What do you think?
Rate this book
Tuga Trilogy #2
Island Calling
*** Preorder the brilliant second novel in the 'Glorious Tuga' series, from Costa Prize-winning author, Francesca Segal ***
On remote Tuga de Oro, vet Charlotte Walker’s caseload of donkeys, cows, and ailing lizards has only increased. She still can’t believe the humiliating truth about her father. Probably, she ought to feel worse than she does. But the islanders have taken Charlotte to their hearts and somehow, between days on the farms and nights with a new love interest, she’s content to remain in blissful retreat from her real life in London. Just for now.
But real life hits the island with the force of a tropical Charlotte’s mother arrives. Lucinda Compton-Neville knows an identity crisis when she sees one, and has come to haul her daughter back on back to England, back to her career, back home where she belongs.
Funny, moving, and hope-filled, Island Calling is a joyous novel about mothers and daughters; about holding on and letting go.
PRAISE FOR WELCOME TO GLORIOUS TUGA:
’A much-needed escape, I warmly recommend this beauty’ NIGELLA LAWSON
‘A magical novel, so uplifting, heartwarming, funny’ MARIAN KEYES
‘Brilliantly and thoroughly imagined. I didn't want to go home’ NICK HORNBY
‘Sparkling and sophisticated’ JESSIE BURTON
On remote Tuga de Oro, vet Charlotte Walker’s caseload of donkeys, cows, and ailing lizards has only increased. She still can’t believe the humiliating truth about her father. Probably, she ought to feel worse than she does. But the islanders have taken Charlotte to their hearts and somehow, between days on the farms and nights with a new love interest, she’s content to remain in blissful retreat from her real life in London. Just for now.
But real life hits the island with the force of a tropical Charlotte’s mother arrives. Lucinda Compton-Neville knows an identity crisis when she sees one, and has come to haul her daughter back on back to England, back to her career, back home where she belongs.
Funny, moving, and hope-filled, Island Calling is a joyous novel about mothers and daughters; about holding on and letting go.
PRAISE FOR WELCOME TO GLORIOUS TUGA:
’A much-needed escape, I warmly recommend this beauty’ NIGELLA LAWSON
‘A magical novel, so uplifting, heartwarming, funny’ MARIAN KEYES
‘Brilliantly and thoroughly imagined. I didn't want to go home’ NICK HORNBY
‘Sparkling and sophisticated’ JESSIE BURTON
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 19, 2025
About the author
Francesca Segal
12 books298 followersWinner of the 2012 Costa Prize for First Fiction.
Winner of the 2012 National Jewish Book Award for Fiction
Winner of the 2013 Sami Rohr Prize
Winner of the 2013 Premio Letterario Edoardo Kihlgren Opera Prima in Milan
Winner of the 2013 Harold U. Ribalow Prize
Long-listed for the 2013 Women's Prize for Fiction
Francesca Segal is an award-winning writer and journalist. Her work has appeared in Granta, the Guardian, the Financial Times, and both American and British Vogue, amongst others. She has been a features writer at Tatler, and for three years wrote the Debut Fiction column in the Observer.
Winner of the 2012 National Jewish Book Award for Fiction
Winner of the 2013 Sami Rohr Prize
Winner of the 2013 Premio Letterario Edoardo Kihlgren Opera Prima in Milan
Winner of the 2013 Harold U. Ribalow Prize
Long-listed for the 2013 Women's Prize for Fiction
Francesca Segal is an award-winning writer and journalist. Her work has appeared in Granta, the Guardian, the Financial Times, and both American and British Vogue, amongst others. She has been a features writer at Tatler, and for three years wrote the Debut Fiction column in the Observer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 4, 2025
2.75 Stars
Okay so, usually I try to write reviews without spoilers but seeing as this is a sequel in a trilogy and the fact that I need to vent about what’s happened in this book are reason for an exception.
Firstly, it makes no sense to me that Charlotte suddenly wants to leave so badly and is constantly dreaming about going back to London. Yes, sure, it was meant to be a year to begin with and eventually she would have to think about going back, BUT she NEVER ONCE thinks about anything at all back in London. There are no friends we know about, nothing she ever reminisces on or looks back fondly on and this sudden need to return to … well, nothing, makes it a hard sell for me.
