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Jewel Island #4
Zonlicht op Crystal Sands
De liefde hangt in de lucht in Zonlicht op Crystal Sands, het vierde deel van de feelgood-hitserie 'De zussen van Jewel Island' van Holly Martin.
Lyra, de hoofdpersoon in Zonlicht op Crystal Sands, droomt al haar hele leven van Jewel Island, en nu komt haar droom uit: ze vindt haar eigen cottage en een nieuwe baan. Tijdens een fietstochtje over het eiland valt ze van haar fiets aan de voeten van de knappe Nix, die haar direct te hulp schiet. Ze kent hem niet, toch komt zijn gezicht haar bekend voor. Ze brengen een heerlijke dag en nacht met elkaar door, maar de volgende ochtend is Nix plotseling spoorloos verdwenen. Lyra doet haar uiterste best om hem te vergeten, maar dat blijkt nog niet zo makkelijk te zijn...
Zonlicht op Crystal Sands is het vierde deel in de Zussen van Jewel Island-serie van Holly Martin. Eerder verschenen ook Het familiehotel van Sapphire Bay, Een gouden gloed over Ruby Falls en De zoete verleiding van Emerald Cove.
Lyra, de hoofdpersoon in Zonlicht op Crystal Sands, droomt al haar hele leven van Jewel Island, en nu komt haar droom uit: ze vindt haar eigen cottage en een nieuwe baan. Tijdens een fietstochtje over het eiland valt ze van haar fiets aan de voeten van de knappe Nix, die haar direct te hulp schiet. Ze kent hem niet, toch komt zijn gezicht haar bekend voor. Ze brengen een heerlijke dag en nacht met elkaar door, maar de volgende ochtend is Nix plotseling spoorloos verdwenen. Lyra doet haar uiterste best om hem te vergeten, maar dat blijkt nog niet zo makkelijk te zijn...
Zonlicht op Crystal Sands is het vierde deel in de Zussen van Jewel Island-serie van Holly Martin. Eerder verschenen ook Het familiehotel van Sapphire Bay, Een gouden gloed over Ruby Falls en De zoete verleiding van Emerald Cove.
269 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2021
563 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Holly Martin
57 books1,536 followersHolly 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 18, 2021
Ah, this was just the book I needed to regenerate some mojo! It had me firmly within its grip from the first few pages and I enjoyed every last word of it.
How I love this Jewel Island series, each book has been simply wonderful escapism so far and this one is no exception.
There is even some wildlife feature quite early on that I've never really seen or thought about before in books, and I do kind of wish we had seen more from this particular animal as I felt so calm and intrigued while Lyra and Nix was watching it.
Lyra and Nix - I loved them both almost instantly, and could feel there was some sort of rather special connection between them. Well until the following day at least when it went a tad wrong, only for a coincidence to bring them back into each others orbits rather quickly.
Just everything about this book made me smile, had me wanting to read the next pages as fast as I could. The Lyra / Nix storyline is fantastic, and although you sort of know how it may end up, the journey to get there is so much fun, and knowing the Holly Martin has a habit of writing great romantic gestures I had to see what she came up with this time. And it didn't disappoint, plus had me completely falling for Nix myself.
And Jewel Island is just a stunning setting, and as Lyra and Nix are working at the Sapphire Bay hotel, we get to catch up with Clover, Skye and Aria, their other halves, and of course the hotels resident romance expert who always makes me laugh.
It's a another gem in Holly Martin's crown of jewel (island), as the queen of fantastic romantic stories!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
How I love this Jewel Island series, each book has been simply wonderful escapism so far and this one is no exception.
There is even some wildlife feature quite early on that I've never really seen or thought about before in books, and I do kind of wish we had seen more from this particular animal as I felt so calm and intrigued while Lyra and Nix was watching it.
Lyra and Nix - I loved them both almost instantly, and could feel there was some sort of rather special connection between them. Well until the following day at least when it went a tad wrong, only for a coincidence to bring them back into each others orbits rather quickly.
Just everything about this book made me smile, had me wanting to read the next pages as fast as I could. The Lyra / Nix storyline is fantastic, and although you sort of know how it may end up, the journey to get there is so much fun, and knowing the Holly Martin has a habit of writing great romantic gestures I had to see what she came up with this time. And it didn't disappoint, plus had me completely falling for Nix myself.
And Jewel Island is just a stunning setting, and as Lyra and Nix are working at the Sapphire Bay hotel, we get to catch up with Clover, Skye and Aria, their other halves, and of course the hotels resident romance expert who always makes me laugh.
It's a another gem in Holly Martin's crown of jewel (island), as the queen of fantastic romantic stories!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 19, 2022
2.5*
i liked the original trilogy better, but it was still quite entertaining.
i liked the original trilogy better, but it was still quite entertaining.
May 16, 2021
Holly Martin is taking us back to Jewel Island again and I think this might be my favourite story so far….
Lyra has dreamed of living on Jewel Island since she was small and visited it’s beaches. Years later she has her ideal job and is living in a gorgeous little cottage. Embracing the more carefree aspect of life that she rarely does, Lyra sets out to explore on her bicycle.
However a slight mishap has her landing at the feet of Nix, who gets rather more than he bargained for upon their first meeting. But there is something familiar between these two and the attraction becomes too much for them both…….
…after waking, Lyra discovers that Nix has disappeared and that perhaps the most special night of her life has just been all a con. She knows she should not have abandoned her heart to someone and vows to never make the mistake again with anyone, especially Nix.
It seems though that circumstances are going to bring them much closer together and that there may be more adventures ahead for Lyra and Nix.
