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A Scandinavian Summer
It's the right time for love, but is it the wrong place?
After the tragic, premature death of her husband Anthony, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie in their small Welsh village.
But with Rosie leaving the nest, and Martha's own job on the line, it feels that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love for Scandi-noir dramas, Martha impulsively books a trip to Denmark, determined to push herself out of her comfort zone - even if the thought terrifies her...
Her trip to the tiny island of Fano becomes something much more: in the form of handsome stranger, Lars. Can Martha find love under the Scandinavian skies... but more importantly, can she find herself?
A romantic, warm and uplifting read, guaranteed to leave you smiling. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Kathryn Freeman will adore this feelgood read!
After the tragic, premature death of her husband Anthony, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie in their small Welsh village.
But with Rosie leaving the nest, and Martha's own job on the line, it feels that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love for Scandi-noir dramas, Martha impulsively books a trip to Denmark, determined to push herself out of her comfort zone - even if the thought terrifies her...
Her trip to the tiny island of Fano becomes something much more: in the form of handsome stranger, Lars. Can Martha find love under the Scandinavian skies... but more importantly, can she find herself?
A romantic, warm and uplifting read, guaranteed to leave you smiling. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Kathryn Freeman will adore this feelgood read!
- GenresFiction
298 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2022
6 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 16, 2023
Lovely setting. Good message of loving after loss and finding out things that change your view on the deceased. The worst for Martha was she could not have it out with him. I just thought the characters craved too much validation off each other. They did not have the strongest of backbones wanting each others opinion all the time. Sometimes you need to follow your own gut. It makes me want to visit Denmark all the more though. I did want more of Tivoli Gardens it got a couple of passing mentions.
June 7, 2022
This was a delightful read. Sure there were some problematic characters, but there are also problematic people in real life. Martha’s story was heartwarming and nice to experience with her. It’s always welcome to have a main character over the age of 40 (30 even!) as I do get tired of reading about spoiled twentysomethings. It’s tough to relate. My one concern is Martha makes some negative comments about Lars baking when she firsts meets him, and it seems like his baked rolls well…stink. But then she loves his baked goods. So maybe just an error?
Ja, thank you! (As Ludwig would say) Helga Jensen for writing this book.
Ja, thank you! (As Ludwig would say) Helga Jensen for writing this book.
June 21, 2023
the book says there is a vet school in york but I’m pretty sure there isn’t
August 2, 2022
such an amazing book filled with twists and turns and yet a beautiful ending. helga has smashed it again. it warms your heart then breaks it then pieces it all back together again in just under 300 hundred pages. only £2.50 as a paperback from amazon and it’s in the 3 for £6 fiction deal from the works. definitely worth the money and id 100% recommend.
cant wait for the next book! :)
cant wait for the next book! :)
September 9, 2022
I loved this book. It took me a little while to get going as it seemed somewhat repetitive in the early chapters whilst setting the scene and building Martha’s character, but as Martha progressed it was wholly necessary to build the character in that way.
100% recommend for a light read that gives a few twists and turns and has a beautiful undertone.
I will be looking for more from this author.
100% recommend for a light read that gives a few twists and turns and has a beautiful undertone.
I will be looking for more from this author.
May 30, 2023
I know this is billed as a romcom but some of the early chapters were laughable, and not in a good way. Having said that, once it settled down, there was a pleasing rhythm and it became an easy, light read.
I’d give the author another go - it’d probably be easier second time around, having more idea what to expect.
I’d give the author another go - it’d probably be easier second time around, having more idea what to expect.
June 4, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book.
Middle-aged Martha’s life is at a low point. Her husband is dead, due to an accident, and her daughter is heading off to Africa to work with orangutans. When she sees a contest to go to Denmark to see where her favorite Scandi-noir TV show is filmed, she decides she wants to travel.
Seemingly haunted by the memory of her dead husband, Martha has a hard time opening her life to new experiences and even new relationships. Her visit to the island of Fano changes her life and her new blog helps her face her inner struggles.
This book is kind of like a middle-aged Hallmark movie, but a nice summer read.
Middle-aged Martha’s life is at a low point. Her husband is dead, due to an accident, and her daughter is heading off to Africa to work with orangutans. When she sees a contest to go to Denmark to see where her favorite Scandi-noir TV show is filmed, she decides she wants to travel.
