Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls

Jewel Island #2

by Holly Martin

Get swept away to the sparkling Cornish coast with the stunning new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin. Autumn Skies Over Ruby Falls is the perfect romantic treat to snuggle up with this autumn.

Clover Philips is exactly where she’s meant to be – back home on Jewel Island teaching dance to the guests at the beautiful Sapphire Bay Hotel that she co-owns with her sisters Skye and Aria. Her life is complete, except for one thing…

When Clover left London she also left behind a devastating betrayal. She hasn’t been able to date anyone since, let alone allow herself to fall in love. What she needs is a casual fling to ease herself back into romance. And as luck would have it, the very handsome Angel Mazzeo is back in town.

The chemistry between Clover and Angel has been undeniable ever since Angel first arrived on Jewel Island six months ago. And though content to be her friend till now, Angel is more than willing to help Clover find her dating feet again.

It should be easy to keep things carefree when love is off the table, but when every moment is magical what started as casual soon becomes something much deeper. Will Clover and Angel find the courage to tell each other how they really feel? And is Clover ready to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again, fall in love?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Holiday

376 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2020

About the author

Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.

Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.

Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor

Reviews

[Melindam]

Leaving the book without rating as I hated the narration so much that I could hardly wait to finish it. The story was kind of ok, I think, but I simply could not detach it from the fake, breathy, high-pitched, saccharine voice that sounded like the narrator was speaking through her nose and that made me want to gauge my eyes out.

Trying to find sth positive about it: the cover is cute, it's currently included for free in the Audible(com) Plus catalogue.

[***Cheryl*** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for an autumn read and this book definitely didn't disappoint.

This is the second book based on Jewel Island but can easily be read as a standalone. This time the story focus on Clover who finds herself back at Jewel Island. I loved this story of Clover and Angel. Clover was guarded but I loved seeing their relationship develop and grow.

This was a very easy, light heart and fun read which I really enjoyed. I was quickly hooked in the story and wanted to keep reading. If you are looking for book to cosy up with on these darker evening this is definitely the book for you.

Thank you to Holly Martin for the review copy in exchange for this review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clover Phillips has a very pleasant job teaching dance, especially as quite a few of her students are of the older generation. Also, she co-owns the Sapphire Bay Hotel with her sisters Skye and Aria. So, all in all, Clover's life is quite content. Having recently experienced a major betrayal in a previous relationship, she never thought she would want to date again. So, if anything was missing in Clover's life, it would be romance, and that is just fine with her.

However, someone from her past, Angel Mazzeo, is back in town and it doesn't take very long for sparks to develop between the two of them. However, Clover's reticence shines through time and again. Despite this, Angel is kind and patient, so just maybe Clover may give him a chance. As they eventually begin dating, Angel promises Clover no expectations, she soon feels comfortable with him.

This touching story is one where Clover comes into her own after being devastatingly hurt before. Angel makes the perfect complement to her because of his giving nature, as his remarkable qualities prove that life does indeed offer second chances.

Meanwhile, this lovely story follows the first book in the series, Sunrise Over Sapphire Bay, where Clover's sister Aria fell in love with Noah. At the same time, however, Clover's twin Skye is not so lucky in love. The prospect is there for Skye, but not without difficulties. I love this continuity in the stories, and really hope hat Skye finds her happily ever after in a future book.

Holly Martin is a very enjoyable author. I have read a few of her books prior to this and always find the stories to be quite endearing. I especially love this story because it is one of second chances, and it is quite sensitive, especially as Clover learns to trust once again. With Clover's situation, someone like Angel was absolutely perfect for her and I love the way Ms. Martin wrote his character. As stated, I am eager for the next book in this series, as I cannot wait to see how Skye comes into her own.

Many thanks to Holly Martin for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Jennelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn skies over Ruby Falls

An easy 4.5. I read this series out of order ending with this one. (A new book to be -released 10--06-2021) I unknowingly saved the best for last. I loved C!over and Angel's story. Plus an added bonus was how Autumn and Halloween like it was. I could almost hear the leaves crinkle beneath their feet as I read. Wonderful series, definitely worth the read.

[Zabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating:⭐️1.25/5
Spice:🌶️3/5
Read in October 2024: 👻4/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚219/240

🇺🇸Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls didn’t really do justice to the friends-to-lovers trope, which is one of my personal favorites. The execution felt lacking, and instead of the usual charm this type of story brings, it left me disappointed. I found myself frustrated with how the relationship developed, and overall, it didn’t hit the emotional notes I was hoping for.

Though the setting was lovely, the romance itself didn’t live up to expectations, and I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I would have liked.

____________________

🇫🇷Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls n’a pas vraiment rendu hommage au trope « friends to lovers », qui est pourtant l’un de mes préférés. L’exécution était un peu faible, et au lieu de retrouver le charme habituel de ce type d’histoire, j’ai été déçue. J’ai trouvé que le développement de la relation laissait à désirer, et dans l’ensemble, ça n’a pas eu l’impact émotionnel que j’espérais.

Même si le cadre était agréable, la romance elle-même n’a pas répondu à mes attentes, et je ne me suis pas autant investie dans les personnages que je l’aurais voulu.

[Céline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Net iets minder van genoten dan van het eerste deel, maar best vermakelijk weer.

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Kindle Book 📕

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to be back on Jewel Island and at the Sapphire Bay hotel, this time with Clover being the focus of attention.

Now its obvious from the start, ok since the previous book, just who she is interested in but something happened in her last relationship a few years ago that has left her very wary of trusting anyone, and not really sure if she ever wants to be involved with anyone again.

Added to that, Angel has never had a serious relationship and is rather keen on travel and not settling in one place for too long, and you have either a recipe for disaster, or the perfect recipe for a book where both characters develop as the story progresses.

And since this is a Holly Martin story, and even has the take your breath away romantic gesture I've come to expect from her, I think you may be able to guess how it turns out - but they do keep you on your toes as to whether or not there really will be a HEA.

Set over the course of a week, we get to see the hotel and island's elaborate Halloween festival, with so many fabulous activities, and I loved how they had family friendly versions day time and then the fear factor ramped up for the evenings.

I loved Angel's attempts at Ballet dancing, Clover's dance show, all of Sykye's delicious sounding desserts, and the continuation of Aria and Noah's happiness.

This can easily be read as a standalone, but why deprive yourself of the first book and another Holly Martin gem.

This was a joy to read on a hot summer's afternoon in my garden, and I found the pages kept on turning as I kept reading to see what would happen next.

It's another top quality book with all the elements I've come to hope for from the author - well written, very romantic in places, a fabulous new book boyfriend, and a stunning setting.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily

[Pauline Jansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik denk dat ik een van de weinigen ben die deze mening heeft. Ondanks dat het eerste deel wel heel leuk was, was ik erg teleurgesteld in het tweede deel.

Maar ai, ondanks de waarzinnig mooie cover vond ik het verhaal heel erg tegenvallen.
Het verhaal is langdradig, er wordt heel vaak in herhaling getreden en de hoofdpersonages van dit deel draaien ontzettend om elkaar heen. Ze communiceren weinig met elkaar over hun gevoelens en vullen vooral de antwoorden in voor elkaar. Ik heb mij daar ontzettend aan geërgerd.

Ik weet dan ook niet zeker of ik wel wil beginnen aan deel drie. Ga ik door met deze serie of stop ik ermee? Binnenkort mijn volledige recensie op lovethesmellofbooks.nl. Met daarin een antwoord op deze vraag!

[Yara Adorablebooks.nl · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG ik ben echt verslaafd. ALs je van de boeken van Jenny Colgan houdt, dan is dit een aanrader om te lezen.

[Daphne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ik keek uit naar het tweede deel van deze serie, maar het was zo'n slap verhaal. Een meid die helemaal gebroken is omdat haar ex een naaktfilmpje heeft gemaakt van haar. Daardoor kan ze niemand meer vertrouwen en is ze zo beschadigd. Eye roll. Als deze achtergrond fatsoenlijk was uitgewerkt was het geloofwaardig geweest, maar dit was zo minimaal uitgelegd. Het sloeg echt nergens op om dit als achtergrond verhaal te gebruiken voor dit boek en bij elk hoofdstuk opnieuw aanbod te laten komen. Daarom 1 ster.

[Judith Regeling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ondanks dat ik misschien niet helemaal ben weggeblazen door Holly Martins Happiness-reeks, krijg ik toch iedere keer weer een soort kriebel in mijn buik als ik de (prachtige en fleurige) covers van 'De zussen van Jewel Island'-reeks tegenkom op social media. Zou deze reeks mij dan wel omver kunnen blazen? Nou, deel één is dat voor een groot deel gelukt en ook deel twee doet daar niet voor onder. Holly Martin heeft namelijk een heerlijk beschrijvende schrijfstijl: je ziet alles voor je, van het hotel, de leuke karakters (liefde voor mevrouw O'Hare) tot de Halloween-achtige sfeer die er hangt.

Maar -en dan ben ik wel heel eerlijk - de verhaalopbouw is wat mij betreft te zwak. Zonder al teveel te verklappen, draait elk hoofdstuk om hetzelfde vraagstuk, terwijl je als lezer allang in de gaten hebt waar dit op uit gaat draaien. Dit maakt een beetje dat je tegen het midden tot einde aan langzaam met je ogen begint te rollen en denkt: doe nou niet zo moeilijk! Helaas hebben de inwoners daar geen boodschap aan. ;).

Toch ben ook ik nieuwsgierig naar deel drie - en dan met name door Skye. Weet zij mij nog te verrassen? Ik hoop het!

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love @hollymartin_author . Every time I read one of her books, I feel like I meet new friends.

This book is warm, cosy, romantic and simply beautiful. It is filled with love, heartache, friendship and is definately one to snuggle up with under a blanket.

I'm so pleased I picked this one as my first read of September, kicking off Autumn perfectly.

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-4 stars, an easy romantic read that was fab for this time of year. It was great reading a book set in autumn with the crisp leaves, lush colours and all things Halloween/Bonfire Night.

[Aurelia Rowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next installment.

Naturally, I smiled a little at the name of one of Angel's sisters ;-)

[Bianca Meesters-Hollander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een heerlijk boek weer van Holly Martin.
Heb enorm genoten van het verhaal van Clover en Angel. Veel met een glimlach maar soms ook met een dikke keel. Wat een schatje is die Angel toch

[Maran · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waarom lees ik dit what's wrong with me

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

2025 Ripped Bodice BINGO: Fall

Way too twee for me + a lukewarm romance + a terrible narrator. I feel like two stars is overly generous.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read but I don’t overly enjoy reads like this now, a year later, so can’t give a well rounded review.

Would recommend for absolutely anyone wanting a nice romance read.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn always brings with it, the golden colours of the season's coming to a close, of everything closing down in preparation for winter before something new and wonderful starts to emerge again in the spring. 

It is almost as if Clover Phillips, one of the three sisters who owns the Sapphire Bay Hotel on Jewel Island, knows this. Back now on the island, having left her previous life and not being able to trust anyone she throws herself into her dance classes that have started at the Hotel not just for the guest but the locals as well. 

As she sees her older sister Aria so wrapped up in love with Noah and her own twin, Skye battling the love and lust of a long distance relationship, Clover feels that to be able to move on she needs to break out of the fence she has put round herself. 

What better way to do that than with a friend. Enter Angel Mazzo who we met in the first novel and who also happens to be Noah's faithful, dedicated and hardworking assistant. Clover and Angel became friends very quickly. 

Back for a while, Angel finds himself at the hotel when it is full and the only spare bed to be found is in Clover's cottage. What can be wrong with two friends sharing a house?

But both Clover and Angel are starting to look at their life differently and it seems they be ready to change their friendship, their relationship and even themselves. 

The book moves along at a step and you are immediately brought into life on the island as the Hotel starts to makes it mark for everyone. Halloween events are a plenty and give time for Clover and Angel to find out what each other are really like, without proper dates.

But surely proper dates are what Clover wants?

But the Angel doesn't really do commitment does he?

Can friends ever move into other territory and can then ever go back?

As the seasons change and Autumn moves to Winter, Clover and Angel move towards a different future but will there be the happy ever after that Clover, Angel and of course the reader wants?

That would be telling of course - you will need to read the book!

This is another wonderfully romantic book from Holly Martin, which swept me away to another place. I fell in love with all the characters, I wanted to participate in the community fun for Halloween and the little mishaps along the way for all of the characters brought some much needed light relief. 

Can be read as a standalone but you will more than benefit of reading the first in the series Sunrise over Sapphire Bay to get a real feel for the place as well as Clover and her sisters, Aria and Skye. I cannot wait to return because I can tell that Skye has a story to share and she definitely needs her happy ever after.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clover Phillips is back on Jewel Island after having her self belief and confidence devastated by the man she thought she would marry. After discovering how he'd fooled her she's adamant she can't trust anyone with her heart again. However, Angel Mazzeo has attracted her since they first met and he's proved patient and considerate, keeping in touch with her for the last six months despite his world travels. Now he's back and fate has him staying in her home, Ruby Cottage, using her spare bedroom. Can she learn to trust him? Will he be worthy of that trust? Should they have a brief fling? Will they be able to stay friends if they do? So many questions, so many disastrous memories to overcome. You'll just have to read it for yourself to find out!

This is a brilliant sequel to Sunrise Over Sapphire Bay and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping to this fantastic location and community again. It was a pleasure to discover how the islanders and hoteliers are working together and the Hallowe'en festivities sound fantastic! There are new, mouth-watering flavours of ice cream, delicious baked goods, tasty treats and warming beverages, too. The turmoil of the two main characters is superbly portrayed, you really have to feel for them and it is easy to relate to them. There are a variety of issues sensitively included in the story, including how these have impacted on the characters. It is a lovely story of not letting who hurt you have to power to prevent you enjoying life in future, about giving others a chance and making the most of your opportunities to find lasting love. Sylvia is a great secondary character and she gives inspirational pearls of wisdom to help Clover be brave. There are some fantastic laugh out loud incidents included in the story that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face - especially ones involving Angel ballet dancing! I can't wait to read future books about these sisters, their loves and Jewel Island  together with anything else from this talented author.

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Francisca den Otter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afgewisseld tussen het Nederlandse e-book lezen en het Engels luisterboek luisteren. Erg leuke afwisseling moet ik zeggen. Aardige love-story tussen Clover en Angel. Af en toe had ik wel zoiets van wat een getut zeg...maar goed leuk vervolg op het eerste deel van deze serie.

[RensinaS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helaas las ik een tijd geleden deel 1, maar je pakt het verhaal zo weer op. Wel vond ik dat er wat meer diepgang in had gemogen. Soms was het nu wat kort door de bocht.. Al wilde ik sowieso naar dat toetjescafe als die bestond!!

[STACIE DUFOUR · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh … not the story for me.

Although I like the characters this was slow, dull and I skimmed most of the story.

I’m tempted to drop the series but I want to see if Sky and Jess can bring me back in.

[Julia Wagemaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

*audiobook*
Hoe kan een boek zo snel, maar ook zo langzaam gaan. Het is heel langdradig. De hoofdpersonages draaien ontzettend om elkaar heen, terwijl ze wel doen alsof ze een getrouwd stel zijn.
Ik hou echt van romantische wegleesboeken, maar bij deze was ik alleen maar geirriteerd.

[kirsty gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book, made me laugh and cry!! Cant wait to read the third installment!!!!

[Inger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een fijn tweede deel! Meestal vallen de tweede boeken in een serie me tegen, maar dat was nu zeker niet zo.

[Daisy Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy read with a happy ending.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een heerlijk boek! Een echte pageturner en voor mij ook a book in a day ❤️

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fab instalment in the Jewel Island series. This time following Clover’s story. I may have shed a happy tear at the end.

Loved it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️