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That Island Feeling
From holiday fling to homecoming ... A whirlwind island romance becomes something more in an uplifting romantic comedy about finding yourself after heartbreak.
(This book is an adult romance novel that contains mature themes and content.)
A week on Pearl Island is exactly the R&R that perpetual planner Andie Alcott needs. Except instead of sipping pina coladas by the beach, she's busy throwing her freshly divorced bestie, Taylor, a girls' trip to remember, dealing with a double-booking fiasco and worrying about her ailing father on the mainland. But it's cool - she has it covered. After all, everyone would be lost without her, right?
The last thing habitually barefoot local Jack Cooper wants is the headache of managing tourist bookings. But since he's to blame for the island's dwindling supply of holidaymakers, he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy - in particular, a beautiful visitor named Andie . . .
With sun-kissed sands, sapphire waters, oysters and wine, Pearl Island promises the perfect getaway - and maybe even a hot holiday fling. But what happens when the emotional baggage comes in excess, and island life suddenly feels all too real?
(This book is an adult romance novel that contains mature themes and content.)
A week on Pearl Island is exactly the R&R that perpetual planner Andie Alcott needs. Except instead of sipping pina coladas by the beach, she's busy throwing her freshly divorced bestie, Taylor, a girls' trip to remember, dealing with a double-booking fiasco and worrying about her ailing father on the mainland. But it's cool - she has it covered. After all, everyone would be lost without her, right?
The last thing habitually barefoot local Jack Cooper wants is the headache of managing tourist bookings. But since he's to blame for the island's dwindling supply of holidaymakers, he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy - in particular, a beautiful visitor named Andie . . .
With sun-kissed sands, sapphire waters, oysters and wine, Pearl Island promises the perfect getaway - and maybe even a hot holiday fling. But what happens when the emotional baggage comes in excess, and island life suddenly feels all too real?
384 pages, Paperback
Published December 31, 2024
35 people are currently reading
975 people want to read
About the author
Karina May
4 books94 followersSydney-based, Karina May, is a former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid romance reader and writer of lively love stories that span the
globe.
When she’s not dreaming up her next shirtless love interest, you’ll likely find her rescuing her kindle from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the
name of research (someone’s gotta do it!)
globe.
When she’s not dreaming up her next shirtless love interest, you’ll likely find her rescuing her kindle from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the
name of research (someone’s gotta do it!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 23, 2025
Well the beautiful beach 🏖️ cover didn’t match the prose characters are one dimensional not much going on so far it’s a slow burn & where is the romance 💕?
I can’t get into this one at all! 😮💨
I can’t get into this one at all! 😮💨
January 1, 2025
Karina May’s third book, That Island Feeling is a feel good summery read that was one of my most anticipated new releases and I’m thrilled to say that it was an absolute delight of a book.
Andie Alcott has spent her life hearing about Pearl Island from her parents. It was their magical honeymoon destination and right now some island time is exactly what Andie needs. However, instead of blissfully relaxing with cocktails by the beach, she’s throwing her recently divorced bestie, Taylor, a girl’s getaway. Trying to relax while worrying about leaving her responsibilities back on the mainland is far easier said than done and this may just be the most stressful holiday ever.
Local, Jack Cooper, wishes he didn’t have to manage tourist bookings, but as the dwindling visitor numbers are his fault, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep them happy. However, Andie is one visitor he is eager to make an impression on.
I absolutely adored this book! The laid back island setting, the colourful cast of locals and the swoonworthy romance, had me caught up in this story. I loved Jack’s mum, Hazel and enjoyed getting to know more about her life on the island. Her love for her home and her son were both so heartwarming.
As well as top notch banter and an idyllic setting, I was engaged by Andie’s story. Her life is full of commitments to others, including her father who has dementia. I loved seeing her finally start to relax. This is also a book about grief and learning to trust, for both Andie and Jack and I enjoyed the extra layers this brought to the story.
That Island Feeling is an absolutely magical summer read and I defy anyone not to be delighted by it. Make sure you add it to your summer reading pile.
