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Meet Me in Malta: A feel-good story of love, family and second chances.
- GenresRomance
238 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
Joy Skye
14 books23 followersJoy lives on the seductive island of Corfu with her four dogs and an embarassing number of cats.
Her many years working in the tourist industry on this sunny isle and her love of all things literary inspired her first novel Corfu Capers which recently hit the #1 spot in Parenting and Family humour much to her delight.
She loves to cook, dance and drink wine, usually at the same time, and is currently working on book number four, due to be released later this year.
She also loves to travel, absolutely anywhere, and is looking forward to jumping on a plane!
Her many years working in the tourist industry on this sunny isle and her love of all things literary inspired her first novel Corfu Capers which recently hit the #1 spot in Parenting and Family humour much to her delight.
She loves to cook, dance and drink wine, usually at the same time, and is currently working on book number four, due to be released later this year.
She also loves to travel, absolutely anywhere, and is looking forward to jumping on a plane!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 15, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Meet Me In Malta is a sweet and funny romance following Belinda who's marriage has exploded. Her husband has done the ultimate betrayal of not only cheating on her, but starting a new family at the same time with his much younger woman. After making a decisive decision, she and her best friend jet off to Malta to visit where Belinda grew up and was happy for her birthday. She has no idea that her childhood neighbour and friend Noah works at the villa she has rented as a chef, and when the pair meet again a spark ignites - but can they maintain it when the past clashes with the future...
This was a sweet read and very refreshing to be about mature characters for a change with lots of life lived and baggage to boot. The story was very predictable but was entertaining in places and would be an great quick read for on holiday.
Meet Me In Malta is a sweet and funny romance following Belinda who's marriage has exploded. Her husband has done the ultimate betrayal of not only cheating on her, but starting a new family at the same time with his much younger woman. After making a decisive decision, she and her best friend jet off to Malta to visit where Belinda grew up and was happy for her birthday. She has no idea that her childhood neighbour and friend Noah works at the villa she has rented as a chef, and when the pair meet again a spark ignites - but can they maintain it when the past clashes with the future...
This was a sweet read and very refreshing to be about mature characters for a change with lots of life lived and baggage to boot. The story was very predictable but was entertaining in places and would be an great quick read for on holiday.
April 17, 2026
A mature couple, second chance romance amid the sights and sounds of Malta
The tone is peaceful and calm – even if the story isn’t always – the pacing soothing, and the author paints the scenes of Malta and the food so well with her descriptive words I could easily picture the scenes as I was reading.
As a chef, to Noah food is his love language and I really enjoyed the way his meals were almost characters in and of themselves.
This is a second chance love story. Belle and Noah spent summers together as children, creating chaos and running wild around the streets, beaches, and ports of Malta until Belle’s mother moved them to the US and they never returned.
Now with a grown family of her own and newly divorced, Belle embarks on a trip to Malta to rediscover her sense of self. The story is populated with colourful secondary characters who bring so much to the story with their own issues, baggage and life experiences. The story overall is sweet and heartwarming, with a small amount of drama, making it an enjoyable escape.
The tone is peaceful and calm – even if the story isn’t always – the pacing soothing, and the author paints the scenes of Malta and the food so well with her descriptive words I could easily picture the scenes as I was reading.
As a chef, to Noah food is his love language and I really enjoyed the way his meals were almost characters in and of themselves.
This is a second chance love story. Belle and Noah spent summers together as children, creating chaos and running wild around the streets, beaches, and ports of Malta until Belle’s mother moved them to the US and they never returned.
Now with a grown family of her own and newly divorced, Belle embarks on a trip to Malta to rediscover her sense of self. The story is populated with colourful secondary characters who bring so much to the story with their own issues, baggage and life experiences. The story overall is sweet and heartwarming, with a small amount of drama, making it an enjoyable escape.
July 1, 2026
A cute Hallmark style Novel! A perfect read for your trip to Malta!
June 24, 2026
Now this sure was the love-story that I needed to read in a literary sense and in a real sense. This month I discovered Joy Skye and what a revelation having recently read and loved Love On Lake Como thanks to the fabulous SJ who not only told me about the book but who also organised me being part of the blog tour. Fast forward to a week or so later and Meet Me In Malta lands on my doormat.
I read the first paragraph and I knew this is the book I’ll devour next and what a treat it was. I had no guilt at changing my plans as meeting Belinda and Carla sure did put a smile on my face and each time I read a chapter I was whisked to the Maltese sunshine and what a place to read.
