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Retreat to the Spanish Sun
Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs.
So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.
So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.
400 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
216 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Jo Thomas
61 books537 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
September 8, 2022
should've been called "retreat to the spanish ham"
March 12, 2022
I've just spent a wonderful time, in Southern Spain, learning all about real Iberico ham, pig farming, the local towns gastronomique society, and the really good local food producers.
Not to mention a tapas bar with an owner that likes to try bizarre flavours, the Spanish conversation club (not that any of them can speak Spanish), and all manner of intrigue and potentially dodgy happenings.
Who says that house sitting in a farm in Spain would provide Eliza the much longed for peace and quiet to be able to work on her foundation year coursework. To say there is a whole lot going on is an understatement.
What starts off as a relatively calm read, keeps ramping everything up, to the most fabulous of finales, which I was utterly hooked on.
And I would heartily recommend reading this with snacks to hand, as with the amount of sumptuous food descriptions, and the fact I could almost taste the Iberico ham, as well as understand just how it differs from Serrano ham, means that you will get hungry reading this book.
It's a Spanish food lovers paradise. It's also a pig lovers paradise, and i especially loved following Banderas' progress rather closely!
This is another utterly fantastic book from Jo Thomas, who I am rapidly running out of fresh ways of saying that if you haven't discovered this wonderful author yet, then you are missing out, as she is wonderful. This is perfect for Spain loves, foodies, and those looking for a good story, a hint of romance, and new friendships and learning a lot about yourself too.
Thank you to Transworld for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Not to mention a tapas bar with an owner that likes to try bizarre flavours, the Spanish conversation club (not that any of them can speak Spanish), and all manner of intrigue and potentially dodgy happenings.
Who says that house sitting in a farm in Spain would provide Eliza the much longed for peace and quiet to be able to work on her foundation year coursework. To say there is a whole lot going on is an understatement.
What starts off as a relatively calm read, keeps ramping everything up, to the most fabulous of finales, which I was utterly hooked on.
And I would heartily recommend reading this with snacks to hand, as with the amount of sumptuous food descriptions, and the fact I could almost taste the Iberico ham, as well as understand just how it differs from Serrano ham, means that you will get hungry reading this book.
It's a Spanish food lovers paradise. It's also a pig lovers paradise, and i especially loved following Banderas' progress rather closely!
This is another utterly fantastic book from Jo Thomas, who I am rapidly running out of fresh ways of saying that if you haven't discovered this wonderful author yet, then you are missing out, as she is wonderful. This is perfect for Spain loves, foodies, and those looking for a good story, a hint of romance, and new friendships and learning a lot about yourself too.
Thank you to Transworld for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 8, 2023
Ahhh this was the ray of sunshine that I didn’t even realise I needed! I’ve been reading a lot of Christmas books lately but when I spotted this one in a charity shop recently it called out to me.
I absolutely raced through this book and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen in the end, it’s the kind of book that leaves you with a big smile on your face! I also can’t wait for a bit of sunshine now, if you’re throwing in some fabulous food and a cheeky cocktail to then I’m sold!
Jo’s love for food comes through the pages so clearly and I really liked learning about Iberico ham - it just made everything seem so authentic and fuelled my want to be right there with Eliza.
This was such a lovely, sunny book full of friendship, food and a little bit of love to - like good food, good books are made to be shared and I’ll definitely be recommending this one!!!!
I absolutely raced through this book and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen in the end, it’s the kind of book that leaves you with a big smile on your face! I also can’t wait for a bit of sunshine now, if you’re throwing in some fabulous food and a cheeky cocktail to then I’m sold!
Jo’s love for food comes through the pages so clearly and I really liked learning about Iberico ham - it just made everything seem so authentic and fuelled my want to be right there with Eliza.
This was such a lovely, sunny book full of friendship, food and a little bit of love to - like good food, good books are made to be shared and I’ll definitely be recommending this one!!!!
June 7, 2024
Really did not expect this book to pretty much be about ham
August 27, 2024
Another lovely summer read. What I like about Jo Thomas books is that they really take you away and immerse you in whatever setting they are based. I also love the local recipes that are included at the end of each story. Highly recommended.