Then, the whole romance??? I am so confused. I get the chemistry between Charlotte and Levi and I like it but what’s happened to Dan and why has he just completely disappeared from the limelight, forgotten almost. The whole reason as to why Charlotte couldn’t pursue him was first his engagement, duh, and then secondly that she thought they were related - the only reason she didn’t go to see him after the confession! But seeing as that has all cleared up, why is there ZERO conflict or interest in Dan at all? Tension? Don’t know her. She’s seemingly made up her mind all of a sudden and what was building to be a love triangle is now nothing. Which is, fine, but it just really doesn’t make sense considering where the first book was going. I’m not sure where this will go in the third but if Dan somehow reappears and makes a comeback I will do a backflip.
Also, the scene where Charlottes CHERISHED childhood toy gets broken by a goat in like, one sentence, and then it’s never touched on again????? Symbolism? Who is she? This object was so important to Charlotte and so relevant in the entirety of the first book and represented the mystery of her life and was the SOLE reason she went to Tuga in the first place. And then it’s gone and there’s nothing. No reaction, no real symbolism as to what that might mean, no nothing. That’s an opportunity wasted for one but also just so unrealistic. I would be BALLING if the only thing I held so dearly was ruined. But Charlotte Walker apparently does not know what emotion is (other than being horny and embarrassed).
Then, what the hell was that with Katie and Elsie, squeezed into not even half a page at the end? They deserve ROMANCE. What did they get? Token gay appearance … Bruh ….
Also, random side note, but the amount of drunk sex happening in this book makes me
uncomfortable - particularly sex where the woman is shitfaced and the man is not. That’s just predatory behaviour and really irks me. The fact that that’s happened with both Levi and Dan does not sell me on them as love interests I should care about much.
Finally, this book went by so fast??? Like, somehow everything happened but also nothing? I’m scrambling trying to remember anything else because nothing got more attention than a few lines so nothing was really that relevant. The only thing standing out was the reunion between Charlotte and her mother, which was sweet and I liked the way that was done but everything else seemed crammed in just to have it there. I often have that feeling with middle books in trilogies - they usually just are ‚for the plot‘ in my experience and don’t give things the space and time they deserve unfortunately.
Overall, still a fairly escapist summer read and I still like characters but not all that logical.
Anyway, rant over.
Okay so, usually I try to write reviews without spoilers but seeing as this is a sequel in a trilogy and the fact that I need to vent about what’s happened in this book are reason for an exception.
Firstly, it makes no sense to me that Charlotte suddenly wants to leave so badly and is constantly dreaming about going back to London. Yes, sure, it was meant to be a year to begin with and eventually she would have to think about going back, BUT she NEVER ONCE thinks about anything at all back in London. There are no friends we know about, nothing she ever reminisces on or looks back fondly on and this sudden need to return to … well, nothing, makes it a hard sell for me.
Then, the whole romance??? I am so confused. I get the chemistry between Charlotte and Levi and I like it but what’s happened to Dan and why has he just completely disappeared from the limelight, forgotten almost. The whole reason as to why Charlotte couldn’t pursue him was first his engagement, duh, and then secondly that she thought they were related - the only reason she didn’t go to see him after the confession! But seeing as that has all cleared up, why is there ZERO conflict or interest in Dan at all? Tension? Don’t know her. She’s seemingly made up her mind all of a sudden and what was building to be a love triangle is now nothing. Which is, fine, but it just really doesn’t make sense considering where the first book was going. I’m not sure where this will go in the third but if Dan somehow reappears and makes a comeback I will do a backflip.
Also, the scene where Charlottes CHERISHED childhood toy gets broken by a goat in like, one sentence, and then it’s never touched on again????? Symbolism? Who is she? This object was so important to Charlotte and so relevant in the entirety of the first book and represented the mystery of her life and was the SOLE reason she went to Tuga in the first place. And then it’s gone and there’s nothing. No reaction, no real symbolism as to what that might mean, no nothing. That’s an opportunity wasted for one but also just so unrealistic. I would be BALLING if the only thing I held so dearly was ruined. But Charlotte Walker apparently does not know what emotion is (other than being horny and embarrassed).
