find Thea, involved in an accident with a cyclist nine years ago and leaving her job as a celebrity gardener.
The cyclist was at fault, but journalists can be vicious, as can the online audience.
She's being hounded by the cyclist, Greek, who is making a living with bike safety talks and blogs.
Dev immediately pretends to be the one there looking for work and ends up being hired.
There are plenty of secrets on both parts and we learn more about the three sisters, all adopted and the Larson family, as Dev, Thea and Daisy the dog bond.
There's a poignant back story for both main characters, laughter, an engaging series of events and a HEA.
I adored this book.
Set during a long summer in Scotland, the Isle of Skye, adopted sisters Essie and Thea work at Rothac Hall, a restored property owned by the Larsons from Norway.
Thea is head gardener and is awaiting arrival of a seasonal worker for interview when a man runs across the grounds and dives into water to rescue a skinny, bedraggled little doggie.
The man is Deveron - down on his luck he writes for a click bait site, Everyday Celebs. He's been sent to find Thea, involved in an accident with a cyclist nine years ago and leaving her job as a celebrity gardener.
The cyclist was at fault, but journalists can be vicious, as can the online audience.
She's being hounded by the cyclist, Greek, who is making a living with bike safety talks and blogs.
Dev immediately pretends to be the one there looking for work and ends up being hired.
There are plenty of secrets on both parts and we learn more about the three sisters, all adopted and the Larson family, as Dev, Thea and Daisy the dog bond.
There's a poignant back story for both main characters, laughter, an engaging series of events and a HEA.
July 7, 2024
This is the first book in the Skye Sisters Trilogy and tells the story of Thea who moved to the Isle of Skye with her sister Ezzie eight years ago. They have made a new life for themselves there on the quiet island where Thea works as head gardener but it’s not quiet for long when handsome stranger Dev arrives.
I enjoyed Thea’s story with her growing attraction to Dev and her strong sisterly bond with Ezzie.
Having just been to Skye this book whisked me back there and I am looking forward to book 2 in this series.
I enjoyed Thea’s story with her growing attraction to Dev and her strong sisterly bond with Ezzie.
Having just been to Skye this book whisked me back there and I am looking forward to book 2 in this series.
May 24, 2024
Sue Moorcroft - Under A Summer Skye.
(Book 1 in the Skye Sisters trilogy)
Welcome to a brand new series from Sue Moorcroft.
As the title suggests, the book is set on the idyllic isle of Skye.
The book begins with a dark and intriguing prologue, that reeled me in immediately.
Fast forward a number of years, and we catch up with tv gardener Thea. Thea now lives a quiet life out of the spotlight, as head gardener at Rothach Hall, on the Isle of Skye.
A peaceful working day is interrupted for Thea when she spots what appears to be a trespasser.
As Thea confronts Dev, his reason for being there is seemingly innocent.
He’s had his own rough journey in life, but what is his true motivation for being on the Isle Of Skye?
The past is soon calling and it could destroy Thea and other members of her family.
There are some wonderful and thought provoking threads to this story. Combined with a warm hearted community feel and a cute canine … what more could we ask for?
I adored this book. There is a colourful mix of characters who all spring into life from each page.
The plot is engaging and kept me reading late into the night.
#UnderASummerSkye is a cracking read! It’s full of warmth, heart, love, family, loyalty and all those special touches that make this a classic Sue Moorcroft novel.
I am not so patiently awaiting book 2 in this gorgeous trilogy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Book 1 in the Skye Sisters trilogy)
Welcome to a brand new series from Sue Moorcroft.
As the title suggests, the book is set on the idyllic isle of Skye.
The book begins with a dark and intriguing prologue, that reeled me in immediately.
Fast forward a number of years, and we catch up with tv gardener Thea. Thea now lives a quiet life out of the spotlight, as head gardener at Rothach Hall, on the Isle of Skye.
A peaceful working day is interrupted for Thea when she spots what appears to be a trespasser.
As Thea confronts Dev, his reason for being there is seemingly innocent.
He’s had his own rough journey in life, but what is his true motivation for being on the Isle Of Skye?
The past is soon calling and it could destroy Thea and other members of her family.
There are some wonderful and thought provoking threads to this story. Combined with a warm hearted community feel and a cute canine … what more could we ask for?
I adored this book. There is a colourful mix of characters who all spring into life from each page.
The plot is engaging and kept me reading late into the night.
#UnderASummerSkye is a cracking read! It’s full of warmth, heart, love, family, loyalty and all those special touches that make this a classic Sue Moorcroft novel.
I am not so patiently awaiting book 2 in this gorgeous trilogy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this love story. The book had me glued to every page. The description of Skye was outstanding I want to visit this beautiful island. The love story had its twists and turns and also provided an insight into how social media can be a force for stress and negative comments by some big ego self styled celebrities.
May 12, 2024
I do like a Sue Moorcroft book and I really enjoyed this one a great Summer read with plenty of loveable characters and as it's the first in a series I look forward to the next book
June 23, 2024
Overall a bit too slow of a pace for my preference but a good light hearted read with interesting elements of romance, family, and drama.
September 11, 2024
Strašné zlaté. Prostredie, obálka, milá atmosféra, samotný príbeh… Veeľmi pekné 🤍
September 15, 2024
Very enjoyable
Great story. Good pacing. And the setting is amazing. I look forward to reading more of S. Moorcroft's work. I would recommend this one highly.
Great story. Good pacing. And the setting is amazing. I look forward to reading more of S. Moorcroft's work. I would recommend this one highly.
November 26, 2024
It was ok gave up pretty fast on this
July 24, 2025
⭐️3.5!!!
June 14, 2024
Just a nice non offensive read, nothing crazy which I really liked. I loved how a dog was the main character and the description of the places was amazing. I feel like I have been to Skye when I haven’t.
May 20, 2024
Sue Moorcroft never lets you down and I thoroughly enjoyed this. Gardener Thea moves to the Isle of Skye with sister Ezzie to make a new life for herself. Deveron turns up at the Rothach Hall with an ulterior motive but soon finds himself questioning why he is really there. The descriptions of Skye, the hall, the village and all the characters makes you feel that you’re actually there. I got totally invested and lost in this the more I read and finding myself changing my thoughts on each character. This isn’t just a romantic read, it is escapism with twists and turns. Loved it! Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for the ARC
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