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Sunset over the Cherry Orchard
Jo Thomas's new novel invites you to a special cherry orchard in Spain, where sunshine, romance and family secrets are the order of the day. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is a heartwarming, hilarious tale that is 'like the best kind of holiday' (Lucy Diamond).
It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat.
After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain?
But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalusian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over.
As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2018
74 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Jo Thomas
60 books533 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
August 17, 2018
I believe there’s a right time for everything, and that includes books and authors as well.
Let me explain what I mean…
Jo Thomas is an author of women’s fiction (which is my favorite genre) for several years now. If you take a look at her covers and read synopsis of her novels, you expect feel good stories full of food, love and interesting people in interesting places.
Sounds like exactly my cup of tea, right!
But somehow, until recently, Jo Thomas was invisible to me. I have not paid attention to her books, which so unfortunate and don’t even ask me why because I could not give you the answer. Somehow, I haven’t heard about her or her books, even though she is kinda popular and twitter is buzzing about her.
What is even more ironic, after finishing Sunset over the Cherry Orchard I realized I already own one of her previous books, The Olive Branch, which I won in a giveaway two years ago along with other 7 books by other authors.
This year, Thomas’ newest novel came to my door unsolicited, thanks to Becky Hunter who is publicist in publishing house Headline Review. I worked with Becky ever since I started blogging and she thought I would love Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard.
She was so right! I loved, loved, loved everything about this book.
I read it on my vacation and honestly I can not imagine more appropriate book to read while you’re relaxed, in a good mood, eating fruit and feeling sunshine on your skin…
The story follows Beti Winter who moves in Spain with her fiance to start a new life. Not long after they move in, her fiance leaves her and also takes away all of her money, leaving her by herself struggling to make it on her own.
Beti was a character to look up to. She’s been through so much, always judged by other people but she never stopped believing in herself, never loosing hope.
I could relate to her so much, on many aspects: from failed relationships to judgmental family (only I never got robbed, thanks God, but then again, I never had some big inheritance so here we are).
As I already stated, I loved everything about this novel.
I loved how it was structured, with short chapters with interesting ends that make you want to read next one immediately. Good vibes were all over the pages, even though the story itself is not only cherries, dance and sunshine (but there are plenty of it through it, just so you know!). There were also some life situatuions that are somewhat challenging, but still, Jo Thomas managed to keep good mood through the whole story, and I phrase her for that!
I love how every character had it’s own role and no one was there just for sake of being.
I won’t bore you any longer because I think this review is already pretty long, so I will just say (I would shout it if I could actually) that Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is an adorable book and you should all do yourself a favour, take this novel, let it bring a piece of sunshine into your lives and read it!
I am so thankful that I had a chance to enjoy Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard and I am so looking forward to read more books by Jo Thomas, because I have a feeling she could be my new favorite author.
As you’ve probably guessed, The Olive Branch is the next one on my tbr.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.wordress.com
Let me explain what I mean…
Jo Thomas is an author of women’s fiction (which is my favorite genre) for several years now. If you take a look at her covers and read synopsis of her novels, you expect feel good stories full of food, love and interesting people in interesting places.
Sounds like exactly my cup of tea, right!
But somehow, until recently, Jo Thomas was invisible to me. I have not paid attention to her books, which so unfortunate and don’t even ask me why because I could not give you the answer. Somehow, I haven’t heard about her or her books, even though she is kinda popular and twitter is buzzing about her.
What is even more ironic, after finishing Sunset over the Cherry Orchard I realized I already own one of her previous books, The Olive Branch, which I won in a giveaway two years ago along with other 7 books by other authors.
This year, Thomas’ newest novel came to my door unsolicited, thanks to Becky Hunter who is publicist in publishing house Headline Review. I worked with Becky ever since I started blogging and she thought I would love Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard.
She was so right! I loved, loved, loved everything about this book.
I read it on my vacation and honestly I can not imagine more appropriate book to read while you’re relaxed, in a good mood, eating fruit and feeling sunshine on your skin…
The story follows Beti Winter who moves in Spain with her fiance to start a new life. Not long after they move in, her fiance leaves her and also takes away all of her money, leaving her by herself struggling to make it on her own.
Beti was a character to look up to. She’s been through so much, always judged by other people but she never stopped believing in herself, never loosing hope.
I could relate to her so much, on many aspects: from failed relationships to judgmental family (only I never got robbed, thanks God, but then again, I never had some big inheritance so here we are).
As I already stated, I loved everything about this novel.
I loved how it was structured, with short chapters with interesting ends that make you want to read next one immediately. Good vibes were all over the pages, even though the story itself is not only cherries, dance and sunshine (but there are plenty of it through it, just so you know!). There were also some life situatuions that are somewhat challenging, but still, Jo Thomas managed to keep good mood through the whole story, and I phrase her for that!
I love how every character had it’s own role and no one was there just for sake of being.
I won’t bore you any longer because I think this review is already pretty long, so I will just say (I would shout it if I could actually) that Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is an adorable book and you should all do yourself a favour, take this novel, let it bring a piece of sunshine into your lives and read it!
I am so thankful that I had a chance to enjoy Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard and I am so looking forward to read more books by Jo Thomas, because I have a feeling she could be my new favorite author.
As you’ve probably guessed, The Olive Branch is the next one on my tbr.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.wordress.com
August 23, 2018
Our main character Beti Winter finds herself in Spain and with a third engagement broken. No only this, but she's penniless and jobless, and watching her biggest dream of owning a bar in Spain fading away. But Beti is strong and determined, so she pushes on - she finds a job, a place to stay and getting her head down she starts to save for her promised Butterfly Bar. But life is not a bed of roses, especially for our Beti, so there are many challenges coming her way, many problems and troubles - is there going to be a happy end for her?
It seems there must have been a mix up somewhere along the way about the publication date, my press release says 23rd of August and please correct me if I'm wrong but the book was out on 9th August? Apologies then for my late review but better late then never and no matter when you read the book, it's going to take you on a beautiful, gorgeous, impressive journey to Spain - it was a lovely read, guys!
Beti was so real and I kept everything crossed for her - she so much deserved for her dream to come true and I couldn't believe my eyes when fate was throwing so many challenges and obstacles at her all the time. She was also my favourite kind of character, she's been growing and developing and it was a real joy to see how she changes into this confident young woman. She was not afraid to become a washer - upper in a restaurant, she was not afraid of working because she had a goal before her eyes and she was determined to - this time finally - achieve it. I really admired her.
I also liked the romance aspect. It was not so straightforward and obvious as you could expect. There were so many obstacles on the way and also I liked how it was weaved in into the story - it was not too overwhelming, too forced on us. However, even if many other things, such as keeping the farm and restaurant, Beti finding her true vocation were the focus of the story, this lovely romance was seamlessly and effortlessly accompanying us on the way and the outcome was simply fabulous.
This novel is so worth reading if only because of its end! I mean, not only because of this, as the whole story is so encompassing, full to brims with emotions and gorgeous descriptions, but the end has so exceeded my expectations. It was simply gorgeous and I personally felt so, so proud of Beti! You know, I even found myself straighten out, putting my chin high and deciding to be like Beti, getting up, following your dream and never let anybody to belittle me anymore. Well, that's the theory at least. But Beti is my new hero and example right now.
It was a very descriptive book, and nothing wrong with this guys, as Jo Thomas's writing style goes from strength to strength with her every book, and she has a way with words. She easily brings to life her setting, the gorgeous Cherry Orchard, the characters, the food and there is always so much understanding and knowledge when she writes about animals, and I love this. However, I had a feeling that Beti starts to be repetitive and that the descriptions of her feelings, her inner monologues and noodling over - as much as beautifully written and important - just slow down the action. Yes, I own up, I did skip a passage or a page as I wanted to just go on. But it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy or appreciate the book, which I did, with my whole being - it was a gorgeous, colourful read, guys. Jo Thomas's writing style is so warm and really, there is passion in every word.
"Sunset Over the cherry Orchard" is a story about dreaming big and not giving up, as your turn will come - earlier or later, but it will come, so please don't stop believing. There was humour and poignant moments, there was fun and sadness, it was full of surprises and unexpected friendships and relationships, fiery flamenco and Spanish food, glorious Spanish food. It was so heart - warming and inviting, like a pure escapism that you'll easily lose yourself in and forget about the passing time. The good vibes were palpable through the pages, it was as sweet as the cherries and as fierce as flamenco, but no worries, it was not too saccharine, oh no, Jo Thomas knows what she's doing. And boy, I must mention the cover! It's simply gorgeous! Those deep reds, the bright orange and yellow and there is even a cat...! It really shows off the setting and atmosphere of this novel to a T! I really recommend this book.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 20, 2018
Wow just wow, its a shame I have to come back to England, after being so thoroughly transported to southern Spain in this wonderful story of Beti learning to listen to her hearts desires in all wakes of her life, and learn just who she is as a person.