June 23, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Eliza is a divorced mother of three adults, all of whom had flown the coop but have now returned to her small two bedroom flat for *reasons*. Desperate for a bit of peace and quiet to finish her dissertation, which might enable Eliza to get a degree and start a career is sports therapy (or something similar), and get away from her job as receptionist for a local estate agents, Eliza accepts a short-term hob housesitting in Spain.
The house which Eliza is looking after is famed for rearing the famous Iberico pigs, whose tender meat and delicate flavour are prized the world over. But things start to go wrong almost immediately, the local Gastronomic Society refuses to admit women, or foreigners, and the man who looks after the prized pigs has disappeared, sending a rather untrustworthy guy in his place. Eliza knows these pigs are worth a small fortune, but when the owner isn't answering her calls what should she do?
With the help of the ex-pat community, who call themselves the Spanish Language Class (although there is precious little Spanish being taught) and the young Spaniard who works in a tapas bar owned by an ex-pat called Juan (real name John), Eliza cares for the pigs herself.
I liked this but I didn't love it. I thought the start was a bit rushed in Jo Thomas' eagerness to get Eliza to Spain - don't get me wrong, I didn't want to waste half the book in England but this felt like Bish, Bash, Bosh, she's in Spain. Then the ex-pats felt a bit clichéd, would you really move to rural Spain if you were scared to try authentic Spanish food? I guess if you moved to one of the Anglicised coastal resorts that have British pubs serving a Full English maybe, but surely not in a small rural village? And then the madcap caper at the end ... I honestly couldn't get my head around the logistics and gave up trying. TBH, this felt like one too many plots, I would have preferred a plot centred around Juan's attempts to win the Tapas competition, the pigs, and slowly bringing the ex-pats and the local community together.
Having said that, it was a Jo Thomas novel, so full of great scenery, wonderful descriptions of food, and a slower pace of life, but I feel they are all very similar, very middle-aged, middle-class woman finds a new lease of life abroad, with help from the local women - maybe I shouldn't have looked at a couple of my previous reviews of her books?
If you are looking for a sweet, charming, feel-good, romance set in the glorious Spanish countryside then this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Eliza is a divorced mother of three adults, all of whom had flown the coop but have now returned to her small two bedroom flat for *reasons*. Desperate for a bit of peace and quiet to finish her dissertation, which might enable Eliza to get a degree and start a career is sports therapy (or something similar), and get away from her job as receptionist for a local estate agents, Eliza accepts a short-term hob housesitting in Spain.
The house which Eliza is looking after is famed for rearing the famous Iberico pigs, whose tender meat and delicate flavour are prized the world over. But things start to go wrong almost immediately, the local Gastronomic Society refuses to admit women, or foreigners, and the man who looks after the prized pigs has disappeared, sending a rather untrustworthy guy in his place. Eliza knows these pigs are worth a small fortune, but when the owner isn't answering her calls what should she do?
With the help of the ex-pat community, who call themselves the Spanish Language Class (although there is precious little Spanish being taught) and the young Spaniard who works in a tapas bar owned by an ex-pat called Juan (real name John), Eliza cares for the pigs herself.
I liked this but I didn't love it. I thought the start was a bit rushed in Jo Thomas' eagerness to get Eliza to Spain - don't get me wrong, I didn't want to waste half the book in England but this felt like Bish, Bash, Bosh, she's in Spain. Then the ex-pats felt a bit clichéd, would you really move to rural Spain if you were scared to try authentic Spanish food? I guess if you moved to one of the Anglicised coastal resorts that have British pubs serving a Full English maybe, but surely not in a small rural village? And then the madcap caper at the end ... I honestly couldn't get my head around the logistics and gave up trying. TBH, this felt like one too many plots, I would have preferred a plot centred around Juan's attempts to win the Tapas competition, the pigs, and slowly bringing the ex-pats and the local community together.
Having said that, it was a Jo Thomas novel, so full of great scenery, wonderful descriptions of food, and a slower pace of life, but I feel they are all very similar, very middle-aged, middle-class woman finds a new lease of life abroad, with help from the local women - maybe I shouldn't have looked at a couple of my previous reviews of her books?