Andie Alcott has spent her life hearing about Pearl Island from her parents. It was their magical honeymoon destination and right now some island time is exactly what Andie needs. However, instead of blissfully relaxing with cocktails by the beach, she’s throwing her recently divorced bestie, Taylor, a girl’s getaway. Trying to relax while worrying about leaving her responsibilities back on the mainland is far easier said than done and this may just be the most stressful holiday ever.
Local, Jack Cooper, wishes he didn’t have to manage tourist bookings, but as the dwindling visitor numbers are his fault, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep them happy. However, Andie is one visitor he is eager to make an impression on.
I absolutely adored this book! The laid back island setting, the colourful cast of locals and the swoonworthy romance, had me caught up in this story. I loved Jack’s mum, Hazel and enjoyed getting to know more about her life on the island. Her love for her home and her son were both so heartwarming.
As well as top notch banter and an idyllic setting, I was engaged by Andie’s story. Her life is full of commitments to others, including her father who has dementia. I loved seeing her finally start to relax. This is also a book about grief and learning to trust, for both Andie and Jack and I enjoyed the extra layers this brought to the story.
That Island Feeling is an absolutely magical summer read and I defy anyone not to be delighted by it. Make sure you add it to your summer reading pile.
August 28, 2025
A fabulous summer holiday, whirlwind romance, set on Pearl Island.
Featuring double-booking drama, wine, emotional baggage, oyster shells, salty-sweet moments and plenty of sand.
‘I think I have found that island feeling after all.’
I am keen to read more delightfully charming stories from Australian author Karina May.
Featuring double-booking drama, wine, emotional baggage, oyster shells, salty-sweet moments and plenty of sand.
‘I think I have found that island feeling after all.’
I am keen to read more delightfully charming stories from Australian author Karina May.
February 7, 2025
excuse me while I chase that island feeling 😍
September 11, 2025
- Annoying, control freak main character
- Insta-love
- Terrible female friendships
- All of the drama was centred around oysters somehow and none of it was that deep??
- Unironic references to UNO reverse card
- Insta-love
- Terrible female friendships
- All of the drama was centred around oysters somehow and none of it was that deep??
- Unironic references to UNO reverse card
March 27, 2025
DNF @ p176 this book was already on thin ice but then he started talking to his lizard and I was out
December 30, 2024
Big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
Ready to take a vacation……
Go to the beach where sun, sand and romance are all part of the charm.
That Island Feeling is your new favourite summer read.
A delightful, romantic and fun tale, so get swept away by this romcom adventure.
Andie needs a break, so she plans a surprise for her newly divorced best friend Taylor.
Off to Pearl Island for a girls weekend they go for the week.
A double booking is not the best start and worrying about her ill father back home is not helping her relax either.
But Jack, the local larrikin steps in to help with the fiasco and sets his sights on Andie.
A steamy holiday fling begins and Andie has to deal with some drama of her own and her friends questioning her intentions.
Giggles, mishaps, fun, flirty, heartfelt, warm and emotional.
Karina invites you into her fictional utopia and celebrates with a special, intimate and desirable plot.
Grab yourself a cocktail, relax in paradise and be entertained.
A comfort and joyous read.
Ready to take a vacation……
Go to the beach where sun, sand and romance are all part of the charm.
That Island Feeling is your new favourite summer read.
A delightful, romantic and fun tale, so get swept away by this romcom adventure.
Andie needs a break, so she plans a surprise for her newly divorced best friend Taylor.
Off to Pearl Island for a girls weekend they go for the week.
A double booking is not the best start and worrying about her ill father back home is not helping her relax either.
But Jack, the local larrikin steps in to help with the fiasco and sets his sights on Andie.
A steamy holiday fling begins and Andie has to deal with some drama of her own and her friends questioning her intentions.
Giggles, mishaps, fun, flirty, heartfelt, warm and emotional.
Karina invites you into her fictional utopia and celebrates with a special, intimate and desirable plot.
Grab yourself a cocktail, relax in paradise and be entertained.
A comfort and joyous read.