I'm at a loss to describe this book, I can either wax lyrical about everything, or I can just tell you to read it if you are looking for a great summery read, that will literally make you forget about real life while you are finishing it,.
There are so many ups and down, humour, emotion, fiery flamenco dancing, a storyline that reminds me of Footloose, unexpected relationships and new love, spanish food, spanish bars, a big dream, a message about social media, assorted storylines about family and a whole lot more besides.
I wouldn't want to tell you any specifics as the writing is so encompassing, and such a joy to read, that the only thing that can be said, is read this book, as I'm sure you will love it as much I as did. It is warm hearted, perfect escapism, either for summer holiday reading, or when you are wishing you were abroad in sunnier climes.
Beti is a character that I really did enjoy, especially seeing her own personal growth as the story proceeds, and seeing how her hopes and dreams change so gradually I think the reader is 3 steps ahead of her.
I have never read about a Cherry Farm before and this one sounds gorgeous, and the descriptions the cherries, made me almost be able to taste them for myself. The owner of the farm is tricky to get to grips with to start with but as the story unravels he was becoming my favourite character by a mile, matched closely by his 17 year old son.
Jo Thomas writes so warmly and its clear she is passionate and knowledgeable about the various aspects of Spanish life and how some villages are are more for locals and wanting traditional ways of life instead of the tourist trade.
This is my new favourite Jo Thomas book and I have adored all her others previously too, and I think Beti's story may stay with me for a while. It was my sheer pleasure to have been able to read this.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I'm at a loss to describe this book, I can either wax lyrical about everything, or I can just tell you to read it if you are looking for a great summery read, that will literally make you forget about real life while you are finishing it,.
There are so many ups and down, humour, emotion, fiery flamenco dancing, a storyline that reminds me of Footloose, unexpected relationships and new love, spanish food, spanish bars, a big dream, a message about social media, assorted storylines about family and a whole lot more besides.
I wouldn't want to tell you any specifics as the writing is so encompassing, and such a joy to read, that the only thing that can be said, is read this book, as I'm sure you will love it as much I as did. It is warm hearted, perfect escapism, either for summer holiday reading, or when you are wishing you were abroad in sunnier climes.
Beti is a character that I really did enjoy, especially seeing her own personal growth as the story proceeds, and seeing how her hopes and dreams change so gradually I think the reader is 3 steps ahead of her.
I have never read about a Cherry Farm before and this one sounds gorgeous, and the descriptions the cherries, made me almost be able to taste them for myself. The owner of the farm is tricky to get to grips with to start with but as the story unravels he was becoming my favourite character by a mile, matched closely by his 17 year old son.
Jo Thomas writes so warmly and its clear she is passionate and knowledgeable about the various aspects of Spanish life and how some villages are are more for locals and wanting traditional ways of life instead of the tourist trade.
This is my new favourite Jo Thomas book and I have adored all her others previously too, and I think Beti's story may stay with me for a while. It was my sheer pleasure to have been able to read this.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 2, 2022
A lovely, gentle read that had me smiling throughout. Lovely portrayal of Spain and it’s wonderful customs and gorgeous food!
April 6, 2019
This author is amazing I always love her books and she certainly didn't disappoint me as this book was brilliant from the first page and had me hooked and wanting to find out what happened next. Many twists and turns and such a heartwarming read and set in beautiful countryside in Spain it's full of romance families and finding what you want to be happy.
Beti has had three failed relationships and she's desperate for a new start she was left some money from her nan and decided to go to Spain with her boyfriend and start a new life but once there she finds the place she wants to take over and is looking forward to it when her boyfriend leaves a note saying he has done something she will not forgive him for and he's run away as can't face get as he's spent all her money. She thinks she's going to have to go home as no money bit the people from the cafe have said they will give her time to work and raise the deposit and suggests where she can live problem is when she sees Antonio she does feel her heart skip a beat but she's not at a stage to trust men and he has a girlfriend. Where she lives is a beautiful cherry orchard and she starts working there to and when Antonio son turns up they work together and she starts looking after him but she finds he's dancing which was stopped year ago. Also Beti cousin comes out unexpectedly and she acts as if she's owning the cherry orchard restaurant and she then wants her party for her birthday there and she things it will bring some extra money in. When Antonia ex wife turns up she claims she wants a divorce and half the business but he doesn't want to give it but they suggest something and they have to prove they can win and keep the orchard but can the village all pull together and can she find her man and be happy and can she make her family proud of her or does it all fall apart before she starts.
Fantastic read and worth far more than five stars.
Beti has had three failed relationships and she's desperate for a new start she was left some money from her nan and decided to go to Spain with her boyfriend and start a new life but once there she finds the place she wants to take over and is looking forward to it when her boyfriend leaves a note saying he has done something she will not forgive him for and he's run away as can't face get as he's spent all her money. She thinks she's going to have to go home as no money bit the people from the cafe have said they will give her time to work and raise the deposit and suggests where she can live problem is when she sees Antonio she does feel her heart skip a beat but she's not at a stage to trust men and he has a girlfriend. Where she lives is a beautiful cherry orchard and she starts working there to and when Antonio son turns up they work together and she starts looking after him but she finds he's dancing which was stopped year ago. Also Beti cousin comes out unexpectedly and she acts as if she's owning the cherry orchard restaurant and she then wants her party for her birthday there and she things it will bring some extra money in. When Antonia ex wife turns up she claims she wants a divorce and half the business but he doesn't want to give it but they suggest something and they have to prove they can win and keep the orchard but can the village all pull together and can she find her man and be happy and can she make her family proud of her or does it all fall apart before she starts.
Fantastic read and worth far more than five stars.
August 13, 2018
What a heartwarming and adorable book this is! Sweet as the cherries it describes but with the fiery passion of dance, food and family to cut through the narrative so that it was delightful without being too saccharine or schmaltzy! Jo Thomas describes what she wanted to achieve in her book on the very first page, a book about the close relationship between food and love which are all we need to live a simple and happy life. And she has met her target full on with Sunset Over The Cherry Orchard! It’s a wonderful correlation between feeding the ones we love and the happiness is brings to us all.
Beti Winter loves the sunshine, despite her surname, and the chance to run her own bar in Spain is the answer to all her prayers and dreams. But another failed engagement means the promised way of life doesn’t work out and she ends up living and working on an Andalucian cherry farm. As the sun shines upon her, she falls in love with the place and the people, especially one of them in particular! And when the passions of the local food and dance combine that’s when this wonderful book became an unputdownable, emotional addiction for me as I obsessively read towards the hoped for happy ever after.
I’ve been a fan of Jo Thomas since my mum rang me up one day and told me that I had to read an amazing new book that she had just finished called The Oyster Catcher. I did, and from then onwards I was hooked! Her books are such a feel good experience that they always lift my spirits whenever I am feeling a little low. I mean, good food, friends, family and romance……what more do I need?! They are the perfect antidote to the murders and dark side I often find myself drawn to in fiction and Jo Thomas is definitely top of my list when it comes to searching out a life affirming and happy read.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book and will never look at cherry blossom in the same way again! Right, now I’m off to make a Spanish Omelette for tea-this book has got me craving everything Spanish! Enjoy!
Beti Winter loves the sunshine, despite her surname, and the chance to run her own bar in Spain is the answer to all her prayers and dreams. But another failed engagement means the promised way of life doesn’t work out and she ends up living and working on an Andalucian cherry farm. As the sun shines upon her, she falls in love with the place and the people, especially one of them in particular! And when the passions of the local food and dance combine that’s when this wonderful book became an unputdownable, emotional addiction for me as I obsessively read towards the hoped for happy ever after.
I’ve been a fan of Jo Thomas since my mum rang me up one day and told me that I had to read an amazing new book that she had just finished called The Oyster Catcher. I did, and from then onwards I was hooked! Her books are such a feel good experience that they always lift my spirits whenever I am feeling a little low. I mean, good food, friends, family and romance……what more do I need?! They are the perfect antidote to the murders and dark side I often find myself drawn to in fiction and Jo Thomas is definitely top of my list when it comes to searching out a life affirming and happy read.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book and will never look at cherry blossom in the same way again! Right, now I’m off to make a Spanish Omelette for tea-this book has got me craving everything Spanish! Enjoy!