If you are looking for a sweet, charming, feel-good, romance set in the glorious Spanish countryside then this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
June 25, 2022
‘It’s like, now, with the family grown-up, I’ve realized I don’t know who I am. Who is Eliza Bytheway if she isn’t a mum, juggling a family and a part-time job?’
Having read and enjoyed other Jo Thomas books, I anticipated an armchair trip to Spain with Eliza who was trying essentially to rediscover herself. The appeal of a book from Jo is always one of great scenery with delectable food and a slower approach to life.
Eliza escapes to house sit in Spain in an attempt to finish writing her essay. This is away from her adult children who had returned home to her tiny flat in England and were crowding her life - literally and figuratively. At times this book tended to simplify things in addition to many convenient occurrences. Readers will also be up for a lesson on pig farming as well. 🤷🏻♀️
Of course nothing goes to plan, situations become implausible to comedic at times - somewhat over the top. I did not really warm to the cast of characters - except perhaps Juan's attempts to win the Tapas competition. Eliza often did herself no favours which I found frustrating and encounters failed to genuinely gel.
With a mission to retrieve the stolen prized hams from feisty locals (not just the pigs!) many will find this a fun and enjoyable escape if somewhat predictable and repetitive at times. Sadly, this was just not the midlife journey I was seeking but it had potential.
‘I’m Eliza Bytheway, living the dream, in a beautiful Spanish cortijo, feeling content with who I am: a forty five year old woman, who has brought up three children, has the scars to prove it, the streak of grey in her thick dark hair that, out here, seems to look so much better than it does in the morning mirror back home. Maybe it’s the sun, the food, or just being able to accept who I am while I’m here, not constantly feeling I need a degree to validate myself. I’m just me.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Having read and enjoyed other Jo Thomas books, I anticipated an armchair trip to Spain with Eliza who was trying essentially to rediscover herself. The appeal of a book from Jo is always one of great scenery with delectable food and a slower approach to life.
Eliza escapes to house sit in Spain in an attempt to finish writing her essay. This is away from her adult children who had returned home to her tiny flat in England and were crowding her life - literally and figuratively. At times this book tended to simplify things in addition to many convenient occurrences. Readers will also be up for a lesson on pig farming as well. 🤷🏻♀️
Of course nothing goes to plan, situations become implausible to comedic at times - somewhat over the top. I did not really warm to the cast of characters - except perhaps Juan's attempts to win the Tapas competition. Eliza often did herself no favours which I found frustrating and encounters failed to genuinely gel.
With a mission to retrieve the stolen prized hams from feisty locals (not just the pigs!) many will find this a fun and enjoyable escape if somewhat predictable and repetitive at times. Sadly, this was just not the midlife journey I was seeking but it had potential.
‘I’m Eliza Bytheway, living the dream, in a beautiful Spanish cortijo, feeling content with who I am: a forty five year old woman, who has brought up three children, has the scars to prove it, the streak of grey in her thick dark hair that, out here, seems to look so much better than it does in the morning mirror back home. Maybe it’s the sun, the food, or just being able to accept who I am while I’m here, not constantly feeling I need a degree to validate myself. I’m just me.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
May 24, 2022
For anyone who enjoys reading about the sunshine or who is an established fan of the author, this latest book will be enjoyed. As it will be if you are in search of complete escapism and a plot which doesn't require you to engage in any challenging thought processes.
There is a place for lighthearted reads and I do enjoy some of a certain type. It is hard to adequately describe the criteria which makes a lighthearted read wonderfully refreshing and those which are so without depth that you wonder why you picked up the book in the first place, and of course this discrimination between the two is entirely subjective and very personal.
Sadly for me this book falls firmly into the latter category. I found the plot so basic, repetitive and with some phrases which really grated on my nerves, particularly about Mother Nature showing the way. The plot is entirely predictable and the main character Eliza Bytheway ridiculously naive and simple.
A writing by numbers book for me which I cannot recommend BUT I do realise I am probably in a tiny minority.