Seemingly haunted by the memory of her dead husband, Martha has a hard time opening her life to new experiences and even new relationships. Her visit to the island of Fano changes her life and her new blog helps her face her inner struggles.
This book is kind of like a middle-aged Hallmark movie, but a nice summer read.
July 9, 2022
After Martha is widowed at an early age she finds life is passing her by. She works in the library and is suffering from panic attacks and loneliness. Martha is content to be at home in her Nordic socks watching her Scandinavian dramas.
Rosie, Martha’s daughter is going to Borneo to help orangutans so Martha is going to be even more alone.
Suzy who works with Martha at the library tells her she’s a bit of a martyr so she decides to visit Denmark and have an adventure of her own.
Lars is a baker who Martha meets but is he all he makes out to be.
I loved Martha and her quirkiness, a fun read that made me want to book a trip to Denmark.
Rosie, Martha’s daughter is going to Borneo to help orangutans so Martha is going to be even more alone.
Suzy who works with Martha at the library tells her she’s a bit of a martyr so she decides to visit Denmark and have an adventure of her own.
Lars is a baker who Martha meets but is he all he makes out to be.
I loved Martha and her quirkiness, a fun read that made me want to book a trip to Denmark.
April 1, 2023
I have just discovered this author and this was my second of her books and certainly didn’t disappoint. I love how she writes about relatable characters and issues in her stories and about women reaching crossroads and turning points in their lives due to lots of reasons.
This was so much more than just a romantic read and was a journey of self discovery for Martha and of her finding her self again after everything life had thrown at her. I loved the descriptive writing and the imagery and found myself wanting to be curled up in the cottage in Scandinavia reading a book or riding through the streets on a bicycle just like Martha did.
This was a beautiful escapism read
This was so much more than just a romantic read and was a journey of self discovery for Martha and of her finding her self again after everything life had thrown at her. I loved the descriptive writing and the imagery and found myself wanting to be curled up in the cottage in Scandinavia reading a book or riding through the streets on a bicycle just like Martha did.
This was a beautiful escapism read
June 29, 2022
Such a lovely book, it was wonderful to join Martha on her journey, both physical and emotional throughout the story.
I could relate with her anxiety issues and was thrilled to see her overcome her own doubts and take a chance on an adventure to Denmark.
Great characters and a gorgeous location, it was fabulous to read the story and watch Martha bloom and come back to life again.
I could relate with her anxiety issues and was thrilled to see her overcome her own doubts and take a chance on an adventure to Denmark.
Great characters and a gorgeous location, it was fabulous to read the story and watch Martha bloom and come back to life again.
May 19, 2022
I received an ARC of, A Scandinavian Summer, by Helga Jensen. Recently widowed Martha wants a change in her life. Going to Denmark is definitely an eye opener for, Martha.
September 6, 2022
I read the synopsis of 'A Scandinavian Summer' and it certainly sounded like the sort of fun and feelgood story that I so needed to read at the time. I couldn't wait to dive in and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what proved to be a fun afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Scandinavian Summer' but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the character of Martha. I warmed to her so well that she began to feel like a friend of mine rather than a character in a book. I hope that makes sense. Martha is a middle aged lady. She sadly lost her husband in a car crash so it has been just her and her daughter Rosie for the last couple of years. Rosie decides to volunteer to help look after orangutans (I love them but it's a ginger thing) and Martha is left with an empty nest. Martha doesn't seem to have much of a social life and she seems to suffer from a distinct lack of confidence. One day she accepts that if she wants her life to change then she is the only one who can make the necessary changes. Martha takes some annual leave and indulges her passion for Scandi-noir and travels over to Denmark. What happens? Will Martha get the 'happy ever after' ending that she so deserves? Well for the answer to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would become addicted to the story. I was correct on both counts. I had picked the book up only intending a chapter or two to say that I had made a start but I became so wrapped up in the story and in Martha's life, that I was still sat there reading a couple of hours and many chapters later. I liked the character of Martha so much that I had to keep reading to see if she managed to create a new life for herself and whether or not she had fun along the way. The more of the story that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'A Scandinavian Summer' and I had to say goodbye to Martha. I found 'A Scandinavian Summer' to be an unputdownable page turner of a read, which would be perfect holiday reading.
