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The Island Villa
A messy family drama and a steamy little romance unfold under the Mediterranean sun for the perfect summer escape…
Celebrated romance author Catherine Swift has topped the bestseller lists for decades, though her personal story hasn’t been quite so successful. Three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained, but that’s about to be rectified. Engaged yet again, Catherine is counting on this wedding to be what finally brings them together as a family, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Adeline doesn’t know what’s worse—that her mother is getting married a fourth time, or that she’s being guilted into witnessing the train wreck at Catherine’s luxury villa in Corfu. It brings back the pain of her parents’ split, of her mother’s infidelity and the baby that was the result. Not that she blames her half sister, Cassie, but then she’s never made an effort to know her, either.
Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother’s news and admires Catherine’s resilience. She’s equally excited about meeting the mystery groom, and at the prospect of spending her summer in Corfu, where she can process a secret of her own she’s been keeping from everyone.
As Cassie and Adeline arrive on the island, they each have very different expectations of what this week will bring—they haven’t been entirely honest with their mother about their lives, either—but in the lead-up to the wedding, all will be revealed, for better or worse.
Celebrated romance author Catherine Swift has topped the bestseller lists for decades, though her personal story hasn’t been quite so successful. Three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained, but that’s about to be rectified. Engaged yet again, Catherine is counting on this wedding to be what finally brings them together as a family, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Adeline doesn’t know what’s worse—that her mother is getting married a fourth time, or that she’s being guilted into witnessing the train wreck at Catherine’s luxury villa in Corfu. It brings back the pain of her parents’ split, of her mother’s infidelity and the baby that was the result. Not that she blames her half sister, Cassie, but then she’s never made an effort to know her, either.
Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother’s news and admires Catherine’s resilience. She’s equally excited about meeting the mystery groom, and at the prospect of spending her summer in Corfu, where she can process a secret of her own she’s been keeping from everyone.
As Cassie and Adeline arrive on the island, they each have very different expectations of what this week will bring—they haven’t been entirely honest with their mother about their lives, either—but in the lead-up to the wedding, all will be revealed, for better or worse.
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2023
386 people are currently reading
8686 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
697 books7,273 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 760 reviews
March 11, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Best selling romance author Catherine Swift hasn’t been entirely successful in the romance department herself, but she hopes wedding number four will set this right. Invitations for the nuptials on Corfu, where Catherine lives are sent out but who is the mystery groom???? Adeline, her eldest daughter, contemplates the invitation, she’s obviously expected to attend, but has no great desire to do so. Cassie, her half sister, has the opposite reaction and is thrilled by the news. This is a family that has secrets, is this the opportunity to bring things to the surface and address issues and start over again? It’s certainly going to be a wedding to remember one way or another. The novel is told by mother and daughters which works really well allowing you to understand their difficulties as well as their personalities. Their relationships and interactions are done very well.
Sarah Morgan always delivers a romance novel with a difference in that there is substance and depth to the storytelling. There is plenty going on in this to keep you reading on, especially the dysfunction both in the present day and how it lingers from the past and still looming large. There are several fractured relationships here and the hope for healing. In addition, it looks at parenthood and how it impacts and affects personalities in a number of ways. There’s the hope of forgiveness and love but also facing up to the truth of long buried issues. There are some good surprises, not least the identity of the groom, parts are heartwarming, but there are also some darker sections. I love the setting in Corfu, which right now, when we’re still in winters deep clutches, it is an attractive prospect!
My only reservation of the book is its length, in my opinion it’s too long!
Overall, though this is another good read from Sarah Morgan, one to happily take to the beach, maybe in Corfu.
Thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Best selling romance author Catherine Swift hasn’t been entirely successful in the romance department herself, but she hopes wedding number four will set this right. Invitations for the nuptials on Corfu, where Catherine lives are sent out but who is the mystery groom???? Adeline, her eldest daughter, contemplates the invitation, she’s obviously expected to attend, but has no great desire to do so. Cassie, her half sister, has the opposite reaction and is thrilled by the news. This is a family that has secrets, is this the opportunity to bring things to the surface and address issues and start over again? It’s certainly going to be a wedding to remember one way or another. The novel is told by mother and daughters which works really well allowing you to understand their difficulties as well as their personalities. Their relationships and interactions are done very well.
Sarah Morgan always delivers a romance novel with a difference in that there is substance and depth to the storytelling. There is plenty going on in this to keep you reading on, especially the dysfunction both in the present day and how it lingers from the past and still looming large. There are several fractured relationships here and the hope for healing. In addition, it looks at parenthood and how it impacts and affects personalities in a number of ways. There’s the hope of forgiveness and love but also facing up to the truth of long buried issues. There are some good surprises, not least the identity of the groom, parts are heartwarming, but there are also some darker sections. I love the setting in Corfu, which right now, when we’re still in winters deep clutches, it is an attractive prospect!
My only reservation of the book is its length, in my opinion it’s too long!
Overall, though this is another good read from Sarah Morgan, one to happily take to the beach, maybe in Corfu.
Thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Want to read
February 10, 2023Excited to read this book but wondering why the cover depicts Santorini when the blurb says Corfu...we shall see if the book takes us there.
May 14, 2023
Review coming soon.
July 14, 2023
Famous romance writer, Catherine Swift is getting married, for the fourth time, on the Greek island of Corfu. She invites her daughters to come and share this momentous occasion and to spend the summer there with her, as well. She hopes to mend fences with Adeline, and to have a second chance at being a family.
Adeline can’t believe her mother is getting married for the fourth time! Hasn’t the last three been evidence enough that this is a bad idea? There’s no love lost between her and her mother. They’ve been estranged for years, and she’s not even close to her younger half-sister, Cassie, but she’s persuaded and can’t say no.
Cassie on the other hand is ecstatic. She’s so proud that her mother is taking a chance on love again and can’t wait to meet the mysterious groom. Both Adeline and Cassie are in for a shock.