I have thought long and hard about what to write and when we are given access to books on Pigeonhole the premise is that the opportunity is in exchange for an HONEST review.
I do not wish to upset anyone but I couldn't possibly write a bland review otherwise I would be in danger of being hypocritical.
Just not for me.
There is a place for lighthearted reads and I do enjoy some of a certain type. It is hard to adequately describe the criteria which makes a lighthearted read wonderfully refreshing and those which are so without depth that you wonder why you picked up the book in the first place, and of course this discrimination between the two is entirely subjective and very personal.
Sadly for me this book falls firmly into the latter category. I found the plot so basic, repetitive and with some phrases which really grated on my nerves, particularly about Mother Nature showing the way. The plot is entirely predictable and the main character Eliza Bytheway ridiculously naive and simple.
A writing by numbers book for me which I cannot recommend BUT I do realise I am probably in a tiny minority.
I have thought long and hard about what to write and when we are given access to books on Pigeonhole the premise is that the opportunity is in exchange for an HONEST review.
I do not wish to upset anyone but I couldn't possibly write a bland review otherwise I would be in danger of being hypocritical.
Just not for me.
August 7, 2022
I liked this book a lot! It’s sweet and funny with really memorable characters. The descriptions of the small town in Spain and it’s inhabitants are great, there are some very quirky personalities! This is the perfect book to read if you need to get away for a bit. I recommend this one, 4.5 stars.
Synopsis:
Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs.
So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis:
Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs.
So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
February 6, 2025
(Read via audible) I found this book extremely hard to finish. The narrator on the book was good in English but made the Spanish characters sound Russian. The pronunciation of the Spanish language was poor. I am familiar with Spanish culture and language, and parts of the story were very unbelievable (two Spanish men having an argument in English, I don’t think so!). I had downloaded it to beat the winter blues and escape to Spanish sun but instead found myself cringing throughout the novel. I had high hopes but sadly left disappointed.
October 30, 2022
Really light and pleasant read.
July 26, 2025
A beautiful story set in the lovely Spanish countryside
May 30, 2022
As someone whose reading material growing up mainly consisted of Enid Blyton books I’d consider myself a huge fan of simple, lighthearted, comfort reading. I enjoy the type of escapist fiction that Jo Thomas offers (although I confess this is the first novel of hers I’ve picked up) as much as I enjoy novels with more depth and “bite”. Armchair travelling can be so very satisfying, especially when outside your window the skies are dull and grey; the promise of pages drenched in imagery of sun baked vistas, your taste buds tantalised by descriptions of Spanish culinary fare (of which there are many) was enough to lure me in. The title suggests it may well be the perfect accompaniment to lazy summer days, especially if you’re looking forward to your own foreign getaway and who doesn’t occasionally dream of escaping the mundanity of real life for something more exciting? I’m probably within the right age bracket to fully appreciate the sentiments behind the storyline so what were my thoughts?
The simplicity of the writing will, I feel sure, appeal to many. The premise is familiar, focusing on Eliza, a woman of a certain age seeking adventure, desperate for a chance to reclaim her identity, both thrilled and daunted by the prospect of beginning a new (hopefully exciting and more fulfilling) chapter in her life. Top this off with the hint of romance hovering in the background and everything required of a feel good novel is present and correct. What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot as it happens! Unfortunately this novel did not make me feel good. The main character very quickly got on my nerves in a basic plot that creeps along at a snail’s pace, only “hotting” up towards the end when events take, dare I say, a ridiculous turn. Don’t get me wrong I certainly wasn’t expecting things to zip along at a speed akin to that of a thriller but oh dear the main character and the storyline could benefit from a healthy injection of oomph! I wanted to like Eliza and applaud her for stepping outside of her comfort zone as I recognised she’s making a brave and bold attempt in searching for what truly makes her happy but in truth I found her silly (along with her surname) and insipid. She’s not backed up by a great cast of supporting characters either if I’m honest although Juan made me laugh (if only for the wrong reasons!) I found the repetitive use of certain words and phrases increasingly irritating (as well as lazy). Is the author really of the belief her readers are going to forget within the space of a few paragraphs the meaning behind these words hence the constant reminders? It might sound like an overly harsh criticism but I found it rather patronising and unnecessary. Food plays an integral role in Eliza’s Spanish adventure which may whet some readers appetites but could I summon up enough enthusiasm for a certain foodstuff that this storyline requires? Absolutely not!