Joy Skye sure does have a way of writing not only likeable characters but also atmospheric places that will draw you in from the off. I was truly swept away by the sunshine, the wine, the food and the hot-chef. In both this and Lake Como our leading man is brooding of sorts but in both scenarios they are harbouring heartbreak of different dimensions.
Throw in a childhood friendship, that was so much more than the summers they spent and then you truly have a complex, complicated and truly gorgeous love story. One that will have you hanging on each word, each page, each dramatic twist and each element of heart-pounding love.
Noah and Belinda had me almost instantly. There story has so many layers but watching them reconnect and going through the rollercoaster ride had me there begging for more. Every look, touch and oh the kisses.
I also have to mention the fabulous female friendship in Belinda and Carla. They are both a tad older and wiser than I am but another strong female presence that I just need in my life more and more and I’m completely head over the heels here for it. Between the two there are many a laugh but I have to mention the old lady ghost that was a wicked trick that worked and made me howl.
I have to make a mention of family. Families are a strange and in most terms complicated beast. Meeting Belinda’s family sure was something and they sure did add to the angst.
A beautiful story of how love will always find a way. No matter how old, stubborn or fallen out of love you are. A story full of hope that left me smiling so much. Now the question is do I dive into another Joy Skye novel or choose something different.
I read the first paragraph and I knew this is the book I’ll devour next and what a treat it was. I had no guilt at changing my plans as meeting Belinda and Carla sure did put a smile on my face and each time I read a chapter I was whisked to the Maltese sunshine and what a place to read.
Joy Skye sure does have a way of writing not only likeable characters but also atmospheric places that will draw you in from the off. I was truly swept away by the sunshine, the wine, the food and the hot-chef. In both this and Lake Como our leading man is brooding of sorts but in both scenarios they are harbouring heartbreak of different dimensions.
Throw in a childhood friendship, that was so much more than the summers they spent and then you truly have a complex, complicated and truly gorgeous love story. One that will have you hanging on each word, each page, each dramatic twist and each element of heart-pounding love.
Noah and Belinda had me almost instantly. There story has so many layers but watching them reconnect and going through the rollercoaster ride had me there begging for more. Every look, touch and oh the kisses.
I also have to mention the fabulous female friendship in Belinda and Carla. They are both a tad older and wiser than I am but another strong female presence that I just need in my life more and more and I’m completely head over the heels here for it. Between the two there are many a laugh but I have to mention the old lady ghost that was a wicked trick that worked and made me howl.
I have to make a mention of family. Families are a strange and in most terms complicated beast. Meeting Belinda’s family sure was something and they sure did add to the angst.
A beautiful story of how love will always find a way. No matter how old, stubborn or fallen out of love you are. A story full of hope that left me smiling so much. Now the question is do I dive into another Joy Skye novel or choose something different.
June 13, 2026
Meet Me in Malta follows recent divorcee Belinda as she travels to Malta with her friend, Carla, to celebrate her fiftieth birthday and when she arrives she is greeted by Noah, a chef who Belinda used to see when she visited her family on Malta as a child. Throughout the book we see Belinda and Noah grow closer and various complications arise in their budding relationship.
Despite reading this all in a day I find myself just thinking it was fine. At first I did struggle with the writing style but I found that the further I got into it the better I found it. I enjoyed following older characters (Noah is in his mid 40s and Belinda turns 50 in the book) and how their increased life experience (in comparison with most contemporary romances I read) affects them and their relationships. I did find that giving basically every ensemble character a story may have been a bit ambitious as the shorter page count didn't really allow for much to be explored in any of them and I would have loved for Susan, Belinda's sister, and Carla's to be more prominent out of all of them.
I was initially drawn to this book because Malta is one of my favourite places in the world and I loved the mentions of some of my favourite places and food which I am now desperate for. While I did enjoy this as a setting I feel as if it could definitely have been further incorporated and less like you could change place names and other aspects fairly easily and it wouldn't really change much about the reading experience.
Thank you to Netgalley and Vinci Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite reading this all in a day I find myself just thinking it was fine. At first I did struggle with the writing style but I found that the further I got into it the better I found it. I enjoyed following older characters (Noah is in his mid 40s and Belinda turns 50 in the book) and how their increased life experience (in comparison with most contemporary romances I read) affects them and their relationships. I did find that giving basically every ensemble character a story may have been a bit ambitious as the shorter page count didn't really allow for much to be explored in any of them and I would have loved for Susan, Belinda's sister, and Carla's to be more prominent out of all of them.
