Always You

by Caroline Khoury

Is it ever too late to rewrite the past?
When Lina and Ash were at school, they buried a time capsule containing letters about their hopes and dreams, and predictions for each other's futures.
Twenty years later, their realities couldn't be further from what they'd expected. And as for Lina and Ash? They're not in each other's lives anymore.
When a reunion brings Lina and Ash back together, they agree to give the dreams they walked away from another chance and embark on a trip that could change everything.
And if they can overcome what happened in the past, then maybe the end of their love story was really just the beginning...

Genres: Audiobook

400 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2023

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book so much. I’d been SO desperate to read it and I feel so lucky to have received the proof to be able to read early. I started it the same day it arrived and I just devoured every single page.

It’s such a beautiful heartwarming story, I couldn’t fault it. It focuses on family, love, friendships and grief. Loved everything about it. The characters, the setting, the storyline, the different timelines worked so well and I thought it was great to learn about Lina when she was younger and her friendships with both Nik and Ash.

It was so clear that Caroline had so much love for the characters, I loved how we learn so much about each of them. My heart just fell for Ash, what a lovely guy, he really melted my heart.

Another thing I adored was the book being about family, finding answers and the bond Lina has with her father, things had happened and she just wanted to remain by his side.

I’ve had such a tough time recently and I feel like this book was everything I needed and more. It gave me the escapism I very much needed and it really uplifted me.

Always You is published 20.04.2023 and I hope whoever reads it, loves it as much as I did!

[Esther Bultitude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Caroline’s writing; I always get so involved with the characters who often wear their hearts on their sleeves.

This one was no exception. Lina was a complex character, suffering with endometriosis which she wasn’t aware of, and causing her no end of problems with her intimate relationships.

She had guilt over her mothers death, her relationship with her father and her brother and also with Nik.

Then there was Ash - another complex relationship which almost broke my heart again! Caroline makes a habit of this…

I zoomed through this one and really enjoyed the multiple timelines within.

Looking forward to the next one already

[Adelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. Took awhile to get going but by the time we got to the last quarter and everything started clicking together, I absolutely loved it and the chapters flew by. More thoughts to follow.

[flamentatio · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice, lightweight, summer vibes but with that burst of deep topics (TW death, trauma, physical conditions ecc), the sweetest friends to lovers and (almost) second chance romance. Not a masterpiece but it serves its purpose! Def recommend it as summer read❤️

[Jamie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love a fun little romance. Genuinely the perfect man, mixed with some appropriately disastrous friends. Though I wasn't a fan of the final chapters, there was so much to love in this! A perfect detox from dense, slightly depressing books

[Lavinya Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! So cute and I loved the characters

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one pretty blind having only seen the cover and skimmed the blurb, but I was VERY pleasant surprised.

I was delighted when I discovered our main character was Cypriot, even more so when I realised part of the book would be set in Cyprus! I lived there for a few years growing up, and the author has captured the atmosphere of the island perfectly, from the beautiful landscapes to the food descriptions.
Sensitive topics were dealt with delicately and carefully, in particular shedding light on endometriosis, something I haven't seen discussed in many books at all.
I was so invested in Lina's mission to uncover her mum's secrets and get to the bottom of it all, and felt grateful she had so many people supporting her along the way. (Particuar shout out to Greer, who was just a breath of fresh air, and a true friend)
This, as well as all of the other relationship, family and general life dramas all tied the story together perfectly, with no particular story outshining the rest - I cared about them all equally! Nik and Ash were both wonderful characters, I was so torn throughout, although by the end I did still have a soft spot for Nik. 😂
Overall a beautiful story, this will make perfect summer reading!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 ⭐️

I thought Always You was a charming read. Khoury writes beautifully, and I was immersed in the story from start to finish.

Part of the book is set in Cyprus, this provided a spectacular background to the story — the author captured the sense of place and atmosphere of the country perfectly.

The characters and well-drawn and fleshed out, and the dialogue between them was believable. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and discovering their secrets.

