Sunrise on the Coast

Island Romance #1

by Lilac Mills

When a holiday becomes something more…
Struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother, Sophie needs to get away from it all. On a much-needed break to Tenerife, Sophie stumbles across a Help Wanted sign for local pensioner, Hugo, and on a leap of faith she accepts the job.

But life on the island isn’t all sun, sea and siestas…

Hugo’s beautiful villa is under threat and, to complicate matters, his brooding (but handsome) nephew, Alex, has shown up full of suspicion towards Sophie.

Hands full dealing with difficult men and a clearly unreciprocated attraction towards Alex, Sophie needs to decide if her future lies in Tenerife or if her holiday is officially over.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2020

About the author

Lilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
 
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.

She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind. 

Reviews

[©hrissie ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ A refreshing summer read if there ever was one. Having finished this a good 10 days ago, I can still fondly recall the unlikely friendship seamlessly struck between 30-year-old Sophie, who has recently suffered the loss of her loving yet long-suffering mother, and the peculiar pensioner Hugo, who has been lonely for too long. In many ways, they find each other when they need it the most, and all that follows centres on Hugo's breathtaking villa situated in the middle of nowhere, that must be saved from the clutches of money-making schemes. As Sophie cares for the ailing Hugo, she too begins to heal, and the magnetic and revitalising beauty of Tenerife makes for the right landscape for Sophie to turn her life around and start anew.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring the non-touristy side of Tenerife this is an emotional and enjoyable uplit story. The setting, seen through the eyes of main character Sophie, makes an impact. The story of rebuilding a life after caring for a loved one is poignant and realistic and makes Sophie easy to empathise.

This is an escapist read, so fate takes a hand in the proceedings. Sophie's multigenerational relationship with Hugo is humorous and rewarding. The chance for romance surprises Sophie but makes her braver as she tries to map out her future. Enigmatic Alex or friendly Dominic, who will she choose?

Gentle romance humour and poignancy fuse together to provide a lovely way to escape for a couple of hours.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel good read. Captivating scenery and the slow burn of developing relationships with the igniting of a new life after devastation. The book manages to capture fun and the excitement of finding a new path whilst portraying the reality of grief but is able to keep the whole book feeling light hearted. Really enjoyed reading this book and I now also have developed quite a curiosity for Tenerife!

Thank you Netgalley.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, easy read, an ideal read for that break away or distraction if you need some escapism.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

so sweet and fluffy I loved it

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great easy to read book, which was an all round feel good book.
Likeable characters, and the author made Tenerife sound absolutely beautiful.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4🌟 Easy an enjoyable read for summer. I loved being taken all the way to the Tenerife island (Spain). Lighthearted story with a happy ending for the main characters. Wasn’t bad, but I felt like the book ended pretty quickly. I would continue with this series in the future.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me only two days to finish the entire book, and what can I say? This book is a refreshing summer read that took me on an adventure. The setting is lovely, which is the Tenerife Island. The descriptions for each destination are breathtaking, and I wish I could go there (wishful-thinking) someday to see it for myself.

I also wanted to live in a villa because, for starters, you will love the island, the way of life, the weather, the language, the food, and the culture.

I'm trying to imagine and feel that wherein I can see the contrast of the many different blues of the ocean with the varying shades of rock, from coal black to russet, and jagged shards through to smooth-striated marble.

This book is so good that I even tried to listen to some of the music I have on my Spotify playlist to feel the summer vibe of the story.

Playlist:

1. Samba de Orfeu – Luis Bonfá
2. Corcovado – Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto
3. Chega de Saudade – Tom Jobim
4. Desafinado – Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto
5. O Barquinho – Nara Leão

[Bookish Thais💌 · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Sophie loses her mother, she is lost. Knowing that she can't keep her mother's house, she goes on a trip to Tenerife. There she sees a help wanted sign for a pensioner named Hugo. She is stuck between wanting to stay a bit more in Tenerife or going back home to her family. When she decides to stay in Tenerife, she starts helping Hugo with daily needs before his operation. But when Hugo's nephew, Alex misunderstands their relationship, Sophie is determined to show Alex that she isn't up to anything.

This was a very nice and quick read for me. It was a very light book. This by far is my favorite Lilac Mills book that I have read. I enjoyed the romance in it. Something that I wasn't a massive fan of is when they became a co9uple so quickly and near the end. It ended very sweetly but I wanted more of their relationship.

I would mostly recommend this book to people who are just beginning to read romance books since it's very quick and has mostly fluff in it.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly a very light read book regardless of the primary subject matter. It is easy and in the end, uplifting.
It did take me quite a while to get into it as it was quite slow, to begin with. However, once you have gotten to know Sophie and you are on Tenerife with her, it really starts to pick up. It was a little saccharine in places, and things did fall into place a little too easily but if you went with the flow and emerged yourself in the essence of the book it made for a pleasant read.
Sophie has lost her mother and is at a bit of a loss as what to do with her life. Her life had revolved around looking after her mother, and now she is gone she has to start looking after herself. She goes on holiday to Tenerife, and before long, the island has won her heart, and she starts to make future plans.
I learnt so much about Tenerife. It hasn’t been somewhere that I’ve wanted to visit, but all the descriptions of the mountains and the views have changed my mind.
I love Lilac Mills’ books, but this wasn’t one of my favourite of hers. I’m not sure if it was the mixture of moroseness from the main character and the little bit too sickly sweet perfectness that is intertwined that has me coming to this conclusion. I’m usually smiling along with her characters and rooting for their happiness, but I didn’t really like either of Sophie’s love interests so didn’t really feel invested in that side of things. However, it was a lighthearted and good-natured read. Nothing majorly wrong with it but not one I will be thinking of for long after finishing.

Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Covid came into our lives the one place I've really wanted to visit was the Canary Islands and specifically Tenerife, mainly to see my sister and also for some much needed winter sun. However well everything conspired against me, so seeing Lilac Mills' new Tenerife set series was a thrill for me.

I have learnt so much about Mount Teide thanks to Alex who is a volcanologist, and Teide is one of those parts of Tenerife I've never really experienced. That too can be said of Los Gigantes which is where Sophie is staying.

It was great to see how the largest Canary Island was being viewed through the eyes of someone who has never visited before. And everything Sophie says about the place really does ring true. Especially details of the Calima, which I've heard my sister talk about before.

I could feel the heat coming off the pages of the lovely weather in Tenerife and it was generally making me rather wistful that I wasn't there myself.

Sophie is in Tenerife to have a break after losing her mum the month before, and having been her main carer for years, but it soon becomes apparent that she feels a real pull for the island and on a hunch she accepts a job over there.

This is such an enjoyable story of Sophie growing as a person, and learning to live life again. It is fabulous for armchair travel, and just a shame it's not currently available in paperback or I'd be buying a copy for my sister!

Can't wait to read more of Lilac Mills' Tenerife romance series. Excited to see what other parts of the island are featured.

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Mrs J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This utterly charming book takes us to the island of Tenerife.

Sunrise on the Coast is actually pretty sad at the beginning as Sophie has just lost her mother to cancer. In fact, my eyes pricked on several occasions throughout the story. Sophie had cared for her mum right up to the end and her aunt persuades her to take a break before she decides what to do in the next stage in her life.

Whilst holidaying, she explores the island and comes across a temporary job as a live-in carer for Hugo, a pensioner who will be recovering from an operation. I’ve said before that I love stories that explore friendships between different generations and this one ticks that box. There’s also a big old Newfoundland dog called Paco who features in this story, so if you like reading books with dog characters, this might be for you.

The plot has a few twists and turns and of course, a slow-burn love interest that could go one of two ways.

I’ve never been to Tenerife but it is described with such clarity, and along with the factual information about the island and volcanos, I could picture it. Sunrise on the Coast is very well written, easy to follow and I’d definitely read more from Lilac Mills.

You might pick up a few Spanish phrases too.

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of Lilac Mills Island Romance books that I've read and I think I enjoyed this one more than the other one I read it that's at all possible.

All three novels in this series are standalone books, the only thing that connects them is that they are all set on the island of Tenerife.

Sophie Lakeland is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her Mum, so needing to get away from it all she takes a break, to the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife.

Whilst out taking in the local area she stumbles upon a Help Wanted sign, for pensioner Hugo and decides on a whim to accept the job.

But it seems that Hugo's beautiful little villa is under threat and he could quite possibly find himself being evicted.

Add to this the arrival of Alex, Hugo's brooding and some what suspicious ( of Sophie at least ) nephew, Sophie now needs to decide if her future does really lie in Tenerife, as she originally thought, or should she return to England.

Yet again this book takes in the less touristy parts of the island, so it was fun to imagine myself there, among the locals watching them go about their lives.

Looking forward to reading the third book in this gorgeous series.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, well written and easygoing read. Despite the sadness of Sophie's Mother's death it still manages to be uplifting. A good book to escape into during the Lockdown period.
I have never visited Tenerife before, but the descriptions were very detailed and it was easy to imagine what the places were like. Although Sophie initially visited Tenerife for a holiday, the focus was on the less touristy areas, and it was more about the local residents and their every day lives.
It was very interesting to read about the volcano, and made me wonder what it is like to live in the pathway of an active volcano.
The characters were likeable , the storyline was a little slow to begin with, but then it started to speed up, and I became engrossed in reading it. I have read a couple of books by Lilac Mills before and they are always enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC. I look forward to reading more books by Lilac Mills,

[Marliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a beautifully written story set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town. Lilac's descriptions brilliantly capture the serene beauty of the setting, making you feel like you're right there by the sea. I also enjoyed the interesting facts about volcanoes sprinkled throughout the book.

The characters are well-developed and relatable. Their personal growth and relationships are portrayed with depth and authenticity. I especially appreciated how Lilac wrote Sophie's emotional journey from grief to healing. It's depicted with such sensitivity and realism that it profoundly resonates.

While the plot is engaging and heartwarming, some moments feel a bit predictable. However, the charm of the setting and the strength of the characters more than makeup for it.

