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Under an Amber Sky
When Sophie Taylor’s life falls apart, there is only one thing to do: escape and find a new one.
Dragged to Montenegro by her best friend Anna, Sophie begins to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. But when she stumbles into an old, run-down house on the Bay of Kotor she surprises even herself when she buys it.
Surrounded by old furniture, left behind by the former inhabitants, Sophie becomes obsessed by a young Balkan couple when she discovers a bundle of letters from the 1940s in a broken roll-top desk. Letters that speak of great love, hope and a mystery Sophie can’t help but get drawn into.
Days in Montenegro are nothing like she expected and as Sophie’s home begins to fill with a motley crew of lodgers the house by the bay begins to breathe again. And for Sophie, life seems to be restarting. But letting go of the past is easier said than done…
Dragged to Montenegro by her best friend Anna, Sophie begins to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. But when she stumbles into an old, run-down house on the Bay of Kotor she surprises even herself when she buys it.
Surrounded by old furniture, left behind by the former inhabitants, Sophie becomes obsessed by a young Balkan couple when she discovers a bundle of letters from the 1940s in a broken roll-top desk. Letters that speak of great love, hope and a mystery Sophie can’t help but get drawn into.
Days in Montenegro are nothing like she expected and as Sophie’s home begins to fill with a motley crew of lodgers the house by the bay begins to breathe again. And for Sophie, life seems to be restarting. But letting go of the past is easier said than done…
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2017
137 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 10, 2019
A lovely book, it follows the life of Sophie, who is dragged to Montenegro for some time out by her best friend Anna after the sudden tragic death of Sophie's husband. During one day of sightseeing, Anna stops to look at a house for sale on the Bay Of Kotor, and Sophie surprises herself by buying it.
At first Sophie is alone in the big stone house on the waters edge, but slowly she starts to make friends and the house fills up with people and laughter. However at all times Sophie is followed by her grief. Will she ever learn to let go and love again?
I really liked this book, could barely put it down. It is a book of grieving and despair, yet shows that there is always hope shining through. The descriptions of Montenegro and the Bay Of Kotor are first rate, Rose Alexander bring the stunning location and it's people to life. This is the first book of the author's I have read, and I'll definitely be looking out for more of her work in the future. Recommended.
At first Sophie is alone in the big stone house on the waters edge, but slowly she starts to make friends and the house fills up with people and laughter. However at all times Sophie is followed by her grief. Will she ever learn to let go and love again?
I really liked this book, could barely put it down. It is a book of grieving and despair, yet shows that there is always hope shining through. The descriptions of Montenegro and the Bay Of Kotor are first rate, Rose Alexander bring the stunning location and it's people to life. This is the first book of the author's I have read, and I'll definitely be looking out for more of her work in the future. Recommended.
May 25, 2017
5☆ Poignant and heartfelt read. Loved it!
Under the Amber Sky is beautifully written. It's about love, grief, friendships, new beginnings, a Journey of discovery.
When one phonecall changes Sophie's life forever, her world is turned upside down.
Sophie's best friend Anna is her rock and she feels that what Sophie needs more than ever is to get away.
So she persuades her to go to Montenegro with her.
It's here Sophie falls for the beautiful charm and people of Montenegro.
Sophie buys a very old run down house in desperate need of some TLC and quickly falls in love with it's need for some love.
Step by step Sophie starts to mend the house and her broken heart!
Such a heart breaking yet warm moment when Sophie starts to feel a sense of belonging.
When Sophie finds a box full of old letters she starts to read them one by one, discovering they are letters written by Mira to her husband who was a prisoner of war.
Sophie makes it her personal journey to find the missing link to see if there is someone to return the letters too.
I would like to applaud Rose for her stunning description of Montenegro.
I was literally transported into the book. If i closed my eyes I could see the island and it's beauty.
I loved Sophie I really felt her journey. The way Rose engages the reader with all of her characters is sublime.
I felt Sophie's pain and heartache, her laughter and love, her determination and strength.
There are some difficult subjects raised within the book but Rose handles them with sensitivity and Grace.
Overall Under the Amber Sky is simply Sublime. I was cast under a spell and was completely enthralled. Definetly a feast of different emotions.
I loved it!!
Perfect read for lovers of women's literature, readers who love adventure and emotional reads.
Would I recommend this book...... without a doubt.... YES!!!!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
Under the Amber Sky is beautifully written. It's about love, grief, friendships, new beginnings, a Journey of discovery.
When one phonecall changes Sophie's life forever, her world is turned upside down.
Sophie's best friend Anna is her rock and she feels that what Sophie needs more than ever is to get away.
So she persuades her to go to Montenegro with her.
It's here Sophie falls for the beautiful charm and people of Montenegro.
Sophie buys a very old run down house in desperate need of some TLC and quickly falls in love with it's need for some love.
Step by step Sophie starts to mend the house and her broken heart!
Such a heart breaking yet warm moment when Sophie starts to feel a sense of belonging.
When Sophie finds a box full of old letters she starts to read them one by one, discovering they are letters written by Mira to her husband who was a prisoner of war.
Sophie makes it her personal journey to find the missing link to see if there is someone to return the letters too.
I would like to applaud Rose for her stunning description of Montenegro.
I was literally transported into the book. If i closed my eyes I could see the island and it's beauty.
I loved Sophie I really felt her journey. The way Rose engages the reader with all of her characters is sublime.
I felt Sophie's pain and heartache, her laughter and love, her determination and strength.
There are some difficult subjects raised within the book but Rose handles them with sensitivity and Grace.
Overall Under the Amber Sky is simply Sublime. I was cast under a spell and was completely enthralled. Definetly a feast of different emotions.
I loved it!!
Perfect read for lovers of women's literature, readers who love adventure and emotional reads.
Would I recommend this book...... without a doubt.... YES!!!!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
January 9, 2018
Find all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com
Tragically and suddenly bereaved, Sophie feels strangely drawn to an old house in need of renovation near Kotor in Montenegro. Taken there by her friend, Anna, on a restorative holiday following her bereavement, Sophie decides to cut her ties with the UK and the sad memories it holds, purchase the house and make it her home. Her decision is partly influenced by letters she discovers in the house dating back to the Italian occupation of Montenegro in World War II and her desire to understand the story behind them and why they have remained unread.
The stages of Sophie’s grief are convincingly portrayed and her decision to up sticks and move abroad doesn’t seem so unbelievable given her state of mind and the fact that Matt, her husband, was not only her best friend but the person she had relied on for almost everything. In fact, her first few months in Kotor pass in a kind of haze, with an overwhelming torpor permeating her, making it a challenge to even get out of bed some days. ‘She could have been a decaying Miss Havisham, moving among the sordid remnants of her misery.’
Gradually, though, the atmosphere of her surroundings seems to work its magic on her. She even observes parallels between Kotor’s ability to recover from disaster and her own process of recovery.
‘After the earthquake in 1979, the local craftsmen had rebuilt the entire town by hand, stone by stone, painstakingly reassembling it just as it had been for centuries before, but better, stronger, more able to withstand future tremors. Maybe it was possible to put things back together. To remake them.’
Having suffered the terrible misfortune of losing her husband, Sophie’s fortunes change as not only – conveniently - does a builder arrive on her doorstep who can undertake the renovations needed to the house but it’s not long before she meets two equally attractive males: Darko, who helps her translate the letters and provides details about wartime events in Kotor; and Anton (Ton), who is battling demons of his own. The dynamics of this potential triangle seemed fairly obvious to me but, surprisingly, it takes Sophie some time to work it out.
When the author contacted me about reviewing her book, there were two things that influenced my decision to say yes. One was the setting, as I’ve visited Kotor twice (although only as a one day stop a cruise) and was completely charmed by the place. I thought the author really captured the beauty of Kotor, its lakeside setting surrounded by mountains (reminiscent of Norwegian fjords) and the charming old town full of narrow streets and hidden squares. (The beer is pretty cheap as well.) There are some great photo’s of the location of the book on Rose’s website (see bottom of this post). The author also paints a wonderful picture of the open, welcoming people of Montenegro. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and the insight into the wartime history of the country including some of the terrible events that went on during the Italian occupation.
The second element that attracted me to the book was the historical aspect provided by the mystery of the letters. The letters Sophie finds take her back to the wartime period and start her on a quest to find out more about the writer, Mira, and Dragan, the man to whom she is writing. This was a less successful element for me. Firstly, the letters seemed slightly unrealistic, with too many literary flourishes - more, I think, than you would put in a letter even if you had a poetic bent. For example this excerpt from one of the letters: ‘Her eyes were so red with crying, the lids so puffy, that she looked lie a paper version of herself left out in the rain to swell and bloat.’
But mainly I was greedy for more of Mira and Dragan’s story. I wondered if perhaps, alongside the letters and Sophie’s modern day experiences, this element might have worked as a separate narrative told through the eyes of Mira and/or Dragan. In fact, maybe it would make great material for a whole separate book (the historical fiction fan in me coming out here!).
There is a lot to enjoy about Under an Amber Sky and if you enjoy a well-written story set in an enchanting location, full of emotion but tinged with hope, then this is the book for you. I received a review copy courtesy of the author and publishers, HQ Digital, in return for an honest and unbiased review. (3.5 stars)
Tragically and suddenly bereaved, Sophie feels strangely drawn to an old house in need of renovation near Kotor in Montenegro. Taken there by her friend, Anna, on a restorative holiday following her bereavement, Sophie decides to cut her ties with the UK and the sad memories it holds, purchase the house and make it her home. Her decision is partly influenced by letters she discovers in the house dating back to the Italian occupation of Montenegro in World War II and her desire to understand the story behind them and why they have remained unread.
The stages of Sophie’s grief are convincingly portrayed and her decision to up sticks and move abroad doesn’t seem so unbelievable given her state of mind and the fact that Matt, her husband, was not only her best friend but the person she had relied on for almost everything. In fact, her first few months in Kotor pass in a kind of haze, with an overwhelming torpor permeating her, making it a challenge to even get out of bed some days. ‘She could have been a decaying Miss Havisham, moving among the sordid remnants of her misery.’
Gradually, though, the atmosphere of her surroundings seems to work its magic on her. She even observes parallels between Kotor’s ability to recover from disaster and her own process of recovery.
‘After the earthquake in 1979, the local craftsmen had rebuilt the entire town by hand, stone by stone, painstakingly reassembling it just as it had been for centuries before, but better, stronger, more able to withstand future tremors. Maybe it was possible to put things back together. To remake them.’
Having suffered the terrible misfortune of losing her husband, Sophie’s fortunes change as not only – conveniently - does a builder arrive on her doorstep who can undertake the renovations needed to the house but it’s not long before she meets two equally attractive males: Darko, who helps her translate the letters and provides details about wartime events in Kotor; and Anton (Ton), who is battling demons of his own. The dynamics of this potential triangle seemed fairly obvious to me but, surprisingly, it takes Sophie some time to work it out.
When the author contacted me about reviewing her book, there were two things that influenced my decision to say yes. One was the setting, as I’ve visited Kotor twice (although only as a one day stop a cruise) and was completely charmed by the place. I thought the author really captured the beauty of Kotor, its lakeside setting surrounded by mountains (reminiscent of Norwegian fjords) and the charming old town full of narrow streets and hidden squares. (The beer is pretty cheap as well.) There are some great photo’s of the location of the book on Rose’s website (see bottom of this post). The author also paints a wonderful picture of the open, welcoming people of Montenegro. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and the insight into the wartime history of the country including some of the terrible events that went on during the Italian occupation.
The second element that attracted me to the book was the historical aspect provided by the mystery of the letters. The letters Sophie finds take her back to the wartime period and start her on a quest to find out more about the writer, Mira, and Dragan, the man to whom she is writing. This was a less successful element for me. Firstly, the letters seemed slightly unrealistic, with too many literary flourishes - more, I think, than you would put in a letter even if you had a poetic bent. For example this excerpt from one of the letters: ‘Her eyes were so red with crying, the lids so puffy, that she looked lie a paper version of herself left out in the rain to swell and bloat.’
But mainly I was greedy for more of Mira and Dragan’s story. I wondered if perhaps, alongside the letters and Sophie’s modern day experiences, this element might have worked as a separate narrative told through the eyes of Mira and/or Dragan. In fact, maybe it would make great material for a whole separate book (the historical fiction fan in me coming out here!).
There is a lot to enjoy about Under an Amber Sky and if you enjoy a well-written story set in an enchanting location, full of emotion but tinged with hope, then this is the book for you. I received a review copy courtesy of the author and publishers, HQ Digital, in return for an honest and unbiased review. (3.5 stars)
May 24, 2017
Sometimes a book just really resonates with you from the very first chapter and hits you where it matters the most and this was definitely the case with this second book from Rose Alexander Under an Amber Sky. I'd never heard of this author before and came across this book quite by accident drawn to it partly due to the beautiful cover but then I read the blurb. It sounded like just my kind of read and the fact it blended a modern day story with that of the past made me want to read this stunning book even more. The historical element was not the dominant storyline at all but arose at various times throughout the book and was told in the form of written letters discovered in an old house. Even from the prologue I could sense this was going to be a special book and one that I would remember for quite some time to come.
The prologue was dramatic and heartbreaking as our main female protagonist Sophie Taylor has to deal with the most life altering event a person will have to face. All Sophie's hopes, dreams and ambitions have disappeared in an instant as she hears the devastating news her husband Matt has dropped dead. Now there is no happy ending with beautiful children to look forward to. Her life has fallen apart with the imparting of a few words. What point is there in going on? How can she survive on a day to day basis without her soul mate, her friend, the love of her life, her one true love? 'She realised she herself would never walk in that free, purposeful way again. There never would be any point in walking anywhere ever, if it were always to be without Matt'.
Such heartbreak, loss and devastation radiated from the pages and I felt I could identify with every bit of it. The author never spared the range of feelings Sophie was experiencing and this book would have been vastly different if she had. Sophie is doubled up with pain at the loss of someone she thought would be there for ever. Who really expects someone aged only 32 to be there one minute and gone the next? In fact who wants to believe that any loved one will one day be gone be it sudden or expected? How can anyone come to terms that the person whom you loved so deeply is gone from your life permanently and not getting to say a proper goodbye must hurt even more. Sophie believes 'the power of her need for him will resurrect him'. If only this could be in anyway a reality? But sadly it cannot be and Sophie must begin to forge a new path and even though this road will be extremely difficult and uncertain with the help of unexpected friends and allies and elements of the past she may begin to navigate in a new more positive direction yet never forgetting Matt in the process. 'That was easier said than done when you felt as if you had no feet, and nothing to support you or to propel you forwards'.
Sophie's best friend Anna decides to take her away on holiday. It will be a break away from everything where she can begin to refocus and take stock of her life. The girls choose Montenegro, a country with a small population but with a tainted history. Instantly the author made a country I would have never given any thought to really come alive on the pages. Through such brilliant, beautiful, evocative writing the landscape and the people leaped off the pages. Even though Sophie was numb with grief, pain and sadness there is something about this place that gets to her and when the pair view an abandoned house that is up for sale Sophie makes what I honestly thought was a very rash and spur of the moment decision.
She decides to give up her old life in England at least for a trial period and she buys the house. Something about it must have been calling to her or else it was a means of escape. A totally different life from the one she had existed in previously but maybe the house and the country of Montenegro had some magic to work on Sophie even if she didn't realise it at the time. I'll admit I thought it was very strange to go on holiday and for a laugh to go and view a house and then next thing you end up buying it. Was the decision made in haste given the frame of mind Sophie was in? Was it a means of avoiding reality and the fact her life was crumbling and disintegrating? Surely someone should have said hold on a minute Sophie is this what is really best for you at this point in time? The discovery of a bundle of unopened letters in a dresser only intrigues Sophie more. She wants answers as to why these letters remained hidden. She feels drawn to them and I suppose urged on by Anna she takes the plunge and moves to Montenegro.' I can't see any way forward but to change everything'.
I enjoyed the fact it wasn't an instant healing for Sophie and everything is forgotten. Through the cold winter months in Montenegro all alone in the draughty, cold house it was like she was in her hibernation phase comparable to the season outside. This was her time to be solitary, to ponder over the good times and bad and figure out how she could move forward. Then just as Spring is around the corner and Sophie doesn't feel 100% but is not as apprehensive as before things begin to change slightly. The changes were unexpected but came in the form of various people. People Sophie perhaps didn't really want in her life but they could see she needed them.
As the chapters passed I could sense Sophie was growing in strength although tentatively at first. What made this so realistic was the actual comparison to real life. That grief isn’t just switched off over night. I'm not sure it ever disappears to be honest but slowly bit by bit as Sophie herself learns it becomes just that slightly bit more bearable and one has to soldier on regardless. 'She had always thought she couldn't do it alone, that she didn't know how. But maybe she could. Maybe she had just never the chance because she never had to but now she had to she would find that she was more than capable of rising to the challenge. Sophie was a character who showed such growth, development and maturity. She most certainly tries her best to come full circle and deserves nothing but admiration. The way she was written she really got under my skin and stuck inside my head and numerous times I found myself nodding along with everything she was saying or experiencing. It's clear the author has written from the heart and from experience.
As visitors become house guests, and then friends, Sophie started to open up more and I enjoyed how each person had something unique to offer. Frank the builder with his own chequered past, Irene in the latter half of her life and sailing solo from place to place and Ton, a journalist who has witnessed so much he too is afraid to fully disclose everything. Anna and her son Tomasz make a reappearance and the house almost became like a commune but in a good way. Everyone was there for each other to offer support if needed or just to keep a watchful eye. As well as the modern day story Sophie has the letters she found translated by Drako and through reading these letters Sophie finds herself identifying with the woman who writes them Mira. I wanted even more of these letters or even some chapters set in the period they were written but I came to understand these were a tool to help Sophie overcome her grief as she found things in Mira's story that were comparable to hers. So on reflection the letters were expertly placed at different points in the book and utilised well. I did think the second half was slightly weaker than the first half and it didn't impact me as much but still this was a phenomenal story expertly told.
Under an Amber Sky is a very impressive book and definitely one for the keeper shelf. I'm so glad to have discovered the brilliant writing of Rose Alexander and will look forward to what ever she writes in the future.
The prologue was dramatic and heartbreaking as our main female protagonist Sophie Taylor has to deal with the most life altering event a person will have to face. All Sophie's hopes, dreams and ambitions have disappeared in an instant as she hears the devastating news her husband Matt has dropped dead. Now there is no happy ending with beautiful children to look forward to. Her life has fallen apart with the imparting of a few words. What point is there in going on? How can she survive on a day to day basis without her soul mate, her friend, the love of her life, her one true love? 'She realised she herself would never walk in that free, purposeful way again. There never would be any point in walking anywhere ever, if it were always to be without Matt'.
Such heartbreak, loss and devastation radiated from the pages and I felt I could identify with every bit of it. The author never spared the range of feelings Sophie was experiencing and this book would have been vastly different if she had. Sophie is doubled up with pain at the loss of someone she thought would be there for ever. Who really expects someone aged only 32 to be there one minute and gone the next? In fact who wants to believe that any loved one will one day be gone be it sudden or expected? How can anyone come to terms that the person whom you loved so deeply is gone from your life permanently and not getting to say a proper goodbye must hurt even more. Sophie believes 'the power of her need for him will resurrect him'. If only this could be in anyway a reality? But sadly it cannot be and Sophie must begin to forge a new path and even though this road will be extremely difficult and uncertain with the help of unexpected friends and allies and elements of the past she may begin to navigate in a new more positive direction yet never forgetting Matt in the process. 'That was easier said than done when you felt as if you had no feet, and nothing to support you or to propel you forwards'.
Sophie's best friend Anna decides to take her away on holiday. It will be a break away from everything where she can begin to refocus and take stock of her life. The girls choose Montenegro, a country with a small population but with a tainted history. Instantly the author made a country I would have never given any thought to really come alive on the pages. Through such brilliant, beautiful, evocative writing the landscape and the people leaped off the pages. Even though Sophie was numb with grief, pain and sadness there is something about this place that gets to her and when the pair view an abandoned house that is up for sale Sophie makes what I honestly thought was a very rash and spur of the moment decision.
She decides to give up her old life in England at least for a trial period and she buys the house. Something about it must have been calling to her or else it was a means of escape. A totally different life from the one she had existed in previously but maybe the house and the country of Montenegro had some magic to work on Sophie even if she didn't realise it at the time. I'll admit I thought it was very strange to go on holiday and for a laugh to go and view a house and then next thing you end up buying it. Was the decision made in haste given the frame of mind Sophie was in? Was it a means of avoiding reality and the fact her life was crumbling and disintegrating? Surely someone should have said hold on a minute Sophie is this what is really best for you at this point in time? The discovery of a bundle of unopened letters in a dresser only intrigues Sophie more. She wants answers as to why these letters remained hidden. She feels drawn to them and I suppose urged on by Anna she takes the plunge and moves to Montenegro.' I can't see any way forward but to change everything'.
I enjoyed the fact it wasn't an instant healing for Sophie and everything is forgotten. Through the cold winter months in Montenegro all alone in the draughty, cold house it was like she was in her hibernation phase comparable to the season outside. This was her time to be solitary, to ponder over the good times and bad and figure out how she could move forward. Then just as Spring is around the corner and Sophie doesn't feel 100% but is not as apprehensive as before things begin to change slightly. The changes were unexpected but came in the form of various people. People Sophie perhaps didn't really want in her life but they could see she needed them.
As the chapters passed I could sense Sophie was growing in strength although tentatively at first. What made this so realistic was the actual comparison to real life. That grief isn’t just switched off over night. I'm not sure it ever disappears to be honest but slowly bit by bit as Sophie herself learns it becomes just that slightly bit more bearable and one has to soldier on regardless. 'She had always thought she couldn't do it alone, that she didn't know how. But maybe she could. Maybe she had just never the chance because she never had to but now she had to she would find that she was more than capable of rising to the challenge. Sophie was a character who showed such growth, development and maturity. She most certainly tries her best to come full circle and deserves nothing but admiration. The way she was written she really got under my skin and stuck inside my head and numerous times I found myself nodding along with everything she was saying or experiencing. It's clear the author has written from the heart and from experience.
As visitors become house guests, and then friends, Sophie started to open up more and I enjoyed how each person had something unique to offer. Frank the builder with his own chequered past, Irene in the latter half of her life and sailing solo from place to place and Ton, a journalist who has witnessed so much he too is afraid to fully disclose everything. Anna and her son Tomasz make a reappearance and the house almost became like a commune but in a good way. Everyone was there for each other to offer support if needed or just to keep a watchful eye. As well as the modern day story Sophie has the letters she found translated by Drako and through reading these letters Sophie finds herself identifying with the woman who writes them Mira. I wanted even more of these letters or even some chapters set in the period they were written but I came to understand these were a tool to help Sophie overcome her grief as she found things in Mira's story that were comparable to hers. So on reflection the letters were expertly placed at different points in the book and utilised well. I did think the second half was slightly weaker than the first half and it didn't impact me as much but still this was a phenomenal story expertly told.
Under an Amber Sky is a very impressive book and definitely one for the keeper shelf. I'm so glad to have discovered the brilliant writing of Rose Alexander and will look forward to what ever she writes in the future.
August 15, 2017
I have been looking forward to this book because it completely sounded like my kind of book. Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
I liked the beginning, I was feeling with Sophie but once she arrived in Montenegro I just couldn't connect with her. Everything felt distant and I missed the emotions. I also didn't quite understand how she could live almost a year with no job but still starting to renovate the house. She might have some savings but I doubt this is enough.
I loved that there were letters from the past in the book but somehow the connection between the letters and the present day didn't work for me and I couldn't get emotionally involved with the story.
I loved the scenery though. The descripstion of the bay were beautiful and Montenegro made a really nice change of setting.
I liked the beginning, I was feeling with Sophie but once she arrived in Montenegro I just couldn't connect with her. Everything felt distant and I missed the emotions. I also didn't quite understand how she could live almost a year with no job but still starting to renovate the house. She might have some savings but I doubt this is enough.
I loved that there were letters from the past in the book but somehow the connection between the letters and the present day didn't work for me and I couldn't get emotionally involved with the story.
I loved the scenery though. The descripstion of the bay were beautiful and Montenegro made a really nice change of setting.
June 3, 2019
I read this book purely because it’s set in Kotor, Montenegro, a town I’ll be visiting in a couple of weeks and I did really like all of the descriptions of the area and local people. The plot idea was interesting but I felt the story didn’t really dig deep enough to warrant a higher rating. There is a good mix of characters but the way in which they came together was hard to believe. An enjoyable read though.
May 24, 2017
UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander is a beautifully written, emotional, heartbreaking tale of love, loss, strength, and hope, and is a book that will stay in your heart and mind long after you finish the last line.
Sophie Taylor is happily married to her childhood sweetheart, working as a teacher, and hopefully starting a family soon. But with one simple phone call her entire world is torn apart and the life Sophie knew no longer exists. Devastated and grief-stricken, she is persuaded by her larger-than-life best friend, Anna, to take a trip to Montenegro and it is there that Sophie clutches to a ramshackle, deserted house, like a lifeline. Knowing that she must move away from London where the memories will linger forever, Sophie quickly settles into Montenegro but she soon discovers that her grief will stay with her and disarm her regardless of her location. But this beautiful place has a power all of its own with friendships old and new developing and the magic of this special community taking root in Sophie's heart. And when she finds old letters from another heartbroken soul, Sophie will begin a quest of self-discovery that is linked with history and a deep connection between two women from different times.
UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander made me cry tears of sadness as I became really invested in Sophie and Mira's stories and made me breathless with the stunning depiction of the Montenegro scenery, and community that had survived so much, yet steadfastly opened their hearts to strangers. All of the characters in this tale are compelling in their own right - Anna and her little boy, burly and brusque Frank, formidable Irene, and contemplative Ton to name a few. Montenegro is described in such breathtaking detail that it is sure to fill readers with wanderlust for this special place. My only problem with this novel is that I didn't want it to end and I would love to know more about Sophie's future, and that of the rest of this group that has burrowed into my heart for the long haul.
UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander expertly handles devastating situations of death, war, and grief in such a way that you feel it too, and while these are harrowing subjects, this book is so much more than a sad tale. It is a story of love, strength, friendship and possibilities for the future, and is an outstanding novel.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
Sophie Taylor is happily married to her childhood sweetheart, working as a teacher, and hopefully starting a family soon. But with one simple phone call her entire world is torn apart and the life Sophie knew no longer exists. Devastated and grief-stricken, she is persuaded by her larger-than-life best friend, Anna, to take a trip to Montenegro and it is there that Sophie clutches to a ramshackle, deserted house, like a lifeline. Knowing that she must move away from London where the memories will linger forever, Sophie quickly settles into Montenegro but she soon discovers that her grief will stay with her and disarm her regardless of her location. But this beautiful place has a power all of its own with friendships old and new developing and the magic of this special community taking root in Sophie's heart. And when she finds old letters from another heartbroken soul, Sophie will begin a quest of self-discovery that is linked with history and a deep connection between two women from different times.
UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander made me cry tears of sadness as I became really invested in Sophie and Mira's stories and made me breathless with the stunning depiction of the Montenegro scenery, and community that had survived so much, yet steadfastly opened their hearts to strangers. All of the characters in this tale are compelling in their own right - Anna and her little boy, burly and brusque Frank, formidable Irene, and contemplative Ton to name a few. Montenegro is described in such breathtaking detail that it is sure to fill readers with wanderlust for this special place. My only problem with this novel is that I didn't want it to end and I would love to know more about Sophie's future, and that of the rest of this group that has burrowed into my heart for the long haul.
UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander expertly handles devastating situations of death, war, and grief in such a way that you feel it too, and while these are harrowing subjects, this book is so much more than a sad tale. It is a story of love, strength, friendship and possibilities for the future, and is an outstanding novel.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
August 3, 2024
Jedino što je mene dojmilo u ovom romanu su historijska pozadina i živopisni opisi krajolika crnogorskog primorja.
Ostalo je čisti klišej.
Ostalo je čisti klišej.
August 17, 2017
I am probably not the intended audience for this book. I bought it because it was about Montenegro and having visited last year that interested me. I found the narrative about Sophie’s loss a little too repetitive and I expected the letters she found would have led to a more engrossing tale than they did. It’s not a bad book, but just not for me. I didn't find it "a gripping emotional page turner you won't be able to put down" as claimed in the blurb. It does, however, give an insight into the stunning country which is Montenegro.
April 29, 2018
I found the details about Montenegro interesting, but unfortunately this book was not for me. Very slow, the lead character didn’t engage me either, and it was quite predictable.
May 24, 2017
4.5 stars
Having already been tempted to buy this author’s previous book, I was equally smitten not only by the enticing cover, but by the premise of the story. I’m pleased to say that I was not disappointed. It’s a story that will by turns tug at the heartstrings; make you smile; make you hope; and by the end, will have totally pulled you into the lives of the inhabitants past and present of the ‘stone house’ on the Bay of Kotor.
Buying a house was the last thing on Sophie’s mind, when she found herself being dragged round an old house with her friend Annie and a hopeful estate agent, during a respite break to Montenegro. But something about the house and its history, combined with a need to escape her own reality, suddenly makes the idea seem less unrealistic. After Sophie moves in, she finds her life changed, by the lodgers she acquires – the jobbing builder Frank, the elderly sailor Irene; scatty artist friend and single mum to Tomasz, Anna and finally the troubled war photojournalist Ton. But the locals and neighbours also play their part in helping her feel part of her new community, not least local taxi driver Petar and his wife Sandra, and the tall attractive lawyer and translator Darko.
But this story is about far more than following Sophie on her journey forward. It’s a mystery and a love story set in the past between two of the previous inhabitants of the house Mira and her husband Dragan. Theirs is a story that sadly would have replicated the story for many Montenegrins, during the Italian occupation and civil unrest during WWII. The area of Kotor (Cattaro) in particular was annexed to Italy because of its small Venetian speaking population, largely due to the Queen of Italy being the daughter of the former King of Montenegro.
I must say, I’d be tempted to move there as well. While I might pass on the crumbling house (until it had been suitably renovated) I was totally taken by the description of the town and the people. Never having been to Montenegro, or knowing much about it, this book has certainly piqued my interest. The back story of the wartime occupation added an interesting if very poignant aspect to the story, which gave it another dimension. But it was also very much a story of the present as we get to know Sophie and her household. It felt at times like the house attracted its own inhabitants, all in some way needing their own makeover and renovation to make them complete. As the house was gradually restored and the gardens rejuvenated, similarly Sophie and her ‘motley crew’ also find their own restorative healing.
I was totally transported and involved with all aspects of the storyline. The characters are realistic and believable, especially Sophie who is someone you just want to hug and tell her it will all be OK. Real life of course, doesn’t come with that certainty and that makes the book a compulsive read to find out exactly how things will turn out. The back story of WWII and the more recent civil wars are a reminder that on the whole wars solve nothing but result in atrocities, divisions and memories that will haunt generations.
This is a heartwarming story, beautifully told and I have no hesitation recommending it.
I received an ecopy via NetGalley for the purposes of this review.
Having already been tempted to buy this author’s previous book, I was equally smitten not only by the enticing cover, but by the premise of the story. I’m pleased to say that I was not disappointed. It’s a story that will by turns tug at the heartstrings; make you smile; make you hope; and by the end, will have totally pulled you into the lives of the inhabitants past and present of the ‘stone house’ on the Bay of Kotor.
Buying a house was the last thing on Sophie’s mind, when she found herself being dragged round an old house with her friend Annie and a hopeful estate agent, during a respite break to Montenegro. But something about the house and its history, combined with a need to escape her own reality, suddenly makes the idea seem less unrealistic. After Sophie moves in, she finds her life changed, by the lodgers she acquires – the jobbing builder Frank, the elderly sailor Irene; scatty artist friend and single mum to Tomasz, Anna and finally the troubled war photojournalist Ton. But the locals and neighbours also play their part in helping her feel part of her new community, not least local taxi driver Petar and his wife Sandra, and the tall attractive lawyer and translator Darko.
But this story is about far more than following Sophie on her journey forward. It’s a mystery and a love story set in the past between two of the previous inhabitants of the house Mira and her husband Dragan. Theirs is a story that sadly would have replicated the story for many Montenegrins, during the Italian occupation and civil unrest during WWII. The area of Kotor (Cattaro) in particular was annexed to Italy because of its small Venetian speaking population, largely due to the Queen of Italy being the daughter of the former King of Montenegro.
I must say, I’d be tempted to move there as well. While I might pass on the crumbling house (until it had been suitably renovated) I was totally taken by the description of the town and the people. Never having been to Montenegro, or knowing much about it, this book has certainly piqued my interest. The back story of the wartime occupation added an interesting if very poignant aspect to the story, which gave it another dimension. But it was also very much a story of the present as we get to know Sophie and her household. It felt at times like the house attracted its own inhabitants, all in some way needing their own makeover and renovation to make them complete. As the house was gradually restored and the gardens rejuvenated, similarly Sophie and her ‘motley crew’ also find their own restorative healing.
I was totally transported and involved with all aspects of the storyline. The characters are realistic and believable, especially Sophie who is someone you just want to hug and tell her it will all be OK. Real life of course, doesn’t come with that certainty and that makes the book a compulsive read to find out exactly how things will turn out. The back story of WWII and the more recent civil wars are a reminder that on the whole wars solve nothing but result in atrocities, divisions and memories that will haunt generations.
This is a heartwarming story, beautifully told and I have no hesitation recommending it.
I received an ecopy via NetGalley for the purposes of this review.
July 29, 2017
“God used six days to make the earth and the seventh to make the Bay of Kotor”
The opening pages of the novel land with a punch. Sophie and Matt have been together for 15 years and Matt dies unexpectedly, which naturally throws Sophie into a deep period of mourning and loss. Where do you go, what do you do when you lose your partner at a relatively young age when the future should be opening up before you as a couple? Sophie’s friend Anna (with toddler Tomasz in tow) whisks her off to Montenegro for a break, and in a snap decision it is there that Sophie decides she is going live.
She has even found a suitable – if somewhat run-down – little house, on the edge of the Bay of Kotor. Even the prospect of heading into Winter doesn’t diminish Sophie’s commitment to this new stage of life. She has to find a strength of character, away from her friends and family, but in some ways this is perfect for her to engage with the grieving process.
A discovery in her house of a letters between two people called Mira and Dragon during World War 2 leads her to seek out the help of Darko, who over several weeks translates the writing for her. It is a poignant exploration of the period under Italian occupation where many men were imprisoned on the island of Mamula, where deprivation and death was rife. The split narrative enables the author to delve into the amazing – and often violent and sad – history of Montenegro, from the Romans through the war, the great earthquake of 1979 when much of Kotor had to be rebuilt and to the war of the 1990s. Her characters tour from the Roman mosaics at Visan to Herceg Novi which is apparently the sunniest town in the country.
From her window, Sophie can see Mount Lovcen, the symbol of Montenegro. As she finds her feet in this new country, her experiences always come back to the loss of her husband, it seems as though she will never be able to move on. Frank soon appears in her life, an amiable rogue, who lodges with her in return for renovations to her house (and his appearance on the scene, his character and his quick move into her house feel like random factors that do not sit easily in the narrative).
Before long the Winter moves into summer (and the different seasons are very important in Montenegrin culture, as the author outlines at the beginning of the novel) and she soon finds herself surrounded by friends and supportive people.
This is a poignant and charming novel, about a group of people with Sophie at the heart, who are making their way in a beautiful, foreign country. It is a delightfully described country in the novel, tiny “with a population not much greater than that of Glasgow” and after reading this, you will undoubtedly want to visit!
The opening pages of the novel land with a punch. Sophie and Matt have been together for 15 years and Matt dies unexpectedly, which naturally throws Sophie into a deep period of mourning and loss. Where do you go, what do you do when you lose your partner at a relatively young age when the future should be opening up before you as a couple? Sophie’s friend Anna (with toddler Tomasz in tow) whisks her off to Montenegro for a break, and in a snap decision it is there that Sophie decides she is going live.
She has even found a suitable – if somewhat run-down – little house, on the edge of the Bay of Kotor. Even the prospect of heading into Winter doesn’t diminish Sophie’s commitment to this new stage of life. She has to find a strength of character, away from her friends and family, but in some ways this is perfect for her to engage with the grieving process.
A discovery in her house of a letters between two people called Mira and Dragon during World War 2 leads her to seek out the help of Darko, who over several weeks translates the writing for her. It is a poignant exploration of the period under Italian occupation where many men were imprisoned on the island of Mamula, where deprivation and death was rife. The split narrative enables the author to delve into the amazing – and often violent and sad – history of Montenegro, from the Romans through the war, the great earthquake of 1979 when much of Kotor had to be rebuilt and to the war of the 1990s. Her characters tour from the Roman mosaics at Visan to Herceg Novi which is apparently the sunniest town in the country.
From her window, Sophie can see Mount Lovcen, the symbol of Montenegro. As she finds her feet in this new country, her experiences always come back to the loss of her husband, it seems as though she will never be able to move on. Frank soon appears in her life, an amiable rogue, who lodges with her in return for renovations to her house (and his appearance on the scene, his character and his quick move into her house feel like random factors that do not sit easily in the narrative).
Before long the Winter moves into summer (and the different seasons are very important in Montenegrin culture, as the author outlines at the beginning of the novel) and she soon finds herself surrounded by friends and supportive people.
This is a poignant and charming novel, about a group of people with Sophie at the heart, who are making their way in a beautiful, foreign country. It is a delightfully described country in the novel, tiny “with a population not much greater than that of Glasgow” and after reading this, you will undoubtedly want to visit!
June 20, 2017
I liked the idea behind this book - it sounded like just my cup of tea. An old house, an assortment of miscellaneous lodgers, the discovery of some historical letters and all in the idyllic setting of the Adriatic coast. I dived right in.
I found that the story took a while to get going - the bombshell which sends Sophie’s life spinning off course felt more like an anchor than a starting pistol - but once it did the pace was fast-moving. Sophie’s journey towards healing was believable and well handled by the writer, worked out through her developing relationships with friends old and new as well as quite a lot of introspection.
The descriptions of the scenery and weather in Montenegro were really well done and made me feel I’d like to visit the country myself. It sounds unspoilt, peaceful and authentic. Likewise I got a strong sense of the old stone house, the road alongside the bay, the little jetty opposite and the terraced gardens behind.
The old letters turned out to be very much a minor sub-plot. I wished that there had been more of them and that their contents had been more directly related to the main plot, but the story they revealed was interesting and poignant with, I am sure, basis in historical fact.
The miscellaneous characters were a bit of a disappointment, though. I couldn’t get much sense of them beyond their distinguishing features; piercing blue eyes, thick, dark curls. Their back-stories were only sketchily filled in and I found I didn’t really care about any of them. Only Ton had anything approaching a third dimension to his character.
All in all I would describe this as a light, agreeable read, great for a holiday. Like a holiday itself, you will be left with pleasant memories of people you met and vaguely remember and a smattering of historical knowledge you hadn’t had at the outset. Memories of the beautiful location are what will stay with you when the rest has faded.
I found that the story took a while to get going - the bombshell which sends Sophie’s life spinning off course felt more like an anchor than a starting pistol - but once it did the pace was fast-moving. Sophie’s journey towards healing was believable and well handled by the writer, worked out through her developing relationships with friends old and new as well as quite a lot of introspection.
The descriptions of the scenery and weather in Montenegro were really well done and made me feel I’d like to visit the country myself. It sounds unspoilt, peaceful and authentic. Likewise I got a strong sense of the old stone house, the road alongside the bay, the little jetty opposite and the terraced gardens behind.
The old letters turned out to be very much a minor sub-plot. I wished that there had been more of them and that their contents had been more directly related to the main plot, but the story they revealed was interesting and poignant with, I am sure, basis in historical fact.
The miscellaneous characters were a bit of a disappointment, though. I couldn’t get much sense of them beyond their distinguishing features; piercing blue eyes, thick, dark curls. Their back-stories were only sketchily filled in and I found I didn’t really care about any of them. Only Ton had anything approaching a third dimension to his character.
All in all I would describe this as a light, agreeable read, great for a holiday. Like a holiday itself, you will be left with pleasant memories of people you met and vaguely remember and a smattering of historical knowledge you hadn’t had at the outset. Memories of the beautiful location are what will stay with you when the rest has faded.
June 3, 2018
A romantic story about loss, grief and moving on
Tragically, Sofie, the main character, becomes a widow, quite unexpectedly. A friend of hers, tries to get her away from the grief that has crippled her. They end up in Montenegro, where on impulse she buys an old house. The characters that pass through Sofie’s life, winds the story into an intriguing tale of a mystery of a wartime family. It also plays a part in Sofie’s healing. The story starts off strong, but toward the middle, it slows down and I almost lost interest, but I kept on reading. The last 100 pages picked up. No surprise ending her, but an ending left some ends hanging. Worth a read, but not a page turner for me
Tragically, Sofie, the main character, becomes a widow, quite unexpectedly. A friend of hers, tries to get her away from the grief that has crippled her. They end up in Montenegro, where on impulse she buys an old house. The characters that pass through Sofie’s life, winds the story into an intriguing tale of a mystery of a wartime family. It also plays a part in Sofie’s healing. The story starts off strong, but toward the middle, it slows down and I almost lost interest, but I kept on reading. The last 100 pages picked up. No surprise ending her, but an ending left some ends hanging. Worth a read, but not a page turner for me
September 28, 2017
Sophie loves her high school sweetheart Matt with all her heart. When a devastating afternoon ends life as she knows it forever her best friend Anna convinces Sophie to go on a holiday to Montenegro. There they view a house in the Bay of Kotor and Sophie, who desperately needs a fresh start, decides to buy it. At first Sophie can only give in to her despair and loneliness, but slowly her life and her house start filling themselves with people.
Sophie's house comes with the belongings of former inhabitants. There's just one thing that actually interests her, a stack of letters written during the Second World War. The writer went through a different kind of suffering and Sophie can't help but feel a connection. While trying to get herself together again with the help from old and new friends Sophie starts to look into the past. Will she be able to discover more about the woman who wrote the letters and will she be able to find the parts of herself that she lost while doing this research?
Under an Amber Sky is a beautiful story about grief, longing, love and hope. My heart ached for Sophie because of everything she's going through. Rose Alexander describes her pain in such a realistic way that it brought tears to my eyes. Sophie is stronger than she thinks though. She might not want to go on, but she keeps fighting and love eventually has a healing effect. Her wounds will never disappear, but slowly they become more manageable. I loved how Rose Alexander describes her slow progress with ups and downs with sympathy and respect. It makes the story moving and very impressive.
The Bay of Kotor is a stunning setting and I loved Rose Alexander's gorgeous detailed descriptions of it. I was immediately curious about Sophie's new surroundings and couldn't wait to find out more about them. I admired that Rose Alexander made an important part of Montenegro's history such a vital element of the story. Under an Amber Sky is mostly set in the present, but the past is an essential part of it and I think that works really well. What I loved best about the story though is the group of people Sophie gathers around her, it feels like she has a wonderful welcoming family, even though they aren't actual relatives, and it warmed my heart to read about each member. Under an Amber Sky is an amazing captivating story and I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end.
Sophie's house comes with the belongings of former inhabitants. There's just one thing that actually interests her, a stack of letters written during the Second World War. The writer went through a different kind of suffering and Sophie can't help but feel a connection. While trying to get herself together again with the help from old and new friends Sophie starts to look into the past. Will she be able to discover more about the woman who wrote the letters and will she be able to find the parts of herself that she lost while doing this research?
Under an Amber Sky is a beautiful story about grief, longing, love and hope. My heart ached for Sophie because of everything she's going through. Rose Alexander describes her pain in such a realistic way that it brought tears to my eyes. Sophie is stronger than she thinks though. She might not want to go on, but she keeps fighting and love eventually has a healing effect. Her wounds will never disappear, but slowly they become more manageable. I loved how Rose Alexander describes her slow progress with ups and downs with sympathy and respect. It makes the story moving and very impressive.
The Bay of Kotor is a stunning setting and I loved Rose Alexander's gorgeous detailed descriptions of it. I was immediately curious about Sophie's new surroundings and couldn't wait to find out more about them. I admired that Rose Alexander made an important part of Montenegro's history such a vital element of the story. Under an Amber Sky is mostly set in the present, but the past is an essential part of it and I think that works really well. What I loved best about the story though is the group of people Sophie gathers around her, it feels like she has a wonderful welcoming family, even though they aren't actual relatives, and it warmed my heart to read about each member. Under an Amber Sky is an amazing captivating story and I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end.
June 27, 2017
Sophie Taylor is in her thirties when she receives a phone call that will change her life forever- her husband has died. With all her hopes and dreams shattered she, on impulse, buys a run down house in Montenegro and takes on the huge task of renovating it – anything to distract her from the pain of her grief.
During the course of her renovations, Sophie discovers a package of old letters dating back to the Second World War and the Italian Occupation of the country between 1941 and 1943 and attempts to re-unite them with their rightful owner.
A heart breaking story of grief, acceptance, healing and mystery which combined with the amazing description of the Montenegrin scenery makes for an amazing read!
During the course of her renovations, Sophie discovers a package of old letters dating back to the Second World War and the Italian Occupation of the country between 1941 and 1943 and attempts to re-unite them with their rightful owner.
A heart breaking story of grief, acceptance, healing and mystery which combined with the amazing description of the Montenegrin scenery makes for an amazing read!
June 29, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I didn't feel the need to rush through it to find out what happens like I do with a lot of books, which was great because it gave me time to really savour the incredible descriptions within. The way Rose so eloquently describes the stone house, Kotor, each defining experience and the characters is just wonderful. It made me wish for a beautiful garden, of friendships that become family and a desire to be able to see through Sophie's eyes, to feel her pain and love. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters in this book, willing them to succeed and hoping against all odds for the happiest of endings. I loved learning more about Montenegro and its fascinating history. I would love to travel there one day and see if it is a truly beautiful as my imagination and Roses writing has lead me to believe!
I was fortunate enough to read this through TBC and am looking forward to reading more from Rose Alexander. Even though I had no idea what to expect from the book when I first picked it up and was originally drawn to it by it's stunning cover, I would highly recommend this book.
I was fortunate enough to read this through TBC and am looking forward to reading more from Rose Alexander. Even though I had no idea what to expect from the book when I first picked it up and was originally drawn to it by it's stunning cover, I would highly recommend this book.
June 29, 2017
A poignant and heart-warming story set in Montenegro about the loss of a loved one, the many stages of grief and new beginnings.
This is an enjoyable and pleasant tale, although I did find the plot a little contrived at times. I wasn't too sure about how the five main characters came to meet up and live in the same house together. It seemed a little too good to be true! I did like all the individual personalities, however, especially Sophie and Ton and am glad there was a sense of light at the end of the tunnel for them.
It's well written and the imagery is beautifully vivid. The descriptions of Montenegro are very colourful and evocative. It sounds such a picturesque place and just from reading this book, it gives me a clear impression of what it would be like to visit. I could visualise the landscape easily in my mind.
It's a gentle tale with a touch of sadness threaded through it. The process of grief with its aftermath is excellently portrayed and is very realistic.
I would recommend Under an Amber Sky to those who enjoy a touching 'slice of life' drama set on sunny and scenic shores. An easy and engaging read.
Reviewed for TBC on Facebook.
This is an enjoyable and pleasant tale, although I did find the plot a little contrived at times. I wasn't too sure about how the five main characters came to meet up and live in the same house together. It seemed a little too good to be true! I did like all the individual personalities, however, especially Sophie and Ton and am glad there was a sense of light at the end of the tunnel for them.
It's well written and the imagery is beautifully vivid. The descriptions of Montenegro are very colourful and evocative. It sounds such a picturesque place and just from reading this book, it gives me a clear impression of what it would be like to visit. I could visualise the landscape easily in my mind.
It's a gentle tale with a touch of sadness threaded through it. The process of grief with its aftermath is excellently portrayed and is very realistic.
I would recommend Under an Amber Sky to those who enjoy a touching 'slice of life' drama set on sunny and scenic shores. An easy and engaging read.
Reviewed for TBC on Facebook.
June 30, 2017
I guess I pounced on this book first because of its glorious cover, and then was sold on the synopsis. I scored on both accounts. The story is what I would term a soft or gentle read, simple and easy to follow. No great highs or lows. But compelling none the less. Sophie is trapped in her grief when she loses her childhood sweetheart husband. Her world stops. I can relate to all of this. So will Sophie be able to move on in her life? She takes a vacation with her best friend, falls in love with an old house in ruins, mainly because of a bundle of very old letters she chanced upon there. The letters are what draws her to buying this place. Through this new life Sophie has ventured on, in a new country, the letters provide the historic backdrop, and help her engage with the local people, and make a new life for herself. Beautifully written. Beautifully descriptive. Poetic. Captivating. All of that. Well done, Rose.
October 12, 2021
This book was ok, went on a bit toward the end. Then ended unexpectedly.
It annoyed me and would me up the author using long unusual word that I had to keep looking up. There was no need for them and it was very annoying. Otherwise the book was ok.
It annoyed me and would me up the author using long unusual word that I had to keep looking up. There was no need for them and it was very annoying. Otherwise the book was ok.
December 6, 2021
Kako se ljudi nose sa gubitkom koji im izmakne tlo pod nogama i rasprši dušu u milijune sitnih komadića?
Da li je uopće moguće ponovo stati na noge nakon što izgubite osobu koja Vas je činila potpunim, koja je bila onaj bolji dio Vas?
Ova knjiga je pitka i pisana vrlo laganim i prozračnim stilom, opisi su jako lijepi, ali ne dajte se zavarati u njoj ćete susresti mnogo životne drame, pitanja i odgovora na neka vrlo teška i ozbiljna pitanja. Također ćete imati priliku saznati nešto iz povijesti Crne Gore u vrijeme II svjetskog rata, i družiti se sa zanimljivim i raznolikim likovima.
Kao i uvijek ja sam ona koja ne spojla i ne piše sadržaj, samo ističem da je ova knjiga vrijedna vremena.
Naravno da to nije klasik niti ozbiljno djelo, ali je knjiga za koju mogu reći da mi je drago što sam je pročitala.
Da li je uopće moguće ponovo stati na noge nakon što izgubite osobu koja Vas je činila potpunim, koja je bila onaj bolji dio Vas?
Ova knjiga je pitka i pisana vrlo laganim i prozračnim stilom, opisi su jako lijepi, ali ne dajte se zavarati u njoj ćete susresti mnogo životne drame, pitanja i odgovora na neka vrlo teška i ozbiljna pitanja. Također ćete imati priliku saznati nešto iz povijesti Crne Gore u vrijeme II svjetskog rata, i družiti se sa zanimljivim i raznolikim likovima.
Kao i uvijek ja sam ona koja ne spojla i ne piše sadržaj, samo ističem da je ova knjiga vrijedna vremena.
Naravno da to nije klasik niti ozbiljno djelo, ali je knjiga za koju mogu reći da mi je drago što sam je pročitala.
July 3, 2017
A beautifully written and emotional read that I enjoyed immensely. 'Under an Amber Sky' did get off to a bit of a slow start, but once the pace picked up and it got into the heart of the story it had me enthralled and didn't let go right up until the final page had been turned.
This was my first book by Rose Alexander, but it definitely won't be my last. Her writing is full of heart and her characters are believable and well rounded. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantastic, heartwarming holiday read. A fabulous 4 stars.
Thank you to TBC and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
This was my first book by Rose Alexander, but it definitely won't be my last. Her writing is full of heart and her characters are believable and well rounded. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantastic, heartwarming holiday read. A fabulous 4 stars.
Thank you to TBC and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
May 26, 2021
"Nebo boje meda", Rouz Aleksander
Mlada udovica Sofi odlučuje se za rez u svome životu, da bi preživjela iznenadnu smrt svoga tridesetdvogodišnjeg supruga zbog raspuknuća aneurizme. Odlazi iz Engleske u Crnu Goru, kupuje kućicu, koja kasnije postaje poput prometnog ureda njenih prijatelja i ispreplitanja njihovih životnih priča. Dugo sam je čitala, jer kad bih je uzela u ruke, san je brzo dolazio. Oprez, dosada! Ili je do mene.😀
Mlada udovica Sofi odlučuje se za rez u svome životu, da bi preživjela iznenadnu smrt svoga tridesetdvogodišnjeg supruga zbog raspuknuća aneurizme. Odlazi iz Engleske u Crnu Goru, kupuje kućicu, koja kasnije postaje poput prometnog ureda njenih prijatelja i ispreplitanja njihovih životnih priča. Dugo sam je čitala, jer kad bih je uzela u ruke, san je brzo dolazio. Oprez, dosada! Ili je do mene.😀
June 19, 2017
I loved this book, with a traumatic start for Sophie this book gives you insight into her darkest moments it brings to life the true meaning of grieving and how an impulse decision slowly enabled her to start rebuilding her life. It captures her highs and lows for the painful year and has some strong characters alongside Sophie who help her piece her life back together. I love a happy ending and this book has that in buckets for Sophie and her friends. It has a lovely story running in the background alongside some letters written during war times and how the country she has fallen in love with was affected during this time. A lovely read from start to finish with a lovely storyline and a multitude of characters and personalities to bring it to life.
August 10, 2017
A lovely book and tourist guide to Montenegro.
His book captured my imagination from the first page. The characters were very realistic and well defined.
Sophie's grief s well portrayed and how she gradually returned to life in a new home in new country whist making new friends.
The description of the Montenegro scenery and people make you keen to visit plus the history were very interesting.
I would have lied to see what happened with Ton and Darko ,the book seemed to end abruptly.
His book captured my imagination from the first page. The characters were very realistic and well defined.
Sophie's grief s well portrayed and how she gradually returned to life in a new home in new country whist making new friends.
The description of the Montenegro scenery and people make you keen to visit plus the history were very interesting.
I would have lied to see what happened with Ton and Darko ,the book seemed to end abruptly.
July 18, 2025
Very close to a 4, although a little too much of a love story, when I was hoping for more historical information about Montenegro and the area. I did enjoy the storyline, and it kept my attention. The Bay of Kotor sounds beautiful, and I never knew about the island of Mamula or the fortress there, so this book was informative from that standpoint. I could easily see this book being made into a movie.
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November 14, 2019I was born in Crna Gora and I love it when a stranger sees the beauties of my country. In this story, I only liked that description. The book had potential but it was too slow and sometimes very boring. Sorry, in my opinion, this book deserved 2,5 stars.
August 17, 2017
A pleasant read. Delightfully improbable and a mix of many other stories but nonetheless enjoyable.
July 28, 2018
I liked the initial premise, but the changing inhabitants of the Kotor House was too unrealistic.
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May 2, 2020easy read, entertaining but very predicable
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