Always You is a lovely, heartwarming read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Caroline Khoury you make me feel crazy again. On edge all the way what will happen next. And so incerdible past. Connections I was not aware. I love to read about this "mix" people, coultures. It is a really lovely suspance. Sadness and love, frindships old and not so old. All in one. A tragedy and a mystery mixed with a love story.

[stasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Review: Ash is quite literally the most perfect man!! I mean, he’s no Dante, but damn he’s not far off…
This book was so fkn cute, I loved it. It was an easy read, I loved Caroline’s writing, the story just flowed amazingly.
I just wish I was Lina, all independent and shit, travelling the world like fk it, why not?!

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book is stunning and should be on everyone's to be read books of 2023. The romance the connections, the beauty, the grace, the backdrop, the language, the writing style, the ending were all perfect.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lina and Ash have known each other since they were at school. They decided to bury a time capsule which included letters to themselves. Their intention was to dig it up when they were older but that never happened because they became estranged. Since then Lina and Ash lost contact with each other. But when they see each other again at a school reunion is it time to finally talk and see if their relationship can be fixed.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself flying through the pages and before I knew it the book was over which made me quite sad. The storyline was brilliant filled with love, friendship, relationships and teenage angst. There are three main characters in this book: Lina, Nik and Ash. All three characters have different personalities and qualities but the one thing that bonds them together is Lina. The story explores Lina’s relationship with her two friends Nik and Ash. Lina and Nik have been friend since they were little and their families are close. But then Ash appears and he and Lina become great friends.

The story is told in a dual timeline format moving between the past and the present. In the past we learn about Lina’s childhood and her interactions with Nik and Ash. The reader is told that something happened between Lina and Ash which caused them to become estranged but we are not told what happened. This is slowly revealed throughout the book. In the present Lina and Ash are connecting again for the first time after the school reunion but Lina also finds out about a secret her mum was keeping and confides in Ash and together they try to uncover the truth. What the author depicts so well is the awkward teenage years that Lina, Nik and Ash go through. Especially their uncertainty about what they want in life. Lina initially thinks that she wants Nik as her love interest but then realises the reality isn’t what she thought it would be. Whereas Ash has always seen Lina as a love interest but Lina thought of him only as a friend. When Lina does see Ash as something more it was too late.

The theme of jealousy runs throughout the book. Nik is jealous of Ash because he believes that Ash will take Lina away from him and Ash is jealous of Nik because he believes that Lina and Nik are more than friends. I loved the chemistry between Lina and Ash. It was clear that although they were close friends that there was something more between them. Nik was an interesting character. He doesn’t really know what he wants or who he wants in life and looks to Lina as an easy option that will please his parents. Lina being confused also goes along with Nik which jeopardises her chances with Ash. In addition to the love triangle, part of the storyline also explored Lina and her chronic illness which is another reason that she kept Ash at arm’s length. For Lina she believes her illness is just a normal part of her life but unfortunately it starts to take over her life. When she speaks to Ash about her illness it was so sweet to see him take care of her. As for the ending it was like something out of a Bollywood film.

The book is set in multiple locations: Birmingham, Cyprus, California and Mumbai. But the primary setting of the story is Birmingham which I loved because it is the city I was born and raised in. It was nice to see a love story set in my home city and see a number of landmarks featured such as the Birmingham Art Gallery and Museum which is one of my favourite places.

A book about never giving up on love and second chances.

[Elle]

DNF @ 20%

I really wanted to like this but unfortunately struggled so much to get into it, and just wasn’t enjoying it at all. It has an interesting premise, but the pacing was incredibly slow, the characters felt strange, and in large part I think the arc feels like it was rushed out – hopefully there will be further editing done on this between now and publication in April, and it might be a book I pick up in its completed form once it’s out.

Lina and Ash buried a time capsule when they were at school. As young adults, they went their separate ways, but when Ash returns, they have the idea of digging up the capsule. I’m not sure what happens after that point as it took such a long time to get there. When the novel opens, Lina has a ten-year FWB ‘relationship’ with her best friend, though seems happy to let everyone else think they have a full romantic relationship, even (apparently) said friend. She keeps insisting this arrangement works for them, but it’s clear he has deeper feelings for her.

