Sail away to beautiful Croatia for summer sun, sparkling turquoise seas and a will-they-won’t-they romance you won’t be able to put down!
When no-nonsense, down-to-earth Maddie Wilcox is offered the chance to work on a luxury yacht for the summer, she can’t say no. Yes she’ll be waiting on the posh guests… But island-hopping around the Adriatic sea will more than make up for it – especially when Nick, her best friend Nina’s brother, is one of them.
Sparks fly when they meet on board and Maddie can’t believe self-entitled jerk Nick is really related to Nina. But in a secret, picture-perfect cove, away from the real world, Maddie and Nick discover they might have more in common than they realise…
Julie Caplin also writes contemporary romance as Jules Wake.
Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She’s on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she’s been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she’s explored over the years.
Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and the The Little Paris Patisserie.
When my friend Amanda (who has an amazing blog ChocolatePages and you should check her blog) told me about The Secret Cove in Croatia I knew I had to read this book. You see, I love reading books set in different countries that talk about people, food and love, but I have never read that type of book set in my own country. I wanted to see what perspective foreign author would have on Croatia and it’s residents, and critical side of me wanted to check if descriptions will be authentic.
I have to say, I was so impressed by the way Julie Caplin described Croatia and I truly believe this book will make you consider to take a trip to this country after you finish it. It was obvious that the author loved places she visited while she was doing her research for this novel, and I applause her for the way she described everything.
There are plenty of places and food mentioned, and even some characteristics of Croatians. I like how characters of the book drank Karlovačko, our national beer, or Cedevita (which, actually, you can find in more then three flavours and everyone drinks it, not only kids (I’m drinking lime-mint flavour as I’m writing this review)).
The story itself was pretty enjoyable, although I think I would like it more if it was little shorter.
The writing style was also really good and now I understand why so many readers are in love with Caplin’s work.
However, there are two things I didn’t particularly like: 1. The characters were unlikeable, and they were all black and white (even though I wasn’t a fan of the main character who was “white” (and here I talk about personalities)). I wish they were more dimensional, especially the one character who is pictured as main villain.
2. I don’t like the way author handled a serious topic called eating disorder (bulimia).
This is the fifth book in the series, but it can be read as standalone.
I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for a relaxing summer read filled with sunshine, sea, food and romance.
With big bones, Maddie was never going to be a size ten; she was a healthy twelve to fourteen and her stomach had never, and was never going to be, flat and, yes, she had muffin tops – double chocolate chip muffin tops. All bought and paid for.
‘… those shorts. Serious fashion crime… Oh, dear God. A travesty. Those are men’s shorts. No wonder you look like a pudding on legs. Fabulous legs, by the way.’ She actually walked around Maddie as if she were a prize pig on show.
We were the kids on free school meals. I’m the first to go to university, which my mum views with deep suspicion. The way she carries on, you’d think I’d taken up witchcraft.
Honestly, you young people. Every communication tool under the sun and none of you seem able to talk to each other.
My Review:
This was a fun and amusing read that entertained with clever observations and mocking wit while simultaneously taunting me with delectable descriptions of mouth-watering dishes and lush exotic locals as the characters cruised the Croatian Coast on a luxury yacht. Well, the lovely main character of Maddie was actually employed as a last-minute addition to the crew on said luxury yacht. Poor Maddie, she was required to clean up unspeakable messes and smile as the vile and petty “stick insect” models squealed like toddlers, pranced like show ponies, and barked orders and insults at anyone who dared to offer a differing opinion to their plans while they fleeced a wealthy boyfriend and enjoyed an extravagant vacation at his expense.
This was my first experience dabbling in this cunning wordsmith’s skills and my willpower to abide my diet regime was sorely tested by her deviously penned and artfully detailed meals. It took all I had not to succumb, although I did dream of a succulent pasta and wine-fueled binge after feeling compelled to Google Croatia and several of the items and places mentioned. Ms. Caplin’s oddly enticing characters were intriguingly and comically drawn; even the villainous harpies kept my interest primed as I was curious as to if or how their duplicity would be exposed, although I will also admit to gleefully hissing my displeasure at their unrepentant self-absorption. I seem to love to hate narcissists.
In addition to falling into a circuitous yet interesting and educational Google stoked lesson on Croatia, Mr. Google also assisted me with several fun new additions to my Brit Word List with duff them up – hit them many times; oik – an uncouth or obnoxious person; and cadge – ask or beg for something. Mr. G is one of my all-time favorite boyfriends, as unlike most of the human variety, he never fails to perform.
The Secret Cove in Croatia is a gorgeous Enchanting Summer Read I couldn't put it down.
I didn't realise this was part of a series, it can be read perfectly fine as a standalone!
Maddie is in need of making some cash so when her best friend Nina asks if she wants to help out on a cruise liner, her brother is setting sail on, she jumps at the chance! I mean how hard can it be looking after a few guests on a luxury Yacht? Except these guests are rich, self obsessed and a pain!
