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Knjigarna na Maldivih
A dream job, two handsome men, one destructive act. Will Freya's opportunity of a lifetime end in tears?
When Freya leaves her publishing job in London to be a barefoot bookseller in the Maldives, it's the push she needs to move on from her sadness and reignite her passion for life.
While resort owner Zander is charming, it's handsome dive instructor Aaron who befriends her when she needs it most. But all is not what it seems and there's trouble brewing in paradise.
Taking a chance on happiness is harder than she imagined. Can Freya let go of her heartache and allow herself to fall in love again?
When Freya leaves her publishing job in London to be a barefoot bookseller in the Maldives, it's the push she needs to move on from her sadness and reignite her passion for life.
While resort owner Zander is charming, it's handsome dive instructor Aaron who befriends her when she needs it most. But all is not what it seems and there's trouble brewing in paradise.
Taking a chance on happiness is harder than she imagined. Can Freya let go of her heartache and allow herself to fall in love again?
235 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2024
About the author
Kate Frost
29 books211 followersKate Frost has wanted to be an author ever since she wrote her first novel during the long months she spent off school following open heart surgery when she was seven. The novel was called London's Burning and was a time travel story set during the Great Fire of London.
Over the years Kate has worked in a cinema, a bookshop, a factory and as a part time lecturer at Bath Spa University teaching lifewriting to Creative Writing undergraduates. She's also worked as ground staff at Edgebaston Tennis Tournament, as a Virgin Vie consultant and as a Supporting Artist in the films Vanity Fair, King Arthur and The Duchess.
Kate has a MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has had articles and short stories published in The London Magazine, New Welsh Review and QWF. She now works as a freelance writer/author and lives in the UK with her husband, her son and their dog.
Over the years Kate has worked in a cinema, a bookshop, a factory and as a part time lecturer at Bath Spa University teaching lifewriting to Creative Writing undergraduates. She's also worked as ground staff at Edgebaston Tennis Tournament, as a Virgin Vie consultant and as a Supporting Artist in the films Vanity Fair, King Arthur and The Duchess.
Kate has a MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has had articles and short stories published in The London Magazine, New Welsh Review and QWF. She now works as a freelance writer/author and lives in the UK with her husband, her son and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 22, 2021
Sun. Sand. Book in hand. This book was truly the perfect escape! What more could a book loving, beach loving girl want then a barefoot book shop in the middle of a tropical paradise? I am seriously ready to pack my bags and head to the Maldives! Freya is in need of a change of scenery after going through some dark moments in her life. When she sees an ad for the opportunity to run a barefoot book shop in paradise she is excited, but a little apprehensive. Her energetic personality and experience as an editor makes her the perfect candidate and she is selected from over 20,000 other applicants for the job. When she gets to the Maldives she is instantly in love with the Islands beauty, and charmed buy a couple gorgeous men. When reading the blurb to this book I was hesitant because I’m not always a huge fan of a love triangle. However, this was a love triangle done well. Freya was a very likable sympathetic character. I completely related to her love for Books and this gorgeous setting. I also felt for her and what she’s been through. I was very happy with the direction the book took and pleased with her choice for love. This is the perfect summer read, a little vacay in a book.
This book in emojis: 📚 🌴 👙 🤿 🏝 🍸
This book in emojis: 📚 🌴 👙 🤿 🏝 🍸
June 19, 2021
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for very kindly forwarding me a copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
This book was set in the most perfect destination - the Maldives - and it was just the kind of escapism that i needed at the moment!
I absolutely loved the author’s writing style and her descriptions of the island definitely brought it to life.
I loved everything about this book, from the down-to-earth characters to the most wonderful storyline, it was just a pleasure to read…
This book was set in the most perfect destination - the Maldives - and it was just the kind of escapism that i needed at the moment!
I absolutely loved the author’s writing style and her descriptions of the island definitely brought it to life.
I loved everything about this book, from the down-to-earth characters to the most wonderful storyline, it was just a pleasure to read…
July 8, 2021
Set in the Maldives…reading a book based there is the only way I’m getting a visit to the Maldives in these Covid times!!!
Easy quick read that I enjoyed - I could visualise where I’d planned to spend my 50th birthday celebrations!!
Easy quick read that I enjoyed - I could visualise where I’d planned to spend my 50th birthday celebrations!!
April 10, 2021
Love Island . . .
Freya goes to the Maldives to be a bookshop manager and to give her more passion for life. The resort owner Zander Cohen is charming. But Freya is attracted most to the handsome dive instructor Aaron. They flirt and kiss on the beach, and he invites her to his home for an authentic visit to see how the native people live. They stay at his mother’s home, and he sneaks into Freya’s room that night then leaves later. But Aaron’s sister and friend and their children are at the house. And Freya is informed that the “friend” his Aaron’s ex-girlfriend and the little boy running around is his son! She probably could have gotten over the shock that he hadn’t told her he had a son. But he said he doubted the child was his and he totally ignored the little boy. That was something she couldn’t accept. They hardly spoke on the entire trip back to their jobs.
Something is not right, however. When Freya forgets to take her reading book with her and returns to get it so she can read and relax before bedtime, she sees a fire and yells to Aaron to get help. A guard heard and the alarm was raised, but Aaron never came back. What is going on? When Zander takes her to his home to recuperate from smoke inhalation, she sees another side of him that is warm and caring. What will the future bring? And is there still danger she needs to be watching out for, or is it only danger to her heart?
Freya goes to the Maldives to be a bookshop manager and to give her more passion for life. The resort owner Zander Cohen is charming. But Freya is attracted most to the handsome dive instructor Aaron. They flirt and kiss on the beach, and he invites her to his home for an authentic visit to see how the native people live. They stay at his mother’s home, and he sneaks into Freya’s room that night then leaves later. But Aaron’s sister and friend and their children are at the house. And Freya is informed that the “friend” his Aaron’s ex-girlfriend and the little boy running around is his son! She probably could have gotten over the shock that he hadn’t told her he had a son. But he said he doubted the child was his and he totally ignored the little boy. That was something she couldn’t accept. They hardly spoke on the entire trip back to their jobs.
Something is not right, however. When Freya forgets to take her reading book with her and returns to get it so she can read and relax before bedtime, she sees a fire and yells to Aaron to get help. A guard heard and the alarm was raised, but Aaron never came back. What is going on? When Zander takes her to his home to recuperate from smoke inhalation, she sees another side of him that is warm and caring. What will the future bring? And is there still danger she needs to be watching out for, or is it only danger to her heart?
March 22, 2021
Over the past couple of years I have seen an advert on Facebook for a one year's position at a bookshop in the Maldives and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity, if only I had the relevant experience.
So the second I saw this book, read the blurb and realised it was based on a real life premise I was even more excited to read it.
For the Maldives is like a dream idyllic destination, but completely out of my price range, so being able to transport myself there via The Love Island Bookshop was amazing.
All the descriptions of life on the island, and of the various Maldives islands that have been mentioned match up to the many pictures I've see of the destination and I could picture it all so vibrantly in my mind.
And the job itself that Freya lands is perfect for her, and I loved seeing everything through her eyes. But she has her own reasons for wanting to leave her life in the UK behind for at least 9 months, and once it was revealed, there were some scenes that were incredibly emotional.
I really felt for Freya, and really connected with her character. And wow there are some gorgeous men in this island paradise, and although I had an inkling very early on as to who Freya may end up with, I was second guessing myself for at least half the book that I may have backed the wrong horse, so to speak!
This is escapist, arm chair travel and romance at its very best, and I really can't fault anything about the book other than I reached the end. I was loving this sun drenched paradise that almost never appears in the books I read, the various characters and their storylines, and well it features booklovers, a book shop, golden sands, bright blue oceans, some drama, some emotion and just well it's perfect.
It was a wonderful way to transport my mind away from the pandemic back to happier times, as I was thinking of my own holiday to Mauritius while I was reading as that is another Indian Ocean island so closest I've come to this sort of location. And this was exactly what I needed, just brilliant!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
So the second I saw this book, read the blurb and realised it was based on a real life premise I was even more excited to read it.
For the Maldives is like a dream idyllic destination, but completely out of my price range, so being able to transport myself there via The Love Island Bookshop was amazing.
All the descriptions of life on the island, and of the various Maldives islands that have been mentioned match up to the many pictures I've see of the destination and I could picture it all so vibrantly in my mind.
