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Love on the Island #1
The Island Affair
Can one summer mend a broken heart?
After the tragic loss of their 17-year-old son, journalist Alicia and surgeon Liam struggle to keep their marriage afloat. During their usual holiday to Åland, the Nordic islands where Alicia grew up, the rift between the couple deepens.
Enter tall, blonde Patrick, with the most piercing blue eyes Alicia has ever seen. When Patrick confides in Alicia about the near loss of his daughter and the breakdown of his marriage, Alicia is surprised to feel an affinity with the Swedish reporter. He’s the only person who understands Alicia.
But secrets held by people close to Alicia give her life another surprising turn and she finds there is a reason to live – and love – again.
Read this new family drama set in one of the most captivating holiday islands in Scandinavia today!
340 pages, ebook
Published March 21, 2019
683 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Helena Halme
28 books223 followersHelena Halme is a Prize-winning Finnish author based in London. Her books include The English Heart, a best-selling romantic novel, which won an Awesome Indies badge on publication. Her other titles include The Faithful Heart, The Good Heart, The True Heart and The Young Heart in the Nordic Heart Series and Nordic family drama, Coffee and Vodka. Helena has also written a Cold War spy thriller, The Red King of Helsinki.
Helena is the winner of the John Nurminen prize for best thesis on British politics, a former BBC journalist, and has also worked as a magazine editor and a bookseller and, until recently, ran a Finnish/British cultural association in London. Her articles have been published in the CoScan Magazine, The ScanMag and the Finn-Guild Magazine.
After gaining an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, Helena is now a full-time author and mentor. She lives in North London with her ex-Navy husband and an old stubborn terrier, called Jerry. She loves Nordic Noir and sings along to Abba songs when no one is around.
Helena is the winner of the John Nurminen prize for best thesis on British politics, a former BBC journalist, and has also worked as a magazine editor and a bookseller and, until recently, ran a Finnish/British cultural association in London. Her articles have been published in the CoScan Magazine, The ScanMag and the Finn-Guild Magazine.
After gaining an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, Helena is now a full-time author and mentor. She lives in North London with her ex-Navy husband and an old stubborn terrier, called Jerry. She loves Nordic Noir and sings along to Abba songs when no one is around.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 18, 2019
The Island Affair is a story about loss and grief, about love and betrayal. It is a story about life.
When I first heard about The Island Affair (thanks to Anne Carter) I had a strong feeling this book would be perfect for me.
It’s been a while since I read good quality general fiction, and I craved for some!
This book came to my life just when I needed it.
I loved many things about this story, but what I liked the most was the setting. I think the author captured Nordic islands perfectly.
Even if I’ve never been there myself, the whole time I was reading The Island Affair I had a feeling I was somewhere else.
This novel felt like home to me, but not because I experienced something similar in my real life, but because it reminded me of a tv show I like to watch: The Affair.
Guys, I think that the same muse who visited creators of that show visited Helena Halme as well!
The similarities are undeniable, even though they are two different stories.
Maybe some readers will not be thrilled with that, but to me it was a plus.
The story is written in third person, following mostly Alicia’s perspective, but we do get rare chapters with other characters’ viewpoints.
The Island Affair has an interesting, unhurried plot, but it is mainly character driven story.
It explores people’s reactions in certain situations, their way to deal with emotions and the progress of healing and letting go.
As I already stated, it’s been a while since I read good story that explores emotions and inside worlds of people, and this novel reminded me why I love this type of stories.
The Island Affair is the first book in the series, and I would like to continue with it if the next book also follow the same characters.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
When I first heard about The Island Affair (thanks to Anne Carter) I had a strong feeling this book would be perfect for me.
It’s been a while since I read good quality general fiction, and I craved for some!
This book came to my life just when I needed it.
I loved many things about this story, but what I liked the most was the setting. I think the author captured Nordic islands perfectly.
Even if I’ve never been there myself, the whole time I was reading The Island Affair I had a feeling I was somewhere else.
This novel felt like home to me, but not because I experienced something similar in my real life, but because it reminded me of a tv show I like to watch: The Affair.