Nick hasn't met Maddie so when he boards the yacht with his obnoxious, selfish premadonna Model Girlfriend they get off to a bad start!
But there is something not quiet adding up between Nick and Tara, she certainly gets him hot under the collar, but that's pretty much as far as it goes!
As Maddie and Nick grow closer the more time they spend together, is Nick suddenly realising that all he is to Tara is a lapdog, but the Sass and Banter between him and Maddie is the real deal? He can be his charming, down to earth Farmer Boy self around her, and he becomes more and more endearing!
Wow oh wow Is there a whole mix of characters in this Fabulous book. Believe me some of them grated on me, but they are meant to, there rich, spoilt, self obsessed, opinionated and believed Maddie was there slave becoming more demanding. But did they make for some fabulous reading!
I adore Nick and Maddie's flirty Sassy Banter. Maddie continuously had me giggling with her witty one liners and snarky comebacks. I was like yay you go girl!!
The Secret Cove in Croatia is Full of Sass, Humour, Romance, Scrumptious Food, Quirky Characters and a stunning location, the perfect read for this Heat Wave 🌞
This is my first encounter with Julie Caplin and I can't wait to discover more from her books!
Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Book..... Without a Doubt.... 100%...YES!!!
I mean look at that book cover it's gorgeous! So grab an ice cold drink, and prepare to set sail, laugh a lot, and fall in love with The Secret Cove in Croatia!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This reads like something made twenty years ago with its outdated depictions of vague homophobia, body shaming, women being pitted against each other, and even what I can only describe as sexual assault being glossed over.
I liked the fun summer vibes and the setting, but my god the characters were just old played out clichés... I kept waiting for something more complex with the characters' development and relationships, but no, Tara was just a mean vapid villain. The main character was written as a classic down to earth girl who doesn't realise she's actually beautiful and good at everything and everyone "good" just immediately loves her (when actually she was really judgemental and prejudiced too). Nick was very similar.
I can enjoy predictable romantic stories, but for a book that came out as recently as 2019 I really would've hoped for a bit more substance. I'm quite confused, since I've read and enjoyed a few other books in the series and they didn't seem nearly as outdated as this one.
I've only ever spent a small amount of time in Croatia, when stopping there on cruises but I've seen enough to know how spot on Julie Caplin is with her descriptions of the country. It really is as stunning in real life as it is in this book, and if you don't fall in love with the place from this wonderful story the I'll be shocked.
This may be the fifth book in the romantic escape series but it easily standalone. Maddie and Nick did feature a bit in The Little Paris Patisserie but if you haven't read it, you can still easily follow this story, as they were never main characters, nor have they met each other before boarding this luxury yacht.
You really do get to see how the other half live, with just who is on board this Croatian Gulet, you have a group of rich people, plus Nick who somehow has lucked into being supermodel Tara's boyfriend.
To say that Nick, a sheep farmer, and a supermodel is an unlikely match would be an understatement, and their interactions amuse and frustrate me equally.
There were a good few characters I would have loved to smack, they were rich, self obsessed and treated Maddie appallingly, given she is working as crew on this trip. Nick and Maddie are both incredibly down to earth and do great banter. Of the others on the boat trip, I really liked Siri and Douglas seemed genuine too, if a bit henpecked.
The encounter with the people on board a yacht had me gasping at one point and laughing a few mins later, it was fabulous, if a bit hair raising in the build up!
I really did love soaking up every moment of this sun filled read. There is a clear connection between our leads but for various reasons it was never going to be as simple as it may sound. Everything to do with Croatian food and scenery was so vivid it was like you were there.
Julie Caplin has yet again written a wonderful romance set to a stunning backdrop that draws you into the story and just wont let you go. I just wish I'd been on their holiday too!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Cute, cuter, cutetst. Of zoiets. Maar het was in ieder geval echt genieten geblazen met dit fijne boek van deze geweldige auteur. Ieder boek is weer een feestje.
Ako ste u potrazi za pravom ljetnom knjigom, možda usput i malo nostalgični za domom, ili vam pak fali more, pa čak i ako ste već bili/trenutno jeste na ljetovanju, tu je ova knjiga!
Oni koji su već čitali knjige Julie Caplin, znaju da u njima mogu očekivati malo zabave, malo romantike, malo humora - i puno upoznavanja šarmantnih mjesta u kojima se odvijaju radnje njenih romana. Ovoga je puta Julie za mjesto radnje izabrala upravo Hrvatsku, odnosno hrvatsku obalu i otoke, te jednu tajnovitu hvarsku uvalu.
Priča - tj. krstarenje Jadranom, koje je njen centralni dio - počinje u Splitu, u kojem susrećemo Maddie - simpatičnu umjetnicu koja ne uspijeva od svoje umjetnosti izgraditi karijeru (barem ne još!) pa se rado odazove na poziv za ljetnim poslom na brodu na kojem se brat njene najbolje prijateljice Nine sprema provesti godišnji odmor, u društvu svoje nove djevojke.