'A Scandinavian Summer' is extremely well written. Helga has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Helga clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. This was one of those books that had a bit of everything - humour, drama, romance and lots of emotional moments. I started chuckling away to myself from fairly early on and I am still chuckling away even now after having finished reading the book. I love the way in which Helga makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Scandinavian Summer' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helga's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the character of Martha. I warmed to her so well that she began to feel like a friend of mine rather than a character in a book. I hope that makes sense. Martha is a middle aged lady. She sadly lost her husband in a car crash so it has been just her and her daughter Rosie for the last couple of years. Rosie decides to volunteer to help look after orangutans (I love them but it's a ginger thing) and Martha is left with an empty nest. Martha doesn't seem to have much of a social life and she seems to suffer from a distinct lack of confidence. One day she accepts that if she wants her life to change then she is the only one who can make the necessary changes. Martha takes some annual leave and indulges her passion for Scandi-noir and travels over to Denmark. What happens? Will Martha get the 'happy ever after' ending that she so deserves? Well for the answer to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would become addicted to the story. I was correct on both counts. I had picked the book up only intending a chapter or two to say that I had made a start but I became so wrapped up in the story and in Martha's life, that I was still sat there reading a couple of hours and many chapters later. I liked the character of Martha so much that I had to keep reading to see if she managed to create a new life for herself and whether or not she had fun along the way. The more of the story that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'A Scandinavian Summer' and I had to say goodbye to Martha. I found 'A Scandinavian Summer' to be an unputdownable page turner of a read, which would be perfect holiday reading.
'A Scandinavian Summer' is extremely well written. Helga has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Helga clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. This was one of those books that had a bit of everything - humour, drama, romance and lots of emotional moments. I started chuckling away to myself from fairly early on and I am still chuckling away even now after having finished reading the book. I love the way in which Helga makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Scandinavian Summer' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helga's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 4, 2022
This story jumped straight into the action, with an enormous row between Martha and her husband. He stormed out of the house and that was the last time that she saw him alive. Fast forward 2 years and I got an immediate feel for Martha and her state of mind. Since losing her husband, she has focussed almost entirely on her daughter, Rosie. Her job at the local library has come under fire as cutbacks are being made, and Rosie is about to depart for a 6-month trip to Borneo to study Orangutans. Her only constant is her Scandi noir drama on TV. Determined to find herself a life, she takes leave from the library and heads to Denmark in the hope of bumping into a handsome actor from the drama.
Eventually, Martha finds herself on the tiny Island of Fano. She rents a cottage and a bicycle and immerses herself in her holiday adventure. Here, she discovers a calmness that she is unfamiliar with and an adventurous spirit that she had forgotten she possessed. Over an omelette, she meets Lars, a handsome stranger and her journey of discovery finds a new focus.
There are several twists and turns for Martha and Rosie as they each find strength in their new surroundings. Of course, the story centres around Martha and her adventures. I found myself unable to put this book down and read right through to the early hours. There wasn’t a huge cast of characters, but the ones mentioned all contributed to the story and were developed nicely. My favourite character, besides Martha and Lars, was Mrs Morris from the library; at first glance a vulnerable old lady, she helped Martha to reconcile her past and her future.
I can highly recommend this gorgeous tale of self-discovery and finding love for an empty nester. It was a joy to follow Martha’s journey and I loved escaping to Denmark.
Eventually, Martha finds herself on the tiny Island of Fano. She rents a cottage and a bicycle and immerses herself in her holiday adventure. Here, she discovers a calmness that she is unfamiliar with and an adventurous spirit that she had forgotten she possessed. Over an omelette, she meets Lars, a handsome stranger and her journey of discovery finds a new focus.
There are several twists and turns for Martha and Rosie as they each find strength in their new surroundings. Of course, the story centres around Martha and her adventures. I found myself unable to put this book down and read right through to the early hours. There wasn’t a huge cast of characters, but the ones mentioned all contributed to the story and were developed nicely. My favourite character, besides Martha and Lars, was Mrs Morris from the library; at first glance a vulnerable old lady, she helped Martha to reconcile her past and her future.
I can highly recommend this gorgeous tale of self-discovery and finding love for an empty nester. It was a joy to follow Martha’s journey and I loved escaping to Denmark.
June 2, 2023
Helga Jensen is a new author to me ( #8 of 23 for 23 ) and I will definitely be reading more of her books, because this one was just fabulous in my opinion.
