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Follow the Sun
For fans of Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins and Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & The Six, Follow The Sun paints a portrait of the 1960s International Jet Set Era through the eyes of an aspiring singer-songwriter, desperate to forge her own path in music and in love. Readers will delight in this sun-drenched trip through a world of fashion, film, and sixties pop culture, written with an emotional, heartbreaking voice reminiscent of Chanel Cleeton.
For socialite Caroline Kimball, travel has become an escape--a way to run from her adult responsibilities while hiding her musical ambitions from her disapproving mother. When she meets handsome magazine photographer Jack "Tex" Fairchild beside a hotel pool in Acapulco, everything changes. His encouragement shows her she could have a life beyond that of a beautiful, bored heiress, and he convinces her that maybe her childish daydreams aren't so impossible after all.
Realizing she no longer fits inside her golden cage, Caroline leaves it all behind and runs away with Tex to a small Spanish island, where she finally confronts the tragic death of her father. But when her mother's hidden secrets catch up to her, and a ghost from her past makes a surprising reappearance, Caroline will find herself torn between her whirlwind relationship with Tex, pursuing her music career, or saving her family from financial destitution.
Across the stunning beaches of Acapulco and down the powdered ski slopes of Gstaad, Follow the Sun will take readers from the turquoise waters of Formentera to the Sunset Strip, telling a captivating story about following your dreams to discover the person you were always meant to become.
For socialite Caroline Kimball, travel has become an escape--a way to run from her adult responsibilities while hiding her musical ambitions from her disapproving mother. When she meets handsome magazine photographer Jack "Tex" Fairchild beside a hotel pool in Acapulco, everything changes. His encouragement shows her she could have a life beyond that of a beautiful, bored heiress, and he convinces her that maybe her childish daydreams aren't so impossible after all.
Realizing she no longer fits inside her golden cage, Caroline leaves it all behind and runs away with Tex to a small Spanish island, where she finally confronts the tragic death of her father. But when her mother's hidden secrets catch up to her, and a ghost from her past makes a surprising reappearance, Caroline will find herself torn between her whirlwind relationship with Tex, pursuing her music career, or saving her family from financial destitution.
Across the stunning beaches of Acapulco and down the powdered ski slopes of Gstaad, Follow the Sun will take readers from the turquoise waters of Formentera to the Sunset Strip, telling a captivating story about following your dreams to discover the person you were always meant to become.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2023
16 people are currently reading
4262 people want to read
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June 9, 2023
I nearly always miss out on those "Read Now for the first 200 members" or whatever from Netgalley so when I clicked on this one I was expecting to be too late but no, I wasn't! This book was not on my radar and I wasn't familiar with the author but now I was committed. This is where FOMO gets you.
This is a story about Caroline Kimball whose father, an artist, died by his own hand and whose mother is a rich b**ch who designs clothing for the rich and famous. It's the 1960s and Caroline is a young jetsetter who doesn't need to work and who spends her time in exotic locales. She plays the ukelele and writes some of her own songs but has mostly kept this on the down-low to avoid belittling remarks from her mother.
No matter what the blurb says, this is more like a Harlequin romance than Daisy Jones. Still, it was well-written and an easy read although a bit superficial. Caroline meets and falls in love with a photographer who helps her to mature and realize her potential. Now, him I liked except for all the "g"s he dropped from his words ending in "ing"! There's much name-dropping of well-known celebrities due to the circles Caroline and her friends and family travel in and I found that kind of cute. There isn't much music or song writing involved though. Many readers will and do love this book but I definitely wasn't the appropriate audience. I have to admit that the Author's Note was interesting and her Acknowledgements section was worthy of 5 stars!
My thanks to Random House Canada via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this debut novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published: June 6, 2023
This is a story about Caroline Kimball whose father, an artist, died by his own hand and whose mother is a rich b**ch who designs clothing for the rich and famous. It's the 1960s and Caroline is a young jetsetter who doesn't need to work and who spends her time in exotic locales. She plays the ukelele and writes some of her own songs but has mostly kept this on the down-low to avoid belittling remarks from her mother.
No matter what the blurb says, this is more like a Harlequin romance than Daisy Jones. Still, it was well-written and an easy read although a bit superficial. Caroline meets and falls in love with a photographer who helps her to mature and realize her potential. Now, him I liked except for all the "g"s he dropped from his words ending in "ing"! There's much name-dropping of well-known celebrities due to the circles Caroline and her friends and family travel in and I found that kind of cute. There isn't much music or song writing involved though. Many readers will and do love this book but I definitely wasn't the appropriate audience. I have to admit that the Author's Note was interesting and her Acknowledgements section was worthy of 5 stars!
My thanks to Random House Canada via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this debut novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published: June 6, 2023
September 7, 2023
Set in the 1960s, Follow the Sun is a story about Caroline Kimball, an aspiring musician and jet-setting socialite, in her 20s, who is trying to find her place in the world. Caroline’s father, a famous artist, has passed away, and her mother is a fashion designer.
While vacationing in Acapulco, Caroline meets Jack Fairchild, a photographer who she nicknames Tex. As Caroline continues on her travels, she finds herself thinking of Tex and the comments he made there often. The two keep in touch by mail, meet up again in Switzerland, and eventually travel together to Formentera, where Caroline learns some painful family secrets. She must consider her current lifestyle, her expected future, and her dreams as she decides the best path forward for her life.
Even with her losses, family secrets and societal expectations, Caroline was definitely a privileged woman. For the most part, I enjoyed her character and I definitely liked Tex, who offered a fresh perspective for Caroline and as the reader. Follow the Sun is both historical fiction and romance. I liked the jet-setting aspect and new destinations throughout the story, along with the theme of finding yourself.
While vacationing in Acapulco, Caroline meets Jack Fairchild, a photographer who she nicknames Tex. As Caroline continues on her travels, she finds herself thinking of Tex and the comments he made there often. The two keep in touch by mail, meet up again in Switzerland, and eventually travel together to Formentera, where Caroline learns some painful family secrets. She must consider her current lifestyle, her expected future, and her dreams as she decides the best path forward for her life.
Even with her losses, family secrets and societal expectations, Caroline was definitely a privileged woman. For the most part, I enjoyed her character and I definitely liked Tex, who offered a fresh perspective for Caroline and as the reader. Follow the Sun is both historical fiction and romance. I liked the jet-setting aspect and new destinations throughout the story, along with the theme of finding yourself.
June 2, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 6, 2023
Liz Locke’s debut novel, “Follow the Sun” has been dubbed in some reviews as similar to “Daisy Jones & The Six”. Newsflash- it isn’t. So, if you read this novel thinking you’re going to get Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes, you will be disappointed. In general, though, it is an entertaining summer read full of romance and globetrotting fun.
Caroline Kimball is a socialite and aspiring musician, living in the 1960s, who travels the world with her group of elite friends, beaching and partying. After the suicide of her beloved artist father, Caroline and her mother, a renowned fashion designer, were never able to see eye-to-eye, so Caroline does what she can to live a fast-moving, fun-seeking life. On a sunny beach in Acapulco, she meets photographer Jack “Tex” Fairchild and she is instantly smitten. However, Jack does not travel within Caroline’s social circle, and choosing Jack will mean giving up on everything and everyone she has ever known. Is love enough for Caroline to finally settle down?
Caroline is a naïve, young, aspiring musician who has everything handed to her. The heartbreaking death of her father is the only struggle she has ever faced, growing up in the lap of luxury with her group of celebrity friends. She is completely unrelatable and pretty much embodies everything I despise- entitled and spoiled, having never worked a day in her life. Without the sympathy I had for the horrible loss of her father, I would not have liked Caroline at all. Tex however, has all the Texan cowboy charm that one person could possibly want (and then some!). Although the two were complete opposites, they seemed to complement each other well, and the wrong-side-of-the-tracks trope managed to fit well with these two.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Caroline, directly but also through small snippets of letters she sends to her deceased father. This helps to endear Caroline to readers and it absolutely works (she needs all the help she can get). In spite of it all, I rooted for Caroline and Tex and the ending provided that emotionally charged, saccharine “awwww” moment that readers look for in a summer romance.
Sandy beaches, exotic locales, 1960s charm and celebrity, and a good-looking cowboy from the American south? Liz Locke checks all the boxes for “perfect summer read”.
Expected publication date: June 6, 2023
Liz Locke’s debut novel, “Follow the Sun” has been dubbed in some reviews as similar to “Daisy Jones & The Six”. Newsflash- it isn’t. So, if you read this novel thinking you’re going to get Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes, you will be disappointed. In general, though, it is an entertaining summer read full of romance and globetrotting fun.
Caroline Kimball is a socialite and aspiring musician, living in the 1960s, who travels the world with her group of elite friends, beaching and partying. After the suicide of her beloved artist father, Caroline and her mother, a renowned fashion designer, were never able to see eye-to-eye, so Caroline does what she can to live a fast-moving, fun-seeking life. On a sunny beach in Acapulco, she meets photographer Jack “Tex” Fairchild and she is instantly smitten. However, Jack does not travel within Caroline’s social circle, and choosing Jack will mean giving up on everything and everyone she has ever known. Is love enough for Caroline to finally settle down?
Caroline is a naïve, young, aspiring musician who has everything handed to her. The heartbreaking death of her father is the only struggle she has ever faced, growing up in the lap of luxury with her group of celebrity friends. She is completely unrelatable and pretty much embodies everything I despise- entitled and spoiled, having never worked a day in her life. Without the sympathy I had for the horrible loss of her father, I would not have liked Caroline at all. Tex however, has all the Texan cowboy charm that one person could possibly want (and then some!). Although the two were complete opposites, they seemed to complement each other well, and the wrong-side-of-the-tracks trope managed to fit well with these two.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Caroline, directly but also through small snippets of letters she sends to her deceased father. This helps to endear Caroline to readers and it absolutely works (she needs all the help she can get). In spite of it all, I rooted for Caroline and Tex and the ending provided that emotionally charged, saccharine “awwww” moment that readers look for in a summer romance.
Sandy beaches, exotic locales, 1960s charm and celebrity, and a good-looking cowboy from the American south? Liz Locke checks all the boxes for “perfect summer read”.
August 4, 2023
"Send me a postcard. From Paris or wherever you jet off to. I'd like to know there's a girl like you out there in the world, makin' it all the more beautiful when she sings."
Sigh.
What. A. Book.
If you have ever fantasized about jumping into a Slim Aaron's photograph of the 1960s jet set, or dreamed of traveling to exotic locales where all you have to worry about is suntan lotion and poolside cocktails, this is the escapist historical romance for you.
Liz Locke captures this world in extraordinary, sparkling detail and richness. I love that she features real life locations in her wonderful book. It grounds the story in reality even though the world is one of fantasy to most people. She must have done extensive research because as I was reading I started googling locations and she nailed them! Because of this book there is a new place on my travel bucket list: the Hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco, Mexico.
In this story, Caroline, a member of the jet set due to her late artist father and fashion designer mother, hobnobs with her rich friends and acquaintances, traveling from resort to resort, sometimes seeing her long distance boyfriend, but secretly she writes and plays songs on her ukelele and longs for more. By chance, she meets photographer Jack Fairchild who she nicknames "Tex." She is drawn to him in ways that surprise her. Their romance is electric, endearing, and tender. But can Caroline leave behind the jet set life to be with Tex, while also pursuing her own music career dreams?
With a cast of side characters as well drawn as our two leads, scrumptious period details of places like Acapulco, Gstaad, Formentera, Palm Beach, and Laurel Canyon, and real life names from pop culture history sprinkled throughout, this book is a fun, romantic, inspiring 1960s romp.
I highly, highly recommend you pick it up when it releases in June as the perfect summer beach read.
Thanks to NetGalley and author Liz Locke for the advanced reader's copy.
***I re-visited this book when the audiobook was released. The narrator, Victoria Carr, not only reads the book, doing excellent voice work with the many different accents of the jet set, but she made musical arrangements and sings the fictional songs of our main character, Caroline. This is when audiobooks are truly magic.***
Sigh.
What. A. Book.
If you have ever fantasized about jumping into a Slim Aaron's photograph of the 1960s jet set, or dreamed of traveling to exotic locales where all you have to worry about is suntan lotion and poolside cocktails, this is the escapist historical romance for you.
Liz Locke captures this world in extraordinary, sparkling detail and richness. I love that she features real life locations in her wonderful book. It grounds the story in reality even though the world is one of fantasy to most people. She must have done extensive research because as I was reading I started googling locations and she nailed them! Because of this book there is a new place on my travel bucket list: the Hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco, Mexico.
In this story, Caroline, a member of the jet set due to her late artist father and fashion designer mother, hobnobs with her rich friends and acquaintances, traveling from resort to resort, sometimes seeing her long distance boyfriend, but secretly she writes and plays songs on her ukelele and longs for more. By chance, she meets photographer Jack Fairchild who she nicknames "Tex." She is drawn to him in ways that surprise her. Their romance is electric, endearing, and tender. But can Caroline leave behind the jet set life to be with Tex, while also pursuing her own music career dreams?
With a cast of side characters as well drawn as our two leads, scrumptious period details of places like Acapulco, Gstaad, Formentera, Palm Beach, and Laurel Canyon, and real life names from pop culture history sprinkled throughout, this book is a fun, romantic, inspiring 1960s romp.
I highly, highly recommend you pick it up when it releases in June as the perfect summer beach read.
Thanks to NetGalley and author Liz Locke for the advanced reader's copy.
***I re-visited this book when the audiobook was released. The narrator, Victoria Carr, not only reads the book, doing excellent voice work with the many different accents of the jet set, but she made musical arrangements and sings the fictional songs of our main character, Caroline. This is when audiobooks are truly magic.***
January 5, 2024
It's the swinging 60's and Caroline Kimball, a young socialite, is jet-setting around the world with her fabulous, wealthy A-list friends. Her mother is a fashion designer, and her late father was a famous artist. While in Acapulco, Caroline meets photographer Jack Fairchild. The two have an immediate connection. Tex (her nickname for him) sees more in Caroline than a pampered rich girl. After she shares a sampling of her music, Tex encourages her to pursue her dream of a career in music. They reconnect in Gstaad and then escape to a small island in Spain for some romance and soul searching. Caroline, still reeling from the death of her father, learns some shocking secrets about her family and works to figure out what path is right for her.
I was initially attracted to author Liz Locke's book Follow the Sun because of the period it takes place in. The 1960s was such an important and interesting time that I am glad to see a whole new crop of historical fiction set during this period. This book does a good job in establishing the vibe of the 60s, which includes the mention of some celebrities and cultural icons. I enjoyed the book although it volleyed between being a light romance and a book that strived to be a heavier commentary on the times. Nevertheless, it was a good summer read which I didn't pick up until December.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
I was initially attracted to author Liz Locke's book Follow the Sun because of the period it takes place in. The 1960s was such an important and interesting time that I am glad to see a whole new crop of historical fiction set during this period. This book does a good job in establishing the vibe of the 60s, which includes the mention of some celebrities and cultural icons. I enjoyed the book although it volleyed between being a light romance and a book that strived to be a heavier commentary on the times. Nevertheless, it was a good summer read which I didn't pick up until December.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
July 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it! The Daisy Jones & the Six comparisons in the synopsis drew me in, but sadly this book had very little about the 60s rock n roll scene (which was the main reason I picked it up). The story is mainly focused on the romance between Caroline Kimball, a young socialite known for travelling the world with her equally rich friends, and Jack ‘Tex’ Fairchild, an aspiring photographer aiming to make it big.
This book had a little bit of everything going on in the era without really committing to delving deep into any one thing. I felt like it was trying to be too many things at once, and because of that, I couldn’t fully connect with it.
Overall, I’m giving this book a 3 star because it kept my attention, but it wasn’t anything groundbreaking.
Thank you to Random House Canada and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a little bit of everything going on in the era without really committing to delving deep into any one thing. I felt like it was trying to be too many things at once, and because of that, I couldn’t fully connect with it.
Overall, I’m giving this book a 3 star because it kept my attention, but it wasn’t anything groundbreaking.
Thank you to Random House Canada and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2023
Really enjoyed!
It didn’t quite get me to “loved” because the music storyline felt a bit out of place. Needed to be eliminated completely or taken up notch. Loved the love story though!
It didn’t quite get me to “loved” because the music storyline felt a bit out of place. Needed to be eliminated completely or taken up notch. Loved the love story though!
July 27, 2023
My rating: 4.5/5
This was such an enjoyable summer read. The author shares how she was inspired by the photography of Slim Aarons when writing this book. If you have seen his work, you know it is dripping with opulence, fashion, money, and charm.
This book takes the reader on a virtual tour to various parts of the world (Acapulco, Gstaad, Formentera, etc.) while following 22 year old socialite, Caroline Kimball, as she attempts to navigate life and love. The writing style has a Taylor Jenkins Reid vibe to it which I really enjoyed.
This book is pure escapism and sure to please a reader looking to lose themselves to the allure of the late 60's (the parties and music), while also subtly acknowledging the Vietnam war, gay rights, and the second-wave rise of feminism.
This was such an enjoyable summer read. The author shares how she was inspired by the photography of Slim Aarons when writing this book. If you have seen his work, you know it is dripping with opulence, fashion, money, and charm.
This book takes the reader on a virtual tour to various parts of the world (Acapulco, Gstaad, Formentera, etc.) while following 22 year old socialite, Caroline Kimball, as she attempts to navigate life and love. The writing style has a Taylor Jenkins Reid vibe to it which I really enjoyed.
This book is pure escapism and sure to please a reader looking to lose themselves to the allure of the late 60's (the parties and music), while also subtly acknowledging the Vietnam war, gay rights, and the second-wave rise of feminism.
March 11, 2023
Caroline Kimball is a jetsetter in the late 60's. She lives off her trust fund and lives the life of luxury as she travels the world via friends and acquaintances of her famous fashion designer mother and deceased artist father. When she meets Life Magazine photographer Jack, she begins to question her life, her beliefs and even question if her destiny is to be married off to another prominent family.
Does Caroline have the courage to buck the system? Travel the world with her and experience a historically based yet thrilling novel If you like strong heroines, stories of wealth and glamour or just love a good romance, Follow the Sun is for you! #Penguin #RandomHouseCanada #FollowtheSun #LizLocke
Does Caroline have the courage to buck the system? Travel the world with her and experience a historically based yet thrilling novel If you like strong heroines, stories of wealth and glamour or just love a good romance, Follow the Sun is for you! #Penguin #RandomHouseCanada #FollowtheSun #LizLocke
June 4, 2023
Gorgeous Jet Setting Debut!
Caroline is part of a wealthy group of socialites partying their way across the world but each day she grows more restless with her current life and her future of would be trophy wife to one of her childhood best friends. But when she meets Tex, a photographer who sees the real her and the her she could become, she decides it’s time for a change.
I loved watching Caroline mature and discover her truths, and those of her family and friends, as well as her love for Tex as she takes on a journey from the beaches of Acapulco to the ski slopes of Switzerland to a remote Spanish island and finally to the glitzy streets of Florida and L.A. The scenery is beautifully described making you feel like your watching a 1960s film set in these locales. And we all deserve a Daphne and a Billy in our corner!!!
While this story could be considered “women’s fiction” with its themes of self discovery and learning to trust yourself at its heart it is very much a romance. Like all good romances both Caroline and Tex have to figure out who they want to be and how that fits with the idea and a reality of them as a couple.
I can’t wait to read where and when Liz Locke takes us next!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Caroline is part of a wealthy group of socialites partying their way across the world but each day she grows more restless with her current life and her future of would be trophy wife to one of her childhood best friends. But when she meets Tex, a photographer who sees the real her and the her she could become, she decides it’s time for a change.
I loved watching Caroline mature and discover her truths, and those of her family and friends, as well as her love for Tex as she takes on a journey from the beaches of Acapulco to the ski slopes of Switzerland to a remote Spanish island and finally to the glitzy streets of Florida and L.A. The scenery is beautifully described making you feel like your watching a 1960s film set in these locales. And we all deserve a Daphne and a Billy in our corner!!!
While this story could be considered “women’s fiction” with its themes of self discovery and learning to trust yourself at its heart it is very much a romance. Like all good romances both Caroline and Tex have to figure out who they want to be and how that fits with the idea and a reality of them as a couple.
I can’t wait to read where and when Liz Locke takes us next!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
December 8, 2023
5⭐️'s. This book was one of the most beautiful and captivating things I've ever read. I loved every page so much. For me, this book was a cross between Daisy Jones and the Six, Malibu Rising and Pineapple Street. The story follows the life of jet setter, trust fund 22-year old Caroline in the late 60's and the difficult decisions she has to make about following her heart or the life she's comfortable with. Even though many of the characters were mega-rich, they were not shallow and the way problems were presented created a real landscape for people in this time period.
Caroline and Tex have my heart forever and ever. Thank you Liz Locke for writing the most beautiful and raw love story, and thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced reader copy. I can't wait to make everyone I know go get a copy on June 6th.
Caroline and Tex have my heart forever and ever. Thank you Liz Locke for writing the most beautiful and raw love story, and thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced reader copy. I can't wait to make everyone I know go get a copy on June 6th.
May 29, 2023
This was the perfect summer read, and I think of marketed well it will be a big hit this season.
Jet setting, nepo babies, romance, and finding one’s self and following dreams is all here and if that doesn’t scream perfect escape read I don’t know what does.
This gave early TJR days and I look forward to whatever Locke writes next.
I’ll be singing this one’s praises on my bookstagram @thebookybird on release day.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the early review copy, all opinions are my own.
Jet setting, nepo babies, romance, and finding one’s self and following dreams is all here and if that doesn’t scream perfect escape read I don’t know what does.
This gave early TJR days and I look forward to whatever Locke writes next.
I’ll be singing this one’s praises on my bookstagram @thebookybird on release day.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the early review copy, all opinions are my own.
June 4, 2023
WOW! This book grabbed my attention from the cover- and held me captive until the very last page!
It's the 1960s Jet Set era: Caroline Kimball- daughter of a famous artist and a fashion designer- uses travel as an escape from the pressures she feels from her Mother and the pain of losing her father. When she holds the gaze of photographer Jack "Tex" Fairchild beside a hotel pool in Acapulco, her world is forever changed. Jack takes the time to see the woman underneath the makeup and fancy clothes- and encourages Caroline to pursue her passion for music rather than settle for the life of a wife.
Enamored with the idea of a different path in life, Caroline runs away to her father's favourite Spanish island with Tex and pursues her passions away from the disapproving glare of her mother. However, while on the island, a family secret is revealed that pulls Caroline back into the life she wants to leave behind and forces her to choose between what is, and what could be.
Follow the Sun is a beautiful journey through an age-old story of finding yourself at a crossroad in life and needing to choose the best path forward for yourself. Tex is the leading-love interest we all need in our lives- the person who sees you for who you truly are and encourages you to 'seize the day' despite all that may stand in your way,
I could not put this one down- I wanted to see the locations Caroline visited, find out where she would go next and who she would go with, and I adored her neighbor on the small Spanish island. Liz Locke gave me major Taylor Jenkins Read vibes- if you're a fan of a gripping love story that is also about loving yourself and fighting for the life you deserve, pick up Follow the Sun!
It's the 1960s Jet Set era: Caroline Kimball- daughter of a famous artist and a fashion designer- uses travel as an escape from the pressures she feels from her Mother and the pain of losing her father. When she holds the gaze of photographer Jack "Tex" Fairchild beside a hotel pool in Acapulco, her world is forever changed. Jack takes the time to see the woman underneath the makeup and fancy clothes- and encourages Caroline to pursue her passion for music rather than settle for the life of a wife.
Enamored with the idea of a different path in life, Caroline runs away to her father's favourite Spanish island with Tex and pursues her passions away from the disapproving glare of her mother. However, while on the island, a family secret is revealed that pulls Caroline back into the life she wants to leave behind and forces her to choose between what is, and what could be.
Follow the Sun is a beautiful journey through an age-old story of finding yourself at a crossroad in life and needing to choose the best path forward for yourself. Tex is the leading-love interest we all need in our lives- the person who sees you for who you truly are and encourages you to 'seize the day' despite all that may stand in your way,
I could not put this one down- I wanted to see the locations Caroline visited, find out where she would go next and who she would go with, and I adored her neighbor on the small Spanish island. Liz Locke gave me major Taylor Jenkins Read vibes- if you're a fan of a gripping love story that is also about loving yourself and fighting for the life you deserve, pick up Follow the Sun!
June 6, 2023
HAPPY PUB-DAY TO LIZ FOR THIS AMAZING NOVEL!
Location: Acapulco, Mexico 🇲🇽 , Gstaad, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Palm Beach, FL, Los Angeles, CA, & Honolulu, HI, USA 🇺🇸
Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a dream of the 1960s jet set! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the writing style. Liz perfectly transported how I would imagine the jet set life to have been at the time as well as how people living that lifestyle would speak and act. All in all this book gets my warmest recommendations to anyone looking for a 20th century historical fiction that celebrates the 60s. It was an absolute 5 ⭐️ read for me.
Characters:
- Caroline (Al): touched my heart with her journey from jet set life wherever the sun and her friends took her to finding her passions in music and love for her life.
- Jack (Tex): is a kind and humble character that I liked very much. He is so caring and respectful with any women in this book but especially Caroline.
What I liked: I loved the different parts of the story taking place in Acapulco, Gstaad, Formentera, Palm Beach, L.A. and Honolulu. Travelling with a story is amazing and this book travels to so many iconic destinations of the 60s.
What I disliked: nothing.
Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for this eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Location: Acapulco, Mexico 🇲🇽 , Gstaad, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Palm Beach, FL, Los Angeles, CA, & Honolulu, HI, USA 🇺🇸
Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a dream of the 1960s jet set! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the writing style. Liz perfectly transported how I would imagine the jet set life to have been at the time as well as how people living that lifestyle would speak and act. All in all this book gets my warmest recommendations to anyone looking for a 20th century historical fiction that celebrates the 60s. It was an absolute 5 ⭐️ read for me.
Characters:
- Caroline (Al): touched my heart with her journey from jet set life wherever the sun and her friends took her to finding her passions in music and love for her life.
- Jack (Tex): is a kind and humble character that I liked very much. He is so caring and respectful with any women in this book but especially Caroline.
What I liked: I loved the different parts of the story taking place in Acapulco, Gstaad, Formentera, Palm Beach, L.A. and Honolulu. Travelling with a story is amazing and this book travels to so many iconic destinations of the 60s.
What I disliked: nothing.
Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for this eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2023
All the stars for Follow the Sun! 🤩
This will be the beach read of 2023! 😎
Follow the Sun is set in the 1960s International Jet Set Era. I was immediately swept away into a world of exotic locations and luxurious parties. Follow the Sun is rich with fashion, film and music from some of the iconic legends we know today including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, The Byrds and The Rolling Stone Magazine. This will make my top 10 books of 2023 for sure! 🥰
“Beautiful things aren’t meant to be caged.”
Caroline comes from a long line of wealth. She is an aspiring singer / song writer but her overbearing mother does not approve and is stifling her dream of becoming a musical artist. Caroline feels caged by the elite societal norms that are thrust upon her in her lavish life. Her mother has plans for her to marry Henry, a long time family friend and social elite. Enter Jack, a photographer who is working one of their lavish events. Their connection is instant. He sees her, all of her. Caroline must choose between family and love, dreams and expectations. Follow the Sun “is about following your dreams to discover the person you were always meant to become.”
Preorder this book now and thank me later. 😉 Follow the Sun releases on June 6th, 2023.
Thank you to @penguinrandomca for sending me an ARC and #netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻🥰
Well done Liz Locke @cinemasips 👏🏻😁
#penguinreads #penguinreaders #penguinrandomhouse #followthesun #lizlocke #summerreading #beachread #bookadoration #bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #canadianbookstagrammers #1960s #internationaljetsetterlifestyle
This will be the beach read of 2023! 😎
Follow the Sun is set in the 1960s International Jet Set Era. I was immediately swept away into a world of exotic locations and luxurious parties. Follow the Sun is rich with fashion, film and music from some of the iconic legends we know today including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, The Byrds and The Rolling Stone Magazine. This will make my top 10 books of 2023 for sure! 🥰
“Beautiful things aren’t meant to be caged.”
Caroline comes from a long line of wealth. She is an aspiring singer / song writer but her overbearing mother does not approve and is stifling her dream of becoming a musical artist. Caroline feels caged by the elite societal norms that are thrust upon her in her lavish life. Her mother has plans for her to marry Henry, a long time family friend and social elite. Enter Jack, a photographer who is working one of their lavish events. Their connection is instant. He sees her, all of her. Caroline must choose between family and love, dreams and expectations. Follow the Sun “is about following your dreams to discover the person you were always meant to become.”
Preorder this book now and thank me later. 😉 Follow the Sun releases on June 6th, 2023.
Thank you to @penguinrandomca for sending me an ARC and #netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻🥰
Well done Liz Locke @cinemasips 👏🏻😁
#penguinreads #penguinreaders #penguinrandomhouse #followthesun #lizlocke #summerreading #beachread #bookadoration #bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #canadianbookstagrammers #1960s #internationaljetsetterlifestyle
May 20, 2023
Follow the Sun is the perfect summer novel! It absolutely gave me Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes - I was expecting Mick Riva to pop up! I really enjoyed the story and characters. Caroline is a socialite and aspiring musician when she meets a Texas photographer named Jack "Tex" Fairchild. Caroline and Tex have an immediate connection which Caroline wants to explore, but she's got to sort out her life before everything can make sense.
This is a light read that gives you all the travel FOMO! The story takes place in several places around the world and will make you want to jump on a plane immediately! I liked Caroline and her interesting family history. Her friends make great secondary characters too. You will want to be poolside while you're reading this and this would make a great book to read with your girlfriends!
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this advanced copy of Follow The Sun out June 6, 2023.
This is a light read that gives you all the travel FOMO! The story takes place in several places around the world and will make you want to jump on a plane immediately! I liked Caroline and her interesting family history. Her friends make great secondary characters too. You will want to be poolside while you're reading this and this would make a great book to read with your girlfriends!
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this advanced copy of Follow The Sun out June 6, 2023.
July 31, 2023
I was so absorbed by this coming of age story featuring a wealthy socialite and aspiring singer/songwriter set in the 60s as she flits from one glamorous city to the next until she becomes captivated by a freelance photographer.
Both a moving opposites attract love story and a great look at what life was like for a certain class of people in the 60s. Highly recommended for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six and great on audio narrated by Victoria Carr!
Many thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for my complimentary ALC copy in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to read whatever Liz Locke writes next!!
Both a moving opposites attract love story and a great look at what life was like for a certain class of people in the 60s. Highly recommended for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six and great on audio narrated by Victoria Carr!
Many thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for my complimentary ALC copy in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to read whatever Liz Locke writes next!!
June 9, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Follow The Sun by Liz Locke published by Penguin Random House Canada
I devoured this book, just loved it. Such a wonderful story, wonderful characters, and a happy ending. The authors description of the characters, clothes and settings was awesome, you could see the people and feel the surroundings.
Caroline is the main character and comes from a high society, well to do family. Her life is spent travelling, enjoying cocktails and dinner parties mostly with her best friend. And then she meets Jack. He does not hold the same social status, but vows to make it work between them. However she is "expected" to marry Henry.
This was an amazing first novel by this author, I would gladly read more books by Liz Locke in a heartbeat.
I devoured this book, just loved it. Such a wonderful story, wonderful characters, and a happy ending. The authors description of the characters, clothes and settings was awesome, you could see the people and feel the surroundings.
Caroline is the main character and comes from a high society, well to do family. Her life is spent travelling, enjoying cocktails and dinner parties mostly with her best friend. And then she meets Jack. He does not hold the same social status, but vows to make it work between them. However she is "expected" to marry Henry.
This was an amazing first novel by this author, I would gladly read more books by Liz Locke in a heartbeat.
June 3, 2023
The book follows Caroline, who is a wealthy woman in her early twenties during the sixties. She is part of the jet setting era, where the wealthy would jet set from the hottest location to party, sun bathe and be seen. However, Caroline is unfulfilled and in walks Tex - a rugged and real photographer who has her questioning what kind of life she wants.
Liz created an alluring setting that transported me to the glamorous sixties. From the references to fashion, food, art and pop culture she mastered the little details to transport the reader to this time period! I love all things vintage and find this era nostalgic and beautiful. This book had me feeling like I was born in the wrong time period!
The main characters were both likeable and well-rounded. I really loved the side characters introduced along the way. There was a great mix of family dynamics, friendship and romance in the storyline.
If you're a fan of Malibu Rising I would definitely check this book out. It is the perfect book for the beach!
Liz created an alluring setting that transported me to the glamorous sixties. From the references to fashion, food, art and pop culture she mastered the little details to transport the reader to this time period! I love all things vintage and find this era nostalgic and beautiful. This book had me feeling like I was born in the wrong time period!
The main characters were both likeable and well-rounded. I really loved the side characters introduced along the way. There was a great mix of family dynamics, friendship and romance in the storyline.
If you're a fan of Malibu Rising I would definitely check this book out. It is the perfect book for the beach!
May 20, 2023
Perfect beach read. Perfect summer vibes.
Be swept away in this 1960’s jet set era, luxurious, sensual and inspiring story of socialite Caroline Kimball.
Feeling trapped in the world of riches, dodging her quasi-boyfriend, unable to please her disapproving mother - bored Caroline copes by traveling the world, playing the part that life is great in designer dresses, cocktail parties and meaningless conversations.
On an job assignment in Acapulco, handsome magazine photographer Jack ‘Tex’ Fairchild sees the real Caroline through his lens. Click. He captures her true beauty. She intrigues him.
One evening, Caroline and Tex connect in the pool, revealing her dreams of sharing singer-songwriter musical talents with the world. Tex believes there is more to life than aimlessly traveling around the world in style, encouraging Caroline to follow her passions. Emboldened by his carefree spirit and their undeniable attraction, the two runaway together to Formentera, a small Spanish Island.
Eventually Caroline must confront her family’s past and present demons, ultimately deciding if she should follow her heart and dreams.
Follow the Sun gave me vibes of the classic quaint Europe village romantic getaway with smouldering chemistry. You never want it to end. Following Caroline’s character arc and budding relationship, I had hoped for a little bit more in the final scene. Overall captivating story with closure. Go forth and discover what is out there for you.
~I also appreciated the historical nod to a real person in the Author’s Note describing the inspiration behind the photographer, the jet set era, which was embodied by the character Tex. Really captured the glamour of that alternate reality.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC of this via Netgalley.
Be swept away in this 1960’s jet set era, luxurious, sensual and inspiring story of socialite Caroline Kimball.
Feeling trapped in the world of riches, dodging her quasi-boyfriend, unable to please her disapproving mother - bored Caroline copes by traveling the world, playing the part that life is great in designer dresses, cocktail parties and meaningless conversations.
On an job assignment in Acapulco, handsome magazine photographer Jack ‘Tex’ Fairchild sees the real Caroline through his lens. Click. He captures her true beauty. She intrigues him.
One evening, Caroline and Tex connect in the pool, revealing her dreams of sharing singer-songwriter musical talents with the world. Tex believes there is more to life than aimlessly traveling around the world in style, encouraging Caroline to follow her passions. Emboldened by his carefree spirit and their undeniable attraction, the two runaway together to Formentera, a small Spanish Island.
Eventually Caroline must confront her family’s past and present demons, ultimately deciding if she should follow her heart and dreams.
Follow the Sun gave me vibes of the classic quaint Europe village romantic getaway with smouldering chemistry. You never want it to end. Following Caroline’s character arc and budding relationship, I had hoped for a little bit more in the final scene. Overall captivating story with closure. Go forth and discover what is out there for you.
~I also appreciated the historical nod to a real person in the Author’s Note describing the inspiration behind the photographer, the jet set era, which was embodied by the character Tex. Really captured the glamour of that alternate reality.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC of this via Netgalley.
June 5, 2023
I could see this being a really easy beach read for someone who wanted a romance story as light and sweet as cotton candy. Following the 1960s jet set from one wealthy foreign enclave to the next, it feels like flipping through the pages of Vogue.
I think the blurb comparing this book to Daisy Jones and the Six did it a big disservice. If we want a TJR comparison, maybe Malibu Rising? A lot of time spent in glitz and glam, with celebrities, exotic locations, "the beautiful people", name-dropping fashion, and skimpy swimsuits galore, with a protagonist who is apparently mind-bogglingly attractive but a bit unlucky in love.
Here's the difference: Malibu Rising (and Daisy Jones and the Six for that matter) make a sensible narrative choice, and really the only one that can be made when the you are -- for some reason -- obligated to discuss at length the hotness of your protagonist. Use. The. Third. Person. Let us hear from other people how special this girl is. Because hearing it from Caroline/Carolina for 200 pages of false modesty made her hard to like. Also aggravating, the decision to have all of "Tex's" dialogue written with an apostrophe in lieu of the g at the end -- he's forever darlin' and thinkin' knowin' and wantin' to the point that it became cloying.
So, suffice it to say this wasn't for me, but could be for someone else 🤷♀️
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC
I think the blurb comparing this book to Daisy Jones and the Six did it a big disservice. If we want a TJR comparison, maybe Malibu Rising? A lot of time spent in glitz and glam, with celebrities, exotic locations, "the beautiful people", name-dropping fashion, and skimpy swimsuits galore, with a protagonist who is apparently mind-bogglingly attractive but a bit unlucky in love.
Here's the difference: Malibu Rising (and Daisy Jones and the Six for that matter) make a sensible narrative choice, and really the only one that can be made when the you are -- for some reason -- obligated to discuss at length the hotness of your protagonist. Use. The. Third. Person. Let us hear from other people how special this girl is. Because hearing it from Caroline/Carolina for 200 pages of false modesty made her hard to like. Also aggravating, the decision to have all of "Tex's" dialogue written with an apostrophe in lieu of the g at the end -- he's forever darlin' and thinkin' knowin' and wantin' to the point that it became cloying.
So, suffice it to say this wasn't for me, but could be for someone else 🤷♀️
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC
May 26, 2023
Follow the Sun was the best beach read. It was so fun to travel all over the world with Caroline in the 1960’s; she had all the glitz and glam of a high society lifestyle. But this is not to dissuade the reader into thinking there is no substance to the storyline. It covers some heavier topics and was a perfect amount of fun and depth. Highly recommend if you love:
-all things glam
-fresh take on historical fiction
-beach read but still has meaning
-looking for a strong debut novel
-have a love for strong female characters
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for providing me with an ARC copy of this novel.
-all things glam
-fresh take on historical fiction
-beach read but still has meaning
-looking for a strong debut novel
-have a love for strong female characters
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for providing me with an ARC copy of this novel.
April 10, 2023
If you loved DAISY JONES AND THE SIX, Liz Locke's debut is for YOU! It gave me vibes of that show PAN-AM, and I mean that in the best possible way. The world Locke creates is vivid and the characters are infinitely lovable. I couldn't put it down!
August 5, 2023
I absolutely loved every minute of this - i started reading last night and today I couldn’t put it down. I love the world in this and the main character, Caroline. makes me want to go out and do some world traveling, like right now.
March 8, 2023
It’s only March but I feel confident in saying this will be my favorite book of the year. Absolutely radiant
June 4, 2023
wow! 4.25 stars from me! I was really intrigued by the synopsis of this story, as I have such an interest to the 60s music and socialite world. Very much has the vibes of daisy jones and the six and malibu rising! I would say it's a bit on the slower side, focusing a lot of imagery and vibes, but I actually enjoy things like that from time to time. This is half love story between Caroline and "Tex" who come from two different worlds. But the other half is also Caroline trying to find herself and woman in the music industry in the 60s. There's a lot of discussion on feminism during this time as woman we're merely wives and mothers and not having much of their own careers which I found interesting!
And the ending really had me anxious wondering what was going to happen!
Definitely a great summer read!
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the arc!
And the ending really had me anxious wondering what was going to happen!
Definitely a great summer read!
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the arc!
July 28, 2023
I really enjoy the travel in this book. It’s what drew me to it. The main character is still dealing with her father’s death, and she must decide what’s worth pursuing- love or money? A little flat without multiple plot lines (which I prefer), or major plot twists, but an easy read that takes you across the globe with the rich and famous. Set in the 60s, but that easily fades behind the love triangle and lifestyles of the ultra rich.
September 7, 2023
***SPOILERS***
I loved this book, but the ending felt so rushed. I was shocked to go read the next page and have it say “Author’s Note”. I feel like there needed to be more of a resolution to their fight before Daphne’s wedding. And the book just ends with Caroline pretty much breaking his camera? I couldn’t put this book down, but I was left feeling like everything was unresolved. Kind of like…that’s it? Now what?
I loved this book, but the ending felt so rushed. I was shocked to go read the next page and have it say “Author’s Note”. I feel like there needed to be more of a resolution to their fight before Daphne’s wedding. And the book just ends with Caroline pretty much breaking his camera? I couldn’t put this book down, but I was left feeling like everything was unresolved. Kind of like…that’s it? Now what?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
Follow The Sun by Liz Locke dives into the opulence of the 1960s International Jet Set Era with depth and heart.
There was so much to love:
-how Caroline processes and grieves the death of her father
-art in a variety of different forms
-extravagant settings
-Caroline's coming of age character arc
-a journalistic side of the Vietnam War from America
-how Caroline overcame family expectations
-a pleasant and unexpected ending
If you're wanting another look into the 1960s after reading books like Daisy Jones & The Six and/or The Women, this is one to pick up! Just be prepared that you'll want to dive into a pool or sit poolside sipping a cocktail!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy to read and review.
There was so much to love:
-how Caroline processes and grieves the death of her father
-art in a variety of different forms
-extravagant settings
-Caroline's coming of age character arc
-a journalistic side of the Vietnam War from America
-how Caroline overcame family expectations
-a pleasant and unexpected ending
If you're wanting another look into the 1960s after reading books like Daisy Jones & The Six and/or The Women, this is one to pick up! Just be prepared that you'll want to dive into a pool or sit poolside sipping a cocktail!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy to read and review.
June 20, 2023
If you love all things 60's glam and travel as a lifestyle, this is your perfect book for summer. It made me long for a Pucci mini dress and champagne cocktails by the pool.
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