Guys, I think that the same muse who visited creators of that show visited Helena Halme as well!
The similarities are undeniable, even though they are two different stories.
Maybe some readers will not be thrilled with that, but to me it was a plus.
The story is written in third person, following mostly Alicia’s perspective, but we do get rare chapters with other characters’ viewpoints.
The Island Affair has an interesting, unhurried plot, but it is mainly character driven story.
It explores people’s reactions in certain situations, their way to deal with emotions and the progress of healing and letting go.
As I already stated, it’s been a while since I read good story that explores emotions and inside worlds of people, and this novel reminded me why I love this type of stories.
The Island Affair is the first book in the series, and I would like to continue with it if the next book also follow the same characters.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
April 8, 2019
Alicia has lost her son, and her life is falling apart. Only when she returns to Åland, can she start to feel alive, and heal again.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows Alicia and her husband, Liam, who live in London. They are making their annual visit to Alicia's original home in Åland; but this is the first time they will be without their son Stefan, who dies in a scooter accident at just 17 years old.
Everything they do, every step they take, is followed by the grief that it's happening without Stefan.
It is very slow, and numb, as Alicia and Liam go through the motions.
Alicia finds solace in being home, as she appreciates the islands of her youth, and spending time with her parents.
English surgeon Liam is left feeling more of an outsider than normal. Without his son to bind them all together, this is his wife's home, his wife's language: a wife that he no longer feels close to.
This vacation pushes them to make decisions about their lives, and their relationship.
This books is written in third person present tense, which I found very jarring at first, but as it moves on, I felt that it suited Ålander Alicia's narration, it felt quite authentic for her.
It's too slow and neutral for me, as Alicia goes over every little detail, and minutiae in life. She views everything with a blandness (even the potentially hot affair with handsome Patrick), and I soon formed the opinion that Alicia didn't have a personality, or identity of her own, beyond "Stefan's mum".
That might have been the point, to convey the numb emptiness after loss, and credit where it's due if that's the case. But for my own reading experience, I found it hard to stay interested.
I got the feeling that the story really doesn't know where it wants to go, and what it wants to be.
With the title and description, I was expecting some sort of hot love affair; but there was no passion.
It played with the idea of having a murder mystery, and Russian heavies; but these were approached with the same slow tempo, casually picked up and dropped whenever it suited the plot.
(Don't even get me started on a Financial reporter being sent to cover the story of a suspicious death...)
Overall, this had some intriguing ideas, but it wasn't for me.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows Alicia and her husband, Liam, who live in London. They are making their annual visit to Alicia's original home in Åland; but this is the first time they will be without their son Stefan, who dies in a scooter accident at just 17 years old.
Everything they do, every step they take, is followed by the grief that it's happening without Stefan.
It is very slow, and numb, as Alicia and Liam go through the motions.
Alicia finds solace in being home, as she appreciates the islands of her youth, and spending time with her parents.
English surgeon Liam is left feeling more of an outsider than normal. Without his son to bind them all together, this is his wife's home, his wife's language: a wife that he no longer feels close to.
This vacation pushes them to make decisions about their lives, and their relationship.
This books is written in third person present tense, which I found very jarring at first, but as it moves on, I felt that it suited Ålander Alicia's narration, it felt quite authentic for her.
It's too slow and neutral for me, as Alicia goes over every little detail, and minutiae in life. She views everything with a blandness (even the potentially hot affair with handsome Patrick), and I soon formed the opinion that Alicia didn't have a personality, or identity of her own, beyond "Stefan's mum".
That might have been the point, to convey the numb emptiness after loss, and credit where it's due if that's the case. But for my own reading experience, I found it hard to stay interested.
I got the feeling that the story really doesn't know where it wants to go, and what it wants to be.
With the title and description, I was expecting some sort of hot love affair; but there was no passion.
It played with the idea of having a murder mystery, and Russian heavies; but these were approached with the same slow tempo, casually picked up and dropped whenever it suited the plot.