And the job itself that Freya lands is perfect for her, and I loved seeing everything through her eyes. But she has her own reasons for wanting to leave her life in the UK behind for at least 9 months, and once it was revealed, there were some scenes that were incredibly emotional.
I really felt for Freya, and really connected with her character. And wow there are some gorgeous men in this island paradise, and although I had an inkling very early on as to who Freya may end up with, I was second guessing myself for at least half the book that I may have backed the wrong horse, so to speak!
This is escapist, arm chair travel and romance at its very best, and I really can't fault anything about the book other than I reached the end. I was loving this sun drenched paradise that almost never appears in the books I read, the various characters and their storylines, and well it features booklovers, a book shop, golden sands, bright blue oceans, some drama, some emotion and just well it's perfect.
It was a wonderful way to transport my mind away from the pandemic back to happier times, as I was thinking of my own holiday to Mauritius while I was reading as that is another Indian Ocean island so closest I've come to this sort of location. And this was exactly what I needed, just brilliant!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 6, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
June 20, 2021
If there’s one thing that I like doing, it’s discovering new authors. Kate Frost is certainly a new author for me. Having enjoyed reading ‘The Love Island Bookshop’ as much as I did, I am now a bit peeved that I haven’t discovered her work before now. I loved reading ‘The Love Island Bookshop’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Freya and I warmed to her from the start. It didn’t take long for me as though she had become a friend of mine. In truth I was also slightly jealous of her as she ends up with one of the jobs I would love to have – the manager of a bookshop. It takes guts to do what Freya did and up sticks and move to the Maldives. She leaves everything she knows to create a new life for herself somewhere new. Starting a new life doesn’t faze Freya at all as she is used to travelling and her parents live overseas so she is used to long flights. Freya is a lovely young lass, who really does deserve to have a ‘happy ever after ending’. Freya also has potential love interests on the horizon. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘The Love Island Bookshop’. In fact as soon as I got to the bottom of the first page, I knew that I was in for a treat. This was just the book I needed to read at the moment and it allowed me to escape real life for a while. I would pick this book up only intending to read for half an hour but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over two hours later. This was one of those books that you were desperate to finish because you needed to know how the story ended but you were enjoying the characters and the story so much that you just didn’t want the book to end. I found ‘The Love Island Bookshop’ to be a delightful story from start to finish and pure escapism. In fact this book would be perfect to read on a summer holiday.
‘The Love Island Bookshop’ is really well written. Kate certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. For me, the story started with a bang with Freya’s realisation that something has to change in her life and from then on the story continues at a fairly steady pace. I love the really vivid and realistic way in which Kate describes The Maldives. She describes it so well that I was all ready to pack a suitcase and try to get there myself. I am not usually one for the sunshine destinations (ginger hair + sun = very painful sunburn) but in this case I would gladly make an exception. I love the warm way in which Kate describes her characters and she really does make them seem just as real as you and I. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that’s thanks to Kate’s very realistic storytelling.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘The Love Island Bookshop’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kate’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I loved the character of Freya and I warmed to her from the start. It didn’t take long for me as though she had become a friend of mine. In truth I was also slightly jealous of her as she ends up with one of the jobs I would love to have – the manager of a bookshop. It takes guts to do what Freya did and up sticks and move to the Maldives. She leaves everything she knows to create a new life for herself somewhere new. Starting a new life doesn’t faze Freya at all as she is used to travelling and her parents live overseas so she is used to long flights. Freya is a lovely young lass, who really does deserve to have a ‘happy ever after ending’. Freya also has potential love interests on the horizon. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘The Love Island Bookshop’. In fact as soon as I got to the bottom of the first page, I knew that I was in for a treat. This was just the book I needed to read at the moment and it allowed me to escape real life for a while. I would pick this book up only intending to read for half an hour but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over two hours later. This was one of those books that you were desperate to finish because you needed to know how the story ended but you were enjoying the characters and the story so much that you just didn’t want the book to end. I found ‘The Love Island Bookshop’ to be a delightful story from start to finish and pure escapism. In fact this book would be perfect to read on a summer holiday.
‘The Love Island Bookshop’ is really well written. Kate certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. For me, the story started with a bang with Freya’s realisation that something has to change in her life and from then on the story continues at a fairly steady pace. I love the really vivid and realistic way in which Kate describes The Maldives. She describes it so well that I was all ready to pack a suitcase and try to get there myself. I am not usually one for the sunshine destinations (ginger hair + sun = very painful sunburn) but in this case I would gladly make an exception. I love the warm way in which Kate describes her characters and she really does make them seem just as real as you and I. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that’s thanks to Kate’s very realistic storytelling.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘The Love Island Bookshop’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kate’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
February 2, 2023
Another spectacular gem of a book from Kate Frost! I love the setting in the Maldives, and - even though I’m not much of a beach person myself - now I feel like I need to visit! Hopefully I can find myself a bookshop on the beach…
A solid 5 stars for this stunning Maldivian travel romance escape.
Freya works for a publishing company in London, but after tragedy followed by a painful breakup she is looking for a change. Her friend Aisha encourages her to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to be a barefoot bookseller at an island bookshop at a luxury resort in the Maldives!
Freya soon finds herself in the tropical luxury of Loabi Fushi (“Love Island”), an exclusive island resort owned by former boy band star Zander Cohen. There she meets her new friend and flatmate (and massage therapist extraordinaire) Drew and devilishly handsome dive instructor Aaron. However, not everything on Love Island is magical, and Freya finds herself revisited by drama, lies and betrayal.
This book was hot 🔥 (the Maldives aren’t exactly cold, duh), with a wonderful insight into the two sides of the Maldives - the luxury, foreign investment, honeymooner side vs the local, down-to-earth, peaceful living side.
Definitely an excellent read to enjoy when it’s chilly outside!
A solid 5 stars for this stunning Maldivian travel romance escape.
Freya works for a publishing company in London, but after tragedy followed by a painful breakup she is looking for a change. Her friend Aisha encourages her to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to be a barefoot bookseller at an island bookshop at a luxury resort in the Maldives!
Freya soon finds herself in the tropical luxury of Loabi Fushi (“Love Island”), an exclusive island resort owned by former boy band star Zander Cohen. There she meets her new friend and flatmate (and massage therapist extraordinaire) Drew and devilishly handsome dive instructor Aaron. However, not everything on Love Island is magical, and Freya finds herself revisited by drama, lies and betrayal.
This book was hot 🔥 (the Maldives aren’t exactly cold, duh), with a wonderful insight into the two sides of the Maldives - the luxury, foreign investment, honeymooner side vs the local, down-to-earth, peaceful living side.
Definitely an excellent read to enjoy when it’s chilly outside!
February 3, 2023
I have purposefully been searching for feel-good escapist novels and I was immediately drawn to the title of The Love Island Bookshop. All the words elicit things that make me feel good: love, travel and a bookshop.
Freya works in London and is feeling overwhelmed by work and life.
The Maldives is a dream location for many people, and one that I would love to go to.
Freya arrives in the island paradise determined to start afresh in life and love.
Books are a comfort and passion of hers. Selling them in Paradise may provide an income for her, but what about matters of the heart?
She meets two hunks: Zander, the resort owner and Aaron, a dive instructor. Who will be the perfect match? Will any of them be?
I was cheering Freya on in her exploits and loved the banter and suspense over who she may end up with. The island was stunning and the visuals were so strong that I could imagine myself there. The plot is incredibly immersive.
The Love Island Bookshop is a heady mix of sun, sea books and love and had me hooked from the first page to the last.
Thanks to Kate Frost and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
The Love Island Bookshop is my first novel by Kate Frost, and it certainly will not be my last! I am keen to catch up with the rest of the A Romantic Escape series as this is the fifth book and I know I am coming into the series late.
That said, this novel is completely absorbing.
Thanks to Kate Frost, Lemon Tree Press and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 sparkling summer stars
Freya works in London and is feeling overwhelmed by work and life.
The Maldives is a dream location for many people, and one that I would love to go to.
Freya arrives in the island paradise determined to start afresh in life and love.
Books are a comfort and passion of hers. Selling them in Paradise may provide an income for her, but what about matters of the heart?
She meets two hunks: Zander, the resort owner and Aaron, a dive instructor. Who will be the perfect match? Will any of them be?