As ever Holly Martin brings us a sparkling novel which is full of romance and adventure. Regular visitors to Jewel Island will be pleased to know that previous characters make an appearance and of course the hotel plays a part as it does with all the previous novels.
We are swept along with the possibility of the future for Lyra and when she learns more about herself you see her at a cross roads on this adventure map and you are just hoping that she takes the right path and finds what she has been pining after but not willing herself to give herself over to. Sometimes you don’t need a map to find the treasure when it has been with you all of your life.
If you need to escape then these novels are a must full of life, love and lust and just the tonic you need to bring some shiny sparkly loveliness into your life.
Thank you to the author who kindly provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I have received nothing in return and the only thing I give is the recommendation to read this book.
Lyra has dreamed of living on Jewel Island since she was small and visited it’s beaches. Years later she has her ideal job and is living in a gorgeous little cottage. Embracing the more carefree aspect of life that she rarely does, Lyra sets out to explore on her bicycle.
However a slight mishap has her landing at the feet of Nix, who gets rather more than he bargained for upon their first meeting. But there is something familiar between these two and the attraction becomes too much for them both…….
…after waking, Lyra discovers that Nix has disappeared and that perhaps the most special night of her life has just been all a con. She knows she should not have abandoned her heart to someone and vows to never make the mistake again with anyone, especially Nix.
It seems though that circumstances are going to bring them much closer together and that there may be more adventures ahead for Lyra and Nix.
As ever Holly Martin brings us a sparkling novel which is full of romance and adventure. Regular visitors to Jewel Island will be pleased to know that previous characters make an appearance and of course the hotel plays a part as it does with all the previous novels.
We are swept along with the possibility of the future for Lyra and when she learns more about herself you see her at a cross roads on this adventure map and you are just hoping that she takes the right path and finds what she has been pining after but not willing herself to give herself over to. Sometimes you don’t need a map to find the treasure when it has been with you all of your life.
If you need to escape then these novels are a must full of life, love and lust and just the tonic you need to bring some shiny sparkly loveliness into your life.
Thank you to the author who kindly provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I have received nothing in return and the only thing I give is the recommendation to read this book.
June 13, 2021
Lyra Thomas does not do one-night stands. However, that is exactly what happens with Nix Sanchez. But, will one night be enough? They share an amazing connection, one almost too good to be true. But, despite how quickly Lyra's heart is snagged by the handsome stranger, she experiences almost an immediate heartbreak. Sadly for Lyra, Nix apparently does not feel the same because he ran. Gone.
What brings them back together? Will the things Lyra feels for Nix be enough for him to perhaps feel the same? Striving to put Nix out of her mind, Lyra tries to remember why she is on Jewel Island to begin with. Living on the island has been her lifelong dream and now she has the job of her dreams and a beautiful cottage so she does her best to stop thinking about Nix.
Did Nix walk - or run - away? If so, why? When he finds himself working with Lyra on a daily basis, and with her giving him the cold shoulder, Nix begins to feel regret about the way things were left. Does Nix have baggage that prevented him from giving rise to hope of a happy future with someone he is incredibly drawn to?
If I had a bucket list, Jewel Island would be on it. I love revisiting this stunning place as I read each book in this engaging series. This beautiful setting lends toward a beautiful story with warm characters and brings in a bit of adventure, as well as continuity from other books in the series.
Many thanks to Holly Martin for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What brings them back together? Will the things Lyra feels for Nix be enough for him to perhaps feel the same? Striving to put Nix out of her mind, Lyra tries to remember why she is on Jewel Island to begin with. Living on the island has been her lifelong dream and now she has the job of her dreams and a beautiful cottage so she does her best to stop thinking about Nix.
Did Nix walk - or run - away? If so, why? When he finds himself working with Lyra on a daily basis, and with her giving him the cold shoulder, Nix begins to feel regret about the way things were left. Does Nix have baggage that prevented him from giving rise to hope of a happy future with someone he is incredibly drawn to?
If I had a bucket list, Jewel Island would be on it. I love revisiting this stunning place as I read each book in this engaging series. This beautiful setting lends toward a beautiful story with warm characters and brings in a bit of adventure, as well as continuity from other books in the series.
Many thanks to Holly Martin for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 25, 2021
3.5/5
A cute and delightful beach read!
I really liked Lyra and Nix's characters. They were very interesting to read, and both of them had their own unique flaws and quirks. Holly Martin has done a great job painting a vividly beautiful picture of Jewel Island with her words. I felt transported every time she took us to a new location, be it Crystal Sands or Mermaid Island.
I did feel that a lot of the dialogue between them was a bit too corny and cheesy for my taste, and seemed quite unrealistic. There are also a few times when they go on mini-monologues describing their feelings, and well, it got a little repetitive and clichéd.
However, there was a lot of wonderful romance, and I absolutely loved the treasure hunt in the book. With just a little bit of mature content, and a lot of gooey passionate romance, this one becomes a great summer read!
A cute and delightful beach read!
I really liked Lyra and Nix's characters. They were very interesting to read, and both of them had their own unique flaws and quirks. Holly Martin has done a great job painting a vividly beautiful picture of Jewel Island with her words. I felt transported every time she took us to a new location, be it Crystal Sands or Mermaid Island.
I did feel that a lot of the dialogue between them was a bit too corny and cheesy for my taste, and seemed quite unrealistic. There are also a few times when they go on mini-monologues describing their feelings, and well, it got a little repetitive and clichéd.
However, there was a lot of wonderful romance, and I absolutely loved the treasure hunt in the book. With just a little bit of mature content, and a lot of gooey passionate romance, this one becomes a great summer read!
February 6, 2023
Nice book x
June 7, 2021
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
And we are back again!!!