(Don't even get me started on a Financial reporter being sent to cover the story of a suspicious death...)
Overall, this had some intriguing ideas, but it wasn't for me.
December 24, 2020
This one is not for me....I was a little bored by the story but also totally worn down with marking highlights on my Kindle where she missed or misplaced apostrophes. I just got fed up on both counts and called it a day at 22% when she wrote Eriksson's and not Erikssons'.......we'd already had arrivals/customs/sales/clothes with no apostrophes.
She also writes utilising (NOT utilizing, note) American spelling, which is annoying when the story's set in England and Finland/Sweden. Then she wrote directing not direction and draw not drawer....so all a bit too slapdash.
As with nearly all Nordic novels this one is set in Midsummer......not Midsomer.....and it seems to me that nothing goes on over there the remainder of the year !!
I did chuckle at the anti-Brexit remarks I'd seen, especially as the "deal" went through as I was reading !!
Seems to me that Alicia and Liam were both pretty wishy-washy characters who couldn't make their minds up what they wanted or who they wanted it with and they were just getting on my nerves a bit as well.
She also writes utilising (NOT utilizing, note) American spelling, which is annoying when the story's set in England and Finland/Sweden. Then she wrote directing not direction and draw not drawer....so all a bit too slapdash.
As with nearly all Nordic novels this one is set in Midsummer......not Midsomer.....and it seems to me that nothing goes on over there the remainder of the year !!
I did chuckle at the anti-Brexit remarks I'd seen, especially as the "deal" went through as I was reading !!
Seems to me that Alicia and Liam were both pretty wishy-washy characters who couldn't make their minds up what they wanted or who they wanted it with and they were just getting on my nerves a bit as well.
December 1, 2020
I liked this book but there were some things that either didn’t make sense or were just not given enough background.
Stefan’s death - we’re given bits and pieces of it but never the full story. The friends of his that Alicia and Liam didn’t know about seems out of place as they are described as overprotective. And was he involved in something? That was hinted at but never resolved.
Patrick & Alicia’s fascination with each other - it happened so fast and aside from their looks, did something else draw them to each other? I liked Patrick at first, then I didn’t. He seems clingy and a hanger-on, lazy and spoiled.
Liam - they grew apart after Stefan died, he had an affair then just like that he decides he loves his wife again? And what took him so long to return from London? She’s ignoring him yet he loves her but he stays away. And he finally comes back and she just drops Patrick like a hot potato, so I wasn’t a great romance after all
Hilda’s business - she owes the Russian mafia money, makes no money at her shop, is a basket case and high strung - any redeeming qualities?
Alicia’s job at the paper. She’s a part time financial consultant then all of a sudden given a homicide investigation story? Small towns, ok but some of the things she does would hurt the paper in the long run (like running a story when she’d promised the police she wouldn’t).
Nice descriptions of places etc, I had no trouble picturing the setting. I did enjoy the book, and I would read more from this author but it was a little untidy at times.
Stefan’s death - we’re given bits and pieces of it but never the full story. The friends of his that Alicia and Liam didn’t know about seems out of place as they are described as overprotective. And was he involved in something? That was hinted at but never resolved.
Patrick & Alicia’s fascination with each other - it happened so fast and aside from their looks, did something else draw them to each other? I liked Patrick at first, then I didn’t. He seems clingy and a hanger-on, lazy and spoiled.
Liam - they grew apart after Stefan died, he had an affair then just like that he decides he loves his wife again? And what took him so long to return from London? She’s ignoring him yet he loves her but he stays away. And he finally comes back and she just drops Patrick like a hot potato, so I wasn’t a great romance after all
Hilda’s business - she owes the Russian mafia money, makes no money at her shop, is a basket case and high strung - any redeeming qualities?
Alicia’s job at the paper. She’s a part time financial consultant then all of a sudden given a homicide investigation story? Small towns, ok but some of the things she does would hurt the paper in the long run (like running a story when she’d promised the police she wouldn’t).