Stvari ne krenu baš onako kako si je Maddie zamislila, budući da su gosti koji borave na brodu - iako ih je samo šestoro - iznimno naporni. Ne svi, ali dio njih koji to jest to uvelike nadoknađuje i za one koji to nisu. A dok se bori sa sumanutim zahtjevima, prohtjevima i mušicama dvije razmažene manekenke, Maddie će tijekom krstarenja steći i nekoliko prijatelja, upoznati razna predivna mjesta, pa i zaljubiti se. No, njen put do sreće bit će popločan raznoraznim smiješnim i zabavnim, ali i neugodnim i bizarnim situacijama. Srećom, Maddie u svemu uvijek vidi i pozitivnu stranu i zbilja je simpatičan lik s obje noge čvrsto na zemlji, pa ju je sasvim ugodno pratiti u svim mogućim situacijama, i onim zabavnima i onim manje zabavnima.
Uz Split, Julie i njeni likovi prokrstariti će još Bračem i Hvarom, spomenuti razne hrvatske običaje i obići razna zanimljiva mjesta i ljude na ovim otocima i oko njih. Julie nam, ipak, neće otkriti koja je to točno tajnovita uvala iz naslova, ali možda ju prepoznate. Ili rezervirate iduće ljeto za to da ju pronađete. Ako je suditi prema opisu, itekako bi ju se isplatilo potražiti!
Na humorističan i zabavan način Julie se pomalo ruga 'glamuroznom' životu razmaženih zvijezda. Ne sjećam se koja su me dva lika toliko iritirala kao dvije manekenke iz ovog romana. No, njima nasuprot, tu je i pregršt simpatičnih likova, pa jezičac vage po pitanju lajkabilnosti debelo pada na njihovu stranu. (Znam da lajkabilnost nije riječ, ali baš mi je tu pasala. Nemojte zamjeriti :))
Sunce, more, dobro društvo, malo romantike; što nam još treba za dobar ljetni provod? Ništa! U nedostatku pravog ljetovanja, ono knjiško uvijek dobro dođe, a čak i uz pravo ljetovanje, s knjiškim dobijete dupli provod. Ako je romantično-chick-litasto-zabavno štivo ono što volite ponijeti sa sobom na plažu ili čitati negdje u hladu, ukrcajte se na brod do tajnovite uvale. Mirno vam more!
- Hlavné postavy totálne bez osobnosti. Už som stihla aj zabudnúť, ako sa volajú, lebo okrem toho, že ona je wannabe umelkyňa a on je plytký farmár netuším, kto boli. - Z Chorvátska toho bolo málo, všetko bolo popísané len ako milé malebné mestečko, ale zvyšok knihy bol len o práci a modelkách a romantike a o tom, ako si hlavná postava neverila. - Toto stereotypizovanie a hejtovanie žien bolo úplne celé zle. Kniha napísaná v 2019 tu totálne hejtí modelky, aké sú plytké, idú len po krásnych chlapoch a peniazoch, sú bulimičky a samozrejme sa vysmievajú o trošku tučnejšej babe. - Načo tam akože bolo treba drbnúť bulimiu??? Autorka to absolútne nijak nevyriešila, len túto chorobu použila ako opis modelky. Proste wtf? Mohla to aspoň nejak vyriešiť, pomôcť jej alebo ja neviem, a nie že "och ona je zlá a je modelka, takže je bulimička, ale je príliš zlá na to, aby som jej napokon pomohla". - Romantika zo sekundy na sekundu. Chvíľu sa nenávideli, potom sa raz porozprávali, potom strávili jednu noc osamote na lodi a zrazu si vyznávajú lásku. Okeeeeej. - Nulová chémia. Ruka v ruke s neexistujúcou osobnosťou postáv a megarýchlou romantikou ide samozrejme to, že medzi postavami nebola absolútne. žiadna. chémia. nula. nič. nada. Normálne som už len krútila očami, keď na konci modelka zahlási "Ako si si mohol vybrať ju? :O" a on na to "ona je všetko, čo ty nie si! Je obloha, je more, je mesiac, je slnko". Proste taký lacný pickup line na tindri. No thank you. - On bol taký plytký chuj. Reálne si autorka myslela, že sa čitateľky buchnú do týpka, ktorý chodí s modelkou len preto, že je modelka - čiže pekná a štíhla - a môže s ňou cestovať kadetade? Celú knihu vám autorka ukazuje, aká je tá modelka krava, ako sa zle správa, aká je hnusná na každého, že má bulímiu, ešte aj on o nej povie, že je hnusná v jednom momente, ale chodí s ňou ďalej.
Takže som absolútne znechutená z tejto série vďaka tejto knihe, kto vie, kedy sa dokopem čítať ďalšie diely a či vôbec.
