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Sweet Home Summer
Sometimes, home really is where the heart is…
Leaving behind her hi-flying career in London, Isla Brookes has had enough. Burnt out and tired of an unfulfilling profession and lousy boyfriends, it’s time for her to go home.
Arriving back in cosy Bibury to stay with her grandmother, Bridget, everything is charmingly familiar. Even her childhood sweetheart, Ben, is as handsome as she remembered…
And when she discovers a stack of long-forgotten Valentine’s Day cards, Isla, with the help of Ben, begins to realise exactly what is most important in life.
392 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2018
58 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Vernal
67 books394 followersMichelle Vernal is a bestselling author of warm, witty, and uplifting Irish fiction. Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up on her mum’s tales of Iocal families, music, and humour. Later, she lived, worked, got engaged, and travelled extensively in Ireland, experiences that inspire her much-loved novels, including the hilarious Guesthouse on the Green series. Her stories, filled with heart, humour, and unforgettable characters, have earned her a loyal readership worldwide.
For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her here: https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...
For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her here: https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 31, 2018
4 Sweet Home Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book left me with a smile on my face and an urge to go visit New Zealand.... this is a book about going home, new beginnings, second chances, friendship, romance, and family.... all set in the quaint and charming small town of Bibury, New Zealand....
Isla has returned home after living for 10 years in London... she moves in with her grandmother Bridget who has a past that Isla knows nothing about..... The majority of the book is set in present time following Isla.... as she builds a new life in her hometown and possibly rekindles an old romance... or not? We also got little snippets of Bridget’s life in her late teens in the late 50s.... grandmother and granddaughter have more in common than they ever knew.....
This was such an enjoyable read filled with such lovely characters.... characters you would want to become friends with.... sometimes it is nice just to read a peaceful book and enjoy the characters and the setting.... although there was even a bit of a twist at the end of this book and it worked nicely and it didn’t alter my perception of the book or the characters....
This is a perfect summer beach read... although I spent half the time needing to remind myself that New Zealand’s summer is our winter.... I have such a hard time correlating Christmas with summer and I live in California... so no snow.....
Strongly recommend when you are in the mood for that fun beach read, with fabulous characters, and a lovely setting...
~~~ thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book ~~~
This book left me with a smile on my face and an urge to go visit New Zealand.... this is a book about going home, new beginnings, second chances, friendship, romance, and family.... all set in the quaint and charming small town of Bibury, New Zealand....
Isla has returned home after living for 10 years in London... she moves in with her grandmother Bridget who has a past that Isla knows nothing about..... The majority of the book is set in present time following Isla.... as she builds a new life in her hometown and possibly rekindles an old romance... or not? We also got little snippets of Bridget’s life in her late teens in the late 50s.... grandmother and granddaughter have more in common than they ever knew.....
This was such an enjoyable read filled with such lovely characters.... characters you would want to become friends with.... sometimes it is nice just to read a peaceful book and enjoy the characters and the setting.... although there was even a bit of a twist at the end of this book and it worked nicely and it didn’t alter my perception of the book or the characters....
This is a perfect summer beach read... although I spent half the time needing to remind myself that New Zealand’s summer is our winter.... I have such a hard time correlating Christmas with summer and I live in California... so no snow.....
Strongly recommend when you are in the mood for that fun beach read, with fabulous characters, and a lovely setting...
~~~ thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book ~~~
April 3, 2018
3.5☆ A Feel Good Romance
(Rounded up to 4☆ for Goodreads and Amazon)
Sweet Home Summer is a feel good read, that warmed my heart.
I enjoyed reading this delightful book but I just felt it took a long time to get into the storyline.
I couldn't connect to the characters straight away there was a fair amount of swapping and changing between time lines which I do enjoy.
However there was a lot going on and the characters kept being introduced throughout the time lines I got a little confused.
I found the flash backs for the grandmother Bridget made the story for me.
I found myself drifting off to memories that my nan shared with me. For example the dances. My nan used to go dancing and jitter bugging with the soldiers.
I enjoyed discovering Bridget's past.
Bridget is a big character and by far my favourite. She leads a busy lifestyle with playing Bowls, bingo etc.. I hope i have her energy and zest for life when I'm her age!
Bridget had me laughing out loud on many occasions throughout the book with her witty sense of humour and her fun personality.
I think Bridget could have a story just on her own she was such a strong character.
Overall this is a light hearted read that takes a fair while to get your hooks into.
It's about family, drama, relationships, love, romance, new beginnings, humour.
If you enjoy multiple time lines, chick lit reads, a slower paced read that comes into its own the more you read.