June 4, 2020
"Ein Sommer voller Schmetterlinge" klanger nach einer leichten und sommerlichen Geschichte auf die ich wirklich gespannt war. Leider konnte mich das Buch jedoch nicht überzeugen.
Zunächst fand ich das Buch ganz interessant, denn wir lernen Beti kennen, die an einem englischen Flughafen arbeitet und davon träumt mit ihrem Verlobten eine Bar in Spanien zu eröffnen. Als sich die Chance auftut in Spanien eine Bar zu übernehmen, sitzt Beti jedoch sehr schnell alleine da und ihr Freund und ihr gesamtes Geld ist verschwunden.
Beti war mir nicht komplett unsympathisch, aber so richtig warm bin ich nicht mit ihr geworden. Sie erschien mir sehr naiv für ihr Alter und ich fand ihr Verhalten stellenweise sehr anstrengend. Sämtliche andere Charaktere fand ich komplett unsympathisch.
Die Handlung selbst nimmt gefühlt jedes Klischee mit und will von Bauernhof mit Kirschblüten zu Restraurant und Partybar einfach zu viel. Hier wäre weniger definitiv mehr gewesen und ich war von der Geschichte einfach nur enttäuscht, auch wenn ich keine tiefgründige Geschichte erwartet habe.
Das Setting in Spanien beschreibt die Autorin wirklich schön und auch sonst ist das Buch relativ flüssig zu lesen, hier hat mich lediglich steigendes Desinteresse an der Geschichte ein wenig ausgebremst.
Zunächst fand ich das Buch ganz interessant, denn wir lernen Beti kennen, die an einem englischen Flughafen arbeitet und davon träumt mit ihrem Verlobten eine Bar in Spanien zu eröffnen. Als sich die Chance auftut in Spanien eine Bar zu übernehmen, sitzt Beti jedoch sehr schnell alleine da und ihr Freund und ihr gesamtes Geld ist verschwunden.
Beti war mir nicht komplett unsympathisch, aber so richtig warm bin ich nicht mit ihr geworden. Sie erschien mir sehr naiv für ihr Alter und ich fand ihr Verhalten stellenweise sehr anstrengend. Sämtliche andere Charaktere fand ich komplett unsympathisch.
Die Handlung selbst nimmt gefühlt jedes Klischee mit und will von Bauernhof mit Kirschblüten zu Restraurant und Partybar einfach zu viel. Hier wäre weniger definitiv mehr gewesen und ich war von der Geschichte einfach nur enttäuscht, auch wenn ich keine tiefgründige Geschichte erwartet habe.
Das Setting in Spanien beschreibt die Autorin wirklich schön und auch sonst ist das Buch relativ flüssig zu lesen, hier hat mich lediglich steigendes Desinteresse an der Geschichte ein wenig ausgebremst.
September 21, 2024
Mysig Feelgood
June 22, 2022
Beti har sedan länge en dröm om att ha en bar i Spanien. Hon övertalar pojkvännen Will att följa med. Väl nere i Andalusien har Will gjort slut och hon står ensam kvar och fast besluten att hon ska äga en bar men hon behöver ett ställe att bo och ett jobb. Hon får jobb och boende på en gård där man odlar körsbär. Hon trivs med sitt nya liv och ännu mer när hon måste lära sig att dansa flamenco händer något med henne. Hennes annars så griniga och temperamentsfulle chef, med bångstyriga lockar, Antonio blir någon hon faktiskt trivs med.
Detta är fjärde fristående delen i serien Hälsningar från. Jag tycker att boken är charmig och lättläst men det tråkiga är att jag tycker att den huvudsakliga storyn upprepar sig och att den kvinnliga huvudpersonen är naiv och något klumpig. Bortsett från detta, för ibland behöver man böcker när man vet vad som händer, har jag trots allt gillat boken. Den var kanske lite långrandig och något upprepande och hade vunnit på att kortas ner en aning. På det stora hela en bra bok men ärligt talat tyckte jag inte att det var den bästa i serien.
Detta är fjärde fristående delen i serien Hälsningar från. Jag tycker att boken är charmig och lättläst men det tråkiga är att jag tycker att den huvudsakliga storyn upprepar sig och att den kvinnliga huvudpersonen är naiv och något klumpig. Bortsett från detta, för ibland behöver man böcker när man vet vad som händer, har jag trots allt gillat boken. Den var kanske lite långrandig och något upprepande och hade vunnit på att kortas ner en aning. På det stora hela en bra bok men ärligt talat tyckte jag inte att det var den bästa i serien.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2018
I feel very grateful that I got a chance to read this novel, it was simply wonderful! The cover is what drew me in, those deep reds and the bright orange and yellow just looked so breathtakingly beautiful that I wanted to be where that cover was set. It really does tell us a lot about the story, what with Beti up on a ladder picking the cherries, with little kitten Ana at her feet, and her little home in the background.
The story follows main character Beti, who just can't seem to catch a break. I really felt for her throughout the story, as it seems that she just never felt like she was good enough for anyone. After a whirlwind start in Spain, Beti is in for yet another shock and finds herself getting a job on Antonio's cherry field. Not only does she help with the harvest, but she also works in Antonio's restaurant as a washer-upper.
She tries her hardest throughout the novel to save up to rent her own bar from fellow expat's Brenda and Harold, but for poor Beti, something always seems to get in her way when she reaches the last hurdle. However, around half way through the book, things appear to be on the up, until Antonio's ex-wife shows up with the ultimate ultimatum. Can Beti pull it off? Or will she be running back to England with her tail once again between her legs?
I loved this story. It's utterly refreshing to read about the main characters job being a little different to the usual ones I read about. I mean, who wouldn't love to be in Spain when the cherry blossom drops? It sounded completely and utterly gorgeous and the descriptions made me feel as though I was right there next to Beti. I was really hoping things would work out well for her, and she could prove everyone wrong. The inclusions of both the Spanish dancing and the traditional Spanish food was really enjoyable to read about. Especially the food! Oh, my mouth was watering at some of the descriptions that's for sure!
I loved the ending, it was your typical happy ever after but who doesn't want that? I will say that I found the second half of the book to be unputdownable. I loved getting to know Beti and I loved the character of Antonio's son Miguel! And really disliked both Will and Olivia (for obvious reasons that if you read it, you will find out why and completely agree with me!). Overall, I thought this was another fantastic novel by Jo Thomas, someone who's novels I have always enjoyed reading. Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
The story follows main character Beti, who just can't seem to catch a break. I really felt for her throughout the story, as it seems that she just never felt like she was good enough for anyone. After a whirlwind start in Spain, Beti is in for yet another shock and finds herself getting a job on Antonio's cherry field. Not only does she help with the harvest, but she also works in Antonio's restaurant as a washer-upper.
She tries her hardest throughout the novel to save up to rent her own bar from fellow expat's Brenda and Harold, but for poor Beti, something always seems to get in her way when she reaches the last hurdle. However, around half way through the book, things appear to be on the up, until Antonio's ex-wife shows up with the ultimate ultimatum. Can Beti pull it off? Or will she be running back to England with her tail once again between her legs?
I loved this story. It's utterly refreshing to read about the main characters job being a little different to the usual ones I read about. I mean, who wouldn't love to be in Spain when the cherry blossom drops? It sounded completely and utterly gorgeous and the descriptions made me feel as though I was right there next to Beti. I was really hoping things would work out well for her, and she could prove everyone wrong. The inclusions of both the Spanish dancing and the traditional Spanish food was really enjoyable to read about. Especially the food! Oh, my mouth was watering at some of the descriptions that's for sure!
I loved the ending, it was your typical happy ever after but who doesn't want that? I will say that I found the second half of the book to be unputdownable. I loved getting to know Beti and I loved the character of Antonio's son Miguel! And really disliked both Will and Olivia (for obvious reasons that if you read it, you will find out why and completely agree with me!). Overall, I thought this was another fantastic novel by Jo Thomas, someone who's novels I have always enjoyed reading. Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
July 13, 2022
Äh, lite hantverk kan man väl få förvänta sig även om det är femtioelfte boken i samma serie. Alla inblandade verkar ha tröttnat.
Hp drar till spanien med pojkvän för att driva barn men blir dumpad + han tar hennes pengar. Istället börjar hon jobba i körsbärsträdgård + dålig restaurang för att få ihop nya pengar. Mannen som äger gården måste lära henne dansa flamenco för att vinna sin gård över exfrun trots att flamenco är förbjudet (sic) i byn. Restaurangen drivs av hans tjej som är dum och vill servera turisträtter men misslyckas eftersom hon inte fattar att alla vill ha det autentiska spanska mysköket. Samtidigt blir hp kompis med hans son som flyttar dit efter att ha bott med sin mamma jämt. Hp arrangerar fest (hon är jättebra på det pga har dagdrömt (sic) om bröllop i hundra år) för sin onda kusin som är lyckad på sociala medier. På slutet blir festen inställd pga kusinen dumpad, men de vinner i flamencon + pojkvännen vill ha henne tillbaka + nu ska de driva flamencoställe och restaurangen. Det ska fan mycket till innan en feelgoodälskare kräks i munnen, men man lär sig nåt nytt varje dag.