This was point 1 that really bugged me. It made him as a character feel a bit spineless, and Lina, well, it made her feel cruel in some ways, as it gives the impression she’s kind of stringing him and his family along. It also felt a bit messy, as it was never clear what was actually going on between these two. The first 20% also felt like it introduced way too many questions, and the way characters talked around certain issues made this aspect feel forced. I’m happy for questions to be raised when starting a book, but when the answers are ones the first-person narrator knows, as well as everyone around them, it gets infuriating when it’s deliberately hidden from the reader.

It’s something very hard to pull off, and Khoury doesn’t quite do so here. It’s clear there’s supposed to be an air of mystery around why Lina and Ash fell out, why Lina and her brother fell out, etc (there’s definitely a common pattern there), but even when Lina apologies to Ash, it’s wishy-washy – “Sorry for what happened that night. That thing. You know.” Rather than (random example) “I’m sorry for yelling at you about not washing the dishes.” She discusses the situation around her brother with her dad, and it’s a similar thing, but here Dad is willing to travel out to see said brother, and suggests Lina needs to move on from whatever happened, and she…basically refuses.

It was also around this point things were just really, really bleak. As much as I’m a sucker for characters hitting and working through a low point, right now I just struggled with actually feeling sorry for Lina.

This has had some great reviews, so I strongly suggest checking these out before making a decision on this book, as this is, of course, just my personal opinion. But for now, looks like I’ll have to try and dig out a different friends-to-lovers book for the Disney Reading Challenge.

Thank you to Penguin for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley. Views remain my own.

[Fiona Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

The overall structure of Always You is a dual timeline that flicks back and forth between the present and near past, illuminating the reader's understanding of the characters in the present day by showing us what had happened in their childhood and teenage years.

I found the movement between the two timelines seamless and easy to follow, and I enjoyed the sense of continuity between the two. The story is told in the first person from the perspective of Lina, a responsible and likeable heroine who puts others before her own dreams.

The characters were engaging and intriguing from the very first page, particularly Lina, as the reader gets to share her thoughts and perspective. I felt a lot of empathy for her because of her sad family circumstances and the fact that her career has stalled, but I also admired her positive attitude in tackling the challenges in her life.

We see the other characters through Lina's eyes, which sometimes means the reader doesn't fully understand their actions or behaviour, to begin with, but that mystery forms part of the suspense. As the story moves forward, the gaps in our understanding are filled, and I enjoyed how the characters of Ash and Nik, and the romantic twists and turns of the plot, developed.

I also loved the relationship that Lina has with her dad, 'Baba', and how Lina's gradual realisation that she needs to live her own life, is mirrored by her dad's encouragement and support.

There was a real beating pulse to the emotions behind all of the characters' interactions which meant that the book was very satisfying to read.

The romance in the novel is woven into the plot beautifully. I loved how Lina had plenty of things going on in her life (friends, family, work) which meant that romance wasn't her only preoccupation. The love story, however, was deep and enduring, and had many dimensions, which kept it fresh and original.

The medical condition that Lina suffers from was depicted really well and I thought it was so moving how her physical problems were brought into the romance as something that enabled a particular relationship with a certain someone (no spoilers here!) to deepen. It was such a emotional moment.

The setting was full of colour and variety. Most of the book is set in London, where Lina lives, and this is depicted with lively descriptions of Lina's family deli, the neighbourhood, and restaurants. I enjoyed the descriptions of Greece when the plot moved to the Mediterranean and it was good to see Lina spreading her wings at last. Reading the book also made me hungry to try dolmades and the food that Ash cooks!

In summary, this is a very heart-warming, emotionally satisfying, and well-written book that offers surprises and cliff-hangers along the way. The characters are brilliantly captured and I was sorry to leave them behind when I reached the end.