I think it’s fair to say this novel wasn’t for me. It’s harmless, inoffensive, innocent stuff and what I would call a “pure candyfloss” read. It seemed like a good idea at the time but ultimately proved to be naively sweet, somewhat far fetched and unfulfilling.
My thanks to pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
The simplicity of the writing will, I feel sure, appeal to many. The premise is familiar, focusing on Eliza, a woman of a certain age seeking adventure, desperate for a chance to reclaim her identity, both thrilled and daunted by the prospect of beginning a new (hopefully exciting and more fulfilling) chapter in her life. Top this off with the hint of romance hovering in the background and everything required of a feel good novel is present and correct. What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot as it happens! Unfortunately this novel did not make me feel good. The main character very quickly got on my nerves in a basic plot that creeps along at a snail’s pace, only “hotting” up towards the end when events take, dare I say, a ridiculous turn. Don’t get me wrong I certainly wasn’t expecting things to zip along at a speed akin to that of a thriller but oh dear the main character and the storyline could benefit from a healthy injection of oomph! I wanted to like Eliza and applaud her for stepping outside of her comfort zone as I recognised she’s making a brave and bold attempt in searching for what truly makes her happy but in truth I found her silly (along with her surname) and insipid. She’s not backed up by a great cast of supporting characters either if I’m honest although Juan made me laugh (if only for the wrong reasons!) I found the repetitive use of certain words and phrases increasingly irritating (as well as lazy). Is the author really of the belief her readers are going to forget within the space of a few paragraphs the meaning behind these words hence the constant reminders? It might sound like an overly harsh criticism but I found it rather patronising and unnecessary. Food plays an integral role in Eliza’s Spanish adventure which may whet some readers appetites but could I summon up enough enthusiasm for a certain foodstuff that this storyline requires? Absolutely not!
I think it’s fair to say this novel wasn’t for me. It’s harmless, inoffensive, innocent stuff and what I would call a “pure candyfloss” read. It seemed like a good idea at the time but ultimately proved to be naively sweet, somewhat far fetched and unfulfilling.
My thanks to pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
This book did start really well, I thought I was going to have a really good time reading it and quickly i realized that I was getting bored. Maybe the story was not what I was expecting, but this book was not for me and I thought the pace was too slow. Also I didn't find myself attracted to the main characters. But the book is well written and there are some good elements in this book. Maybe it was just not the good time for me for this book, I am not sure exactly. I am giving this book 3 stars out of 5!
August 12, 2022
What an utterly delightful read this is. Transported to the beautiful Spanish holiday with Eliza as she gets away from her life and her grown up children.
Wonderful descriptions of the area, the battle between the town and the gastronomic society and the lovely new circle of friends who find that they can together produce some amazing food.
Highly recommended.
Wonderful descriptions of the area, the battle between the town and the gastronomic society and the lovely new circle of friends who find that they can together produce some amazing food.
Highly recommended.
March 16, 2024
I read this on & off for about 6 months lol (clearly wasn’t my favourite!). I just got bored and didn’t care very much for the characters. I thought it would be a bit more romantic but ended up just being a novel about stolen ham in all honestly
July 28, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
Es un libro muy guiri, literalmente el más guiri que me haya podido leer en la vida. Pero vaya me he hechado las risas me ha gustado 🤙🏻
Es un libro muy guiri, literalmente el más guiri que me haya podido leer en la vida. Pero vaya me he hechado las risas me ha gustado 🤙🏻
April 18, 2022
“Good food is like love. It’s for sharing with everyone, not to be kept for a greedy few. Food produced with love should be celebrated, just like falling in love.”
What an absolute gem of a novel! This is my first introduction to this author and I’m impressed.
Eliza Bytheway is a 45 year old single mom who has raised three kids and is trying to enjoy ‘free birding’ (empty nest) by adding to her education. Just when she’s got a rhythm going, her boomerang kids appear and move back in….yes, all three of her adult children and two pug puppies. When an opportunity arises for her to house-sit for two weeks in Andalucia, she jumps at the chance to finish her online course in peace under the hot mid-August sun. Eliza arrives at Josep Santiago’s cortijo and is instantly swept away by everything the new opportunity has to offer!
You’ll be treated to a sweet read featuring a mystery, a romance and lots of mouth watering food and family drama. Thomas explores the importance of how to let go and move on and how to be kind to oneself after putting everyone else first.
I loved learning about Black Iberian pigs and the difference between Serrano and Iberico ham. I enjoyed the ham swap and the drama with the piggies going to market, but most of all, I loved having a front row seat to Eliza’s growth. I’m glad I got to witness love and kindness coming her way. I was cheering for her throughout the whole book. I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Eliza, Josep nor Banderas and hope they appear again.
Be forewarned: you’ll be craving tapas, Flamenco and the southern Spanish sun after reading this 5-star book.
I was gifted this advance copy by Jo Thomas, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
What an absolute gem of a novel! This is my first introduction to this author and I’m impressed.
Eliza Bytheway is a 45 year old single mom who has raised three kids and is trying to enjoy ‘free birding’ (empty nest) by adding to her education. Just when she’s got a rhythm going, her boomerang kids appear and move back in….yes, all three of her adult children and two pug puppies. When an opportunity arises for her to house-sit for two weeks in Andalucia, she jumps at the chance to finish her online course in peace under the hot mid-August sun. Eliza arrives at Josep Santiago’s cortijo and is instantly swept away by everything the new opportunity has to offer!
You’ll be treated to a sweet read featuring a mystery, a romance and lots of mouth watering food and family drama. Thomas explores the importance of how to let go and move on and how to be kind to oneself after putting everyone else first.
I loved learning about Black Iberian pigs and the difference between Serrano and Iberico ham. I enjoyed the ham swap and the drama with the piggies going to market, but most of all, I loved having a front row seat to Eliza’s growth. I’m glad I got to witness love and kindness coming her way. I was cheering for her throughout the whole book. I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Eliza, Josep nor Banderas and hope they appear again.
Be forewarned: you’ll be craving tapas, Flamenco and the southern Spanish sun after reading this 5-star book.
I was gifted this advance copy by Jo Thomas, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 19, 2025
Oplæser: Pernille Lyneborg. OK oplæsning.
En rigtig hyggeroman! Jeg kan godt lide Jo Thomas' romaner. De er så dejligt ligetil at læse. Og denne er ikke en undtagelse.
Eliza er alenemor, med 3 unge der var fløjet fra reden. Hun var nu i gang med at finde sig selv, og finde ud af, hvad fremtiden skulle være for hende. Men så kommer ungerne dryssende hjem igen. Og pludselig er lejligheden blevet for lille. Alle værelser er fyldt til bristepunktet og der er ikke rigtig plads til mor nogen steder. Bortset fra, når hun liiiiggggeeee skal redde en af de unge fra alverdens ulykker og problemer.
Eliza får nok og finder sig et fint lille job i Spanien som hus-sitter i 14 dage. Hun er dårligt nået frem, før børnene begynder at kalde på hende. Så hun må lære, at slippe de unge og de må lære at slippe hende.
Der er naturligvis masser af forviklinger i Spanien. Og så er der sortfodssvin der smager helt fantastisk, hvis den får lov at modne længe nok. Ja, jeg er ikke særlig dyreinteresseret, men det var da underholdende at læse om svinene. Og maden. Og den hyggelige cafe. Ja, man kunne næsten få lyst til at tage en tur til Spanien....
En rigtig hyggeroman! Jeg kan godt lide Jo Thomas' romaner. De er så dejligt ligetil at læse. Og denne er ikke en undtagelse.
Eliza er alenemor, med 3 unge der var fløjet fra reden. Hun var nu i gang med at finde sig selv, og finde ud af, hvad fremtiden skulle være for hende. Men så kommer ungerne dryssende hjem igen. Og pludselig er lejligheden blevet for lille. Alle værelser er fyldt til bristepunktet og der er ikke rigtig plads til mor nogen steder. Bortset fra, når hun liiiiggggeeee skal redde en af de unge fra alverdens ulykker og problemer.
Eliza får nok og finder sig et fint lille job i Spanien som hus-sitter i 14 dage. Hun er dårligt nået frem, før børnene begynder at kalde på hende. Så hun må lære, at slippe de unge og de må lære at slippe hende.
Der er naturligvis masser af forviklinger i Spanien. Og så er der sortfodssvin der smager helt fantastisk, hvis den får lov at modne længe nok. Ja, jeg er ikke særlig dyreinteresseret, men det var da underholdende at læse om svinene. Og maden. Og den hyggelige cafe. Ja, man kunne næsten få lyst til at tage en tur til Spanien....
August 23, 2022
This was a lovely read. Eliza has her empty nest refilled with her kids and she needs a bit of space to finish some coursework. When she spots an ad to housesit in Spain, she's straight on the plane with her laptop.
I loved her exploring the surrounding area and finding a local 'Spanish' group at the local cafe. They tend to meet to chat and eat- but it's a lovely group of people. She also befriends the owner.
Back on the farm she finds herself learning how to look after the pigs and trying to cheer up the male pig, who seems to be depressed.
She also encourages the cafe owner to take part in the food festival along with trying to solve a mystery. A lovely story about friendships, families , romance and dreams. Who could ask for more?
I loved her exploring the surrounding area and finding a local 'Spanish' group at the local cafe. They tend to meet to chat and eat- but it's a lovely group of people. She also befriends the owner.
Back on the farm she finds herself learning how to look after the pigs and trying to cheer up the male pig, who seems to be depressed.
She also encourages the cafe owner to take part in the food festival along with trying to solve a mystery. A lovely story about friendships, families , romance and dreams. Who could ask for more?
August 19, 2022
If a book could exude sunshine then this would be the book that would do it – you can feel the warmth, the heat, the brightness from the pages as you read.
Eliza needs the sunshine, after her children grew up and left home as well as her husband, she downsized. Then the children came back in dribs and drabs with their partners, and Eliza finds she doesn’t have any space anymore to do anything that she wants to.
A chance advert looking for a housesitter for a month seems like the perfect opportunity to catch up, reset and focus on herself for a while away from the crowded house.
Eliza finds herself in Spain, housesitting for a rather mysterious man who has left strict instructions about not allowing the dogs on the bed and not having any parties. Oh and not to worry about the pigs. The pigs in question are those that produce Iberico and Serrano Ham and I was fascinated by this process which added to the books plot in its own way.
Not looking for friends as this is only temporary Eliza finds herself in a Tapas Bar with a load of ex-pats who all have stories of how they come to be in the Spanish Village. As time goes on and the mystery of the owner of the villa she is staying out deepens as does her love for the pigs as well as the mysterious Gastronomical Society, Eliza finds herself more and more attached to this part of Spain, her new friends and the freedom from her old life.
There is something about Jo Thomas books that I am discovering – they are balms for busy lives. The setting, the food, the scenery, the people and the story that kept me hooked and coming back for more sunshine.
Highly recommend for anyone who fancies a summer in the sun without all the airport hassle and the calories from the food! Buy now and escape.
Eliza needs the sunshine, after her children grew up and left home as well as her husband, she downsized. Then the children came back in dribs and drabs with their partners, and Eliza finds she doesn’t have any space anymore to do anything that she wants to.
A chance advert looking for a housesitter for a month seems like the perfect opportunity to catch up, reset and focus on herself for a while away from the crowded house.
Eliza finds herself in Spain, housesitting for a rather mysterious man who has left strict instructions about not allowing the dogs on the bed and not having any parties. Oh and not to worry about the pigs. The pigs in question are those that produce Iberico and Serrano Ham and I was fascinated by this process which added to the books plot in its own way.
Not looking for friends as this is only temporary Eliza finds herself in a Tapas Bar with a load of ex-pats who all have stories of how they come to be in the Spanish Village. As time goes on and the mystery of the owner of the villa she is staying out deepens as does her love for the pigs as well as the mysterious Gastronomical Society, Eliza finds herself more and more attached to this part of Spain, her new friends and the freedom from her old life.
There is something about Jo Thomas books that I am discovering – they are balms for busy lives. The setting, the food, the scenery, the people and the story that kept me hooked and coming back for more sunshine.
Highly recommend for anyone who fancies a summer in the sun without all the airport hassle and the calories from the food! Buy now and escape.
May 27, 2022
This is a lovely easy read of a book - its set in Southern Spain - Eliza lives in England in a small flat that her grown up children , partners and pets have descended upon. She feels trapped and needs space she answers a job for a 2 week house sitting position in Spain. Once in Spain she discovers she loves the area, the peace , the people and the pigs! There is a story involving stolen hams, looking after pigs and lots of tapas!
March 22, 2022
Such a lovely read.
The perfect feel good read. As a mother it's lovely to see a book written from a similar perspective.
I loved the characters in the Spanish Conversation club and their combined life experiences. There was lovely dynamics throughout the story, I especially loved the bond Eliza formed with Sebastian the dish washer at the tapas bar where the Spanish Conversation club meet.
A great feel good book!
I was kindly gifted a digital ARC of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The perfect feel good read. As a mother it's lovely to see a book written from a similar perspective.
I loved the characters in the Spanish Conversation club and their combined life experiences. There was lovely dynamics throughout the story, I especially loved the bond Eliza formed with Sebastian the dish washer at the tapas bar where the Spanish Conversation club meet.
A great feel good book!
I was kindly gifted a digital ARC of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2022
Beautiful read. I read this book in one day, I couldn’t put it down. Being a mother to older teenage children there was many things I could relate to with Eliza. Seeing her find herself and her true passion for life was amazing. Sometimes we all need a bit of a reality check to see who we are and find our happiness. Seeing her bring the whole community together was lovely as was all the happy friendships she made. Josep was an interesting character, I needed to warm to him a bit, but his passion and love for her pigs was honest and true. That moment when Eliza is rolling on the roadside and he’s there, my heart soars just as much as Eliza’s.
All the delicious food described made me very hungry. Great from start to finish.
All the delicious food described made me very hungry. Great from start to finish.
October 27, 2022
It was a book ok-ish...nothing special, a little bit boring for me. I hope that other books from her aren't like this.
I felt the summer air, but not that much. Maybe I had a lot of expectations because of the cover. I love the cover!
At some point I thought I would rip of the pages with the conversations between Eliza and her childrens, especialy when she was in Spain! I mean, they were adults and they couldn't do anything without their mother. But at the end everything settled down ok.
If you love chill books you should read this!
I felt the summer air, but not that much. Maybe I had a lot of expectations because of the cover. I love the cover!
At some point I thought I would rip of the pages with the conversations between Eliza and her childrens, especialy when she was in Spain! I mean, they were adults and they couldn't do anything without their mother. But at the end everything settled down ok.
If you love chill books you should read this!
September 28, 2023
The theme was interesting; the dramas of pig farming in Spain. However it was written in first person and present tense which made it difficult sometimes to distinguish between dialogue, narration and thoughts
October 23, 2025
well....I read it in 2 days on holiday, very easy to read, no real character or story progression etc but a happy ending and an easy read and if nothing else it gave me some insight into Iberico ham (🤣) and essential Spanish Tapas lol and made me truly miss a Spanish country!
ive never read a Jo Thomas book before and wouldn't rush to read another but if you're on holiday and want an easy read she can definitely deliver!!
ive never read a Jo Thomas book before and wouldn't rush to read another but if you're on holiday and want an easy read she can definitely deliver!!
August 19, 2022
A really easy, summery read. It was refreshing to have someone middle aged as the MC and I was a fan of Eliza. You know what you're getting with Jo's novels and she's an auto-buy author for me.
October 10, 2022
A pleasant read with food, romance and Spanish sun . I seem to be following a theme with recent books, time to head off to find some real Spanish sun and food.
August 22, 2023
My first Jo Thomas, and I lived it to bits! Especially because of characters and the setting in Andalucía. What a bunch of great friends!
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