Then this is Definetly the book for you.
Plus the cover for Sweet Home Summer is gorgeous I was instantly drawn to it.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
(Rounded up to 4☆ for Goodreads and Amazon)
Sweet Home Summer is a feel good read, that warmed my heart.
I enjoyed reading this delightful book but I just felt it took a long time to get into the storyline.
I couldn't connect to the characters straight away there was a fair amount of swapping and changing between time lines which I do enjoy.
However there was a lot going on and the characters kept being introduced throughout the time lines I got a little confused.
I found the flash backs for the grandmother Bridget made the story for me.
I found myself drifting off to memories that my nan shared with me. For example the dances. My nan used to go dancing and jitter bugging with the soldiers.
I enjoyed discovering Bridget's past.
Bridget is a big character and by far my favourite. She leads a busy lifestyle with playing Bowls, bingo etc.. I hope i have her energy and zest for life when I'm her age!
Bridget had me laughing out loud on many occasions throughout the book with her witty sense of humour and her fun personality.
I think Bridget could have a story just on her own she was such a strong character.
Overall this is a light hearted read that takes a fair while to get your hooks into.
It's about family, drama, relationships, love, romance, new beginnings, humour.
If you enjoy multiple time lines, chick lit reads, a slower paced read that comes into its own the more you read.
Then this is Definetly the book for you.
Plus the cover for Sweet Home Summer is gorgeous I was instantly drawn to it.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
January 13, 2018
Having read and devoured The Traveller’s Daughter by Michelle Vernal last year, I jumped at the chance to read Sweet Home Summer. Now first off, I have to mention that gorgeous cover, it’s absolutely stunning. It’s so summery and just what I needed after the miserable UK winter!
Isla Brookes is in London working when she realises she has had enough. She heads to a retreat in Los Angeles to chill out before returning to her home town of Bibury in New Zealand. Isla moves back in with her grandmother Bridget and she tries to figure out what to do with her life.
I absolutely adored this book, I found a lot of myself in Isla and I could relate to her so much. I recently returned home from a few years in Australia and I fully understood some of the feelings and emotions you feel when coming back to your home country. Nothing changes yet you are completely different after spending time on the other side of the world. Even though I lived in Australia, I knew a lot of people from NZ so some of the terms and phrases Michelle uses I understood. It was such a joy to read a book that is set in NZ, I don’t think I’ve read one yet!
Isla was someone who I felt I could be friends with and I was jealous of the friendship she made with Annie! All of the characters I loved, Bridget was lovely and I loved some of the conversations she has with Isla and Mary. I must admit I did fall for Ben, the handsome mechanic, I always do love a man who works with his hands (ahem, carry on)
I loved the humour that was present throughout the book, at several times I was laughing out loud especially about Mary and her bronzer!
The town of Bibury itself was brilliant, it felt like it’s own character at times and I could really picture what it was like there. The way Michelle described Christchurch as well when Isla first visits as she hasn’t been since that awful earthquake that happened was beautiful.
Anyone who knows me will know I am a sucker for a split timeline story and I was so pleased that Michelle managed to slip in some split timeline. It really added to the plot and explained a few things that happened in Bridget’s past and to an extent explains why she is the way she is.
I really hope we get to visit Bibury again in the future, I adored it and it was just a fabulous joy to be there. If you’re feeling a bit down with this miserable grey hue the UK has during winter, pick up this book and escape to NZ. Absolutely stunning read.
Isla Brookes is in London working when she realises she has had enough. She heads to a retreat in Los Angeles to chill out before returning to her home town of Bibury in New Zealand. Isla moves back in with her grandmother Bridget and she tries to figure out what to do with her life.
I absolutely adored this book, I found a lot of myself in Isla and I could relate to her so much. I recently returned home from a few years in Australia and I fully understood some of the feelings and emotions you feel when coming back to your home country. Nothing changes yet you are completely different after spending time on the other side of the world. Even though I lived in Australia, I knew a lot of people from NZ so some of the terms and phrases Michelle uses I understood. It was such a joy to read a book that is set in NZ, I don’t think I’ve read one yet!
Isla was someone who I felt I could be friends with and I was jealous of the friendship she made with Annie! All of the characters I loved, Bridget was lovely and I loved some of the conversations she has with Isla and Mary. I must admit I did fall for Ben, the handsome mechanic, I always do love a man who works with his hands (ahem, carry on)
I loved the humour that was present throughout the book, at several times I was laughing out loud especially about Mary and her bronzer!