[Zoe B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Caroline’s first novel ‘It Must Be Love’ and was my favourite romance of 2022 and I knew then there was something special about Caroline’s writing so I was eagerly waiting for Always You

Lina and Ash were best friends at school and buried a time capsule with letters about their hopes and dreams. But 20 years later Lina and Ash aren’t in touch until a school reunion brings the old friends back together. In the mix is Nik, who Lina is now in a relationship with who was also a best friend of Lina at school. I do love a love triangle and Caroline excels at keeping you wondering how things are going to turn out especially when both men seem rather nice (ok I actually fancy them!)

Caroline makes it so easy to like the main characters at the centre of the love story, There is no pretentiousness or showboating just everyday people that it feels like you are reading a story about people that could be your friends. There is so much more to this story than just the love story that makes this a wonderful and engaging read which flows seamlessly. Family traditions run strongly in this story and there are some heartfelt moments on when Lina and Ash were growing up especially how Ash was restricted on what he could do in life and the expectations put on him. There were other discoveries and revelations along the way and there is a medical issue in the story that I think was sensitively portrayed and certainly brings awareness to an area I did not know too much about.

A story with substance: family, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness and love, this book will take you from England, to Cyprus to Mumbai and to LA, You know a book is fabulous when you message your booksta friends to say you are loving it. I have no doubt this is going to be another one on my favourite list at end of year and all I can say is next book please Caroline 💖

Highly recommend for fans of Paige Toon and Laura Jane Williams.

Thank you so much century books for sending me a proof copy.

[KathVBtn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Caroline's first book 'It Must Be Love' so I had high hopes for 'Always You' -and they were met in abundance!

27 year old Lina is stuck in life, desperate to become an archaeologist or museum curator, but resigned to her assistant job in a museum as well as helping her dad in their deli every day, cooking first thing in the morning, and making sure she's there to close up at night. She can't see a way out, but when two life changes happen in quick succession (the deli is temporarily closed due to unpaid bills, and her museum job is terminated) she decides to follow her dreams and explore some unfinished business in Cyprus.

She asks her on-off boyfriend Nik to join her, but when he's unable to make it, she invite Ash, a man whose been in her life since they were teenagers- until a falling out ended everything. Will the unfamiliar surroundings bring them back together and heal the rift? Obviously its not going to be plain sailing, but with time, could it turn into something bigger and more meaningful than her relationship with Nik? Watch this space....

Caroline has a great talent for taking you to warm far-flung places when you're reading on a sofa in the depths of winter, I could feel the Cypriot heat and sun on my skin as I read, and taste the delicious food that she described so beautifully, Im definitely going to have to find out more about the pastries!
The relationships between Lina, Nik and Ash were well-plotted and felt very real, with some of those teenage hang-ups and angst still overshadowing their friendship. Nik and Ash both represent different things to Lina, and it was so emotional to watch her on her journey to find out what she wants in life. It was refreshing to read about Lina's health issues too, her endometriosis is something that's not often covered in fiction, so well done to the author for making it such an integral part of the story.

Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read Always You, roll on book 3!

[Beth Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I think I’m a little bit in love with Ash 🥹. Ash and Lina are my new fave characters!!! I didn’t want this one to end, I could have kept reading for hours about them both and their lives, because the writing was so beautiful. You can really tell that the author Caroline has put so much thought and energy into not only the storyline but each and every one of the characters and their connections with each other.   
  
The story mainly follows three characters Lina, Ash and Nik who all grew up together and both Ash and Nik were fighting to be Linda’s ultimate best friend as teens. The book jumps back to when they were at school and then to the current day when they are all grown up and all have their different life situations and problems. Lots has happened in their past and when Lina and Ash re-unite at a school reunion, they have to decide if they are willing to dig up the past and put some things behind them for there to ever a chance of them sharing the love they both are desperate for from each other.   
  
There are also some deep and important themes that feature in this book such as grief, family, love and friendships. But I promise that this book will give you that escapism we all look for sometimes. It was the perfect read for me at the moment. I couldn’t wait to pick it up whenever I had some spare time.   
  