Ale ak chcete čítať niečo, kde vám netreba mozgové bunky, tak do toho :D
I absolutely loved it! 😍 Even if the ending stretched out a bit and it became a bit too unrealistic and dramatic when Tara made a proposal to Nick. Also some questions were left open, like what happened with Tara’s eating disorder? Why include such a heavy topic in your book if you’re not gonna “finish” it somehow or lead it to somewhere? That topic was just abandoned even though it happened so frequently throughout the book that you thought maybe it will lead to somewhere? Anyway, it was still a fresh read and I loved the character ❤️
This is the fifth book in the fabulous Romantic Escapes series and another beautiful country to add to my ever growing bucket list!
This can easily be read as a standalone however I have enjoyed reading in the order of the series, you will find characters pop up throughout the series and some characters are linked either by friendships or family, but as I said, reading as a standalone you won’t be missing out on anything as Julie has a superb way of recapping any characters.
So we are in beautiful Croatia relaxing on a yacht, crystal clear waters and no clouds in the sky but no relaxing for Maddie. Maddie needs a job, after spending a year in Paris she now has to get her head into gear and find a job after finishing her degree in History of Art but finding a job is becoming more tricky than she thought. When her friend Nina messages her offering her work on a yacht for two weeks as a hostess, Maddie jumps at the chance… How difficult can it be, a little cleaning and cooking (not that she is a whizz in the kitchen!) can’t be too difficult. It seems that boat life is for Maddie as she picks up the ropes pretty quickly!
One of the guests on the yacht is Nick, far from home and the family farm where he works he is looking forward to island hopping and holidaying with his new girlfriend and model Tara and her friends. Maddie is looking forward to meeting Nick, after all he is Nina’s brother who she has heard so much about and she hopes he could be an ally while on the yacht. However this doesn’t work out well after an awkward first meeting they don’t get off to a good start and Maddie is surprised that Nick is the complete opposite to how she imaged he would be.
With some demanding guests, (oh some just drove me mad) Maddie has her work cut out for her but as the holiday goes on and some plans change Maddie and Nick find themselves pushed together and soon realise just how much they have in common and sparks begin to fly! I love that the chapters switched between both characters of Maddie and Nick, giving you an extra insight into the characters but then it can also make me want to bash their heads together. I really liked Maddie, she is someone I am sure everyone could relate to, hard-working, fun but deep down she hides some insecurities which makes her so normal and relatable.
As always the descriptions of the locations in Julie’s books are amazing and really sets the scene and makes you feel like you are there, my most favourite part was the secret cove itself, it just sounded absolute perfection with its crystal waters. These books always have a habit of making me hungry too with mouth-watering delicious food, Julie really does have a great way of capturing everything about the location.
I loved this book and I really didn’t want it to end, surely Maddie’s story is only just beginning! I am really hoping this isn’t the last in the romantic escapes series as I enjoy the stories so much, where are we jetting off to next Julie?
Huge thanks to Julie Caplin and Rachel Random Resources for giving me the ARC which I have reviewed honestly.
Maddie entscheidet sich spontan, ein paar Wochen auf einer Luxusyacht zu arbeiten. Mit an Bord ist der Bruder einer Freundin: Nick ist normalerweise Farmer, aber an der Seite seiner Model-Freundin Tara wollte er mal etwas Neues ausprobieren, muss nun jedoch merken, dass er in ihrer Welt ein Außenseiter ist und die gemeinsame Zeit mit Tara hatte er sich auch anders vorgestellt.
Nach ihrem Studium in Kunstgeschichte weiß Maddie nicht genau, was sie machen soll, aber ein paar Wochen in Kroatien klingen fantastisch, auch wenn sie bald feststellt, dass die Urlauber auf der Luxusyacht ziemlich anstrengend sind. Ich habe nicht so ganz verstanden, wodurch sich Maddie als Hilfskraft auf der Yacht qualifiziert, weil sie meistens alleine für Ordnung und für die Verpflegung der anspruchsvollen und versnobten Gäste verantwortlich ist, auch wenn sie oft auswärts essen. Aber anscheinend braucht sie keine besonderen Fähigkeiten, denn sie kommt ganz gut zurecht.
Unter den Gästen gibt es jede Menge Drama, besonders die beiden Models Tara und Cory sind sehr fordernd, sie erwarten die Erfüllung all ihrer Wünsche und sind trotz ihrer Freundschaft auch Konkurrentinnen. Maddie findet ihr Verhalten eher albern, aber Nick steckt mittendrin. Er wollte eine schönen Urlaub mit seiner Freundin machen, aber sie hat viele andere Dinge im Kopf und nimmt sich kaum Zeit für ihn, sodass sie sich kaum näher kommen, im Gegenteil. Stattdessen wird Nick daran erinnert, was ihm wirklich wichtig ist und vermisst Heimat und Familie.
