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A Summer of New Beginnings
Meet Zara Bailey, a travel writer paid to cover some of the globe's most luxurious locations. Jetting from wooden huts on stilts in turquoise seas to boutique hotels with roaring fires to 7* penthouse suites with panoramic views of the world's most glamorous cities... Zara knows hers is the definition of a dream job!
So she is seriously shocked to receive her next assignment; Scotland's Northcoast 500 route. By bicycle. Sleeping in a tent so basic it can't remotely be dressed up glamping!
But this could be just the distraction the recently heartbroken, Zara needs. No men, no romance, just the breathtakingly rugged Highland scenery. Until she meets croft owner Lachlan Grant, and his black and white Border Collie Bess, that is...
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 13, 2019
YES, YES,YES, YES a big YES for this book!!!!! 5 stars out of 5 for me, this is the best book I have read for several months now! It's funny because I was a bit reluctant to read it, I thought it was going to be a bit boring... but I decided to give it a try and ohhh I was so right! This book is so well written, it is so intelligent and full of events. Also don't be fooled by the cover. When you look at the cover you might think the story will take place in some place very warm and exotic. It mostly take place in the Scottish highlands and in London. I absolutely loved travelling by bike through the Scottish highlands with Zara and meet the lovely Lachy. I also loved to read about her tumultuous love life. This book was perfect in all aspects and it was perfect from first page to last page! I can't wait to discover more books from Lisa Hobman!!!!
March 16, 2019
This was more like the summer of sweet beginnings of love and happiness. Zara is in a relationship with Josh and has been told by her boss to cycle down the NC500 in Scotland and come up with an excellent travel article about her experiences. She meets Lachlan thrice, kind of falls for him, and comes back to London to routine life, but a part if her is still in Scotland. Till a love story happens...
The author has written a fabulous piece of story, a love story of Lachlan and Zara set in Scotland. I loved the fact that it was not all honky-dory, all goodness with the path to the heart paved smoothly. There were roadblocks, misunderstandings, along with the long distance. But the HEA was soon seen followed by massive successes. Lachlan was the sweetest, both kind and so very understanding. Every woman would want a Lachlan in her life!!
And then came my niggles, Zara was difficult to like, she was nice, but I found her too judgmental. I did understand she was a travel journalist, but she didn't really read between the lines to get to the truth unless knocked into her.
The beginning was slow for me, once I got into the rhythm this book had, it was smooth cycling for me...
Overall a fun read!!
The author has written a fabulous piece of story, a love story of Lachlan and Zara set in Scotland. I loved the fact that it was not all honky-dory, all goodness with the path to the heart paved smoothly. There were roadblocks, misunderstandings, along with the long distance. But the HEA was soon seen followed by massive successes. Lachlan was the sweetest, both kind and so very understanding. Every woman would want a Lachlan in her life!!
And then came my niggles, Zara was difficult to like, she was nice, but I found her too judgmental. I did understand she was a travel journalist, but she didn't really read between the lines to get to the truth unless knocked into her.
The beginning was slow for me, once I got into the rhythm this book had, it was smooth cycling for me...
Overall a fun read!!
April 4, 2024
2.5/5. I enjoyed the travel part around Scotland. Makes me want to go there even more and I definitely want to do the North Coast 500 road trip. I hated the romance drama. Zara had grown so much during her journey only to regress completely when she got back. I was frustrated that she wasted time and the author wasted so many pages on the wrong guy. The final reunion with Mr Right came the day after she was lovey-dovey with the other bloke. if the latter's deceit was not brought to light, she would not have sought out the former again. And then there's Lachlan breaching her privacy and infringing on her work without her consent not once, not twice but thrice.
Rounded up for the Scottish scenery although I did not appreciate the book inserting the annoying "I'm Gonna be (500 Miles)" (The Proclaimers) in my head.
Enjoyable narration.
Rounded up for the Scottish scenery although I did not appreciate the book inserting the annoying "I'm Gonna be (500 Miles)" (The Proclaimers) in my head.
Enjoyable narration.
February 19, 2019
3 Stars
ARC provided by Aria via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I usually pick out a Chicklit to read for Valentine’s Day. A Summer of New Beginnings caught my eye because of the travel aspect of the story. A little vicarious armchair travel and a sweet romance sounded like just the thing I wanted.
The story starts with luxury travel writer, Zara Bailey, being given a surprise assignment of biking the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Far more used to swanky hotels and room service, Zara is not at all excited to rough it on a biking/camping trip. (This told me right away that Zara and I were not destined to be friends, because I think that sounds like an amazing trip, and her whining about it was excessive.) Not surprisingly, the trip ends up being different than she expects and before long she starts thinking that perhaps this trip might change her life in more ways than one.
The story does have a slow start. There is quite a bit of set up before she heads out on the trip. I was much more invested once the trip started, and I have to admit that that was my favorite aspect of this book. I adore traveling both in real life and vicariously. Scotland was already on my bucket list, but after reading this, I think the North Coast 500 will be bumped up the list! Hobman does an excellent job of describing the landscape and atmosphere of the area. So as a travel brochure, this gets five stars! Unfortunately, there were other aspects of the story that were nowhere near as satisfying.
The writing tends to tell instead of show. Certainly, as I mentioned, the descriptions of the scenery were charming. No, it was the character interaction that was spelled out mechanically instead of letting the reader infer emotion organically. And that really hindered the character development and the romance. Nearly every emotion was spelled out rather than shown – whether it was two people being attracted to each other or feeling annoyed or angry or any emotion really.
The romance was ok but not nearly as cute as I was hoping. As I mentioned, the habit of listing out the characters’ emotions instead of showing them really hindered my belief in their relationship being genuine. There were no butterflies, and the chemistry felt very low. It had its cute moments for sure. But particularly since I read this on Valentine’s, I wanted something more romantic. Even more so than the writing style, my enjoyment of this story was largely hampered because it involves a love triangle and cheating. That’s a personal hang-up, but nevertheless it affected my enjoyment of the story.
I was also extremely frustrated with Zara’s actions in the last quarter of the story. Without getting into spoilers, I felt that part of the story negated the any message of self-discovery and self-reliance as well as completely undermining my belief in the romance. It made all that talk about her being a “strong, independent woman” ring false.
As I read on, my rating fell from four stars to three and a half to only three. That last decrease was because there were far, far too many convenient coincidences in the last part of the plot. I was fine with the initial coincidences involved in the Meet-Cute, but that ending had waaaaaay too many coincidences!
A Summer of New Beginnings was a cute story overall, but it didn’t live up to my expectations. The part I enjoyed most was definitely the travel descriptions. But I really wanted more from the romance.
Oh, you should also expect that Proclaimer’s song to get stuck in your head while reading this!
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
ARC provided by Aria via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I usually pick out a Chicklit to read for Valentine’s Day. A Summer of New Beginnings caught my eye because of the travel aspect of the story. A little vicarious armchair travel and a sweet romance sounded like just the thing I wanted.
The story starts with luxury travel writer, Zara Bailey, being given a surprise assignment of biking the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Far more used to swanky hotels and room service, Zara is not at all excited to rough it on a biking/camping trip. (This told me right away that Zara and I were not destined to be friends, because I think that sounds like an amazing trip, and her whining about it was excessive.) Not surprisingly, the trip ends up being different than she expects and before long she starts thinking that perhaps this trip might change her life in more ways than one.
The story does have a slow start. There is quite a bit of set up before she heads out on the trip. I was much more invested once the trip started, and I have to admit that that was my favorite aspect of this book. I adore traveling both in real life and vicariously. Scotland was already on my bucket list, but after reading this, I think the North Coast 500 will be bumped up the list! Hobman does an excellent job of describing the landscape and atmosphere of the area. So as a travel brochure, this gets five stars! Unfortunately, there were other aspects of the story that were nowhere near as satisfying.
The writing tends to tell instead of show. Certainly, as I mentioned, the descriptions of the scenery were charming. No, it was the character interaction that was spelled out mechanically instead of letting the reader infer emotion organically. And that really hindered the character development and the romance. Nearly every emotion was spelled out rather than shown – whether it was two people being attracted to each other or feeling annoyed or angry or any emotion really.
The romance was ok but not nearly as cute as I was hoping. As I mentioned, the habit of listing out the characters’ emotions instead of showing them really hindered my belief in their relationship being genuine. There were no butterflies, and the chemistry felt very low. It had its cute moments for sure. But particularly since I read this on Valentine’s, I wanted something more romantic. Even more so than the writing style, my enjoyment of this story was largely hampered because it involves a love triangle and cheating. That’s a personal hang-up, but nevertheless it affected my enjoyment of the story.
I was also extremely frustrated with Zara’s actions in the last quarter of the story. Without getting into spoilers, I felt that part of the story negated the any message of self-discovery and self-reliance as well as completely undermining my belief in the romance. It made all that talk about her being a “strong, independent woman” ring false.
As I read on, my rating fell from four stars to three and a half to only three. That last decrease was because there were far, far too many convenient coincidences in the last part of the plot. I was fine with the initial coincidences involved in the Meet-Cute, but that ending had waaaaaay too many coincidences!
A Summer of New Beginnings was a cute story overall, but it didn’t live up to my expectations. The part I enjoyed most was definitely the travel descriptions. But I really wanted more from the romance.
Oh, you should also expect that Proclaimer’s song to get stuck in your head while reading this!
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
February 3, 2019
A stunning setting for a stunning story! The synopsis and cover pulled me in from the outset and it truly didn't disappoint - so incredibly romantic!
Zara Bailey is a travel magazine writer, usually travelling to far-flung, exotic locations and staying in luxurious resorts however the magazine editor is let down by a fellow reporter and Zara ends up having to cycle the Northcoast 500 route in Scotland, which in case you haven't guessed is 500 miles!
I thought I might have to suspend disbelieve a little at this storyline but actually it flowed really well and was more believable than I expected as it was clear she did have a hard time along the way. Just prior to setting off she broke up with her cheating, waste of space boyfriend, Josh, so it was perfect timing to clear her head with some idyllic scenery and fresh air.
Zara ends up enjoying the journey more than expected and meets the rather delectable Lachlan Grant, a croft-owner, en route. Zara is confused about her feelings that may remain for Josh mixed in with fresh lust for Lachlan (who has an adorable collie Bess). But could it be more than simple lust?
I thought the book would be solely on her cycle ride so was pleasantly surprised that this only took up about half of the book and there was a lot more to the story after that, I shan't add any more spoilers but suffice to say it is well worth a read. In typical romance style the will they/won't they question was always lodged in there but the writing of their relationship and separate heartaches was superb and kept me on tenterhooks racing to the end.
I have been fortunate to travel around much of Mediterranean Europe but now have a dog who is very much my family so will not travel without her which means we are kept to UK holidays. I am a firm believer that our beautiful countries are just as stunning as anywhere else in the world and reading about the Scottish Highlands hit home how astonishingly true this was as the descriptions transported me right there with the luscious detail. What an incredible setting, it would surely grab anyone's heart.
I confess to having tears pricking at my eyes over the closing chapters, it truly was a romantic, soaring read that I simply adored.
My many thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Zara Bailey is a travel magazine writer, usually travelling to far-flung, exotic locations and staying in luxurious resorts however the magazine editor is let down by a fellow reporter and Zara ends up having to cycle the Northcoast 500 route in Scotland, which in case you haven't guessed is 500 miles!
I thought I might have to suspend disbelieve a little at this storyline but actually it flowed really well and was more believable than I expected as it was clear she did have a hard time along the way. Just prior to setting off she broke up with her cheating, waste of space boyfriend, Josh, so it was perfect timing to clear her head with some idyllic scenery and fresh air.
Zara ends up enjoying the journey more than expected and meets the rather delectable Lachlan Grant, a croft-owner, en route. Zara is confused about her feelings that may remain for Josh mixed in with fresh lust for Lachlan (who has an adorable collie Bess). But could it be more than simple lust?
I thought the book would be solely on her cycle ride so was pleasantly surprised that this only took up about half of the book and there was a lot more to the story after that, I shan't add any more spoilers but suffice to say it is well worth a read. In typical romance style the will they/won't they question was always lodged in there but the writing of their relationship and separate heartaches was superb and kept me on tenterhooks racing to the end.
I have been fortunate to travel around much of Mediterranean Europe but now have a dog who is very much my family so will not travel without her which means we are kept to UK holidays. I am a firm believer that our beautiful countries are just as stunning as anywhere else in the world and reading about the Scottish Highlands hit home how astonishingly true this was as the descriptions transported me right there with the luscious detail. What an incredible setting, it would surely grab anyone's heart.
I confess to having tears pricking at my eyes over the closing chapters, it truly was a romantic, soaring read that I simply adored.
My many thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2020
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Lisa Hobman, for allowing me to read and give my honest review on the arc of “A Summer of New Beginnings.” The following is my true and honest review.
Loved the main setting of Scotland. The author wrote so realistically about Scotland, I thought I was back there on a visit.
The main character, Zara Bailey, has a wonderful, ordinary life going on when she is asked to do something completely out of her comfort zone. What follows is a romantic, heartwarming and humorous story that I really enjoyed.
I definitely recommend “A Summer of New Beginnings” and the writing style of the author is enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from Lisa Hobman.
Loved the main setting of Scotland. The author wrote so realistically about Scotland, I thought I was back there on a visit.
The main character, Zara Bailey, has a wonderful, ordinary life going on when she is asked to do something completely out of her comfort zone. What follows is a romantic, heartwarming and humorous story that I really enjoyed.
I definitely recommend “A Summer of New Beginnings” and the writing style of the author is enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from Lisa Hobman.
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February 22, 2019The Blurb :
Meet Zara Bailey, a travel writer paid to cover some of the globe's most luxurious locations. Jetting from wooden huts on stilts in turquoise seas to boutique hotels with roaring fires to 7* penthouse suites with panoramic views of the world's most glamorous cities... Zara knows hers is the definition of a dream job!
So she is seriously shocked to receive her next assignment; Scotland's Northcoast 500 route. By bicycle. Sleeping in a tent so basic it can't remotely be dressed up glamping!
But this could be just the distraction the recently heartbroken, Zara needs. No men, no romance, just the breathtakingly rugged Highland scenery. Until she meets croft owner Lachlan Grant, and his black and white Border Collie Bess, that is...
My Thoughts :
Meet Zara Bailey, Zara has the most amazing job of being a Travel writer for a magazine. She gets to travel to the most beautiful locations and stay in some luxurious hotels.
When she is posted to Scotland for her next assignment after standing in for her collegue Dillionnthat ara is far from pleased to discover she is going to be staying in a tent and doing the 500 route, yes 500 miles by bicycle.
I wasnt too sure on reading the blurb, but this turned into a wonderful story with many adventures along the way.
Zara gets involved in a lot of cycling and camping adventures and this story has an array of wonderful characters. Most of all we meet Lachlan Grant, who proves to be a delight in Zara’s experience after spliting up with cheating ex boyfriend Josh. Can Zara let the past go and allow a breath of fresh air into her life again.
This story is full of descriptions of the Scottish scenery and surroundings that we get to experience in Zara’s trip and makes you feel you can be right there in the centre of things.
Great work once again from Lisa Hobman, looking forward to the next release.
Meet Zara Bailey, a travel writer paid to cover some of the globe's most luxurious locations. Jetting from wooden huts on stilts in turquoise seas to boutique hotels with roaring fires to 7* penthouse suites with panoramic views of the world's most glamorous cities... Zara knows hers is the definition of a dream job!
So she is seriously shocked to receive her next assignment; Scotland's Northcoast 500 route. By bicycle. Sleeping in a tent so basic it can't remotely be dressed up glamping!
But this could be just the distraction the recently heartbroken, Zara needs. No men, no romance, just the breathtakingly rugged Highland scenery. Until she meets croft owner Lachlan Grant, and his black and white Border Collie Bess, that is...
My Thoughts :
Meet Zara Bailey, Zara has the most amazing job of being a Travel writer for a magazine. She gets to travel to the most beautiful locations and stay in some luxurious hotels.
When she is posted to Scotland for her next assignment after standing in for her collegue Dillionnthat ara is far from pleased to discover she is going to be staying in a tent and doing the 500 route, yes 500 miles by bicycle.
I wasnt too sure on reading the blurb, but this turned into a wonderful story with many adventures along the way.
Zara gets involved in a lot of cycling and camping adventures and this story has an array of wonderful characters. Most of all we meet Lachlan Grant, who proves to be a delight in Zara’s experience after spliting up with cheating ex boyfriend Josh. Can Zara let the past go and allow a breath of fresh air into her life again.
This story is full of descriptions of the Scottish scenery and surroundings that we get to experience in Zara’s trip and makes you feel you can be right there in the centre of things.
Great work once again from Lisa Hobman, looking forward to the next release.
September 9, 2025
A Summer of New Beginnings
4✨
4✨
February 20, 2019
Three stars: A book with a delightful travel section, but the romance and drama didn’t work for me.
Zara Bailey has a great thing going on. As a travel writer, she gets to visit some luxurious locations. Plus, her relationship with Josh is going well. Just when everything is smashing, the rug is pulled out from under her. Zara’s boss informs her that since their other travel correspondent gave notice, she must cycle the Scotland Northcoast 500. Zara is not a camping type girl, but she acquiesces knowing that the magazine really needs her to do this article. Then right before she sets out, disaster strikes. Her relationship hits the rocks. Now Zara is alone cycling the 500 miles, with plenty of time to sort out her heartache. Will she find her heart?
What I Liked:
*A Summer of New Beginnings was a book I picked up hoping for a light, romantic read, and while I got that, for the most part, what surprised me the most was the terrific section on cycling the Northcoast 500. I loved this portion of the book! The author does an amazing job of describing the route and the scenery. At times, I felt like I was practically on the Scotland Coast. Seriously, after reading this book, I was ready to pack up and check out the Scotland Coast for myself!
*I liked that this book was about Zara’s journey and it showcased her growth. In the beginning, Zara has no desire to cycle and camp, but once she starts, she begins to transform. I loved seeing her be able to trek the mountains and learn to camp. Along the way, she not only discovers many wonderful places, but also she makes some tremendous friends. I couldn’t get enough of this part of the book, it *was fantastic!
I enjoyed some of the more humorous portions of the story. One of my favorite scenes was when Zara has an accident and her rescuers are a group of guys participating in a historical reenactment, which makes Zara erroneously think for a moment she is having an Outlander experience.
*Zara has an amazing friends and a wonderful family. I loved how she had her own cheering squad, and they always had her back.
*I appreciated that on her journey, Zara took some time to realize one of her dreams: write a novel.
*The romance was nice. It personally would have liked a bit more development, but I felt like it worked, and I liked how it came about.
The ending was satisfactory. The books ends on a high note and I was satisfied.
And The Not So Much:
*I almost gave up on this book early on because I felt like it took much time to get going. There is a lot of buildup surrounding Zara’s current romance and its demise. I already knew the romance was headed for a breakup as it is covered in the synopsis. I felt like it took way too much time to get to the breakup and for the story to get moving. Thankfully, once Zara started her cycling trip, things drastically improve.
*I was so invested in the whole cycling portion, and I wish there had been so much more of this part of the book. Instead the final portion of the book deals with more romantic drama that I found irritating. Ugh! Josh needs to go away. There was far too drama in this for me. I wanted more cycling!
A Summer of New Beginnings is a book that had parts that I thought were fantastic. The entire cycling section was amazing. I fell in love vicariously with the Scotland Coast, and found myself wanting to visit. I also appreciated Zara’s journey and her growth. Unfortunately, this book had a little too much romantic drama for my taste. Still I would recommend this one in order to experience the cycling trip, that was well worth the time.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Zara Bailey has a great thing going on. As a travel writer, she gets to visit some luxurious locations. Plus, her relationship with Josh is going well. Just when everything is smashing, the rug is pulled out from under her. Zara’s boss informs her that since their other travel correspondent gave notice, she must cycle the Scotland Northcoast 500. Zara is not a camping type girl, but she acquiesces knowing that the magazine really needs her to do this article. Then right before she sets out, disaster strikes. Her relationship hits the rocks. Now Zara is alone cycling the 500 miles, with plenty of time to sort out her heartache. Will she find her heart?
What I Liked:
*A Summer of New Beginnings was a book I picked up hoping for a light, romantic read, and while I got that, for the most part, what surprised me the most was the terrific section on cycling the Northcoast 500. I loved this portion of the book! The author does an amazing job of describing the route and the scenery. At times, I felt like I was practically on the Scotland Coast. Seriously, after reading this book, I was ready to pack up and check out the Scotland Coast for myself!
*I liked that this book was about Zara’s journey and it showcased her growth. In the beginning, Zara has no desire to cycle and camp, but once she starts, she begins to transform. I loved seeing her be able to trek the mountains and learn to camp. Along the way, she not only discovers many wonderful places, but also she makes some tremendous friends. I couldn’t get enough of this part of the book, it *was fantastic!
I enjoyed some of the more humorous portions of the story. One of my favorite scenes was when Zara has an accident and her rescuers are a group of guys participating in a historical reenactment, which makes Zara erroneously think for a moment she is having an Outlander experience.
*Zara has an amazing friends and a wonderful family. I loved how she had her own cheering squad, and they always had her back.
*I appreciated that on her journey, Zara took some time to realize one of her dreams: write a novel.
*The romance was nice. It personally would have liked a bit more development, but I felt like it worked, and I liked how it came about.
The ending was satisfactory. The books ends on a high note and I was satisfied.
And The Not So Much:
*I almost gave up on this book early on because I felt like it took much time to get going. There is a lot of buildup surrounding Zara’s current romance and its demise. I already knew the romance was headed for a breakup as it is covered in the synopsis. I felt like it took way too much time to get to the breakup and for the story to get moving. Thankfully, once Zara started her cycling trip, things drastically improve.
*I was so invested in the whole cycling portion, and I wish there had been so much more of this part of the book. Instead the final portion of the book deals with more romantic drama that I found irritating. Ugh! Josh needs to go away. There was far too drama in this for me. I wanted more cycling!
A Summer of New Beginnings is a book that had parts that I thought were fantastic. The entire cycling section was amazing. I fell in love vicariously with the Scotland Coast, and found myself wanting to visit. I also appreciated Zara’s journey and her growth. Unfortunately, this book had a little too much romantic drama for my taste. Still I would recommend this one in order to experience the cycling trip, that was well worth the time.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
February 26, 2019
The beginning had me interested. I love books about traveling and was interested in that part. I've never been to Scotland and was intrigued about the challenge Zara Bailey was set. From the beautiful cover, I thought we'd see Zara on her transatlantic trip though and the description of that felt a little rushed. I'd have loved to hear her be more enthusiastic about that, although the tiredness and jet lag were realistically portrayed. Zara has a good support network of people who look out for her. I admit, I'm like her in that I like my luxury but was pleased she took on the challenge of going to Scotland.
I liked Josh, and then I didn't and then I did. I found some of the personal setbacks in the story predictable yet liked how attentive and loving he was. Some of the character backstory was interesting too. Marco was a real character.
Thanks to Lisa Hobman and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a slot on the blog tour for this title. 4 stars. The scenery is beautiful too.
I liked Josh, and then I didn't and then I did. I found some of the personal setbacks in the story predictable yet liked how attentive and loving he was. Some of the character backstory was interesting too. Marco was a real character.
Thanks to Lisa Hobman and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a slot on the blog tour for this title. 4 stars. The scenery is beautiful too.
February 24, 2019
I'll hold my hands up and say that really I wasn't expecting that much from this book, A Summer of New Beginnings by Lisa Hobman. I just assumed it would be like all the other romance stories out there - girl meets boy, there is a little to-oing and fro-ing and some decision making and then they get together. We've all read hundreds of those types of book but thankfully this was completely different and honestly I was captivated by this story from the very first chapter. I read it in two sittings within a day and I loved every minute of it, it just got better and better the further I read. This was the first book I have read by Lisa Hobman but it certainly won't be my last if this is the calibre of writing she produces with each book.
The cover for this book is simple but oh so stunning and it really does capture the essence of the story contained between the covers. There is Zara on her bike as she travels the North Coast 500 route in the Highlands with border collie Bess in the background - a canine friend she encounters on the route and who steals her heart. Also the cup of tea and the notebook have a very special significance and it's only as you read through the story that you discover just how apt the cover is. The title as well couldn't have been more suitable considering the themes being explored in the story and all in all it combined to make a riveting read that I am still thinking about long after I have finished reading about Zara and the journey which provides her with a lot more than she had ever anticipated.
It was the cover that first attracted me to this book and then when I read the blurb the premise sounded very good. Yet something made me hold off reading this book until the very last minute that I needed to. I can't quite put my finger on it but it's probably because I presumed I would race through the story and it would be just another book read and off my TBR and not one I would remember in any great detail. I'm regretting leaving it so long to start it because it was a breath of fresh air to read with such brilliantly written characters that will long stay in your heart and mind. You feel a connection to Zara, our main female protagonist and are also inspired by her and the journey and transformation she undertakes.
The setting was stunning and it made me want to get up on a bike and go travelling and see the beautiful scenes as observed by Zara and that's saying something considering I normally would have no desires to jump on a bike at all and get going. For once a book had a distinct, clear beginning, middle and end. The climax was reached and then it didn't wander off track and then abruptly finish, Lisa Hobman plotted the story so well and I truly felt like I was living Zara's life and through the so many heartfelt and important lessons that Zara learned I felt the same was happening for me. I really connected with this book and it has taken me by surprise how much the story affected me. It is a brilliant read and I can't fathom how I hadn't heard about this author prior to reading A Summer of New Beginnings.
The writing throughout is quick, fresh and has such an excellent flow to it and I loved how all the little hints dropped throughout, not that I realised they were hints at the time, were brought together so well which resulted in a brilliant and deeply satisfying conclusion. But before we reached that point we were first introduced to Zara who works for The Bohemian magazine as a luxury travel writer. She loves her job travelling the world reviewing exotic destinations and is quite happy to leave the more outdoor adventure and sports reviews to work partner Dillon. As for her love life she is happy enough with Josh as she has been with him for over a year but yet he has never said the big words - I love you. Marco and Michelle are her best friends and when she is not travelling the world she enjoys nights out and takeaway nights in with them. A school reunion is on the cards but she is reluctant to go given the awful time both herself and Michelle received but maybe she will go if only to prove to herself and the ones who taunted her that she has made a positive and good life for herself.
So when Noah her boss at the magazine calls her into his office she is preparing to hear where her next luxury destination will be only for her world to be turned upside down. Dylan has jumped ship and it is up to Sarah to fill the space he has left vacant. The North Coast 500 cycle route beckons, the complete opposite of what she is used to. It sounds horrendous and totally out of her comfort zone. But Zara is not one to let people down and even though the thought of camping outdoors not to mention the hours in a saddle terrify her she accepts the challenge and wants to write the best article possible.
Little does she realise by agreeing to this trip that her life will be changed in more ways than she can imagine. It also helps that things on the personal front aren't exactly turning out the way she has envisaged, maybe she needs this trip after all to gain some much needed perspective. I did at one point think will we ever get to the actually trip as there seemed to be just a slight dragging out of the earlier London scenes. But it's when you reach that end point that you understand every character, every word they utter, every event that takes place is all necessary and crucial to the overall plot. Lisa Hobman knew where she wanted to take her characters and she had the route to get them there worked out so well. I thoroughly enjoyed the section set in Scotland as Zara works her way through the cycle route.
The descriptions of the countryside and coastal areas were fantastic not to mention all the lovely little spots Zara found to eat. It really does make you want to visit the area and the author certainly did a brilliant job showcasing the Scottish Highlands. It wasn't all about the cycling though as Zara gets herself caught up in some funny but also potentially dangerous situations and this in turn leads her to the door of Lachlan who has his own croft/farm. He is a former lawyer relocated from London through family circumstances. I loved Lachlan and loved how he was introduced and how his story began to intertwine with that of Zara's. I could feel the connection and the attraction between the pair and he brought out something in Zara that she had attempted to keep hidden.
But there was plenty of trouble, strife and misunderstandings that occurred before a path to happiness could even begin to occur. Never at any point did any aspect of the story come across as being clichéd or contrived and I think that's what added to the magic of the story and my enjoyment of it. Lisa Hobman brought something fresh and innovative to the genre and it was evident that she enjoyed writing this book just as much as I enjoyed reading it. When the conclusion of the cycle was reached the plot didn't wander on unnecessarily instead everything was ramped up a further level with more twists, turns, shocks and surprises and I was kept glued to my seat rapidly turning the pages keen to discover how things would connect up and could resolution be found.
Zara is a stand out character and a person I came to quickly admire for her guts and determination. She knew she wasn't without her faults and wanted to work on them and the trip and the people she meets helped her with that. She learns so many life lessons and these are lessons that the reader can also apply to their own lives. Sometimes the things we fear, worry or dislike the most can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to us. We just need to step outside of our comfort zone or wall that we may have built around us and push ourselves that extra mile. Zara certainly did this and she was a better person for it. It enabled her to expose herself that little bit more, to bring long harboured ambitions into the light to see could they possibly bear fruit. Zara goes through some incredible experiences by going through the very situations she thought she hated. She surprised herself and also the this reader and enforced that one should always fight for their dreams.
I really can't recommend A Summer of New Beginnings enough, read it as soon as you can and I hope you become as engrossed in Zara's story as I was.
The cover for this book is simple but oh so stunning and it really does capture the essence of the story contained between the covers. There is Zara on her bike as she travels the North Coast 500 route in the Highlands with border collie Bess in the background - a canine friend she encounters on the route and who steals her heart. Also the cup of tea and the notebook have a very special significance and it's only as you read through the story that you discover just how apt the cover is. The title as well couldn't have been more suitable considering the themes being explored in the story and all in all it combined to make a riveting read that I am still thinking about long after I have finished reading about Zara and the journey which provides her with a lot more than she had ever anticipated.
It was the cover that first attracted me to this book and then when I read the blurb the premise sounded very good. Yet something made me hold off reading this book until the very last minute that I needed to. I can't quite put my finger on it but it's probably because I presumed I would race through the story and it would be just another book read and off my TBR and not one I would remember in any great detail. I'm regretting leaving it so long to start it because it was a breath of fresh air to read with such brilliantly written characters that will long stay in your heart and mind. You feel a connection to Zara, our main female protagonist and are also inspired by her and the journey and transformation she undertakes.
The setting was stunning and it made me want to get up on a bike and go travelling and see the beautiful scenes as observed by Zara and that's saying something considering I normally would have no desires to jump on a bike at all and get going. For once a book had a distinct, clear beginning, middle and end. The climax was reached and then it didn't wander off track and then abruptly finish, Lisa Hobman plotted the story so well and I truly felt like I was living Zara's life and through the so many heartfelt and important lessons that Zara learned I felt the same was happening for me. I really connected with this book and it has taken me by surprise how much the story affected me. It is a brilliant read and I can't fathom how I hadn't heard about this author prior to reading A Summer of New Beginnings.
The writing throughout is quick, fresh and has such an excellent flow to it and I loved how all the little hints dropped throughout, not that I realised they were hints at the time, were brought together so well which resulted in a brilliant and deeply satisfying conclusion. But before we reached that point we were first introduced to Zara who works for The Bohemian magazine as a luxury travel writer. She loves her job travelling the world reviewing exotic destinations and is quite happy to leave the more outdoor adventure and sports reviews to work partner Dillon. As for her love life she is happy enough with Josh as she has been with him for over a year but yet he has never said the big words - I love you. Marco and Michelle are her best friends and when she is not travelling the world she enjoys nights out and takeaway nights in with them. A school reunion is on the cards but she is reluctant to go given the awful time both herself and Michelle received but maybe she will go if only to prove to herself and the ones who taunted her that she has made a positive and good life for herself.
So when Noah her boss at the magazine calls her into his office she is preparing to hear where her next luxury destination will be only for her world to be turned upside down. Dylan has jumped ship and it is up to Sarah to fill the space he has left vacant. The North Coast 500 cycle route beckons, the complete opposite of what she is used to. It sounds horrendous and totally out of her comfort zone. But Zara is not one to let people down and even though the thought of camping outdoors not to mention the hours in a saddle terrify her she accepts the challenge and wants to write the best article possible.
Little does she realise by agreeing to this trip that her life will be changed in more ways than she can imagine. It also helps that things on the personal front aren't exactly turning out the way she has envisaged, maybe she needs this trip after all to gain some much needed perspective. I did at one point think will we ever get to the actually trip as there seemed to be just a slight dragging out of the earlier London scenes. But it's when you reach that end point that you understand every character, every word they utter, every event that takes place is all necessary and crucial to the overall plot. Lisa Hobman knew where she wanted to take her characters and she had the route to get them there worked out so well. I thoroughly enjoyed the section set in Scotland as Zara works her way through the cycle route.
The descriptions of the countryside and coastal areas were fantastic not to mention all the lovely little spots Zara found to eat. It really does make you want to visit the area and the author certainly did a brilliant job showcasing the Scottish Highlands. It wasn't all about the cycling though as Zara gets herself caught up in some funny but also potentially dangerous situations and this in turn leads her to the door of Lachlan who has his own croft/farm. He is a former lawyer relocated from London through family circumstances. I loved Lachlan and loved how he was introduced and how his story began to intertwine with that of Zara's. I could feel the connection and the attraction between the pair and he brought out something in Zara that she had attempted to keep hidden.
But there was plenty of trouble, strife and misunderstandings that occurred before a path to happiness could even begin to occur. Never at any point did any aspect of the story come across as being clichéd or contrived and I think that's what added to the magic of the story and my enjoyment of it. Lisa Hobman brought something fresh and innovative to the genre and it was evident that she enjoyed writing this book just as much as I enjoyed reading it. When the conclusion of the cycle was reached the plot didn't wander on unnecessarily instead everything was ramped up a further level with more twists, turns, shocks and surprises and I was kept glued to my seat rapidly turning the pages keen to discover how things would connect up and could resolution be found.
Zara is a stand out character and a person I came to quickly admire for her guts and determination. She knew she wasn't without her faults and wanted to work on them and the trip and the people she meets helped her with that. She learns so many life lessons and these are lessons that the reader can also apply to their own lives. Sometimes the things we fear, worry or dislike the most can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to us. We just need to step outside of our comfort zone or wall that we may have built around us and push ourselves that extra mile. Zara certainly did this and she was a better person for it. It enabled her to expose herself that little bit more, to bring long harboured ambitions into the light to see could they possibly bear fruit. Zara goes through some incredible experiences by going through the very situations she thought she hated. She surprised herself and also the this reader and enforced that one should always fight for their dreams.
I really can't recommend A Summer of New Beginnings enough, read it as soon as you can and I hope you become as engrossed in Zara's story as I was.
Read
March 4, 2019A wonderfully warm read and one I've so enjoyed!
Zara Bailey works as a journalist for a travel magazine; whilst her colleague Dillon handles the adventurous assignments, Zara is more than happy to jet her way round the world reporting on all the luxury destinations and returning home to her London flat to spend time with friends, family and her boyfriend Josh. However, when Dillon suddenly leaves his job and Josh turns out to be not quite the man she thought he was, Zara is quite appalled to be given the task of cycling across the Highlands of Scotland and worse - horror of horrors - camping in her very own tent! But then, having sworn off men perhaps a bit of solitude is just what she needs?
I share Zara's dread of camping, so empathised greatly with the situation she finds herself in, but she is strong-willed and even stronger minded and sets off with a determination that I greatly admired. There is lots of humour in this novel, not least Zara's love / hate relationship with her bike! With an aversion to men coursing through her veins, she makes great time until disaster strikes.
This is such a lovely read with so much going on! The people, the scenery - and the delicious food - of the Highlands would make anyone plan a visit there and I found myself racing through the pages so quickly! Beautifully crafted with flowing writing and a great cast of characters whom I feel I could bump into at any time, this is a real pleasure to read and it's most definitely a book which I recommend utterly and completely. Author Lisa Hobman has more than earned every one of the five stars I'm happily giving her novel.
Zara Bailey works as a journalist for a travel magazine; whilst her colleague Dillon handles the adventurous assignments, Zara is more than happy to jet her way round the world reporting on all the luxury destinations and returning home to her London flat to spend time with friends, family and her boyfriend Josh. However, when Dillon suddenly leaves his job and Josh turns out to be not quite the man she thought he was, Zara is quite appalled to be given the task of cycling across the Highlands of Scotland and worse - horror of horrors - camping in her very own tent! But then, having sworn off men perhaps a bit of solitude is just what she needs?
I share Zara's dread of camping, so empathised greatly with the situation she finds herself in, but she is strong-willed and even stronger minded and sets off with a determination that I greatly admired. There is lots of humour in this novel, not least Zara's love / hate relationship with her bike! With an aversion to men coursing through her veins, she makes great time until disaster strikes.
This is such a lovely read with so much going on! The people, the scenery - and the delicious food - of the Highlands would make anyone plan a visit there and I found myself racing through the pages so quickly! Beautifully crafted with flowing writing and a great cast of characters whom I feel I could bump into at any time, this is a real pleasure to read and it's most definitely a book which I recommend utterly and completely. Author Lisa Hobman has more than earned every one of the five stars I'm happily giving her novel.
March 1, 2019
You'll remember that I bawled (and fell in love with) A Seaside Escape by this author and this time, from the off, fell back in love with descriptions that put me right there in London as Zara Bailey, travel writer extraordinaire, returned from a job to her flat.
I loved getting to her office and seeing all the madness as they face severe pressure on the exit of a key member of staff. I'll admit I was ready to jump straight into 'fish out of water' scenarios in Scotland, but first we had issues with her boyfriend and as you see in the blurb above, they broke up. If I'm honest, I could have done with this finishing earlier and getting to Scotland where we face an extremely entertaining struggle with the workload (I cannot even fathom people attempting that sort of a cycle!!), beautiful scenery and a host of characters. I loved meeting Lachlan but was a bit shocked we left so early (hence making me wish we'd gotten there sooner!) The story was extremely enjoyable and the romance excellent (although the love scenes weren't always my thing but that's just me!) All in all a very enjoyable read. Thanks so much to Aria for the book in return for an honest review.
I loved getting to her office and seeing all the madness as they face severe pressure on the exit of a key member of staff. I'll admit I was ready to jump straight into 'fish out of water' scenarios in Scotland, but first we had issues with her boyfriend and as you see in the blurb above, they broke up. If I'm honest, I could have done with this finishing earlier and getting to Scotland where we face an extremely entertaining struggle with the workload (I cannot even fathom people attempting that sort of a cycle!!), beautiful scenery and a host of characters. I loved meeting Lachlan but was a bit shocked we left so early (hence making me wish we'd gotten there sooner!) The story was extremely enjoyable and the romance excellent (although the love scenes weren't always my thing but that's just me!) All in all a very enjoyable read. Thanks so much to Aria for the book in return for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
This took far too long to get started! I was almost ready to give up.
The scene setting went on forever and the romance with Josh became utterly boring since we knew from the blurb that it was ending badly and Zara was going off to Scotland broken hearted.
Once Zara arrived in Scotland, the book really picked up, the author did a good job of evoking the landscape and the sense of being in that fantastic part of the country. We met Lachlan, and started to see the development of a relationship. On the basis of that middle section, I would have rated it 4 or 5 stars.
But then Josh was brought back and it was all utterly unbelievable. He’d had a personality transplant and became a total,douchebag. Zara believed him (despite their history) and accepted a lie about Lachlan and never questioned it.
Finally of course, she learned how wrong she’d been and realised what a liar Josh was, and that she’d been totally wrong about Lachlan, but by the time she’d apologised to him, I’d have been happy if Lachlan had sent her on her way.
Anyway, the last part was a happy resolution but the earlier conflict and lies just seemed so obviously manufactured that I couldn’t take it in.
I think starting the book after she’d got to Scotland and eliminating 90% of the scenes in London - including those with Josh, would have made more sense. He took up far too much page space. Otherwise an enjoyable read.
The scene setting went on forever and the romance with Josh became utterly boring since we knew from the blurb that it was ending badly and Zara was going off to Scotland broken hearted.
Once Zara arrived in Scotland, the book really picked up, the author did a good job of evoking the landscape and the sense of being in that fantastic part of the country. We met Lachlan, and started to see the development of a relationship. On the basis of that middle section, I would have rated it 4 or 5 stars.
But then Josh was brought back and it was all utterly unbelievable. He’d had a personality transplant and became a total,douchebag. Zara believed him (despite their history) and accepted a lie about Lachlan and never questioned it.
Finally of course, she learned how wrong she’d been and realised what a liar Josh was, and that she’d been totally wrong about Lachlan, but by the time she’d apologised to him, I’d have been happy if Lachlan had sent her on her way.
Anyway, the last part was a happy resolution but the earlier conflict and lies just seemed so obviously manufactured that I couldn’t take it in.
I think starting the book after she’d got to Scotland and eliminating 90% of the scenes in London - including those with Josh, would have made more sense. He took up far too much page space. Otherwise an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
While the basic plot line is not original and the romance is, well, what you might expect, this still makes for a good read on a rainy day. Zara, a travel writer who has found her way into a sweet job reviewing luxury hotels and resorts, suddenly must take on Scotland. Yes, all of Scotland. By riding a bike. Before she departs, she discovers her boyfriend Josh has a secret past and she isn't in his future. The initial bike riding is rocky as one would expect but then she meets Lachlan when, on an awful day, she camps on his land. This two do the expected dance and then, well..... This isn't Wild (there's precious little description of the bike ride or of Scotland, at least to my mind and Zara's not trying to find herself, only write an article) but it has it's charms. A scrub up edit for grammar etc. would have helped. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
January 24, 2019
Absolutely loved this. There were a few annoying things that I am willing to overlook such as the character of Josh needing an overhaul (Josh from the beginning doesn’t match Josh from the end of the book, too weird) and a few other small things but not dealbreakers. Honestly I have to say that I think the working title of 500 Miles would have fit nicer here.
This was a cosy romantic read and I thoroughly enjoyed going along on Zara’s adventure. Loved how all the characters became tangled up with some part of Scotland. Just so entertaining.
This was a cosy romantic read and I thoroughly enjoyed going along on Zara’s adventure. Loved how all the characters became tangled up with some part of Scotland. Just so entertaining.
January 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a simple story, predictable in spots. It made me think of what Wild by Cheryl Strayed would be like re-imagined as a frothy chick-lit book. It wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either. If you can 'dispel your disbelief' in certain places in regards to how someone can cycle 500 miles with limited training, and how an unknown writer can write a masterpiece book loved by all, then this might work for you. I won't recommend this book but I also didn't hate it.
This was a simple story, predictable in spots. It made me think of what Wild by Cheryl Strayed would be like re-imagined as a frothy chick-lit book. It wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either. If you can 'dispel your disbelief' in certain places in regards to how someone can cycle 500 miles with limited training, and how an unknown writer can write a masterpiece book loved by all, then this might work for you. I won't recommend this book but I also didn't hate it.
January 7, 2025
Six chapters in… booooringgg dnf
June 10, 2019
Zara is a luxury travel writer who spends most of her time traveling to stunning destinations, staying in boutique hotels in far-flung places and writing about her experiences.
She’s just returned from her last travel assignment in Miami when her boss, Noah announces her next assignment and destination: cycling in Scotland and writing an article about the North Coast 500. Her colleague, Dillion who was supposed to cover this article, has quit suddenly and Zara has to go on this assignment because the trip has already been paid for. Seeing as she's used to staying in five-star hotels and penthouse suites in exotic places, she's not too keen on the prospect of camping outdoors. Nevertheless, she agrees to go.
We follow Zara as she navigates the rough terrains of Scottish Highlands on a bicycle, taking in the views of the stunning coastal scenery, the craggy mountains, not to mention the friendly people she meets along the way—her encounter with Daughters of Anarchy and the toy soldiers.
On her first leg of the journey, her map gets swept away by a gust of wind and then soaked in a nearby pool. Then she loses phone signal and her phone battery runs out. To make matters worse, her bicycle gets a puncture.
She decides to pack it up for the night, pitching her tent unknowingly on private property. The owner shows up the following morning but instead of reproaching her for trespassing, he offers her a place to stay on his farm while she sorts herself out.
A Summer of New Beginnings is a beautiful blend of romance and chick lit, interspersed with humor. I was easily transported to the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s Highlands. Not to mention the mouthwatering descriptions of the food she sampled there—the hot chocolate she had in Balkneil. Yum
I’m glad how everything turned out for Zara, from finding love in the least likely place to finally pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist. Overall, an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend.
Quotes I liked:
"She was like a comet passing through the atmosphere of his life. Beautiful but all too fast... So like a comet he would have to enjoy the memory of her even though it was unlikely she would appear in his sky again.”
Thank you to Lisa Hobman, Aria, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
She’s just returned from her last travel assignment in Miami when her boss, Noah announces her next assignment and destination: cycling in Scotland and writing an article about the North Coast 500. Her colleague, Dillion who was supposed to cover this article, has quit suddenly and Zara has to go on this assignment because the trip has already been paid for. Seeing as she's used to staying in five-star hotels and penthouse suites in exotic places, she's not too keen on the prospect of camping outdoors. Nevertheless, she agrees to go.
We follow Zara as she navigates the rough terrains of Scottish Highlands on a bicycle, taking in the views of the stunning coastal scenery, the craggy mountains, not to mention the friendly people she meets along the way—her encounter with Daughters of Anarchy and the toy soldiers.
On her first leg of the journey, her map gets swept away by a gust of wind and then soaked in a nearby pool. Then she loses phone signal and her phone battery runs out. To make matters worse, her bicycle gets a puncture.
She decides to pack it up for the night, pitching her tent unknowingly on private property. The owner shows up the following morning but instead of reproaching her for trespassing, he offers her a place to stay on his farm while she sorts herself out.
A Summer of New Beginnings is a beautiful blend of romance and chick lit, interspersed with humor. I was easily transported to the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s Highlands. Not to mention the mouthwatering descriptions of the food she sampled there—the hot chocolate she had in Balkneil. Yum
I’m glad how everything turned out for Zara, from finding love in the least likely place to finally pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist. Overall, an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend.
Quotes I liked:
"She was like a comet passing through the atmosphere of his life. Beautiful but all too fast... So like a comet he would have to enjoy the memory of her even though it was unlikely she would appear in his sky again.”
Thank you to Lisa Hobman, Aria, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2021
A lovely book set in the Scottish Highlands, beautiful descriptive writing made me feel I was there alongside Zara. Being Scottish I loved the references to our local produce.
March 15, 2019
Zara is a travel writer, assigned to write about luxury destinations for an up and coming magazine in London. From Miami resorts to Maldives Honeymoon escapes she loves the variety, the challenge and the touches of luxury that she otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford while chasing her childhood dream of travelling the world. Her best friend from school, Shelley, and a best friend from work, Marco, make up her little group, and with her boyfriend of the past year, Josh, things are moving nicely. Coming back from a Miami assignment, she’s ready for the next trip and heads into work.
Discovering that the “adventure” travel writer has quit without real notice and the boss has decided that she needs to fill in on his next assignment sends this city girl into a panic – bicycling the North Coast 500 – a 500 mile trip that traverses the Scottish Highlands in a giant circle with Inverness Castle at the start and end. While she bikes to work and around the park occasionally, a five hundred mile trip that includes camping is NOT on her wish list, but the boss is undeterred. Fortunately, her boyfriend Josh manages an outdoor adventure shop, so she’s able to use the company card to outfit herself for the journey, and get in some unexpected flirting time with the boyfriend, one who her friends don’t like. They have reason, as Josh turns out to, after a year of dating, have a ten year old child that he’d never mentioned, and the baby mama and child are arriving in days… days in which Zara is expected to ‘accept’ this information all while dreading her next assignment. Of course, Josh, who seems from the jump to be incredibly self-centered, is ‘caught’ cheating – and Zara leaves for her trip with what she believes is a broken heart and plenty of angst.
This was SO wonderfully readable – and Zara alternated between being adorably funny, snarky and occasionally far too naïve for her own good. From renaming her hire bicycle to discovering the Highlands, illegally camping on a crofter’s land, only to crash the bike and land at his feet (almost literally) in a re-enactment where she thought she “did a Claire”, it’s clear that discouraged and snarky really aren’t who she is, and the time away from both the office and her friends give her a brief glimpse at new options, and time to work on her novel contained on her pink flash drive as she waits for a new bike from the hire company after killing the first. Connecting with Lachlan and finding options that she never thought plausible, but discounting the connection because of distance, her dream of writing is just that, until he makes some moves. Zara is desperately trying to find things her friends have: relationships that are becoming more permanent, finding fulfillment in work, homes and their life in the city – and her dreams of becoming an author are merely that. Until Lachlan, crofter and attorney, uses his connections and a belief in her story to push her and her book forward, and grab for a chance for their own happy ever after. Adorable, romantic and compelling – Zara is the girl you want to know, Lachlan is the Scot you want to meet and the story is just how it should be – including fangirl moments, awards, hope and heart.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Discovering that the “adventure” travel writer has quit without real notice and the boss has decided that she needs to fill in on his next assignment sends this city girl into a panic – bicycling the North Coast 500 – a 500 mile trip that traverses the Scottish Highlands in a giant circle with Inverness Castle at the start and end. While she bikes to work and around the park occasionally, a five hundred mile trip that includes camping is NOT on her wish list, but the boss is undeterred. Fortunately, her boyfriend Josh manages an outdoor adventure shop, so she’s able to use the company card to outfit herself for the journey, and get in some unexpected flirting time with the boyfriend, one who her friends don’t like. They have reason, as Josh turns out to, after a year of dating, have a ten year old child that he’d never mentioned, and the baby mama and child are arriving in days… days in which Zara is expected to ‘accept’ this information all while dreading her next assignment. Of course, Josh, who seems from the jump to be incredibly self-centered, is ‘caught’ cheating – and Zara leaves for her trip with what she believes is a broken heart and plenty of angst.
This was SO wonderfully readable – and Zara alternated between being adorably funny, snarky and occasionally far too naïve for her own good. From renaming her hire bicycle to discovering the Highlands, illegally camping on a crofter’s land, only to crash the bike and land at his feet (almost literally) in a re-enactment where she thought she “did a Claire”, it’s clear that discouraged and snarky really aren’t who she is, and the time away from both the office and her friends give her a brief glimpse at new options, and time to work on her novel contained on her pink flash drive as she waits for a new bike from the hire company after killing the first. Connecting with Lachlan and finding options that she never thought plausible, but discounting the connection because of distance, her dream of writing is just that, until he makes some moves. Zara is desperately trying to find things her friends have: relationships that are becoming more permanent, finding fulfillment in work, homes and their life in the city – and her dreams of becoming an author are merely that. Until Lachlan, crofter and attorney, uses his connections and a belief in her story to push her and her book forward, and grab for a chance for their own happy ever after. Adorable, romantic and compelling – Zara is the girl you want to know, Lachlan is the Scot you want to meet and the story is just how it should be – including fangirl moments, awards, hope and heart.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
March 9, 2019
From the absolutely gorgeous cover, right through to the end of this wonderful book, Lisa Hobman delivers a sure-fire must-read.
Zara, beautiful, dream job travel writer, seems to have it all going on – even has Josh, the gorgeous boyfriend to boot. Just when Zara starts to think Josh might be ready to move them to the next level, he drops a relationship TNT. Hurt, shaken and confused, Zara needs time to sort out her emotions and figure out what she wants.
Perfectly timed is her boss’s decision to send Zara on assignment to Scotland for the NC500. Zara is not overly thrilled, as bicycling and camping out are not exactly her thing. Nonetheless, Zara is encouraged by her loving family and friends that this assignment couldn’t have come at a better time for her.
Zara resignedly begins her bicycling journey and en route, discovers the breathtaking beauty of the North Highlands. With every aching mile, Zara becomes increasingly enchanted with the sheer splendour of the rugged mountainsides, white sand beaches, friendly locals, and yes, a handsome stranger.
When Zara meets with a head-over-handle bars mishap, she finds herself suddenly being taken care of Lachlan (Lachy), her handsome lawyer-come-crofter stranger. With Lachy, tending to her along with Bess, his faithful furry friend, Zara discovers the peace and calm that comes with the quiet of the countryside, far from the city.
Both Zara and Lachy realize the chemistry brewing between them, but they each have their own past hurts and issues to sort out, and Zara is determined to finish her 500 miles, and return to her London life. But with the beauty of Scotland still steaming in every part of her, can she ignore the crazy beatings of her heart whenever she thinks of Lachy?
After experiencing an extraordinary turn of events, Zara finds herself back in Scotland, where a miscommunication causes a rift between herself and Lachy.
Can the two find their way to each other on this rocky road romance?
You’ll have to read it to find out.
There was so much that I loved about this book. The characters were genuine; Zara could be your real-life friend and Lachy, a sensitive but all-manly man. Friends and family were true to life.
Just as brilliant, was the way Lisa Hobman captured the scenery. The pages were drenched in brilliant blue skies, sandy white beaches, and gorgeous mountains. You could create in your mind so vividly the smell of the aromatic hot chocolate, or the taste of the homemade flapjacks. Just wonderful.
After reading A Summer of New Beginnings, you cannot help but want to experience for yourself the splendour of Scotland … and the chance to bump into a gorgeous Scotsman a la kilt.
Totally loved the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria, for the read of Lisa Hobman’s, A Summer of New Beginnings.
Zara, beautiful, dream job travel writer, seems to have it all going on – even has Josh, the gorgeous boyfriend to boot. Just when Zara starts to think Josh might be ready to move them to the next level, he drops a relationship TNT. Hurt, shaken and confused, Zara needs time to sort out her emotions and figure out what she wants.
Perfectly timed is her boss’s decision to send Zara on assignment to Scotland for the NC500. Zara is not overly thrilled, as bicycling and camping out are not exactly her thing. Nonetheless, Zara is encouraged by her loving family and friends that this assignment couldn’t have come at a better time for her.
Zara resignedly begins her bicycling journey and en route, discovers the breathtaking beauty of the North Highlands. With every aching mile, Zara becomes increasingly enchanted with the sheer splendour of the rugged mountainsides, white sand beaches, friendly locals, and yes, a handsome stranger.
When Zara meets with a head-over-handle bars mishap, she finds herself suddenly being taken care of Lachlan (Lachy), her handsome lawyer-come-crofter stranger. With Lachy, tending to her along with Bess, his faithful furry friend, Zara discovers the peace and calm that comes with the quiet of the countryside, far from the city.
Both Zara and Lachy realize the chemistry brewing between them, but they each have their own past hurts and issues to sort out, and Zara is determined to finish her 500 miles, and return to her London life. But with the beauty of Scotland still steaming in every part of her, can she ignore the crazy beatings of her heart whenever she thinks of Lachy?
After experiencing an extraordinary turn of events, Zara finds herself back in Scotland, where a miscommunication causes a rift between herself and Lachy.
Can the two find their way to each other on this rocky road romance?
You’ll have to read it to find out.
There was so much that I loved about this book. The characters were genuine; Zara could be your real-life friend and Lachy, a sensitive but all-manly man. Friends and family were true to life.
Just as brilliant, was the way Lisa Hobman captured the scenery. The pages were drenched in brilliant blue skies, sandy white beaches, and gorgeous mountains. You could create in your mind so vividly the smell of the aromatic hot chocolate, or the taste of the homemade flapjacks. Just wonderful.
After reading A Summer of New Beginnings, you cannot help but want to experience for yourself the splendour of Scotland … and the chance to bump into a gorgeous Scotsman a la kilt.
Totally loved the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria, for the read of Lisa Hobman’s, A Summer of New Beginnings.
January 13, 2019
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley*
I read (and really enjoyed) A Seaside Escape, so I was so excited to receive this ARC! I am a big fan of Lisa Hobman's writing style and think she creates believable and likeable lead characters. Zara is an easy character to care for because she could be someone you meet in real life. She speaks up for herself and accepts challenges with grace and humor. She really really doesn't want to do this trip, but she is not so stubborn as to not be able to admit that it was not just better than expected, but something that changed her life. I loved getting glimpses into the people she meets along the way and the scenery that surrounds her. I like Lachy and even though I'm not a big fan of the 'love at first sight' relationship I think I would have fallen in love with him a little bit myself if he were real. My only real problems with the book were the parts involving Josh. At the beginning I was thinking the cause of their breakup was actually the plot of other romance novels (how many out there are about childhood sweethearts reuniting and finding they're still in love?), and that would have worked better than having him cheat on her. Having him reappear toward the end wasn't necessary - it didn't make a lot of sense, especially since Zara never has him explain what happened to end things with Katie. Having him be a total jerk later just seemed out of character for him and was only there to create more drama. The added problems for her and Lachy could have just been the whole situation with Saskia (although I really don't get 1) how he was ever with her and 2) why in the world he would attend a party with her and allow her to tell her family they were engaged). I was so happy at the end when Zara points out that it doesn't always have to be the man who makes the big move and actually goes out herself to make things right.
I read (and really enjoyed) A Seaside Escape, so I was so excited to receive this ARC! I am a big fan of Lisa Hobman's writing style and think she creates believable and likeable lead characters. Zara is an easy character to care for because she could be someone you meet in real life. She speaks up for herself and accepts challenges with grace and humor. She really really doesn't want to do this trip, but she is not so stubborn as to not be able to admit that it was not just better than expected, but something that changed her life. I loved getting glimpses into the people she meets along the way and the scenery that surrounds her. I like Lachy and even though I'm not a big fan of the 'love at first sight' relationship I think I would have fallen in love with him a little bit myself if he were real. My only real problems with the book were the parts involving Josh. At the beginning I was thinking the cause of their breakup was actually the plot of other romance novels (how many out there are about childhood sweethearts reuniting and finding they're still in love?), and that would have worked better than having him cheat on her. Having him reappear toward the end wasn't necessary - it didn't make a lot of sense, especially since Zara never has him explain what happened to end things with Katie. Having him be a total jerk later just seemed out of character for him and was only there to create more drama. The added problems for her and Lachy could have just been the whole situation with Saskia (although I really don't get 1) how he was ever with her and 2) why in the world he would attend a party with her and allow her to tell her family they were engaged). I was so happy at the end when Zara points out that it doesn't always have to be the man who makes the big move and actually goes out herself to make things right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
Hmm - what to say? There was a lot to like about this book. Unfortunately, it also had several problems that seriously took the edge off my enjoyment. (Warning: this review includes some mild spoilers.)
Her relationship with her jerk boyfriend: surely anyone seriously considering a long-term relationship would take pains to get to know that person's son, and the son's mother, before making such a decision, since they will inevitably become part of her life. For reasons that are not fully explained, she avoids both.
Her relationship with her potential new boyfriend: she avoids communicating with him solely because she lost the contact information he gave her. She makes no attempt to find other ways to re-establish contact.
Events in the book: interesting and unlikely things do happen in real life, but in this book the number of them strains credibility. Examples:
- She has a serious bike accident because she believes (without justification) that gunshot sounds from what turns out to be a nearby battle re-enactment are from some random bad guys out to kill her.
- She treats things she learns from single unreliable sources as gospel, and learns that they are untrue entirely through fortuitous and unlikely accidental occurrences.
This is a shame, because the same plot points could have been achieved through more believable means.
The road trip: all of the breathtaking scenery is described in a way that is oddly detached. I did not find myself placed convincingly in the scenes.
The bottom line is a near miss. To my usual 3-star rating for an OK book, I have added half a star because the writer seems to care deeply about her subjects. Rounded up to four. In future books, I'm hoping the writer will find ways to avoid the problems described above.
Her relationship with her jerk boyfriend: surely anyone seriously considering a long-term relationship would take pains to get to know that person's son, and the son's mother, before making such a decision, since they will inevitably become part of her life. For reasons that are not fully explained, she avoids both.
Her relationship with her potential new boyfriend: she avoids communicating with him solely because she lost the contact information he gave her. She makes no attempt to find other ways to re-establish contact.
Events in the book: interesting and unlikely things do happen in real life, but in this book the number of them strains credibility. Examples:
- She has a serious bike accident because she believes (without justification) that gunshot sounds from what turns out to be a nearby battle re-enactment are from some random bad guys out to kill her.
- She treats things she learns from single unreliable sources as gospel, and learns that they are untrue entirely through fortuitous and unlikely accidental occurrences.
This is a shame, because the same plot points could have been achieved through more believable means.
The road trip: all of the breathtaking scenery is described in a way that is oddly detached. I did not find myself placed convincingly in the scenes.
The bottom line is a near miss. To my usual 3-star rating for an OK book, I have added half a star because the writer seems to care deeply about her subjects. Rounded up to four. In future books, I'm hoping the writer will find ways to avoid the problems described above.
January 13, 2019
3.5 stars.
I was just over a third of the way through A Summer Of New Beginnings when I had to put it aside and start looking up sleeper trains and the North Coast 500.
One of the best things about this book is that Lisa Hobman’s love for Scotland, and the Highlands in particular, shines through her words.
It’s infectious - although I’m still not sold on riding 500 miles by bicycle.
To be honest, getting there from Norwich with a five-year-old without having to remortgage the house seems enough of a challenge.
This story has more ups and downs than Zara’s bike ride - and that’s saying something. For me, I think there was one too many.
The book really came alive when she arrived in Scotland. The words sparkled on the page like the water in the lochs she stood before.
I was really impatient to meet, Lachy, and a little frustrated it took so long to get to him - although I appreciate why.
Heartbreaker Josh went from someone quite nice to someone really, really nasty. I always got a sense that there was something not quite right in their relationship but it felt a bit too much of a change to me.
Some points of the story require you to suspend reality to a level that even I struggled with (no spoilers).
Having said that, it is a fun read and worth it alone for the descriptions of the Highlands and its people.
Also, be aware that the Proclaimers I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) will get stuck in your head, which isn’t a problem if you love the song as I do.
I was just over a third of the way through A Summer Of New Beginnings when I had to put it aside and start looking up sleeper trains and the North Coast 500.
One of the best things about this book is that Lisa Hobman’s love for Scotland, and the Highlands in particular, shines through her words.
It’s infectious - although I’m still not sold on riding 500 miles by bicycle.
To be honest, getting there from Norwich with a five-year-old without having to remortgage the house seems enough of a challenge.
This story has more ups and downs than Zara’s bike ride - and that’s saying something. For me, I think there was one too many.
The book really came alive when she arrived in Scotland. The words sparkled on the page like the water in the lochs she stood before.
I was really impatient to meet, Lachy, and a little frustrated it took so long to get to him - although I appreciate why.
Heartbreaker Josh went from someone quite nice to someone really, really nasty. I always got a sense that there was something not quite right in their relationship but it felt a bit too much of a change to me.
Some points of the story require you to suspend reality to a level that even I struggled with (no spoilers).
Having said that, it is a fun read and worth it alone for the descriptions of the Highlands and its people.
Also, be aware that the Proclaimers I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) will get stuck in your head, which isn’t a problem if you love the song as I do.
February 12, 2019
I received an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Zara is a travel writer for a prestigious magazine. Her assignments usually take her to luxurious hotels in glamorous resorts in Far Flung places. She is horrified to find that her Editor wants her to review the Highlands of Scotland, where she will not only be camping, but cycling the famous 500 mile route. This is Zara's worst nightmare, as she hates mud, and being without her home comforts. Just as she is about to leave, a confrontation with her boyfriend Josh, makes her grateful to put some distance between them.
Along the way Zara meets some interesting characters, including the enigmatic croft owner Lachlan. She discovers that she might actually be enjoying herself a little bit.
As a child I visited the Highlands, so some of the locations were familiar to me. The style of writing is excellent, the detail is so descriptive that you feel that you are actually there with Zara. It made me want to move to Scotland and buy a croft. The character of Lachlan was wonderful too.
This is such a heart warming novel, it made me smile, and I found myself wanting to cheer Zara on, although I wouldn't want to ride 500 miles. I did find myself humming the Proclaimer's song regularly thigh while I read the book. The setting was perfect and the book was well written, I would definitely recommend this book.
Zara is a travel writer for a prestigious magazine. Her assignments usually take her to luxurious hotels in glamorous resorts in Far Flung places. She is horrified to find that her Editor wants her to review the Highlands of Scotland, where she will not only be camping, but cycling the famous 500 mile route. This is Zara's worst nightmare, as she hates mud, and being without her home comforts. Just as she is about to leave, a confrontation with her boyfriend Josh, makes her grateful to put some distance between them.
Along the way Zara meets some interesting characters, including the enigmatic croft owner Lachlan. She discovers that she might actually be enjoying herself a little bit.
As a child I visited the Highlands, so some of the locations were familiar to me. The style of writing is excellent, the detail is so descriptive that you feel that you are actually there with Zara. It made me want to move to Scotland and buy a croft. The character of Lachlan was wonderful too.
This is such a heart warming novel, it made me smile, and I found myself wanting to cheer Zara on, although I wouldn't want to ride 500 miles. I did find myself humming the Proclaimer's song regularly thigh while I read the book. The setting was perfect and the book was well written, I would definitely recommend this book.
August 23, 2019
Zara Bailey is a young travel writer whose work takes her to luxurious, elegant resorts around the world so that she may experience them firsthand and write about them for her employer, the magazine The Bohemian. Zara loves her job and her boyfriend Josh and then it all comes crashing down on her. First, Josh tells her about the ten year old son he had with a high school sweetheart who has moved back from Australia and wants to get together. Next, Zara's boss Noah tells her that her next assignment is to travel the NC500, a roadway in Scotland, by bicycle and camp out every night! Zara is still reeling from Josh's revelation and with her decision to keep some distance from him. She begins to see this new assignment as a chance to get away from it all...men, especially. Little does she know what awaits her on her trip.
This was a very pleasant, endearing, fun novel to read. The quintessential beach read. The characters were likeable, for the most part, and the descriptions of the coast of Scotland have me thinking if that wouldn't be a good choice for our next family vacation. Well written. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author Lisa Hobman, and the publisher Aria for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
This was a very pleasant, endearing, fun novel to read. The quintessential beach read. The characters were likeable, for the most part, and the descriptions of the coast of Scotland have me thinking if that wouldn't be a good choice for our next family vacation. Well written. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author Lisa Hobman, and the publisher Aria for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
February 12, 2019
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
I was very kindly given an ARC via Netgalley and Aria in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I have given this new book from Lisa Hobman FIVE stars.
Another beautiful story from one of my favourite authors. She has perfectly crafted the ability to pull her readers in from the very beginning and A Summer of New Beginnings was no exception.
This book is by far Lisa's best work to date and it's been a real pleasure, as an avid reader of hers to see her talent grow and shine brighter with each and every book. I absolutely loved every single word and found myself staying up late into the night to finish it. It was just so good!
A Summer of New Beginnings is romance at it's best, it was cosy and so delightfully romantic as Zara, rather begrudgingly embarked on the North coast 500 with nothing but an aptly named bike for company. The beautiful Scottish Highlands were described in such vivid detail, it makes you feel like planning your next trip right away! Zara not only embarked on this trip around the Scottish Highlands, she also took a trip of self discovery, realizing there was much more to life than she had ever realized. Cue an ex-boyfriend causing all sorts of drama and a rather handsome croft owner Lachy, Lisa has hit the winning formula on the head.
I will be recommending this book to everybody!!!!
I was very kindly given an ARC via Netgalley and Aria in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I have given this new book from Lisa Hobman FIVE stars.
Another beautiful story from one of my favourite authors. She has perfectly crafted the ability to pull her readers in from the very beginning and A Summer of New Beginnings was no exception.
This book is by far Lisa's best work to date and it's been a real pleasure, as an avid reader of hers to see her talent grow and shine brighter with each and every book. I absolutely loved every single word and found myself staying up late into the night to finish it. It was just so good!
A Summer of New Beginnings is romance at it's best, it was cosy and so delightfully romantic as Zara, rather begrudgingly embarked on the North coast 500 with nothing but an aptly named bike for company. The beautiful Scottish Highlands were described in such vivid detail, it makes you feel like planning your next trip right away! Zara not only embarked on this trip around the Scottish Highlands, she also took a trip of self discovery, realizing there was much more to life than she had ever realized. Cue an ex-boyfriend causing all sorts of drama and a rather handsome croft owner Lachy, Lisa has hit the winning formula on the head.
I will be recommending this book to everybody!!!!
February 10, 2019
A beautiful romantic story told with love, humour and music.
Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, this wonderful romantic novel is absolutely amazing from start to finish! I could not put it down and read it over two days!
We are completely and utterly drawn into a wonderful adventure through an incredible Summer road trip which involves lots of cycling and camping adventures and lots of wonderful music! We meet such wonderful characters and learn so much about them and get to see the wonderful Scottish country through their eyes. I am trying to not give too much away as it is such a delight and a must read!
It was so wonderful to take the journey - The Scottish Highlands were brought to life so vividly and the descriptions were breathtaking - you felt like you were actually there too!
It was great to get to know the characters and find out so much about them. I loved all the friendships made along the way and the camaraderie and compassion shown by all.
An outstanding novel - the first I have read by Lisa Hobman but not the last! Her love and passion for Scotland shines through throughout this incredible novel and makes you want to go there now!
Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, this wonderful romantic novel is absolutely amazing from start to finish! I could not put it down and read it over two days!
We are completely and utterly drawn into a wonderful adventure through an incredible Summer road trip which involves lots of cycling and camping adventures and lots of wonderful music! We meet such wonderful characters and learn so much about them and get to see the wonderful Scottish country through their eyes. I am trying to not give too much away as it is such a delight and a must read!
It was so wonderful to take the journey - The Scottish Highlands were brought to life so vividly and the descriptions were breathtaking - you felt like you were actually there too!
It was great to get to know the characters and find out so much about them. I loved all the friendships made along the way and the camaraderie and compassion shown by all.
An outstanding novel - the first I have read by Lisa Hobman but not the last! Her love and passion for Scotland shines through throughout this incredible novel and makes you want to go there now!
February 13, 2019
A Summer of New Beginnings by Lisa Hobman is a light and entertaining read set mostly in Scotland.
The most beautiful thing about this book is the authors love of Scotland and it radiates from every page in the book.
There are several quite incredulous things but if you put that aside it is fun to read. Characters are well developed if somewhat predictable. I especially liked easy banter between friends. Some situations were laugh out loud.
Zara is a travel writer, who visits most luxurious locations and write about them for the travel magazine she works for, and is quite used to being pampered. When her editor asks her to go camping and cycle Scotland Northcoast 500 route she is appalled. To top it off her boyfriend has a very unwelcome surprise for her as well.
Lovely romance with funny moments. It shows how some people that we think we know well turn out to be a complete enigma. But it also shows all the wonderful things that can happen if we just let them.
All in all an enjoyable read.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The most beautiful thing about this book is the authors love of Scotland and it radiates from every page in the book.
There are several quite incredulous things but if you put that aside it is fun to read. Characters are well developed if somewhat predictable. I especially liked easy banter between friends. Some situations were laugh out loud.
Zara is a travel writer, who visits most luxurious locations and write about them for the travel magazine she works for, and is quite used to being pampered. When her editor asks her to go camping and cycle Scotland Northcoast 500 route she is appalled. To top it off her boyfriend has a very unwelcome surprise for her as well.
Lovely romance with funny moments. It shows how some people that we think we know well turn out to be a complete enigma. But it also shows all the wonderful things that can happen if we just let them.
All in all an enjoyable read.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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