Lyra and Nix both start working on Jewel Island at the same time.
Before their job starts, they hit it off immediately and spend some magical moments together.
The next day everything changes and both think the other one just left. A big misunderstanding of course, but they don’t know that.
We then follow both of them on their journey on the island and it’s very exciting, especially, when they see each other again.
I don’t want to give away too much, but let’s say that they have unique chemistry and their connection is obvious. Holly Martin captured that beautifully and I was hooked to the storyline.
Her writing just makes everything seem so authentic, vivid and sweet. Of course the setting is magical too.
The beginning of the book is exciting and makes you want to read on. I really liked both main characters and it was also fabulous to catch up with all my Jewel Island favourites.
I loved every second of this book!!!
And we are back again!!!
Lyra and Nix both start working on Jewel Island at the same time.
Before their job starts, they hit it off immediately and spend some magical moments together.
The next day everything changes and both think the other one just left. A big misunderstanding of course, but they don’t know that.
We then follow both of them on their journey on the island and it’s very exciting, especially, when they see each other again.
I don’t want to give away too much, but let’s say that they have unique chemistry and their connection is obvious. Holly Martin captured that beautifully and I was hooked to the storyline.
Her writing just makes everything seem so authentic, vivid and sweet. Of course the setting is magical too.
The beginning of the book is exciting and makes you want to read on. I really liked both main characters and it was also fabulous to catch up with all my Jewel Island favourites.
I loved every second of this book!!!
April 18, 2022
‘Het leven is een avontuur, Lyra maar het is leuker als je iemand aan je zijde hebt om de koers samen uit te stippelen. ‘Over woeste zeeën en kalme wateren.’
Eerst ik ben al sinds ik weet dat het boek ging uitkomen helemaal ZOT van de cover, hij is écht prachtig! Ik krijg erdoor zin in vakantie – of om op reis gaan.
Het verhaal wordt vooral verteld uit het perspectief van Lyra. En af en toe komt Nix eens aan de beurt.
Het boek deed mij in het begin eerst denken aan het New adult genre, doordat er bepaalde zaken werden verteld die ik niet vond passen bij het soort boek.
Maar de chemie – aantrekkingskracht tussen Lyra en Nix verzachtte die hele zaak.
Op bepaalde momenten heb ik écht zo genoten van het boek door zoal de romantiek tussen Lyra en Nix – de humor van Nix en toen ik de naam Dominee Lovegrove hoorde, hilarisch toch? Ik zat met een grote lach achter mijn boek– een (on)verwachte wending dat schattig was en het kindje van Lyra haar zus Zach.
Maar aan de ander kant vond ik het verhaal soms wat lang duren. Doordat het op en af ging met de personages en hun wisselende gevoelens voor elkaar. Plotseling begreep ik het verhaal ook niet zo goed meer doordat het ingewikkeld soms werd uitgelegd.
Hou je wél daarom dus niet in om het boek te gaan lezen want Holly Martin is iemand die je kan laten weg zweven in een andere wereld.
Eerst ik ben al sinds ik weet dat het boek ging uitkomen helemaal ZOT van de cover, hij is écht prachtig! Ik krijg erdoor zin in vakantie – of om op reis gaan.
Het verhaal wordt vooral verteld uit het perspectief van Lyra. En af en toe komt Nix eens aan de beurt.
Het boek deed mij in het begin eerst denken aan het New adult genre, doordat er bepaalde zaken werden verteld die ik niet vond passen bij het soort boek.
Maar de chemie – aantrekkingskracht tussen Lyra en Nix verzachtte die hele zaak.
Op bepaalde momenten heb ik écht zo genoten van het boek door zoal de romantiek tussen Lyra en Nix – de humor van Nix en toen ik de naam Dominee Lovegrove hoorde, hilarisch toch? Ik zat met een grote lach achter mijn boek– een (on)verwachte wending dat schattig was en het kindje van Lyra haar zus Zach.
Maar aan de ander kant vond ik het verhaal soms wat lang duren. Doordat het op en af ging met de personages en hun wisselende gevoelens voor elkaar. Plotseling begreep ik het verhaal ook niet zo goed meer doordat het ingewikkeld soms werd uitgelegd.
Hou je wél daarom dus niet in om het boek te gaan lezen want Holly Martin is iemand die je kan laten weg zweven in een andere wereld.
June 19, 2022
Met elk boek weet Holly Martin zich weer te overtreffen en daar is 'Zonlicht op Crystal Sands' zeker geen uitzondering op. Ik viel namelijk al vanaf het eerste hoofdstuk - inclusief hilarische scène voor de openheid en chemie van beide karakters.
Oke, misschien waren enkele plottwist wel iets te voorspelbaar, maar dat vond ik niet eens erg. Ik vond het alleen al weer een waar avontuur om terug te zijn op het eiland en de karakters en omgeving weer iets beter te leren kennen. Zou er haast een ticket naar boeken!
Oke, misschien waren enkele plottwist wel iets te voorspelbaar, maar dat vond ik niet eens erg. Ik vond het alleen al weer een waar avontuur om terug te zijn op het eiland en de karakters en omgeving weer iets beter te leren kennen. Zou er haast een ticket naar boeken!
July 29, 2025
3.5⭐️
March 6, 2022
Sunlight Over Crystal Sands by Holly Martin
Love is in the air on the sun kissed sands of the Cornish coast, where the sea sparkles and romance sizzles on golden beaches. This stunning new novel by Holly Martin, bestselling author of Ice Creams at Emerald Cove, is guaranteed to steal your heart this summer.