Hp drar till spanien med pojkvän för att driva barn men blir dumpad + han tar hennes pengar. Istället börjar hon jobba i körsbärsträdgård + dålig restaurang för att få ihop nya pengar. Mannen som äger gården måste lära henne dansa flamenco för att vinna sin gård över exfrun trots att flamenco är förbjudet (sic) i byn. Restaurangen drivs av hans tjej som är dum och vill servera turisträtter men misslyckas eftersom hon inte fattar att alla vill ha det autentiska spanska mysköket. Samtidigt blir hp kompis med hans son som flyttar dit efter att ha bott med sin mamma jämt. Hp arrangerar fest (hon är jättebra på det pga har dagdrömt (sic) om bröllop i hundra år) för sin onda kusin som är lyckad på sociala medier. På slutet blir festen inställd pga kusinen dumpad, men de vinner i flamencon + pojkvännen vill ha henne tillbaka + nu ska de driva flamencoställe och restaurangen. Det ska fan mycket till innan en feelgoodälskare kräks i munnen, men man lär sig nåt nytt varje dag.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2018
Yet again Jo Thomas has the most impressive, gorgeous cover that makes you want to dive straight into the scene and soak up every element of the story. It's bright, colourful and eye catching and shows off the setting for this wonderful book to a T. They even managed to slip in the cat - read the book and you'll know what I am referring to. Every time I read a book from this author, I think oh this has to be my favourite and then she goes and writes something even better and my opinion changes. Again this was the case here and Sunset over the Cherry Orchard is just a brilliant book that you'll easily lose yourself in.
You'll forget everything going on around you as you are transported to the hot Spanish sun and to a special little place where Beti Winter is attempting to transform her fortunes. Jo always excels at creating settings where you wish you were yourself whilst reading. Her writing is so visually descriptive that you can picture everything so precisely in your head. So much warmth, love and affection goes into her writing that these feelings come across as you read through her excellent stories. There are characters you might love to hate but equally so there are plenty where you fall in love with them and want nothing but the best for them. Throw in plenty of challenges, obstacles and hurdles to overcome and of course the endless, glorious descriptions of food and cooking and you have a real treat of a summer read.
Beti Winter loves the summer, it's the hope of what's to come, the possibilities of days spent with loved ones enjoying the sun and all the summer has to offer. It's just a pity that she spends her days working in a fast food restaurant in an airport and she can but dream as so many people pass through on their way to sunnier climes. She longs to jet away and buy a bar or restaurant to run in the sun but it has never come to pass. She lives with her fiancée Will but these days he barely notices her, they live separate lives and are well and truly stuck in a rut having become very complacent.
Given she has three failed engagements behind her she wants to make a go of things with Will and not throw in the towel so easily. It doesn't help that ever since they were young, glamorous cousin Olivia throws everything in her face at every available opportunity. Taunts about her brilliant lifestyle and her wonderful fiancée begin to wear Beti down. She feels like a failure in comparison and she believes her family are beginning to think will she ever get her act together? But the simple act of buying a magazine sees a spark ignite in Beti. She feels inspired and grabbing the bull by the horns decides to travel to Spain. Here she will buy the Butterfly Bar and fulfil her dream.
Beti and Will arrive in Spain to stay in Lado Del Puerto to take over the bar from the lovely and supportive Breda and Harold. Everything is within touching distance for Beti but with one foul swoop all her hopes and ambitions are shattered. Will shows his true colours and departs in the most horrid of circumstances.To be honest I would have killed him and gone off myself to search for him not to try and sort things out but to get revenge and to give him a good slap. It was just the most despicable act and shows he never had any commitment to Beti in the first place. How must she have felt left in a foreign country with barely a euro to her name and faced with telling Breda and Harold no you can't return home to England to live with your daughter because I can no longer buy the bar.
It was just crushing and heartbreaking and I really don't know how Beti had the guts to carry on. She didn't want to appear to be yet another disaster and failure in front of her family so she kept things to herself. Admirable in one way but then I thought surely a problem shared is a problem halved. After careful consideration and an alternative offer from Harold that with some work and dedication could ensure things turned out OK, Beti decides to go things alone. Fair play she realised she didn't need a man by her side and she was going to give everything 100%.
Over the course of the story we saw a real transformation in Beti and that's thanks in part to the wonderful setting of the farm where she finds lodgings in a small little finca. Oh my this area with it's horses grazing in the fields and the lovely restaurant, even if it wasn't performing as well as it should have, and the glorious sight of all the cherry trees waiting to come into full bloom and fruit was just amazing. Combined with the introduction of some brilliant characters, the story just took on a life of its own and it became a book that was increasingly hard to put down but at the same time I didn't want to rush through it because I knew I would be sad to leave such a gorgeous read behind.
Beti really starts to show that underneath it all she is no push over, that for too long life has not gone the way she had ultimately planned for and now was the time despite opposition and stand offish characters she was going to make a success of things. She had several months to get the money together for the bar and through hell or high water she was going to do this. Being a washer upper in the restaurant wasn't her ideal job in Spain but she took everything she could get. I loved how Beti wasn't the sole focus of the story, that cherry orchard owner Antonio despite being a very closed book began to come to the fore. I sensed he was hiding things and that his relationship with Valentina was on a knife edge and now having his son Miguel living with him was testing the waters even more.
So much happens to Beti as she navigates towards her long term goal and their are many challenges sent to test her to the max. But the more she coped with things and showed her true character the more I respected and admired her. I'd almost forgive her for not telling her parents what exactly was going on. Living under a lie must have put enormous strain and pressure on her but in another way the situation allowed a new side to her nature to emerge demonstrating qualities she never knew she possessed. Traditional Spanish, food, wine, the cherry trees and flamenco all play pivotal roles in this story and despite Beti initially experiencing humiliation, heartbreak and loss, Cortijo Ana and its surrounding land may well just begin to work it's magic.
Will Beti fulfil her dreams or will things just prove too much to conquer? Will the Butterfly Bar be hers? Can she find love and happiness doing what she has always wanted to do? Can she show her family and cousin Olivia that she is made of a lot sterner stuff than they giver her credit for? Can Beti embrace what the cherry farm is offering her and learn to listen to her heart? All these questions and so many more will be answered should you choose to pick up this amazing, incredible, heartwarming read that I loved from start to finish. What's more for the first time we have a winter book to look forward to from Jo Thomas as A Winter Beneath the Stars publishes in October. Two books in a year from a brilliant author what more could one ask for?
You'll forget everything going on around you as you are transported to the hot Spanish sun and to a special little place where Beti Winter is attempting to transform her fortunes. Jo always excels at creating settings where you wish you were yourself whilst reading. Her writing is so visually descriptive that you can picture everything so precisely in your head. So much warmth, love and affection goes into her writing that these feelings come across as you read through her excellent stories. There are characters you might love to hate but equally so there are plenty where you fall in love with them and want nothing but the best for them. Throw in plenty of challenges, obstacles and hurdles to overcome and of course the endless, glorious descriptions of food and cooking and you have a real treat of a summer read.
Beti Winter loves the summer, it's the hope of what's to come, the possibilities of days spent with loved ones enjoying the sun and all the summer has to offer. It's just a pity that she spends her days working in a fast food restaurant in an airport and she can but dream as so many people pass through on their way to sunnier climes. She longs to jet away and buy a bar or restaurant to run in the sun but it has never come to pass. She lives with her fiancée Will but these days he barely notices her, they live separate lives and are well and truly stuck in a rut having become very complacent.
Given she has three failed engagements behind her she wants to make a go of things with Will and not throw in the towel so easily. It doesn't help that ever since they were young, glamorous cousin Olivia throws everything in her face at every available opportunity. Taunts about her brilliant lifestyle and her wonderful fiancée begin to wear Beti down. She feels like a failure in comparison and she believes her family are beginning to think will she ever get her act together? But the simple act of buying a magazine sees a spark ignite in Beti. She feels inspired and grabbing the bull by the horns decides to travel to Spain. Here she will buy the Butterfly Bar and fulfil her dream.