I was immediately pulled into The Island Villa! We get a POV from all three woman: Catherine, Adeline and Cassie. My heart broke for Adeline, at the way her mother seemed to have thrown her to the side for her new family.
The island of Corfu sounded gorgeous, with it’s glittering blue sea and pastel cottages. The perfect place for a summer romance!
There’s a bit of romance for each of the women as well. Catherine’s was my favorite, but all made me happy!
The Island Villa filled me with such emotions for these women! I was outraged and hurt in Adeline’s behalf, and felt Cassie’s situation acutely. At first Catherine seemed like a self-absorbed woman, but as her story unfolds, I had a totally different opinion. Secrets are revealed opening the way up for healing, growth and love. I was all in!
A copy was kindly provided by Canary Street Press via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Adeline can’t believe her mother is getting married for the fourth time! Hasn’t the last three been evidence enough that this is a bad idea? There’s no love lost between her and her mother. They’ve been estranged for years, and she’s not even close to her younger half-sister, Cassie, but she’s persuaded and can’t say no.
Cassie on the other hand is ecstatic. She’s so proud that her mother is taking a chance on love again and can’t wait to meet the mysterious groom. Both Adeline and Cassie are in for a shock.
I was immediately pulled into The Island Villa! We get a POV from all three woman: Catherine, Adeline and Cassie. My heart broke for Adeline, at the way her mother seemed to have thrown her to the side for her new family.
The island of Corfu sounded gorgeous, with it’s glittering blue sea and pastel cottages. The perfect place for a summer romance!
There’s a bit of romance for each of the women as well. Catherine’s was my favorite, but all made me happy!
The Island Villa filled me with such emotions for these women! I was outraged and hurt in Adeline’s behalf, and felt Cassie’s situation acutely. At first Catherine seemed like a self-absorbed woman, but as her story unfolds, I had a totally different opinion. Secrets are revealed opening the way up for healing, growth and love. I was all in!
A copy was kindly provided by Canary Street Press via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2023
Another expertly written novel from Sarah Morgan, that had me sighing in satisfaction at the end. If I ever read a second novel alongside a Morgan book, that second one will always fade into the background because this author just seems to have everything you need to make a cracking read. I have read so many of Morgan’s novels by now (still some in the back catalogue that I haven’t reached yet!), and each one remains unique and absorbing.
Readers are taken away to the deliciously warm, Greek island of Corfu. I loved the setting and how vividly Morgan brings it to her readers. The fresh heat, the blue skies, the morning sun… it all felt so palpable and I felt like I belonged on the villa’s coast with the characters. It was difficult to drag myself away from this book and return to the grey skies of reality and this I think is just one way that makes Morgan’s writing so successful.
On paper, you can hardly believe that Catherine Swift is heading down the aisle for the fourth time. Four marriages?! How is that even possible?! And this is exactly what her eldest, estranged daughter, Adeline believes. Dragging her feet to Corfu, the only reason she agrees to attend this farcical arrangement is because of her father’s influence. Leaving behind the stresses of London life that Adeline knows is regimented (for her own good, of course), Adeline is never prepared for what greets her at her mother’s villa.
Catherine’s youngest daughter, Cassie, is portrayed as the opposite of Adeline. Rather than cautious and reserved, Cassie is bubbly and spontaneous. Despite still working in a coffee shop after finishing her degree at Oxford, she is in no hurry to move on and start making “life” decisions. She is over the moon to her of her mother’s nuptials but is equally dreading meeting again with her step-sister. Cassie and Adeline hardly have the closest of relationships and Cassie knows this is going to cause tension at the family wedding.
I loved how the story progressed and we are given insights into the sisters and Catherine. The narrative is so well-developed that I felt I knew these women intimately. They are all so unique yet, I admired how Morgan shares traits with Catherine’s daughters, reflecting that they are closer than they realise. Not only do we learn about the cause of the strained relationship between Catherine and Adeline, and the two sisters, but also about each one’s past, adding more flavour to the novel.
As you come to expect from a Morgan novel, this is a story about growth and love. The summer setting added an element of chill and relaxation to this story and the warmth that came from the weather was reflected in the growing connections between the characters. The plot was not predictable and I found I could not get enough of this book, always reluctant to put it down when duty called.
This was another fantastic read – this writer does not disappoint! It is perfect for a holiday, or even for a cheap get away when the passports remain redundant for the summer.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Readers are taken away to the deliciously warm, Greek island of Corfu. I loved the setting and how vividly Morgan brings it to her readers. The fresh heat, the blue skies, the morning sun… it all felt so palpable and I felt like I belonged on the villa’s coast with the characters. It was difficult to drag myself away from this book and return to the grey skies of reality and this I think is just one way that makes Morgan’s writing so successful.
On paper, you can hardly believe that Catherine Swift is heading down the aisle for the fourth time. Four marriages?! How is that even possible?! And this is exactly what her eldest, estranged daughter, Adeline believes. Dragging her feet to Corfu, the only reason she agrees to attend this farcical arrangement is because of her father’s influence. Leaving behind the stresses of London life that Adeline knows is regimented (for her own good, of course), Adeline is never prepared for what greets her at her mother’s villa.
Catherine’s youngest daughter, Cassie, is portrayed as the opposite of Adeline. Rather than cautious and reserved, Cassie is bubbly and spontaneous. Despite still working in a coffee shop after finishing her degree at Oxford, she is in no hurry to move on and start making “life” decisions. She is over the moon to her of her mother’s nuptials but is equally dreading meeting again with her step-sister. Cassie and Adeline hardly have the closest of relationships and Cassie knows this is going to cause tension at the family wedding.