Lyra Thomas has dreamed of living on Jewel Island ever since she first visited its breathtaking shores. And now her dream has come true – she has her own little cottage and a brand new job. But when Lyra sets out for a bike ride to explore her new home, a mishap has her crash-landing at the feet of the very handsome Nix Sanchez.
This is the first book I have read in the Jewel Island series, but within a few pages I was gripped. I have yet to find a Holly Martin book I have not adored - her writing is just so addictive. I loved the way that Holly had written the treasure hunt; keeping the reader in the dark until the very end. Once again, I feel I must recommend Holly's writing, if you haven't read any of her books yet then what are you waiting for?
Rating 5/5
Love is in the air on the sun kissed sands of the Cornish coast, where the sea sparkles and romance sizzles on golden beaches. This stunning new novel by Holly Martin, bestselling author of Ice Creams at Emerald Cove, is guaranteed to steal your heart this summer.
Lyra Thomas has dreamed of living on Jewel Island ever since she first visited its breathtaking shores. And now her dream has come true – she has her own little cottage and a brand new job. But when Lyra sets out for a bike ride to explore her new home, a mishap has her crash-landing at the feet of the very handsome Nix Sanchez.
This is the first book I have read in the Jewel Island series, but within a few pages I was gripped. I have yet to find a Holly Martin book I have not adored - her writing is just so addictive. I loved the way that Holly had written the treasure hunt; keeping the reader in the dark until the very end. Once again, I feel I must recommend Holly's writing, if you haven't read any of her books yet then what are you waiting for?
Rating 5/5
May 31, 2021
Holly Martin books never fail to make me feel happy, I’ve loved them ever since I discovered them, years ago. This one certainly didn’t disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my high expectations!
This is the story of Lyra and Nix, who meet in a hilarious mishap. It is set on Jewel Island, a location that I love, and so we get little bursts of well-loved characters from previous books in the Jewel Island series. I loved the two main characters, and their journey together. I loved the treasure hunt (can’t say any more because spoilers).
The only (tiny) niggle I have is the very confusing lasagne recipe Lyra uses - cooking the mince in the oven, but *not* in the sauce? But every family has their own recipes, so this in no way detracts from the excellent writing and story.
This story is a wonderful, lighthearted romance, that made me feel happy the entire time I was reading it (very rare). This is one of my absolute favourite writers, exceeding her previous best, yet again. I highly recommend picking up this book.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
This is the story of Lyra and Nix, who meet in a hilarious mishap. It is set on Jewel Island, a location that I love, and so we get little bursts of well-loved characters from previous books in the Jewel Island series. I loved the two main characters, and their journey together. I loved the treasure hunt (can’t say any more because spoilers).
The only (tiny) niggle I have is the very confusing lasagne recipe Lyra uses - cooking the mince in the oven, but *not* in the sauce? But every family has their own recipes, so this in no way detracts from the excellent writing and story.
This story is a wonderful, lighthearted romance, that made me feel happy the entire time I was reading it (very rare). This is one of my absolute favourite writers, exceeding her previous best, yet again. I highly recommend picking up this book.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
August 30, 2022
This book was honestly so cuuuute! 😍
August 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A happy read! Needed something happy and light after reading “a thousand boy kisses” took me a while to read just because there wasn’t much drama, but was a good read overall💕
A happy read! Needed something happy and light after reading “a thousand boy kisses” took me a while to read just because there wasn’t much drama, but was a good read overall💕
May 17, 2021
I love it when I get the little notification that Holly is releasing a new book as there is always some guaranteed escapism amongst its pages and this book had it in buckets.
In this story we are back in The Sapphire Bay Hotel where we have previously met the wonderful sisters and we are introduced to some new additions to the team in Nix and Lyra.
From the moment Lyra free wheeled her trusted Daisy down the hill I just knew I would love this book. Filled with moments to make you giggle, as well as reflections on how upbringing has affected the way Lyra is now living her life. I quickly fell in love with Lyra and Nix and couldn't wait to see where the treasure hunt would take us.
I am already hoping we get to revisit these characters in the near future as I really enjoyed this story and will miss the new characters that have joined the fold.
In this story we are back in The Sapphire Bay Hotel where we have previously met the wonderful sisters and we are introduced to some new additions to the team in Nix and Lyra.
From the moment Lyra free wheeled her trusted Daisy down the hill I just knew I would love this book. Filled with moments to make you giggle, as well as reflections on how upbringing has affected the way Lyra is now living her life. I quickly fell in love with Lyra and Nix and couldn't wait to see where the treasure hunt would take us.
I am already hoping we get to revisit these characters in the near future as I really enjoyed this story and will miss the new characters that have joined the fold.
June 17, 2021
Sunlight over Crystal Sands is the fourth book in the Jewel Island series. A book that can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the whole series.
In this latest installment we meet Lyra who has just moved to the island as has Nix, both starting a fresh. They meet one night after an unfortunate incident involving Lyra’s bike, and spend the night together after clicking instantly. However the next morning Nix has gone and Lyra is determined not to let her guard down again. What Lyra doesn’t know is that leaving Nix behind isn’t going to be so easy.
I loved both of these new characters and found that you could feel their chemistry coming through the page. We also catch up with the previous characters of Aria, Clover and Skye, their partners and not forgetting the fabulous Sylvia.
This book is a typical romance, and although the story almost seems predictable, there is so much fun along the way. And when the setting and the characters are so warm and inviting then you can’t help but love this book.
An easy read that’s perfect escapism, I highly recommend that you add this to your list.
In this latest installment we meet Lyra who has just moved to the island as has Nix, both starting a fresh. They meet one night after an unfortunate incident involving Lyra’s bike, and spend the night together after clicking instantly. However the next morning Nix has gone and Lyra is determined not to let her guard down again. What Lyra doesn’t know is that leaving Nix behind isn’t going to be so easy.