March 7, 2025
Tropes
- vacation romance
- small town / island
- friendship complex
- grief
That island feeling, that’s what Andie is chasing. After losing her mum to cancer and her dad being unwell with dementia, she organises her friend group holiday to Pearl Island, the place her parents fell truely in love 🏝️ Jack has lived on this island his whole life, dedicating his time to the pearl oysters, but now the oysters are diseased and his business is gone. The island is struggling and he is just trying to stay afloat. And in comes Andie. They have an instant connection and as they give their love a chance, they also learn to heal and forgive. There is such fun, quirky and wholesome people living on the island who I quickly came to adore. I didn’t expect a book with this cover to be so deep, I was expecting more cheesy comedy but once I got past the 40% mark I really started to get into the story
- vacation romance
- small town / island
- friendship complex
- grief
That island feeling, that’s what Andie is chasing. After losing her mum to cancer and her dad being unwell with dementia, she organises her friend group holiday to Pearl Island, the place her parents fell truely in love 🏝️ Jack has lived on this island his whole life, dedicating his time to the pearl oysters, but now the oysters are diseased and his business is gone. The island is struggling and he is just trying to stay afloat. And in comes Andie. They have an instant connection and as they give their love a chance, they also learn to heal and forgive. There is such fun, quirky and wholesome people living on the island who I quickly came to adore. I didn’t expect a book with this cover to be so deep, I was expecting more cheesy comedy but once I got past the 40% mark I really started to get into the story
February 22, 2025
My brain was looking for lite mode, and this delivered that with all the expected romance-y things. It read a bit flat for me. Not enough character depth and too many superficial things going on in the periphery. An okay way to pass the time but not great.
November 18, 2024
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez! I hope you’re ready to get that island feeling, because this book is going to be the rom com of he Summer! A deliciously heartfelt romantic comedy, that is seeped with so much honest heart, emotion and vulnerability, but also oozes with ‘butterfly in your stomach’ inducing chemistry, captivating characters and the ultimate escapist Summer vibes. Dare I say it, but this is my favourite Karina May one yet. What’s not to love? The setting completely took me away. The characters are so full of life, depth and rich detailed history that you wont be able to stop yourself falling head over heels for them. And most importantly of all, this book tackles some heavy, relatable and heartbreaking topics, intertwined through it’s exploration of love and family, in a way that will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression on your after the final page.
November 17, 2024
All the stars for That Island Feeling!!!!!! I absolutely loved this story and wish I could move to Pearl Island..this one gave me all the feelings
Full of fun rom com references, full of tropes, full of oysters and bubbles…this’d be the perfect summer read, but I am so conscious of the fact I’m so lucky to have read an early copy because it was also the perfect spring read..👌
Full of fun rom com references, full of tropes, full of oysters and bubbles…this’d be the perfect summer read, but I am so conscious of the fact I’m so lucky to have read an early copy because it was also the perfect spring read..👌
January 19, 2025
4.5 stars.
A week on Pearl Island is exactly the R&R that perpetual planner Andie Alcott needs. Except instead of sipping pina coladas by the beach, she's busy throwing her freshly divorced bestie, Taylor, a girls' trip to remember, dealing with a double-booking fiasco and worrying about her ailing father on the mainland. The last thing local Jack Cooper wants is the headache of managing tourist bookings. But he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy - in particular, a beautiful visitor named Andie.
Okay, you might see this bright colour and the word ‘island’ in the title and think this is just another cute, superficial rom-coms. Wrong! I was so happy to find this book had depths about relationship, friendship, nature and humanity, because it ticked all the checkboxes for me.
First of all, the setting was beautiful. I fell in love with Pearl Island straight away and wished it was a real place I could go to. It wasn’t a perfect paradise per se, as it had its own natural challenges as we could see faced by the residents, but it felt real for that reason.
And sure, the holiday scenes were funny, the main characters were hot and attractive, but the extra side characters like Hazel stole my attention and heart.
This was easily my favourite Karina May book, and it beautifully mashed levity and depth in a perfect balance for my taste.