I loved how the story progressed and we are given insights into the sisters and Catherine. The narrative is so well-developed that I felt I knew these women intimately. They are all so unique yet, I admired how Morgan shares traits with Catherine’s daughters, reflecting that they are closer than they realise. Not only do we learn about the cause of the strained relationship between Catherine and Adeline, and the two sisters, but also about each one’s past, adding more flavour to the novel.
As you come to expect from a Morgan novel, this is a story about growth and love. The summer setting added an element of chill and relaxation to this story and the warmth that came from the weather was reflected in the growing connections between the characters. The plot was not predictable and I found I could not get enough of this book, always reluctant to put it down when duty called.
This was another fantastic read – this writer does not disappoint! It is perfect for a holiday, or even for a cheap get away when the passports remain redundant for the summer.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2023
Family Life Fiction / Contemporary Women Fiction
Publication Date: May 2, 2023
Note: Also published with a different title - SUMMER WEDDING.
Romance author Catherine Swift has invited her daughter from her first marriage, Adeline and her younger daughter Cassie to attend the wedding on the magic island, Corfu. Catherine's relationship with Adeline hasn't been easy since she sent her away to live with her father. The younger sister Cassie is more excited by her mother's news. She has always been close to her mother, especially after her father died in a tragic accident when she was only two. Both sisters have lost contact with each other, so she fears that the time on the island will be strained.
As Cassie and Adeline arrive on the island, they each have very different expectations of what this trip will bring—they haven’t been entirely honest with their mother about their lives, either—but in the lead-up to the wedding, all will be revealed, for better or worse.
****
Cute story about second chances, family ties, secrets, finding love and happiness.
I wanted to enjoy this story more but I got tired by all the inner monologue and the changes of viewpoints -- when I got into the story from the POV of one character, in the next chapter author has switched to someone else's storyline, interrupting the flow and focus, making story disjointed and fragmented. I found it irritating. It got tiresome to re-read the same things over and over again. Perhaps partly thanks to this it was easy to guess what Catherine's big "secret" was and who the groom was before it was revealed. At times all three female characters sounded childish and immature.
Maybe I've read too many Sarah Morgan novels. At this point, every book just seems the same - same story, just different cast and location.
This story was repetitive, predictible and superficial. Not much was explored deeper as author juggled between three characters within short span of pages but the skills weren't quite up to it. It felt weird how many words author wrote, how little seemed to happen...please don't tell me, show me.
And I've lost count of books where I have to read how difficult it is to write a book....yeah, we've already heard it before and know it.
Please stop counting how many words you've written. Think WHAT you've written!
Ah, I guess authors like e.g. Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Linda Howard have spoiled me with their wonderful storytelling and characters. My expectations are too high for other authors who sadly lack the same skill and mastery...
Publication Date: May 2, 2023
Note: Also published with a different title - SUMMER WEDDING.
Romance author Catherine Swift has invited her daughter from her first marriage, Adeline and her younger daughter Cassie to attend the wedding on the magic island, Corfu. Catherine's relationship with Adeline hasn't been easy since she sent her away to live with her father. The younger sister Cassie is more excited by her mother's news. She has always been close to her mother, especially after her father died in a tragic accident when she was only two. Both sisters have lost contact with each other, so she fears that the time on the island will be strained.
As Cassie and Adeline arrive on the island, they each have very different expectations of what this trip will bring—they haven’t been entirely honest with their mother about their lives, either—but in the lead-up to the wedding, all will be revealed, for better or worse.
****
Cute story about second chances, family ties, secrets, finding love and happiness.
I wanted to enjoy this story more but I got tired by all the inner monologue and the changes of viewpoints -- when I got into the story from the POV of one character, in the next chapter author has switched to someone else's storyline, interrupting the flow and focus, making story disjointed and fragmented. I found it irritating. It got tiresome to re-read the same things over and over again. Perhaps partly thanks to this it was easy to guess what Catherine's big "secret" was and who the groom was before it was revealed. At times all three female characters sounded childish and immature.
Maybe I've read too many Sarah Morgan novels. At this point, every book just seems the same - same story, just different cast and location.
This story was repetitive, predictible and superficial. Not much was explored deeper as author juggled between three characters within short span of pages but the skills weren't quite up to it. It felt weird how many words author wrote, how little seemed to happen...please don't tell me, show me.
And I've lost count of books where I have to read how difficult it is to write a book....yeah, we've already heard it before and know it.
Please stop counting how many words you've written. Think WHAT you've written!
Ah, I guess authors like e.g. Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Linda Howard have spoiled me with their wonderful storytelling and characters. My expectations are too high for other authors who sadly lack the same skill and mastery...
July 27, 2023
Really enjoyed this one by Sarah Morgan, she’s a great story teller & manages to weave a light but absorbing story without patronising her readers. Lots of interesting emotional knots to unravel here, some of which I could really resonate with (specifically Adeline & her Dad) Loved the Corfu setting too. Great read.
August 27, 2023
I have never read a bad Sarah Morgan book she is one of my go to authors. This one is one of the best. Even possible it excels all the others. I loved the addictive pace from start to finish. I loved the three view points.
I loved how I did not know what I was expecting. I was not expecting it to get so deep and still an incredible read. The title half predicts light and fluffy. It is far from it in the best possible way.
Catherine Swift is the mum the mum getting married again. Plot spoiler to her first husband. The true love of her life. Ask yourself why they split up then? Why make the mistake again? Then you would be eldest daughter Adeline.
Adeline is the daughter of Catherine and Andrew before everything went wrong. She had turned quite upper tight with what life has thrown her way. In Corfu she is lighter and care free. Her sister and eldest friend turned lover help with this.
Cassie the youngest daughter born from her mum's affair in her first marriage. There is much more to Cassie and the rest of the family than this. Rob Dunn was not the romantic hero more the abuser. Cassie deserves a better father in Andrew. She also deserves the best with best friend turned lover Oscar.
Rob. The one better off dead how unfortunate he ended up at the bottom the stairs. That secret is best kept between Catherine and Maria.