I was cheering Freya on in her exploits and loved the banter and suspense over who she may end up with. The island was stunning and the visuals were so strong that I could imagine myself there. The plot is incredibly immersive.
The Love Island Bookshop is a heady mix of sun, sea books and love and had me hooked from the first page to the last.
Thanks to Kate Frost and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
The Love Island Bookshop is my first novel by Kate Frost, and it certainly will not be my last! I am keen to catch up with the rest of the A Romantic Escape series as this is the fifth book and I know I am coming into the series late.
That said, this novel is completely absorbing.
Thanks to Kate Frost, Lemon Tree Press and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 sparkling summer stars
July 24, 2024
Engaging Compelling Intriguing
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romantic/Adventure
The Love Island Book Shop by Kate Frost - Author 🏝
Books had been her companion throughout her life. Brought up as virtually an only child, with parents who had clearly found the restraints of a second child constraining, reading had been her main pass time and a way to escape the loneliness. She’d had a best friend from the age of seven who had been like a sister for a large chunk of her life, but that had been unexpectedly and cruelly taken from her. Owen hadn’t been much of a support at all during the excruciatingly heart-breaking time that followed and all she really had left were once again, her many works of literature, plus her job,, where more of the same awaited, although she actually loved it…and, there was of course, Aisha. Maybe the newspaper advert was a sign, telling her that it was time for a new start somewhere she could get away from all the complications, disappointments and sadness that life in the UK had thrown at her in the recent past. After all, she imagined a much easier existence, certainly none of the difficulties that had been brought to her life since that day just after her 28th birthday, the last birthday that she had known any joy in her insular, monotonous world…..no, just her, sand, sea and her faithful friends, ‘books’, would be perfect….. 🌊🏖 📚
After absorbing myself in a number of books that hadn’t necessarily been my comfort zone, but I was keen to challenge myself to read, I knew that a Kate Frost novel was without doubt my next option. Her writing has such a gentle, relaxing and easy quality to it and I love that her books that I have read thus far, are set in an array of countries with a beautiful climate. Just what I need when it is a miserable UK day! 🌥
Kate’s stories are about people and the instability and unpredictability of life, with a little romance, and always set
against a wonderful backdrop of sun and sea or ice, snow and cosiness. ☀️🌊🧊❄
Freya has been through a lot in a very short space of time in her relatively young life. She comes across as an extremely strong young woman, having had to deal with so much, without
the parental nurturing that was still very much needed at her age, and even more so when it had been absent for sovery long, maybe even forever, and certainly in the face of such tragedy. It struck me how good a friend she had in Aisha to suggest the job, obviously acknowledging how events in Freya’s life had left her, even though it would mean being apart from her for a considerable amount of time. Although I suspect that the fact that her friend would be working for Aisha’s teen pop idol, had quite a lot to do with it. Realising that things are unlikely to improve for her if she stays where she is, Freya is brave and strong enough to make the change she so desperately craves.
If Freya was hoping that she wouldn’t encounter any of the problems that had plagued her at home, she hadn’t reckoned on meeting Aaron. At first he seems like the perfect boyfriend material, but quickly changes attitude when too much is revealed about him to Freya by a person who it wouldn’t have been unreasonable to assume, wouldn’t have done that to him. Was it done to deliberately scare off his new love interest, or just part of a harmless ‘family’ gathering? My money would go on the first, as she didn't seem like someone who acted in the way she should, given her association to Aaron. But, maybe her guarded attitude is influenced by past events. When the actions that Aaron takes to get rid of Freya backfire, making him angry, I felt that Aaron had long since admitted to himself, that he had been incorrect in his assumptions originally made with regards to Zahida and Zander, but he didn't want to lose face, and he therefore throws another accusation at his boss, to further sure up in his own mind, that his actions are justified. I was impressed with the way he climbed that tree though! 🔥 🪟 🌳
I found Zander a bit unsettling initially, maybe influenced by Freya’s take on him, based on all that she had seen in the media about him whilst she was growing up. The solitary candle lit dinner would have rung alarm bells to me and I wondered if he was going to try and take advantage of the situation, but in previous novels of Kate’s that I have read, that doesn’t seem to be the direction in which she would take that particular scenario. He continues to be the perfect gentleman, however, from Freya’s first meeting with Zander, he does appear to have a very different agenda with his new employee, and to begin with, this felt as suspicious to me as it did to Freya. 🍽 🕯
It was heart warming that Freya enjoyed such a close bond with Drew. I felt that she needed that connection after what had happened back in the UK. 👱♀️👩🏼
The ending was a wonderful way to wrap up this story, allowing the reader to catch up with characters from past chapters and give a lovely conclusion to Freya’s story where all her dreams
are realised and more! 🕍 💰
Kate’s novels are a fabulous escapism. Her writing is so vivid, it allows you to go to that place in your head and watch the narrative as it unfolds, she brings life to her (mostly likeable) characters, and provides suspense, humour and just the right amount of spice. 📖
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romantic/Adventure
The Love Island Book Shop by Kate Frost - Author 🏝
Books had been her companion throughout her life. Brought up as virtually an only child, with parents who had clearly found the restraints of a second child constraining, reading had been her main pass time and a way to escape the loneliness. She’d had a best friend from the age of seven who had been like a sister for a large chunk of her life, but that had been unexpectedly and cruelly taken from her. Owen hadn’t been much of a support at all during the excruciatingly heart-breaking time that followed and all she really had left were once again, her many works of literature, plus her job,, where more of the same awaited, although she actually loved it…and, there was of course, Aisha. Maybe the newspaper advert was a sign, telling her that it was time for a new start somewhere she could get away from all the complications, disappointments and sadness that life in the UK had thrown at her in the recent past. After all, she imagined a much easier existence, certainly none of the difficulties that had been brought to her life since that day just after her 28th birthday, the last birthday that she had known any joy in her insular, monotonous world…..no, just her, sand, sea and her faithful friends, ‘books’, would be perfect….. 🌊🏖 📚
After absorbing myself in a number of books that hadn’t necessarily been my comfort zone, but I was keen to challenge myself to read, I knew that a Kate Frost novel was without doubt my next option. Her writing has such a gentle, relaxing and easy quality to it and I love that her books that I have read thus far, are set in an array of countries with a beautiful climate. Just what I need when it is a miserable UK day! 🌥
Kate’s stories are about people and the instability and unpredictability of life, with a little romance, and always set
against a wonderful backdrop of sun and sea or ice, snow and cosiness. ☀️🌊🧊❄
Freya has been through a lot in a very short space of time in her relatively young life. She comes across as an extremely strong young woman, having had to deal with so much, without
the parental nurturing that was still very much needed at her age, and even more so when it had been absent for sovery long, maybe even forever, and certainly in the face of such tragedy. It struck me how good a friend she had in Aisha to suggest the job, obviously acknowledging how events in Freya’s life had left her, even though it would mean being apart from her for a considerable amount of time. Although I suspect that the fact that her friend would be working for Aisha’s teen pop idol, had quite a lot to do with it. Realising that things are unlikely to improve for her if she stays where she is, Freya is brave and strong enough to make the change she so desperately craves.
