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The Valencia Expat Club: A Novel
One Italian Summer
meets Eat, Pray, Love in this heartwarming novel following a recent divorcee’s escape to Spain where delicious food, romantic adventures, and the transformative magic of starting over leads her to reconnect with family, forge new friendships, and rediscover herself.
Dahlia Delaney’s marriage just imploded, her friend group picked a side (not hers), and her fancy San Francisco life now fits into a single suitcase. Armed with a broken heart, a freelance marketing gig, and one blurry childhood memory of her abuela’s garden, she impulsively hops on a flight to Valencia, Spain, to reconnect with distant family—and maybe herself.
But Valencia isn’t just sunny plazas and sangria. There’s her chaotic new job at a quirky expat bar, a family she barely knows but who embrace her like she’s always belonged, and a brooding American bar owner who’s frustratingly attractive and entirely too familiar.
As Dahlia stumbles through language mishaps, clashing cultures, and late-night paella with new friends, she begins to realize that the fresh start she came for might turn into something even better—if she can let go of the life she planned and embrace the one unfolding around her.
Perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting over somewhere with better wine, The Valencia Expat Club is a sparkling, laugh-out-loud romantic escape about second chances, delicious detours, and finding home where you least expect it.
Dahlia Delaney’s marriage just imploded, her friend group picked a side (not hers), and her fancy San Francisco life now fits into a single suitcase. Armed with a broken heart, a freelance marketing gig, and one blurry childhood memory of her abuela’s garden, she impulsively hops on a flight to Valencia, Spain, to reconnect with distant family—and maybe herself.
But Valencia isn’t just sunny plazas and sangria. There’s her chaotic new job at a quirky expat bar, a family she barely knows but who embrace her like she’s always belonged, and a brooding American bar owner who’s frustratingly attractive and entirely too familiar.
As Dahlia stumbles through language mishaps, clashing cultures, and late-night paella with new friends, she begins to realize that the fresh start she came for might turn into something even better—if she can let go of the life she planned and embrace the one unfolding around her.
Perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting over somewhere with better wine, The Valencia Expat Club is a sparkling, laugh-out-loud romantic escape about second chances, delicious detours, and finding home where you least expect it.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
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May 13, 2026Thank you so much to the publisher for reaching out with an ARC! ☀️🌊🍷
March 15, 2026
I received this ARC via Goodreads giveaway.
The Valencia Expat Club really drew me in! I truly didn’t want it to end. Every sentence feels carefully crafted, and the author’s writing has a way of transporting you so completely that I felt like I was right there with Dahlia, experiencing everything alongside her.
The story of love, life, and family felt almost magical, with just the right balance of depth, warmth, and emotion. The sarcasm and humor were exactly my style, and I kept finding myself thinking how much I loved the author’s voice and sense of humor.
Each page painted such a vivid picture that it felt like watching the story unfold in real time. Wow! This is one of those books you wish could keep going. It would make an amazing movie or mini-series! I need more…
The Valencia Expat Club really drew me in! I truly didn’t want it to end. Every sentence feels carefully crafted, and the author’s writing has a way of transporting you so completely that I felt like I was right there with Dahlia, experiencing everything alongside her.
The story of love, life, and family felt almost magical, with just the right balance of depth, warmth, and emotion. The sarcasm and humor were exactly my style, and I kept finding myself thinking how much I loved the author’s voice and sense of humor.
Each page painted such a vivid picture that it felt like watching the story unfold in real time. Wow! This is one of those books you wish could keep going. It would make an amazing movie or mini-series! I need more…
Did Not Finish
May 16, 2026DNF at 64% because I could not keep putting up with the word paella being mentioned every other page. Was disappointed since the setting seemed idyllic, but I am pretty sure that the reader does not to be reminded so often that rapid Spanish was being spoken...
Thank you to Atria and the author for providing a free copy of this book through NetGalley.
Thank you to Atria and the author for providing a free copy of this book through NetGalley.
October 15, 2025
ALC • 🎧
"You shouldn't wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you're alive is a reason to celebrate."
I adored this book and felt it in my soul. I went into this blind simply because I'm currently an expat in a European country and thought this would be a fun read. It brought so many experiences to life like finding peanut butter is impossible or finding a place that serves breakfast like home lol. The things you don't really realize until you do it. There is also a beautiful love story here but the most beautiful one was the love story with herself. I loved all the food references and this really made me want to visit Spain asap.
"You shouldn't wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you're alive is a reason to celebrate."
I adored this book and felt it in my soul. I went into this blind simply because I'm currently an expat in a European country and thought this would be a fun read. It brought so many experiences to life like finding peanut butter is impossible or finding a place that serves breakfast like home lol. The things you don't really realize until you do it. There is also a beautiful love story here but the most beautiful one was the love story with herself. I loved all the food references and this really made me want to visit Spain asap.
September 2, 2025
To be fair, I should have read the book description more carefully. I decided to listen to this audiobook because it was set in Spain and was supposed to include food references and deal with reconnecting with family.
While the story did indeed mention many yummy Spanish dishes, the book was really a classic contemporary romance. And here's where I had problems. I don't know why, but I have never really clicked with this genre. I don't know the name of the trope, but it's girl meets boy, girl is unimpressed with boy, girl likes boy, girl misunderstands something and hates boy, girl learns truth and loves boy. Happiness for all.
Once I realized that Spain, family, and foodie references were merely the backdrop for the romance, I should have DNF'd. For all you romance readers, I hope you laugh at the romcom moments and root for our couple as they find their way to love.
The audiobook was nicely performed by Carlotta Brentan. I don't speak Spanish, but to my untrained ear, her Spanish and accented English sounded authentic. She conveyed the characters' feelings and kept the story moving.
Thanks to Simon Maverick for the review copy.
While the story did indeed mention many yummy Spanish dishes, the book was really a classic contemporary romance. And here's where I had problems. I don't know why, but I have never really clicked with this genre. I don't know the name of the trope, but it's girl meets boy, girl is unimpressed with boy, girl likes boy, girl misunderstands something and hates boy, girl learns truth and loves boy. Happiness for all.
Once I realized that Spain, family, and foodie references were merely the backdrop for the romance, I should have DNF'd. For all you romance readers, I hope you laugh at the romcom moments and root for our couple as they find their way to love.
The audiobook was nicely performed by Carlotta Brentan. I don't speak Spanish, but to my untrained ear, her Spanish and accented English sounded authentic. She conveyed the characters' feelings and kept the story moving.
Thanks to Simon Maverick for the review copy.
May 8, 2026
ARC
I went into this book not expecting to come away with such a great perspective on life. Everything happens for a reason & we see that through Dahlia’s life. Dahlia is going through a divorce when we meet her, and she decides on a whim to go to Spain to visit her family. She hasn’t seen her family in forever because her mom has distanced herself from them due to some drama. Dahlia ends up getting a job at the Exphat club, where she meets a certain man named Liam. Liam is funny and charming and all of the things Dahlia doesn’t need at this moment in her life. However, as expected, Dahlia and Liam fall for each other. This story is beautiful and captivating from page 1. I am forever grateful to June Patrick for allowing me to read this.
PS: I need a Gabe and Sophia book!!! 😉😉😉
I went into this book not expecting to come away with such a great perspective on life. Everything happens for a reason & we see that through Dahlia’s life. Dahlia is going through a divorce when we meet her, and she decides on a whim to go to Spain to visit her family. She hasn’t seen her family in forever because her mom has distanced herself from them due to some drama. Dahlia ends up getting a job at the Exphat club, where she meets a certain man named Liam. Liam is funny and charming and all of the things Dahlia doesn’t need at this moment in her life. However, as expected, Dahlia and Liam fall for each other. This story is beautiful and captivating from page 1. I am forever grateful to June Patrick for allowing me to read this.
PS: I need a Gabe and Sophia book!!! 😉😉😉
May 21, 2026
Thank you Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2026/0...