I loved them all however had a soft spot Catherine for all she had been through for keeping you guessing. She made the book over breaking it. A force to be reckoned with you end up loving. Even when she then choses to write crime. Any Catherine Swift novel would be an incredible work of fiction passing on the trait to daughters Cassie in writing and Dr Swifts column.
This is the perfect read. 5x 100 stars
I loved how I did not know what I was expecting. I was not expecting it to get so deep and still an incredible read. The title half predicts light and fluffy. It is far from it in the best possible way.
Catherine Swift is the mum the mum getting married again. Plot spoiler to her first husband. The true love of her life. Ask yourself why they split up then? Why make the mistake again? Then you would be eldest daughter Adeline.
Adeline is the daughter of Catherine and Andrew before everything went wrong. She had turned quite upper tight with what life has thrown her way. In Corfu she is lighter and care free. Her sister and eldest friend turned lover help with this.
Cassie the youngest daughter born from her mum's affair in her first marriage. There is much more to Cassie and the rest of the family than this. Rob Dunn was not the romantic hero more the abuser. Cassie deserves a better father in Andrew. She also deserves the best with best friend turned lover Oscar.
Rob. The one better off dead how unfortunate he ended up at the bottom the stairs. That secret is best kept between Catherine and Maria.
I loved them all however had a soft spot Catherine for all she had been through for keeping you guessing. She made the book over breaking it. A force to be reckoned with you end up loving. Even when she then choses to write crime. Any Catherine Swift novel would be an incredible work of fiction passing on the trait to daughters Cassie in writing and Dr Swifts column.
This is the perfect read. 5x 100 stars
May 11, 2023
Sarah Morgan is a recent discovery for me. I read my first of her books a year ago and have since read several of her works. All are delightful and filled with warmth and well developed characters. The Island Villa is no exception to SM's talents. If SM's books were merely "romance" novels, I would not be reading them. SM is the UK version of Elin Hilderbrand or Nancy Thayer and all of these ladies are masterful at telling stories about families, love, loss and getting through the curves life throws at us. The Island Villa is about the struggles of novelist Catherine and her two daughters and all three characters had interesting and engrossing stories with issues to resolve and past hurts to heal. While this is not my favorite SM book it was still an enjoyable read for me. 3.5 stars.
July 30, 2023
Another winner from this author. All her books so far I've enjoyed and this one was up there with the rest. Slightly different this one more about relationships which I found interesting and very enjoyable. Hope to read more in the future. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this story about what a family is and what it takes to let down your guard and embrace life.
Famous author Catherine Swift has summoned her two daughters to her house in Corfu for her fourth (!) wedding. A clue to the differing personalities of the girls is their reaction to the news. Optimistic Cassie is overjoyed for her mother, but realistic Adeline is not looking forward to attending the wedding. The identity of the groom is a mystery that stuns both girls when they realize who he is.
Catherine and her daughters are guarded have to learn that one has to let go and take a chance in order to experience love. The location of Corfu certainly helps them learn to relax.
This is a heartwarming and breezy, enjoyable summer read.
Famous author Catherine Swift has summoned her two daughters to her house in Corfu for her fourth (!) wedding. A clue to the differing personalities of the girls is their reaction to the news. Optimistic Cassie is overjoyed for her mother, but realistic Adeline is not looking forward to attending the wedding. The identity of the groom is a mystery that stuns both girls when they realize who he is.
Catherine and her daughters are guarded have to learn that one has to let go and take a chance in order to experience love. The location of Corfu certainly helps them learn to relax.
This is a heartwarming and breezy, enjoyable summer read.
May 26, 2023
I really enjoy Sarah Morgan’s novels for her tight storylines, and ability to move the plot along. So I was eager to read this one as well. Sadly this book just wasn’t the same for me. I found too much telling about things that were going to happen instead of doing, and far too much internal dialogue that typically was very whiny. I also found the book to drag on at many times making me feel that it should have been far shorter.
May 8, 2023
90% women’s fiction, only 10% romance at the end. Too much telling and internal dialogue rather than showing. Mysteries were predictable.
April 21, 2023
This book was sent to me from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, where to start…. This is the third book by Sarah Morgan that I have read and I can safely say that every book has been different but very captivating and has kept me hooked.
Catherine Swift, a famous romance writer who has got her secrets about her past relationships that may come to reveal themselves but can she keep her strong relationship with one of her daughters and can she rebuild a relationship with her other daughter.
Cassie Dunn is inspiring to be a romance writer just like her Mother but after the truth comes out about her parents relationship will she still believe in love and will she realise that she may have feelings for her best friend ?
Adeline Swift is a psychologist who can give out advice but when it comes to her own emotions she doesn’t show any and is really cold until she learns the truth about her past and rekindles with a childhood friend that she hasn’t seen for more than two decades.. is it just friendship or has she found what love feels like ?
I would recommend this book to anybody who wants a gripping romance but warning there are mentions of domestic abuse and family issues… I loved this book and looking forward to reading more books by Sarah.
Firstly, where to start…. This is the third book by Sarah Morgan that I have read and I can safely say that every book has been different but very captivating and has kept me hooked.
Catherine Swift, a famous romance writer who has got her secrets about her past relationships that may come to reveal themselves but can she keep her strong relationship with one of her daughters and can she rebuild a relationship with her other daughter.
Cassie Dunn is inspiring to be a romance writer just like her Mother but after the truth comes out about her parents relationship will she still believe in love and will she realise that she may have feelings for her best friend ?
Adeline Swift is a psychologist who can give out advice but when it comes to her own emotions she doesn’t show any and is really cold until she learns the truth about her past and rekindles with a childhood friend that she hasn’t seen for more than two decades.. is it just friendship or has she found what love feels like ?
I would recommend this book to anybody who wants a gripping romance but warning there are mentions of domestic abuse and family issues… I loved this book and looking forward to reading more books by Sarah.