Nice descriptions of places etc, I had no trouble picturing the setting. I did enjoy the book, and I would read more from this author but it was a little untidy at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
A tense story of a couple at breaking point dealing with the death of their teenage son. The backdrop of the picturesque Aland Islands, populated by Swedish speaking Finns, is vividly imagined, and Halme writes well about community life and tensions in the small islands. The novel has the pacing of a thriller and the tension and emotional death of a saga. There's also a crime flavour for fans of Nordic Noir. All in all, a strong start to a promising new series with a wonderful setting.
March 21, 2019
What a wonderful start to the new series! I really enjoyed this story.
The story starts after the tragic loss of Alicia and Liam’s 17 year old son. They are both trying to move on, but have drifted apart as they grieve. We find them on a ferry to the Åland Islands for their annual visit to Alicia’s mother and stepfather. Aboard the ferry, Alicia meets Patrick and sparks fly. What will become of them?
The story was well written and had a lot of intertwining layers I enjoyed. One of things I enjoy most about this author is her wonderful, detail rich descriptions of Scandinavia. Grief isn’t an easy thing to write about, more so the loss of a child. I do think it was well handled here.
As with all of Ms. Helen’s novels, as soon as I finish one, I eagerly await the next one.
The story starts after the tragic loss of Alicia and Liam’s 17 year old son. They are both trying to move on, but have drifted apart as they grieve. We find them on a ferry to the Åland Islands for their annual visit to Alicia’s mother and stepfather. Aboard the ferry, Alicia meets Patrick and sparks fly. What will become of them?
The story was well written and had a lot of intertwining layers I enjoyed. One of things I enjoy most about this author is her wonderful, detail rich descriptions of Scandinavia. Grief isn’t an easy thing to write about, more so the loss of a child. I do think it was well handled here.
As with all of Ms. Helen’s novels, as soon as I finish one, I eagerly await the next one.
June 13, 2020
It was a pleasure to read this book, the setting in the islands is gorgeous and so well described by Helena that you can almost see yourself there. The sunrise and sunsets are also beautiful. The story evolves around Alicia, Liam, Patrick and Mia plus their children. Broken marriages and broken relationships are extremelly difficult to be mended and the special circumstances that these two couples have make it almost impossible to have a reconciliation. But there was hope and the ending is unexpected and happy. What remains to be seen in the next book is if that happiness will persist in their lives.
I downloaded a free copy of this book from the author/Bookfunnel in exchange for an honest review.
I downloaded a free copy of this book from the author/Bookfunnel in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
Mending a broken heart
Alicia and her husband, Liam, are having a difficult time after the tragic loss of their son, Stefan. The story takes place on Alicia’s hometown, Aland, in the Nordic Islands. As Alicia struggles with the loss of her son and her husband’s infidelity, she is tempted by Patrick, who is also in an unfaithful marriage. There is a surprise twist in the story and Alicia must decide if her future is with Liam or Patrick. I received a copy of this book I order to provide a review.
Alicia and her husband, Liam, are having a difficult time after the tragic loss of their son, Stefan. The story takes place on Alicia’s hometown, Aland, in the Nordic Islands. As Alicia struggles with the loss of her son and her husband’s infidelity, she is tempted by Patrick, who is also in an unfaithful marriage. There is a surprise twist in the story and Alicia must decide if her future is with Liam or Patrick. I received a copy of this book I order to provide a review.
May 22, 2022
This novel had many twists and turns which were so fun to read. I did not want to stop reading once I started. Written by Finnish author, Helena Halme, I loved looking at the cultural differences and learned words that I did not know before. I also enjoyed learning about what I call the haves and have nots: the wealthy and those not so wealthy. The characters are well depicted and I have images of both the characters and the settings in my mind. On to the next book in the series!
October 13, 2020
A deeply atmospheric and enticing story by Helena Halme. Alicia torn by the tragedy of death seeks to rebuild her life but who will she choose to help her mend her broken heart?
A magnificent setting and strong characters give this story real depth... an excellent read.
A magnificent setting and strong characters give this story real depth... an excellent read.
April 18, 2019
Really enjoyed reading this lovely story.