Dahlia Delaney is getting ... *whisper* divorced ... at 30 and decides on a whim to find her long-lost family in Spain that she hasn't seen when she was a kid. Apparently, she's been living a lie with her husband and "friends" (that apparently picked him in the split?) in San Francisco and needs some authenticity to find herself. She runs into Liam at a open air market before meeting him again at the title restaurant, applying for a job. There's family, there's romance, there's paella, there's dancing and sunshine - who wouldn't want to go to Spain for the summer?
I was invited to read this book by the Atria Marketing team (thought they are probably removing me from their preferred list after this), which is the only reason I did not DNF this book before we even got to Spain. The descriptions of San Francisco let me know that the author was not from there (I actually googled her to see what the deal was and she's from Northern California, but the mountains, not the Bay), which was an immediate turn off.
My opinion of Dahlia didn't improve as the book went forward, as she comes across as a pick-me girl - never had good female friends, makes fun of Instagram influencers (despite working in digital marketing AND apparently have 12K Instagram followers), and all her "friends" picked her ex-husband (or actually just wanted to be friends with both of them, which apparently is a betrayal, even though there appears to be nothing more than growing apart as the reason for the split?). Her backstory with Liam doesn't add anything to the narrative and she seems weirdly hung up on it for the first half of the book.
The storyline with her Spanish family is much more interesting, but definitely takes a back seat to the romance, which is a shame. As someone with family in another country that I haven't spent much time with, the whirlwind of trying to keep names, faces, backstories, etc straight in another language felt familiar, but then Dahlia just slots right in with no struggle, so no drama there. The big reveal of the family drama with her branch of the family wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it makes reasonable sense. I could have done without a lot of the fawning over Dahlia, as if Cousin Maya couldn't have done what she did without meeting her "brave" American cousin as an adult.
The friends Dahlia meets along the way are much more interesting than Dahlia herself (more than once, I wished I was reading about Sofia). Dahlia's endless self-reflection on "who she is" and "what she wants" is tedious at best and the writer leans pretty heavily on some tortured metaphors (will add screenshots once the book is released). There's very little culture shock (once she's done belittling her temporary apartment), but also everyone she meets seems to speak English, love Americans, and be so excited to share their culture with her (even though she used to come to Valencia all the time as a kid, so she should know a lot of it?) All in all, I made myself just keep reading from about 40% onward in order to finish as quickly as possible and move on to the next.
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2026/0...
Dahlia Delaney is getting ... *whisper* divorced ... at 30 and decides on a whim to find her long-lost family in Spain that she hasn't seen when she was a kid. Apparently, she's been living a lie with her husband and "friends" (that apparently picked him in the split?) in San Francisco and needs some authenticity to find herself. She runs into Liam at a open air market before meeting him again at the title restaurant, applying for a job. There's family, there's romance, there's paella, there's dancing and sunshine - who wouldn't want to go to Spain for the summer?
I was invited to read this book by the Atria Marketing team (thought they are probably removing me from their preferred list after this), which is the only reason I did not DNF this book before we even got to Spain. The descriptions of San Francisco let me know that the author was not from there (I actually googled her to see what the deal was and she's from Northern California, but the mountains, not the Bay), which was an immediate turn off.
My opinion of Dahlia didn't improve as the book went forward, as she comes across as a pick-me girl - never had good female friends, makes fun of Instagram influencers (despite working in digital marketing AND apparently have 12K Instagram followers), and all her "friends" picked her ex-husband (or actually just wanted to be friends with both of them, which apparently is a betrayal, even though there appears to be nothing more than growing apart as the reason for the split?). Her backstory with Liam doesn't add anything to the narrative and she seems weirdly hung up on it for the first half of the book.
The storyline with her Spanish family is much more interesting, but definitely takes a back seat to the romance, which is a shame. As someone with family in another country that I haven't spent much time with, the whirlwind of trying to keep names, faces, backstories, etc straight in another language felt familiar, but then Dahlia just slots right in with no struggle, so no drama there. The big reveal of the family drama with her branch of the family wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it makes reasonable sense. I could have done without a lot of the fawning over Dahlia, as if Cousin Maya couldn't have done what she did without meeting her "brave" American cousin as an adult.
The friends Dahlia meets along the way are much more interesting than Dahlia herself (more than once, I wished I was reading about Sofia). Dahlia's endless self-reflection on "who she is" and "what she wants" is tedious at best and the writer leans pretty heavily on some tortured metaphors (will add screenshots once the book is released). There's very little culture shock (once she's done belittling her temporary apartment), but also everyone she meets seems to speak English, love Americans, and be so excited to share their culture with her (even though she used to come to Valencia all the time as a kid, so she should know a lot of it?) All in all, I made myself just keep reading from about 40% onward in order to finish as quickly as possible and move on to the next.
August 15, 2025
June Patrick’s The Valencia Expat Club is an effortlessly charming, slow-simmering story about heartbreak, second chances, and finding yourself somewhere between tapas, wine, and a stubborn American bartender. Thank you to Florence & Reynolds, Simon Maverick Audio for the gifted ARC and ALC—I read it, then re-listened, and loved the warmth of both.
Dahlia Delaney is at her breaking point. Her husband left her, her social life in San Francisco imploded, and all she’s got left is a half-fuzzy childhood memory of her grandmother’s garden in Valencia. With no grand plan—just a freelance marketing gig and emotional exhaustion—she books a one-way flight to Spain.
What she finds there isn’t some picture-perfect escape. It’s messier, funnier, and more human. Her job at a buzzing expat bar throws her into the deep end with locals, tourists, and semi-permanent wanderers. Her long-lost family embraces her like a prodigal daughter, and she starts to stitch together a life from the unfamiliar. She even meets a handsome but guarded bar owner who sees through her defenses a little too easily.
This is not a whirlwind romance. It’s slower, more introspective—less about falling in love with a person and more about learning to like yourself again. Dahlia’s story feels lived-in and real, full of relatable missteps, culture clashes, and accidental joy. It’s about starting over without knowing how, and learning to be okay with the mess of it.
The quote that stuck with me? “You shouldn’t wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you’re alive is a reason to celebrate.” That line sums up the heart of this book perfectly.
The writing is breezy but thoughtful, and the Valencia setting bursts with flavor—from paella on a terrace to late-night street music and sun-dappled plazas. You can practically feel the warm tile under your feet and smell the citrus in the air.
But the real gem here? The audiobook.
Carlotta Brentan brings Dahlia to life with layered emotion, perfect pacing, and just the right edge of sarcasm and softness. Her Spanish accents are seamless, her delivery warm, and she fully embodies the spirit of a woman figuring herself out in real time. Listening added a whole new dimension to the story—if you enjoy audiobooks, this is how you should experience it.
The only drawback is the slower pace in the middle section. It meanders a bit—but in the way life does. If you’re looking for dramatic twists or grand declarations, you won’t find them here. What you will find is a story that respects the quiet beauty of change, and the courage it takes to choose a different kind of life.
This is a book for anyone who’s ever fantasized about quitting their job, flying to Europe, and starting fresh—not in a romcom fantasy way, but in a “maybe I really could” way. It doesn’t offer easy answers, just good company, gorgeous atmosphere, and the steady realization that joy is worth chasing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheValenciaExpatClub #JunePatrick #CarlottaBrentan #SimonMaverickAudio #BookReview #AudiobookReview #NetGalleyARC #NetGalleyALC #SpainSetting #ExpatsInFiction #DivorceRecovery #WomenWhoTravel #SlowBurnRomance #CozyRead #FictionWithHeart #WomensFiction2025 #SecondChances #PaellaAndPerspective
Dahlia Delaney is at her breaking point. Her husband left her, her social life in San Francisco imploded, and all she’s got left is a half-fuzzy childhood memory of her grandmother’s garden in Valencia. With no grand plan—just a freelance marketing gig and emotional exhaustion—she books a one-way flight to Spain.
What she finds there isn’t some picture-perfect escape. It’s messier, funnier, and more human. Her job at a buzzing expat bar throws her into the deep end with locals, tourists, and semi-permanent wanderers. Her long-lost family embraces her like a prodigal daughter, and she starts to stitch together a life from the unfamiliar. She even meets a handsome but guarded bar owner who sees through her defenses a little too easily.