October 23, 2023
Sarah Morgan is one of my favorite “easy read” writers. I can always count on her to lift me up. Driving across the country and having finished a pretty heavy and dark read, I needed something light to pass the hours.
The Summer Villa was just what I needed. While I did think it got quite breathy at times, the repetitive dialogue could have been cut back a touch and a male to accompany Imogen Church (her male voices were SO weird) on the audio, I did enjoy this family drama. 3.5 rounded up for guaranteed happy endings. Thank you again Sarah. Btw, was this book a way to put the feelers out to jump ship Sarah? You going the thriller route next?
The Summer Villa was just what I needed. While I did think it got quite breathy at times, the repetitive dialogue could have been cut back a touch and a male to accompany Imogen Church (her male voices were SO weird) on the audio, I did enjoy this family drama. 3.5 rounded up for guaranteed happy endings. Thank you again Sarah. Btw, was this book a way to put the feelers out to jump ship Sarah? You going the thriller route next?
May 31, 2023
Morgan's latest novel follows three main female characters (always a good start - Girl Power!): Catherine, a middle-aged romance writer embarking on a new marriage and a new genre of writing; Adeline, Catherine's eldest daughter and self-proclaimed emotional rock; and Cassie, Catherine's youngest daughter, aspiring writer and hopeless romantic falling for all her mother's seemingly impulsive acts in the name of true love. Adeline is less than thrilled about her mother's fourth marriage, while Cassie supports her unwaveringly. They both head to Corfu for the wedding anyway, and secrets begin leaking out.
I found this book difficult to get into. For me, the start was too slow, with extended flashbacks giving us perhaps unnecessary information about the characters' backgrounds. I felt this would have been better explored as the characters arrived on the island, even if it just gave me the sunny setting I was craving a bit sooner!
What I did like though, was the narrative viewpoint changing between the three main characters. I always enjoy different viewpoints and it gave me time to get to know each of them. Adeline's feisty and firm attitude was probably the most relatable, and I liked that she developed throughout the novel as she let herself sink into island life.
My main criticism with this novel, however, is its genre. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what genre Morgan was aiming for here. Based on the cover, I was expecting a summery, cheesy romance, but it's not romantically-focused enough for that. However, based on the blurb I was expecting more of a thriller, but the secrecy wasn't really intense or unpredictable enough to be a decent thriller or drama. I think a few more conversations between editors and marketing might be necessary for Sarah Morgan's next novel.
All in all, a character-driven family feud built into some stunning scenery, but not compelling enough.
I found this book difficult to get into. For me, the start was too slow, with extended flashbacks giving us perhaps unnecessary information about the characters' backgrounds. I felt this would have been better explored as the characters arrived on the island, even if it just gave me the sunny setting I was craving a bit sooner!
What I did like though, was the narrative viewpoint changing between the three main characters. I always enjoy different viewpoints and it gave me time to get to know each of them. Adeline's feisty and firm attitude was probably the most relatable, and I liked that she developed throughout the novel as she let herself sink into island life.
My main criticism with this novel, however, is its genre. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what genre Morgan was aiming for here. Based on the cover, I was expecting a summery, cheesy romance, but it's not romantically-focused enough for that. However, based on the blurb I was expecting more of a thriller, but the secrecy wasn't really intense or unpredictable enough to be a decent thriller or drama. I think a few more conversations between editors and marketing might be necessary for Sarah Morgan's next novel.
All in all, a character-driven family feud built into some stunning scenery, but not compelling enough.
May 24, 2023
If you’re looking for a book full of family drama and secrets, look no further. Sarah Morgan weaves a story full of sacrifice, relationship issues and challenges. This book has a different feel than any of the author’s previous books. I missed the author’s use of humour which I’ve come to appreciate. This book’s story is much more intense and dramatic.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. Catherine is a best-selling author of romance about to be married for the fourth time. She invites her two daughters who are estranged half-sisters. Adeline is the older of the two women and she doesn’t want to come to observe yet another wedding of her mother. Her relationship with her mother has been stressed since her mother sent her to live with her father when Catherine marries another man and has another daughter. Cassie is the younger of Catherine’s daughters and has a close relationship with her mother and can’t wait to meet her mother’s fiancee.
When the sisters are introduced to the groom-to-be, they are both devastated. Family secrets are gradually revealed. Romances involving each of the sisters are folded into the story and were appreciated.
I felt the book was a bit too long and took much longer to get into than any other book I have read from this author. Having said that, I enjoyed the book once I settled into it. The central characters are well-written with interesting backstories. The message behind the book is a good one.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Island Villa which I borrowed from my local library. Imogen Church narrated this book and does a good job of providing a voice to the multiple characters in the book. I did listen to the book at a slightly higher speed than my normal. I have no problem recommending the audiobook version to those that enjoy this format.
The story is told from multiple perspectives. Catherine is a best-selling author of romance about to be married for the fourth time. She invites her two daughters who are estranged half-sisters. Adeline is the older of the two women and she doesn’t want to come to observe yet another wedding of her mother. Her relationship with her mother has been stressed since her mother sent her to live with her father when Catherine marries another man and has another daughter. Cassie is the younger of Catherine’s daughters and has a close relationship with her mother and can’t wait to meet her mother’s fiancee.
When the sisters are introduced to the groom-to-be, they are both devastated. Family secrets are gradually revealed. Romances involving each of the sisters are folded into the story and were appreciated.
I felt the book was a bit too long and took much longer to get into than any other book I have read from this author. Having said that, I enjoyed the book once I settled into it. The central characters are well-written with interesting backstories. The message behind the book is a good one.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Island Villa which I borrowed from my local library. Imogen Church narrated this book and does a good job of providing a voice to the multiple characters in the book. I did listen to the book at a slightly higher speed than my normal. I have no problem recommending the audiobook version to those that enjoy this format.
August 21, 2023
I got bored. Didn’t finish it. Don’t recommend.
June 4, 2024
Title:
The Island Villa
Author: Sarah Morgan
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: May 2, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Dreamy • Relaxing • Complicated
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Celebrated romance author Catherine Swift has topped the bestseller lists for decades, though her personal story hasn't been quite so successful. Three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained, but that's about to be rectified. Engaged yet again, Catherine is counting on this wedding to be what finally brings them together as a family, and she'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Adeline doesn't know what's worse--that her mother is getting married a fourth time, or that she's being guilted into witnessing the train wreck at Catherine's luxury villa in Corfu. It brings back the pain of her parents' split, of her mother's infidelity and the baby that was the result. Not that she blames her half sister, Cassie, but then she's never made an effort to know her, either.
Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother's news and admires Catherine's resilience. She's equally excited about meeting the mystery groom, and at the prospect of spending her summer in Corfu, where she can process a secret of her own she's been keeping from everyone.
As Cassie and Adeline arrive on the island, they each have very different expectations of what this week will bring--they haven't been entirely honest with their mother about their lives, either--but in the lead-up to the wedding, all will be revealed, for better or worse.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I've read Sarah Morgan's Christmas books in the past, so when I stumbled upon The Island Villa in a Little Free Library last summer, I decided to pick it up. And it just happened to be the perfect book to jumpstart my summer reading, transporting to me the island of Corfu.
Told in alternating chapters from Catherine, Adeline and Cassie's perspectives, it's evident quite early on that each of the women is holding onto their own secret. As the narrative unfolds, slowly details are revealed. Neither of the 'big' reveals were all that shocking, in fact, to me they were quite predictable, yet it was still an enjoyable read. It is the relationships between the women that is the focus, and the romance doesn't really come into play until the final quarter.
I absolutely loved being transported to the idyllic Corfu setting. All of the descriptions - the sea, the flowers, the view, the sunshine - had me researching vacations. It all made this the perfect summer escape to read on vacation.
It could have easily been shorten by 50 pages. There were parts when I just wanted to get to the point and the lack of communication seemed to drag on and on. Despite this, I was definitely rooting for each of the women to find forgiveness and a happily-ever-after.
The Island Villa was an enjoyable read that set the tone for my summer reading. It would definitely make a good romantic comedy on the big screen. I will continue to seek out Sarah's book when I am in need of something lighter, but that doesn't necessarily focus solely on the romance. I believe she recently published another summer one with a similar cover.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• a summer escape
• messy families
⚠️ CW: domestic abuse, physical abuse, abandonment, death, death of parent, mental illness, alcoholism, cursing, infidelity, pregnancy, divorce, toxic relationship, panic attacks/disorders
Author: Sarah Morgan
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: May 2, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Dreamy • Relaxing • Complicated
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Celebrated romance author Catherine Swift has topped the bestseller lists for decades, though her personal story hasn't been quite so successful. Three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained, but that's about to be rectified. Engaged yet again, Catherine is counting on this wedding to be what finally brings them together as a family, and she'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Adeline doesn't know what's worse--that her mother is getting married a fourth time, or that she's being guilted into witnessing the train wreck at Catherine's luxury villa in Corfu. It brings back the pain of her parents' split, of her mother's infidelity and the baby that was the result. Not that she blames her half sister, Cassie, but then she's never made an effort to know her, either.
Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother's news and admires Catherine's resilience. She's equally excited about meeting the mystery groom, and at the prospect of spending her summer in Corfu, where she can process a secret of her own she's been keeping from everyone.
As Cassie and Adeline arrive on the island, they each have very different expectations of what this week will bring--they haven't been entirely honest with their mother about their lives, either--but in the lead-up to the wedding, all will be revealed, for better or worse.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I've read Sarah Morgan's Christmas books in the past, so when I stumbled upon The Island Villa in a Little Free Library last summer, I decided to pick it up. And it just happened to be the perfect book to jumpstart my summer reading, transporting to me the island of Corfu.
Told in alternating chapters from Catherine, Adeline and Cassie's perspectives, it's evident quite early on that each of the women is holding onto their own secret. As the narrative unfolds, slowly details are revealed. Neither of the 'big' reveals were all that shocking, in fact, to me they were quite predictable, yet it was still an enjoyable read. It is the relationships between the women that is the focus, and the romance doesn't really come into play until the final quarter.
I absolutely loved being transported to the idyllic Corfu setting. All of the descriptions - the sea, the flowers, the view, the sunshine - had me researching vacations. It all made this the perfect summer escape to read on vacation.
It could have easily been shorten by 50 pages. There were parts when I just wanted to get to the point and the lack of communication seemed to drag on and on. Despite this, I was definitely rooting for each of the women to find forgiveness and a happily-ever-after.
The Island Villa was an enjoyable read that set the tone for my summer reading. It would definitely make a good romantic comedy on the big screen. I will continue to seek out Sarah's book when I am in need of something lighter, but that doesn't necessarily focus solely on the romance. I believe she recently published another summer one with a similar cover.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• a summer escape
• messy families
⚠️ CW: domestic abuse, physical abuse, abandonment, death, death of parent, mental illness, alcoholism, cursing, infidelity, pregnancy, divorce, toxic relationship, panic attacks/disorders
August 7, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
A complicated family drama involving mothers and daughters, second chances, broken families, women romance authors and destination weddings. Two estranged half-sisters reunite on Corfu for their mother's latest wedding only to have family secrets revealed and hard truths come to harsh light. Good on audio narrated by Imogen Church. This makes a perfect beach read for fans of complex family stories and exotic settings.
A complicated family drama involving mothers and daughters, second chances, broken families, women romance authors and destination weddings. Two estranged half-sisters reunite on Corfu for their mother's latest wedding only to have family secrets revealed and hard truths come to harsh light. Good on audio narrated by Imogen Church. This makes a perfect beach read for fans of complex family stories and exotic settings.
August 3, 2023
This was a perfect summer read! I read it pretty quickly so it was good lol. The mother did annoy me a bit but it was fine. Adeline and Cassie were so nice and it was great to see them rekindle their friendship. Honestly I expected there to be more of a certain murdery secret but the reveal definitely made sense and went with the plot well. Simply delightful!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2024
I just really love the way Sarah Morgan writes 😍🥹 this story was both sweet and easy to read but also hit some hard points with family drama and serious notes. I love the fact that Sarah can do both!
There were a handful of times that the characters got to me, a little oblivious and needing to talk things out, but I can look beyond that for the sake of the story and the enjoyment of it all🤣
There were a handful of times that the characters got to me, a little oblivious and needing to talk things out, but I can look beyond that for the sake of the story and the enjoyment of it all🤣
November 21, 2025
I loved this! I have enjoyed all of Sarah Morgan’s books, and this one is right up there. It made me want to go to Corfu!
May 25, 2025
Ännu en bok där man befinner sig i Grekland. Man kan känna värmen, smaken på maten och svalkan i havet.
En härlig feelgood när den är som bäst!
En härlig feelgood när den är som bäst!
July 11, 2023
2-1/2 stars.
This review has spoilers, so proceed at your own risk.
I usually greatly enjoy this author's books, but I really struggled with this one. I didn't even care about the fact that I could predict every "surprise" and knew how things would play out for each character. That's to be expected in this type of story. What bothered me was Catherine. I felt no sympathy for the character and thought she was a shitty parent. The explanation for sending Adeline away as a child was just ridiculous. At that point in her life, she was a successful writer who had enough money to buy a home on an island. Like the woman couldn't hire a good enough lawyer who would have made sure her abusive husband didn't get custody of their daughter? Even if she thought she was protecting her older child by having her live with her father, she still visited every summer. So she wasn't in danger during those visits? Only if she lived there full time? And once she grew up, she couldn't have told her the truth, but instead let her think she was unwanted her entire life? Never tried to fix their fractured relationship? This made absolutely no sense to me. Especially once Rob was dead and gone. There was nothing holding her back from telling the truth and fixing the fractured relationship with her older child.
What really irritated me was that once the truth finally came out, both of her daughters were just entirely too accepting and understanding of Catherine's lies and reasons for being a shitty parent. Even Cassie, who her entire life thought her parents had a fairytale romance only to find out her father was a "monster." 🙄 Just no. Sorry, but it would take me a while to process all that, let alone say all is forgiven in the space of a few hours.
Oh well, you can't love them all, right? It won't stop me from preordering her next book, but this one is definitely not a favorite of mine from Sarah Morgan.
This review has spoilers, so proceed at your own risk.
I usually greatly enjoy this author's books, but I really struggled with this one. I didn't even care about the fact that I could predict every "surprise" and knew how things would play out for each character. That's to be expected in this type of story. What bothered me was Catherine. I felt no sympathy for the character and thought she was a shitty parent. The explanation for sending Adeline away as a child was just ridiculous. At that point in her life, she was a successful writer who had enough money to buy a home on an island. Like the woman couldn't hire a good enough lawyer who would have made sure her abusive husband didn't get custody of their daughter? Even if she thought she was protecting her older child by having her live with her father, she still visited every summer. So she wasn't in danger during those visits? Only if she lived there full time? And once she grew up, she couldn't have told her the truth, but instead let her think she was unwanted her entire life? Never tried to fix their fractured relationship? This made absolutely no sense to me. Especially once Rob was dead and gone. There was nothing holding her back from telling the truth and fixing the fractured relationship with her older child.
What really irritated me was that once the truth finally came out, both of her daughters were just entirely too accepting and understanding of Catherine's lies and reasons for being a shitty parent. Even Cassie, who her entire life thought her parents had a fairytale romance only to find out her father was a "monster." 🙄 Just no. Sorry, but it would take me a while to process all that, let alone say all is forgiven in the space of a few hours.
Oh well, you can't love them all, right? It won't stop me from preordering her next book, but this one is definitely not a favorite of mine from Sarah Morgan.
May 30, 2024
Cathrine Swift möchte wieder heiraten und zu ihrer Hochzeit ihre beiden Töchter dabei haben. Der Zukünftige bleibt vorerst geheim, denn Catherine hat etwas spezielles vor. Adeline, ihre ältere Tochter kann sich nichts schlimmeres vorstellen, als ihre Mutter in ihre vierte Ehe zu begleiten, wohin gegen Cassie ganz begeistert davon ist.
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht der drei Frauen erzählt. Daher bekommt man das Gefühlsleben gut mit und auch die Missverständnisse, die durch die unterschiedlichen Interpretationen des Geschehenen entstehen. Tatsächlich sind in der Familie in der Vergangenheit viele Dinge passiert, über die nicht richtig gesprochen wurde, sei es, weil es zu schmerzhaft war oder jemand geschützt werden sollte.
Das was passiert ist dämmert einem beim Lesen relativ schnell. Allerdings schafft es die Autorin die Spannung geschickt aufrecht zu erhalten und immer wieder mit neuen Überraschungen zu punkten. Der Schreibstil ist wie immer sehr gut zu lesen und das ganze Setting auf Korfu lädt zum Träumen ein. Ich fand es interessant wie sich die Beziehungen zwischen den Protagonisten entwickeln, nachdem sie die Jahre davor wohl ziemlich festgeschrieben waren.
Alles in allem war es ein schönes Buch mit einem Setting das immer wieder überrascht und dabei viel Lesevergnügen gebracht hat.
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht der drei Frauen erzählt. Daher bekommt man das Gefühlsleben gut mit und auch die Missverständnisse, die durch die unterschiedlichen Interpretationen des Geschehenen entstehen. Tatsächlich sind in der Familie in der Vergangenheit viele Dinge passiert, über die nicht richtig gesprochen wurde, sei es, weil es zu schmerzhaft war oder jemand geschützt werden sollte.
Das was passiert ist dämmert einem beim Lesen relativ schnell. Allerdings schafft es die Autorin die Spannung geschickt aufrecht zu erhalten und immer wieder mit neuen Überraschungen zu punkten. Der Schreibstil ist wie immer sehr gut zu lesen und das ganze Setting auf Korfu lädt zum Träumen ein. Ich fand es interessant wie sich die Beziehungen zwischen den Protagonisten entwickeln, nachdem sie die Jahre davor wohl ziemlich festgeschrieben waren.
Alles in allem war es ein schönes Buch mit einem Setting das immer wieder überrascht und dabei viel Lesevergnügen gebracht hat.
June 16, 2023
2.5 stars. The ending was everything I hoped it would be, but it was blatantly led up to. Forget bread crumbs, the author left whole loaves of bread. Not subtle at all. Everything got wrapped up in a beautiful little bow. And not a homemade bow either. I'm talking department store at Christmas-time, how did they get it to look so perfect type of bow.
Speaking of things being too perfect, I seriously doubt this author actually has a sister. Or has ever seen sisters interact. The sister relationship in this story irked me for the first 250 pages. It seemed forced and unrealistic. It was all a very stereotypical portrayal of sisters (which is, in my experience, inaccurate).
In fact, the whole story irked me for the first 250 pages. I almost quit reading it more than once because it was so dry. I had the exact thought: "I do not have time to waste reading bad books"
Having said all that, I did enjoy the ending, but I could have told you exactly what was gonna happen after reading the first 100-130 pages.
Speaking of things being too perfect, I seriously doubt this author actually has a sister. Or has ever seen sisters interact. The sister relationship in this story irked me for the first 250 pages. It seemed forced and unrealistic. It was all a very stereotypical portrayal of sisters (which is, in my experience, inaccurate).
In fact, the whole story irked me for the first 250 pages. I almost quit reading it more than once because it was so dry. I had the exact thought: "I do not have time to waste reading bad books"
Having said all that, I did enjoy the ending, but I could have told you exactly what was gonna happen after reading the first 100-130 pages.
May 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Island Villa weaves the story of Catherine Swift and her two daughters. A famous romance author (something Morgan knows nothing about 😉), Catherine is marrying for the 4th time. Her first marriage to Adeline’s father did not survive her rise to fame, her second marriage to Cassie’s father ended in his death, her third marriage was a disaster, but this time, it’s going to be right.
Adeline can’t believe she’s witnessing her mother getting married again. Love seems to be a revolving door for her mother and she would rather settle for mutual values and life priorities rather than passion and romance. She begrudgingly flies to Corfu to meet her mothers new fiancé, to get a shock of her life. One that questions everything she knew.
Cassie is beyond excited for her mom. Her parents had the greatest love story that tragically ended too soon. But their love for one another is everything Cassie wants for herself. It’s too bad that she’s so nervous about being with her sister, who has everything together and is intimidating. Everything Cassie is not.
The women find truth, understanding acceptance, and love in this book. As has been the case with Sarah Morgan’s books of late, it’s more womens fiction than romance,
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.
Adeline can’t believe she’s witnessing her mother getting married again. Love seems to be a revolving door for her mother and she would rather settle for mutual values and life priorities rather than passion and romance. She begrudgingly flies to Corfu to meet her mothers new fiancé, to get a shock of her life. One that questions everything she knew.
Cassie is beyond excited for her mom. Her parents had the greatest love story that tragically ended too soon. But their love for one another is everything Cassie wants for herself. It’s too bad that she’s so nervous about being with her sister, who has everything together and is intimidating. Everything Cassie is not.
The women find truth, understanding acceptance, and love in this book. As has been the case with Sarah Morgan’s books of late, it’s more womens fiction than romance,
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.
May 1, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this. A book different to my usual fare - or so I thought - but this romance had bite.
Catherine Swift is a bestselling romance author. She’s about to be married for the fourth time, and yet she hasn’t told her daughters who the groom will be. There has to be a reason for this, and of course the journey to finding out why is fraught with tension.
Set on an idyllic Corfu, the focus of the book is Catherine and her relationship. But through it we also get to explore the relationship she shares with her two daughters and the gradual revelations about her history. None of the characters were what they first appeared and there was a genuine sense of warmth as I closed the pages having seen them on their journey.
Catherine Swift is a bestselling romance author. She’s about to be married for the fourth time, and yet she hasn’t told her daughters who the groom will be. There has to be a reason for this, and of course the journey to finding out why is fraught with tension.
Set on an idyllic Corfu, the focus of the book is Catherine and her relationship. But through it we also get to explore the relationship she shares with her two daughters and the gradual revelations about her history. None of the characters were what they first appeared and there was a genuine sense of warmth as I closed the pages having seen them on their journey.
February 24, 2024
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🤍
i think it’s safe to say that sarah morgan never disappoints and this is her best novel yet. this follows catherine, adeline, and cassie as they head to corfu for catherine’s fourth wedding.
i love sarah morgan books as they always encapsulate the complexity of the female characters so well. i also adore how her stories tend to follow three main characters with intertwined yet individual stories.
this was such a good book. there were many things that i didn’t see coming and parts that moved me so much. i wish i read this sooner.
i think it’s safe to say that sarah morgan never disappoints and this is her best novel yet. this follows catherine, adeline, and cassie as they head to corfu for catherine’s fourth wedding.
i love sarah morgan books as they always encapsulate the complexity of the female characters so well. i also adore how her stories tend to follow three main characters with intertwined yet individual stories.
this was such a good book. there were many things that i didn’t see coming and parts that moved me so much. i wish i read this sooner.
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