The town of Bibury itself was brilliant, it felt like it’s own character at times and I could really picture what it was like there. The way Michelle described Christchurch as well when Isla first visits as she hasn’t been since that awful earthquake that happened was beautiful.
Anyone who knows me will know I am a sucker for a split timeline story and I was so pleased that Michelle managed to slip in some split timeline. It really added to the plot and explained a few things that happened in Bridget’s past and to an extent explains why she is the way she is.
I really hope we get to visit Bibury again in the future, I adored it and it was just a fabulous joy to be there. If you’re feeling a bit down with this miserable grey hue the UK has during winter, pick up this book and escape to NZ. Absolutely stunning read.
May 21, 2018
This story did take me a while to get into, I got confused over where the character was as she seemed to flit all over the world as the locations changed leaving it feeling a little disjointed, but then it settled just as Isla did and I started to get a feel of what the book was about and where it was heading.
There are a few characters in this book and I loved Bridget and she is such a wonderful sounding woman who made me chuckle on so many occasions. There is a time-slip element to this story as Bridget tells Isla of her life and some of the memories of the 1950's. You really get a good story from Bridget's perspective about the time, history of the town and life.
Once the plot started to make itself known you begin to get an idea of what it is all about. The community makes itself known in various ways as new plans and the way in which it rallies comes into play. I did kind of know where the story was going before I got there but sometimes it's about the journey and I was taken through some really heartwarming moments as family truths and secrets were revealed. Sometimes the past is best left there, other times it really does need to be confronted and accepted.
This is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that takes you through the lives of two women and is a story I would recommend.
There are a few characters in this book and I loved Bridget and she is such a wonderful sounding woman who made me chuckle on so many occasions. There is a time-slip element to this story as Bridget tells Isla of her life and some of the memories of the 1950's. You really get a good story from Bridget's perspective about the time, history of the town and life.
Once the plot started to make itself known you begin to get an idea of what it is all about. The community makes itself known in various ways as new plans and the way in which it rallies comes into play. I did kind of know where the story was going before I got there but sometimes it's about the journey and I was taken through some really heartwarming moments as family truths and secrets were revealed. Sometimes the past is best left there, other times it really does need to be confronted and accepted.
This is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that takes you through the lives of two women and is a story I would recommend.
January 18, 2018
Sweet home summer by Michelle vernal.
Isla brooms has had enough. She is leaving london to stay with her grandmother in bibury.
This was a lovely feel good read. I loved the story and the characters. Couldn't put it down. A must read. 5*
Isla brooms has had enough. She is leaving london to stay with her grandmother in bibury.
This was a lovely feel good read. I loved the story and the characters. Couldn't put it down. A must read. 5*
January 20, 2018
I can't put my finger on it, but I just didn't gel with this book at all. I found it took over half the story before I actually started enjoying it, and from there on was where for me it became a good story.
I think part of it is there are a lot of characters, as there is a focus on Isla and her friends, Bridget her grandmother and her friends, and also the flash backs to Bridgets past with even more characters introduced, plus of course the rest of their family too.
So the elements of the story I did enjoy I can't really specify as they are far enough in that it would be considered spoilers, but I did like the various relationships and the potential relationships that were in the small town of Bibury.
The story that Bridget tells about her past is ultimately tragic but still shocks too, and I did feel for her a bit.
For me though the best character was Carl who just added an extra dimension to any chapter he was in, His friendship with Isla and Annie meant there was a friendship group of six that had a great dynamic to it, and I enjoyed that element of the story.
I really had no idea what to expect from this story, and I can see that there are plenty of people that will love this, especially the look at small town life in New Zealand in the 1950s, with the mining communities , but I think I just read this over a few days where I perhaps was in the mood for something different.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I think part of it is there are a lot of characters, as there is a focus on Isla and her friends, Bridget her grandmother and her friends, and also the flash backs to Bridgets past with even more characters introduced, plus of course the rest of their family too.
So the elements of the story I did enjoy I can't really specify as they are far enough in that it would be considered spoilers, but I did like the various relationships and the potential relationships that were in the small town of Bibury.
The story that Bridget tells about her past is ultimately tragic but still shocks too, and I did feel for her a bit.
For me though the best character was Carl who just added an extra dimension to any chapter he was in, His friendship with Isla and Annie meant there was a friendship group of six that had a great dynamic to it, and I enjoyed that element of the story.
I really had no idea what to expect from this story, and I can see that there are plenty of people that will love this, especially the look at small town life in New Zealand in the 1950s, with the mining communities , but I think I just read this over a few days where I perhaps was in the mood for something different.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 1, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I love the cover for this book, it drew me in and the blurb sounded really good too!
I enjoyed the story but I did find it a little bit confusing at the outset as there were so many characters in the book but the more I read and the further I got in to the story it all clicked for me and started to make sense and it became a really enjoyable book for me.
It is a light hearted read and I have given it four stars - an enjoyable read!
I love the cover for this book, it drew me in and the blurb sounded really good too!
I enjoyed the story but I did find it a little bit confusing at the outset as there were so many characters in the book but the more I read and the further I got in to the story it all clicked for me and started to make sense and it became a really enjoyable book for me.
It is a light hearted read and I have given it four stars - an enjoyable read!
January 13, 2018
I read Michelle’s previous book The Travellers Daughter and thoroughly enjoyed it, so was looking forward to reading her new one and I have to say it didn’t disappoint. I loved Islas story and couldn’t wait to get home from work and carry on reading to find out what happened next. Five stars.
January 15, 2018
A lovely feel good book. This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved her writing style.
After a long term relationship ends and a short therapy retreat in L.A. Isla leaves London and heads back home to a small rural town in New Zealand.
Isla stays with her grandmother and she tries to restart her life again. Meeting up with old friends and making new friends helps Isla to start making new plans.
A chance discovery in her grandmother's house of old Valentine's cards and love letters, she decides to hatch a plan to bring couples together: a matchmaker arrives at her door.
Will she find a new love interest?
Her childhood sweetheart Ben has moved on but Isla still has regrets.
Will everyone live happily ever after?
A great and easy book to read.
After a long term relationship ends and a short therapy retreat in L.A. Isla leaves London and heads back home to a small rural town in New Zealand.
Isla stays with her grandmother and she tries to restart her life again. Meeting up with old friends and making new friends helps Isla to start making new plans.
A chance discovery in her grandmother's house of old Valentine's cards and love letters, she decides to hatch a plan to bring couples together: a matchmaker arrives at her door.
Will she find a new love interest?
Her childhood sweetheart Ben has moved on but Isla still has regrets.
Will everyone live happily ever after?
A great and easy book to read.
February 8, 2018
Really enjoyed this story about Isla and Bridget, granddaughter and grandmother and second chances. When Isla breaks up with her awful ex, the toad, she decides, after a quick break away, to move back home to Biland, where she grew up. But also back home is the boy she left, although no one knows why, and her grandmother who has some secrets of her own she can never tell...or can she?
January 14, 2018
What I like about this author is her originality. I preferred this story to 'The Traveller's Daughter', possibly because the author of the historical element in the story was still alive and you could see the possibility of a happy ending for her. The story is well paced. The present interspersed with short flashbacks to an earlier time.
I also enjoyed the mystical element of 'the matchmaker'.
An unusual, heartwarming romance, which illustrates what's essential in life and emphasises that the path to true love is often convoluted and painful.
The characters are well-developed and give the reader a flavour of small-town life in New Zealand. An engaging plot, often poignant with interesting twists.
The perfect story, if you enjoy family, small-town romantic fiction with a unique setting and original plot.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I also enjoyed the mystical element of 'the matchmaker'.
An unusual, heartwarming romance, which illustrates what's essential in life and emphasises that the path to true love is often convoluted and painful.
The characters are well-developed and give the reader a flavour of small-town life in New Zealand. An engaging plot, often poignant with interesting twists.
The perfect story, if you enjoy family, small-town romantic fiction with a unique setting and original plot.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2018
Michelle Vernal has done a great job with this simple tale of life in small town NZ.
Transport yourself to the West Coast of the South Island where time seems to slow down. Where communities are tightly knit and old values still remain. ( I know I have been there and seen it for myself). It is a heartwarming tale that I devoured in one sitting on a long haul flight.
It is a well written, feel good book with characters you can relate to.
Transport yourself to the West Coast of the South Island where time seems to slow down. Where communities are tightly knit and old values still remain. ( I know I have been there and seen it for myself). It is a heartwarming tale that I devoured in one sitting on a long haul flight.
It is a well written, feel good book with characters you can relate to.
January 12, 2018
An engaging and heartwarming tale about finding yourself again. Isla returns to her roots in Bibury, New Zealand, after a failed relationship in London and a short spell in a Californian counselling haven. Life starts to look up as she begins to become part of the community again and joins in the planning of a fund raising ‘matchmaking’ event to renovate the local village (for want of a better word!) hall.
This is a lovely little story. It’s nicely written and flows along. It’s quite humorous, it definitely had me chuckling a few times. There are some well drawn and vivid characters. I particularly liked Bridget who seemed to have everyone else’s interests at heart, whilst keeping her own secrets and conundrums very cloak and dagger! The ‘matchmaker’ is an interesting idea and I thought this added a bit of magic.
A light-hearted and easy read which I enjoyed.
This is a lovely little story. It’s nicely written and flows along. It’s quite humorous, it definitely had me chuckling a few times. There are some well drawn and vivid characters. I particularly liked Bridget who seemed to have everyone else’s interests at heart, whilst keeping her own secrets and conundrums very cloak and dagger! The ‘matchmaker’ is an interesting idea and I thought this added a bit of magic.
A light-hearted and easy read which I enjoyed.
January 15, 2018
I have been trying to read this book over the last week or so but am finding it’s not keeping my attention, so have given up trying to finish it. I think for me it took too long to get into the story.
January 12, 2018
This is a fun read, with plenty of interesting characters. I could relate to many of the family dynamics. Isla goes home, a different person than when she left. She has to make a new place for herself, both physically and emotionally. I felt like I knew the characters personally, by the end.
January 12, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this Kiwi-based story by Michelle Vernal, an author who seems to have a lovely knack for storytelling. This is the second book by this author I have read and I am looking forward to reading more novels by her.
Isla left small-town New Zealand life behind her and escaped to the very big smoke of London, 10 years ago. In the process she left all of her family and friends behind, including her first love, Ben. After so long though, she is burnt out and escapes to California to "find herself". She then makes her way back to Bibury and back to the people who love her. If I say any more, I am worried that I am going to give away the whole plot....so I will stop here! Needless to say, this is a clever and charming book.
This is truly a delightful story which so many people can no doubt relate to. The fact that it is set in New Zealand, one of my favourite places in the world, adds to its charms. So many threads in this family and community and one by one, the author ties them up in a really clever and lovely way.
This is a 4.5 star book. Highly recommended :)
Isla left small-town New Zealand life behind her and escaped to the very big smoke of London, 10 years ago. In the process she left all of her family and friends behind, including her first love, Ben. After so long though, she is burnt out and escapes to California to "find herself". She then makes her way back to Bibury and back to the people who love her. If I say any more, I am worried that I am going to give away the whole plot....so I will stop here! Needless to say, this is a clever and charming book.
This is truly a delightful story which so many people can no doubt relate to. The fact that it is set in New Zealand, one of my favourite places in the world, adds to its charms. So many threads in this family and community and one by one, the author ties them up in a really clever and lovely way.
This is a 4.5 star book. Highly recommended :)
January 15, 2018
Tired of both her work-life and her boyfriend, Isla leaves London to go back to Bibury, the small town in New Zealand where she grew up. Living with her grandmother Bridget, Isla has to figure out what to do with her life and her feelings for her first love Ben, who still lives in Bibury. In the meantime, Bridget receives letters from her own first love, Charlie, that bring back painful memories from her past.
The novel is romantic and well-written but it didn’t really captivate me and I found the characters not completely engaging. What kept me reading was the alternation between the past and the present that created a few twists. All in all, this is an easy-read with a few love triangles that will entertain you.
The novel is romantic and well-written but it didn’t really captivate me and I found the characters not completely engaging. What kept me reading was the alternation between the past and the present that created a few twists. All in all, this is an easy-read with a few love triangles that will entertain you.
March 26, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
According to Isla, staying in the same town as her mother and grandmother is beneath her. She wanted more in her life and felt that the only way she was going to get that, was to move to the other side of the world. However, due to spending a lot of time running away from herself and her family, Isla finally realises that she won't ever find herself again unless she slows down and appreciates life for what it is. Plus, I think therapy in California may have swayed her decision as well.
I love the concept of this book, especially as a lot of readers may relate to the 'losing yourself and finding yourself' theme to the book. What I did struggle with however, was the pace. It took me a very long time to find something in the storyline to hold onto. Instead of the pace being upped and the grit being entwined into the book, there seemed to be a constant addition of brand new characters and, whilst I usually don't mind meeting new people in books, if the pace isn't there to go with the new characters, I find myself becoming incredibly confused and forgetting who is who.
That said, the real star of the 'show' was Isla's gran. Her humour was on point, with the romantic element to her lifestyle becoming more evident as the storyline progressed. I actually think Gran needs to come back in a sequel as I feel that there is a lot more to her personality, with us only seeing the tip of the iceberg in 'Sweet Home Summer'.
Once I had gotten into the storyline, I did end up enjoying it, laughing along with several of the characters. Personally, I think that the overall concept of this book is brilliant, with the underlying message being one to take notice of, but I just think that it could be a little more defined in its delivery. Hopefully there will be a sequel so that we can find out what happens next with Isla and Gran!
According to Isla, staying in the same town as her mother and grandmother is beneath her. She wanted more in her life and felt that the only way she was going to get that, was to move to the other side of the world. However, due to spending a lot of time running away from herself and her family, Isla finally realises that she won't ever find herself again unless she slows down and appreciates life for what it is. Plus, I think therapy in California may have swayed her decision as well.
I love the concept of this book, especially as a lot of readers may relate to the 'losing yourself and finding yourself' theme to the book. What I did struggle with however, was the pace. It took me a very long time to find something in the storyline to hold onto. Instead of the pace being upped and the grit being entwined into the book, there seemed to be a constant addition of brand new characters and, whilst I usually don't mind meeting new people in books, if the pace isn't there to go with the new characters, I find myself becoming incredibly confused and forgetting who is who.
That said, the real star of the 'show' was Isla's gran. Her humour was on point, with the romantic element to her lifestyle becoming more evident as the storyline progressed. I actually think Gran needs to come back in a sequel as I feel that there is a lot more to her personality, with us only seeing the tip of the iceberg in 'Sweet Home Summer'.
Once I had gotten into the storyline, I did end up enjoying it, laughing along with several of the characters. Personally, I think that the overall concept of this book is brilliant, with the underlying message being one to take notice of, but I just think that it could be a little more defined in its delivery. Hopefully there will be a sequel so that we can find out what happens next with Isla and Gran!
April 1, 2018
What a delightful read! It’s been quite a while since I have read such a charming and heartwarming read!
After a decade away from her small town of Bibury in New Zealand, Isla finds herself back home after a career burnout in London and breaking up with her boyfriend. She isn’t sure what her purpose is anymore, but she is hoping she finds it again now that she is living with her grandmother, Bridget, again. Little do these two wonderful women realize they will help each other find their way again and possibly their HEAs.
I LOVED everything about this book. It really was two love stories ….Isla and Bridget. They really helped one another learn to enjoy life again, not just living day to day never seeing the joy each day. Both were truly remarkable women.
Kudos to Vernal on the aging process. It is something none of us can escape, and our physical bodies show it, but most of us never feel old inside. She proves that age really is a state of mind, and Bridget beautifully exemplifies that!
I loved the other aspects of the book. There is the backstory of Bridget’s romance as a young girl which is shown in flashbacks. It also shows Bridget’s love for her friend who died way too young. Through those stories, Vernal gave me the history of the town which really made me feel like I was a part of the story.
Isla loves her grandmother as much as her grandmother loves her. She takes a chance righting a wrong that could possibly give Bridget the happiness that has always eluded her. In the process, Isla finds her second chance a romance as well.
When I read the synopsis, I knew I would love this book. But, Vernal far exceeded my expectations. It has a little something for everyone…family, friendships, hope, a wee bit of a mystery, and of course, romance. Do yourself a favor and travel to the town of Bibury to get to know the people there. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
After a decade away from her small town of Bibury in New Zealand, Isla finds herself back home after a career burnout in London and breaking up with her boyfriend. She isn’t sure what her purpose is anymore, but she is hoping she finds it again now that she is living with her grandmother, Bridget, again. Little do these two wonderful women realize they will help each other find their way again and possibly their HEAs.
I LOVED everything about this book. It really was two love stories ….Isla and Bridget. They really helped one another learn to enjoy life again, not just living day to day never seeing the joy each day. Both were truly remarkable women.
Kudos to Vernal on the aging process. It is something none of us can escape, and our physical bodies show it, but most of us never feel old inside. She proves that age really is a state of mind, and Bridget beautifully exemplifies that!
I loved the other aspects of the book. There is the backstory of Bridget’s romance as a young girl which is shown in flashbacks. It also shows Bridget’s love for her friend who died way too young. Through those stories, Vernal gave me the history of the town which really made me feel like I was a part of the story.
Isla loves her grandmother as much as her grandmother loves her. She takes a chance righting a wrong that could possibly give Bridget the happiness that has always eluded her. In the process, Isla finds her second chance a romance as well.
When I read the synopsis, I knew I would love this book. But, Vernal far exceeded my expectations. It has a little something for everyone…family, friendships, hope, a wee bit of a mystery, and of course, romance. Do yourself a favor and travel to the town of Bibury to get to know the people there. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
March 30, 2018
It actually took me a long time to get into this book, I don’t know what it was exactly but I found that for the first part of the book I was waiting for things to get going. I mean there is plenty happening but for some reason it didn’t quite capture my interest the way I thought it would in the beginning.
However, once I got past the halfway point things seemed to click and I felt a lot more involved in what was going on. I felt like I whizzed through the last bit and really enjoyed it.
I liked all the characters in this book but the one that really stood out was Bridget, she’s been through a lot but has such a can-do attitude and always seems to have a club or meeting to go to. I laughed at some of the words she mispronounced or misheard. Getting to see a little of her childhood was interesting as well and I liked how it revealed a different side to her.
Of course Isla was lovely too and I was rooting for her and Ben from the start but actually her relationship with Annie was the hidden gem, I loved how they were together and how they supported each other.
The setting of Bibury was brilliant, I love the small town dynamic in this book and the fact that it is a coal mining town with lots of history really added to the atmosphere. I won’t say too much about it but was really looking forward to seeing what trouble would be caused by the matchmaker festival.
Whilst it was a bit of a slow start for me, I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book, it’s a very light and fun way of exploring complex relationships and the writing flows, I would recommend it.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
However, once I got past the halfway point things seemed to click and I felt a lot more involved in what was going on. I felt like I whizzed through the last bit and really enjoyed it.
I liked all the characters in this book but the one that really stood out was Bridget, she’s been through a lot but has such a can-do attitude and always seems to have a club or meeting to go to. I laughed at some of the words she mispronounced or misheard. Getting to see a little of her childhood was interesting as well and I liked how it revealed a different side to her.
Of course Isla was lovely too and I was rooting for her and Ben from the start but actually her relationship with Annie was the hidden gem, I loved how they were together and how they supported each other.
The setting of Bibury was brilliant, I love the small town dynamic in this book and the fact that it is a coal mining town with lots of history really added to the atmosphere. I won’t say too much about it but was really looking forward to seeing what trouble would be caused by the matchmaker festival.
Whilst it was a bit of a slow start for me, I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book, it’s a very light and fun way of exploring complex relationships and the writing flows, I would recommend it.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
March 27, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by Michelle Vernal and I have to say I loved it! The cheerful cover enticed me away from the miserable March weather we have been having in the UK, and I was transported to the small town of Bibury in New Zealand.
Isla returns to the familiar town where time stands still and the home of her grandmother Bridget. We also meet Mary and Joe, Isla's parents and also residents of Bibury. Mary works as a Revlon consultant and sports a fetching orange tan which makes Bridget think of Oompa Loompas whenever she sees her. Her father Joe has a heart of gold and spends his spare time renovating his beloved Harley Davidson.
However, it is grandmother Bridget who I really connected with and I loved the time lapses back to when she was a young girl. Bridget understands her granddaughter's wanderlust and they have a special stubbornness in common, 'like peas in a pod'.
A warm, witty read with captivating characters, interesting location and a storyline which flowed effortlessly.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley and Michelle Vernal for organising the tour and supplying me with a copy of Sweet Home Summer in exchange for an honest review,
Isla returns to the familiar town where time stands still and the home of her grandmother Bridget. We also meet Mary and Joe, Isla's parents and also residents of Bibury. Mary works as a Revlon consultant and sports a fetching orange tan which makes Bridget think of Oompa Loompas whenever she sees her. Her father Joe has a heart of gold and spends his spare time renovating his beloved Harley Davidson.
However, it is grandmother Bridget who I really connected with and I loved the time lapses back to when she was a young girl. Bridget understands her granddaughter's wanderlust and they have a special stubbornness in common, 'like peas in a pod'.
A warm, witty read with captivating characters, interesting location and a storyline which flowed effortlessly.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley and Michelle Vernal for organising the tour and supplying me with a copy of Sweet Home Summer in exchange for an honest review,
April 1, 2018
A warm, happy read which will leave you feeling good; this is a truly enjoyable story.
Isla Brookes couldn’t wait to escape the small New Zealand town of Bibury and spread her wings in the big wide world. Having gained qualifications in Christchurch, she then spent several years living in London, enjoying city living and the rewards of her career. Following the end of a very unhealthy relationship, Isla takes time out and heads to a Californian Retreat to lick her wounds and recover her equilibrium. Realising that she wasn’t getting the satisfaction she should be from her high flying life, she decides to return home to the bosom of her family and see where life takes her next.
This is a beautiful story, well told. Not only do we catch up with Isla’s earlier life we also are party to a bit of a mystery involving her grandmother, Bridget. With brief flashbacks to her teenage years we discover the memories which haunt her. Captivating and with plenty going on, this is a novel I’m very happy to have chosen to read. If you enjoy a easy-going book packed with detail, then this is one I’m happy to recommend. A perfect read for this summer!
My thanks to publishers Harper Impulse for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Isla Brookes couldn’t wait to escape the small New Zealand town of Bibury and spread her wings in the big wide world. Having gained qualifications in Christchurch, she then spent several years living in London, enjoying city living and the rewards of her career. Following the end of a very unhealthy relationship, Isla takes time out and heads to a Californian Retreat to lick her wounds and recover her equilibrium. Realising that she wasn’t getting the satisfaction she should be from her high flying life, she decides to return home to the bosom of her family and see where life takes her next.
This is a beautiful story, well told. Not only do we catch up with Isla’s earlier life we also are party to a bit of a mystery involving her grandmother, Bridget. With brief flashbacks to her teenage years we discover the memories which haunt her. Captivating and with plenty going on, this is a novel I’m very happy to have chosen to read. If you enjoy a easy-going book packed with detail, then this is one I’m happy to recommend. A perfect read for this summer!
My thanks to publishers Harper Impulse for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
February 19, 2018
Isla is back home in New Zealand having left her job and taken time in California on the way. She is living with her grandmother which does them both a favour as the elderly lady fell a while ago and no one was around. At times Isla remembers her past life and loves and time at a sanctuary along the way. Her old flame Ben has a new girlfriend and she thinks about what could have been. She begins to put down roots and life begins to flourish. (I did have to look up what a Neenish slice was, mind!). A story of life, of chances and of making the most of what we have around us and maybe don’t always appreciate. I took to Isla although it did take me a few chapters to get into this book. Once I did it was a cozy read with a smile along the way that I thoroughly enjoyed.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
February 4, 2018
This book took a while to get going for me but I loved it once it did. Don't often read a book set in New Zealand and it made a change. An interesting mix of characters - lived Gran. Makes me think there should be a sequel as I would live to know what happens to Isla and Ben and of course what happens with Geans relationship with Charlie. Thank you to TBC and to the author for the chance to read this title in exchange for a honest review.
August 25, 2020
Purchase Sweet Home Summer here for just $8!
Isla is burnt out in London and decides to upend her life and move back to New Zealand to live with her grandmother. A stunning discovery from her past will make her realise what's truly important. You will be planning a trip to NZ right after reading this sweet novel.
Elisa - The Book Grocer
Isla is burnt out in London and decides to upend her life and move back to New Zealand to live with her grandmother. A stunning discovery from her past will make her realise what's truly important. You will be planning a trip to NZ right after reading this sweet novel.
Elisa - The Book Grocer
November 25, 2019
Sweet Home Summer
A real fun read, Michelle Vernal captures you right from the beginning of this wonderful book, family, friends, and small town life and the loves of many folks. I really enjoyed her book and feel you will too, another winner or her.
A real fun read, Michelle Vernal captures you right from the beginning of this wonderful book, family, friends, and small town life and the loves of many folks. I really enjoyed her book and feel you will too, another winner or her.
March 26, 2020
Sweet Home Summer
Love reading stories by this author. This has been my favorite so far. Her books always have a happy ending. The reader doesn't have to think any deeper than the story itself. Easy to read. I can't wait to read the next one.
Love reading stories by this author. This has been my favorite so far. Her books always have a happy ending. The reader doesn't have to think any deeper than the story itself. Easy to read. I can't wait to read the next one.
October 23, 2021
A lovely warm read
I have read other books by Michelle Vernal and enjoyed those. This is a lovely book that gives you a warm feeling as you read it. Just what you need with a coffee or a wine.
I have read other books by Michelle Vernal and enjoyed those. This is a lovely book that gives you a warm feeling as you read it. Just what you need with a coffee or a wine.
September 3, 2025
Good read!
This is a nice story, but very much lacking in good punctuation and other proofing errors. I won’t be reading more from this author because I won’t put up with this in a book I have to pay for.
This is a nice story, but very much lacking in good punctuation and other proofing errors. I won’t be reading more from this author because I won’t put up with this in a book I have to pay for.
December 7, 2025
This was a lovely story and it was so nice to read something set so close to home. The West Coast is such a familiar setting and there are so many clever nods to the Kiwi way of life.
The twist at the end had my jaw dropped!!
Overall a wondeful book.
The twist at the end had my jaw dropped!!
Overall a wondeful book.
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