This is not a whirlwind romance. It’s slower, more introspective—less about falling in love with a person and more about learning to like yourself again. Dahlia’s story feels lived-in and real, full of relatable missteps, culture clashes, and accidental joy. It’s about starting over without knowing how, and learning to be okay with the mess of it.
The quote that stuck with me? “You shouldn’t wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you’re alive is a reason to celebrate.” That line sums up the heart of this book perfectly.
The writing is breezy but thoughtful, and the Valencia setting bursts with flavor—from paella on a terrace to late-night street music and sun-dappled plazas. You can practically feel the warm tile under your feet and smell the citrus in the air.
But the real gem here? The audiobook.
Carlotta Brentan brings Dahlia to life with layered emotion, perfect pacing, and just the right edge of sarcasm and softness. Her Spanish accents are seamless, her delivery warm, and she fully embodies the spirit of a woman figuring herself out in real time. Listening added a whole new dimension to the story—if you enjoy audiobooks, this is how you should experience it.
The only drawback is the slower pace in the middle section. It meanders a bit—but in the way life does. If you’re looking for dramatic twists or grand declarations, you won’t find them here. What you will find is a story that respects the quiet beauty of change, and the courage it takes to choose a different kind of life.
This is a book for anyone who’s ever fantasized about quitting their job, flying to Europe, and starting fresh—not in a romcom fantasy way, but in a “maybe I really could” way. It doesn’t offer easy answers, just good company, gorgeous atmosphere, and the steady realization that joy is worth chasing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheValenciaExpatClub #JunePatrick #CarlottaBrentan #SimonMaverickAudio #BookReview #AudiobookReview #NetGalleyARC #NetGalleyALC #SpainSetting #ExpatsInFiction #DivorceRecovery #WomenWhoTravel #SlowBurnRomance #CozyRead #FictionWithHeart #WomensFiction2025 #SecondChances #PaellaAndPerspective
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4☆ | oh my God.. I didn't expect this book to be this good / for me to enjoy it as much as I did.
I'll say it, most of the time, I judge/pick books based off of their covers, and this one? Generally not a book I would've picked up (from the cover alone) and I knowww, I could be missing out on so many amazing books that way but🤷♀️.
But I had gotten an email from the publishers (?) inviting me to read this book, and I almost didn't do it because of the cover and also because the publish date was so close (June 2nd) and I wasn't sure if I was gonna be able to finish it before then or not. But then I read the description of the book, and it seemed wonderful. And it was, I ended up finishing it in 2 days.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I think recently I've been reading too many books about people freshly out of long-term relationships and who just date again no problem, like the past 10+ years of their life meant nothing to them.
But in this one, Dahlia is newly divorced and I feel like for some of the book she was actually conflicted about being in a new relationship, etc. And I love how she wasn't sleeping with someone/dating literally a week after they got divorced because oh my god that annoys me so much.
I really loved all of the characters in this book, as well as the vibes of it all. It's definitely a nice summer time read and a nice change from all the not too good books I've been finishing recently.
I loved the humor and Dahlia with her family and just everything. It truly felt so perfect, and everything was also described so vividly and it just made it all sound so beautiful and that's what I love in a book.
I do think that everything in the book was more of a backdrop for the romance. Which isn't really my preferred book genre, especially if it's all/the main focus. But this one I didn't mind honestly. I enjoyed reading about the romance, it didn't feel like there was too much of it, because there were other things going on. But enough romance to realize that it's a romance book more than anything.
I also loved the authors note in the beginning. How she's been to every place she writes about and how she still researches a ton about them. She also said that the characters & locations are based on her personal experiences. And I just really love when authors actually know about the places they write about if it's not a fictional place. Though I haven't been to any country other than the US so I can't say how close this story was to real places.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
A really good, light and quick summer read I think. It wasn't perfect but it was definitely very enjoyable and I really enjoyed the authors writing style, so I'd definitely be interested in picking up another book by her sometime.
Thank you so much to the publishers for reaching out and offering me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0🌶 - 4☆
I'll say it, most of the time, I judge/pick books based off of their covers, and this one? Generally not a book I would've picked up (from the cover alone) and I knowww, I could be missing out on so many amazing books that way but🤷♀️.
But I had gotten an email from the publishers (?) inviting me to read this book, and I almost didn't do it because of the cover and also because the publish date was so close (June 2nd) and I wasn't sure if I was gonna be able to finish it before then or not. But then I read the description of the book, and it seemed wonderful. And it was, I ended up finishing it in 2 days.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I think recently I've been reading too many books about people freshly out of long-term relationships and who just date again no problem, like the past 10+ years of their life meant nothing to them.
But in this one, Dahlia is newly divorced and I feel like for some of the book she was actually conflicted about being in a new relationship, etc. And I love how she wasn't sleeping with someone/dating literally a week after they got divorced because oh my god that annoys me so much.
I really loved all of the characters in this book, as well as the vibes of it all. It's definitely a nice summer time read and a nice change from all the not too good books I've been finishing recently.
I loved the humor and Dahlia with her family and just everything. It truly felt so perfect, and everything was also described so vividly and it just made it all sound so beautiful and that's what I love in a book.
I do think that everything in the book was more of a backdrop for the romance. Which isn't really my preferred book genre, especially if it's all/the main focus. But this one I didn't mind honestly. I enjoyed reading about the romance, it didn't feel like there was too much of it, because there were other things going on. But enough romance to realize that it's a romance book more than anything.
I also loved the authors note in the beginning. How she's been to every place she writes about and how she still researches a ton about them. She also said that the characters & locations are based on her personal experiences. And I just really love when authors actually know about the places they write about if it's not a fictional place. Though I haven't been to any country other than the US so I can't say how close this story was to real places.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
A really good, light and quick summer read I think. It wasn't perfect but it was definitely very enjoyable and I really enjoyed the authors writing style, so I'd definitely be interested in picking up another book by her sometime.
Thank you so much to the publishers for reaching out and offering me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0🌶 - 4☆
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 2, 2026
“The Valencia Expat Club” is a charming and cozy escapist romance by author June Patrick. Like “Eat, Pray, Love”, it is a story of starting over after heartbreak, and finding home in unexpected places.
After Dahlia Delaney signed her divorce papers, she felt lost, so she went looking for nostalgia in Valencia, Spain, the city where her grandmother was born and raised. In Valencia, she found the family she had been looking for, but she also discovers great friends, fantastic food and even a new job working for a cranky ex-pat, Liam. Dahlia also finds something truly unexpected- a real home, a surprising romance and the bravery required to show off her true self.
“Valencia”, as the title suggests, takes place in Valencia, Spain. There is also a small portion at the tail end of the novel that takes place in Italy, so if you are looking for an escape, Patrick’s novel is your best bet. “Valencia” is a completely immersive experience, taking readers to the Spanish coast right alongside Dahlia. Whether you have been to Valencia or not, readers will smell the ocean air and feel the humidity on their skin through Patrick’s descriptive language. Patrick admits to traveling to and loving Spain, and she shares her passion with readers through “Valencia”.
Dahlia is likable right off the bat and the story is told exclusively in the third person with her starring as the protagonist. The characters she meets are eccentric and delightful, and there isn’t an unlikable one in the bunch. The romance with Liam was predictable right from the beginning, but I loved the journey the book took me on while waiting for the pair to finally connect.
“Valencia” is well-written and provides the perfect summer vacation read, especially if you can’t actually (or don’t want to) go on vacation. I haven’t read previous novels by Patrick, and romance normally isn’t my jam, but I love traveling to exotic places (in novels, anyway) and “Valencia” was an easy, comfort read that I thoroughly enjoyed. A hopeful romance about what happens when we let ourselves take risks; Patrick’s “Valencia” is a heart-warming page-turner.
Expected publication date: June 2, 2026
“The Valencia Expat Club” is a charming and cozy escapist romance by author June Patrick. Like “Eat, Pray, Love”, it is a story of starting over after heartbreak, and finding home in unexpected places.