Die Liebesgeschichte von Maddie und Nick ist schon ganz nett; für Maddie gehört Nick schon zu den netteren Gästen und sie kann locker mit ihm umgehen, während sie eher amüsiert darüber ist, wie er versucht dazuzugehören. Nick findet Maddie einfach erfrischend und sie haben viele Gemeinsamkeiten, was bei Tara nicht der Fall ist. Komplizierter ist es zwischen ihnen auch, weil Nick zunächst eine Freundin hat und Maddie sich im Vergleich eher unattraktiv findet, denn wie könnte Nick bei so einer schönen Freundin überhaupt noch Augen für jemand anderen haben? Man kann aber gut nachvollziehen, wie sie sich näher kommen, weil sie im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen auf der Yacht auf einer Wellenlänge sind. Zum Schluss hin ging es mir dann aber schon zu schnell und etwas weniger Drama wäre auch in Ordnung gewesen.
I have to admit this one took me a while to get into but it was worth the wait as it got better and better.
Something about this series of books that draws me in however is the brilliant descriptions of the places.
I like Maddie's story where she came from in life and how its playing out for her. Nick can be a jerk but I feel Maddie shows the better side of him. He becomes much likeable to me after the boat incident and he gets sick. Tara annoys me so much I just didn't take to her at all as a character. She only cares how others see her and when Nick realises that it's better. I couldn't believe the proposal but it true romance style the leading girl gets her man.
I found the story a little too long, even fifty pages less would have made the read a little faster for me, preferably seventy five to one hundred pages less. Still a good read this series is a favourite of mine.
Part of the authors travel romance series, this was a light summer read, one for the beach or garden. Tried and tested formula, boy meets girl, they fall out then get together again but it works ok in this book.
If only!!!! I have never been to Croatia before - can someone take me, like now? Oh Julie Caplin, what have you done to me?! I am someone who rolls my eyes at PDA's and romance itself. I am also someone who adores reading romance despite not being a fan of the actual thing myself. Again, I am also someone who now wants to go to Croatia so I can meet my own Nick! Swoon!!!!! He can keep the shorts though, soz!!!
Maddie is THE best character ever!!! What a breath of fresh air she is. I absolutely loved her and her bluntness. She certainly wasn't taking any prisoners, that's for sure! Did I see myself in her? Damn right I did, maybe that's why I gelled with her personality because I could relate to her personally.
The absolute star of the storyline was the message the author had hidden in between her words; be yourself, don't go out of your way to be anyone else except you. How many of us have been amongst a group of people and found ourselves changing our mannerisms, adjusting our likes and dislikes, just to make other people like us? How many of us have pretended to be something we're not, just because a crush prefers us a certain way? Of course - we have all been there and done that! Instead of leaving a situation because it doesn't fit YOUR needs, you end up changing yourself because you don't fit THEIR needs, but at the end of the day, what's more important? Your happiness, or theirs?
Such an easy thing to say, but one of the most hardest things to put into practice. As an outsider looking in, Nick's situation with Tara was the elephant in the room. People could see what Tara was like, however the only person who struggled to see what she was capable of, was Nick himself. Why could that be? I'll tell you - it was because he was so close to the situation, he ended up being blindsided by the attention. It wasn't until someone, aka Maddie, took the time to tell him how it was. Could she have done that out of jealousy because Tara disliked her? Possibly, in fact almost definitely! That said, Maddie's personality wasn't that way inclined and, whilst she didn't want to get involved in someone else love life, she wanted Nick to be happy. Thankfully Tara didn't help herself at all......
Maddie is very open about her lack of confidence, and that resonated with me big time as, just like her, I am lacking in confidence and I don't fit in. And yes, I have done what everyone else has done and adapted my personality to suit others but you know what? Why should I? Why should you?
Julie Caplin really opened my eyes with this book. Not only that, she had me in hysterics and racing through the pages as though someone had offered me a lifetime supply of books! The setting was beautifully described and got under my skin big time. I loved it more so because of how Croatia seems to be such an underrated holiday destination. Makes a nice change to be somewhere different in a book as opposed to always being in the same old settings.
I wish I could bottle up the warm and hopeful feeling the book gave me just so that whenever I feel like I don't fit in, I can dip deep into my heart to remind myself the importance of being true to the skin I was born in.
Julie Caplin is one of the most beautiful story tellers I think I have ever read, and she has outdone herself with 'The Secret Cove in Croatia'. Hand on heart, one of my all-time favourite reads ever, Maddie and Croatia will be staying locked up in my heart for a very, very long time to come. A truly spellbinding, emotive novel which ticked every single box I never even knew existed.
Knjiga je dobra onome tko voli stil Danielle Steel.
