Living on an Island

by Sarah Purdue

Olivia is living as a self-imposed exile on a small island as she tries to recover from a broken heart. Her concerned best friend Abby insists on hiring a housekeeper to look after her whilst she paints - the handsome Kelly Miller, a trained army chef. Kelly proves to be the perfect housekeeper, and also a dab hand at repairs, setting about fixing up the dilapidated house Olivia has dreams of one day turning into an artists' retreat. But Kelly has his own dreams - and when it looks like they may become reality, Olivia must decide whether to risk her heart again..

252 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

I always wanted to be a writer but for a long time it was a secret dream! Then I discovered the MA in Writing for Children course at University of Winchester. Before I could chicken out, I signed myself up and have not looked back since.

Whilst I love writing children's book's recently I have been concentrating on writing romance (in the form of pocket novels and large print) and I have just completed my first Chick Lit novel that I will be self-publishing in August.

I would leave to hear from readers and writers! Please get in touch!

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

After suffering the loss of her fiancé Ted, Olivia takes up residence in the house that was left to her by a fellow artist who was enamoured by her work. The house is on Ingleside Island, a ferry journey away from the mainland. Here she can paint and grieve. But then her best friend and agent, Abby, insists Olivia cannot live there alone and hires Kelly Miller, a housekeeper., who can look after her while Olivia paints. It sounds feasible until the housekeeper arrives and Olivia discovers Kelly is a handsome man, ex army and a chef.
Olivia reluctantly agrees to give the situation a two week trial. Kelly starts to repair the old house where needed as Olivia dreams of making it an artists’ retreat. However Kellly has his own dreams of opening a restaurant, so Olivia has no idea how long he will stay on the island helping her.
This is a simply told, sweet story, and I liked both Olivia and Kelly. Mabel is a bundle of sausage dog mischief that steals the reader’s heart as she provides amusing situations She is used to sharing Olivia’s thoughts. Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows what good listeners they are and how they seem to understand every word. Abby, the best friend is great and has that knack real friends have of understanding so much from a tone of voice and also knowing what is needed sometimes before the person does themselves.
If some things seemed a little convenient or coincidental, it didn’t stop me enjoying this book. A quick read that I whizzed right through. A nice, light romance with an interesting setting and a fun bit of escapism.

[Amandalea Goebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoying this new authors. stories r short n sweet..