Summer on a Sunny Island

When it’s still chilly and rainy, and the news is more bad than good – this is the book to perk you up and change your outlook, as well as provide plenty of moments to enjoy. Rosa and her partner Marcus have split up, and her mum is spending a few months on Malta as she works on a new cookbook. Offering Rosa a change of scene, somewhere to live and enlisting her help with the new book, there’s plenty to keep Rosa from getting too down from her split. But with little money, no real idea what she’s hoping to do next and several squabbles over the mortgage on the little house she and Marcus purchased when things were “better”, and she’s truly at a low ebb. The apartment they are renting is in a building of three – owned by a family that Rosa’s mum Dory knew from childhood – when both families were stationed on Malta during her father’s time in the service. Currently, the family’s apartment is being used by Zach, who is also working on the 3rd apartment as his aunt decides whether to rent it or use it for her own self. Also working in the local youth center, Zach is licking his wounds after one of many set-tos with his father, a bit of trouble with the police, and hating his ‘data collection’ job that pays his bills. When you mix in more of Zach’s family arriving, an adorable but lively four year old, a young Sicilian boy in trouble and plenty of sparks between Rosa and Zach, the story takes off. Add in Dory finding a new ‘interest’ after a reunion of ‘army brats’ in Malta, the return of Rosa’s father after a thirty year absence, and plenty of food and recipes – and the story is easy to follow along even with all the action. The perfect escape – with highlights of Malta, clever food options, plenty of heat and lots of heart – all add up to a series of second chances and changes for everyone we meet in the story. Sometimes it really is a change of scenery is all it takes to put everything into perspective and allow you the time to just enjoy while things tick over in the background- with a few pushes, pulls and decisions of course. One of the many reasons people flock to Moorcroft’s books is that sense of ‘otherworldliness’ that everyone can relate to: with sunny locations, plenty of resolutions and lots of heart – and this book has it all. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

If, during these unprecedented times of lockdown, you want a trip to a stunning, sunny location with plenty of history, lots to do and a gorgeous beach - then this is the perfect novel for you! When Rosa and her long-term boyfriend part company, her mum is on hand to offer her a summer job on the beautiful island of Malta. Badly needing to put some distance between herself and Marcus, Rosa arrives on the sun-drenched island, looking forward to time to get herself together again. Her mother, however, is quick to introduce Zach in the hope that a new romance is the quickest way of her moving on, but another entanglement is the very last thing on Rosa's mind. In fact, she is determined to avoid love altogether. This is a wonderful novel, bursting at the seams with the beauty of Malta, the fabulous weather, the history of the island and all told through a well-written, creative story with excellent characters. Touching on romance, family dynamics and so very much more, this is a great read with so much going on! I thought that the author must have done a lot of research for this one, but on reading the acknowledgements I realise that her interest was piqued by her own experiences. Sue Moorcroft does the setting justice - frankly, the tourist board should sell this book! I've been immersed in a truly unforgettable experience and can now understand the attraction of this island and why people return again and again. My only criticism would be that the final chapter seemed a little abrupt and out of place with the pace of the preceding ones. However, I have no hesitation in giving this one the fullest recommendation and 4.5 glowing stars.

Rosa flees her ex and her ex best friend and goes to Malta to spend the summer with her mother Dory who is writing a Mediterranean cookery book. Their upstairs neighbour is an Englishman called Zach who has fled the UK with his own demons, his sister Marci and her daughter Paige. You can run away from your problems and your family, but soon they'll come knocking at your door. Soon Zach is embroiled in the troubles of a young man at the youth centre where he volunteers, Rosa is enchanted by Marci's daughter and romance is in the air. I love Sue Moorcroft's Middledip novels but for some reason I have never warmed to her books set overseas, so shame on me for requesting another one. The first quarter felt all tell and no show, we got a tourist guide to Malta on every page and the stilted way in which each character felt the need to give long detailed back stories for everything was very wearing. There's a scene at a party early on where Zach talks about the youth centre where he volunteers, but he goes into the history of the centre and who founded it and their philosophy, then Rosa says, oh I work somewhere similar in the UK and gives her own long, boring detailed history of the founder etc. I persevered (although TBH I was just trying to get to 30% before I DNFd) and gradually the characters took over from the author telling, there were multiple plots unfolding and it all started to get better. Overall, if you don't mind a slow beginning, or have a deep fascination with the history of Malta, this is a charming fun holiday read. Warning your wine and beer consumption is likely to increase as the characters always seem to be sitting on the terrace with a glass of something cold and alcoholic in their hands LOL. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.