Then, what the hell was that with Katie and Elsie, squeezed into not even half a page at the end? They deserve ROMANCE. What did they get? Token gay appearance … Bruh ….
Also, random side note, but the amount of drunk sex happening in this book makes me
uncomfortable - particularly sex where the woman is shitfaced and the man is not. That’s just predatory behaviour and really irks me. The fact that that’s happened with both Levi and Dan does not sell me on them as love interests I should care about much.
Finally, this book went by so fast??? Like, somehow everything happened but also nothing? I’m scrambling trying to remember anything else because nothing got more attention than a few lines so nothing was really that relevant. The only thing standing out was the reunion between Charlotte and her mother, which was sweet and I liked the way that was done but everything else seemed crammed in just to have it there. I often have that feeling with middle books in trilogies - they usually just are ‚for the plot‘ in my experience and don’t give things the space and time they deserve unfortunately.
Overall, still a fairly escapist summer read and I still like characters but not all that logical.
Anyway, rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
In book two, we see Charlotte navigate island life as her mother appears and breaks the peace she had created. Through a number of events, both heartbreaking and wholesome, we see the island of Tuga grow and move on in this instalment which is the perfect addition to the first book. I am so looking forward to reading the third in the trilogy when it is out (hopefully soon)!
This is written beautifully and I found it incredibly easy to read. I read this in one sitting and just devoured all the gossip on the island, was heavily invested in certain aspects (if you’ve read it, you’ll know) and adored the character of Charlotte’s mother, who isn’t quite as brutish as she first seemed. There is a wonderful character development for so many of those on the island in this instalment and I just loved it.
A huge thank you to the author for my proof copy!
This is written beautifully and I found it incredibly easy to read. I read this in one sitting and just devoured all the gossip on the island, was heavily invested in certain aspects (if you’ve read it, you’ll know) and adored the character of Charlotte’s mother, who isn’t quite as brutish as she first seemed. There is a wonderful character development for so many of those on the island in this instalment and I just loved it.
A huge thank you to the author for my proof copy!
October 5, 2025
Thought it was just as charming as the first, potentially with even more heart as it explored Charlotte’s relationship with her mum rather than a romantic one. Shame I have to wait a long time for the third book to come out because I really enjoyed these!
July 13, 2025
This book feels like a holiday, it's a pleasure to visit Tuga again!
September 12, 2025
bloody loved it for a fun escape from dreary London life - I feel safe on Tuga with all of its lovely inhabitants
July 10, 2025
Another gorgeous go around Tuga de Oro.
October 4, 2025
Again- I loved this sequel it’s fun for me to get lost in the tropical paradise of tuga! I don’t have to work hard to read this I just let the book wash over me and enjoy the feelings of a simpler life not much happens but I love going through the motions - I genuinely look forward to the third book and getting to visit tuga again :)
April 28, 2026
Now I want to know what happened int the first book and when the third one is coming!!!
Unusual writing style, great story telling, vibrant and exciting characters, stories upon stories, lots of laughter, island traditions and relationships. This was so fun and easy to read. The chapters were the perfect length 🥰
The only thing I miss is the details about Levi and Charlotte’s relationship. And of course the late revelation that Dr. Dan was handsome 😄
Other than that very wholesome and heartwarming read 💕
Unusual writing style, great story telling, vibrant and exciting characters, stories upon stories, lots of laughter, island traditions and relationships. This was so fun and easy to read. The chapters were the perfect length 🥰
The only thing I miss is the details about Levi and Charlotte’s relationship. And of course the late revelation that Dr. Dan was handsome 😄
Other than that very wholesome and heartwarming read 💕
August 15, 2026
A good sequel of life in Tuga. We learn more about the characters in this, and different relationships are explored. The ending makes me intrigued for the 3rd.
July 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this second instalment of the series and bring back on Tuga. Looking forward to the last one 😊
September 13, 2025
Great fun holiday read, easy reading.