I loved both of these new characters and found that you could feel their chemistry coming through the page. We also catch up with the previous characters of Aria, Clover and Skye, their partners and not forgetting the fabulous Sylvia.
This book is a typical romance, and although the story almost seems predictable, there is so much fun along the way. And when the setting and the characters are so warm and inviting then you can’t help but love this book.
An easy read that’s perfect escapism, I highly recommend that you add this to your list.
October 26, 2021
It's okay if you're really into soap operas. It has all the ingredients: constant weird misunderstandings, sudden interruptions whenever the plot is about to make progress (let's talk about the issue we have... oh no, suddenly the door opens), characters that are magically and with no explanation or introduction suddenly in love, magical old ladies with relationship-sensing superpowers, and an incredibly weird, out-of-place workplace competition: it's beyond me why a boss who constantly pushes the characters together and wants them to work as a team, would let them compete for a pay-rise a day later.
Too much deus-ex-machina and soap opera tropes for my taste.
Too much deus-ex-machina and soap opera tropes for my taste.
Read
January 11, 2024No stars.
I couldn't enjoy the fact that within hours of meeting, Lyra agrees to sleep in the same bed as Nix, agreeing to no funny business. Well, they indeed got down to business! Very descriptive and long narrative devoted to describing it! And this is only chapter three, 12% into the book.
This isn't the type of book I wanted to read, so I aborted. I will drop this author.
I couldn't enjoy the fact that within hours of meeting, Lyra agrees to sleep in the same bed as Nix, agreeing to no funny business. Well, they indeed got down to business! Very descriptive and long narrative devoted to describing it! And this is only chapter three, 12% into the book.
This isn't the type of book I wanted to read, so I aborted. I will drop this author.
August 25, 2021
Oh, well. Wasn't really for me, I guess.
While the premise was cute, it was a bit juvenile for me. The characters had no depth, the dialog was simplistic. I had visions of someone reading this to me in a nursing home! Of course, I finished it.
While the premise was cute, it was a bit juvenile for me. The characters had no depth, the dialog was simplistic. I had visions of someone reading this to me in a nursing home! Of course, I finished it.
February 27, 2025
An easy quick read full of humour and adventure. The first chapter sold me, trust me when I say you will understand when you read! Follow the hunt for some 'smuggler' treasure whilst you fall in love with the characters Nix and Lyra and of course Dexter the dog
November 10, 2022
2,5/5
De start was hilarisch maar daarna werd het een beetje kinderachtig boek, met kinderachtige dialogen en de bekende verkeerde aannames. Schrijfstijl en inhoud is meer een YA of NA boek. Geen diepgang en niet verrassend verloop.
De start was hilarisch maar daarna werd het een beetje kinderachtig boek, met kinderachtige dialogen en de bekende verkeerde aannames. Schrijfstijl en inhoud is meer een YA of NA boek. Geen diepgang en niet verrassend verloop.
August 22, 2021
Disappointed with this, her writing is very repetative.
June 29, 2022
Inmiddels heb ik het verhaal van alle drie de zussen van Jewel Island gelezen en stuk voor stuk waren de verhalen uniek, leuk en betoverend. Ik ben dan ook erg verrast en benieuwd wat dit vierde deel van de serie dan moet brengen. Aangezien er geen zussen meer zijn. Wel ben ik blij dat ik nog geen afstand hoef te nemen van Crystal Sand en ben ik enorm nieuwsgierig naar dit verhaal. Ik hoop dat het net zo leuk is als alle voorgaande delen. De cover sluit qua vormgeving met de getekende illustraties en dezelfde typografie perfect aan op alle voorgaande delen, waardoor dat je niet kan missen dat dit deel tot de serie behoort.
Lyra volgt haar droom. Haar droom is wonen en werken op Jewel Island en dan eindelijk lijkt haar droom werkelijkheid te worden als ze een nieuwe baan in het hotel krijgt en haar eigen cottage op het eiland vindt. Tijdens een fietstochtje over het eiland valt ze letterlijk aan de voeten van de knappe Nix. Hij schiet haar direct te hulp. Ze denkt dat ze hem ergens van kent, al kan ze het niet plaatsen. Ze brengen samen een heerlijke dag en nacht met elkaar door. Wanneer de nieuwe dag aanbreekt lijkt Nix met de noorderzon te zijn vertrokken. Lyra is enorm teleurgesteld en doet er alles aan om Nix te vergeten...
Het verhaal sluit mooi aan op de voorgaande delen. Wel moest ik even wennen dat er ditmaal een andere vertelster was die het verhaal voorlas. Cystine heeft een hele prettige stem en fijn spreektempo. De schrijfstijl van Holly Martin is heerlijk vlot en krachtig en is perfect voor een heerlijke feelgood.
Het verhaal volgt ditmaal het verhaal van Lyra en Nix, die in voorgaande delen nog helemaal niet in beeld waren. Wel doen alle andere karakters die wel mee speelde in de voorgaande delen mee, dus er is wel enige herkenning. Door deze twee totaal nieuwe hoofdpersonen kreeg ik wel een beetje het gevoel dat de serie net iets te lang is stand gehouden wordt terwijl hij eigenlijk al klaar was.
Desalniettemin is het wederom een heerlijke verhaallijn. Het is absoluut een heerlijke feelgood, wel moet ik zeggen dat bij dit verhaal het voor mij soms net iets over het randje gaat met "de ware" en "zielsverwanten", maar dat is denk ik ook echt persoonlijke smaak. Het verhaal neemt veel leuke wendingen en verveelt geen moment. Het plot is dan ook precies wat ik verwachtte.