If Freya was hoping that she wouldn’t encounter any of the problems that had plagued her at home, she hadn’t reckoned on meeting Aaron. At first he seems like the perfect boyfriend material, but quickly changes attitude when too much is revealed about him to Freya by a person who it wouldn’t have been unreasonable to assume, wouldn’t have done that to him. Was it done to deliberately scare off his new love interest, or just part of a harmless ‘family’ gathering? My money would go on the first, as she didn't seem like someone who acted in the way she should, given her association to Aaron. But, maybe her guarded attitude is influenced by past events. When the actions that Aaron takes to get rid of Freya backfire, making him angry, I felt that Aaron had long since admitted to himself, that he had been incorrect in his assumptions originally made with regards to Zahida and Zander, but he didn't want to lose face, and he therefore throws another accusation at his boss, to further sure up in his own mind, that his actions are justified. I was impressed with the way he climbed that tree though! 🔥 🪟 🌳
I found Zander a bit unsettling initially, maybe influenced by Freya’s take on him, based on all that she had seen in the media about him whilst she was growing up. The solitary candle lit dinner would have rung alarm bells to me and I wondered if he was going to try and take advantage of the situation, but in previous novels of Kate’s that I have read, that doesn’t seem to be the direction in which she would take that particular scenario. He continues to be the perfect gentleman, however, from Freya’s first meeting with Zander, he does appear to have a very different agenda with his new employee, and to begin with, this felt as suspicious to me as it did to Freya. 🍽 🕯
It was heart warming that Freya enjoyed such a close bond with Drew. I felt that she needed that connection after what had happened back in the UK. 👱♀️👩🏼
The ending was a wonderful way to wrap up this story, allowing the reader to catch up with characters from past chapters and give a lovely conclusion to Freya’s story where all her dreams
are realised and more! 🕍 💰
Kate’s novels are a fabulous escapism. Her writing is so vivid, it allows you to go to that place in your head and watch the narrative as it unfolds, she brings life to her (mostly likeable) characters, and provides suspense, humour and just the right amount of spice. 📖
June 14, 2021
I am sure I am not the only book lover who saw the job advertisement for someone to run a book shop on a tropical island a few years ago and thought it was their dream job. I even thought seriously for a few moments about ditching my OH and the kids and applying anyway, then reality reasserted itself and I filed it away as a lovely daydream. Kate Frost took a different route and used it as inspiration for a book. A book through which I now get to live out my fantasy of running that bookshop in paradise.
Here we are whisked away to the Maldives, where Freya is the lucky person from thousands who has been hired by a handsome and wealthy resort owner to run a ‘barefoot bookshop’ at his luxurious couples-only hotel. It really is a dream come true, but Freya is also running away from problems in her life back home, and we all know how well that usually works! Of course, new friends, and attractive dive instructor, Aaron, may provide the distractions she needs.
Freya is very relatable as a character (aside from being the lucky one to get the job of a lifetime!) and I really felt for her and the pain she was in for various reasons. Of course, running away was never going to solve them, but it’s a glorious excuse to explore the idea of a bookshop in paradise, and her problems are very real nonetheless. The book was perhaps more serious in tone than I had been anticipating from the blurb and the cover, but this did not diminish my enjoyment of it.
The romance aspects play out quite quickly, and the book provides two very different, and enticing, love interests for Freya. There are surprising twists and turns along the way which kept me interested, and I didn’t see some of the events which happened coming. Again, there are some quite serious things that happen, that take this book out of the realm of the light and fluffy romcom. Having not read any of Kate’s previous Romantic Escape’s novels, I wasn’t aware of exactly where her books fell in the romance genre, I am sure her fans will know what to expect. For other readers, this book is a well-written romance novel, but not a romcom.
If I had a minor niggle, I probably would have liked more description of time spent in actually running the bookshop, as that concept was what attracted me to the book, but that would be a very minor niggle. What is done brilliantly is the descriptions of the resort in the Maldives, I had a really clear image of the whole island in my mind from what was written on the page and, if a trip to the Maldives doesn’t make it on to your bucket list after reading this, you are an odd fish!
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Love Island Bookshop, to the extent that, as soon as I finished it, I downloaded The Baobab Beach Retreat to my Kindle. (If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, as I am, all of Kate’s Romantic Escapes books are currently included in your subscription.) I really enjoyed her plotting, her characterisation and her voice and am keen to read more.
A perfect read for anyone who wants to go armchair travelling this summer, in place of an actual overseas holiday (which looks like most of us at this stage!). Highly recommended.
Here we are whisked away to the Maldives, where Freya is the lucky person from thousands who has been hired by a handsome and wealthy resort owner to run a ‘barefoot bookshop’ at his luxurious couples-only hotel. It really is a dream come true, but Freya is also running away from problems in her life back home, and we all know how well that usually works! Of course, new friends, and attractive dive instructor, Aaron, may provide the distractions she needs.
Freya is very relatable as a character (aside from being the lucky one to get the job of a lifetime!) and I really felt for her and the pain she was in for various reasons. Of course, running away was never going to solve them, but it’s a glorious excuse to explore the idea of a bookshop in paradise, and her problems are very real nonetheless. The book was perhaps more serious in tone than I had been anticipating from the blurb and the cover, but this did not diminish my enjoyment of it.
The romance aspects play out quite quickly, and the book provides two very different, and enticing, love interests for Freya. There are surprising twists and turns along the way which kept me interested, and I didn’t see some of the events which happened coming. Again, there are some quite serious things that happen, that take this book out of the realm of the light and fluffy romcom. Having not read any of Kate’s previous Romantic Escape’s novels, I wasn’t aware of exactly where her books fell in the romance genre, I am sure her fans will know what to expect. For other readers, this book is a well-written romance novel, but not a romcom.
If I had a minor niggle, I probably would have liked more description of time spent in actually running the bookshop, as that concept was what attracted me to the book, but that would be a very minor niggle. What is done brilliantly is the descriptions of the resort in the Maldives, I had a really clear image of the whole island in my mind from what was written on the page and, if a trip to the Maldives doesn’t make it on to your bucket list after reading this, you are an odd fish!
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Love Island Bookshop, to the extent that, as soon as I finished it, I downloaded The Baobab Beach Retreat to my Kindle. (If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, as I am, all of Kate’s Romantic Escapes books are currently included in your subscription.) I really enjoyed her plotting, her characterisation and her voice and am keen to read more.
A perfect read for anyone who wants to go armchair travelling this summer, in place of an actual overseas holiday (which looks like most of us at this stage!). Highly recommended.
June 20, 2021
It’s a no-brainer. Stay in the crowded and hectic city of London where she can’t move on emotionally from the loss of her best friend or escape to a beautiful island in the Maldives and follow her dream to manage a barefoot bookshop. With a passion for books and a need to get away, Freya is chosen from thousands of applicants as she starts a new chapter in her life to find peace and solitude.
As Freya adjusts to her decadent life as the new barefoot bookseller of Love Island she realizes it would be hard to go back to London after her nine-month contract. She has made new friends with the island staff, particularly her warm and gregarious roommate Drew, and the handsome and charming dive instructor, Aaron who she is developing feelings for. And then there is her handsome boss, Zander Cohen, the infamous multi-millionaire former boy band member, and resort mogul. Her original perception of Zander was of a wealthy arrogant womanizer who the media wanted her to see, but as she spent more time with him to get the bookshop up and running she discovered his passion for books and his lonely existence that equaled hers.
The relationship between Freya and Aaron develops fairly quickly which didn’t seem credible to me. Especially, when he takes her to meet his mother after just a few weeks. And, that meeting does not go well at all because Aaron keeps a secret from her that changes everything. If that isn’t enough, her beloved bookshop is burned down by an unexpected arsonist which brings her to the brink of her sorrow. She has lost so much including her friend, Amber, her ex-Owen who did not understand her grief, her relationship with Aaron who lied to her, the bookshop, and now possibly her job. But Zander helps her through her grief and listens to her story as he opens up to her about his rise to fame and fortune while dealing with loss and friendlessness. In addition, he sets up a makeshift bookshop for her to manage while the original one is rebuilt. Their relationship blossoms as they find comfort in each other’s company while dispelling the loneliness they endured in the past.
I love the idea of having a cozy bookshop on a beautiful island with book-themed cocktail events. It’s a book lover’s dream.
I recommend this lovely novel to book lovers who enjoy beautiful places and uplifting stories.
Thank you to Ms. Frost for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
As Freya adjusts to her decadent life as the new barefoot bookseller of Love Island she realizes it would be hard to go back to London after her nine-month contract. She has made new friends with the island staff, particularly her warm and gregarious roommate Drew, and the handsome and charming dive instructor, Aaron who she is developing feelings for. And then there is her handsome boss, Zander Cohen, the infamous multi-millionaire former boy band member, and resort mogul. Her original perception of Zander was of a wealthy arrogant womanizer who the media wanted her to see, but as she spent more time with him to get the bookshop up and running she discovered his passion for books and his lonely existence that equaled hers.
The relationship between Freya and Aaron develops fairly quickly which didn’t seem credible to me. Especially, when he takes her to meet his mother after just a few weeks. And, that meeting does not go well at all because Aaron keeps a secret from her that changes everything. If that isn’t enough, her beloved bookshop is burned down by an unexpected arsonist which brings her to the brink of her sorrow. She has lost so much including her friend, Amber, her ex-Owen who did not understand her grief, her relationship with Aaron who lied to her, the bookshop, and now possibly her job. But Zander helps her through her grief and listens to her story as he opens up to her about his rise to fame and fortune while dealing with loss and friendlessness. In addition, he sets up a makeshift bookshop for her to manage while the original one is rebuilt. Their relationship blossoms as they find comfort in each other’s company while dispelling the loneliness they endured in the past.