I actually visited Denmark, more years ago than I care to remember, and this book has just made me want to revisit.
But I digress, when we first meet Martha, she has just had a huge fight with her husband, which resulted in him storming out of the house, and thus becoming involved in a tragic accident.
Two years later, Martha's main focus is her teenaged daughter Rosie, who in actual fact is preparing to fly the nest, with a six month trip to Borneo, Martha also has a job at the local library, but that is in the balance, and she can't help but feel that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love of Scandi-Noir dramas, Martha books a trip to Denmark, even though the mere thought of travelling alone terrifies her.
On arrival, Martha is drawn to the tiny island of Fanø, where she meets handsome stranger Lars.
It is here under the Scandinavian skies, that Martha begins to find love again, and in the process, finds herself once more.
A very uplifting read, and I am very pleased to say that I will definitely be reading more by this author, if you haven't read a book by this author yet, then you won't go far wrong with this one in my opinion, highly recommended.
I actually visited Denmark, more years ago than I care to remember, and this book has just made me want to revisit.
But I digress, when we first meet Martha, she has just had a huge fight with her husband, which resulted in him storming out of the house, and thus becoming involved in a tragic accident.
Two years later, Martha's main focus is her teenaged daughter Rosie, who in actual fact is preparing to fly the nest, with a six month trip to Borneo, Martha also has a job at the local library, but that is in the balance, and she can't help but feel that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love of Scandi-Noir dramas, Martha books a trip to Denmark, even though the mere thought of travelling alone terrifies her.
On arrival, Martha is drawn to the tiny island of Fanø, where she meets handsome stranger Lars.
It is here under the Scandinavian skies, that Martha begins to find love again, and in the process, finds herself once more.
A very uplifting read, and I am very pleased to say that I will definitely be reading more by this author, if you haven't read a book by this author yet, then you won't go far wrong with this one in my opinion, highly recommended.
September 1, 2022
A Scandinavian Summer by Helga Jensen is the perfect book to end the summer reading with. Martha, is a 49-year-old woman who is pretty much at a loss after the death of her husband. Her daughter, Rosie is off the Borneo to work with orangutans. She works at the library which she enjoys but there is something missing from her life.
She decides to go to Denmark and rents a small cottage in a quaint village for a month. On the first day there she goes to a local pub for breakfast. She orders an omelet and is told that is only for two. A gentleman, Lars, at another table says that he would share it with her. They get to know each other and find that they want to spend a lot of time together.
Martha is reluctant to start a relationship but finds that she can't resist. Her idyllic month soon is over and she goes back home. There she finds out things about her husband that really upsets her. She starts a blog for grieving people who are in the same situation.
I enjoyed the story, read fast and I was with her all the way in her situation, growing and moving on with her life and finding love again. This is the perfect story if you love a romantic comedy style of story. I highly recommend it!
I give the book 4 stars!
She decides to go to Denmark and rents a small cottage in a quaint village for a month. On the first day there she goes to a local pub for breakfast. She orders an omelet and is told that is only for two. A gentleman, Lars, at another table says that he would share it with her. They get to know each other and find that they want to spend a lot of time together.
Martha is reluctant to start a relationship but finds that she can't resist. Her idyllic month soon is over and she goes back home. There she finds out things about her husband that really upsets her. She starts a blog for grieving people who are in the same situation.
I enjoyed the story, read fast and I was with her all the way in her situation, growing and moving on with her life and finding love again. This is the perfect story if you love a romantic comedy style of story. I highly recommend it!
I give the book 4 stars!
September 5, 2022
Today, is my spot on Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour for Helga Jensen’s novel A Scandinavian Summer. I read this romantic second-chance novel as an ebook, and I’m so glad that I took part on this blog tour as I found this book a joy to read and heartwarming.
This novel tells a story of a Welsh woman who decides to start living once more after losing her husband. She is a big fan of Danish crime fiction and TV series and books a month long vacation to Denmark. Then, the wonderful story unfolds.
I absolutely loved the location of this romance novel, I am originally from Scandinavia, and reading this novel reminded me of my birth country, Finland, and of all the childhood holidays around Scandinavian countries. I also liked the character development, and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded. I loved discovering a new author for me whose writing style I like.
While this novel dealt with some serious issues such as loss, grief and bereavement, I found it overall to be filled with humour. It was a sunny and pleasant read. I gave this novel 5 stars as I really liked it.