Think friends to lovers romance which will give you all the romance feels you need for a perfect spring/summer read! Highly highly highly recommend 💓 oh and the ending was just perfect 🥹 and EXACTLY what I was hoping for!

[Valerie Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
Other reviews for this book are good, but I can't see what those reviewers saw in it. The timeline dips in and out of points in time, giving a tiny little glimpse of a scene before disappearing to something new so I felt that it was not only disjointed but also pointless. The 'reveals' were unsurprising and the issues and jealousies between each of the characters seemed juvenile. The mystery of the jewels and tomb discovery seemed unrelated to the story, and by 80% through we still didn't know where the 'time capsule' was. The most unrealistic part of the storyline related to the operation in Cyprus - the cause of her pain was unrelated to Lina's accident but the doctor performed an operation - since this was not an emergency it wouldn't happen under international agreements or travel insurance arrangements and she would not have been discharged without proper instructions, including a definite period of not swimming in the sea. I left the last 20% unread.

[Leann Barrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always You by Caroline Khoury
Thanks to @netgalley for the early copy

- - - - - - - - - - -

First of all this book has to be on everyone's tbr list for 2023!

The story followed Lina as the lead and her story just blossomed as did she. The story was beautifully written and you could feel the love the author has for each character. Not only did Lina blossom in the book but every character (well nearly every character except one - can't have them all).

The book follows friendships and family. The friendship trio once was Lina, Ash and Nik - it's more of Lina and Ash then Lina and Nik. But both friendships are just heartwarming. Lina is the type of person who is there for everyone and puts everyone first. So to see her growth through the book just made me feel happy (at one point I cried at how strong she was).

💛 Beautiful Lina suffers from endometriosis and doesn't know I for the majority of the book and I just love how she's taken care of once diagnosed and makes connections by this.

[Becca Scammell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for an emotional, tug at your heart strings romance read. Then Always, You should be on your tbr.

Caroline has written a well-rounded and relatable story. Tackling all of the usual topics like teen angst, first love, lies, secrets, truths, hopes, dreams, forbidden love, jealousy and friendship to name but a few. But she has also seamlessly and tactfully woven in a wide range of countries, culture, LGBTQIA, arranged marriage, drug use, and even a storyline involving Endometriosis. Something that has recently exploded it's way into my life and one that I haven't seen in a story before. Raising precious and much needed awareness for those afflicted by it.

With a really easy, sympathetic and empathetic writing style, some fabulously developed and scripted characters and a natural flair for description. Caroline makes it easy for her readers to become totally ensconced in the story unfolding in front of you and fully invested in the whole cast of characters and their lives.

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, cosy romance with a really likeable and relatable female main character - ‘Always You’ was just the book I needed this week. It’s easy to read, immersive and studded with plenty of dialogue, I found myself speeding through this one whenever I had a chance to. I absolutely loved that it was set in multiple locations - we are flung from a beachside Cyprus villa to a busy Birmingham deli plus a speedy little stop over in LA.

I really appreciated the chronic illness rep and the focus on ‘women’s problems’ which are so often glossed over in romance novels - it felt like a realistic and honest portrayal of such issues and though I’m lucky enough to not relate to that aspect I can imagine many women being pleased to see it being spoken about. This romance novel definitely has more to it than meets the eye, we are treated to many twists and turns, some juicy secrets and a real journey of self discovery with all of our characters.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always You is the story of Lina, a wannabe museum curator from Birmingham. Lina is 28, and in a relationship with her old school friend Nik. When her life is turned upside down by a series of events, she finds herself wanting to examine her past, which brings former friends and family back into her world. Can she make sense of everything that happens, and rekindle those relationships that she desperately needs?

I found the first half slightly irritating in the way the author kept introducing elements that the characters knew about, but only hinted at for the reader (ie why certain characters had fallen out) - at one point it felt like every chapter introduced yet another "secret", and I began not to actually care! However, once the characters opened up and revelations were made, I loved the second half. Very emotional, and such a sweet ending.