(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
A week on Pearl Island is exactly the R&R that perpetual planner Andie Alcott needs. Except instead of sipping pina coladas by the beach, she's busy throwing her freshly divorced bestie, Taylor, a girls' trip to remember, dealing with a double-booking fiasco and worrying about her ailing father on the mainland. The last thing local Jack Cooper wants is the headache of managing tourist bookings. But he'll do whatever it takes to keep them happy - in particular, a beautiful visitor named Andie.
Okay, you might see this bright colour and the word ‘island’ in the title and think this is just another cute, superficial rom-coms. Wrong! I was so happy to find this book had depths about relationship, friendship, nature and humanity, because it ticked all the checkboxes for me.
First of all, the setting was beautiful. I fell in love with Pearl Island straight away and wished it was a real place I could go to. It wasn’t a perfect paradise per se, as it had its own natural challenges as we could see faced by the residents, but it felt real for that reason.
And sure, the holiday scenes were funny, the main characters were hot and attractive, but the extra side characters like Hazel stole my attention and heart.
This was easily my favourite Karina May book, and it beautifully mashed levity and depth in a perfect balance for my taste.
(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
January 24, 2025
This was a perfect summer read ☀️. The summery Island vibes were immaculate, the romance was sweet and the more emotional plot added a lot of depth to the story 🥹🩷.
April 16, 2025
4.5 stars
I love rom com. I love summer. And guess what? I love divinely delightful Aussie author, Karina May too! So once I finally got my hands on the book of summer ‘25 I dove right in & got carried away to a little slice of (fictional) paradise just off Sydney. 350 pages later, I emerged with a full heart, a feeling that can only be described as THAT ISLAND FEELING and one hell of a craving for oysters.
Karina’s craft just gets better and better. Her appreciation for all things rom com tradition shines in this story. All the fabulous beats and moments are there, from booking mishaps and accidental nudity to picture perfect dates and love declarations direct from rom com classics.
Amidst the holiday fun and swoon-worthy romance, there’s also a deeply emotional heart to THAT ISLAND FEELING which Karina has pulled from experience and laid out among the pages. It hits and hits hard.
THAT ISLAND FEELING really does deliver all the feels. I giggled (Hazel & Jack’s habits of hiding items), I teared up (Andie and her parents), I scowled a little (Richie, I’m looking at you) and I naaaawwwed. A lot. Seriously, you read about the romance between Andie and Jack and try not to naaawww!
An absolutely enchanting read. THAT ISLAND FEELING delivers summer feels to delight escapist readers all year round!
I received a copy of this book from my lovely friend, the author of this book, Karina May when things went haywire with my preorder & I will be grateful forever & always for her generosity.
I love rom com. I love summer. And guess what? I love divinely delightful Aussie author, Karina May too! So once I finally got my hands on the book of summer ‘25 I dove right in & got carried away to a little slice of (fictional) paradise just off Sydney. 350 pages later, I emerged with a full heart, a feeling that can only be described as THAT ISLAND FEELING and one hell of a craving for oysters.
Karina’s craft just gets better and better. Her appreciation for all things rom com tradition shines in this story. All the fabulous beats and moments are there, from booking mishaps and accidental nudity to picture perfect dates and love declarations direct from rom com classics.
Amidst the holiday fun and swoon-worthy romance, there’s also a deeply emotional heart to THAT ISLAND FEELING which Karina has pulled from experience and laid out among the pages. It hits and hits hard.
THAT ISLAND FEELING really does deliver all the feels. I giggled (Hazel & Jack’s habits of hiding items), I teared up (Andie and her parents), I scowled a little (Richie, I’m looking at you) and I naaaawwwed. A lot. Seriously, you read about the romance between Andie and Jack and try not to naaawww!
An absolutely enchanting read. THAT ISLAND FEELING delivers summer feels to delight escapist readers all year round!
I received a copy of this book from my lovely friend, the author of this book, Karina May when things went haywire with my preorder & I will be grateful forever & always for her generosity.
February 10, 2025
I’m going to have to stop pretending I hate Romance when books like this exist - quite literally kicking my feet. This had significantly more depth than I was expecting, not just thematically but in almost all characters. Without spoiling anything, the inclusion of the author’s poem from when she was 12 in the acknowledgements was the perfect final touch for me. 💌
Read
October 1, 2025DNF at 45 pages - the author lost me when they mentioned the characters having ‘a week of D&Ms’ in their 40s. I’m out ✌️
February 2, 2025
This book is a fantastic palette cleanser. A feel-good rom com which was a perfect escape on a summer afternoon. I loved the banter and the atmosphere, this book is a great summer read - it hit the spot. I turned my brain off for this one and just went along for the ride.
January 29, 2025
Gorgeous book and writing! This Is Karina’s best work so far. Loved it.
August 13, 2025
Ahhh my first 5 star! This book had me from cover to cover! Loved it and now I’m busy chasing my own island feeling
April 10, 2025
I am genuinely utterly terrified every single time I pick up a book written by a friend. Having Karina in my life is a gift from this beautiful community and I could not be more grateful for her friendship: for god's sake, she's even seen me in tears! This is exactly why I was terrified of picking up her latest novel, That Island Feeling. I adored Duck à l'Orange for Breakfast but I was still afraid because rom-coms are not my jam — the cynic in me has pathological issues with happy endings.
But I shouldn't have been afraid. That Island Feeling gave me bliss and comfort when I needed it the most.
I already knew that Karina could write characters with depth, but Andie simply stole my heart away. She is one of the most relatable characters I have ever encountered: so raw, human, and vulnerable. I loved her inner monologue throughout the novel, but I adored witnessing her growth. She flourishes in a way I wish all of us could flourish. It is not easy to confront the things that scare us and is even harder to make decisions that are good for us but have consequences for the people we love. Andie is a brave, brave soul and I cherish her for it.
Of course, we cannot forget any of the other characters whom I also fell in love with: Hazel, Charlie and of course Jack. I usually struggle with the love interest but I have to say, you won't hear me complain about Jack anytime soon.
Nevertheless, I have to remark on the beautiful setting of this novel: Pearl Island is a character in itself and a place I wish I could visit in real life. Reading about oysters (which I have never tried!), having picnics by the water and the island lifestyle just added a touch of magic that gave me life. And made me hungry the whole time, of course.
Overall, That Island Feeling is a magical summer read (though its magic is not exclusive to summer, of course!), full of heart and feel-good vibes. The characters, the setting and the story are all equally adorable. I will hold this novel close to my heart for a very long time.
But I shouldn't have been afraid. That Island Feeling gave me bliss and comfort when I needed it the most.
I already knew that Karina could write characters with depth, but Andie simply stole my heart away. She is one of the most relatable characters I have ever encountered: so raw, human, and vulnerable. I loved her inner monologue throughout the novel, but I adored witnessing her growth. She flourishes in a way I wish all of us could flourish. It is not easy to confront the things that scare us and is even harder to make decisions that are good for us but have consequences for the people we love. Andie is a brave, brave soul and I cherish her for it.
Of course, we cannot forget any of the other characters whom I also fell in love with: Hazel, Charlie and of course Jack. I usually struggle with the love interest but I have to say, you won't hear me complain about Jack anytime soon.
Nevertheless, I have to remark on the beautiful setting of this novel: Pearl Island is a character in itself and a place I wish I could visit in real life. Reading about oysters (which I have never tried!), having picnics by the water and the island lifestyle just added a touch of magic that gave me life. And made me hungry the whole time, of course.
Overall, That Island Feeling is a magical summer read (though its magic is not exclusive to summer, of course!), full of heart and feel-good vibes. The characters, the setting and the story are all equally adorable. I will hold this novel close to my heart for a very long time.
January 7, 2025
The perfect book for summer. I adored Andie and Jack's story and can't wait to read more of Karina's books. Highly recommend.
December 26, 2024
Ahh what an absolute delight That Island Feeling was and boy did I feel that island feeling 🥰
I just adored this beautiful book, it was like a great big hug, so wholesome and comforting.
There was so much to love, the island life was magical, Jack was a dream, I had a soft spot for his beautiful mum Hazel and I really liked Charlie too! But Andie girl was my favourite, I really felt for her, the one that organises everything, helps everyone and never puts herself first.
The romance and holiday fling was pure perfection, I’m such a sucker for this and loved every moment, every date and every exchange between Jack and Andie.
I felt so much throughout this story, I was emotional in so many parts and was giggling in others. I’m also left craving oysters (not sure I even like them!) and a good bacon and egg roll! Thanks Karina!!
This is the ultimate summer read so I recommend pre ordering NOW! You won’t regret it.
Thank you so much @macmillanaus for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I just adored this beautiful book, it was like a great big hug, so wholesome and comforting.
There was so much to love, the island life was magical, Jack was a dream, I had a soft spot for his beautiful mum Hazel and I really liked Charlie too! But Andie girl was my favourite, I really felt for her, the one that organises everything, helps everyone and never puts herself first.
The romance and holiday fling was pure perfection, I’m such a sucker for this and loved every moment, every date and every exchange between Jack and Andie.
I felt so much throughout this story, I was emotional in so many parts and was giggling in others. I’m also left craving oysters (not sure I even like them!) and a good bacon and egg roll! Thanks Karina!!
This is the ultimate summer read so I recommend pre ordering NOW! You won’t regret it.
Thank you so much @macmillanaus for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
From the first few pages, I knew it was going to be a really bad romance book 😬
Like, what’s with books being so vague, vanilla, and bland? The characters were flat, and the dialogue was just a whole other level of whack. The unnecessary time jumps made it to a point where I thought this book was satirical and just taking the piss. So yeah…this was actually a bad book.
1
Like, what’s with books being so vague, vanilla, and bland? The characters were flat, and the dialogue was just a whole other level of whack. The unnecessary time jumps made it to a point where I thought this book was satirical and just taking the piss. So yeah…this was actually a bad book.
1
Read
January 25, 2025DNF. I don’t think I’ve tried so many times to get into a book, but it just wasn’t working for me.
February 3, 2025
Andie was such a control freak and it had me worrying my friends perceive me the same way as hers 🥲
February 7, 2025
Part of me expected a light holiday romance when I picked up this book, but as soon as I settled back into Karina’s storytelling, I knew I was in for so much more.
There is an unexpected depth in this story, and intricacies within the characters that was a great balance to the holiday vibes it had throughout.
Andie seems like she has it all together until you start to notice the way she’s white-knuckling control. She is so desperate to have everything together she’s kind of a mess in the process - and I loved the honestly of this.
Jack is a delightful barefoot island man golden retriever (honestly this microtrope is a total vibe in itself) or at least he is on the surface, and hot damn give me a MMC who knows what he wants and goes after it any day. Especially when that trope includes a “she thinks it’s a fling” but “he was always shooting for more” angle.
The way this book addresses the strong hold grief can have and the way it wreaks havoc even as life goes on around it is really well done - it feels authentic and raw. Both characters are dealing with a different kind of grief and I was so invested in seeing how this played out in their development both individually and together.
I also really connected with Andie’s journey with her friends. It’s not often addressed, but long term friendships change and grow, or sometimes wither, over time - as we change and grow too. What is required to nuture them will inevitably change whether we keep up with it or not. Now in my late 30s I have experienced this many times over, and far out it is nice to see it represented in books, just like this one.
Things this book had:
🧡 Dual POV
🧡 Secrets to uncover
🧡 Small town/small island vibes
🧡 Delightfully eccentric locals
🧡 Strong character development
🧡 Set in Australia
🧡 So many oysters, and even a few pearls
Yes for Australian Authors writing amazing Australian books 👌👏
There is an unexpected depth in this story, and intricacies within the characters that was a great balance to the holiday vibes it had throughout.
Andie seems like she has it all together until you start to notice the way she’s white-knuckling control. She is so desperate to have everything together she’s kind of a mess in the process - and I loved the honestly of this.