May 3, 2026
3.5
Almost as charming as the first of the trilogy, this second trip to Tuga made my heart glow with escapist fantasies.
I did have a few issues with it - there were some massive plot holes (... Charlotte suddenly gagging to go back to London?) and some bits where (in a novel where nothing really happens) (not an issue at all, part of the slow-life wet dream) something HUGELY symbolic occurs (her childhood treasure being devoured by a goat) in a throwaway sentence, never to be unpacked or even mentioned again.
I put all this aside because I am in love with the island life, kerida.
Almost as charming as the first of the trilogy, this second trip to Tuga made my heart glow with escapist fantasies.
I did have a few issues with it - there were some massive plot holes (... Charlotte suddenly gagging to go back to London?) and some bits where (in a novel where nothing really happens) (not an issue at all, part of the slow-life wet dream) something HUGELY symbolic occurs (her childhood treasure being devoured by a goat) in a throwaway sentence, never to be unpacked or even mentioned again.
I put all this aside because I am in love with the island life, kerida.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2025
It was an absolute joy to revisit Tuga again in the latest book in the Tuga Trilogy. I fell in love with the island in the first book Welcome to Glorious Tuga and it was brilliant to be back spending time with its quirky islanders for some sunny and dreamy moments of escapism.
This book dives deeper into the lives of the Tuga locals and it explores mother daughter relationships, self discovery and the importance of community.
All the characters have such strong personalities and I had such a soft spot for Levi the bartender. I always wanted more scenes with him featured with his sense of humour! Also, due to such a wide array of characters, there is a character list at the start of the book to help you remember who is who which I found very helpful!
The complexities of remote island life is well portrayed such as medical limitations, restriction of certain foods and lack of internet to the relationships between all the locals and everybody knowing everybody else’s business were all intriguing to read and learn about. For a fictional island, the author has created a location that feels incredibly real!
If you are looking for an easy, light summer read then this is one I suggest you pick up. With a lot of emotional scenes, laughter and beautiful tropical scenes, Island Calling is a rich and uplifting story.
This book dives deeper into the lives of the Tuga locals and it explores mother daughter relationships, self discovery and the importance of community.
All the characters have such strong personalities and I had such a soft spot for Levi the bartender. I always wanted more scenes with him featured with his sense of humour! Also, due to such a wide array of characters, there is a character list at the start of the book to help you remember who is who which I found very helpful!
The complexities of remote island life is well portrayed such as medical limitations, restriction of certain foods and lack of internet to the relationships between all the locals and everybody knowing everybody else’s business were all intriguing to read and learn about. For a fictional island, the author has created a location that feels incredibly real!
If you are looking for an easy, light summer read then this is one I suggest you pick up. With a lot of emotional scenes, laughter and beautiful tropical scenes, Island Calling is a rich and uplifting story.
August 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit to Tuga! The simple life is clearly the best life and this book draws you into the community of the Island and I cannot wait for book three. I finally got to grips with the families and residents connections to each other (book one was hard to keep up with this!)
This story starts with Charlottes mother being an unexpected visitor to the island, bringing with her an air of judgement and high expectations, we get to explore the mother / daughter relationship in this instalment & you can’t help but feel for Charlotte, however there is definitely more to Lucinda’s visit which unfolds in the epilogue and I assume will be followed up in book three.
There are some really moving parts of this story, Marianne and Annie specifically and I look forward to seeing how that unfolds as the story progresses.
I highly recommend this book and the previous one!
This story starts with Charlottes mother being an unexpected visitor to the island, bringing with her an air of judgement and high expectations, we get to explore the mother / daughter relationship in this instalment & you can’t help but feel for Charlotte, however there is definitely more to Lucinda’s visit which unfolds in the epilogue and I assume will be followed up in book three.
There are some really moving parts of this story, Marianne and Annie specifically and I look forward to seeing how that unfolds as the story progresses.
I highly recommend this book and the previous one!
July 17, 2026
Island Calling is book 2 in the Tuga Trilogy and whilst I actually didn’t know it was a book 2 I didn’t really need to know what happened in the first book to enjoy the second one but I will be going back to read Charlotte’s beginning because I am intrigued.