Dit vierde deel van de 'Zussen van Jewel Island' serie, was een heerlijk zoetsappig verhaal. Wel denk ik dat ik het beter gevonden als de serie het gewoon bij de drie delen van de drie zussen gehouden had. Maar het is een heerlijke zomerse feelgood die je absoluut in de vakantie sfeer weet te brengen.
Lyra volgt haar droom. Haar droom is wonen en werken op Jewel Island en dan eindelijk lijkt haar droom werkelijkheid te worden als ze een nieuwe baan in het hotel krijgt en haar eigen cottage op het eiland vindt. Tijdens een fietstochtje over het eiland valt ze letterlijk aan de voeten van de knappe Nix. Hij schiet haar direct te hulp. Ze denkt dat ze hem ergens van kent, al kan ze het niet plaatsen. Ze brengen samen een heerlijke dag en nacht met elkaar door. Wanneer de nieuwe dag aanbreekt lijkt Nix met de noorderzon te zijn vertrokken. Lyra is enorm teleurgesteld en doet er alles aan om Nix te vergeten...
Het verhaal sluit mooi aan op de voorgaande delen. Wel moest ik even wennen dat er ditmaal een andere vertelster was die het verhaal voorlas. Cystine heeft een hele prettige stem en fijn spreektempo. De schrijfstijl van Holly Martin is heerlijk vlot en krachtig en is perfect voor een heerlijke feelgood.
Het verhaal volgt ditmaal het verhaal van Lyra en Nix, die in voorgaande delen nog helemaal niet in beeld waren. Wel doen alle andere karakters die wel mee speelde in de voorgaande delen mee, dus er is wel enige herkenning. Door deze twee totaal nieuwe hoofdpersonen kreeg ik wel een beetje het gevoel dat de serie net iets te lang is stand gehouden wordt terwijl hij eigenlijk al klaar was.
Desalniettemin is het wederom een heerlijke verhaallijn. Het is absoluut een heerlijke feelgood, wel moet ik zeggen dat bij dit verhaal het voor mij soms net iets over het randje gaat met "de ware" en "zielsverwanten", maar dat is denk ik ook echt persoonlijke smaak. Het verhaal neemt veel leuke wendingen en verveelt geen moment. Het plot is dan ook precies wat ik verwachtte.
Dit vierde deel van de 'Zussen van Jewel Island' serie, was een heerlijk zoetsappig verhaal. Wel denk ik dat ik het beter gevonden als de serie het gewoon bij de drie delen van de drie zussen gehouden had. Maar het is een heerlijke zomerse feelgood die je absoluut in de vakantie sfeer weet te brengen.
April 30, 2022
Deze recensie is eerder verschenen op Koukleum.nl.
Dit is alweer het vierde deel in de Zussen van Jewel Island-serie. Ondanks dat de zussen in dit vierde deel eigenlijk maar een bijrol hebben, blijft het een genot om over Jewel Island te lezen. We leren in dit deel Lyra kennen. Lyra is een spontane jonge vrouw die naar Jewel Island is gekomen om te gaan werken in het Sapphire Bay hotel. En meteen in het begin lees je al een hilarische scene als Lyra op haar fiets Daisy de heuvel afstoof. Wat en hoe, dat moet je toch echt zelf lezen, maar ik weet bijna zeker dat je ook dubbel ligt van het lachen en het helemaal voor je ziet.
Doordat Lyra heel wat te verduren heeft gehad in haar jeugd, is ze niet makkelijk om mee om te gaan en is ze normaal een gesloten boek. Maar Nix weet makkelijk door dat muurtje heen te breken en Lyra durft zich te openen voor Nix en vertelt over haar verleden. Totdat Nix de volgende dag verdwenen is. Dan besluit Lyra dat spontane acties tot het verleden behoren. Maar ook Nix heeft genoeg meegemaakt, waardoor hij zich niet zo snel durft te binden. Als ze elkaar dan toch weer tegen komen, komen ze uiteindelijk toch weer in gesprek en het is een genot om over deze twee personages te lezen. Doordat ze beiden genoeg meegemaakt hebben, krijgt het verhaal hier ook meer diepgang door. En ik werd aangenaam verrast door de romantische daad die Nix voor Lyra deed. Dit had ik absoluut niet verwacht en vond ik echt goed bedacht en super romantisch.
Dit verhaal bewijst weer dat Holly Martin goed weet hoe ze een goede feelgood moet schrijven. Onder het lezen leefde ik zowel met Lyra als met Nix mee en ondanks dat de zussen deze keer maar een kleine rol spelen, was het leuk om te lezen hoe het nu met hun ging. Ik heb de personages uit deze serie echt in mijn hart gesloten en blijf het jammer vinden dat we nu afscheid moeten nemen van Jewel Island. Stiekem hoop ik dat Holly Martin nog een keer terug gaat naar Jewel Island en we nog eens terug gaan naar de zussen Clover, Skye en Aria.
Dit is alweer het vierde deel in de Zussen van Jewel Island-serie. Ondanks dat de zussen in dit vierde deel eigenlijk maar een bijrol hebben, blijft het een genot om over Jewel Island te lezen. We leren in dit deel Lyra kennen. Lyra is een spontane jonge vrouw die naar Jewel Island is gekomen om te gaan werken in het Sapphire Bay hotel. En meteen in het begin lees je al een hilarische scene als Lyra op haar fiets Daisy de heuvel afstoof. Wat en hoe, dat moet je toch echt zelf lezen, maar ik weet bijna zeker dat je ook dubbel ligt van het lachen en het helemaal voor je ziet.