Jack is a delightful barefoot island man golden retriever (honestly this microtrope is a total vibe in itself) or at least he is on the surface, and hot damn give me a MMC who knows what he wants and goes after it any day. Especially when that trope includes a “she thinks it’s a fling” but “he was always shooting for more” angle.
The way this book addresses the strong hold grief can have and the way it wreaks havoc even as life goes on around it is really well done - it feels authentic and raw. Both characters are dealing with a different kind of grief and I was so invested in seeing how this played out in their development both individually and together.
I also really connected with Andie’s journey with her friends. It’s not often addressed, but long term friendships change and grow, or sometimes wither, over time - as we change and grow too. What is required to nuture them will inevitably change whether we keep up with it or not. Now in my late 30s I have experienced this many times over, and far out it is nice to see it represented in books, just like this one.
Things this book had:
🧡 Dual POV
🧡 Secrets to uncover
🧡 Small town/small island vibes
🧡 Delightfully eccentric locals
🧡 Strong character development
🧡 Set in Australia
🧡 So many oysters, and even a few pearls
Yes for Australian Authors writing amazing Australian books 👌👏
January 28, 2025
"Only dead fish swim with the current"
Andie Alcott has been a terrible friend since her mum passed away. Her day involves working as a kindergarten teacher, then heading to the care facility where her dad lives with dementia. By the time Andie has fed him, and got him ready for bed, then returns home, she is just exhausted. This leaves her with little time to spend with friends. So when Andie's friend gets a divorce, she gets the girls together for a week long trip on a tropical island. This island is where her parents honeymooned and is hoping to feel closer to her mum again. However, the island has so much more for her that she hasn't yet realised, including island boy Jack.
Andie is such a relatable and raw character who you just have to love. Jack was just the romantic man ever but still typically male in struggling to express himself completely. I loved that this book wasn't just a romance. It was heavy in some parts. Life is complicated, messy, and hard at times, and it's very easy to lose yourself in the mundane, everyday stuff. A beautifully written, perfect summer read that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Andie Alcott has been a terrible friend since her mum passed away. Her day involves working as a kindergarten teacher, then heading to the care facility where her dad lives with dementia. By the time Andie has fed him, and got him ready for bed, then returns home, she is just exhausted. This leaves her with little time to spend with friends. So when Andie's friend gets a divorce, she gets the girls together for a week long trip on a tropical island. This island is where her parents honeymooned and is hoping to feel closer to her mum again. However, the island has so much more for her that she hasn't yet realised, including island boy Jack.
Andie is such a relatable and raw character who you just have to love. Jack was just the romantic man ever but still typically male in struggling to express himself completely. I loved that this book wasn't just a romance. It was heavy in some parts. Life is complicated, messy, and hard at times, and it's very easy to lose yourself in the mundane, everyday stuff. A beautifully written, perfect summer read that will stay with me for a long time to come.
January 21, 2025
WOW—what a perfect summer read! 🌴☀️! Released on December 31, this is the perfect romcom to kick off the year. 🌴✨ I couldn’t stop swooning over Andie and Jack’s chemistry—plus, the movie references, there was just so much to enjoy! 🎬💖
While I’m definitely craving oysters after reading this (thanks, Karina!), I’m now 100% on the hunt for some potato cakes/scallops 🤣
I won’t spoil too much, but the journey of self-discovery, love, and healing in this book was just so heartfelt and real.
This was such a good read, a perfect one to pick up on a sunny day, or any day really and loose yourself within the pages.
That Island Feeling is out now! Grab yourself a copy, you’re going to love it!
While I’m definitely craving oysters after reading this (thanks, Karina!), I’m now 100% on the hunt for some potato cakes/scallops 🤣
I won’t spoil too much, but the journey of self-discovery, love, and healing in this book was just so heartfelt and real.
This was such a good read, a perfect one to pick up on a sunny day, or any day really and loose yourself within the pages.
That Island Feeling is out now! Grab yourself a copy, you’re going to love it!
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