Kada sam gledala filmove Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris i Rimu s ljubavlju (sve W. Allen) pomislila sam da bi bilo super kada bi Woody snimio jeda takav film i na našoj lijepoj obali. Time bi pridružio Hrvatsku razglednicama iz Pariza, Barcelone i Rima. Woody je u međuvremenu došao na crnu listu zbog optužbi odnosa sa pokćerkom (uf, to je stvarno too much), a i sada je već, ruku na srce, star. Šteta, Hrvatska bi mu bila dobra scenografija.
Ali kada već Woody nije snimio film, imamo ovu autoricu koja to čini pismom. Sretna sam zbog autoričinog oduševljenja Hrvatskom i njezinim ljepotama, otocima, morem, bijelim kamenom, tržnicama, vinarijama, pekarama, običajima, ljudima, hranom i pićem – atmosferom općenito. Mislim da je to, za mene kao čitateljicu, ujedno i najveća vrijednost ovog romana. Hvala joj na lijepoj promociji Hrvatske jer Dalmacija uistinu jest takva kako je i opisuje.
Iako imam mnogo mnogo zamjerki i taj roman se ne bi našao na mojoj uobičajenoj to read listi (baš sam snob i sama na sebe okrećem očima), nego - opet ga taj ženski kružok odabrao. Tko mi je kriv kada su mi drage i ne mogu ih ignorirati niti kada provociraju s ovakvim štivom. Puno se piše kako autorica pomno prati gastro scenu i vješto ju ocrtava u romanima, no ja za sada vidim da ovdje jedino spomenuo riblji brudet, gregada, ražnjići od janjetine, plata mesa i plata sira (kasnije jednom ipak spominje da je to pršut). Pivo- Karlovačko – hm..pa oni s malo boljim ukusom ipak biraju nešto drugo, Zmajsko, Velebitsko, Bura, San Servolo, Plavuša..izgleda da joj to nitko nije objasnio. Spominje i Cedevitu.
Također "zadivljuje" me sposobnost glavne likice da se samo gledanjem kuhanja ribljeg brudeta smatra kvalificiranom napraviti isto. Ima ona još tih super sposobnosti – naime, malo provoza barku po otvorenom moru i već zna sve i pravila i pristat u zgužvanoj hvarskoj luci i bacit konop na bitvu..prava Marvelova kuharica/mornarica/sobarica/zavodnica, a inače povjesničarka umjetnosti pa i slikanje će …da ne spojlam.
Ne mogu ne primijetiti, da je Julie Caplin dobar recept osmislila - putovanja, prstohvat gastronomije i pisanje sladunjavih romana. I vidim, dobro joj to ide, pa eto, čestitam.
Ja som ich strávila na Pláži v Chorvátsku spoločne s Maddie a Nickom. Obaja sa plavili na luxusnej jachte, ibaže Nick ako hosť a Maddie ako pomocná sila. Od prvého stretnutia sa mali poriadne v zuboch a prskali okolo seba jedovaté poznámky. Lenže aj z nenávisti môže vzniknúť láska, a to az nečakane rýchlo.
Musím sa priznať, že toto je už môj piaty romantický útek a opäť som si ho užila do sýtosti. Objavila som tajné zákutia chorvátskych ostrovov, užila si slniečko a sviežu vodu.
Dovolenka sa niesla v rytme objavovania, aj malých problémov, ktoré občas prekvapili a prerástli v obrovskú neplechu. Našťastie sa všetko vyriešilo a dobre dopadlo.
Autorka dokáže príbehu vdýchnuť tú správnu atmosféru a preniesť nás na odľahlú pláž. Pomaly nám dávkuje situácie, v ktorých sa rodí láska. Jedno musím autorke vytknúť. Nevie písať závery. Až po samotný koniec bolo všetko skvelé a užívala som si to. Lenže zrazu prišla dráma (ako v každom romantickom úteku tesne pred koncom) a potom extremne rýchle rozuzlenie a šťastný koniec. Mohla to trosku natiahnuť, ozvláštniť, ale rozhodla sa to vyriešiť na 2 stranách a potom už len ,,žili šťastne, až kým nepomreli”.
Aj keď mám výhrady voči koncu (že bol prirýchly), čas na jachte som si užila a teším sa na ďalšie dobrodružstvo.
Po slabšej Cukrárni v Paríži a Domku v Írsku je toto presne tá Julie Caplin, ktorú milujem. Prečítala som to na posedenie, lebo som sa od nej nechcela odlepiť, čo ma tak chytila. Ešte ma aj navnadila na Chorvátsko, ktoré ma nikdy nelákalo, lebo že veď tam chodia všetci (tak ja sa tam teda zastavím tento rok aspoň na otočku, no. I keď žiaľ nie na Hvar).
Táto kniha obsahuje to, čo mám na knihách Julie Caplin najradšej - atmosféru. Opäť sa jej podarilo preniesť ma z môjho gauča do inej krajiny - tentokrát na výletnú plavbu okolo Chorvátska. Bolo to výborne napísané, občas vtipné, hlavní hrdinovia boli sympatickí, romantika bola veľmi príjemná, takže som im držala palce (niežeby boli akékoľvek pochyby, že by to nemalo happy end, lebo toto sú presne tie knihy, o ktorých viete ako sa skončia skôr, než sa do nich pustite).
Rozhodne je to kvalitou na úrovni mojej obľúbenej Kaviarne a Pekárne, ale tiež sú tam mínusy hodné spomenutia. Dialógy bolo miestami silené - či už silene vtipné alebo v konečnom dôsledku zneli ako od škôlkákov. A autorka sa tu konečne snaží zakomponovať aj vážnejšiu tému, konkrétne poruchu príjmu potravy, ktorá ale vedie... Úplne nikam. No a v neposlednom rade som neverila, že by si drahá, luxusná loď nemohla dovoliť viac než jedného zamestnanca. Celkovo to bolo dosť nerealistické.
No aj tak je to úplne skvelá oddychovka, pri ktorej vypnete, budete sa pri nej usmievať a zanechá vo vás príjemný pocit.
I read this book for a challenge prompt “holiday romance”. This is not my usual genre but was a pleasant enough version of the theme. I also usually tend to read books about other places by local authors but sometimes an outsider or visitor view on a location can be valuable too.
In this book self-effacing heroine Maddie Wilcox has taken a job as crew aboard a luxury yacht sailing around Croatia. Her best friend’s brother Nick comes aboard as a guest, on the arm of a spoilt and entitled model. Maddie finds herself doing an eye roll a minute as she waits on the brattish guests and is disappointed to find Nick as part of this until later in the cruise when she discovers there is more to him than she thought.
This was a light, easy beach read style of novel. I was a little conflicted by the nice ordinary girl versus the soulless beautiful-ones theme, as on one hand it is obviously relatable but also reduces people to stereotypes and is somewhat simplistic. Many of the characters in this book were very one dimensional but I guess it does highlight some of the superficiality of the modern social-media driven world and the shallowness of the celebrity lifestyle. Maddie was a refreshing counterpoint to this, but I did get tired of her putting herself down.
Pláž v Chorvatsku jsem četla trošku mimo sezónu, ale zase je hezké si na podzim připomenout léto. Až při čtení jsem zjistila, že je v knize i Nick, nějak mi to předtím uteklo. Bavilo mě to více než Hotýlek, i když co se týče děje bych řekla, že to bylo slabší, ale hrozně se mi líbila ta atmosféra jachty a Chorvatska, i ta romantická linka byla fajn. Čemu úplně nerozumím je název, spíše bych šla tím doslovným směrem s tajnou zátokou, který se tam více hodí.
Escapism at its best - at this time of year I love to read summery novels that transport you to idyllic locations and this one didn't disappoint with some luscious descriptions of beautiful Croatia. The fact that this book also involved a yacht added extra for me as it was a different setting to the norm.
Maddie is between jobs and gets an opportunity to work on board a yacht catering for some stuck up, entitled guests but they weren't all unpleasant! Nick, a sheep farmer, is along for the ride in a totally different world to the one he is used to and I admired him trying to keep some sense among the party. It really was a fantastic setting with the yacht and beautiful Croatian ports being the backdrop for the vast majority of the story.
Bulimia was touched on as part of this book and I did feel a little disappointed that it did not really end up going anywhere with no resolution to it which was a shame as I'm sure there are many people who would have liked a 'happy' ending to that sideline.
It is the typical rom-com story of boy meets girl, some flirting and then declaring undying love for one another but I wouldn't have had it any other way! I have really enjoyed the easy reads in this series and hope there are many more to come.
My many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ovo nije moj prvi susret sa Julie Caplin, ali sam je od ove knjige počela više cijeniti. Kada sam vidila kako opisuje djecu koja se špricaju morskim krastavcima znala sam da to piše osoba koja je to sve doživjela i promatrala svojim očima.
Unatoč zanimljivim avanturama drage Maddie i osebujnim karakterima putnika, osobno me najviše oduševilo kako nas stranci doživljavaju. Draga Julie, moram te razočarati, svi uzrasti uživaju u okusu Cedevite.
Posjetila sam Hvar i točno sam znala kuda se likovi kreću na osnovu opisa i to mi je dalo poseban šarm (žalim samo što nisu posjetili Korčulu iako im je bila u planu puta).
Likovi su zanimljivi, pomalo različiti i pomalo slični u svemu. U neke se zaljubite, a neke bi zadavili da možete. Razlika "običnih" ljudi u svijetu luksuza i glamura je zabavno opisana kroz pristojnu dozu humora.
Apsolutna preporuka za ljetno štivo koje će vas zabaviti!
Roman stvoren da ga se čita u hladu, na plaži uz miris mora. Uživala sam i odlično se opustila, ali ovakva ocijena jer je kraj zbrzan. Do tog određenog trenutka, bilo je sjajno. Odjednom preokret, ali meni osobno na gore. Kao da je sama autorica rekla: "Ma, dosta je više". I to mi je malo pokvarilo dojam.
This book made me positively giddy and I fell for it hook, line and sinker. It's a real love in real time and I loved the slow paced easiness of the flow. It's true love on the high seas and has beautiful scenery and equally as beautiful characters. 5/5 stars for a story that sets sail right into the heart and docks forever.
Nije me previše oduševila, očekivala sam više od ove knjige. Lijepo je što je radnja smještena na Hvaru, u predivnoj Dalmaciji, i to usred ljeta. Opisi mora, plaža, ljetnih aktivnosti i uživanja u tradicionalnoj dalmatinskoj hrani stvaraju pravi ljetni ugođaj. Ipak, unatoč toj atmosferi, priča me nije toliko zaintrigirala i na momente mi je bila dosadna. Sve u svemu, ako tražite laganu knjigu za čitanje na plaži, ovo je svakako pravi ljetni izbor.
The Secret Cove in Croatia the title alone knew how to draw my attention. I love a good summer romance, but I have never read anything set in Croatia. Mostly these kind of novels are set in the South of France Italy or Greece. So Croatia is a new and exciting setting for a romance novel.
When I requested the ARC on netgalley I wasn’t aware that this novel is part of a series. I must have been living under a rock or something because there are five books in the romantic escape series and some of them are even on my very huge TBR!
It was quite a relief to see that the book is perfect to read a a stand-alone. You don’t need any background story and you don’t feel like missing out on anything. However I can imagine that it will be quite interesting to revisited characters. But no worries if you are diving in to this story without any background.
I absolutely loved the setup of the story. There is our main character Maddie, who is such a wonderful girl. Good natured, adventurous, funny, witted and very talented. I loved how she just dived right into the adventure of working on a Gullet in Croatia. She is really my kind of girl. Very upbeat, optimistic, but she needs me time and isn’t afraid to be on her own. As a contrast we follow the rich and famous who rent the Gullet. At first I was a little petrified that the story would follow the classic path of the rich being shallow, single minded and just being rude. And although some of the characters are, I think Julie Caplin did a great job of showing both sides of the coin.
Nick our other main character is a little bit lost on the Gullet. For some reason this English farmer boy has captured the attention of a model and is taken on the cruise with her and her rich and famous friends. You really see Nicks inter turmoil between being the boyfriend of someone famous and just being his down to earth self.
But what really made this book so good was the beautiful descriptions of Croatia. I just fell in love with the little towns that Julie Caplin brought alive on the pages. After finishing this book I must say that Croatia is very high on our vacations for 2020 list.
The only downside of the story was the fact that it ended rather abruptly. Some storylines weren’t wrapped up and just fizzled out. I would have liked to book to be a little longer, but wrap up everything neatly. Especially the epilogue just felt out of place and disjointed with the rest of the story.
But overall I really enjoyed the story. I can’t wait to explore more of the series, because I can’t get enough of Julie Caplin’s writing. An absolute must read if you like a good romance and a perfect vacation setting.
I have really loved this series of books (and I have two of them still to read, I really must do something about that!), and I really think it may be my favourite series of books in this genre. One thing is certain with this series, you will be taken on a journey to a lovely destination, and the picture Julie Caplin painted with her words of Croatia made me almost feel like I was there.
The main characters of Maddie and Nick have been seen in the series before, when they were both minor characters in ‘The Little Paris Patisserie’ although they did not meet one another. That being said, it would make absolutely no difference to a new reader to Julie Caplin’s books, as this is a standalone book in the series, so although I was familiar with Maddie and Nick, someone unfamiliar with them would be able to enjoy this book.
I found the setting of a yacht in Croatia really interesting. I have never been on a yacht, but I’ve looked at them in the harbour at St Tropez, in France, and wondered about what life would be like on a yacht. I loved the way we get a feel for life on a boat, but also the comparison with a superyacht too! The captain and his family were lovely side characters that connected the other characters with the locality.
Of the other side characters, there were some detestable ones, and some lovely characters too, which really were the perfect complement and foil for the main characters. I think my favourite side characters were Bill and Glo, who, in spite of fame and fortune, were incredibly down to earth, which was really refreshing amidst all of the wealth and badly behaved rich people.
I really hope there are more books in this series, and I can’t wait to see where Julie Caplin takes us next!
I have lived this series so much and certainly this latest book didn't let me down at all full of travelling and romance you feel you are there with them and amazing characters. I couldn't out it down at all. Maddie is between jobs and is offered to work on a luxury yacht and she really can't say no at all. She will waiting in the posh guests with what ever they want and island hopping and when she starts seeing Nick her best friend's brother is on the boat and she starts getting close to him but to start with sparks fly but it's not till they get to a private secret cove that realise they are closer to each other than they thought and will they be able to get closer or not. Perfect read.