I love the idea of having a cozy bookshop on a beautiful island with book-themed cocktail events. It’s a book lover’s dream.
I recommend this lovely novel to book lovers who enjoy beautiful places and uplifting stories.
Thank you to Ms. Frost for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
July 16, 2021
Freya makes a huge life decision - to quit her job and leave behind everything she knows for a job that is coveted by many - a barefoot bookseller on a luxurious island in the Maldives. What's not to love?! I know that would be my dream job (although my husband and sons may have something to say about me running off to the Maldives for a few months!). With no ties keeping her in London and a job offer on the table, Freya is soon on a plane, leaving behind the grey humdrum, and heading towards paradise.
On her arrival, Freya finds herself in a luxurious island resort, where she, and she alone, will be responsible for the set up and launch of a bookshop in the most idyllic location. The resort owner Zander, former boyband member with a reputation, puts his faith in her to realise his dream of owning an exclusive bookshop in paradise, adding yet another piece of luxury to his already luxurious resort. Zander is direct, with a very clear vision of what he wants. He doesn't suffer fools lightly, and Freya finds herself working hard to meet his goals and please him.
In contrast, Aaron, a dive instructor at the resort, is laid back and easy going. She quickly finds herself building a friendship with him at a time when she could have become lonely, despite the friendly staff and beautiful location.
Two very different men, one beautiful island and a dream job - something many of us can only dream about! Naturally none of it is plain sailing, and it would be boring if it was! Kate Frost has created a wonderful character in Freya. It would be easy to be jealous of Freya, however the way she has been written means that you find yourself rooting for her - you want the island, the job, and the relationships she forms to work out for her. Zander and Aaron are also both great characters in completely different ways - character progression is clear for them both, and i really enjoyed following them both. There are some twists in the novel that really work, and they certainly took me by surprise! It would also be remiss of me not to mention the location - Kate really brings to life the stunning, tropical location. She almost made me believe i was there!
I am more than happy to recommend this novel - it's a great piece of escapism, and perfect for a summer read. So grab a copy, your sunglasses and a chilled glass of bubbles and lose yourself in the Maldives with Freya!
On her arrival, Freya finds herself in a luxurious island resort, where she, and she alone, will be responsible for the set up and launch of a bookshop in the most idyllic location. The resort owner Zander, former boyband member with a reputation, puts his faith in her to realise his dream of owning an exclusive bookshop in paradise, adding yet another piece of luxury to his already luxurious resort. Zander is direct, with a very clear vision of what he wants. He doesn't suffer fools lightly, and Freya finds herself working hard to meet his goals and please him.
In contrast, Aaron, a dive instructor at the resort, is laid back and easy going. She quickly finds herself building a friendship with him at a time when she could have become lonely, despite the friendly staff and beautiful location.
Two very different men, one beautiful island and a dream job - something many of us can only dream about! Naturally none of it is plain sailing, and it would be boring if it was! Kate Frost has created a wonderful character in Freya. It would be easy to be jealous of Freya, however the way she has been written means that you find yourself rooting for her - you want the island, the job, and the relationships she forms to work out for her. Zander and Aaron are also both great characters in completely different ways - character progression is clear for them both, and i really enjoyed following them both. There are some twists in the novel that really work, and they certainly took me by surprise! It would also be remiss of me not to mention the location - Kate really brings to life the stunning, tropical location. She almost made me believe i was there!
I am more than happy to recommend this novel - it's a great piece of escapism, and perfect for a summer read. So grab a copy, your sunglasses and a chilled glass of bubbles and lose yourself in the Maldives with Freya!
June 15, 2021
Freya lives in London and is disillusioned with life. Although she loves her job in publishing, she has had her share of disappointment and a recent tragic event has her examining her life more closely so when she sees an advert for a job as a barefoot bookseller in the Maldives for nine months she thinks it might just be the very thing she needs to shake up her life for the better.
Once on the island (translated it means ‘Love Island’), she witnesses the luxury of the resort owned by ex-boyband member Zander, which is catered to couples and boasts living quarters for the many staff that make a living from the loved-up holidaymakers that frequent the island. She can hardly believe her luck. She gets to open and run a bookshop (her dream) and live in this idyllic setting.
She soon befriends Drew, her flatmate and gets to know the gorgeous Aaron who is a diving instructor. Their flirtation soon becomes something more serious and as the bookshop opens she is kept busy and feels happy. However there is something that Aaron is keeping from her. She can’t fully trust him because of this and when a disaster strikes her new-found happiness is compromised. Throw in the gorgeous Zander and everything is turned upside-down. Will her paradise be ruined and which of the two men can she trust?
This book is absolutely stunning in that the setting is beautiful. If I closed my eyes I could hear the waves on the beach and the warmth of the sun. I enjoyed the escape that it provides and the descriptions of the Maldives were idyllic and appealing. I’d have liked to have jumped on a plane by the end of the book!
Freya is a likeable and gorgeous character. She’s warm and embraces life despite having had her troubles. I didn’t trust Aaron at all even from the beginning there was something about him that made me suspicious! I expected to dislike Zander but was pleasantly surprised.
I was so happy to learn that the bookshop is based on a real-life barefoot bookshop and it sounds like an absolute dream - running a bookshop in the middle of the Indian Ocean sounds like my kind of life! For this reason as well as the fantastic characters I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I loved every minute of being transported to the Maldives if only in my imagination!
Once on the island (translated it means ‘Love Island’), she witnesses the luxury of the resort owned by ex-boyband member Zander, which is catered to couples and boasts living quarters for the many staff that make a living from the loved-up holidaymakers that frequent the island. She can hardly believe her luck. She gets to open and run a bookshop (her dream) and live in this idyllic setting.
She soon befriends Drew, her flatmate and gets to know the gorgeous Aaron who is a diving instructor. Their flirtation soon becomes something more serious and as the bookshop opens she is kept busy and feels happy. However there is something that Aaron is keeping from her. She can’t fully trust him because of this and when a disaster strikes her new-found happiness is compromised. Throw in the gorgeous Zander and everything is turned upside-down. Will her paradise be ruined and which of the two men can she trust?
This book is absolutely stunning in that the setting is beautiful. If I closed my eyes I could hear the waves on the beach and the warmth of the sun. I enjoyed the escape that it provides and the descriptions of the Maldives were idyllic and appealing. I’d have liked to have jumped on a plane by the end of the book!
Freya is a likeable and gorgeous character. She’s warm and embraces life despite having had her troubles. I didn’t trust Aaron at all even from the beginning there was something about him that made me suspicious! I expected to dislike Zander but was pleasantly surprised.
I was so happy to learn that the bookshop is based on a real-life barefoot bookshop and it sounds like an absolute dream - running a bookshop in the middle of the Indian Ocean sounds like my kind of life! For this reason as well as the fantastic characters I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I loved every minute of being transported to the Maldives if only in my imagination!
April 26, 2021
Time to make her dreams come true
The very first line of this book pulled me in immediately. I desperately wanted to be there! This book is about Freya and her journey to, and in the Maldives. She had a job in publishing as an editor for Bloom & Cole in London, but her life wasn’t completely fulfilled. Her friend Aisha strongly encouraged, and convinced her to apply for what was advertised as the best job in the world – running the barefoot bookshop in the Maldives. It really would be a once in a lifetime opportunity – I would LOVE that job!
She takes a little while to settle in, but makes new friends, and too-quickly (it seems) gets close to a guy who isn’t all that he makes out to be. Freya gets hurt again, but she then connects with another enigmatic, surprisingly-understanding and wonderful man who shares a lot of similarities with her. Their grief, loneliness, hopes, dreams and loves draw them together. Late in the book in becomes their story. It was so worth the wait, heartache, disappointment, confusion, concern (as a reader).