After Dahlia Delaney signed her divorce papers, she felt lost, so she went looking for nostalgia in Valencia, Spain, the city where her grandmother was born and raised. In Valencia, she found the family she had been looking for, but she also discovers great friends, fantastic food and even a new job working for a cranky ex-pat, Liam. Dahlia also finds something truly unexpected- a real home, a surprising romance and the bravery required to show off her true self.
“Valencia”, as the title suggests, takes place in Valencia, Spain. There is also a small portion at the tail end of the novel that takes place in Italy, so if you are looking for an escape, Patrick’s novel is your best bet. “Valencia” is a completely immersive experience, taking readers to the Spanish coast right alongside Dahlia. Whether you have been to Valencia or not, readers will smell the ocean air and feel the humidity on their skin through Patrick’s descriptive language. Patrick admits to traveling to and loving Spain, and she shares her passion with readers through “Valencia”.
Dahlia is likable right off the bat and the story is told exclusively in the third person with her starring as the protagonist. The characters she meets are eccentric and delightful, and there isn’t an unlikable one in the bunch. The romance with Liam was predictable right from the beginning, but I loved the journey the book took me on while waiting for the pair to finally connect.
“Valencia” is well-written and provides the perfect summer vacation read, especially if you can’t actually (or don’t want to) go on vacation. I haven’t read previous novels by Patrick, and romance normally isn’t my jam, but I love traveling to exotic places (in novels, anyway) and “Valencia” was an easy, comfort read that I thoroughly enjoyed. A hopeful romance about what happens when we let ourselves take risks; Patrick’s “Valencia” is a heart-warming page-turner.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Have you ever had a fancy meal with multiple courses and you’re given a small dish of lemon or lime sorbet you’re supposed to have a small amount of to cleanse your palate between the strong flavors of your meal?
That sorbet is essentially The Valencia Expat Club in a nutshell. It’s not going to blow you away with an intricate storyline or trouble you with major conflicts or villains for the narrator. It will wrap you up in good wine, flavorful paella and tapas, evoke the scents of orange and jasmine, meeting a handsome man, and lazy days sightseeing, partying, and not getting much work done. Basically the fantasy of A LOT of women.
Don’t expect anything more from it, and it will be exactly the right story for you. After the devastation of Korea in the 1950s, the clear-cutting of old growth forests happening right now in British Columbia, and the never ending battle against addictions of various kinds (aka three of the other books I’ve been reading recently) I needed some fluff escapism, and this fulfilled the role perfectly.
In short, after an amicable divorce from a husband who wants different things in life from her, Dahlia goes to Valencia, Spain to reunite with estranged family members and embrace a different culture and way of life. For the most part things go pretty swimmingly for, though reconnecting with a former TA from her college years, Liam, has her falling in love before she was ready to have those feelings again. Throw in a distant mother and a potential issue with the house Dahlia and her ex are trying to put on the market, and that’s about as much conflict as you’ll get. It really does read pretty much like an adult’s fairy tale.
It doesn’t go into a lot of detail but one thing I like that it at least skims the surface on, is Dahlia’s relationship ending with her husband James. It doesn’t end because they were horrible to each other, or because someone was abusive or an adulterer. It ends because they aren’t in love anymore and they aren’t happy with each other, and they’re smart enough to realize they have a lot of life left to live to spend it with someone who doesn’t make them who they want to be.
Most people cannot jaunt off to Spain and live the life Dahlia lives, but it’s a fun journey to read about and a reminder to do something because it’s the right choice for you and not because it what other people expect from or for you.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That sorbet is essentially The Valencia Expat Club in a nutshell. It’s not going to blow you away with an intricate storyline or trouble you with major conflicts or villains for the narrator. It will wrap you up in good wine, flavorful paella and tapas, evoke the scents of orange and jasmine, meeting a handsome man, and lazy days sightseeing, partying, and not getting much work done. Basically the fantasy of A LOT of women.
Don’t expect anything more from it, and it will be exactly the right story for you. After the devastation of Korea in the 1950s, the clear-cutting of old growth forests happening right now in British Columbia, and the never ending battle against addictions of various kinds (aka three of the other books I’ve been reading recently) I needed some fluff escapism, and this fulfilled the role perfectly.
In short, after an amicable divorce from a husband who wants different things in life from her, Dahlia goes to Valencia, Spain to reunite with estranged family members and embrace a different culture and way of life. For the most part things go pretty swimmingly for, though reconnecting with a former TA from her college years, Liam, has her falling in love before she was ready to have those feelings again. Throw in a distant mother and a potential issue with the house Dahlia and her ex are trying to put on the market, and that’s about as much conflict as you’ll get. It really does read pretty much like an adult’s fairy tale.
It doesn’t go into a lot of detail but one thing I like that it at least skims the surface on, is Dahlia’s relationship ending with her husband James. It doesn’t end because they were horrible to each other, or because someone was abusive or an adulterer. It ends because they aren’t in love anymore and they aren’t happy with each other, and they’re smart enough to realize they have a lot of life left to live to spend it with someone who doesn’t make them who they want to be.
Most people cannot jaunt off to Spain and live the life Dahlia lives, but it’s a fun journey to read about and a reminder to do something because it’s the right choice for you and not because it what other people expect from or for you.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love paella, but this one's undercooked.
Conceptually, this book concept is tailor made for me. I'm a California resident of Spanish origin. I love a feel-good, easy reading contemporary romance. Check, check, and check.
The Valencia Expat Club is told through first-person POV as Dahlia decides to reconnect with her roots in Valencia while she navigates her emotions immediately post-divorce. She is very quickly folded into the local scene where she meets broody, American bar owner, Liam.
It really fell down in the repetitive phrasing and structure, for me. The story largely focuses on Dahlia's journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with long-lost family, and learning how to embrace adventure after losing her confidence in the wake of divorce. I wish it honed that storyline because I found it to be the most relatable and compelling aspect of the book. It is a romance, however, so the story then unsuccessfully includes a second-chance, workplace romance with an MMC that is quite emotionally unavailable and a terrible communicator.
Dahlia had better chemistry with the many bottles of wine and tapas she consumed throughout the course of this book. By the point in the story that she falls in love with him, he's never once said, hinted, or remotely communicated that he is open to something serious. In fact, the supporting characters tell us how he feels but it's so incongruous with his actions that it just reads as disingenuous. TW: climax features the miscommunication trope & lots of assumptions about each other's intentions.
As a Spaniard, I do want to shake my fist against the sky for a moment about the depiction of Spain and the book's native Spanish characters. I found them to be very two dimensional to an level that is borderline offensive. The interjected Spanish into dialogue felt stereotypical after the first few instances since the book doesn't let you forget it's set in Valencia, Spain--sorry, Valencia, España. I'm the first person in line to want to suspend my disbelief, but the aggressively happy & optimistic people without a care in a world because they get to live on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, drink wine even during job interviews, and take mid-afternoon naps everyday.. it's just lazy. And disappointing.
This book could have been amazing, but it falls flat.
Concept: 5/5
Execution: a generous 3/5
Communication: 0/5
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for sharing an e-ARC with me. This, if you couldn't tell, is an honest review and totally my own thoughts.
Conceptually, this book concept is tailor made for me. I'm a California resident of Spanish origin. I love a feel-good, easy reading contemporary romance. Check, check, and check.
The Valencia Expat Club is told through first-person POV as Dahlia decides to reconnect with her roots in Valencia while she navigates her emotions immediately post-divorce. She is very quickly folded into the local scene where she meets broody, American bar owner, Liam.
It really fell down in the repetitive phrasing and structure, for me. The story largely focuses on Dahlia's journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with long-lost family, and learning how to embrace adventure after losing her confidence in the wake of divorce. I wish it honed that storyline because I found it to be the most relatable and compelling aspect of the book. It is a romance, however, so the story then unsuccessfully includes a second-chance, workplace romance with an MMC that is quite emotionally unavailable and a terrible communicator.
Dahlia had better chemistry with the many bottles of wine and tapas she consumed throughout the course of this book. By the point in the story that she falls in love with him, he's never once said, hinted, or remotely communicated that he is open to something serious. In fact, the supporting characters tell us how he feels but it's so incongruous with his actions that it just reads as disingenuous. TW: climax features the miscommunication trope & lots of assumptions about each other's intentions.