Beti and Will arrive in Spain to stay in Lado Del Puerto to take over the bar from the lovely and supportive Breda and Harold. Everything is within touching distance for Beti but with one foul swoop all her hopes and ambitions are shattered. Will shows his true colours and departs in the most horrid of circumstances.To be honest I would have killed him and gone off myself to search for him not to try and sort things out but to get revenge and to give him a good slap. It was just the most despicable act and shows he never had any commitment to Beti in the first place. How must she have felt left in a foreign country with barely a euro to her name and faced with telling Breda and Harold no you can't return home to England to live with your daughter because I can no longer buy the bar.
It was just crushing and heartbreaking and I really don't know how Beti had the guts to carry on. She didn't want to appear to be yet another disaster and failure in front of her family so she kept things to herself. Admirable in one way but then I thought surely a problem shared is a problem halved. After careful consideration and an alternative offer from Harold that with some work and dedication could ensure things turned out OK, Beti decides to go things alone. Fair play she realised she didn't need a man by her side and she was going to give everything 100%.
Over the course of the story we saw a real transformation in Beti and that's thanks in part to the wonderful setting of the farm where she finds lodgings in a small little finca. Oh my this area with it's horses grazing in the fields and the lovely restaurant, even if it wasn't performing as well as it should have, and the glorious sight of all the cherry trees waiting to come into full bloom and fruit was just amazing. Combined with the introduction of some brilliant characters, the story just took on a life of its own and it became a book that was increasingly hard to put down but at the same time I didn't want to rush through it because I knew I would be sad to leave such a gorgeous read behind.
Beti really starts to show that underneath it all she is no push over, that for too long life has not gone the way she had ultimately planned for and now was the time despite opposition and stand offish characters she was going to make a success of things. She had several months to get the money together for the bar and through hell or high water she was going to do this. Being a washer upper in the restaurant wasn't her ideal job in Spain but she took everything she could get. I loved how Beti wasn't the sole focus of the story, that cherry orchard owner Antonio despite being a very closed book began to come to the fore. I sensed he was hiding things and that his relationship with Valentina was on a knife edge and now having his son Miguel living with him was testing the waters even more.
So much happens to Beti as she navigates towards her long term goal and their are many challenges sent to test her to the max. But the more she coped with things and showed her true character the more I respected and admired her. I'd almost forgive her for not telling her parents what exactly was going on. Living under a lie must have put enormous strain and pressure on her but in another way the situation allowed a new side to her nature to emerge demonstrating qualities she never knew she possessed. Traditional Spanish, food, wine, the cherry trees and flamenco all play pivotal roles in this story and despite Beti initially experiencing humiliation, heartbreak and loss, Cortijo Ana and its surrounding land may well just begin to work it's magic.
Will Beti fulfil her dreams or will things just prove too much to conquer? Will the Butterfly Bar be hers? Can she find love and happiness doing what she has always wanted to do? Can she show her family and cousin Olivia that she is made of a lot sterner stuff than they giver her credit for? Can Beti embrace what the cherry farm is offering her and learn to listen to her heart? All these questions and so many more will be answered should you choose to pick up this amazing, incredible, heartwarming read that I loved from start to finish. What's more for the first time we have a winter book to look forward to from Jo Thomas as A Winter Beneath the Stars publishes in October. Two books in a year from a brilliant author what more could one ask for?
August 23, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I started this book this morning (I know, cutting it fine), but fast forward 4 hours and I was sitting with the closed (and finished) book on my lap feeling as though I had been given a new lease of life.
Beti's uncle and cousin have honed in on her for years, taking the Mickey out everything she has done (or not done) in her life so far. They seem to think that having three engagements, two of which ended up being failed, is something to laugh about. Even though, deep down, Beti knows that she shouldn't take their comments to heart, she can't help but feel her confidence getting chipped away with every knifey comment they send her way. Beti has had enough of living without enjoyment, and she ends up persuading her fiancé, Will, to uproot to Spain where her dream of owning a bar waits for her. Unfortunately, luck isn't on Beti's side and things don't go to plan.
Oh my, what a gorgeous book this is! I did start and finish this book this morning, I was being totally serious with that comment! I couldn't put the book down, and to be honest, I didn't actually want it to leave my hands. I felt so sorry for Beti, but I was absolutely livid with Will. What sort of person does that?! I think he got off lightly, I really do. I know that Beti was determined to make her dream a reality and didn't want to live in the past and, whilst that is certainly commendable, I couldn't help but feel that Will didn't get what he deserved at all. Maybe it's because I am quite a fiery person that made me think he needed to pay for what he had done.
I have to admit that I am not a fan of cherries AT ALL, yet after reading Jo Thomas' latest novel, I felt like I wanted to pick one up and eat it. How strange! I think the cherry farm got under my skin in more ways than one, as did other wonderful things in the little Spanish village.
Jo Thomas has such a beautiful way with words - I was blown away by her vivid descriptions, her tantalising way of bringing smells and food items to life, as well as her phenomenal characters. I can often be quite guarded when it comes to some characters, yet Beti, Miguel, Antonio, and Frank (to name a few) made 'Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard' such a rich, indulgent, life affirming novel which had me dusting off my own dreams in no time.
I know people say that it is quite easy to follow your dreams if you really want them, but Jo Thomas certainly proves that everyone is different, with some people struggling with their confidence to sit there and say 'I will own my dreams'. Take a look at Beti. She went through personal heartbreak and professional hard graft, both which ended up taking a bit of time, all to reach her dreams without settling for less. There are people who cannot make their dreams become a reality because they don't have the resources that some other people do, nor do they have the luck of others. Or maybe their face might not fit. I am one of those people, so finding a character like Beti which I ended up relating to, made me feel far less alone. That probably sounds incredibly daft, but Beti's face didn't fit. She didn't know where she belonged. She knew what she wanted from her life, yet she couldn't quite grasp it.
'Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard' put a massive smile on my face, fire in my belly, and hope in my heart during a time where I couldn't have needed it more. I absolutely loved reading every page of this book, as well as learning a bit more about Spain.
A beautifully written, heart-felt, poignant, fiery and outstanding novel which will be staying in my heart for a very, very long time, guaranteed.
I started this book this morning (I know, cutting it fine), but fast forward 4 hours and I was sitting with the closed (and finished) book on my lap feeling as though I had been given a new lease of life.
Beti's uncle and cousin have honed in on her for years, taking the Mickey out everything she has done (or not done) in her life so far. They seem to think that having three engagements, two of which ended up being failed, is something to laugh about. Even though, deep down, Beti knows that she shouldn't take their comments to heart, she can't help but feel her confidence getting chipped away with every knifey comment they send her way. Beti has had enough of living without enjoyment, and she ends up persuading her fiancé, Will, to uproot to Spain where her dream of owning a bar waits for her. Unfortunately, luck isn't on Beti's side and things don't go to plan.
Oh my, what a gorgeous book this is! I did start and finish this book this morning, I was being totally serious with that comment! I couldn't put the book down, and to be honest, I didn't actually want it to leave my hands. I felt so sorry for Beti, but I was absolutely livid with Will. What sort of person does that?! I think he got off lightly, I really do. I know that Beti was determined to make her dream a reality and didn't want to live in the past and, whilst that is certainly commendable, I couldn't help but feel that Will didn't get what he deserved at all. Maybe it's because I am quite a fiery person that made me think he needed to pay for what he had done.
I have to admit that I am not a fan of cherries AT ALL, yet after reading Jo Thomas' latest novel, I felt like I wanted to pick one up and eat it. How strange! I think the cherry farm got under my skin in more ways than one, as did other wonderful things in the little Spanish village.
Jo Thomas has such a beautiful way with words - I was blown away by her vivid descriptions, her tantalising way of bringing smells and food items to life, as well as her phenomenal characters. I can often be quite guarded when it comes to some characters, yet Beti, Miguel, Antonio, and Frank (to name a few) made 'Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard' such a rich, indulgent, life affirming novel which had me dusting off my own dreams in no time.
I know people say that it is quite easy to follow your dreams if you really want them, but Jo Thomas certainly proves that everyone is different, with some people struggling with their confidence to sit there and say 'I will own my dreams'. Take a look at Beti. She went through personal heartbreak and professional hard graft, both which ended up taking a bit of time, all to reach her dreams without settling for less. There are people who cannot make their dreams become a reality because they don't have the resources that some other people do, nor do they have the luck of others. Or maybe their face might not fit. I am one of those people, so finding a character like Beti which I ended up relating to, made me feel far less alone. That probably sounds incredibly daft, but Beti's face didn't fit. She didn't know where she belonged. She knew what she wanted from her life, yet she couldn't quite grasp it.
'Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard' put a massive smile on my face, fire in my belly, and hope in my heart during a time where I couldn't have needed it more. I absolutely loved reading every page of this book, as well as learning a bit more about Spain.
A beautifully written, heart-felt, poignant, fiery and outstanding novel which will be staying in my heart for a very, very long time, guaranteed.
August 14, 2018
After a stressful day, I decided to pick up SUNSET OVER THE CHERRY ORCHARD by Jo Thomas and I have to say it was the best decision I could have made as I fell in love with this wonderful story and amazing place and it completely made my night!
Beti Winter understands that life can throw you a curveball, after all, she has been engaged three times, but working at a job she hates at the airport and fleetingly passing her fiancé, Will, in the hallway, isn't the stuff that dreams are made of. So when she impulsively decides to take her meagre savings and move to Spain to finally open her own bar, she is relieved when Will jumps onboard with the idea. But plans often go awry and soon Beti finds herself dumped and broke when Will does a disappearing act with a new woman on his arm. As Beti works hard to stay in Spain, she finds a job and friendship among the locals and as she begins to piece her life back together again, she may just find out who she really is in the process ...
There is laughter, tears, friendship, jealousy, and passion all vying for attention against the stunning backdrop of rural Spain. Jo Thomas has such a beautiful way with words so that you can almost taste the exquisite food, smell the blossoms on the breeze, and feel the warmth of the sun on your face as you turn the page. Beti is a wonderful character who I instantly connected with and I loved watching her become the stronger version of herself that I knew was hidden inside. With fiery temperaments, community spirit, and the true meaning of love and family at the heart of this story, SUNSET OVER THE CHERRY ORCHARD by Jo Thomas is the perfect novel to while away an evening with and I look forward to more from this glorious author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
Beti Winter understands that life can throw you a curveball, after all, she has been engaged three times, but working at a job she hates at the airport and fleetingly passing her fiancé, Will, in the hallway, isn't the stuff that dreams are made of. So when she impulsively decides to take her meagre savings and move to Spain to finally open her own bar, she is relieved when Will jumps onboard with the idea. But plans often go awry and soon Beti finds herself dumped and broke when Will does a disappearing act with a new woman on his arm. As Beti works hard to stay in Spain, she finds a job and friendship among the locals and as she begins to piece her life back together again, she may just find out who she really is in the process ...
There is laughter, tears, friendship, jealousy, and passion all vying for attention against the stunning backdrop of rural Spain. Jo Thomas has such a beautiful way with words so that you can almost taste the exquisite food, smell the blossoms on the breeze, and feel the warmth of the sun on your face as you turn the page. Beti is a wonderful character who I instantly connected with and I loved watching her become the stronger version of herself that I knew was hidden inside. With fiery temperaments, community spirit, and the true meaning of love and family at the heart of this story, SUNSET OVER THE CHERRY ORCHARD by Jo Thomas is the perfect novel to while away an evening with and I look forward to more from this glorious author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
December 23, 2018
This was a lovely read. I'd read The Honey Farm On The Hill by Jo Thomas and had liked that also which made me decide to choose this book. It's a feel good story with romance, heartbreak, overcoming fears etc and family. All set in the beautiful backdrop of Spain.
Beti goes to Spain with her fiance Will who promptly rips her off of the money she had to run a bar there. Desperate, Beti gets a job at a cherry farm to try and earn money to keep her dreams of a bar alive. She falls in love with the farm and the people and the culture as she heals. Antonio the farmer is a bit of an enigma to her at the same time. There are elements of Dirty Dancing meets Strictly Ballroom later on but it was all in fun and added to the story.
Beti goes to Spain with her fiance Will who promptly rips her off of the money she had to run a bar there. Desperate, Beti gets a job at a cherry farm to try and earn money to keep her dreams of a bar alive. She falls in love with the farm and the people and the culture as she heals. Antonio the farmer is a bit of an enigma to her at the same time. There are elements of Dirty Dancing meets Strictly Ballroom later on but it was all in fun and added to the story.
January 7, 2025
4.5*
Milujem knihy a cestovanie, takže vždy rada siahnem po knihe, ktorá opisuje iné krajiny. A vďaka Jo Thomas som sa aspoň na pár dní mohla vrátiť do môjho milovaného Španielska. Nielen opisy prírody, ale hlavne popis postáv, ich života a tradícií (a hlavne flamenca!!) ma v sekunde preniesli do Andalúzie až som mala niekedy problém vrátiť sa späť do reality na svoj gauč na zazimenom Slovensku. Všetko bolo tak krásne farebné, plné života a radosti, jednoducho Španielsko a hlavne Španieli ako ich poznám.
Jasné, že to nebol najoriginálnejší príbeh, miestami bol až príliš pritiahnutý za vlasy, no bol krásny, dojemný a aj ma rozplakal.
Jednoducho skvelá oddychovka, ktorá mi vniesla trochu slnka do tohto sychravého uzimeného počasia.
Milujem knihy a cestovanie, takže vždy rada siahnem po knihe, ktorá opisuje iné krajiny. A vďaka Jo Thomas som sa aspoň na pár dní mohla vrátiť do môjho milovaného Španielska. Nielen opisy prírody, ale hlavne popis postáv, ich života a tradícií (a hlavne flamenca!!) ma v sekunde preniesli do Andalúzie až som mala niekedy problém vrátiť sa späť do reality na svoj gauč na zazimenom Slovensku. Všetko bolo tak krásne farebné, plné života a radosti, jednoducho Španielsko a hlavne Španieli ako ich poznám.
Jasné, že to nebol najoriginálnejší príbeh, miestami bol až príliš pritiahnutý za vlasy, no bol krásny, dojemný a aj ma rozplakal.
Jednoducho skvelá oddychovka, ktorá mi vniesla trochu slnka do tohto sychravého uzimeného počasia.
November 22, 2018
This is a wonderful book that truly transports you on a Spanish adventure, complete with flamenco, paella and patatas bravas.
Beti goes to Spain with her fiance Will who promptly rips her off of the money she had to run a bar there. Desperate, Beti gets a job at a cherry farm to try and earn money to keep her dreams of a bar alive. What with Beti up on a ladder picking the cherries, with little kitten Ana at her feet, and her little home in the background. She falls in love with the farm and the people and the culture as she heals. Antonio the farmer is a bit of an enigma to her at the same time. There are elements of Dirty Dancing meets Strictly Ballroom later on but it was all in fun and added to the story.
Thank you Jo Thomas another great book
Beti goes to Spain with her fiance Will who promptly rips her off of the money she had to run a bar there. Desperate, Beti gets a job at a cherry farm to try and earn money to keep her dreams of a bar alive. What with Beti up on a ladder picking the cherries, with little kitten Ana at her feet, and her little home in the background. She falls in love with the farm and the people and the culture as she heals. Antonio the farmer is a bit of an enigma to her at the same time. There are elements of Dirty Dancing meets Strictly Ballroom later on but it was all in fun and added to the story.
Thank you Jo Thomas another great book
August 7, 2022
Beti drar en vit lögn för sin kusin Olivia, som alltid är så lyckad, och säger att hon och fästmannen Will är på väg till Spanien för att driva en bar.
Så hon beställer biljetter och lyckas få med sig Will. Förhoppningsvis hittar de tillbaka till kärleken samtidigt som hennes dröm om en bar förverkligas. Istället tömmer han hennes bankkonto och försvinner med ett band och dess långa, blonda sångerska...
Ägarna till baren de skulle ta över, ger henne respit till sommaren och för att få till handpenningen flyttar hon till ett litet hus uppe i bergen, där hon även hjälper till med disken på gårdens restaurang. En restaurang kusin Olivia besöker och missförstår vem som äger...
Så hon beställer biljetter och lyckas få med sig Will. Förhoppningsvis hittar de tillbaka till kärleken samtidigt som hennes dröm om en bar förverkligas. Istället tömmer han hennes bankkonto och försvinner med ett band och dess långa, blonda sångerska...
Ägarna till baren de skulle ta över, ger henne respit till sommaren och för att få till handpenningen flyttar hon till ett litet hus uppe i bergen, där hon även hjälper till med disken på gårdens restaurang. En restaurang kusin Olivia besöker och missförstår vem som äger...
January 15, 2022
So far reading Jo Thomas has taken me to a German Christmas market, sunny Italy and with this book I have just landed back from Sunny Spain. This is the perfect book to take you away from reality and give you a little sunshine. I love Jo’s characters even the not so nice ones and her ability to make me hungry while reading… I now have a craving for cherry jam.
If you want a bit of sunshine and romance this is the book for you. I highly recommend it. I’m off now to make a tortilla for lunch!