Oh my… my heart feels so truly full after reading this… and my wanderlust just continues! The worst part of this book was that it ended. I want more... I crave more of these characters. They really pulled me in to the story and everything they experienced. I laughed, I cried, I was furious, I sighed, I smirked, I laughed, I swooned, I cried some more… I already can’t wait for whatever this wonderful author comes up with next! I give this book four and a half Maldivian stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The very first line of this book pulled me in immediately. I desperately wanted to be there! This book is about Freya and her journey to, and in the Maldives. She had a job in publishing as an editor for Bloom & Cole in London, but her life wasn’t completely fulfilled. Her friend Aisha strongly encouraged, and convinced her to apply for what was advertised as the best job in the world – running the barefoot bookshop in the Maldives. It really would be a once in a lifetime opportunity – I would LOVE that job!
She takes a little while to settle in, but makes new friends, and too-quickly (it seems) gets close to a guy who isn’t all that he makes out to be. Freya gets hurt again, but she then connects with another enigmatic, surprisingly-understanding and wonderful man who shares a lot of similarities with her. Their grief, loneliness, hopes, dreams and loves draw them together. Late in the book in becomes their story. It was so worth the wait, heartache, disappointment, confusion, concern (as a reader).
Oh my… my heart feels so truly full after reading this… and my wanderlust just continues! The worst part of this book was that it ended. I want more... I crave more of these characters. They really pulled me in to the story and everything they experienced. I laughed, I cried, I was furious, I sighed, I smirked, I laughed, I swooned, I cried some more… I already can’t wait for whatever this wonderful author comes up with next! I give this book four and a half Maldivian stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2021
First, I want to thank Kate Frost and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
OH what a treat you are in for when you open up Kate Frost’s The Love Island Book Shop!! Instantly, you are transported to the beautiful breathtaking Maldives! Now after the year we have just had, who wouldn’t want to escape there even through a book?!
The cover of this book looked so fun, relaxing and summery. It definitely caught my eye.
The names Kate chose for her characters were very unique and creative. I just loved the names Freya, Drew and Zander.
There were so many facets of this book I totally fell in love with!! First off let's just talk about the Maldives!! What a beautiful setting to place your storyline in! Kate did an incredible job describing the sites! Ohh the food sounded so divine. Not to mention they saw sharks! The whole atmosphere sounded heavenly!
The reason why Freya was there I think I loved even more! Freya was to manage a bookshop on the island! Her education and career in the industry totally impressed me. Then again I love all things bookish.
If you know me you know I am a huge boy band fan!! I am a huge fan girl! SO….when I learned the owner of the resort was a former boy bander and she would be working with him OMG that blew my mind. It would be like me working with my huge crush Joey Macintrye from the New Kids On The Block (who I met 2 years ago and totally fangirl).
Oh the drama in this book between so many people!! Not to mention totally shocking events!! Yet on the other end of the spectrum there was bonding shared over heartache.
OH what a treat you are in for when you open up Kate Frost’s The Love Island Book Shop!! Instantly, you are transported to the beautiful breathtaking Maldives! Now after the year we have just had, who wouldn’t want to escape there even through a book?!
The cover of this book looked so fun, relaxing and summery. It definitely caught my eye.
The names Kate chose for her characters were very unique and creative. I just loved the names Freya, Drew and Zander.
There were so many facets of this book I totally fell in love with!! First off let's just talk about the Maldives!! What a beautiful setting to place your storyline in! Kate did an incredible job describing the sites! Ohh the food sounded so divine. Not to mention they saw sharks! The whole atmosphere sounded heavenly!
The reason why Freya was there I think I loved even more! Freya was to manage a bookshop on the island! Her education and career in the industry totally impressed me. Then again I love all things bookish.
If you know me you know I am a huge boy band fan!! I am a huge fan girl! SO….when I learned the owner of the resort was a former boy bander and she would be working with him OMG that blew my mind. It would be like me working with my huge crush Joey Macintrye from the New Kids On The Block (who I met 2 years ago and totally fangirl).
Oh the drama in this book between so many people!! Not to mention totally shocking events!! Yet on the other end of the spectrum there was bonding shared over heartache.
April 23, 2021
On the World Book and Copyright Day, I’d like to share my thoughts on the book I’ve had an opportunity to read recently: The Love Island Bookshop by Kate Frost.
The book caught my attention from the very beginning, when I read the title. A bookshop on a tropical island sounds like a travelling bookworm’s dream come true. From the very first lines we get to know Freya, who — after a series of very difficult moments in her life — considers escaping London and her job as an editor there to start from scratch as a barefoot bookseller on a Maldivian island Loabi Fushi owned by a millionaire and a former boy band member, Zander Cohen. Sounds like a dream job, doesn’t it?
It is a dream job and Freya turns out to be the best person for this position and she finds herself in the best place to fulfil her ambitions, ideas and passion for books. Obviously, after the idyllic beginning, a series of dramatic and emotional events takes place.
What I liked about the book was a good pace, interesting characters who developed and revealed themselves throughout the story, so that we could know and understand them better. Since the book happened to me at some difficult moments of anxiety about the health issues, it gave me a wonderful distraction and the possibility of “travelling” to such a beautiful place and circumstances in this present, difficult reality!
I would recommend the Love Island Bookshop to anyone who loves books, beautiful places and inspiring stories. Thank you Kate Frost for the possibility of reading your book and for all the good vibes and emotions it gives!
The book caught my attention from the very beginning, when I read the title. A bookshop on a tropical island sounds like a travelling bookworm’s dream come true. From the very first lines we get to know Freya, who — after a series of very difficult moments in her life — considers escaping London and her job as an editor there to start from scratch as a barefoot bookseller on a Maldivian island Loabi Fushi owned by a millionaire and a former boy band member, Zander Cohen. Sounds like a dream job, doesn’t it?
It is a dream job and Freya turns out to be the best person for this position and she finds herself in the best place to fulfil her ambitions, ideas and passion for books. Obviously, after the idyllic beginning, a series of dramatic and emotional events takes place.
What I liked about the book was a good pace, interesting characters who developed and revealed themselves throughout the story, so that we could know and understand them better. Since the book happened to me at some difficult moments of anxiety about the health issues, it gave me a wonderful distraction and the possibility of “travelling” to such a beautiful place and circumstances in this present, difficult reality!
I would recommend the Love Island Bookshop to anyone who loves books, beautiful places and inspiring stories. Thank you Kate Frost for the possibility of reading your book and for all the good vibes and emotions it gives!
June 12, 2021
I have purposefully been searching for feel-good escapist novels and I was immediately drawn to the title of The Love Island Bookshop. All the words elicit things that make me feel good: love, travel and a bookshop.
Freya works in London and is feeling overwhelmed by work and life.
The Maldives is a dream location for many people, and one that I would love to go to.
Freya arrives in the island paradise determined to start afresh in life and love.
Books are a comfort and passion of hers. Selling them in Paradise may provide an income for her, but what about matters of the heart?
She meets two hunks: Zander, the resort owner and Aaron, a dive instructor. Who will be the perfect match? Will any of them be?
I was cheering Freya on in her exploits and loved the banter and suspense over who she may end up with. The island was stunning and the visuals were so strong that I could imagine myself there. The plot is incredibly immersive.
The Love Island Bookshop is a heady mix of sun, sea books and love and had me hooked from the first page to the last.
Thanks to Kate Foster and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
The Love Island Bookshop is my first novel by Kate Frost, and it certainly will not be my last! I am keen to catch up with the rest of the A Romantic Escape series as this is the fifth book and I know I am coming into the series late.
That said, this novel is completely absorbing.
5 sparkling summer stars
Freya works in London and is feeling overwhelmed by work and life.
The Maldives is a dream location for many people, and one that I would love to go to.
Freya arrives in the island paradise determined to start afresh in life and love.
Books are a comfort and passion of hers. Selling them in Paradise may provide an income for her, but what about matters of the heart?
She meets two hunks: Zander, the resort owner and Aaron, a dive instructor. Who will be the perfect match? Will any of them be?
I was cheering Freya on in her exploits and loved the banter and suspense over who she may end up with. The island was stunning and the visuals were so strong that I could imagine myself there. The plot is incredibly immersive.
The Love Island Bookshop is a heady mix of sun, sea books and love and had me hooked from the first page to the last.
Thanks to Kate Foster and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
The Love Island Bookshop is my first novel by Kate Frost, and it certainly will not be my last! I am keen to catch up with the rest of the A Romantic Escape series as this is the fifth book and I know I am coming into the series late.
That said, this novel is completely absorbing.