I was initially drawn to this book because Malta is one of my favourite places in the world and I loved the mentions of some of my favourite places and food which I am now desperate for. While I did enjoy this as a setting I feel as if it could definitely have been further incorporated and less like you could change place names and other aspects fairly easily and it wouldn't really change much about the reading experience.
Thank you to Netgalley and Vinci Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2026
4/5⭐️
Aww, this was so cute and so good. A very enjoyable read, nothing outstanding, but very njce.
I especially recommend reading this in Malta like I did, where you can actually see all these landscapes Joy describes, hear the sounds and smell the smells. It doesn’t really have anything to do with the book itself, but it really took the reading experience to another level 😝
It was so summery and it was a really nice setting.
Talking about the characters I really loved Carla, such a good friend. Such an iconic friend. Carla a bit tipsy, yes please 😅
Noah, yes fricking please. Ahh, I’m weak for an incredibly nice and handsome chef. He’s sooo 🤭🤗🤪😉 It is also nice that Belinda and Noah had a past.
Mikiel also deserves some good words. Thank you for saving Belinda and Noah’s relationship so many times with your wise words. Such a grounded man, and he’s also so funny in the book 🤣
I also liked that the main characters were a bit older, around their 40s and 50s, because it was something different than what I read before. And it didn’t make it any less boring. It was so witty and fun. In books where the main characters are in their teens (that’s usually the case in the books I read) it’s always the same topics. This book sure did contain love and relationships, but it felt different, in a good way.
I also appreciated that it wasn’t spicy at all, more than the kisses of course. This book definitely shows that chemistry beats spice at all times! 🥰
Aww, this was so cute and so good. A very enjoyable read, nothing outstanding, but very njce.
I especially recommend reading this in Malta like I did, where you can actually see all these landscapes Joy describes, hear the sounds and smell the smells. It doesn’t really have anything to do with the book itself, but it really took the reading experience to another level 😝
It was so summery and it was a really nice setting.
Talking about the characters I really loved Carla, such a good friend. Such an iconic friend. Carla a bit tipsy, yes please 😅
Noah, yes fricking please. Ahh, I’m weak for an incredibly nice and handsome chef. He’s sooo 🤭🤗🤪😉 It is also nice that Belinda and Noah had a past.
Mikiel also deserves some good words. Thank you for saving Belinda and Noah’s relationship so many times with your wise words. Such a grounded man, and he’s also so funny in the book 🤣
I also liked that the main characters were a bit older, around their 40s and 50s, because it was something different than what I read before. And it didn’t make it any less boring. It was so witty and fun. In books where the main characters are in their teens (that’s usually the case in the books I read) it’s always the same topics. This book sure did contain love and relationships, but it felt different, in a good way.
I also appreciated that it wasn’t spicy at all, more than the kisses of course. This book definitely shows that chemistry beats spice at all times! 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
Rating: 4
One word to describe this book:?
Sweet
A 'vacation/get-away' romance meets 'small-town childhood friends to lovers' in this book.
The fmc is someone I can get behind. I like her. I respect her choices and I sincerely believe that she has got this far in life owing to her own nature of strong will and kindness.
The mmc was a cute guy (not that I know what he looks like lol). While misunderstandings may be a turn off to some people, this subplot was used extremely well to guide the story in the path the author desired. It wasn't a 'subplot' as much as it was a necessity.
I will admit I couldn't bring myself to be happy for Annalise(her daughter) when all the good things happened in her life. I was still disappointed and quite turned off by what occured. A woman of her age being the sole reason her mother might never find happiness again after her cheating father ruined their family. (I am aware that the daughters are almost always the one making sure their divorced parents cannot move... in almost every second chance romance book similar to this one. I am not fond of it. I genuinely do not like it.)
Overall, I love their relationship, I think it is extremely cute. The ending was very sweet.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vinci Books and Joy Skye for giving me the opportunity to review this book by granting me a free copy!💙
One word to describe this book:?
Sweet
A 'vacation/get-away' romance meets 'small-town childhood friends to lovers' in this book.
The fmc is someone I can get behind. I like her. I respect her choices and I sincerely believe that she has got this far in life owing to her own nature of strong will and kindness.
The mmc was a cute guy (not that I know what he looks like lol). While misunderstandings may be a turn off to some people, this subplot was used extremely well to guide the story in the path the author desired. It wasn't a 'subplot' as much as it was a necessity.