A surprise appearance from her mother on the island has us seeing Charlotte trying to navigate life in Tuga with her mother and her constant whining.
Charlotte is undecided what she wants to do with her life. Move back to London where her life was and continue the amazing research she was doing or stay on the remote island and help the islands animals.
We’re taken on a journey to see what she’ll end up deciding
We get to see many events happen on this island, happy, sad and heartbreaking ones but we get the strong sense of community, we see them grow and lend a helping hand. It’s been so beautiful.
The range of characters was brilliant and I loved seeing them all interacting and rallying around when needed. The author brought us characters that were so easy to love even when they irritated you a little haha.
It’s been a joy getting to know each of the residents and I can’t wait for Dan’s book!
A surprise appearance from her mother on the island has us seeing Charlotte trying to navigate life in Tuga with her mother and her constant whining.
Charlotte is undecided what she wants to do with her life. Move back to London where her life was and continue the amazing research she was doing or stay on the remote island and help the islands animals.
We’re taken on a journey to see what she’ll end up deciding
We get to see many events happen on this island, happy, sad and heartbreaking ones but we get the strong sense of community, we see them grow and lend a helping hand. It’s been so beautiful.
The range of characters was brilliant and I loved seeing them all interacting and rallying around when needed. The author brought us characters that were so easy to love even when they irritated you a little haha.
It’s been a joy getting to know each of the residents and I can’t wait for Dan’s book!
November 15, 2025
This feels very much like the second book in a trilogy - lots of continued themes and more storylines unravelled, but with a constant feeling that nothing much is likely to happen in this instalment! I like the characters very much and I can see this making a brilliant miniseries (in fact it feels very much like it was written with a TV deal in mind) and I will definitely read the next (last) book when it is released but I won't be waiting with bated breath. A lovely, gentle read but don't expect any tension or suspense.
June 11, 2026
Grade weil ich Tuga mit allen Bewohner:innen sehr ins Herz geschlossen habe, ging mir in Band 2 diesmal leider alles zu schnell. Es gibt immer wieder große Zeitsprünge obwohl grade Konflikte oder Entscheidungen ausstehen und einige Handlungslücken, wo Geschichten im nichts verlaufen, auf einmal geklärt sind oder, was mich am häufigsten gestört hat, sich Personen unerklärlich konträr zum ersten Buch verhalten. Ein paar mehr Kapitel um diese Wandlungen zu erklären hätte ich gut gefunden.
Trotzdem war es schön wieder in die vertraute Welt von Tuga mit ihren vielen liebenswerten Charakteren einzutauchen. Es bleibt ein sehr entspanntes Lesevergnügen und ich freue mich auf Band drei.
Trotzdem war es schön wieder in die vertraute Welt von Tuga mit ihren vielen liebenswerten Charakteren einzutauchen. Es bleibt ein sehr entspanntes Lesevergnügen und ich freue mich auf Band drei.
May 17, 2026
Dearest Gentle Reader, if you have not yet found yourself visiting the glorious island of Tuga, you are missing out on wild and fabulous characters, the ingloriousness of island living, and the heart and joy that Francesca Segal puts into every sentence.
I made myself listen for only 1/2 hour at a time, so this book would last.
I made myself listen for only 1/2 hour at a time, so this book would last.
October 3, 2025
Island Calling (paperback edition) by Francesca Segal is the sequel to Welcome to Glorious Tuga. I had to get it shipped from England as it has not been released in the states yet. All the same wonderful characters are in this follow up story and the fun continues on Tuga de Oro. Charlotte discovered her father at the end of the first book and this becomes public in the sequel. Also, Charlotte’s demanding Mother, Lucinda, arrives on the island. She wants Charlotte to come home to England. If you liked the first book, don’t miss this one. Enjoy!
November 16, 2025
This was SO much better than the first book - way more concise, sharper, better paced, and less time given to side stories that were never finished
February 25, 2026
can't wait for the last one!
Nice to see the development of the characters from the first one and also a few new ones!
Nice to see the development of the characters from the first one and also a few new ones!
June 13, 2026
3.5 🌟
May 31, 2026
I just love this series it’s so joyful
July 18, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed another escape to Glorious Tuga - and I still wish it was a real place!