As a Spaniard, I do want to shake my fist against the sky for a moment about the depiction of Spain and the book's native Spanish characters. I found them to be very two dimensional to an level that is borderline offensive. The interjected Spanish into dialogue felt stereotypical after the first few instances since the book doesn't let you forget it's set in Valencia, Spain--sorry, Valencia, España. I'm the first person in line to want to suspend my disbelief, but the aggressively happy & optimistic people without a care in a world because they get to live on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, drink wine even during job interviews, and take mid-afternoon naps everyday.. it's just lazy. And disappointing.
This book could have been amazing, but it falls flat.
Concept: 5/5
Execution: a generous 3/5
Communication: 0/5
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for sharing an e-ARC with me. This, if you couldn't tell, is an honest review and totally my own thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
More than the love story between Dahlia and Liam, owner of the Valencia Expat Club, what I really enjoyed was the love story between Dahlia and Valencia, Spain. Maybe it's the grey, chilly weather we've been having here, but I couldn't get enough of sunny, citrus scented Valencia.
After a divorce, Dahlia impulsively decides to go to Valencia where members of her mother's extended family still live and where she spent early childhood summers, visiting a beloved abuela. But something happened among the adults and Dahlia's mother severed all ties with her family, leaving Dahlia on the outs as well. An internet search lead to a second or third cousin Maya, who immediately reaches out with joy and invitations to meet.
Dahlia quickly finds a small apartment, is taken under Maya's wing, and gets a job doing marketing for The Valencia Expat Club - a bar populated by Americans, Brits, Australian Sophie and other quirky characters. Maya offers family and history, and Sophie offers adventure and a push into romance.
It was a bit much that Dahlia not only meets Liam, a fellow American on the first day, but that they have a history was a little eye roll worthy. But they have good sarcastic banter and they end up together with only one 'romance novel type misunderstanding'. (Honestly, why doesn't anyone ever behave like an adult and actually walk up to the beautiful woman that is with 'your' man and just say hello, instead of running away convinced that he has fallen into her clutches and is lying to you).
I also felt that the appearance of Dahlia's mother at the party at the end was unnecessary. We have gone the entire book with Dahlia creating her found family which includes distant relations Maya and her family, to suddenly have the mother show up and everything is ok with no discussion between Dahlia and her mother seemed like a wasted moment. Better to just not have her show up at all.
This book was a nice mini vacation to someplace where the stakes are all so low, and the wine keeps flowing.
After a divorce, Dahlia impulsively decides to go to Valencia where members of her mother's extended family still live and where she spent early childhood summers, visiting a beloved abuela. But something happened among the adults and Dahlia's mother severed all ties with her family, leaving Dahlia on the outs as well. An internet search lead to a second or third cousin Maya, who immediately reaches out with joy and invitations to meet.
Dahlia quickly finds a small apartment, is taken under Maya's wing, and gets a job doing marketing for The Valencia Expat Club - a bar populated by Americans, Brits, Australian Sophie and other quirky characters. Maya offers family and history, and Sophie offers adventure and a push into romance.
It was a bit much that Dahlia not only meets Liam, a fellow American on the first day, but that they have a history was a little eye roll worthy. But they have good sarcastic banter and they end up together with only one 'romance novel type misunderstanding'. (Honestly, why doesn't anyone ever behave like an adult and actually walk up to the beautiful woman that is with 'your' man and just say hello, instead of running away convinced that he has fallen into her clutches and is lying to you).
I also felt that the appearance of Dahlia's mother at the party at the end was unnecessary. We have gone the entire book with Dahlia creating her found family which includes distant relations Maya and her family, to suddenly have the mother show up and everything is ok with no discussion between Dahlia and her mother seemed like a wasted moment. Better to just not have her show up at all.
This book was a nice mini vacation to someplace where the stakes are all so low, and the wine keeps flowing.
May 17, 2026
I am a longtime romance lover, and I always enjoy stories about fresh starts and figuring out who you are when life does not go the way you planned. The description of this book immediately caught my attention because it sounded like the perfect mix of romance, self-discovery, and escapism. Add in the Spain setting, and I was completely sold.
This story hooked me right from the beginning. I really liked that it is told in first person because it made Dahlia’s emotions feel very personal and real. Watching her try to rebuild her life after her marriage fell apart was emotional at times, especially because it felt like so many people around her had already decided who was “right” and “wrong.” It was very easy to root for her as she slowly started rediscovering herself. I also really enjoyed the family aspect of the story and seeing her reconnect with relatives she barely knew. That added a lot of warmth and heart to the book.
And of course, there is Liam. I loved the tension between them right from the start, especially once their shared history started coming into focus. There were definitely moments where I wanted to shake both of them a little, but that just made me more invested in seeing how everything would work out. The Valencia setting also added so much charm to the story and made it feel like the perfect backdrop for a fresh start romance.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was heartfelt, romantic, and full of moments that made me smile. My only small gripe is that I would have loved getting Liam’s perspective too, because I think it would have added even more emotional depth to the story.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
This story hooked me right from the beginning. I really liked that it is told in first person because it made Dahlia’s emotions feel very personal and real. Watching her try to rebuild her life after her marriage fell apart was emotional at times, especially because it felt like so many people around her had already decided who was “right” and “wrong.” It was very easy to root for her as she slowly started rediscovering herself. I also really enjoyed the family aspect of the story and seeing her reconnect with relatives she barely knew. That added a lot of warmth and heart to the book.
And of course, there is Liam. I loved the tension between them right from the start, especially once their shared history started coming into focus. There were definitely moments where I wanted to shake both of them a little, but that just made me more invested in seeing how everything would work out. The Valencia setting also added so much charm to the story and made it feel like the perfect backdrop for a fresh start romance.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was heartfelt, romantic, and full of moments that made me smile. My only small gripe is that I would have loved getting Liam’s perspective too, because I think it would have added even more emotional depth to the story.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Delightful rom-com set in Valencia, Spain, filled with the aromas and wines that add the spice to this sweet story about second chances and finding home.
Dahlia Delaney’s marriage is over, and her friends have picked their sides (not hers). Her fancy life in San Francisco seems dead ended. So, she determines with her broken heart to return to her family's home in Valencia to reconnect with her distant family. She finds a new job at a quirky expat bar and is attracted to its handsome but somewhat familiar owner.
Lots of cute and funny moments as Dahlia deals with language mishaps, cultural crashes, and finding the world's best paella and new friends. As these things happen Dahlia comes to realize this new start may be better than she could have hoped for - but only if she embraces the unknown.
s Dahlia stumbles through language mishaps, clashing cultures, and late-night paella with new friends, she begins to realize that the fresh start she came for might turn into something even better—if she can let go of the life she planned and embrace the one unfolding around her.
I loved Dahlia - she was real and her faux pas were funny and not malicious. I also looked the foodie aspect of this book. There is nothing better than reading a book which incorporates the local flavor of the setting which includes the food, the smells and the sangria (or any red wine).
This is a great beach or summer read and "perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting over somewhere with better wine."
My thanks for NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me access to this ARC.
Dahlia Delaney’s marriage is over, and her friends have picked their sides (not hers). Her fancy life in San Francisco seems dead ended. So, she determines with her broken heart to return to her family's home in Valencia to reconnect with her distant family. She finds a new job at a quirky expat bar and is attracted to its handsome but somewhat familiar owner.
Lots of cute and funny moments as Dahlia deals with language mishaps, cultural crashes, and finding the world's best paella and new friends. As these things happen Dahlia comes to realize this new start may be better than she could have hoped for - but only if she embraces the unknown.
s Dahlia stumbles through language mishaps, clashing cultures, and late-night paella with new friends, she begins to realize that the fresh start she came for might turn into something even better—if she can let go of the life she planned and embrace the one unfolding around her.
I loved Dahlia - she was real and her faux pas were funny and not malicious. I also looked the foodie aspect of this book. There is nothing better than reading a book which incorporates the local flavor of the setting which includes the food, the smells and the sangria (or any red wine).
This is a great beach or summer read and "perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting over somewhere with better wine."
My thanks for NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Oh, Lord. I thought I would drown in smilies. Seriously, there were so many similes. The many references of paella and “rapid fire” Spanish were also off putting. We get it. You’re in Spain. But let’s begin this review properly.
After finalizing her divorce, Dahlia Delaney is left adrift. Aimless and needing a change, she reconnects with her Spanish roots and decides to spend an indeterminate amount of time in Spain. While the synopsis compares this novel to Eat, Pray, Love, a more apt comparison would be Under the Tuscan Sun. It’s there she runs into a mysterious American ex-pat and bar owner with a past of his own.
I really enjoyed the setting. I could vividly imagine the curving streets, the vibrant colors, and energy of Spain. I thought the author captured that essence quite well. The characterizations felt lacking though.
The characters were one dimensional and reflected the stereotypes of what Americans assume Spaniards to be like. The characters lacked depth and nuance. I had a hard time connecting with Dahlia. Everything was surface level. Fights were engineered to provide conflict for conflict’s sake. I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between Dahlia and Liam. Their history was unnecessary because it didn’t really add anything to their relationship. It’s glossed over. Dahlia’s inner monologue was meant to be endearing I’m sure, but it just felt like watching a bad actor in a hallmark movie. It felt emotionless.
The premise sounded great, but sadly this book just didn’t deliver for me.
Oh, Lord. I thought I would drown in smilies. Seriously, there were so many similes. The many references of paella and “rapid fire” Spanish were also off putting. We get it. You’re in Spain. But let’s begin this review properly.
After finalizing her divorce, Dahlia Delaney is left adrift. Aimless and needing a change, she reconnects with her Spanish roots and decides to spend an indeterminate amount of time in Spain. While the synopsis compares this novel to Eat, Pray, Love, a more apt comparison would be Under the Tuscan Sun. It’s there she runs into a mysterious American ex-pat and bar owner with a past of his own.
I really enjoyed the setting. I could vividly imagine the curving streets, the vibrant colors, and energy of Spain. I thought the author captured that essence quite well. The characterizations felt lacking though.
The characters were one dimensional and reflected the stereotypes of what Americans assume Spaniards to be like. The characters lacked depth and nuance. I had a hard time connecting with Dahlia. Everything was surface level. Fights were engineered to provide conflict for conflict’s sake. I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between Dahlia and Liam. Their history was unnecessary because it didn’t really add anything to their relationship. It’s glossed over. Dahlia’s inner monologue was meant to be endearing I’m sure, but it just felt like watching a bad actor in a hallmark movie. It felt emotionless.
The premise sounded great, but sadly this book just didn’t deliver for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I took a quick trip to Valencia, Spain in my armchair! I just finished The Valencia Expat Club and the author describes the sights, smells and sounds in such detail that I felt like I was there! Dahlia’s feeling lost after her divorce and decides to revisit one of her favorite places. She has fond memories of visiting Valencia when she was young with her mother. She gets an apartment for the summer and her cousin welcomes her warmly. She invites her to the Sunday family dinner where there is more family, dancing and delicious food. She responds to an ad at the Expat Club, an American-owned restaurant, for part-time freelance marketing. It feels like a happy place and everyone is friendly except for the owner, Liam who is snarky. Then she realizes she knew Liam in college when he was her TA and she had a crush on him!
Dahlia goes to work for Liam and it's joyful when he teaches her to dance flamenco! He learned to dance when he first came to Spain and was angry with his father and felt lost. Now, he loves to dance, especially with the right partner (Dahlia)! There’s some drama with her ex, his ex, her mother and Dahlia, who starts out the story a little lost, but it’s fun to see her find her HEA. The pacing felt rushed in places and some scenes felt breezed over, but I enjoyed the humor and the feeling of visiting Valencia through these fun characters. I look forward to where the author takes us next! Thank you to the author, Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.
Dahlia goes to work for Liam and it's joyful when he teaches her to dance flamenco! He learned to dance when he first came to Spain and was angry with his father and felt lost. Now, he loves to dance, especially with the right partner (Dahlia)! There’s some drama with her ex, his ex, her mother and Dahlia, who starts out the story a little lost, but it’s fun to see her find her HEA. The pacing felt rushed in places and some scenes felt breezed over, but I enjoyed the humor and the feeling of visiting Valencia through these fun characters. I look forward to where the author takes us next! Thank you to the author, Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Valencia Expat Club” is a romance book by June Patrick. I honestly felt that the descriptions of Valencia and the other places the main character traveled were fantastic - from the sights, to the lights, to the colors and the scents - armchair travel at its finest! I even liked that, for a long while, these characters felt like adults (not always wise adults, but at least they acted like adults). Yes, there was some of the oddness in the beginning with the circle of friends, but that was minor. The second chance romance - eh, fine; not my cup of tea but the author made it work. Not too pleased with the miscommunication trope - remember that part about acting like adults, yeah, just ask the questions that need to be asked, please. But that’s me. And I’ll repeat it again - in romance novels the ending is predictable - so I knew what to expect, but all the while I actually was cheering this couple on. Are they perfect - no, but I can see them enjoying each other’s company for many years to come. Overall, a solid 3.75, rounded up to 4 stars because for a good chunk of the book, this was really enjoyable and, as noted before, great armchair travel. Now if I only had a desire to go to Spain!
“The Valencia Expat Club” is a romance book by June Patrick. I honestly felt that the descriptions of Valencia and the other places the main character traveled were fantastic - from the sights, to the lights, to the colors and the scents - armchair travel at its finest! I even liked that, for a long while, these characters felt like adults (not always wise adults, but at least they acted like adults). Yes, there was some of the oddness in the beginning with the circle of friends, but that was minor. The second chance romance - eh, fine; not my cup of tea but the author made it work. Not too pleased with the miscommunication trope - remember that part about acting like adults, yeah, just ask the questions that need to be asked, please. But that’s me. And I’ll repeat it again - in romance novels the ending is predictable - so I knew what to expect, but all the while I actually was cheering this couple on. Are they perfect - no, but I can see them enjoying each other’s company for many years to come. Overall, a solid 3.75, rounded up to 4 stars because for a good chunk of the book, this was really enjoyable and, as noted before, great armchair travel. Now if I only had a desire to go to Spain!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So this is very much as promised. It's a light summer beach read that takes you to Valencia, Spain for a little romantic fun while our FMC finds herself post-divorce. And it is cute. Like 100% I was looking into a Spanish vacation. I studied abroad in Toledo, Spain in college and while that is entirely landlocked that is all I was imagining, but it was fun. I will say, at one point I looked up the word "paella" in my e-reader to see how many times it was mentioned in the book, and it was only 36 time I think, so fewer than I thought - I think I looked it up at like 40% into the book, so she does mellow on that but I was like, omg, there are other food options to mention here. Not a big complaint, just thought I'd mention it in my review since I did look it up. I also think you need to be willing to suspend your disbelief in terms of how quickly she connects with her family without really any effort, like I love a family that is immediately inviting but idk it was a really quick integration without much attention to those relationships. That said, once I was really willing to commit to the love story I enjoyed it, and I love a grand gesture and an MMC with his hands in his pockets. So if you are looking for a light, fun summer beach read this is a solid choice. Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✈️🌿 There are definitely moments in The Valencia Expat Club that hit emotionally, and a few scenes that feel genuinely dreamy and true. For me, though, the overall execution didn’t quite come together the way I hoped.
The writing style was a hurdle early on. The first stretch leans heavily on metaphors and similes, and it took me a while to settle into the voice. The good news is that it smoothed out as the story got going, and once I hit the actual plot, I found it much easier to keep turning pages.
What I did love was the setting. Valencia feels vivid and warm, and there are scenes that really captured that travel magic, especially those small, local-only moments that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret version of a place. 🌙🔥 Those were the sections where the story felt most alive to me.
This is also very much a dreamy version of moving abroad, where community and belonging come together quickly. That can happen, but it’s not the most common long-term reality, so I’d recommend going into this one for escapism rather than accuracy.
Overall, this wasn’t quite my kind of book, but I can see it being a fun pick if you’re in the mood for a light, escapist reinvention romance with strong travel vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC. 💛📚
The writing style was a hurdle early on. The first stretch leans heavily on metaphors and similes, and it took me a while to settle into the voice. The good news is that it smoothed out as the story got going, and once I hit the actual plot, I found it much easier to keep turning pages.
What I did love was the setting. Valencia feels vivid and warm, and there are scenes that really captured that travel magic, especially those small, local-only moments that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret version of a place. 🌙🔥 Those were the sections where the story felt most alive to me.
This is also very much a dreamy version of moving abroad, where community and belonging come together quickly. That can happen, but it’s not the most common long-term reality, so I’d recommend going into this one for escapism rather than accuracy.
Overall, this wasn’t quite my kind of book, but I can see it being a fun pick if you’re in the mood for a light, escapist reinvention romance with strong travel vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC. 💛📚
May 18, 2026
4.75 stars
✨ARC Review ✨
Thank you to Atria Books and June Patrick for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I did not know what to expect going into my first June Patrick novel, but I was so pleasantly surprised when this landed in my inbox. This is one of those books that I could immediately picture as a movie. It gives Mamma Mia! meets Eat Pray Love in the best possible way, and I genuinely could have devoured it in one sitting if I had not started it so late at night.
This honestly feels like it could become one of the big summer romances of 2026. The themes of love, self-discovery, and trusting that life works out the way it is meant to were incredibly heartwarming. Every character felt purposeful, and I already find myself hoping some of the side characters, especially a certain travel blogger, end up getting stories of their own.
I think readers who love Emily Henry will really enjoy this, while still appreciating how unique it feels on its own.
More than anything, I loved getting to live vicariously through Dahlia. There was something so freeing and emotional about her journey, and her romance with Liam perfectly captured that “right person, wrong time” feeling in a way that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
✨ARC Review ✨
Thank you to Atria Books and June Patrick for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I did not know what to expect going into my first June Patrick novel, but I was so pleasantly surprised when this landed in my inbox. This is one of those books that I could immediately picture as a movie. It gives Mamma Mia! meets Eat Pray Love in the best possible way, and I genuinely could have devoured it in one sitting if I had not started it so late at night.
This honestly feels like it could become one of the big summer romances of 2026. The themes of love, self-discovery, and trusting that life works out the way it is meant to were incredibly heartwarming. Every character felt purposeful, and I already find myself hoping some of the side characters, especially a certain travel blogger, end up getting stories of their own.
I think readers who love Emily Henry will really enjoy this, while still appreciating how unique it feels on its own.
More than anything, I loved getting to live vicariously through Dahlia. There was something so freeing and emotional about her journey, and her romance with Liam perfectly captured that “right person, wrong time” feeling in a way that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
May 18, 2026
There are emotionally effective, dreamy moments in The Valencia Expat Club, but overall, it did not fully come together for me.
The novel offers a highly romanticized version of moving abroad, so it works better as escapism than realism.
It was not entirely my kind of book, but it may appeal to readers looking for a light, escapist romance with strong travel vibes.
More than the romance between Dahlia and Liam, I was drawn to Dahlia’s relationship with Valencia, who’s sunny, citrus-scented atmosphere is especially appealing.
After her divorce, Dahlia moves to Valencia, where she spent childhood summers and still has extended family. After a family rupture cut those ties, a distant cousin, Maya, helps reconnect her to both family and place.
Dahlia quickly finds an apartment, gets a marketing job at the Valencia Expat Club, and is welcomed by Maya and Sophie, who offer family, adventure, and a push toward romance.
The romance was less convincing. It felt convenient that Dahlia met Liam on her first day and discovered they share a history, though their banter is enjoyable and the drama stays limited.
The ending was less satisfying: after Dahlia built a strong found family, her mother’s sudden appearance at the final party feels unnecessary and emotionally unresolved.
The novel offers a highly romanticized version of moving abroad, so it works better as escapism than realism.
It was not entirely my kind of book, but it may appeal to readers looking for a light, escapist romance with strong travel vibes.
More than the romance between Dahlia and Liam, I was drawn to Dahlia’s relationship with Valencia, who’s sunny, citrus-scented atmosphere is especially appealing.
After her divorce, Dahlia moves to Valencia, where she spent childhood summers and still has extended family. After a family rupture cut those ties, a distant cousin, Maya, helps reconnect her to both family and place.
Dahlia quickly finds an apartment, gets a marketing job at the Valencia Expat Club, and is welcomed by Maya and Sophie, who offer family, adventure, and a push toward romance.
The romance was less convincing. It felt convenient that Dahlia met Liam on her first day and discovered they share a history, though their banter is enjoyable and the drama stays limited.
The ending was less satisfying: after Dahlia built a strong found family, her mother’s sudden appearance at the final party feels unnecessary and emotionally unresolved.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC**
Honestly, when I received the ARC for this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. It seemed very 'slice of life', which I love in a K-drama but not so much in my books, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it. Our main character, Dahlia, has just gotten a divorce and doesn't know what she wants out of her life, and in an attempt to find a connection, she visits her distant family in Spain.
The book is meant to be a discovery and a journey about prioritizing yourself and really enjoy everything around you, and it does do that. The descriptions about Valencia are amazing and they take you to the country, but this book is incredibly character driven. There is really no overall story, it's simply Dahlia's story. It's her life and her choices that drive the story, and there is romance that is woven throughout it, but I felt it was lacking in the actual characterization. There were moments where Dahlia herself felt a little contradictory towards her own actions, and I had a hard time actually connecting to her. The conflicts seemed superficial and the motivations at time did too.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I definitely wanted more out of it.
Honestly, when I received the ARC for this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. It seemed very 'slice of life', which I love in a K-drama but not so much in my books, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it. Our main character, Dahlia, has just gotten a divorce and doesn't know what she wants out of her life, and in an attempt to find a connection, she visits her distant family in Spain.
The book is meant to be a discovery and a journey about prioritizing yourself and really enjoy everything around you, and it does do that. The descriptions about Valencia are amazing and they take you to the country, but this book is incredibly character driven. There is really no overall story, it's simply Dahlia's story. It's her life and her choices that drive the story, and there is romance that is woven throughout it, but I felt it was lacking in the actual characterization. There were moments where Dahlia herself felt a little contradictory towards her own actions, and I had a hard time actually connecting to her. The conflicts seemed superficial and the motivations at time did too.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I definitely wanted more out of it.
August 12, 2025
“You shouldn't wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you're alive is a reason to celebrate."
✈️ If you were looking to travel this summer.. here is your ticket to SPAIN!
🧳 We follow Dahlia, who is going through a divorce, decides to run away from her life in San Francisco and goes back to her roots in Valencia, Spain. She feels lost and decides to reconnect with distant family. In this adventure, she meets new people, bumps into a new culture, becomes closer with her family, but most importantly, learns that it is okay to start over.
🥘 I LOVED the mouthwatering Spanish food writing and the wine and drink descriptions. I am craving to try Paella and Agua de Valencia!
⏳️ This story is a reminder that it is okay if we do not have life figured out by a certain age in our life, and it is never too late to start fresh a second time.
🎧The audiobook was exceptional. The narrator has the right voice for our MC plus the Spanish accents! I do want to mention it is character driven and slow-paced.
Thank you @simonmaverickaudio for the #gifted ALC! 🫶
✈️ If you were looking to travel this summer.. here is your ticket to SPAIN!
🧳 We follow Dahlia, who is going through a divorce, decides to run away from her life in San Francisco and goes back to her roots in Valencia, Spain. She feels lost and decides to reconnect with distant family. In this adventure, she meets new people, bumps into a new culture, becomes closer with her family, but most importantly, learns that it is okay to start over.
🥘 I LOVED the mouthwatering Spanish food writing and the wine and drink descriptions. I am craving to try Paella and Agua de Valencia!
⏳️ This story is a reminder that it is okay if we do not have life figured out by a certain age in our life, and it is never too late to start fresh a second time.
🎧The audiobook was exceptional. The narrator has the right voice for our MC plus the Spanish accents! I do want to mention it is character driven and slow-paced.
Thank you @simonmaverickaudio for the #gifted ALC! 🫶
May 18, 2026
ARC Review
Recently divorced, Dahlia packs a suitcase and takes off for Valencia where her happiest childhood summers were spent. Planning to reconnect with extended family, Dahlia also embraces love and a found family through the expat club where she accepts a freelance job.
This was SUCH a fun read! The descriptions of Valencia were so vividly beautiful--it has definitely been added to my travel bucket list! The book read like an early 2000's rom-com which just made me giddy and had me flying through the pages.
I really enjoyed Dahlia's character as she rediscovers who she is outside of a marriage where she boxed herself in. The banter between her and all the characters, but especially Liam, is hilarious and adds the perfect amount of humor around the deeper themes of the book.
The word paella was used approximately a million times, which became a bit much, but I loved being immersed in this location and culture that I've never experienced before.
The writing style was so easy and refreshing, I definitely want to read more from the author's backlog.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Recently divorced, Dahlia packs a suitcase and takes off for Valencia where her happiest childhood summers were spent. Planning to reconnect with extended family, Dahlia also embraces love and a found family through the expat club where she accepts a freelance job.
This was SUCH a fun read! The descriptions of Valencia were so vividly beautiful--it has definitely been added to my travel bucket list! The book read like an early 2000's rom-com which just made me giddy and had me flying through the pages.
I really enjoyed Dahlia's character as she rediscovers who she is outside of a marriage where she boxed herself in. The banter between her and all the characters, but especially Liam, is hilarious and adds the perfect amount of humor around the deeper themes of the book.
The word paella was used approximately a million times, which became a bit much, but I loved being immersed in this location and culture that I've never experienced before.
The writing style was so easy and refreshing, I definitely want to read more from the author's backlog.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Newly divorced and needing a fresh start, Dahlia Delaney decides to try to reconnect to her family by going to Valencia, Spain. What follows is an adventure of a lifetime, reconnecting with a lost family, finding yourself along the way and a second chance at romance.
I adored this book, it felt like a cozy warm hug in the best way possible, while Dahlia begins the book at the worst part of her life, the way the story unfolds was so much fun to read. As someone who has Hispanic roots, I really enjoyed the culture of the book as well, your never a stranger in a household full of love and I loved that Dahlia immediately felt that when she arrived in Valencia. The author really did an amazing job at describing the food, the sights and the emotions that Dahlia goes through, I felt like I was right there with her. A great read for those who love second chances, starting over in new places and a sense of renewal.
Newly divorced and needing a fresh start, Dahlia Delaney decides to try to reconnect to her family by going to Valencia, Spain. What follows is an adventure of a lifetime, reconnecting with a lost family, finding yourself along the way and a second chance at romance.
I adored this book, it felt like a cozy warm hug in the best way possible, while Dahlia begins the book at the worst part of her life, the way the story unfolds was so much fun to read. As someone who has Hispanic roots, I really enjoyed the culture of the book as well, your never a stranger in a household full of love and I loved that Dahlia immediately felt that when she arrived in Valencia. The author really did an amazing job at describing the food, the sights and the emotions that Dahlia goes through, I felt like I was right there with her. A great read for those who love second chances, starting over in new places and a sense of renewal.
May 19, 2026
I was sent this eARC via NetGalley and it by far exceeded expectations.
I’d never read any books by this author, so I thought this would be a great way to find a new one. I was so right.
The story takes place mostly in Valencia, Spain. We follow a new divorcee back to her roots to visit extended family and get away from “real life”. While she’s there, she grows closer to her extended family, learns about her past and what happened with her mom, makes some great friends and falls in love… but the love isn’t someone she met for the first time.
While reading, I had to frequently pause and gather myself- because my mother hails from Seville, Spain and her side of the family is there still. While I’ve never been to Valencia, so much of the setting FELT like she was talking about the areas we used to visit when we were able to fly and see our family. The family dinners and the way they talk to each other felt like home. I lost my Abuela a few years ago, so I thought of her frequently throughout the book.
Five stars all the way. 🩷
I’d never read any books by this author, so I thought this would be a great way to find a new one. I was so right.
The story takes place mostly in Valencia, Spain. We follow a new divorcee back to her roots to visit extended family and get away from “real life”. While she’s there, she grows closer to her extended family, learns about her past and what happened with her mom, makes some great friends and falls in love… but the love isn’t someone she met for the first time.
While reading, I had to frequently pause and gather myself- because my mother hails from Seville, Spain and her side of the family is there still. While I’ve never been to Valencia, so much of the setting FELT like she was talking about the areas we used to visit when we were able to fly and see our family. The family dinners and the way they talk to each other felt like home. I lost my Abuela a few years ago, so I thought of her frequently throughout the book.
Five stars all the way. 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a pleasant surprise! I loved the love letter to Spain. I loved being immersed in the culture, the food, the atmosphere, everything about it. I love how Delilah discovered family, both biological and found. Her instant connection with her cousin Maya was so lovely to read. And how she found such a huge chaotic family. And then there's the family at the Expat Club. They are such a charming group of characters and I enjoyed reading about them. And of course the themes of the story about finding yourself, and what home means to someone. There were parts of Delilah and Liam's romance I liked, especially earlier on some of the banter was really fun. But I didn't love it. I think it might be because Liam didn't seem to have that much depth, and I didn't feel the chemistry that lead to them falling for each other. The conflict in their relationship felt a bit forced to me, too.
But all in all it was such a joyful, whimsical book that was really enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
But all in all it was such a joyful, whimsical book that was really enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads
"You shouldn't wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you're alive is a reason to celebrate."
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC! This book resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Having visited Spain when I was 16, the author’s descriptions felt incredibly authentic—from the midday siestas and savory paella to the vibrant pulse of late-night street music, it all rang true.
The story follows Dahlia Delaney, a woman pushed to her limit. After a messy divorce and the collapse of her social circle in San Francisco, she’s left with nothing but a hazy childhood memory of her grandmother’s garden in Valencia. Driven by pure emotional exhaustion and a freelance marketing gig, she takes a leap of faith on a one-way ticket to Spain.
While I didn't have a glass of Rioja in hand while reading, the mouth-watering food references have me ready to book a flight back to Spain immediately. This is a beautiful exploration of starting over when you don't have a map.
"You shouldn't wait for a special occasion to drink the good wine. Every day you're alive is a reason to celebrate."
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC! This book resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Having visited Spain when I was 16, the author’s descriptions felt incredibly authentic—from the midday siestas and savory paella to the vibrant pulse of late-night street music, it all rang true.
The story follows Dahlia Delaney, a woman pushed to her limit. After a messy divorce and the collapse of her social circle in San Francisco, she’s left with nothing but a hazy childhood memory of her grandmother’s garden in Valencia. Driven by pure emotional exhaustion and a freelance marketing gig, she takes a leap of faith on a one-way ticket to Spain.
While I didn't have a glass of Rioja in hand while reading, the mouth-watering food references have me ready to book a flight back to Spain immediately. This is a beautiful exploration of starting over when you don't have a map.
March 21, 2026
Even though there's a heavy romantic presence in this book--talk, dark, brooding bar owner, anyone?-- I found myself wondering out loud to my partner when the tone shift was coming. Yes, we've got a divorcee. Yes, she's uprooting and flinging herself across the globe. But Dahlia Delaney seems almost blasé about these facts, so I was waiting for her real hurt to reveal itself. And it did, in true divorcee fashion, Dahlia has been burned by the loss of friendship and community. And I felt that. When my mother got divorced, an "anonymous" person sent disturbing pictures of students to her school to try and get her fired--divorce is a mess, ya'll. Even if what Dahlia finds in Valencia feels a bit sweet and cliché, aren't we all owed a bit of sweetness? Patrick is telling everyone in their thirties: hey, it's okay to start over. And it's okay if your big discoveries are olives, dancing, and wine.
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