I will admit I couldn't bring myself to be happy for Annalise(her daughter) when all the good things happened in her life. I was still disappointed and quite turned off by what occured. A woman of her age being the sole reason her mother might never find happiness again after her cheating father ruined their family. (I am aware that the daughters are almost always the one making sure their divorced parents cannot move... in almost every second chance romance book similar to this one. I am not fond of it. I genuinely do not like it.)
Overall, I love their relationship, I think it is extremely cute. The ending was very sweet.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vinci Books and Joy Skye for giving me the opportunity to review this book by granting me a free copy!💙
March 12, 2026
Meet Me in Malta is a cute second chance romance with middle-aged main characters. This was refreshing to see as this age group is so relatable and not always represented in romance novels! The nervous chemistry while also dealing with adult children drama was very realistic and helped pull the entire story together highlighting the characters' challenges. While I am not a fan of spice, I would have really liked a little more flirtation and swoon. Malta is a beautiful destination and I wanted to be transported there, but again could have had a bit more. I did absolutely love the natural, sometimes crazy, embarrassing and over the top friendship between Belinda and Carla! All in all this quick read and a solid 3 stars with some really entertaining moments.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
Meet Me in Malta is a swoony, summery second-chance romance set in a beautiful villa in Valletta. I loved following these two characters as they reconnected as adults - it was very refreshing to see older characters in a romantic setting and story!
The friendship between Belinda and Carla was relatable, entertaining and funny, and I also loved the relationships between everyone in Belinda's family. I also loved seeing the stories of quite a variety of characters in small ways, and helped to flesh out the setting surrounding the villa. The story is not without it's drama which was highly entertaining and had me gasping out loud in places!
A great summery read that would make a perfect holiday book. Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
Actual rating 3.5 stars
The friendship between Belinda and Carla was relatable, entertaining and funny, and I also loved the relationships between everyone in Belinda's family. I also loved seeing the stories of quite a variety of characters in small ways, and helped to flesh out the setting surrounding the villa. The story is not without it's drama which was highly entertaining and had me gasping out loud in places!
A great summery read that would make a perfect holiday book. Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
Actual rating 3.5 stars
June 25, 2026
After her marriage ends, Belinda escapes to Malta. She did not plan to encounter Noah, her first love. Mature couple, second chance romance. Likable main characters with a great chemistry. Loved their first meeting, it was priceless. Also thought Carla was a hoot! A clean sweet heartwarming story that will take you away for an afternoon.
March 21, 2026
A sweet second-chance mature couple romance. A charming variety of characters. Divorce, death, and family issues round out the story. I look forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
May 20, 2026
First one of Joy Skye's books I've read. I was hooked quite early, but then not sure I continued to love it. Just felt like it went through the motions of the genre but didn't really light it on fire.
June 8, 2026
Beautiful story
Loved this
amazing hilarious book! As someone who knows Malta and the crazy Maltese it was a book full of scenery with a beautiful love story about second chances.
Loved this
amazing hilarious book! As someone who knows Malta and the crazy Maltese it was a book full of scenery with a beautiful love story about second chances.
July 7, 2026
4.5 stars! Just like the description says- a feel good love story that takes place on a gorgeous island!!! An easy summertime read🌞
July 10, 2026
i was scared going in this book bc she is 50 years old but it didnt feel like that at all! i felt like i was reading a young teen- aged girl on a girls trip!
March 31, 2026
Wow, I wish I had the money to just jet off for a month half way across the world! And friends and family who could drop everything and get time off to join me!
Light hearted, quick easy read. Quite far fetched and can't say I particularly warmed to the characters. It attracted me having holidayed many times in Malta. The author painted a realistic picture of Valetta although I would have liked more about the island to have been included. Mdina is stunning but it was mentioned in name only and there are some stunning other places both around the island and in Valetta. It felt like it could have been any island and lacked the Maltese touches.
Read it in a couple of nights. An easy holiday read.
Light hearted, quick easy read. Quite far fetched and can't say I particularly warmed to the characters. It attracted me having holidayed many times in Malta. The author painted a realistic picture of Valetta although I would have liked more about the island to have been included. Mdina is stunning but it was mentioned in name only and there are some stunning other places both around the island and in Valetta. It felt like it could have been any island and lacked the Maltese touches.
Read it in a couple of nights. An easy holiday read.
March 21, 2026
Brilliant!!!
I laughed and cried out loud in equal measure. Couldn't put it down. Another absolute triumph from Joy Skye and a fabulous read
I laughed and cried out loud in equal measure. Couldn't put it down. Another absolute triumph from Joy Skye and a fabulous read
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews