The Island of Hopes and Dreams
When the beginning of the end is just the start…
About the Book:
Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life and she knows something has to change.
With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.
Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.
To the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.
Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?
A heart-warming and uplifting story of vulnerability, self-renewal and finding love when you least expect to.
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My Review:
The Island of Hopes and Dreams enchanted me, lifted my spirits, and reminded me of the importance of friends. The story is wholesome but also includes past trauma that affects both main characters, Lola Wild and Rhys Strickland. Both are single, having not been in relationships in some time, however, the phantoms of their latest breakups threaten them from around every corner.
Lola unceremoniously left her ex after realizing his controlling nature. Unfortunately, she didn't leave before he broke her spirit, obliterated her confidence, and created a chasm between her and her family and friends. Lola's friends are well-meaning but continue to pressure her to find love. She's not allowed herself to open up nor is she willing to look for love, despite her friends' attempts. Her best friend, Mirabel's, wedding in Sardinia is a chance to escape the oppressive atmosphere, relax, unwind, and celebrate. If only that were true.
Rhys was left broken-hearted by someone he loved. He's spend the last few months trying to come to terms with the end of the relationship. However, who he thought was the love of his life is part of his friend group. He now has to be around her during the pre-wedding and wedding festivities. The time spent in Sardinia to celebrate Fabs' marriage to Mirabel is supposed to be special but revelations regarding his ex and one of his friends attempts to spoil the celebration.
Lola and Rhys are drawn to one another. When they find solace away from one of the first events of the week, it's unknowingly at the same location. A connection is made and, in an effort for Lola to get her friends off her back, and for Rhys to try and mask his unease, they form a fake relationship.
I absolutely adored The Island of Hopes and Dreams. While significantly focusing on Lola and Rhys, there are other themes threaded throughout the book. There is the wedding, of course, but even that comes with issues. I love the union of both friend groups and how they get along. The author wrote a wonderful story of learning to work through the past so it doesn't affect your present or future. The characters were perfectly crafted, three-dimensional, and created with depth, personality, and purpose. The setting was well-described, providing a very romantic atmosphere. This story is entertaining and I was engaged from the very beginning.
I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not
affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own.
My Rating:
Purchase Link:
Meet the Author:
Kate Frost is the author of several bestselling romantic escape novels including A Greek Island Escape, and An Island in the Sun. She lives in Bristol and is the Director of Storytale Festival, a book festival for children and teens she co-founded in 2019.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: @katefrostauthor
Twitter: @katefrostauthor
Instagram: @katefrostauthor
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateFrostNewsletter
Bookbub profile: @KateFrost
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