If you want a bit of sunshine and romance this is the book for you. I highly recommend it. I’m off now to make a tortilla for lunch!
October 16, 2018
Totally amazing book, I couldn't put it down. This is a charming story of Beti who is stuck in a rut, follows her dream and moves to Spain where nothing goes as she planned. Really clever twists in the plot, characters that you can relate to and beautiful location.
August 7, 2019
An excellent book about food, flamenco and romance. A great combination for a perfect summer read. I loved it! Enjoy !!
September 21, 2023
A heart-warming novel about flamenco, sunshine, cherry orchards and the art of finding one's place in the world. Quite enjoyable...
August 27, 2018
This is a wonderful book that truly transports you on a Spanish adventure, complete with flamenco, paella and patatas bravas.
I loved the beauty of this cover that perfectly encapsulates the rural Spanish feel of the book with the cherry blossom and our protagonist Beti picking the cherries on the farm (supervised as always by Ana, the cat). I can definitely see this will be a really eye-catching cover in shops that will pull you in from off of the shelf.
The characters in this tale are endearing and full of charm in various ways, and I liked that they are all honest and a bit imperfect. Beti was good-hearted, if frustratingly naïve and meek at times, but her transformation throughout the difficult times she faced was uplifting, proof not to give up on your dreams.
The “dirty dancing” style secrecy was a great plot device as you truly got to see the town’s hidden history and character. Though there are unlikely elements to the plot (hey it’s a romance book, there’s always an element of fantasy) it was captivating, fun and just pure escapism. I did very much want to see something hideous happen to certain despicable characters, looking at you Will and Esmeralda, which was a bit of a disappointment but…well you’ll just have to read it to see what happens.
There is a lot of drama, a lot of passion, and a lot of heart-warming love; it’s not only the cherries that blossom on this farm!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest, unedited review
I loved the beauty of this cover that perfectly encapsulates the rural Spanish feel of the book with the cherry blossom and our protagonist Beti picking the cherries on the farm (supervised as always by Ana, the cat). I can definitely see this will be a really eye-catching cover in shops that will pull you in from off of the shelf.
The characters in this tale are endearing and full of charm in various ways, and I liked that they are all honest and a bit imperfect. Beti was good-hearted, if frustratingly naïve and meek at times, but her transformation throughout the difficult times she faced was uplifting, proof not to give up on your dreams.
The “dirty dancing” style secrecy was a great plot device as you truly got to see the town’s hidden history and character. Though there are unlikely elements to the plot (hey it’s a romance book, there’s always an element of fantasy) it was captivating, fun and just pure escapism. I did very much want to see something hideous happen to certain despicable characters, looking at you Will and Esmeralda, which was a bit of a disappointment but…well you’ll just have to read it to see what happens.
There is a lot of drama, a lot of passion, and a lot of heart-warming love; it’s not only the cherries that blossom on this farm!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest, unedited review
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April 29, 2018A fresh, sweet, delicious read...a holiday of hope, guts and passion.
October 21, 2022
När jag väl började tro lite på att Spanienresan verkligen skulle bli av så letade jag upp ett antal böcker som utspelade sig där. Jo Thomas är en författare som dök upp på min radar förra vintern och det visade sig att hon skrivit en bok som utspelas i Spanien, Den spanska körsbärsträdgården. Den började jag läsa dagen efter vi kommit fram.
Eftersom jag inte äger boken och dessutom var på semester så läste jag den som e-bok via Storytel. Till min stora förskräckelse så hade e-boken ingen sidnumrering, inget som överhuvudtaget visar hur långt man har kommit eller hur mycket man har kvar. Inte heller fanns det några kapitel att hoppa till, eller ja, kapitel fanns, men inte "hoppbara". Kanske är jag konstig, men att inte veta hur långt jag har läst i en bok stör mig oerhört mycket.
Den spanska körsbärsträdgården är förmodligen mycket bättre om man gillar romantik mer än vad jag gör. Grundidén är det dock inget fel på. Man ska följa sina drömmar och inte bry sig så mycket om vad andra kan tycka om dem. Man ska inte heller låta folk formligen stampa på och kliva över en.
OBS! Detta är en kraftigt förkortad text. Hela finns på min blogg
Eftersom jag inte äger boken och dessutom var på semester så läste jag den som e-bok via Storytel. Till min stora förskräckelse så hade e-boken ingen sidnumrering, inget som överhuvudtaget visar hur långt man har kommit eller hur mycket man har kvar. Inte heller fanns det några kapitel att hoppa till, eller ja, kapitel fanns, men inte "hoppbara". Kanske är jag konstig, men att inte veta hur långt jag har läst i en bok stör mig oerhört mycket.
Den spanska körsbärsträdgården är förmodligen mycket bättre om man gillar romantik mer än vad jag gör. Grundidén är det dock inget fel på. Man ska följa sina drömmar och inte bry sig så mycket om vad andra kan tycka om dem. Man ska inte heller låta folk formligen stampa på och kliva över en.
OBS! Detta är en kraftigt förkortad text. Hela finns på min blogg
August 13, 2018
This is a delightfully sweet, escapist read that’s perfect for holidays or anyone wishing to get away for a bit, as it whisks readers away to beautiful Spain, taking a step back from the well-worn tourist trail and making the most of the cherry blossoms and harvest. In typical Jo Thomas style, our heroine is down on her luck and taking a chance as she turns her life around and steps out of the shadows of her past.
Beti is lovely. She’s good-hearted and hard-working, but she hasn’t had much luck when it comes to romance in her life. After three broken engagements, she finds herself pretty much penniless in Spain, watching the last threads of her dreams unravel around her. But even when things look hopeless, she still manages to push on, mostly by finding somewhere to work and getting her head down. She’s not a complainer, she’s a doer and I loved seeing her confidence grow throughout the book as she realised she was actually good at more than simply doing as she was told.
The setting is fabulous – sun, cherries, beautiful horses, a handsome brooding man, a troubled teenager and glorious flamenco. It is such a sharp contrast to the British ex-pat led resort that Beti starts off in, yet Thomas doesn’t pit them against each other. Both the town and the village have their good and bad points, and even though they’re very, very different from each other, I liked how Beti could find a home in both.
If you like your escapism with a slow-burn romance, passionate dancing, gorgeous locations and warm humour, then this may well be for you. It’s a delightful read in the middle of summer, but I think it’ll be even better in the depths of winter.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Beti is lovely. She’s good-hearted and hard-working, but she hasn’t had much luck when it comes to romance in her life. After three broken engagements, she finds herself pretty much penniless in Spain, watching the last threads of her dreams unravel around her. But even when things look hopeless, she still manages to push on, mostly by finding somewhere to work and getting her head down. She’s not a complainer, she’s a doer and I loved seeing her confidence grow throughout the book as she realised she was actually good at more than simply doing as she was told.
The setting is fabulous – sun, cherries, beautiful horses, a handsome brooding man, a troubled teenager and glorious flamenco. It is such a sharp contrast to the British ex-pat led resort that Beti starts off in, yet Thomas doesn’t pit them against each other. Both the town and the village have their good and bad points, and even though they’re very, very different from each other, I liked how Beti could find a home in both.
If you like your escapism with a slow-burn romance, passionate dancing, gorgeous locations and warm humour, then this may well be for you. It’s a delightful read in the middle of summer, but I think it’ll be even better in the depths of winter.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
November 4, 2022
Conflicted about a 2 or a 3, so I guess…2.5? The problem with this book is that it takes around 3/4 of it before things actually start to happen, and while they do pick up then (sometimes at an overly fast pace), it feels like a little too late. There is no indication of the protagonists even remotely appreciating each other’s company for about 250 pages; during this same time, the main character is also a rather pathetic existence, and it is very difficult to engage at all in someone so blatantly uninteresting. (There are some fun supporting characters here, though.) Moreover, there is plenty of repetition, both in terms of wording and content - two chapters in and you’re already sick of the grandmother’s ceramic cow - and some phrases just feel downright wrong in their context: it sounds strange for an entire village to be “whitewashed”; the term “hot and bothered” (which is infuriatingly cringe in itself) is used out of place; and while it might not be a bad thing in itself, the description of a man’s hands as “moisturised” might be one of the bigger turn-offs seen in writing. Finally, this isn’t really Spain - or rather, it is most foreigners’ image of it, the tourist-ridden inauthentic “resort” the south coast has become, which is not where I want to be transported. I’m not sure how I feel about the food descriptions at the end of the book when there have hardly been any mention of the ingredients included there throughout the story, but what is obvious is the tourist-visor through which this country and culture is viewed, rather than attempting to truly understand it. Spain is more than Jamie Oliver’s version of tapas, and that is what I want to feel.
November 10, 2018
Beti has had enough of her life in Wales, working for a burger chain at the airport & watching people to-ing & fro-ing from sunny climes.
She wants her dream of running her own bar in Spain & she's fed up keep waiting for it to happen.
When she gets home she approaches her fiancé, Will, about her dream & he agrees with it, so off they go to Spain.
But when they get there, it doesn't all go to plan & Beti is left picking up the pieces & still trying to make her dream come true. She's working really hard to achieve this. Along the way she learns new things & one of them is how to dance flamenco with Antonio, her boss, for a competition, where there are high stakes involved. Being in Spain, Beti learns who she really is & learns to listen to her heart & soul. She's had the ride of her life, to get to where she truly wants to be.
There is more to this story, but I don't want to spoil the unfolding of it. It starts off a bit slow, but gradually builds up speed, until I found it hard to put down.
I hope Jo decides, at a later date, to continue Betis' story. I think there is still a lot to tell, even if it's in a novella. I loved all the characters that sprung to life on the pages. Some loveable, some likeable & some not so nice.
An enjoyable book to read.
She wants her dream of running her own bar in Spain & she's fed up keep waiting for it to happen.
When she gets home she approaches her fiancé, Will, about her dream & he agrees with it, so off they go to Spain.
But when they get there, it doesn't all go to plan & Beti is left picking up the pieces & still trying to make her dream come true. She's working really hard to achieve this. Along the way she learns new things & one of them is how to dance flamenco with Antonio, her boss, for a competition, where there are high stakes involved. Being in Spain, Beti learns who she really is & learns to listen to her heart & soul. She's had the ride of her life, to get to where she truly wants to be.
There is more to this story, but I don't want to spoil the unfolding of it. It starts off a bit slow, but gradually builds up speed, until I found it hard to put down.
I hope Jo decides, at a later date, to continue Betis' story. I think there is still a lot to tell, even if it's in a novella. I loved all the characters that sprung to life on the pages. Some loveable, some likeable & some not so nice.
An enjoyable book to read.
May 14, 2020
This was a lovely read, with the feel good factor that is much needed at this time!! It transported me to sunnier climes and I’m even now tempted to learn to go Flamenco dancing!!
This is the story of Beti who has always dreamed of life abroad and running her own bar. With life, and men!, constantly disappointing her in Britain she decides it is now or never to see if she can achieve her dreams! She had hoped to start this new life with Will her fiancee, but when he turns out to be another disappointment, she is left to try on her own. Easier said than done, especially when he runs off with her funds!
While in Spain she starts work on a cherry farm to try and start saving up money, and becomes part of the family who run it and gets more involved in the work, and personal lives, than she planned! She hasn’t even told her family back home about her latest split, and has to keep pretending when her show-off cousin asks her to host a party for her.
I loved Beti for her determination not to crumble! She has her dream and is hellbent on doing what is right for her. The setting was gorgeous and Antonio and his family added more interest with all the drama and the furore over Flamenco dancing!
This is the story of Beti who has always dreamed of life abroad and running her own bar. With life, and men!, constantly disappointing her in Britain she decides it is now or never to see if she can achieve her dreams! She had hoped to start this new life with Will her fiancee, but when he turns out to be another disappointment, she is left to try on her own. Easier said than done, especially when he runs off with her funds!
While in Spain she starts work on a cherry farm to try and start saving up money, and becomes part of the family who run it and gets more involved in the work, and personal lives, than she planned! She hasn’t even told her family back home about her latest split, and has to keep pretending when her show-off cousin asks her to host a party for her.
I loved Beti for her determination not to crumble! She has her dream and is hellbent on doing what is right for her. The setting was gorgeous and Antonio and his family added more interest with all the drama and the furore over Flamenco dancing!
August 31, 2018
Oh my goodness, Sunset over the Cherry Orchardwas just the most scrumptious of reads! It’s Wednesday evening as I sit here typing this and I’ve not managed to get into another book since finishing it on Sunday – it’s just left me with the most humongous book hangover!
Beti Winter has had a dream of opening a bar in Spain. She spends her days serving burgers in an airport, watching other people jetting off to that sunny climate she longs to be. She hasn’t had much luck over the years and has lost all confidence from the likes of certain family members constantly putting her down, taunting her and making her feel like a failure. After yet another put down by her Cousin Olivia, she decides to take the bull by the horn and follow her dream, with fiance Will beside her…
In Spain, Beti’s dreams are within touching distance and then suddenly, without any warning, ripped away again, as Will shows his true colours and Beti is left feeling like a failure once again. She ends up working and living on an Andalucian cherry farm, which couldn’t be further from her dreams but, who knew what a tantalising mix cherries, paella, flamenco, and a handsome, brooding man could be….
Jo Thomas gave me such a feel and taste of Spanish life from this glorious novel. The authentic cuisine described actually had my mouth watering, the stunning backdrop of Andalusia was so colourful and vivid, and I loved the contrast between the sparkling and bustling bar on the harbour and the old, rustic, yet very charming farm house. As for the flamenco dancing, well, we’ll get onto that in a moment…
Beti was such a wonderful character who I completely rooted for (I may of punched the air with joy at the end). She’s relatable, incredibly hard-working and determined, and even if she didn’t see it for herself at first, strong and brave. As for Antonio, I loved the fire and intensity he had about him and the pride and passion for everything he cared for; his farm, his horses, his family, his dancing. I really enjoyed the blossoming of the romance in this novel, it was very subtle but you could feel the connection and heat simmering gently away all along. There are many other characters in this story and despite some not having huge roles, they’re all very memorable and fitted their part perfectly.
Okay, I don’t know how to explain this but, something happened half way through this story that just felt right, that just hit that sweet spot and just slotted in so perfectly. I’m talking about flamenco dancing guys! All of a sudden I was just transported and completely lost in this other world. I was so fully absorbed in the passion of this dance between Beti and Antonio, that just like them, nothing else mattered to me for those few moments. It was hot and intense and my heart was beating along to the rhythm. Jo Thomas created something quite magical here in her writing.
Sunset over the Cherry Orchard is just bursting with so much goodness that it just brightened my day in every way. Heart-warming, enchanting and with the right mix of family, friendship, food, dance and love… I could of just sat and read another hundred, two hundred, five hundred pages of this wonderful story!
Beti Winter has had a dream of opening a bar in Spain. She spends her days serving burgers in an airport, watching other people jetting off to that sunny climate she longs to be. She hasn’t had much luck over the years and has lost all confidence from the likes of certain family members constantly putting her down, taunting her and making her feel like a failure. After yet another put down by her Cousin Olivia, she decides to take the bull by the horn and follow her dream, with fiance Will beside her…
In Spain, Beti’s dreams are within touching distance and then suddenly, without any warning, ripped away again, as Will shows his true colours and Beti is left feeling like a failure once again. She ends up working and living on an Andalucian cherry farm, which couldn’t be further from her dreams but, who knew what a tantalising mix cherries, paella, flamenco, and a handsome, brooding man could be….
Jo Thomas gave me such a feel and taste of Spanish life from this glorious novel. The authentic cuisine described actually had my mouth watering, the stunning backdrop of Andalusia was so colourful and vivid, and I loved the contrast between the sparkling and bustling bar on the harbour and the old, rustic, yet very charming farm house. As for the flamenco dancing, well, we’ll get onto that in a moment…
Beti was such a wonderful character who I completely rooted for (I may of punched the air with joy at the end). She’s relatable, incredibly hard-working and determined, and even if she didn’t see it for herself at first, strong and brave. As for Antonio, I loved the fire and intensity he had about him and the pride and passion for everything he cared for; his farm, his horses, his family, his dancing. I really enjoyed the blossoming of the romance in this novel, it was very subtle but you could feel the connection and heat simmering gently away all along. There are many other characters in this story and despite some not having huge roles, they’re all very memorable and fitted their part perfectly.
Okay, I don’t know how to explain this but, something happened half way through this story that just felt right, that just hit that sweet spot and just slotted in so perfectly. I’m talking about flamenco dancing guys! All of a sudden I was just transported and completely lost in this other world. I was so fully absorbed in the passion of this dance between Beti and Antonio, that just like them, nothing else mattered to me for those few moments. It was hot and intense and my heart was beating along to the rhythm. Jo Thomas created something quite magical here in her writing.
Sunset over the Cherry Orchard is just bursting with so much goodness that it just brightened my day in every way. Heart-warming, enchanting and with the right mix of family, friendship, food, dance and love… I could of just sat and read another hundred, two hundred, five hundred pages of this wonderful story!
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