5 sparkling summer stars
March 21, 2021
This is another instalment in Kate's Romantic Escape Series. I've enjoyed every one so far - they're a wonderful way to travel to different destinations while stuck at home!
Freya has suffered a couple of traumatic events over the last two years of her life, so when she sees an advert for a manager of a bookshop in the Maldives, she takes the opportunity to get away from things for a while. Stuck in a job she no longer loves, could this be the change she needs? With drama, lust, friendship, and love, interwoven with the stunning backdrop of blue skies, sandy beaches, and elegant villas of a paradise island, Freya has some difficult choices to make.
The previous book in the series was set in wintry Amsterdam. This one is the complete opposite, set on a beautiful island in the Maldives. But once again the author's descriptive narrative pulls you into the story; you can feel the warm sand between your toes and hear the waves in the distance, and imagine yourself sitting in the cool shade out of the summer sun.
This is an emotional story of self-forgiveness, of looking beyond a person's exterior to see the real soul inside, of learning to trust again after heartbreak and loss. Kate Frost's books are pure escapism, perfect for lockdown, and I highly recommend this whole series. A great read!
Freya has suffered a couple of traumatic events over the last two years of her life, so when she sees an advert for a manager of a bookshop in the Maldives, she takes the opportunity to get away from things for a while. Stuck in a job she no longer loves, could this be the change she needs? With drama, lust, friendship, and love, interwoven with the stunning backdrop of blue skies, sandy beaches, and elegant villas of a paradise island, Freya has some difficult choices to make.
The previous book in the series was set in wintry Amsterdam. This one is the complete opposite, set on a beautiful island in the Maldives. But once again the author's descriptive narrative pulls you into the story; you can feel the warm sand between your toes and hear the waves in the distance, and imagine yourself sitting in the cool shade out of the summer sun.
This is an emotional story of self-forgiveness, of looking beyond a person's exterior to see the real soul inside, of learning to trust again after heartbreak and loss. Kate Frost's books are pure escapism, perfect for lockdown, and I highly recommend this whole series. A great read!
July 11, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
I've thoroughly been enjoying the escapist novels by this author. That said, I think this has probably been my least favorite, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly why. I think it's maybe because all the other novels I've read of hers have been set somewhere in Europe, and that's my sweet spot. It's not that I didn't love reading about this tropical island in the Maldives, it's just that I couldn't relate to it quite as easily as other novels set in Italy, Greece, Croatia, etc. I enjoy picturing the destination in my mind along with her robust descriptions, and I just couldn't do that with this one - not least because I've never been to the Maldives, but because I just couldn't get the feel of it in the writing.
Nonetheless, there is still no fault in her writing and her skill at weaving a story that oozes escapism. The author always includes characters with unique life circumstances, and I always appreciate that, for the most part, the "solution" for the protagonist is not the man/the romance itself, but other revelations or growth that came about as a result of the travel/the locale. In this novel, the man/romance actually is central - but I still felt that Freya grew and adapted on her own, as well.
I'm going to be sad when I run out of these novels - hopefully the author continues to write more!
I've thoroughly been enjoying the escapist novels by this author. That said, I think this has probably been my least favorite, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly why. I think it's maybe because all the other novels I've read of hers have been set somewhere in Europe, and that's my sweet spot. It's not that I didn't love reading about this tropical island in the Maldives, it's just that I couldn't relate to it quite as easily as other novels set in Italy, Greece, Croatia, etc. I enjoy picturing the destination in my mind along with her robust descriptions, and I just couldn't do that with this one - not least because I've never been to the Maldives, but because I just couldn't get the feel of it in the writing.
Nonetheless, there is still no fault in her writing and her skill at weaving a story that oozes escapism. The author always includes characters with unique life circumstances, and I always appreciate that, for the most part, the "solution" for the protagonist is not the man/the romance itself, but other revelations or growth that came about as a result of the travel/the locale. In this novel, the man/romance actually is central - but I still felt that Freya grew and adapted on her own, as well.
I'm going to be sad when I run out of these novels - hopefully the author continues to write more!
April 17, 2021
OMG what a book, I love this author and her wonderful stories. In this book we venture to the stunning location of the Maldives and are surrounded by 5* luxury.
As soon as I had read the first few pages I knew I would love this book, sun, sea, sand and soooo many books, it was a dream read and will make a wonderful sun lounger companion. I read this book in 24 hours as once I had met Freya I just wanted to see where her 9 month adventure took her.
A story brimming with vivid descriptions that make the locations and experiences jump off of the page, the bookshop was gorgeous and set in such a wonderful location, it all felt so real that I wanted to pack my bags and go and visit.
Whilst getting to know Freya you will visit heartbreak, you will learn about her deep rooted love of books and why Zander has created the bookshop and you will discover friendship. A story with a touch of romance that screams escapism and where the words and descriptions just leap from the page and take you on a wonderful journey!
I only recently discovered this author but now I want to read her previous books in the romantic escape collection as both books so far have been massive 5* and I have been disappointed to reach the end. Make sure you grab a copy as you won't be disappointed!
As soon as I had read the first few pages I knew I would love this book, sun, sea, sand and soooo many books, it was a dream read and will make a wonderful sun lounger companion. I read this book in 24 hours as once I had met Freya I just wanted to see where her 9 month adventure took her.
A story brimming with vivid descriptions that make the locations and experiences jump off of the page, the bookshop was gorgeous and set in such a wonderful location, it all felt so real that I wanted to pack my bags and go and visit.
Whilst getting to know Freya you will visit heartbreak, you will learn about her deep rooted love of books and why Zander has created the bookshop and you will discover friendship. A story with a touch of romance that screams escapism and where the words and descriptions just leap from the page and take you on a wonderful journey!
I only recently discovered this author but now I want to read her previous books in the romantic escape collection as both books so far have been massive 5* and I have been disappointed to reach the end. Make sure you grab a copy as you won't be disappointed!
May 2, 2021
This is the first book by Kate Frost and it won’t be my last.
I found this book on my kindle unlimited trial and thought why not the idea of hot Sandy beaches and blue skies plus the addition on a book shop why wouldn’t you want to read it.
Freya was a great character full of depth. Not exactly unhappy in her current publishing job in London she felt unfulfilled with her life. When a friend tags her in a job advert for the Love Island Bookshop in the Maldives for 9 months she takes the plunge and applies thinking she wouldn’t be successful. It’s her chance of a lifetime to do the one job she would love to do the most.
You can see her character development as you get further into the book.
The description of the Maldivian beaches and the villas was just fantastic. They were so vivid I felt like I was there walking along the beach feeling the sun on my shoulders and could smell the salty sea and the brand new books.
From the first time Aaron was introduced in the book there was something about him beneath the surface of his character that I didn’t like and as we read on we find out why.
Zander was a lovely character the type of fair boss everyone would like. He was always on hand to help and although he had his own house/villa on the island separated from the staff accommodation he didn’t think he was above his staff.
A well written, fantastic description lovely book. I flew through the pages of this book and I didn’t want it to end.
Would recommend this book and I’m on the lookout for more of Kate Frost’s books. 5⭐️
Side note: once I finished reading it on kindle unlimited I bought it as well as The Greek Heart which I can’t wait to start reading it.
I found this book on my kindle unlimited trial and thought why not the idea of hot Sandy beaches and blue skies plus the addition on a book shop why wouldn’t you want to read it.
Freya was a great character full of depth. Not exactly unhappy in her current publishing job in London she felt unfulfilled with her life. When a friend tags her in a job advert for the Love Island Bookshop in the Maldives for 9 months she takes the plunge and applies thinking she wouldn’t be successful. It’s her chance of a lifetime to do the one job she would love to do the most.
You can see her character development as you get further into the book.
The description of the Maldivian beaches and the villas was just fantastic. They were so vivid I felt like I was there walking along the beach feeling the sun on my shoulders and could smell the salty sea and the brand new books.
From the first time Aaron was introduced in the book there was something about him beneath the surface of his character that I didn’t like and as we read on we find out why.
Zander was a lovely character the type of fair boss everyone would like. He was always on hand to help and although he had his own house/villa on the island separated from the staff accommodation he didn’t think he was above his staff.
A well written, fantastic description lovely book. I flew through the pages of this book and I didn’t want it to end.
Would recommend this book and I’m on the lookout for more of Kate Frost’s books. 5⭐️
Side note: once I finished reading it on kindle unlimited I bought it as well as The Greek Heart which I can’t wait to start reading it.
June 18, 2021
I feel as though I’ve just returned form a stunning and serene holiday in the Maldives after reading this novel. It’s a wonderful novel of romance, travel and books and my only negative point is that I cannot go to the Maldives and open a bookshop like this myself.
The setting is idyllic and beautifully described. I felt relaxed just reading about it. The beautiful beaches and resort were amazing and I could totally imagine myself perusing the bookshop then finding the perfect shaded reading spot to spend the day.
I loved the character of Freya. She’s vulnerable and very relatable and doesn’t give herself enough credit. The more I learned about the more protective I felt and really just wanted her to find peace and calm on the island.
One of my favourite tropes in romance is two possible love interests. I love trying to figure out which potential suitor will win the day and enjoy following my gut feelings about each one.
The Love Island Bookshop is a fabulous, summery read in a beautiful destination with books as a central theme. I couldn’t ask for more in a romance novel and it was perfect.
The setting is idyllic and beautifully described. I felt relaxed just reading about it. The beautiful beaches and resort were amazing and I could totally imagine myself perusing the bookshop then finding the perfect shaded reading spot to spend the day.
I loved the character of Freya. She’s vulnerable and very relatable and doesn’t give herself enough credit. The more I learned about the more protective I felt and really just wanted her to find peace and calm on the island.
One of my favourite tropes in romance is two possible love interests. I love trying to figure out which potential suitor will win the day and enjoy following my gut feelings about each one.
The Love Island Bookshop is a fabulous, summery read in a beautiful destination with books as a central theme. I couldn’t ask for more in a romance novel and it was perfect.
March 27, 2021
A tropical treat for the senses - escapism bliss!
Kate's storytelling has an effortless way of transporting you to another world within moments of opening the pages, and this new instalment in her Romantic Escape Series certainly doesn't disappoint!
In these lockdown days, reading a delightful story so well told that you can feel the sun on your shoulders and the soft sand between your toes is a real treat. The salty tang of the ocean, which I can faintly hear swooshing while I imagine myself sauntering into the glorious bookshop she describes so well, really whets my appetite for the beautifully romantic tale of love and loss.
I found myself rooting for Freya from the off, taking a chance on a dream job and escaping a painful reality for a stunning tropical island. The characters she meets all have their own reasons for being there, and becoming part of her life, weaving a magical story with a wonderful ending.
Can't wait for more from this fabulous author...highly recommend!
Kate's storytelling has an effortless way of transporting you to another world within moments of opening the pages, and this new instalment in her Romantic Escape Series certainly doesn't disappoint!
In these lockdown days, reading a delightful story so well told that you can feel the sun on your shoulders and the soft sand between your toes is a real treat. The salty tang of the ocean, which I can faintly hear swooshing while I imagine myself sauntering into the glorious bookshop she describes so well, really whets my appetite for the beautifully romantic tale of love and loss.
I found myself rooting for Freya from the off, taking a chance on a dream job and escaping a painful reality for a stunning tropical island. The characters she meets all have their own reasons for being there, and becoming part of her life, weaving a magical story with a wonderful ending.
Can't wait for more from this fabulous author...highly recommend!
May 7, 2021
Absolutely amazing read! Just took me away to a far away land 🥰 I adore Freya, Zander and Drew the most. Fabulous story of Freya moving from London to be the barefoot bookseller in the Maldives, Love Island sounds like a dream ❤
I had a soft spot for Zander from the start and secretly hoped Freya and him would get together but when she met Aaron that threw me but I really did like him at first, I was so happy when they got together but that soon turned to anger when his real side came out, especially the accusations about Zander and the burning of the Bookshop, I cried actual tears, I felt I was there with them, feeling the pain and sadness but loved how it brought F & Z together.
First book of Kate Frost I have read and so far it is the best I have read in a long time 😃
Perfect sun drenched paradise that has never appeared in the books I have read, feel good, losing yourself kind of read.
Book is the 5th one 0f the Romantic Escape series but can be read stood alone and I cannot wait to start the first book I the series 😀
I had a soft spot for Zander from the start and secretly hoped Freya and him would get together but when she met Aaron that threw me but I really did like him at first, I was so happy when they got together but that soon turned to anger when his real side came out, especially the accusations about Zander and the burning of the Bookshop, I cried actual tears, I felt I was there with them, feeling the pain and sadness but loved how it brought F & Z together.
First book of Kate Frost I have read and so far it is the best I have read in a long time 😃
Perfect sun drenched paradise that has never appeared in the books I have read, feel good, losing yourself kind of read.
Book is the 5th one 0f the Romantic Escape series but can be read stood alone and I cannot wait to start the first book I the series 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
Yes this novel certainly lived up to its series, A Romantic Escape. What could be blissful than spending the Summer on a remote island in the Maldives? Well, running the idyllic bookshop probably would be. You soon learn that Freya may have jetted out of London but she has brought some sadness with her. She is unsure of trusting new people and in some ways, loves nothing more than to hide herself behind a book. Living as part of a community on the island leads her to put down her defences a little but she is in for a surprise or two.
The two central male characters are quite hard to get the measure of at first. It is only when Freya sees beneath the surface that she sees their true worth. Without any close family nearby and friends in short supply, you are willing Freya on to take a risk and try some new beginnings. This is a lovely escapist read, perfect for a weekend read.
In short: Sun, sea, romance and a few secrets from the past.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
The two central male characters are quite hard to get the measure of at first. It is only when Freya sees beneath the surface that she sees their true worth. Without any close family nearby and friends in short supply, you are willing Freya on to take a risk and try some new beginnings. This is a lovely escapist read, perfect for a weekend read.
In short: Sun, sea, romance and a few secrets from the past.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
June 23, 2021
Many years ago I saw a job advertised to run an exclusive bookshop in the Maldives. From time to time I've often wondered what it would have been like if I'd had the courage to apply for it. Thanks to this wonderful book, I now know. Imagine a luxury resort and the freedom to curate your own selection of books. It sounds every bit as idyllic as I imagined. For Freya it's also a dream opportunity and when she meets fellow employee Aaron, it seems life is as perfect as it gets. However, lurking beneath the surface of this piece of paradise lurk secrets, deception and a thrist for revenge. Freya's dream job is about to become a nightmare.
I loved the storyline and the easygoing style means the book was finished all too soon. Really great sense of place and another location to add to my dream list.
I loved the storyline and the easygoing style means the book was finished all too soon. Really great sense of place and another location to add to my dream list.
June 17, 2021
There is a lot to like in this travel orientated story. In a London publishing company, Freya is a successful editor, but her personal life is in tatters after a tragic loss and a relationship breakdown. Running a bookshop in The Maldives is an idyllic opportunity, and when she gets the job, she loves the island paradise.
The characters are vividly brought to life, and there are soon romantic possibilities. The plot has some surprising twists, and Freya finds herself on an emotional rollercoaster. There are dramatic elements, a mystery to solve and a wonderfully described setting to enjoy, but it's the romance that makes it an addictive read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The characters are vividly brought to life, and there are soon romantic possibilities. The plot has some surprising twists, and Freya finds herself on an emotional rollercoaster. There are dramatic elements, a mystery to solve and a wonderfully described setting to enjoy, but it's the romance that makes it an addictive read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
April 21, 2023
This is the fifth book in a series of escapist romances. The books are independent and don’t need to be read in order. The author describes the settings so that you can imagine being there. Some of the books took place in countries and towns I’ve visited and I could imagine exactly where the characters were. Others like this one, which took place in the Maldives, are located somewhere I’ve never been. I looked up places in the story on maps and also looked up some images of areas in the story. It is a quick read. A fun way to armchair travel, as my great aunt used to say. I like a good escape read either a romance or mystery. Especially after I’ve read a deep book, it is nice to have a good quick escape book to read.
April 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this beautiful, romantic story set in the Maldives. I could easily picture the Love Island bookshop with the beautiful ocean views. I liked that this book was not only romantic but that the author really went into depth with the characters of Freya and Zander. Their pasts were so interesting and emotional and made them who they were today.
This is the first book I have read by Kate Frost and now I want to read the rest of the books in this series, especially since I was immediately pulled into the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Kate Frost and now I want to read the rest of the books in this series, especially since I was immediately pulled into the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
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