August 15, 2019
Magnificent story. Alicia is suffering a marriage breakup. After losing a child , that’s unbearable. Perhaps a second chance can change all that.
September 25, 2021
Heart Warming
Love the location with sailing and other sea side activities. Beautiful tale of love and loss reconciliation. Characters beguile and delight.
Love the location with sailing and other sea side activities. Beautiful tale of love and loss reconciliation. Characters beguile and delight.
October 27, 2022
Loved it!
This was the first book I have read by this author and I am really looking firaArc to continuing the series to see what happens next.
This was the first book I have read by this author and I am really looking firaArc to continuing the series to see what happens next.
October 20, 2021
The Island Affair by Helena Halme
Green Gables Book Reviews thoughts:
The Island Affair by Helena Halme is a great book to curl up with when you want to read a book with a bit of romance that also has a few questions waiting to be answered. The book is a quick read, well written, and the best news is that it is the first in a series of three books!
About the book-The Island Affair by Helena Halme
Distraught by the worse event of their lives, husband and wife, Alicia, a journalist, and Liam, a doctor, go for their usual holiday to see Alicia’s mother and step-father. They still live where Alicia grew up, in the Nordic Islands.
The grief Alicia feels over the death of their teenage son is a feeling that never leaves her, a weight she will always carry. His memories are everywhere, even here, because of the many holidays through the years here. Alicia longs to feel his energy, to hold him again. The grief is so heavy to carry.
Liam is not excited about this trip. He never is, but goes, nonetheless. He does not care for the sauna routine or the cold swims. This time, though, he has another reason he wishes he had stayed home. He knows it’s wrong, but he was so vulnerable after Stefan died. He needed comfort, and he found someone to comfort him.
Liam and Alicia end up arguing because of information Alicia found before they left. She is hurt and angry. When she suggests an idea to help repair their marriage, Liam firmly disagrees with her. He makes plans to go back home.
Alicia is not that upset about Liam leaving. It gives her a chance to think. Every message he sends, she deletes. In her mind, their marriage is likely over.
Alicia met Patrick and Mia early in the stay. And, it’s odd, but now Patrick seems to be so many places that she goes. They develop a bit of a … friendship, but beneath that friendship, Alicia is feeling something. It is like a bit of a jolt, a longing, a wondering. But, he is married to Mia.
When Alicia, and her parents (she has always thought of her step-father as nothing other than her father), go to the Midsummer bash that Mia and Patrick are hosting, her mother feels like it is the most exciting thing to happen. She has even chosen a new dress for Alicia from her shop. Alicia has to admit that she is looking forward to seeing Patrick.
Alicia is surprised by some choices she makes. One of them is applying for a job on a whim, the other is Patrick and her draw to him, and the other is finding out about a secret she would never have believed possible.
But, what about Liam?
I was given this book to read and review. Thank you!
Look for more books on Author Helena Halme’s website!
Green Gables Book Reviews thoughts:
The Island Affair by Helena Halme is a great book to curl up with when you want to read a book with a bit of romance that also has a few questions waiting to be answered. The book is a quick read, well written, and the best news is that it is the first in a series of three books!
About the book-The Island Affair by Helena Halme
Distraught by the worse event of their lives, husband and wife, Alicia, a journalist, and Liam, a doctor, go for their usual holiday to see Alicia’s mother and step-father. They still live where Alicia grew up, in the Nordic Islands.
The grief Alicia feels over the death of their teenage son is a feeling that never leaves her, a weight she will always carry. His memories are everywhere, even here, because of the many holidays through the years here. Alicia longs to feel his energy, to hold him again. The grief is so heavy to carry.
Liam is not excited about this trip. He never is, but goes, nonetheless. He does not care for the sauna routine or the cold swims. This time, though, he has another reason he wishes he had stayed home. He knows it’s wrong, but he was so vulnerable after Stefan died. He needed comfort, and he found someone to comfort him.
Liam and Alicia end up arguing because of information Alicia found before they left. She is hurt and angry. When she suggests an idea to help repair their marriage, Liam firmly disagrees with her. He makes plans to go back home.