Overall, Sunrise on the Coast is a delightful read with beautiful scenery, relatable characters, and a heartfelt story. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good coastal escape.

[Tess Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written, easy to read with a happy ending for a heroine who definitely deserved and worked for it. It has been so pleasing to read about someone who actually looked after their parent at home, something that rarely happens as can be seen by the many fully booked nursing homes and hospital beds. The bonus is that such dedication has been rewarded, a dream many of us have but doesn’t generally happen, but that is what this type of story does so well, it gives us hope and a couple of hours pleasant escapism. Not only this but it is set in a beautiful and sunny location...tick...the ingredients for a perfectly crafted beach/lockdown/escape for the day read. Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for the chance to escape for the day in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindatugby81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I really enjoyed the storyline . Such a lovely read 📚5🌟..

When a holiday becomes something more …

Struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother, Sophie needs to get away from it all . Taking a much - needed break to Tenerife , She stumbles across a Help Wanted sign for local pensioner, Hugo , and on a leap of faith she accepts the job.

But life on the island isn’t all sun, sea and siestas . Hugo’s beautiful villa is under threat . To complicate matters further, his brooding nephew , Alex , has shown up full of suspicion towards Sophie . While dealing with Hugo’s imminent eviction and a clearly unreciprocated attraction towards Alex , Sophie needs to decide if her future lies in Tenerife or if it’s time to return to England .

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this absolute delight of a book 😍 this was a "blind date with a book" and I'm beyond pleased that I chose and read it! Such a feel good, warm and easy read, I loved the characters and the story was so lovely! My first read of Lilac Mills work, and I can safely say it will not be the last!

I have just found out that this is the first in a series too!! And although the next couple of books don't follow the same characters'story (although I'm already dying to read more about them and what happens next), they r based on the same island and I'm still very excited to read them!

[Judith Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely written and easy to read book with four main characters. Sophie has nursed her mother to the end and is persuaded by her aunt to take a holiday. She packs up the house and goes off to Tenerife. Out walking one day she comes across a notice for a job. She ends up as a help for Hugo who is shortly to have a hip replacement, but she knows this will only be short term. After a few days, enter Hugo's nephew.... I will be adding more of Lilac's books to my list

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story!

I really enjoyed reading Sunrise on the Coast. It was a fun and happy story to read, something to take the reader away from all the sorrowful and sad news on TV. It is filled with lots of descriptions of the geography of the area, along with feelings of loss and an uncertain future. But then there is presented the hopes and beauty of moving forward and making a new future, and finding romance along the way. This is a great human interest story, one to savor and enjoy. Relax and follow Sophie as she makes a new life on a Spanish island.

[Abigail Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice holiday escapism book.
Perfect for wanting to read nothing too deep. The book was a little vague for my liking. There was this whole build up, and then everything was swept away because Sophie liked two men. Then all of a sudden she ‘realised’ she only liked one of the men (who, in my opinion, came across rude af), then suddenly their together? There was so much plot missing but I think it’s because I like deep books!

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunrise on The Coast by Lilac Mills

Sophie is convinced to take a holiday to Tenerife to get over the griefof her mother’s death.

A lovely well written book which appears to be a sad book however it is actually very uplifting. When after great sadness you have new beginnings and happier times ahead.

Lovely main characters. Will definitely leave you with a smile .

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wether it's because I have read 3 of this authors books in a row I'm not sure but , I found this book a little lacking in substance . I know it's only light hearted romance but the other novels I read had a bit more going on in the background , this was just a little bland and totally predictable . But an OK read .

[Kelly Goulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted an easy going lightweight read to throw myself into, and this more than hit the spot. Whilst unashamedly chick lit with a romantic storyline, it was also much more than that. The writing and descriptions of Tenerife were so evocative that it made me want to go back there and explore. Wonderfully done!

[Kate Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasant little novel, I gave it to a friend after I finished and they enjoyed it as well. Was a nice getaway from a lengthy book and made me want to look up Tenerife and see what it was like, also made me want to go on a holiday. But Covid and all that, so this filled in the gap nicely.

[Kelly Goulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted an easy going lightweight read to throw myself into, and this more than hit the spot. Whilst unashamedly chick lit with a romantic storyline, it was also much more than that. The writing and descriptions of Tenerife were so evocative that it made me want to go back there and explore. Wonderfully done!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunrise on the Coast

I loved the book. It had a little bit of everything. Grief, family, challenges . A beautiful Island to explore and Love. Sophie's character was kind, fiesty and loveable. I liked Hugo and Paco the dog 2. . Alejandro was the icing on the cake! A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Laura

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent escapist story: it's engrossing and entertaining, the characters are nice, lovely setting and an interesting storyline.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Gareth Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lovely Light Hearted Book

This is a lovely read.
It starts reasonably slowly but moves along at a steady pace.
It is not the first book I have read t this authored and it definitely won'4be the last.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book that takes you away to sunny Tenerife however I thought in places it was a bit skippy & rushed.
I didn’t really connect with the characters until the end, Sophie is nice but I found her tantrums a bit childish.
Glad she got her happy ending though.