This novel tells a story of a Welsh woman who decides to start living once more after losing her husband. She is a big fan of Danish crime fiction and TV series and books a month long vacation to Denmark. Then, the wonderful story unfolds.
I absolutely loved the location of this romance novel, I am originally from Scandinavia, and reading this novel reminded me of my birth country, Finland, and of all the childhood holidays around Scandinavian countries. I also liked the character development, and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded. I loved discovering a new author for me whose writing style I like.
While this novel dealt with some serious issues such as loss, grief and bereavement, I found it overall to be filled with humour. It was a sunny and pleasant read. I gave this novel 5 stars as I really liked it.
August 27, 2022
Helga Jensen is not a new author to me. I have the eARC of her first novel and A Scandinavian Summer had a synopsis that hooked me. Martha and her daughter Rosie have a great relationship, and their relationship is incredibly well portrayed. Helga Jensen has a wonderful eye for detail and the book is really emotional.
A Scandinavian Summer has everything: exciting moments, funny moments, achingly emotional moments and is very true to life.
A Scandinavian Summer has some very British cultural references, which I could identify with since I’m from England.
The novel is so uplifting and it is so well paced. The short chapters make the writing flow well.
I highly recommend this book. I was cheering Martha and Rosie on and the book makes me want to go to Denmark,
5 stars
Thanks to Helga Jensen, Hera Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
A Scandinavian Summer has everything: exciting moments, funny moments, achingly emotional moments and is very true to life.
A Scandinavian Summer has some very British cultural references, which I could identify with since I’m from England.
The novel is so uplifting and it is so well paced. The short chapters make the writing flow well.
I highly recommend this book. I was cheering Martha and Rosie on and the book makes me want to go to Denmark,
5 stars
Thanks to Helga Jensen, Hera Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
September 4, 2022
This is such an enjoyable read. You cannot help but laugh with its main character, Martha and will her to see through a few people and make the right choices. There are some lovely moments with the characters who she works with in her library and her reactions to travelling abroad, alone, seem so credible. Family life certainly is a complication and although for most of the book, we do not meet her daughter, Rosie, you have to smile at the messages she sends her mother and the unrealistic view she seems to take of her Mum's life.
Lars is a super character with a certain charm and it seems, lashings of patience and kindness. I enjoyed the setting and the cottage Martha rents in Denmark sounds amazing. With engaging characters, a few surprises in the plot and many moments of fun and humour, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and can see that it would be an ideal holiday read.
In short: quirky characters and much fun
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Lars is a super character with a certain charm and it seems, lashings of patience and kindness. I enjoyed the setting and the cottage Martha rents in Denmark sounds amazing. With engaging characters, a few surprises in the plot and many moments of fun and humour, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and can see that it would be an ideal holiday read.
In short: quirky characters and much fun
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
September 5, 2022
A Scandinavian Summer by Helga Jensen
It's the right time for love, but is it the right place?
After her husband, Anthony's tragic, premature death, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie in their small Welsh village.
But with Rosie leaving the nest and Martha's job on the line, it feels that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love for Scandi-noir dramas, Martha spontaneously books a trip to Denmark even though the thought of it terrifies her.
Helga Jensen has written a wonderfully captivating read. It is a delightful story of self-discovery, love and romance set on the beautiful Danish island of Fano with its beautiful long beach, heathland, pine trees, seals and migrating birds.
It was lovely to follow Martha on her journey of discovery and all the intriguing characters she met along the way.
I want to thank publishers Hera, author Helga Jensen and Rachel's Random Resources for an invite to the tour and a copy to read and review.
It's the right time for love, but is it the right place?
After her husband, Anthony's tragic, premature death, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie in their small Welsh village.
But with Rosie leaving the nest and Martha's job on the line, it feels that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love for Scandi-noir dramas, Martha spontaneously books a trip to Denmark even though the thought of it terrifies her.
Helga Jensen has written a wonderfully captivating read. It is a delightful story of self-discovery, love and romance set on the beautiful Danish island of Fano with its beautiful long beach, heathland, pine trees, seals and migrating birds.
It was lovely to follow Martha on her journey of discovery and all the intriguing characters she met along the way.
I want to thank publishers Hera, author Helga Jensen and Rachel's Random Resources for an invite to the tour and a copy to read and review.