June 29, 2025
The second in a trilogy set on the fictional island of Tuga. Good thing the author lists all the characters at the beginning, or it would be pretty hard to follow. Just like the 1st book , it was a classic rom com, but with a beautiful exotic setting. There are so many characters & she gives many of them, even minor characters, their own storylines, which makes for a somewhat disjointed novel. She handled the island adventures well, & the reader got a real feel for island life. The arrival of the vet's pompous QC mother was unoriginal, but entertaining. What she handled less well were the affairs of the heart, especially where minor characters were concerned. Where is there left for her to go in book 3 of her trilogy?
June 13, 2025
This second installment in the Tuga Trilogy picks up where the first book left off, continuing the story of Charlotte Walker, a vet and academic herpetologist living on the fictional, remote island of Tuga de Oro. If you haven’t read book one, I’d highly recommend starting there as this is not a standalone. Even having read the first, I still found parts confusing due to the sheer number of characters and island-specific quirks.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s a fine story but just dpesnt feel anything special.
The story felt scattered and lacked a clear narrative arc. While Charlotte is still the focus, other characters such Dr. Dan Zekri, Katie the physiotherapist, and Charlotte’s mother Lucinda, float in and out of the story in ways that felt disjointed. Lucinda in particular was difficult to sympathize with, and her presence added more frustration than tension. Honestly she was so rude and condescending to the islanders it was uncomfortable.
The romance between Charlotte and Levi was almost nonexistent, which was disappointing given the setup from book one. The writing style aims for literary depth but came across as meandering and a bit heavy-handed at times. Add to that an abrupt ending, likely because it’s the middle book of a trilogy, and I was left feeling unsatisfied.
That said, the island is portrayed with vivid detail, and the book does capture the peculiarities of life in an isolated, under-resourced community. It is a cosy story but more slice of life novel than a romance.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s a fine story but just dpesnt feel anything special.
The story felt scattered and lacked a clear narrative arc. While Charlotte is still the focus, other characters such Dr. Dan Zekri, Katie the physiotherapist, and Charlotte’s mother Lucinda, float in and out of the story in ways that felt disjointed. Lucinda in particular was difficult to sympathize with, and her presence added more frustration than tension. Honestly she was so rude and condescending to the islanders it was uncomfortable.
The romance between Charlotte and Levi was almost nonexistent, which was disappointing given the setup from book one. The writing style aims for literary depth but came across as meandering and a bit heavy-handed at times. Add to that an abrupt ending, likely because it’s the middle book of a trilogy, and I was left feeling unsatisfied.
That said, the island is portrayed with vivid detail, and the book does capture the peculiarities of life in an isolated, under-resourced community. It is a cosy story but more slice of life novel than a romance.
April 29, 2026
I cannot believe the journey I had to go on to find this book online. After finishing the first one and DYING for more only to find out it was mostly available in the UK I was BEREFT. I finally found it after MUCH internet searching and pretending I had a fake UK address, so sorry please don’t arrest me I needed to read.
ANYWAYS, delighted I became obsessed with finding this sequel because it was marvelous!
The island descriptions just as vivid, the people and traditions just as charming. I thought the storyline was fascinating from pretty much everyone’s perspectives and couldn’t wait for more.
I was and am so proud of Charlotte and Katie, Marianne and Annie, Joan and Lucinda and Elsie. Humans are so complicated and never just one thing. I feel so lucky to get to know these astonishing women.
The trials of remote island life are foreign to me. I am grateful I was able to read this book to take time to think about how my life differs from those in the book, as well as doing research and seeing how my life differs from the real people living in these communities. I would imagine the idea of spending too much time on your phone or watching TV is more foreign and it makes me consider how I’m spending my own time.
I cannot wait for the third book. People of the US and international communities, PLEASE get your acts together so I can read it ASAP.
ANYWAYS, delighted I became obsessed with finding this sequel because it was marvelous!
The island descriptions just as vivid, the people and traditions just as charming. I thought the storyline was fascinating from pretty much everyone’s perspectives and couldn’t wait for more.