[Lauren Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad I was invited on this tour.

This is a heartwarming story that takes you from Birmingham to Cyprus and Mumbai to LA. The characters Lina and Ash were best friends 20 years ago but have strayed until a school reunion pushes them back into each others paths.

Reading about sunnier climates can make the cold even more palpable but Caroline’s writing pulls you right in so you feel as thou you’re right there with the sun on your skin.

I got a strong sense of ‘meant to be’ throughout the book which I love as I do like to believe in fate and you will find the one you’re meant to be with.

I think people will love this for their summer reads and it definitely should be on anyone’s vacation tbr! But actually read it and don’t leave it on the tbr!

[Tara Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Caroline’s debut novel, It Must Be Love last year and loved it so was so excited when her publishers reached out to me and sent me an ARC of her new book, Always You!

Always You follows Lina, and her relationship with Ash, her childhood best friend. When they were young, they made a time capsule about their hopes and dreams for the future and buried it. Twenty years later, they have seen for years, their lives are not what they predicted and then they meet again at a school reunion. They try to give their dreams another chance, and if they can overcome what happened in their past, maybe there’s a second chance for love?

I really loved this book! I loved Lina’s character, her relationship with her dad, her hardworking ethos and the finding about the younger Lina in the alternating timelines. I love alternating timelines, it gives us a chance to see every part of our MC and we get just that in Always You. And Ash, what a guy!

I loved how there’s more than just romance in this book, there’s friendships, grief, family love, and a bit of mystery and drama too.

Just like her previous book, Caroline gives us a book that lets us travel through her pages. I loved seeing Cyprus through Lima’s eyes! And it wasn’t just Cyprus, we also saw Mumbai and California too. The traveling always gives that sense of escapism that I love to get from books 😍

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

While at school best friends Lina and Ash buried a time capsule containing predictions for each their futures. 20 years on and no longer in touch they meet up along with another school friend Nick at their school reunion.

Facing some big life changes Lina begins to examine her life and career choices and has a yearning to learn more about her mum’s early life.

Plenty of will they won’t they moments in this book which has us travelling to Cyprus, Mumbai and the USA, journeys that test the friendship of the three main characters.

This was a lovely easy listen and I would recommend.
I listened to this book on Borrowbox

[Allyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I picked this for a 'Read Around the World' challenge I'm doing this year so was a little surprised when the Brummie audiobook narrator started talking to me about the West Midlands lol. But the story follows Lina (whose parents moved to Birmingham from Cyprus before she was born) as she goes on a bit of a self-discovery journey after losing her job which takes us back to Cyprus, and even to Mumbai and California, and the plot leans heavily romance. My main gripe with this though was just the tone of it; I prefer my romance books to lean more comedy, and this was just a bit too earnest/cringey for my tastes, especially on audio.

[N Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with some adorable characters. I adored Lina and Ash, took me a while to warm to Nik although he was battling some issues!
I loved all the cultural and food references, plus that feeling that some things are meant to be, even if it takes a while for all the pieces to fit together!
I found the inclusion of endometriosis enlightening. Too often in books the sex is always perfect, and periods never seem to happen, this is a frank account of Lima’s struggles but doesn’t over shadow the main story.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable read with well rounded and engaging characters and a good plot. The story was very enjoyable and although I was hoping for a happy ending there are plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Thoroughly recommend this to all readers who enjoy a romantic comedy in a contemporary style.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mel Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly moving romance. The plot was just amazing, I loved all the mixed characters, gay, straight, Greek, Indian, and the ways of their families and expectations. So nice to see such a good mix, and to hit on really important subjects through it all. A deeply touching story that I couldn't put down. Loved it!
Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Liv Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book, so much so that it pulled me out of my recent reading slump! All of the characters were fantastic and easy to keep track of. I loved reading about the different locations around the world and also different cultures. Lots happens throughout the book, both in the past and present day, but it's written in a way where you are invested and able to keep on top of it. A fab book from the lovely Caroline, thank you so much for the proof copy! 💕