March 25, 2023
I was introduced to Helga after attending a writing workshop with her. I instantly warmed to her and was keen to read her work. I enjoy being taken on a journey to other countries so was drawn to this story, partially set in Denmark.
I enjoyed the main characters and found them relatable, although the daughter has certainly been overindulged! I have read a few other reviews who say that they found the main character immature, but I have to disagree. I felt it was an accurate portrayal of a traumatised woman trying to get on with her life, not knowing who to trust anymore.
I have given it 5 stars as it totally ticks all the boxes for a romantic comedy without trying too hard, and giving the right balance of painful realities to feel good humour. It was easy to read in a day and I thoroughly enjoyed it and am now looking forward to the next book set in Paris.
I enjoyed the main characters and found them relatable, although the daughter has certainly been overindulged! I have read a few other reviews who say that they found the main character immature, but I have to disagree. I felt it was an accurate portrayal of a traumatised woman trying to get on with her life, not knowing who to trust anymore.
I have given it 5 stars as it totally ticks all the boxes for a romantic comedy without trying too hard, and giving the right balance of painful realities to feel good humour. It was easy to read in a day and I thoroughly enjoyed it and am now looking forward to the next book set in Paris.
August 24, 2022
Soooo many parts of this book were such a treat for me. For one, I really loved reading about Scandinavia. From the main character's love of Scandinavian TV, to socks, to everything--I was soaking it up! In fact, it makes me wish for more books like this.
BUT. I really, really, really, had the most difficult time with the main character, Martha. I really desperately wanted to like her. I wanted to connect with her. But I found her to be childish and quite annoying. Which makes me so sad! Because if not for all that, I believe that I would've loved this book!
When it comes to the author I wholeheartedly believe I will read something else of hers. Perhaps it was just this story, in particular.
BUT. I really, really, really, had the most difficult time with the main character, Martha. I really desperately wanted to like her. I wanted to connect with her. But I found her to be childish and quite annoying. Which makes me so sad! Because if not for all that, I believe that I would've loved this book!
When it comes to the author I wholeheartedly believe I will read something else of hers. Perhaps it was just this story, in particular.
December 19, 2023
I can’t quite place that book. I think it’s good it talks about grief and loss but the main character just annoyed me, sorry. She was 49 and acted like 89. In fact, the old lady in the book seemed younger than her. She didn’t know what tick tock was, wanted to eat English food and drink English sherry when abroad. She was surprised people in Denmark spoke English and she wasn’t particularly nice to the Viking guy. The latter seemed nice but a bit pushy and full on, in particular as we don’t see in detail how their relationship develops. The surprise revelation was the most interesting part although it was clear that her dead husband was not the nicest person. The scenes with Josh in the beginning made me laugh though
May 10, 2024
This is a warning that if you want to find an easy read then you have to read Helgas books!
Helga got me back into reading after years of not bothering so when I saw more of her books I had to buy them and this one did not disappoint.
I am obsessed with it! Couldn’t put it down, just one more chapter…. One more…. One more. The style of Helgas writing is so beautiful it just flows so naturally which makes such an easy read. You become part of the characters and their feelings and experiences.
It was such a heartwarming story and I devoured the story. There were some twists in the story and I was compelled to find out what happened next.
What a read! Helga is a genius that is all that is left to say!
Helga got me back into reading after years of not bothering so when I saw more of her books I had to buy them and this one did not disappoint.
I am obsessed with it! Couldn’t put it down, just one more chapter…. One more…. One more. The style of Helgas writing is so beautiful it just flows so naturally which makes such an easy read. You become part of the characters and their feelings and experiences.
It was such a heartwarming story and I devoured the story. There were some twists in the story and I was compelled to find out what happened next.
What a read! Helga is a genius that is all that is left to say!
September 26, 2025
After the tragic death of her husband, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie, in their small Welsh village. But with Rosie leaving the nest, and Martha's own job on the line, it feels that life passing by her.
I couldn't put this book down it kept my attention from the beginning. Martha is just one of these adorable characters you just want to keep as a best friend. I was rooting for Martha through the journey and cheering when she got some happiness she deserved.
Scandinavian summer was a fantastic read from the first page to the last.
Helga Jensen writes in her unique way and has a wonderful way of drawing you into the story. I would love to know what happens next with Martha and Lars.