I was and am so proud of Charlotte and Katie, Marianne and Annie, Joan and Lucinda and Elsie. Humans are so complicated and never just one thing. I feel so lucky to get to know these astonishing women.
The trials of remote island life are foreign to me. I am grateful I was able to read this book to take time to think about how my life differs from those in the book, as well as doing research and seeing how my life differs from the real people living in these communities. I would imagine the idea of spending too much time on your phone or watching TV is more foreign and it makes me consider how I’m spending my own time.
I cannot wait for the third book. People of the US and international communities, PLEASE get your acts together so I can read it ASAP.
May 4, 2025
LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!! What a fabulous return to the wonderful Island of Tuga. I adore all the characters, even Charlotte’s annoying mother!!
5* can’t recommend it highly enough!
And excited to see it’s part of a trilogy - can’t wait for book 3!
5* can’t recommend it highly enough!
And excited to see it’s part of a trilogy - can’t wait for book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
ENTSCHEIDUNG AUF TUGA
Francesca Segal
Band 2 der Tuga-Trilogie
ET 24.07.2025
Charlotte Walker ist auch nach dem Ende ihres Forschungsauftrags auf der Insel Tuga de Oro geblieben.
Ursprünglich war sie angereist, um die seltenen Goldmünzen-Schildkröten zu erforschen und gleichzeitig ihren Vater zu finden, der auf der abgelegenen Insel lebt. Sie hatte ihn nie kennengelernt und sich zeitlebens nach ihm gesehnt. Doch nach dem ersten Treffen stellte sich schnell heraus, dass er weder von ihrer Existenz wusste noch Interesse an einer Beziehung hatte.
Erst als sie Levi begegnete und sich in ihn verliebte, entschied sie sich, dauerhaft auf Tuga zu bleiben.
Mittlerweile hat sie sich gut in das einfache Leben auf der Insel eingefunden und arbeitet dort als Tierärztin. Tuga ist winzig – nur etwa sechzig Menschen leben hier, jeder kennt jeden, Geheimnisse gibt es kaum. Während der Zeit des „Island Close“, wenn aufgrund der Schlechtwetterperiode keine Schiffe anlegen oder abfahren können, ist die Insel völlig von der Außenwelt abgeschnitten.
Als plötzlich ein Segelboot genau in dieser Zeit einen Notruf sendet, ist die Sorge groß: Ein Passagier soll dringend ärztliche Hilfe benötigen. Mutig setzen sich einige Inselbewohner einem riskanten Rettungseinsatz aus – nur um festzustellen, dass es sich bei dem angeblich kranken Gast um Charlottes quicklebendige Mutter handelt: Lucinda Compton-Neville.
Sie ist fest entschlossen, dass die Zeit ihrer Tochter auf Tuga ein Ende haben muss. Charlottes Einwände wischt sie beiseite. Doch nicht nur Charlottes Leben wird durch die Ankunft ihrer dominanten Mutter durcheinandergebracht, auch das Leben der Inselbewohner gerät aus dem Gleichgewicht. Ob Lucinda ihre Tochter tatsächlich zur Rückkehr nach London bewegen kann – und zu welchen Mitteln sie greift –, sollte jede*r selbst nachlesen.
Auch der zweite Band der Tuga-Trilogie überzeugt mit Francesca Segals flüssigem und bildhaftem Erzählstil. Mit viel Einfallsreichtum entführt sie uns erneut auf die kleine (fiktive) Insel und lässt uns eintauchen in das Leben der manchmal etwas schrulligen, aber liebenswerten Einheimischen.
Auch wenn dieser Band meines Erachtens nicht ganz an seinen Vorgänger heranreicht, ist er ein ideales Buch für den Sommerurlaub – besonders für Leser*innen, die gerne in atmosphärische Inselwelten eintauchen.
Ich freue mich schon sehr auf den abschließenden Teil der Reihe und bin gespannt, wie Charlottes Geschichte weitergeht.
Fazit:
Ein warmherziger Inselroman mit Charme. Die Geschichte ist in sich abgeschlossen, doch ich empfehle, unbedingt mit Band eins zu beginnen.
4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews