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Island in the Sun
When successful jewellery designer Isla Ashton unexpectedly inherits her eccentric Aunt Kate’s Caribbean island, she is obligated to return to the place she associates with heartache and regret. To where she grew up and fell in love with her childhood friend, Leo Fernandez. Fully intent on selling the island and finally putting the past behind her, Isla is soon compelled to put together the pieces of what really happened on a fateful night ten-years before. She begins to believe that in going to prison, Leo hadn’t only been shielding her from the same fate. She also starts to suspect that her late Aunt hadn’t been entirely honest in sending her away under the guise of recriminations. Who had they both been protecting and why?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2019
35 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Janice Horton
15 books121 followersJanice Horton, also known as the backpacking housewife, writes contemporary romantic fiction with a dash of humour and a sense of adventure. Once her three children had grown up, Janice and her backpacking husband sold their empty nest in Scotland UK along with almost everything they owned and set off to travel the world. Since then they have been travelling full-time and have explored over 50 countries, living out of an apartment, a hut, or wherever they happen to find themselves.
Janice works as a writer wherever she is in the world. When not writing bestselling romantic adventure novels, she writes lifestyle and travel features for her website and her work has also featured in national and international magazines like ‘Prima’ in the UK and ‘Friday’ in Dubai. She has also been involved in BBC Scotland’s Write Here Write Now project and has been interviewed on many podcasts and radio shows including Loose Women’s Kaye Adams’ prime time BBC Radio Scotland Show.
Look out for her latest romantic adventure novel and escape to a tropical paradise in this epic story of hidden pasts and family secrets: 'Island in the Sun' (published January 2019)
Janice writes for HarperCollins Publishers. Janice signed a three-book deal with HarperImpulse - the romance imprint of HarperCollinsUK for 'The Backpacking Housewife' (published July 2018) and two more backpacking romantic adventure novels including a sequel 'The Next Adventure' (July 2019) and a third title to be published later in 2019.
Her backlist of bestselling romantic adventure novels include: 'Bagpipes and Bullshot' and 'Reaching for the Stars' and 'Castaway in the Caribbean' - a #1 Kindle Bestseller shortlisted for the prestigious Love Story Awards.
Janice also writes under the author name of Janey Travis. Look out for her fun romantic comedy 'I Need a Doctor'. “Just the right sprinkling of romance and humour” says Brook Cottage Books.
Janice keeps in touch with her readers on social media and from her website at: https://thebackpackinghousewife.com/
Janice works as a writer wherever she is in the world. When not writing bestselling romantic adventure novels, she writes lifestyle and travel features for her website and her work has also featured in national and international magazines like ‘Prima’ in the UK and ‘Friday’ in Dubai. She has also been involved in BBC Scotland’s Write Here Write Now project and has been interviewed on many podcasts and radio shows including Loose Women’s Kaye Adams’ prime time BBC Radio Scotland Show.
Look out for her latest romantic adventure novel and escape to a tropical paradise in this epic story of hidden pasts and family secrets: 'Island in the Sun' (published January 2019)
Janice writes for HarperCollins Publishers. Janice signed a three-book deal with HarperImpulse - the romance imprint of HarperCollinsUK for 'The Backpacking Housewife' (published July 2018) and two more backpacking romantic adventure novels including a sequel 'The Next Adventure' (July 2019) and a third title to be published later in 2019.
Her backlist of bestselling romantic adventure novels include: 'Bagpipes and Bullshot' and 'Reaching for the Stars' and 'Castaway in the Caribbean' - a #1 Kindle Bestseller shortlisted for the prestigious Love Story Awards.
Janice also writes under the author name of Janey Travis. Look out for her fun romantic comedy 'I Need a Doctor'. “Just the right sprinkling of romance and humour” says Brook Cottage Books.
Janice keeps in touch with her readers on social media and from her website at: https://thebackpackinghousewife.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 7, 2019
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Her memories though, were like snippets of old video mixed with feelings of fledgling excitement and anxiety.
To encourage attendance, Minister John has suggested using fine port wine for his blessings and the best filtered vodka as holy water, although I got him to agree to using plain water during the baptism of infants. As he predicted, this Sunday, there was a queue for communion and a great demand for adults to earnestly profess their faith. John’s sermons too are rather unconventional as he often quotes Bob Dylan or Pink Floyd or John Lennon lyrics rather than those of the Bible.
My Review:
This creative tale covered several highly eventful timelines and was brimming with unusually complicated and frustrating, yet highly compelling characters, who had come to call a small privately owned island in the Caribbean their home. A dead woman’s journals pulled all the elements and long-buried secrets into focus with layers of shocking revelations within her recounting of a truckload of exciting events, all craftily layered with unique twists and included several generations of family drama, dark secrets, a glamorous lifestyle, criminal histories, love affairs, gambling, treasure hunting, infidelity, manipulative lies, and mental health issues. Ms. Horton’s writing was absorbingly engaging and lushly detailed while filled with a bevy of intriguing, quirky, and stubborn characters. I couldn’t seem to read fast enough as the missing pieces to several mysteries started to shake loose.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Her memories though, were like snippets of old video mixed with feelings of fledgling excitement and anxiety.
To encourage attendance, Minister John has suggested using fine port wine for his blessings and the best filtered vodka as holy water, although I got him to agree to using plain water during the baptism of infants. As he predicted, this Sunday, there was a queue for communion and a great demand for adults to earnestly profess their faith. John’s sermons too are rather unconventional as he often quotes Bob Dylan or Pink Floyd or John Lennon lyrics rather than those of the Bible.
My Review:
This creative tale covered several highly eventful timelines and was brimming with unusually complicated and frustrating, yet highly compelling characters, who had come to call a small privately owned island in the Caribbean their home. A dead woman’s journals pulled all the elements and long-buried secrets into focus with layers of shocking revelations within her recounting of a truckload of exciting events, all craftily layered with unique twists and included several generations of family drama, dark secrets, a glamorous lifestyle, criminal histories, love affairs, gambling, treasure hunting, infidelity, manipulative lies, and mental health issues. Ms. Horton’s writing was absorbingly engaging and lushly detailed while filled with a bevy of intriguing, quirky, and stubborn characters. I couldn’t seem to read fast enough as the missing pieces to several mysteries started to shake loose.
April 11, 2019
5☆ Captivating!
Wow! This book is truly captivating. The setting descriptions are superbly written, I felt like I was living and breathing the hot Carribean Sun and soaking in the unique and beautiful Atmosphere of Pearl Island.
Isla's Aunt Miss Kate has just passed away. Not attending the funeral, Isla has been summoned to Pearl Island for the reading of her Aunts Will.
It's been a long time since Isla and her Aunt had seen each other, after they had a big falling out over Isla's one true love... Leo!
Leo has always been bad news, but you can't help who you fall in Love with!.. Right?
Things happened and things were said.
Kate sent Isla away all those years ago!, and now she's back, but is she prepared to find out the truths?
The story spans between past and present which I loved as i became completely hooked on the secrets and events that spanned the course of history.
It was enthralling to read about the feuds, sea gypsy, juicy secrets, drama, treasure hunters, criminal escapades, gambling to win the Island, the relationships, secret liaison, love, lies, heart break and grief. So exciting.
I want to thank Janice for transporting me into Island in the Sun.
It was an Enthralling and Compelling read. From the first few pages I was sucked into this poignant and heart felt story, full of warmth, intrigue, mystery, captivating history, secrets, discoveries and juicy storylines.
I loved the eclectic cast of colourful, warm and endearing characters that were perfectly developed.
The pace flowed along seamlessly as the story flowed between past and present.
So if you are looking for a Women's Fiction that has a mesmerising location, a compelling and enticing plot, with a dash of history, intrigue, and romance then grab a cocktail/mocktail and prepare to be transported to the private Caribbean Pearl Island.... Enjoy!!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Wow! This book is truly captivating. The setting descriptions are superbly written, I felt like I was living and breathing the hot Carribean Sun and soaking in the unique and beautiful Atmosphere of Pearl Island.
Isla's Aunt Miss Kate has just passed away. Not attending the funeral, Isla has been summoned to Pearl Island for the reading of her Aunts Will.
It's been a long time since Isla and her Aunt had seen each other, after they had a big falling out over Isla's one true love... Leo!
Leo has always been bad news, but you can't help who you fall in Love with!.. Right?
Things happened and things were said.
Kate sent Isla away all those years ago!, and now she's back, but is she prepared to find out the truths?
The story spans between past and present which I loved as i became completely hooked on the secrets and events that spanned the course of history.
It was enthralling to read about the feuds, sea gypsy, juicy secrets, drama, treasure hunters, criminal escapades, gambling to win the Island, the relationships, secret liaison, love, lies, heart break and grief. So exciting.
I want to thank Janice for transporting me into Island in the Sun.
It was an Enthralling and Compelling read. From the first few pages I was sucked into this poignant and heart felt story, full of warmth, intrigue, mystery, captivating history, secrets, discoveries and juicy storylines.
I loved the eclectic cast of colourful, warm and endearing characters that were perfectly developed.
The pace flowed along seamlessly as the story flowed between past and present.
So if you are looking for a Women's Fiction that has a mesmerising location, a compelling and enticing plot, with a dash of history, intrigue, and romance then grab a cocktail/mocktail and prepare to be transported to the private Caribbean Pearl Island.... Enjoy!!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
December 30, 2018
From the moment I saw the cover for this book I had been looking forward to reading it, and I can easily say it lived up to expectations.
Pearl Island is a fabulous location for a book, in the Caribbean it makes for a spectacular backdrop to a very interesting and enjoyable story.
We not only get Isla's present day story but also get chapters detailing just what happened between her and Leo, 10 years before hand.
We also get to see sections of Aunt Kate's diaries which were where the bulk of the most compelling its of the book were.
I loved hearing about all elements of both Kate and Isla's lives and also about Leo. All characters I enjoyed that have a few things in common.
This is a book where there are mysteries to uncover, secrets to discover, interesting sections on pearl farming, plus some action that really upped the pace and made my heart race.
This may only be the second book I've read by Janice Horton, but I am continuing to be impressed by her vivid storytelling and her writing style.
Island in the Sun was an absolute joy to read.
Thank you to Janice Horton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Pearl Island is a fabulous location for a book, in the Caribbean it makes for a spectacular backdrop to a very interesting and enjoyable story.
We not only get Isla's present day story but also get chapters detailing just what happened between her and Leo, 10 years before hand.
We also get to see sections of Aunt Kate's diaries which were where the bulk of the most compelling its of the book were.
I loved hearing about all elements of both Kate and Isla's lives and also about Leo. All characters I enjoyed that have a few things in common.
This is a book where there are mysteries to uncover, secrets to discover, interesting sections on pearl farming, plus some action that really upped the pace and made my heart race.
This may only be the second book I've read by Janice Horton, but I am continuing to be impressed by her vivid storytelling and her writing style.
Island in the Sun was an absolute joy to read.
Thank you to Janice Horton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 6, 2019
4* Romance novel set in the EASTERN CARIBBEAN
Katherine Rocha has passed away. Isla is her estranged niece who is surprised one day when she is contacted about her Aunt’s death. As her only living relative a significant legacy awaits her in the Eastern Caribbean, on Pearl Island, where Katherine – Kate – had made her home. It has also been Isla’s childhood home.
Contact was broken because of Isla’s teenage liaison with Leo, a rough diamond who was deemed unsuitable for her. They never had a chance to make a good ending, and so whilst she is now back on the island winding up her Aunt’s affairs, she will take the opportunity to find closure with him. After all, she has only come back to Pearl Island for a couple of days, just to cast her eye over her old home and to start the process of selling up. She is also there to collect the sumptuous jewellery due to her (including diamonds, emeralds and rubies that were equal to Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels), and then she would be returning to London, “…richer in every sense.”
But as she whiles away the hours on this beautiful Caribbean Island until her return to London, where she runs a very successful jewellery design business, she has exchanges with Leo that are quite unsettling. She discovers Kate’s old diaries, through which she begins to understand Kate’s very personal backstory. Indeed; what she discovers from those diaries impacts immensely on her own assumed history.
Kate certainly had an eye for her own selfish interests, a sad and lonely woman by the end who had riches beyond imagination but also a lot of loss in her life, including her husband Ernest, whose body had never been found. He was swept away at sea. Kate is not an altogether likeable character, what Kate wanted, Kate ultimately got. In the latter years, after Ernest’s death, she used to dress each evening in gowns bought for her by him, bedecked in jewels acquired in nefarious ways (by Ernest) and would spend much of the evening gazing across the ocean, cocktail in hand. She suffered from growing agoraphobia and couldn’t countenance leaving the island – her only venture into the wider world was to collect little Isla when both her parents died in a car accident.
Handsome Leo was Isla’s squeeze in teenage years on the island and although he is still on there, running a pearl farm, she is not sure about him. It looks like he may even be in a relationship with his assistant at the pearl farm. Yet there is still a magnetism between the two old lovers. Isla is determined now to sell everything lock, stock and barrel and return to London. But wait, whilst they all shelter in a cave from a tropical hurricane, there are further mysteries to be uncovered and she finds out more about Leo and Jack, his adoptive father (Leo is originally a sea gypsy, abandoned by his birth parents and rescued by Jack, a very romantic touch). Pirates, lost treasure, galleons, prison stays, drug cartels, fine jewellery, an exotic island, a hippie minister, death, hurricanes and more are all factors to make this a swashbuckling romance, full of adventure.
The author is so good at vivid descriptions and colourful storytelling, and the Eastern Caribbean (fictional Pearl Island (Isla de Las Perlas) is in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands) comes alive in her capable hands. The reader also learns quite a bit about the production of pearls and how quality is essential and how that can be achieved.
For me I think the story could have done with a little tightening and a little more editing on a few grammar issues which were a little irksome (and I don’t think a father in 1970s North Yorkshire would have said “gonna”, as in “What are you gonna do now, then?”…). But no matter, this is a good read if you feel like revelling in exciting and luxurious Caribbean island life.
Currently this is only available in digital.
Katherine Rocha has passed away. Isla is her estranged niece who is surprised one day when she is contacted about her Aunt’s death. As her only living relative a significant legacy awaits her in the Eastern Caribbean, on Pearl Island, where Katherine – Kate – had made her home. It has also been Isla’s childhood home.
Contact was broken because of Isla’s teenage liaison with Leo, a rough diamond who was deemed unsuitable for her. They never had a chance to make a good ending, and so whilst she is now back on the island winding up her Aunt’s affairs, she will take the opportunity to find closure with him. After all, she has only come back to Pearl Island for a couple of days, just to cast her eye over her old home and to start the process of selling up. She is also there to collect the sumptuous jewellery due to her (including diamonds, emeralds and rubies that were equal to Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels), and then she would be returning to London, “…richer in every sense.”
But as she whiles away the hours on this beautiful Caribbean Island until her return to London, where she runs a very successful jewellery design business, she has exchanges with Leo that are quite unsettling. She discovers Kate’s old diaries, through which she begins to understand Kate’s very personal backstory. Indeed; what she discovers from those diaries impacts immensely on her own assumed history.
Kate certainly had an eye for her own selfish interests, a sad and lonely woman by the end who had riches beyond imagination but also a lot of loss in her life, including her husband Ernest, whose body had never been found. He was swept away at sea. Kate is not an altogether likeable character, what Kate wanted, Kate ultimately got. In the latter years, after Ernest’s death, she used to dress each evening in gowns bought for her by him, bedecked in jewels acquired in nefarious ways (by Ernest) and would spend much of the evening gazing across the ocean, cocktail in hand. She suffered from growing agoraphobia and couldn’t countenance leaving the island – her only venture into the wider world was to collect little Isla when both her parents died in a car accident.
Handsome Leo was Isla’s squeeze in teenage years on the island and although he is still on there, running a pearl farm, she is not sure about him. It looks like he may even be in a relationship with his assistant at the pearl farm. Yet there is still a magnetism between the two old lovers. Isla is determined now to sell everything lock, stock and barrel and return to London. But wait, whilst they all shelter in a cave from a tropical hurricane, there are further mysteries to be uncovered and she finds out more about Leo and Jack, his adoptive father (Leo is originally a sea gypsy, abandoned by his birth parents and rescued by Jack, a very romantic touch). Pirates, lost treasure, galleons, prison stays, drug cartels, fine jewellery, an exotic island, a hippie minister, death, hurricanes and more are all factors to make this a swashbuckling romance, full of adventure.
The author is so good at vivid descriptions and colourful storytelling, and the Eastern Caribbean (fictional Pearl Island (Isla de Las Perlas) is in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands) comes alive in her capable hands. The reader also learns quite a bit about the production of pearls and how quality is essential and how that can be achieved.
For me I think the story could have done with a little tightening and a little more editing on a few grammar issues which were a little irksome (and I don’t think a father in 1970s North Yorkshire would have said “gonna”, as in “What are you gonna do now, then?”…). But no matter, this is a good read if you feel like revelling in exciting and luxurious Caribbean island life.
Currently this is only available in digital.
April 14, 2019
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2019/...
Island in the Sun was a really quick read for me. The mystery and secrets drew me in and kept me turning those pages.
I loved the format of this story. Through Isla’s narrations we experience the present as well as 10 years ago. The move between timelines is seamless with the flashbacks associated with something in the present time (for example the first time we head back into the past is through her 16th birthday photo). Leo also has a narrative and this helped me to see and understand so much more. Isla reading through Kate Rocha’s journals take us back to a time of glamour in the fashion/celebrity industry and what it was like on Pearl Island with the small community and their way of life. Secrets are slowly revealed …
I have to be honest, I didn’t like Isla. I understood why she acted like she did but I just couldn’t identify with her. I didn’t know what choices she would make, meaning that I was as anxious as Leo was in the hotel! I did warm to Leo and wanted life to work out for him. My favourite character, even though no longer alive, was Kate. Vibrant, adventurous and spontaneous, I wanted to be her friend and confidant. I had so much empathy for this woman. I think I would have made the same choices!
It was so easy to imagine myself on Pearl Island. Such a beautiful setting! I like to learn something new in the fiction I read and the processes on the pearl farm fascinated me (it is obvious Janice Horton has researched). Not only that, I was so intrigued about the partnership, trying to figure out why.
The hurricane represents more than destruction of homes and the ecosystem, uncovering a vital piece of information that ties everything together. Such a poignant scene that had me in tears. My heart ached for Leo. The tension and conflict are fabulous.
Island in the Sun is a story that will take you away from the mundane into a life of glamour, secrets, shipwrecks and sun. You’ll experience the darkness that comes with lies and untruths but also the completeness when those come to light. It’s a story about the lengths we are prepared to go to when we need to protect our own but also realisation that we need to put right our mistakes. I’ve loved every minute of it. Highly recommended!
Island in the Sun was a really quick read for me. The mystery and secrets drew me in and kept me turning those pages.
I loved the format of this story. Through Isla’s narrations we experience the present as well as 10 years ago. The move between timelines is seamless with the flashbacks associated with something in the present time (for example the first time we head back into the past is through her 16th birthday photo). Leo also has a narrative and this helped me to see and understand so much more. Isla reading through Kate Rocha’s journals take us back to a time of glamour in the fashion/celebrity industry and what it was like on Pearl Island with the small community and their way of life. Secrets are slowly revealed …
I have to be honest, I didn’t like Isla. I understood why she acted like she did but I just couldn’t identify with her. I didn’t know what choices she would make, meaning that I was as anxious as Leo was in the hotel! I did warm to Leo and wanted life to work out for him. My favourite character, even though no longer alive, was Kate. Vibrant, adventurous and spontaneous, I wanted to be her friend and confidant. I had so much empathy for this woman. I think I would have made the same choices!
It was so easy to imagine myself on Pearl Island. Such a beautiful setting! I like to learn something new in the fiction I read and the processes on the pearl farm fascinated me (it is obvious Janice Horton has researched). Not only that, I was so intrigued about the partnership, trying to figure out why.
The hurricane represents more than destruction of homes and the ecosystem, uncovering a vital piece of information that ties everything together. Such a poignant scene that had me in tears. My heart ached for Leo. The tension and conflict are fabulous.
Island in the Sun is a story that will take you away from the mundane into a life of glamour, secrets, shipwrecks and sun. You’ll experience the darkness that comes with lies and untruths but also the completeness when those come to light. It’s a story about the lengths we are prepared to go to when we need to protect our own but also realisation that we need to put right our mistakes. I’ve loved every minute of it. Highly recommended!
December 20, 2018
Come away to the Caribbean island they call Pearl!
journey to an island, where the sea is glistening, the mango rice and a chilled Chablis is waiting for you, and there's the white sands, and the shimmering pearls to look at whilst you dine...
Glorious! I was fanning myself and craving all kinds of Caribbean foods when reading this novel. Very well researched and evoked. You read this with your five senses, that's for sure.
The story of a girl returning to an island she's inherited was very interesting and felt fresh - helped by the cool Caribbean breeze! She told her story in flashbacks too so it was nice to see how she and the island had changed. There's a lovely dual storyline of the island's history and Isla's history on the island. There's pearl farms, tales of pirates, a family legacy and Hemingway cats.
There weren't just pearls buried on this island. There are a lot of secrets. A LOT of secrets. The flashbacks worked well as it felt,aptly,as if I was diving into that sand looking for a pearl of a secret before coming back up to the present day storyline. I loved the mix of characters and how Isla, Leo's and Kate's stories flowed back and forth to weave a fascinating tale.
Recommended!
March 30, 2019
Isla inherits Pearl island after her Aunt Kate’s death but having not set foot in the place for over ten years, after she was unceremoniously sent away. She just wants it sold and to get on with her own jewellery design business. But Aunt Kate has other plans for her.
Lured back to the island, she encounters her childhood sweetheart Leo who ended up in prison after being caught smuggling. What happened that night ten years ago and what secrets was Aunt Kate hiding?
The setting really makes this novel. The island was so vividly imagined, I could almost imagine myself scuba diving off the coast looking pearls and lost treasure.
I also really enjoyed the hurricane scenes, showing how beautiful yet scary they can be and added that extra bit peril and tension to the ending of the story.
The story is told through three perspectives, Isla, Leo and Aunt Kate’s diaries from when she was a young woman.
I didn’t particularly warm to Aunt Kate but she was a very compelling and complex character. The tales from her younger years showed her to selfish, concerned only for her happiness. It’s only when she is told that she has to look after young Isla after her parents died, she has to face her fear of flying, I began to understand her a bit more.
I have to be honest, the parts of the story told through Kate’s diary entries were not my favourite. I think I would have preferred to be taken back to the 1970’s rather than just be told about it through Kate but of course that’s just my opinion.
Overall Island in the sun is a drama packed romance, full of secrets and lies and second chances in the sunshine. A must for romance fans!
Lured back to the island, she encounters her childhood sweetheart Leo who ended up in prison after being caught smuggling. What happened that night ten years ago and what secrets was Aunt Kate hiding?
The setting really makes this novel. The island was so vividly imagined, I could almost imagine myself scuba diving off the coast looking pearls and lost treasure.
I also really enjoyed the hurricane scenes, showing how beautiful yet scary they can be and added that extra bit peril and tension to the ending of the story.
The story is told through three perspectives, Isla, Leo and Aunt Kate’s diaries from when she was a young woman.
I didn’t particularly warm to Aunt Kate but she was a very compelling and complex character. The tales from her younger years showed her to selfish, concerned only for her happiness. It’s only when she is told that she has to look after young Isla after her parents died, she has to face her fear of flying, I began to understand her a bit more.
I have to be honest, the parts of the story told through Kate’s diary entries were not my favourite. I think I would have preferred to be taken back to the 1970’s rather than just be told about it through Kate but of course that’s just my opinion.
Overall Island in the sun is a drama packed romance, full of secrets and lies and second chances in the sunshine. A must for romance fans!
April 11, 2019
Beautiful location - check!
Multi narrated -time line; past and present - check!
A second chance at romance with the love of your life - check!
What more could you want?
After the death of her Aunt Kate, Isla returns to her childhood home where she lived until she was sent away for her choices as a teen. Upon her return, she begins to realise that all was not as it seems when she left.
This story is told from several character perspectives and across several time lines. I really loved how Kate's diaries are used to reveal several secrets. The voices of each character come through clearly and as each person's story unfolds, you can't help but fall in love with them. Not all the characters are warm and fuzzy but have a depth to them that gives insight to their actions and thoughts. For me, the use of less than perfect characters is always a bonus - I love to be able to identify with some aspects of the people I am reading about.
Janice Horton's creation and description of Pearl Island transports you to the Caribbean. Every taste, smell and sight is described with such richness and passion that you cannot help but lose yourself in it. The vocabulary is just vivid and stunning.
I'm a sucker for a location read and the added bonus of multi-perspective narrative really made this novel for me. It's the first novel by Janice Horton I have read but I am certain it will not be my last. I cannot wait to see what other treasures she has for me to indulge in.
Multi narrated -time line; past and present - check!
A second chance at romance with the love of your life - check!
What more could you want?
After the death of her Aunt Kate, Isla returns to her childhood home where she lived until she was sent away for her choices as a teen. Upon her return, she begins to realise that all was not as it seems when she left.
This story is told from several character perspectives and across several time lines. I really loved how Kate's diaries are used to reveal several secrets. The voices of each character come through clearly and as each person's story unfolds, you can't help but fall in love with them. Not all the characters are warm and fuzzy but have a depth to them that gives insight to their actions and thoughts. For me, the use of less than perfect characters is always a bonus - I love to be able to identify with some aspects of the people I am reading about.
Janice Horton's creation and description of Pearl Island transports you to the Caribbean. Every taste, smell and sight is described with such richness and passion that you cannot help but lose yourself in it. The vocabulary is just vivid and stunning.
I'm a sucker for a location read and the added bonus of multi-perspective narrative really made this novel for me. It's the first novel by Janice Horton I have read but I am certain it will not be my last. I cannot wait to see what other treasures she has for me to indulge in.
April 4, 2019
Sun, sea, white beaches … That’s a place where I would like to live. Maybe in the future. You never know. At the time being, I am very grateful to the author for creating an atmosphere that made me feel like I was on the island. My dream came true for a few hours, at least in my head. 🙂
When I closed my eyes I could almost smell the sea, the flowers and the fruit, I could almost hear the waves and the cries of the animals, I could almost feel the sand and the warm water between my toes and it was if I was surrounded by the islanders.
I had the impression I was watching a movie instead of reading a book.
Although the story is taking place in the present, the author takes us back to the past as well and believe me some secrets are about to come out. Not only Isla but Leo as well are in for some shocking revelations but there is not only the past to come to terms with, what to do about the future …?
I was engrossed from the beginning till the end. I loved the world of glitter and glamour but I also liked the more simple lifestyle on the island. I was intrigued by the explanation about the pearls.
It’s my first book by this author and I truely regret that I had not discovered her works before now. I have added her to my favourite’s shelf. 5 stars.
Thank you, Janice Horton and Rachel’s Random Resources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
When I closed my eyes I could almost smell the sea, the flowers and the fruit, I could almost hear the waves and the cries of the animals, I could almost feel the sand and the warm water between my toes and it was if I was surrounded by the islanders.
I had the impression I was watching a movie instead of reading a book.
Although the story is taking place in the present, the author takes us back to the past as well and believe me some secrets are about to come out. Not only Isla but Leo as well are in for some shocking revelations but there is not only the past to come to terms with, what to do about the future …?
I was engrossed from the beginning till the end. I loved the world of glitter and glamour but I also liked the more simple lifestyle on the island. I was intrigued by the explanation about the pearls.
It’s my first book by this author and I truely regret that I had not discovered her works before now. I have added her to my favourite’s shelf. 5 stars.
Thank you, Janice Horton and Rachel’s Random Resources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 5, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Why wouldn't you love a combination of rags to riches, an idyllic island, pirate treasure, pearls, smuggling, dark family secrets and romance? The author writes well researched fiction and this delightful read made me want to head straight to the Caribbean and just relax.
March 15, 2019
Island in the Sun is a lovely story about the beautiful Caribbean Island that Isla grew up on after losing her parents as a child. Due to an event that happened many years ago she was sent away and has never returned or seen her Aunt Kate again.
I loved this idyllic island, the descriptions were brilliant and I loved how remote it was and the small community it had in residence.
This book took Isla on a journey through Aunt Kate's journals to discover events that had happened in the past to help her understand her Aunt and all the events that had taken place whilst her Aunt had resided on the island.
A book full of love and lost opportunity, a true demonstration of why you should grab each day and do what makes you happy.
I loved this idyllic island, the descriptions were brilliant and I loved how remote it was and the small community it had in residence.
This book took Isla on a journey through Aunt Kate's journals to discover events that had happened in the past to help her understand her Aunt and all the events that had taken place whilst her Aunt had resided on the island.
A book full of love and lost opportunity, a true demonstration of why you should grab each day and do what makes you happy.
February 24, 2019
Ultimate escape
Love Janice Horton her books perfectly encapsulate the exotic locations with beautiful descriptions and fantastic characters she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors
Love Janice Horton her books perfectly encapsulate the exotic locations with beautiful descriptions and fantastic characters she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors
April 13, 2019
Island in the Sun by Janice Horton is one of those rare gems of a book to just savor and enjoy! It’s one of those books that I read each and every word...devouring them! That’s why it is an all-time favorite read and a top read of 2019 for me!
Isla Ashton is a very successful jewellry designer in the UK. She is looking towards the future, having left her painful past on a beautiful island in the Caribbean. However, the past comes roaring back when she discovers she has inherited her aunt’s island, yes an entire island! She plans to sell and get out before confronting her past in the form of her past love, Leo. But, that is easier said than done when she finds her aunt has left her some surprises she never expected.
Both Isla and Leo are adults who have made decisions about their lives based on things that happened in their past. Neither of them are perfect by any means, especially their stubborness. That just made them more human and easier for me to connect with. As much as this book is about them and their journey to find one another again, it’s also a great deal about Kate. What a character this woman was….talk about a flawed character, she was definitely one. There were times I thought she was incredibly selfish. Yet, I somehow came to love her! She was so complicated and so human.
The book was incredibly well-written, and the writer, Janice Horton, is so talented in creating such a beautiful setting. I could see the blue seas, feel the sand between my toes, smell and feel the balmy salty breezes. It’s not very often I come across a writer that can create such a visual setting, one that I find myself completely immersed in.
Make sure to read the section about the writer herself. She is quite intriguing, and I loved how she finds the locales for her books!
This is a perfect book for the spring and summer. It has it all...great characters, a family saga full of secrets and discoveries, and a gorgeous setting. You can’t get much better than that! The epilogue also contains a surprise. So...I’m hoping there might be more to the story that will result in a future book!
Isla Ashton is a very successful jewellry designer in the UK. She is looking towards the future, having left her painful past on a beautiful island in the Caribbean. However, the past comes roaring back when she discovers she has inherited her aunt’s island, yes an entire island! She plans to sell and get out before confronting her past in the form of her past love, Leo. But, that is easier said than done when she finds her aunt has left her some surprises she never expected.
Both Isla and Leo are adults who have made decisions about their lives based on things that happened in their past. Neither of them are perfect by any means, especially their stubborness. That just made them more human and easier for me to connect with. As much as this book is about them and their journey to find one another again, it’s also a great deal about Kate. What a character this woman was….talk about a flawed character, she was definitely one. There were times I thought she was incredibly selfish. Yet, I somehow came to love her! She was so complicated and so human.
The book was incredibly well-written, and the writer, Janice Horton, is so talented in creating such a beautiful setting. I could see the blue seas, feel the sand between my toes, smell and feel the balmy salty breezes. It’s not very often I come across a writer that can create such a visual setting, one that I find myself completely immersed in.
Make sure to read the section about the writer herself. She is quite intriguing, and I loved how she finds the locales for her books!
This is a perfect book for the spring and summer. It has it all...great characters, a family saga full of secrets and discoveries, and a gorgeous setting. You can’t get much better than that! The epilogue also contains a surprise. So...I’m hoping there might be more to the story that will result in a future book!
April 7, 2019
This is definitely my surprise read of the year.
Jewellery designer, Isla Ashton's shocked to hear of her Aunt Kate's death and even more so when she has to go back to Pearl Island in the Eastern Caribbean for the reading of the will. It's over ten years since she was on the tropical island which was once her home and not somewhere she ever expected or wanted to visit again. Only on arrival, she seizes a chance to find out the truth about why she was abruptly sent back to England.
Surprise, Leo Fernandez's reaction on hearing Isla is back on Pearl Island and he's determined to show her how he has begun building a business he hopes will impress her. After spending eight years in prison with no contact with her, he hopes she will take a chance on him again. Only she has other plans which don't include him. However, a disaster acts as a catalyst to reveal secrets from the past which will hopefully heal the rift between them. To allow them to move forward...together.
It's so easy to visualise the beauty of the island through Ms Horton's writing style. The descriptions of the scenery, along with a glimpse into the daily lives of islanders, particularly through Kate's journals, depicts a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the rich from years gone by. Additionally, readers begin to understand the vulnerability and concern of the local peoples when one era comes to an end without a clear cut plan for the new one. Told from three points of view (the third via Kate's journals) I enjoyed learning Isla and Leo's thoughts about their lives, both from their youth and the present date.
Overall, an enticing novel with a stunning backdrop with a narrative full of fascinating facts to fill your head with the yearning of, wishing you are there.
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
Jewellery designer, Isla Ashton's shocked to hear of her Aunt Kate's death and even more so when she has to go back to Pearl Island in the Eastern Caribbean for the reading of the will. It's over ten years since she was on the tropical island which was once her home and not somewhere she ever expected or wanted to visit again. Only on arrival, she seizes a chance to find out the truth about why she was abruptly sent back to England.
Surprise, Leo Fernandez's reaction on hearing Isla is back on Pearl Island and he's determined to show her how he has begun building a business he hopes will impress her. After spending eight years in prison with no contact with her, he hopes she will take a chance on him again. Only she has other plans which don't include him. However, a disaster acts as a catalyst to reveal secrets from the past which will hopefully heal the rift between them. To allow them to move forward...together.
It's so easy to visualise the beauty of the island through Ms Horton's writing style. The descriptions of the scenery, along with a glimpse into the daily lives of islanders, particularly through Kate's journals, depicts a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the rich from years gone by. Additionally, readers begin to understand the vulnerability and concern of the local peoples when one era comes to an end without a clear cut plan for the new one. Told from three points of view (the third via Kate's journals) I enjoyed learning Isla and Leo's thoughts about their lives, both from their youth and the present date.
Overall, an enticing novel with a stunning backdrop with a narrative full of fascinating facts to fill your head with the yearning of, wishing you are there.
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
April 8, 2019
My first book by the backpacking housewife, Janice Horton, but I will definitely be tracking down more of her writing, as this book was right up my street for a fantastic escapist read. Exotic locales, mystery, scandal, a whiff of piracy and romance – what more could one ask from one little book?
This book follows Isla back to the idyllic island paradise where she was brought up by her stern aunt Kate after Kate’s death, determined to get the job of settling her aunt’s estate done as quickly as possible so she can leave the place that brings back bad memories and, most of all avoid a meeting with the man who lied to her and broke her heart years before. Of course, nothing is ever that straight forward and Isla is drawn back into the past and finds out all may not have been as she assumed.
I thought this book had a great balance of intrigue and romance. I was very drawn in to the story of Isla and her troubled history and I loved finding out more about the history of Kate and why she had ended up on Pearl Island and why she behaved the way she did towards Isla and Leo. I thought the plot was constructed really well and the devices used to reveal the past were really well done. The plot flowed quite easily for me and I was eager to follow it through to the end.
The characters were well drawn and compelling and I was fully invested in their story arcs. I liked hearing the different voices telling their stories, which allowed us to get to know the different characters and see things from their perspective. The stories are far-fetched, but that doesn’t detract from the fun if you suspend your disbelief .
A great, glamorous setting for an exciting tale full of romance and drama. If you are looking for a light book to take you to far flung shores and life you can only imagine, this is the book for you.
This book follows Isla back to the idyllic island paradise where she was brought up by her stern aunt Kate after Kate’s death, determined to get the job of settling her aunt’s estate done as quickly as possible so she can leave the place that brings back bad memories and, most of all avoid a meeting with the man who lied to her and broke her heart years before. Of course, nothing is ever that straight forward and Isla is drawn back into the past and finds out all may not have been as she assumed.
I thought this book had a great balance of intrigue and romance. I was very drawn in to the story of Isla and her troubled history and I loved finding out more about the history of Kate and why she had ended up on Pearl Island and why she behaved the way she did towards Isla and Leo. I thought the plot was constructed really well and the devices used to reveal the past were really well done. The plot flowed quite easily for me and I was eager to follow it through to the end.
The characters were well drawn and compelling and I was fully invested in their story arcs. I liked hearing the different voices telling their stories, which allowed us to get to know the different characters and see things from their perspective. The stories are far-fetched, but that doesn’t detract from the fun if you suspend your disbelief .
A great, glamorous setting for an exciting tale full of romance and drama. If you are looking for a light book to take you to far flung shores and life you can only imagine, this is the book for you.
April 14, 2019
This had me hooked! Isla has been estranged from her Aunt Kate for 10 years and is contacted by a lawyer to say that her Aunt had died and she had left her whole estate to her…..including a Caribbean Island. Although she doesn’t want to return to the place that had been her home, she has no choice. So she gets on a plane with the sole focus of doing what she needs to do, selling the island and returning home.
When she arrives she’s greeted by old friends and people that were family, and realises that her ‘ex’ is there – the boy who had broken her heart at the age of 16. But there is so much that Kate doesn’t know and that she needs to find out so she has closure. Luckily her Aunt leaves her journals to her, and as she curls up one night she uncovers a multitude of secrets. (Talk about twists!)
But she’s still determined to sell the island…..but will she go through with it? Will she really risk the Island, home to so many people she cares about, to potentially become a holiday resort? Will she ever sort things out with Leo? And will she get the closure she needs to move on with her life?
I absolutely loved the characters, although Isla was so frustrating! I can’t count the number of times in my head I was shouting ‘Don’t sell the Island’ at her! I loved Leo – no matter what Isla’s opinion of him was, and Grace, Aunt Kate and Minister John were all fabulous, important characters.
Horton does a fantastic job of describing the Island so I really felt like I was there. I just wish I could inherit a small Caribbean Island!! It sounds so lush and beautiful!
I really enjoyed Horton’s writing style. The book was easy to read and really sucked you in. This is a fantastic book, full of mystery, love, friendship, glamour and forgiveness. Highly recommended by me!
When she arrives she’s greeted by old friends and people that were family, and realises that her ‘ex’ is there – the boy who had broken her heart at the age of 16. But there is so much that Kate doesn’t know and that she needs to find out so she has closure. Luckily her Aunt leaves her journals to her, and as she curls up one night she uncovers a multitude of secrets. (Talk about twists!)
But she’s still determined to sell the island…..but will she go through with it? Will she really risk the Island, home to so many people she cares about, to potentially become a holiday resort? Will she ever sort things out with Leo? And will she get the closure she needs to move on with her life?
I absolutely loved the characters, although Isla was so frustrating! I can’t count the number of times in my head I was shouting ‘Don’t sell the Island’ at her! I loved Leo – no matter what Isla’s opinion of him was, and Grace, Aunt Kate and Minister John were all fabulous, important characters.
Horton does a fantastic job of describing the Island so I really felt like I was there. I just wish I could inherit a small Caribbean Island!! It sounds so lush and beautiful!
I really enjoyed Horton’s writing style. The book was easy to read and really sucked you in. This is a fantastic book, full of mystery, love, friendship, glamour and forgiveness. Highly recommended by me!
April 9, 2019
Jewellery designer, Isla Ashton is left a Caribbean island in her estranged aunt’s estate following her death. Pearl Island is where Isla grew up, but also holds painful memories for her revolving around her childhood friend, Leo. Isla and Leo’s relationship was why she hadn’t seen her Aunt Kate for so long, but now she is back there tying up her affairs and she begins to wonder what really happened that night 10 years ago.
I was initially drawn to this book because of the beautifully sunny cover! The colours immediately filled me with a warm glow, who couldn’t have wanted to read it after that! I’ve never been to the Caribbean, but after reading this book I certainly want to and I can already picture what it’s like from the vivid descriptions given. Pearl Island sounds absolutely beautiful, both in name and in description!
The story is told from Isla and Leo’s point of view and also from Aunt Kate’s diaries from years before. The story was well written and it flowed well, reeling me in from the first few chapters. I loved reliving what happened all those years before and also loved reading about Isla and Leo’s views about what happened also. Isla was also a great character and I really warmed to her.
This really wasn’t the type of book I thought it was going to be. The cover gave me the impression of a light-hearted romance book, but it was definitely more than that. There was a mixture of romance, mystery and intrigue throughout the whole book and it was perfectly balanced to create a storyline which kept me interested right through to the end. An exciting and compelling book by an author which I hadn’t read anything from before. This may have been my first book, but it certainly won’t be my last.
I was initially drawn to this book because of the beautifully sunny cover! The colours immediately filled me with a warm glow, who couldn’t have wanted to read it after that! I’ve never been to the Caribbean, but after reading this book I certainly want to and I can already picture what it’s like from the vivid descriptions given. Pearl Island sounds absolutely beautiful, both in name and in description!
The story is told from Isla and Leo’s point of view and also from Aunt Kate’s diaries from years before. The story was well written and it flowed well, reeling me in from the first few chapters. I loved reliving what happened all those years before and also loved reading about Isla and Leo’s views about what happened also. Isla was also a great character and I really warmed to her.
This really wasn’t the type of book I thought it was going to be. The cover gave me the impression of a light-hearted romance book, but it was definitely more than that. There was a mixture of romance, mystery and intrigue throughout the whole book and it was perfectly balanced to create a storyline which kept me interested right through to the end. An exciting and compelling book by an author which I hadn’t read anything from before. This may have been my first book, but it certainly won’t be my last.
June 6, 2019
I'm sitting writing this review and outside its pouring icy rain down. In April!!! I long to be back in this wonderful book and escape once again to Pearl Island and its inhabitants. Janice Horton's descriptions of Pearl Island and the wonderful cast of characters instantly transported me to sunnier climes.
The book shifts from present day to 10 years previously plus we get a glimpse further into the past through various diaries that the main character Isla is left by her late aunt Kate. Isla has returned to Pearl Island when she is informed of her Aunt's passing. She hasn't been to the island in 10 years after she was effectively banished by her aunt. We aren't immediately told the reason for this but instead find out through flashbacks to a time when Isla, only 16 years old falls for Leo, a sea gypsy. I adored this description..............sea gypsy. It totally captured my imagination!
Isla soon discovers that she has inherited the island from her aunt much to her horror and she can't wait to sell it and move back to Edinburgh and the life she has built for herself. She's now effectively a very wealthy woman and the world is her oyster! However, the island holds many secrets and the past and aunt Kate's diaries are full of mystery. Kate was not the woman Isla thought she was and as skeleton's continue to fall out of the closet, Isla is more than a little surprised by what she discovers. Isla must face her demons and also face Leo who she hasn't seen since she left the island. There is much to resolve.
This is a mesmerizing read and I simply adore a good mystery, particularly when there are old diaries / journals involved with secrets hidden within. A cracking read from Janice Horton who never fails to deliver a good story. Highly recommended.
The book shifts from present day to 10 years previously plus we get a glimpse further into the past through various diaries that the main character Isla is left by her late aunt Kate. Isla has returned to Pearl Island when she is informed of her Aunt's passing. She hasn't been to the island in 10 years after she was effectively banished by her aunt. We aren't immediately told the reason for this but instead find out through flashbacks to a time when Isla, only 16 years old falls for Leo, a sea gypsy. I adored this description..............sea gypsy. It totally captured my imagination!
Isla soon discovers that she has inherited the island from her aunt much to her horror and she can't wait to sell it and move back to Edinburgh and the life she has built for herself. She's now effectively a very wealthy woman and the world is her oyster! However, the island holds many secrets and the past and aunt Kate's diaries are full of mystery. Kate was not the woman Isla thought she was and as skeleton's continue to fall out of the closet, Isla is more than a little surprised by what she discovers. Isla must face her demons and also face Leo who she hasn't seen since she left the island. There is much to resolve.
This is a mesmerizing read and I simply adore a good mystery, particularly when there are old diaries / journals involved with secrets hidden within. A cracking read from Janice Horton who never fails to deliver a good story. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2019
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I have to start off by mentioning the cover - isn't it wonderful. As soon as I saw it I wanted to dive into the book - and book a holiday! I think the cover really does set the scene really well. As a fan of the Caribbean, Pearl Island sounds exactly like my kind of place and I loved the descriptions of the island as well the community it homes.
Janice Horton's well written, descriptions really had me dreaming of sun kissed, white sands, luscious seas, exotic gardens - it was easy to imagine being right there with all of the lovely characters she creates; Kate, Isla, Leo, Jack and Grace (who is my favourite because I have a soft spot for the kindly, care giving types!)
Island in the Sun moves between the current day and from periods in Kate's history to the events of ten years previous, it's is clearly structured and written so that it doesn't get confusing. Given that secrets and memories all thrown into the mix, I loved discovering what had happened so long ago that had kept Isla feeling so angry towards Leo.
At first, I felt that Isla had really held on to her anger for far too long and I wasn't sure I would like her but as she learned the truth of the past I grew to like her more. I saw things from her perspective and realised she'd been kept in the dark for so many reasons.
I liked Leo's character - he made mistakes but he was young and took the punishment that he didn't necessarily deserve. He has worked hard over the past 10 years, determined to prove himself - especially to Isla. I liked how he was persistent in getting her to actually listen, to see him as the man he had become but that he wouldn't stand for her being cruel and hard toward him.
As we learn more, the characters evolve, grow together through their own reasons of grief - loss of those they loved as well as the time they have lost. It's often said the path of true love never does run smooth and that is very true for Leo and Isla, I was riveted at the end and hoping for the best outcome.
A gorgeous, sun filled romance, full of surprise and emotion - this book will take you to paradise. A wonderful read.
Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
I have to start off by mentioning the cover - isn't it wonderful. As soon as I saw it I wanted to dive into the book - and book a holiday! I think the cover really does set the scene really well. As a fan of the Caribbean, Pearl Island sounds exactly like my kind of place and I loved the descriptions of the island as well the community it homes.
Janice Horton's well written, descriptions really had me dreaming of sun kissed, white sands, luscious seas, exotic gardens - it was easy to imagine being right there with all of the lovely characters she creates; Kate, Isla, Leo, Jack and Grace (who is my favourite because I have a soft spot for the kindly, care giving types!)
Island in the Sun moves between the current day and from periods in Kate's history to the events of ten years previous, it's is clearly structured and written so that it doesn't get confusing. Given that secrets and memories all thrown into the mix, I loved discovering what had happened so long ago that had kept Isla feeling so angry towards Leo.
At first, I felt that Isla had really held on to her anger for far too long and I wasn't sure I would like her but as she learned the truth of the past I grew to like her more. I saw things from her perspective and realised she'd been kept in the dark for so many reasons.
I liked Leo's character - he made mistakes but he was young and took the punishment that he didn't necessarily deserve. He has worked hard over the past 10 years, determined to prove himself - especially to Isla. I liked how he was persistent in getting her to actually listen, to see him as the man he had become but that he wouldn't stand for her being cruel and hard toward him.
As we learn more, the characters evolve, grow together through their own reasons of grief - loss of those they loved as well as the time they have lost. It's often said the path of true love never does run smooth and that is very true for Leo and Isla, I was riveted at the end and hoping for the best outcome.
A gorgeous, sun filled romance, full of surprise and emotion - this book will take you to paradise. A wonderful read.
Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
April 9, 2019
Isla returns to the island of her childhood, Pearl Island, when her aunt dies and she inherits the entire island. (I think I need a relative like that too). It means she has to return to a place that caused her a lot of heartbreak. She was banned from the island after an awful mistake as a teenager.
Returning to a place that holds a lot of painful and also fantastic memories for Isla is both nostalgic and difficult at the same. It's also the opening of a Pandora's box, as Isla soon finds out.
It's quite interesting how Isla reacts to the secrets and memories in Kate's journals. As an objective reader Kate comes across as manipulative, ruthless and cold-hearted, and that is just in regards to her career and ambition.
Isla is very understanding and waves the more reckless and even criminal aspects of Kate's behaviour aside. Yes, it's the past and they are the words of a now deceased woman, but her reaction is perhaps also a reflection of how she regards her own behaviour.
It's a pleasurable read, which is driven and made more captivating by the beautiful scenery the author evokes. In a way the island becomes a character in its own right, as the rest become the supporting cast.
On a side-note I have to agree with something the author says in the notes and acknowledgements. I was totally up for visiting the island and diving for pearls after reading this book. Unfortunately for me, and I can imagine quite a few other readers, it's a fictional island and based on places and experiences from the author's extensive travels.
*I received a courtesy copy*
Returning to a place that holds a lot of painful and also fantastic memories for Isla is both nostalgic and difficult at the same. It's also the opening of a Pandora's box, as Isla soon finds out.
It's quite interesting how Isla reacts to the secrets and memories in Kate's journals. As an objective reader Kate comes across as manipulative, ruthless and cold-hearted, and that is just in regards to her career and ambition.
Isla is very understanding and waves the more reckless and even criminal aspects of Kate's behaviour aside. Yes, it's the past and they are the words of a now deceased woman, but her reaction is perhaps also a reflection of how she regards her own behaviour.
It's a pleasurable read, which is driven and made more captivating by the beautiful scenery the author evokes. In a way the island becomes a character in its own right, as the rest become the supporting cast.
On a side-note I have to agree with something the author says in the notes and acknowledgements. I was totally up for visiting the island and diving for pearls after reading this book. Unfortunately for me, and I can imagine quite a few other readers, it's a fictional island and based on places and experiences from the author's extensive travels.
*I received a courtesy copy*
July 4, 2021
Eeeh-
Look, I had higher hopes for this novel than I should have so maybe it's my own fault. It's like three novels all jammed together in the hopes of creating one super cool story but they all just end up creating unlikable, stubborn, unrelatable, and all-around kind of asshole characters. Like... I know I sound like such a huge hater but don't expect this to have you connect super deeply with anyone because it won't.
Half the time the choices are completely out of the blue, other times you find yourself yelling at the pages because the characters are either too stupid or too stubborn to realize what has been there from the very beginning. What makes me madder actually is how you're presented with a whole lot of material that promises to take you on an awesome rollercoaster but, at the end, you find yourself with a huge question mark and nothing feels earned or "right" to have happened.
Isla is a mess- stubborn, blind, SELFISH, and very much a mean person. Leo sits between hopelessly romantic and generous to manipulative and uncaring. I won't even mention the aunt and uncle because there's far too much to discuss. I will say this, though: to me, Aunt Kate is like a dollar-store version of Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reed...just sayin'.
If you're looking for something easy-breezy and beach-like to read during the weekend, maaaaaybe check this out but honestly I think you're better off reading other things that will probably make you like the characters even an inch more than this novel does.
Look, I had higher hopes for this novel than I should have so maybe it's my own fault. It's like three novels all jammed together in the hopes of creating one super cool story but they all just end up creating unlikable, stubborn, unrelatable, and all-around kind of asshole characters. Like... I know I sound like such a huge hater but don't expect this to have you connect super deeply with anyone because it won't.
Half the time the choices are completely out of the blue, other times you find yourself yelling at the pages because the characters are either too stupid or too stubborn to realize what has been there from the very beginning. What makes me madder actually is how you're presented with a whole lot of material that promises to take you on an awesome rollercoaster but, at the end, you find yourself with a huge question mark and nothing feels earned or "right" to have happened.
Isla is a mess- stubborn, blind, SELFISH, and very much a mean person. Leo sits between hopelessly romantic and generous to manipulative and uncaring. I won't even mention the aunt and uncle because there's far too much to discuss. I will say this, though: to me, Aunt Kate is like a dollar-store version of Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reed...just sayin'.
If you're looking for something easy-breezy and beach-like to read during the weekend, maaaaaybe check this out but honestly I think you're better off reading other things that will probably make you like the characters even an inch more than this novel does.
May 26, 2019
I’ll tell you I normally start a review, get sidetracked, and one of my over used phrases is ‘but I digress.’ (What can I say, I’m a bit predictable!;)) Here, however I have to start at the beginning, with the cover.
The cover (which incidentally I don’t think matches the book at all, just putting it out there!), could not have prepared me for the absolute beauty of the words within. From the beginning where we visited a very beautiful, reverent and sad setting I was absolutely taken by the beauty of the surroundings of the island we found ourselves in. The descriptions were mesmirising and reminded me of something akin to historical fiction (which I don’t read a lot of, but when I do I’m pretty taken with it!)
The tragedy recedes and we move to meet Isla in the present day who is approached by a mystery man with some news. The timeline and povs alternate in this book, although it is mostly Isla we hear from and we are taken through the story of a rift, memories of a doomed romance and shown mysteries that are solved through Isla’s reading of a diary.
I’ll be honest if I’d have read the book based on the cover I’d have expected something more holiday like and sunny (even though this was a light read at times), but reading outside of the box worked this time and I very much enjoyed. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
The cover (which incidentally I don’t think matches the book at all, just putting it out there!), could not have prepared me for the absolute beauty of the words within. From the beginning where we visited a very beautiful, reverent and sad setting I was absolutely taken by the beauty of the surroundings of the island we found ourselves in. The descriptions were mesmirising and reminded me of something akin to historical fiction (which I don’t read a lot of, but when I do I’m pretty taken with it!)
The tragedy recedes and we move to meet Isla in the present day who is approached by a mystery man with some news. The timeline and povs alternate in this book, although it is mostly Isla we hear from and we are taken through the story of a rift, memories of a doomed romance and shown mysteries that are solved through Isla’s reading of a diary.
I’ll be honest if I’d have read the book based on the cover I’d have expected something more holiday like and sunny (even though this was a light read at times), but reading outside of the box worked this time and I very much enjoyed. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
March 21, 2019
Well what can I say about this book....a first read for me from Janice and I can say for a fact it won’t be my last. It took me a little bit of time to get used to the story going from the past to the present day (that’s probably just me!) but once I soon got used to that I found I was captivated by the story. I actually found it very interesting how the story was told by many different characters so we got a very well rounded perspective.
Isla comes back to Pearl Island after the passing of her aunt however there is actually something much deeper going on. This story tells a tale of past relationships and deep dark family secrets which will leave you engrossed from beginning to end. My favourite character is Isla as she is clearly very troubled at the beginning of the story and we see her personality evolving as the story goes on. Obviously I didn’t dislike any of the characters as they each offered something different to the storyline.
‘Island in the Sun’ is about love, loss, family loyalty and above all forgiveness ❤️ Janice’s writing was in some parts very light hearted but then soon took you into a state of suspense as you really want to know how the story ends. I now have Janice Horton on my list of favourite authors. I give ‘Island in the Sun’ 5*/5* 😊
Isla comes back to Pearl Island after the passing of her aunt however there is actually something much deeper going on. This story tells a tale of past relationships and deep dark family secrets which will leave you engrossed from beginning to end. My favourite character is Isla as she is clearly very troubled at the beginning of the story and we see her personality evolving as the story goes on. Obviously I didn’t dislike any of the characters as they each offered something different to the storyline.
‘Island in the Sun’ is about love, loss, family loyalty and above all forgiveness ❤️ Janice’s writing was in some parts very light hearted but then soon took you into a state of suspense as you really want to know how the story ends. I now have Janice Horton on my list of favourite authors. I give ‘Island in the Sun’ 5*/5* 😊
April 3, 2019
I am a sucker for a captivating, romance read and this story held me captive from the very first pages. I was intrigued by the mysterious story and I pored the pages enthusiastically as I delved deeper into the story and the characters within.
Isla has been left Pearl Island, by her Aunt Kate, following her death. What she gets is more than bricks, mortar and masses of sun. What she finds are answers to secrets that run deep through her aunts history, entwining her own past and present. The story was written brilliantly and I loved that we saw more into the past, it helped us to understand Kate a lot more. I loved the character interactions, especially between Isla and Leo...I felt Isla's attraction towards him. The sleeveless vests, his muscled arms, his tanned skin, his pale green eyes; I read with keen interest as Isla got closer to her teen love, but obviously the path of true love never does run smoothly.
This was one of the first books that I have read by Janice, but it wont be one of my last. I loved how it was written, the style was perfect and it flowed wonderfully! Brilliant story, brilliant setting and brilliant characters! One to Read!
Isla has been left Pearl Island, by her Aunt Kate, following her death. What she gets is more than bricks, mortar and masses of sun. What she finds are answers to secrets that run deep through her aunts history, entwining her own past and present. The story was written brilliantly and I loved that we saw more into the past, it helped us to understand Kate a lot more. I loved the character interactions, especially between Isla and Leo...I felt Isla's attraction towards him. The sleeveless vests, his muscled arms, his tanned skin, his pale green eyes; I read with keen interest as Isla got closer to her teen love, but obviously the path of true love never does run smoothly.
This was one of the first books that I have read by Janice, but it wont be one of my last. I loved how it was written, the style was perfect and it flowed wonderfully! Brilliant story, brilliant setting and brilliant characters! One to Read!
April 9, 2019
A lovely, light romance with a bit of a mystery and several story lines which kept my attention throughout.
Isla Ashton has created a whole new life for herself since being banished from Pearl Island around 10 years ago. With news of the death of her Aunt Kate who resides there, Isla is astonished to discover that she is the beneficiary of her will and needs to return to the haven she thought she'd never see again, and the inhabitants - some of whom she still doesn't want to be re-acquainted with.
Appealing and engaging, this is a story set in a stunning location involving a love story or two along with a mystery which unfolds throughout the book. As I turned the pages, the past was revealed along with the present and I was completely engrossed in this magical and satisfying read. This is the first novel I have come across by this author; I found it to be well-written, beautifully descriptive and set in a stunning location. Island life is rather mesmerising; I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to visit this idyll. I shall certainly be happy to read more by Janice Horton, and have no hesitation in recommending this 5* read.
Isla Ashton has created a whole new life for herself since being banished from Pearl Island around 10 years ago. With news of the death of her Aunt Kate who resides there, Isla is astonished to discover that she is the beneficiary of her will and needs to return to the haven she thought she'd never see again, and the inhabitants - some of whom she still doesn't want to be re-acquainted with.
Appealing and engaging, this is a story set in a stunning location involving a love story or two along with a mystery which unfolds throughout the book. As I turned the pages, the past was revealed along with the present and I was completely engrossed in this magical and satisfying read. This is the first novel I have come across by this author; I found it to be well-written, beautifully descriptive and set in a stunning location. Island life is rather mesmerising; I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to visit this idyll. I shall certainly be happy to read more by Janice Horton, and have no hesitation in recommending this 5* read.
April 13, 2019
Isla is left an island in her aunts will, however returning to Pearl island is not a happy undertaking. Pearl island holds painful memories and as Isla soon realises, it also has it's share of secrets. Secrets which have had a huge impact on Isla's life.
Told through three points of view, Isla's, Leo's and the deceased aunt Kate's diary. As the story unravels we learn that the island has it's share of secrets and that all was not as Isla was lead to believe.I thoroughly enjoyed Island In The Sun, the romance, the mystery and the beauty of the surroundings, made this a pleasure to read. The added action had me on tenterhooks.
As someone who wilts in the sun I have no chance of ever having an enjoyable Caribbean holiday but through Janice Horton's beautifully descriptive writing I feel like I experienced a taste of paradise.
Told through three points of view, Isla's, Leo's and the deceased aunt Kate's diary. As the story unravels we learn that the island has it's share of secrets and that all was not as Isla was lead to believe.I thoroughly enjoyed Island In The Sun, the romance, the mystery and the beauty of the surroundings, made this a pleasure to read. The added action had me on tenterhooks.
As someone who wilts in the sun I have no chance of ever having an enjoyable Caribbean holiday but through Janice Horton's beautifully descriptive writing I feel like I experienced a taste of paradise.
April 10, 2019
Janice Hortin’s Island in the Sun is a fabulous read. The setting is beautiful and it really felt as if I was there. I love Janice Horton’s writing. She brilliantly takes you to the location of her novel and keeps you there with her incredibly realistic characters.
Speaking of characters, Isla, Kate and Leo have such fascinating lives and I loved reading about them all. The mystery and secrets added to the pace of this novel and I loved the action as well.
I highly recommend checking out Island in the Sun! It’s a fantastically written mystery with wonderful character development.
*I received this book as part of a blog tour organized by Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Speaking of characters, Isla, Kate and Leo have such fascinating lives and I loved reading about them all. The mystery and secrets added to the pace of this novel and I loved the action as well.
I highly recommend checking out Island in the Sun! It’s a fantastically written mystery with wonderful character development.
*I received this book as part of a blog tour organized by Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
May 6, 2019
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I thought that this was a completely addictive read and the story was fascinating!
I really enjoyed getting to know the different characters and what happened to them in the past, and what was now happening to them in the present.
The story has an excellent flow to it and the plot was great. The detail was perfect for me and there was plenty to keep me engaged, and entertained without bogging it all down in filler that didn’t need to be there.
It is five stars from me, I thought it was an excellent story, really well written and I loved the location too – very highly recommended – and it would be a great summer read!
I thought that this was a completely addictive read and the story was fascinating!
I really enjoyed getting to know the different characters and what happened to them in the past, and what was now happening to them in the present.
The story has an excellent flow to it and the plot was great. The detail was perfect for me and there was plenty to keep me engaged, and entertained without bogging it all down in filler that didn’t need to be there.
It is five stars from me, I thought it was an excellent story, really well written and I loved the location too – very highly recommended – and it would be a great summer read!
November 5, 2019
What a great read, some real in depth love stories.
August 5, 2023
Quick fun read.
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