Alicia is not that upset about Liam leaving. It gives her a chance to think. Every message he sends, she deletes. In her mind, their marriage is likely over.
Alicia met Patrick and Mia early in the stay. And, it’s odd, but now Patrick seems to be so many places that she goes. They develop a bit of a … friendship, but beneath that friendship, Alicia is feeling something. It is like a bit of a jolt, a longing, a wondering. But, he is married to Mia.
When Alicia, and her parents (she has always thought of her step-father as nothing other than her father), go to the Midsummer bash that Mia and Patrick are hosting, her mother feels like it is the most exciting thing to happen. She has even chosen a new dress for Alicia from her shop. Alicia has to admit that she is looking forward to seeing Patrick.
Alicia is surprised by some choices she makes. One of them is applying for a job on a whim, the other is Patrick and her draw to him, and the other is finding out about a secret she would never have believed possible.
But, what about Liam?
I was given this book to read and review. Thank you!
Look for more books on Author Helena Halme’s website!
July 11, 2022
Book Review
The Island Affair
Novel Written By Helena Halle
Fiction - Family Drama
Published 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The setting for this story was different. The story takes place in Aland, the Nordic Islands between Finland and Sweden. It is located in an archipelago. I loved the author’s description of the area and helping me to learn about it,
The main character, Alicia O’Connell, is visiting Aland, where she grew up, with her husband, Liam. They are visiting Alicia’s mother and stepfather. Alicia, a journalist, and Liam, a surgeon, are struggling with the death of their 17 year old son a year ago and Liam’s infidelity. After one day Liam returns to their home in England.
Alicia decides to stay for the summer and gets a job writing for the local newspaper. She also catches the eye of Patrick Hilden whose marriage is also falling apart.
Alicia and Patrick find themselves covering the story of the death of a young man. While investigating, Alicia discovers information about her deceased son. Her husband also returns with the hope of repairing their marriage. Alicia has a decision to make. Reconcile with Liam or start a new life with Patrick.
This is the first book of a six part Nordic fiction series. The author sent me an ebook to read and review. I would like to read the other books in this series. This book is available on Amazon.
“I never stopped loving you and I will do anything to make you happy.”
The Island Affair
Novel Written By Helena Halle
Fiction - Family Drama
Published 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The setting for this story was different. The story takes place in Aland, the Nordic Islands between Finland and Sweden. It is located in an archipelago. I loved the author’s description of the area and helping me to learn about it,
The main character, Alicia O’Connell, is visiting Aland, where she grew up, with her husband, Liam. They are visiting Alicia’s mother and stepfather. Alicia, a journalist, and Liam, a surgeon, are struggling with the death of their 17 year old son a year ago and Liam’s infidelity. After one day Liam returns to their home in England.
Alicia decides to stay for the summer and gets a job writing for the local newspaper. She also catches the eye of Patrick Hilden whose marriage is also falling apart.
Alicia and Patrick find themselves covering the story of the death of a young man. While investigating, Alicia discovers information about her deceased son. Her husband also returns with the hope of repairing their marriage. Alicia has a decision to make. Reconcile with Liam or start a new life with Patrick.
This is the first book of a six part Nordic fiction series. The author sent me an ebook to read and review. I would like to read the other books in this series. This book is available on Amazon.
“I never stopped loving you and I will do anything to make you happy.”
March 16, 2019
🌅 Summer drama in the Baltic⛵
More than a love story, this was a tale of tragedy and the long and often destructive road to recovery. It took a good while for me to get into the rhythm of this story; I felt the second half was much better than the first half. maybe because of the heroine's attempts to deaden her emotions to hold back her grief, the first week or so of the story seemed a bit stiff and I did not feel very sympathetic to the heroine.
Alicia returns to her roots after months of mourning and remaining emotionally remote from her husband. She finds ways to distract her from her teenage son's death, including an attractive though married Swede, but her grief is never far below the surface. Sad, moving, and realistic as she and her British husband grow apart after the anchor that was their son is gone. But the ending is hopeful and I think Alicia makes the right decision for her future.
The main plot was good, but I did feel that the story contained a lot of daily minutiae and not enough information about Alicia's marriage and relationship with husband Liam before their son's death.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
More than a love story, this was a tale of tragedy and the long and often destructive road to recovery. It took a good while for me to get into the rhythm of this story; I felt the second half was much better than the first half. maybe because of the heroine's attempts to deaden her emotions to hold back her grief, the first week or so of the story seemed a bit stiff and I did not feel very sympathetic to the heroine.
Alicia returns to her roots after months of mourning and remaining emotionally remote from her husband. She finds ways to distract her from her teenage son's death, including an attractive though married Swede, but her grief is never far below the surface. Sad, moving, and realistic as she and her British husband grow apart after the anchor that was their son is gone. But the ending is hopeful and I think Alicia makes the right decision for her future.
The main plot was good, but I did feel that the story contained a lot of daily minutiae and not enough information about Alicia's marriage and relationship with husband Liam before their son's death.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 4, 2020
Alicia and her husband Liam came from London to visit her mother and her stepfather but when they get their her husband is complaining and acting like he could be doing something more entertaining, his father-in-law didn't like him because they could not seem to understand each other. Alicia was so close to her son that when he died she lost it and Liam being a doctor took care of her but at the same time they should have been grieving together but that didn't happen, Alicia was a mess and Liam took his issues with his son's death out in a different fashion, Liam was convinced that he didn't love his wife and she wanted something from him that he was not willing to give her when he decided to leave and go back home. She decides to stay and gets a job and into a little trouble. This is a look into their lives and how they found something and someone to hold on too and find each other again. I was given a copy as a gift from the author without obligations. I am providing an honest review.
September 7, 2019
This is a story about how people deal with grief and betrayal in different manners. I loved the Nordic setting, it’s made me want to visit the places mentioned and try all the food described, as the descriptions were so good. It’s quite a slow-paced book, so maybe not for everyone, but I quite enjoyed it. I didn’t agree with Alicia’s final decisions, as I felt that she was better suited with the other person but overall the story was okay. The details about the Russians just felt unnecessary as they didn’t particularly add anything to the story, but I am aware that this book is a part of a series, so maybe it’s more relevant to the other books?
I would’ve given this four stars but I just felt that ending wasn’t for me.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I would’ve given this four stars but I just felt that ending wasn’t for me.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
I read The Day We Met (the prologue) immediately before reading this book, and it really helped to set the scene for this book, so I would definitely recommend reading that first. This is an easy-to-read book that surrounds the topic of infidelity following the loss of a child. Personally, I don't really like books that focus on infidelity (and the forgiving of such an act) but with a HEA like this and the twists and turns involved you can't help but forgive the characters for their actions and the consequences they bring. This is a sweet story about appreciating the support of family in times of grief. It's a good read.
I received a review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 8, 2025
Maybe not my usual style of book to read, but it was offered for free on Kindle a while ago, so I downloaded it. It took me a while to get around to it, but it was an enjoyable read.
Interesting characters and character dynamics, with themes of love and loss a few months after the death of Alicia and Liam's son. Alicia is also aware that Liam has been having an affair and, after a confrontation at her mother's home in Aland, he leaves to return to England.
Alicia enjoys the attention of Patrick, a fellow reporter who is coming to the end of his marriage to Mia, while Liam very quickly realises his mistake and wants to try again.
I thought that the ending was a little weak, but otherwise a very good read.
Interesting characters and character dynamics, with themes of love and loss a few months after the death of Alicia and Liam's son. Alicia is also aware that Liam has been having an affair and, after a confrontation at her mother's home in Aland, he leaves to return to England.
Alicia enjoys the attention of Patrick, a fellow reporter who is coming to the end of his marriage to Mia, while Liam very quickly realises his mistake and wants to try again.
I thought that the ending was a little weak, but otherwise a very good read.
September 13, 2019
I received a copy of The Island Affair by Helena Halme from Kobo Writing Life and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I give The Island Affair by Helena Halme 2 stars. I wanted to like this book but it just didn't happen for me. I even put it down and came back to it a few different times, thinking maybe my attitude would change about it. Nope. I found it was slow moving and felt it had somewhat of an identity crisis. Maybe this story will hit home for others, but it fell short for me.
I give The Island Affair by Helena Halme 2 stars. I wanted to like this book but it just didn't happen for me. I even put it down and came back to it a few different times, thinking maybe my attitude would change about it. Nope. I found it was slow moving and felt it had somewhat of an identity crisis. Maybe this story will hit home for others, but it fell short for me.
July 5, 2019
Not quite 5 star
This book starts after the death of Liam and Alicias son, Stefan. The devastation and inability to share and work through their grief, drives them apart. Interspersed with their journeys, the lovely island setting makes one want to visit this very different culture. I was invested in the characters and wanted to see it through to the end. I recommend this book.
This book starts after the death of Liam and Alicias son, Stefan. The devastation and inability to share and work through their grief, drives them apart. Interspersed with their journeys, the lovely island setting makes one want to visit this very different culture. I was invested in the characters and wanted to see it through to the end. I recommend this book.
August 3, 2020
I very seldom read ‘romance’ novels, but this one was very well-written and thanks to the beautiful descriptions of nature on the Åland Islands I kept on reading.
The main character Alicia gets very little sympathy from me with her whimsical behaviour. Her story might have been more interesting if we got to know more about her life before the death of her son. But fans of romance novels will be delighted with this book.
The main character Alicia gets very little sympathy from me with her whimsical behaviour. Her story might have been more interesting if we got to know more about her life before the death of her son. But fans of romance novels will be delighted with this book.
November 30, 2025
The Island Affair
Is there life beyond the death of a child and an illicit affair? Can the relationship of the ones left behind survive? Everyone experiences grief differently. In the end, new information shines a different light on the situation. This information can possibly bring those left behind back together and a sense of closure and hope beyond the loss and betrayal. Be sure to read this as well as the bonus chapter.
Is there life beyond the death of a child and an illicit affair? Can the relationship of the ones left behind survive? Everyone experiences grief differently. In the end, new information shines a different light on the situation. This information can possibly bring those left behind back together and a sense of closure and hope beyond the loss and betrayal. Be sure to read this as well as the bonus chapter.
October 5, 2020
Choices need to be made
Alicia and her husband come to the Island of Alicia's childhood to rfind their way. Their son has died and Liam has had an affair. Now Liam has fled back to London. Will they find Rach other again or will Olivia's attraction to another man, change their lives forever.
Alicia and her husband come to the Island of Alicia's childhood to rfind their way. Their son has died and Liam has had an affair. Now Liam has fled back to London. Will they find Rach other again or will Olivia's attraction to another man, change their lives forever.
January 24, 2021
Competently written romance with an interesting setting of the Åland 🇦🇽 Islands, nestled between Sweden 🇸🇪 and Finland 🇫🇮, in the Baltic Sea. Easy, breezy read with enough setting and cultural context to feel like I was visiting a new place. Romance part was fine, tamely passionate, if you’re into that kind of thing.
February 21, 2021
My favourite aspect of this novel is definitely the setting. The way Helena brings the island of Aland to life is so vivid and sensual. I actually feel as if I have travelled and once we're allowed to again this would be a great holiday read. I found this to be a pacey page turner and I enjoyed the writing style. There is lots still left to be explored in the following books.
December 4, 2023
This was a good read; quite emotional at times and a story of recovery, confusion, romance, heartbreak, infidelity and forgiveness. I did enjoy it although there was no real ending, obviously wanting you to purchase the next in the series. It was well written with sideline plots keeping interest and then making it fit together. There were few conclusion however to the sidelines which was a pity as I think some could have been finalised.
October 22, 2020
It was interesting to read a story set in a place I'd never been, although I had cruised the coast of Sweden. I could see how her attraction to Patrick won over her resolve to leave him alone and watched her feelings revive for her husband as she tried to decide what to do next..
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