I couldn't put this book down it kept my attention from the beginning. Martha is just one of these adorable characters you just want to keep as a best friend. I was rooting for Martha through the journey and cheering when she got some happiness she deserved.
Scandinavian summer was a fantastic read from the first page to the last.
Helga Jensen writes in her unique way and has a wonderful way of drawing you into the story. I would love to know what happens next with Martha and Lars.
September 3, 2022
I was fortunate to receive a space on the blog tour from Boldwood Books for this book.
I was drawn in by the title because I'm fascinated by the Danish way of life, especially hygge. I enjoyed looking at photos of the island.
This a very gentle book. I did find Martha very frustrating at times and wanted to shake her to act her age! I know she was repressed in her marriage and lonely, but some of the things she says and does 🙈
Mrs Morris was my favourite character and some of her lines had me cracking up!
My favourite quote (from Mrs Morris):
"You could have waited until she was in the staff room if you want to see her hard drive."
I was drawn in by the title because I'm fascinated by the Danish way of life, especially hygge. I enjoyed looking at photos of the island.
This a very gentle book. I did find Martha very frustrating at times and wanted to shake her to act her age! I know she was repressed in her marriage and lonely, but some of the things she says and does 🙈
Mrs Morris was my favourite character and some of her lines had me cracking up!
My favourite quote (from Mrs Morris):
"You could have waited until she was in the staff room if you want to see her hard drive."
July 31, 2023
Een zomerse roman die zich deels in Groot-Brittannië en deels in Denemarken afspeelt. Martha is door een ongeval haar man verloren, nu moet ze zichzelf opnieuw uitvinden zoals ze dat zelf noemt. Ze gaat vier weken naar Denemarken en komt op een eilandje te zitten waar ze het prima naar haar zin heeft met Lars die ze daar ontmoet. Maar kan ze dit al? Haar dochter Rosie is haar vaker niet dan wel tot steun en haar collega’s van de bibliotheek waar ze werkt zijn alles voor haar. Fijn boek, ben benieuwd naar andere boeken van deze auteur, dit boek kwam ik in een nieuwsbrief tegen voor een prikkie en ik viel voor de vrolijke voorkant.
October 3, 2022
I loved @natalienormann 's Summer Island and Christmas Island and this was the same - a real insight into life in Scandinavia.
I really enjoyed the characters, Marther was really funny and I laughed out loud lots of times. The things that happened to her were so funny and real, I loved hearing her internal thoughts too.
The description of the places was vivid and made me want to visit there. I can see why Marther was so keen to visit and stay. I especially liked seeing how all the relationships developed through the book.
I really enjoyed the characters, Marther was really funny and I laughed out loud lots of times. The things that happened to her were so funny and real, I loved hearing her internal thoughts too.
The description of the places was vivid and made me want to visit there. I can see why Marther was so keen to visit and stay. I especially liked seeing how all the relationships developed through the book.
June 30, 2024
Martha’s husband died in an accident. Following his death she is a bundle of nerves and unconfident. She talks to herself, suffers panic attacks and her daughter leaves her alone going off to Borneo for an orangutang experience.
Her library job keeps her going & they encourage her to have an experience of her own, so she takes a month off, rents a cottage & meets Lars.
On return home she finds out her late-husband is not who she thought he was, sells up and moves on.
A beautiful ending for a beautiful character. It’s never too late to change your life for the better.
Her library job keeps her going & they encourage her to have an experience of her own, so she takes a month off, rents a cottage & meets Lars.
On return home she finds out her late-husband is not who she thought he was, sells up and moves on.
A beautiful ending for a beautiful character. It’s never too late to change your life for the better.
January 18, 2025
This book is a work of art (im not exaggerating there it is amazing). Personally, Mrs Morris is my favourite character because she is so diva and funny. This book is a romance book where she finds love in another country after loosing her husband due to a car crash. There are so many twists in this story, and sometimes you can't help yourself from reading more of it even if you set a time forabout 1 hour you end up reading for around 2 hours and a half. This book is amazing and I will continue to recommend this to everyone I see.
November 19, 2022
Yes - read it. Great summer read - especially if you need to get further away than your chaise lounge. I liked the setting but it wasn't Scandinavian enough for me. Characters that I liked and wondered how the story would play out for all of them.
I received an ARC from NetGalley to help prepare my honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley to help prepare my honest review.
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