Doordat Lyra heel wat te verduren heeft gehad in haar jeugd, is ze niet makkelijk om mee om te gaan en is ze normaal een gesloten boek. Maar Nix weet makkelijk door dat muurtje heen te breken en Lyra durft zich te openen voor Nix en vertelt over haar verleden. Totdat Nix de volgende dag verdwenen is. Dan besluit Lyra dat spontane acties tot het verleden behoren. Maar ook Nix heeft genoeg meegemaakt, waardoor hij zich niet zo snel durft te binden. Als ze elkaar dan toch weer tegen komen, komen ze uiteindelijk toch weer in gesprek en het is een genot om over deze twee personages te lezen. Doordat ze beiden genoeg meegemaakt hebben, krijgt het verhaal hier ook meer diepgang door. En ik werd aangenaam verrast door de romantische daad die Nix voor Lyra deed. Dit had ik absoluut niet verwacht en vond ik echt goed bedacht en super romantisch.
Dit verhaal bewijst weer dat Holly Martin goed weet hoe ze een goede feelgood moet schrijven. Onder het lezen leefde ik zowel met Lyra als met Nix mee en ondanks dat de zussen deze keer maar een kleine rol spelen, was het leuk om te lezen hoe het nu met hun ging. Ik heb de personages uit deze serie echt in mijn hart gesloten en blijf het jammer vinden dat we nu afscheid moeten nemen van Jewel Island. Stiekem hoop ik dat Holly Martin nog een keer terug gaat naar Jewel Island en we nog eens terug gaan naar de zussen Clover, Skye en Aria.
August 6, 2021
Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a BookwormI received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Yay! I am so excited to be back on Jewel Island with Sunlight over Crystal Sands! This time the story focuses on Lyra and Nix as we follow their love story and what has drawn them to this special island. I honestly cannot believe that this is the fourth time that we have stepped on Jewel Island.
Both Lyra and Nix have an instant and strong connection that will sweep not only them off their feet but also the reader. Both of them have not had the greatest starts to life and as each moment of what has happened comes to light your heart will go out to them and you will wish them all the success in the future and will the love story to succeed.
I also loved the introduction of wildlife into the series. I don't want to spoil it but it is near the beginning and was a beautiful moment. Maybe in the next book in the series we will get to see a bit more.
It was also great to catch up with the Phillips sisters and their hotel. They are a huge part of the island that the story would not be the same without them.
Sunlight over Crystal Sands was a delight of a book that will sweep the reader of their feet as it is filled with some insanely cute moments and will make you fall in love with the island all over again.
Both Lyra and Nix have an instant and strong connection that will sweep not only them off their feet but also the reader. Both of them have not had the greatest starts to life and as each moment of what has happened comes to light your heart will go out to them and you will wish them all the success in the future and will the love story to succeed.
I also loved the introduction of wildlife into the series. I don't want to spoil it but it is near the beginning and was a beautiful moment. Maybe in the next book in the series we will get to see a bit more.
It was also great to catch up with the Phillips sisters and their hotel. They are a huge part of the island that the story would not be the same without them.
Sunlight over Crystal Sands was a delight of a book that will sweep the reader of their feet as it is filled with some insanely cute moments and will make you fall in love with the island all over again.
June 21, 2021
Title: Sunlight Over Crystal Sands
Author: Holly Martin
Hero/Heroine: Nix & Lyra
THE GOOD 😁
One thing you can guarantee with any Holly Martin book is a heartwarming story with wonderfully kooky characters (I’m looking at you Sylvia).
The first chapter had me feeling all kinds of mortification on Lyra’s behalf. Picture her freewheeling down a hill on her bike, not realising that the top of her dress has been pulled down and her ta ta’s are on full display to the lovely Nix, who is innocently walking his dog along the road at the time. Such a great opening to the book, after the mortification had faded, I was proper chuckling to myself.
The thing I loved most about this book was the immediate chemistry between these two characters; both trying to escape their pasts, they have no idea that they’ve found exactly what they needed in each other. From serious illness to parental abandonment, this book covered a plethora of issues in such a sensitive way, it had me rooting for both characters right from the off.
With a delightful mix of characters in what sounds like an idyllic setting, Sunlight Over Crystal Sands was a joy from start to finish.
THE BAD ☹️
There was only one small thing that annoyed me and that was how Lyra treated Nix toward the end of the book. I’m not going to go into too much detail as, you know, no spoilers. Thankfully, Lyra came to her senses and realised how she’d acted, which is when I stopped swearing at my kindle (I can’t be the only one that does this surely?).
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A feel good romance full of wonderful characters
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Author: Holly Martin
Hero/Heroine: Nix & Lyra
THE GOOD 😁
One thing you can guarantee with any Holly Martin book is a heartwarming story with wonderfully kooky characters (I’m looking at you Sylvia).
The first chapter had me feeling all kinds of mortification on Lyra’s behalf. Picture her freewheeling down a hill on her bike, not realising that the top of her dress has been pulled down and her ta ta’s are on full display to the lovely Nix, who is innocently walking his dog along the road at the time. Such a great opening to the book, after the mortification had faded, I was proper chuckling to myself.
The thing I loved most about this book was the immediate chemistry between these two characters; both trying to escape their pasts, they have no idea that they’ve found exactly what they needed in each other. From serious illness to parental abandonment, this book covered a plethora of issues in such a sensitive way, it had me rooting for both characters right from the off.
With a delightful mix of characters in what sounds like an idyllic setting, Sunlight Over Crystal Sands was a joy from start to finish.
THE BAD ☹️
There was only one small thing that annoyed me and that was how Lyra treated Nix toward the end of the book. I’m not going to go into too much detail as, you know, no spoilers. Thankfully, Lyra came to her senses and realised how she’d acted, which is when I stopped swearing at my kindle (I can’t be the only one that does this surely?).
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A feel good romance full of wonderful characters
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 2, 2021
Holly’s books always hook me in instantly, and they are the perfect combination of emotional and funny. And this one is sizzling sexy too.
This is the story of Lyra and Nix. It really is all about them, they have the Oscar winning starring roles. Cast members from previous books have only support roles, although it was really good to catch up with the three sisters who own the hotel. Sylvia O’ Hare, a frequent hotel guest and author of racy novels, returns in this story. She’s always an entertaining character. This can be read as a stand-alone, as it’s a complete story.
I just adore the setting of Jewel Island. Lyra has bought a little cottage called Sunlight. She’s just arrived on the island and is due to start a new job at the hotel. She’s out exploring on her bike when she has a hilarious encounter with Nix. He did have to avert his eyes!
They have a real connection, spending the night together and the sparks fly. They open their hearts to each other, revealing things they’ve never told anyone else. But the next morning it all goes wrong.
The story is about them and their families. Will it be happy ever after? Or will it all fall down?
A fun read, set in and around the hotel and on the island and includes a brilliant treasure hunt.
An absolute dream to read and I look forward to hearing more stories from this lovely Island.
This is the story of Lyra and Nix. It really is all about them, they have the Oscar winning starring roles. Cast members from previous books have only support roles, although it was really good to catch up with the three sisters who own the hotel. Sylvia O’ Hare, a frequent hotel guest and author of racy novels, returns in this story. She’s always an entertaining character. This can be read as a stand-alone, as it’s a complete story.
I just adore the setting of Jewel Island. Lyra has bought a little cottage called Sunlight. She’s just arrived on the island and is due to start a new job at the hotel. She’s out exploring on her bike when she has a hilarious encounter with Nix. He did have to avert his eyes!
They have a real connection, spending the night together and the sparks fly. They open their hearts to each other, revealing things they’ve never told anyone else. But the next morning it all goes wrong.
The story is about them and their families. Will it be happy ever after? Or will it all fall down?
A fun read, set in and around the hotel and on the island and includes a brilliant treasure hunt.
An absolute dream to read and I look forward to hearing more stories from this lovely Island.
June 8, 2021
With the sun shining outside, at last, I loved escaping back to Jewel Island. Sunlight over Crystal Waters had all the qualities of its predecessors set there. The setting is glorious and the life at the hotel is there in the background, as are the familiar characters and the village community. This time, you meet two new characters, Lyra and Nix, who find themselves thrown together, as if by fate. I won't spoil what happens next, but there is a huge strain of romance running through the story.
Lyra is the oldest in a large family of younger siblings and you realise that her childhood experiences have impacted on her ability to trust. Nix too has had life changing events which he is still coming to terms with. In many ways, you feel that the island itself has some sort of healing qualities and it becomes a character in the story in its own right. There are some humorous moments - especially Sylvia's attempts to matchmake. Misunderstandings and mis-communication lead to some bumps along the way for Lyra and Nix but they are so likeable as characters that you feel they fit right in to the hotel way of life. As the sun sparkles down, savour the escapism and life-affirming qualities on an island where kindness is the go-to quality.
In short: A fun romance set on the shimmering island.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Lyra is the oldest in a large family of younger siblings and you realise that her childhood experiences have impacted on her ability to trust. Nix too has had life changing events which he is still coming to terms with. In many ways, you feel that the island itself has some sort of healing qualities and it becomes a character in the story in its own right. There are some humorous moments - especially Sylvia's attempts to matchmake. Misunderstandings and mis-communication lead to some bumps along the way for Lyra and Nix but they are so likeable as characters that you feel they fit right in to the hotel way of life. As the sun sparkles down, savour the escapism and life-affirming qualities on an island where kindness is the go-to quality.
In short: A fun romance set on the shimmering island.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
May 21, 2021
I do believe in fate and destiny and this book will make non-believers do it too!
The way these two meet is hilarious but beyond that their chemistry and connection is instantaneous. Their first night together was unforgettable, beautiful, amazing and hot! So I too was devastated like Lyra when it ended so abruptly.
"I want someone spectacular, someone really special, and if I can't have that I'd rather be alone."
Nix was pure perfection! I mean how many guys out there are that honest when they first meet someone? So I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of why things went wrong after that spectacular night.
The hurts these two had endured previously made them both so cautious to pursue what they couldn't avoid - each other. I loved how Nix pulled out all the stops for Lyra, in such an heroic way, even when he saw no future between them. The way he was happy just to make her happy was everything!!
This story was full of adventure! We got to check in with our other Jewel Island faves and meet Lyra's family too. Reading a Holly Martin book feels like coming home and I will never tire of her words! Thank you Holly!
The way these two meet is hilarious but beyond that their chemistry and connection is instantaneous. Their first night together was unforgettable, beautiful, amazing and hot! So I too was devastated like Lyra when it ended so abruptly.
"I want someone spectacular, someone really special, and if I can't have that I'd rather be alone."
Nix was pure perfection! I mean how many guys out there are that honest when they first meet someone? So I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of why things went wrong after that spectacular night.
The hurts these two had endured previously made them both so cautious to pursue what they couldn't avoid - each other. I loved how Nix pulled out all the stops for Lyra, in such an heroic way, even when he saw no future between them. The way he was happy just to make her happy was everything!!
This story was full of adventure! We got to check in with our other Jewel Island faves and meet Lyra's family too. Reading a Holly Martin book feels like coming home and I will never tire of her words! Thank you Holly!
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