Member Reviews
Thank you to Avon Books for a digital review copy via NetGalley - my thoughts are my own.
I loved travelling to Switzerland with Sue Moorcroft in Let it Snow last year and enjoyed my visit to Malta in Summer on a Sunny Island.
The story involves two families, who have been reunited decades later, who spent time in Malta with the British Armed Forces. Having only visited Malta for a day on a cruise 20 years ago, Sue Moorcroft has given lots of recommendations throughout the book for places to visit and foods to try when the current global pandemic is over.
Rosa and Zach are spending the summer working in Malta, whilst thinking about where their futures will take them. Both need to resolve issues in their past to be able to move forward. The story flows well and is a good summer read. My favourite characters are Dora and Paige - both made me smile on numerous occasions.
The story centres on a somewhat difunctional families, the offspring and descendants of service families that used to be stationed in Malta when there was a garrison there. Enjoying a sojourn there for the summer they are overshadow by a desolate future that they will have to face when they return home. An engrossing tale of human relationships and the need to grasp whatever opportunities that could lead to a brighter future. Provides an alternative view of Malta as seen by those that are born and bred there with a happy ending.
Ah Malta! Rosa heads to Malta to spend time with her mother Dory after her relationship crumbles. The setting is lovely and then there's Zach, the neighbor. One of the nice things (for me at least) was that this focuses on military families and the issues they face, even after deployments are done. This has a lot of characters (Zach is part of a large family) but you know early on who is important. I liked all the scene setting in Malta, a place I haven't visited. This isn't deep, it's a little predictable in spots (until it isn't because it also addresses some serious issues), but it's sunny and bright and I rooted for the characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good diversion from the news for sure but is a pleasant read for anytime.
Sun drenched love story. Fantastic setting with likeable characters and a mixture of story lines to keep you hooked and entertained. This is no fluffy tale but is fun and entertaining. Zach and Rosa will undoubtedly win your heart.
Thank you Netgalley
When you pick up a book and lose yourself in it. This for me was the book. It was a true escape from lockdown. Wishing the book was about me. It was well written. A joy to read. The book was great . Love this author. She alwYs knows how to pull a belter out the bag
I am a big fan of Sue Moorcroft's books. On the face of it, they are a feel good romance, but Sue has a way of making her characters real and they always have an interesting background. In this book, Rosa works in communications for her mum who writes cookery books, Zach helps at a youth centre and has had troubles in his past. The settings of the books are always different and beautifully described, in this case, Malta.
Just right for curling up with to escape for a while.
What a delightful book this is, so full of sunshine that you can almost feel you have been transported to Malta where it is set. Some delightful characters, some not so delightful, with some will they, won't they moments which makes for a good book. One little observation, I struggled with the pronunciation of some place names, perhaps a page in the front of the book would make this easier for the reader.
I always love Sue Moorcroft's books and this is another that doesn't disappoint. Recommend to all her fans and to anyone needing some sunshine escapism too!
Summer on a Sunny Island by Sue Moorcroft
Rosa and her mother Dory go to Malta for a reunion for force’s children that previously lived there. Whilst there Dory is writing a book and blog as a former cook on Mediterranean fair. They rent an apartment for the summer . Whilst in Malta Rosa meets Zac and his family who is refurbishing his families other apartment that summer and is representing his family at the reunion as they are unable to attend.
A lovely story set in a beautiful location.
Although It was very slow to get to grip with the story line. A bit repetitive in parts. Would be an enjoyable beach read.
I thought this story was very descriptive and I loved reading about beautiful Malta. Sue made it feel like I was there! The characters were ok, I enjoyed the bits of humor and thought this was a heartwarming quick read. It didn't hold my attention or was as page turning as I like though!
It is no secret that I am a confirmed fan of Sue Moorcroft’s books; it is always exciting when a new one appears on my Kindle. Her stories always transport the reader to different destinations that they see through the eyes of interesting and varied characters. This one took me to Malta; I have visited there once on holiday, but this story gave me further insight into life there. As usual with Sue’s books, I was quickly immersed in the story, the descriptions of the setting so vivid that I could almost feel the Mediterranean sun on my skin.
The story revolves around Rosa and Zach, two people who find themselves in the same Maltese town, and indeed in neighbouring apartments, escaping from unhappy situations back home in the UK. Rosa is helping her chef mum with her new cookbook; Zach is fitting out new apartments for an aunt and also doing some youth work. As they get to know each other and enjoy the gorgeous summer weather and the island’s sights together in their spare time, each has problems to deal with which look like preventing any long term relationship.
Based on past experiences, I expected to enjoy this book, and I really did. As I have found previously with Sue’s books, this story is filled with realistic characters, the type who you meet every day, living a normal life with its familiar ups and downs, even in a sunny and beautiful setting. I was completely drawn into Rosa and Zach’s world, and ached for them as their troubles seemed to build and build as the story progressed. I had to admire Zach’s strength and understanding, shouldering the problems heaped on him by increasing numbers of his family and friends. In fact, I liked practically all of the characters in the book. I think that this is a perfect book for those looking to escape from the outside world for a little while and enjoy some sun in an exotic setting.
Beautifully descriptive of Malta, it made me feel like I was on holiday. However, I didn’t particularly like the storyline or the characters that much, it was just an ok read for me.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
A brilliant book as usual from a talented writer. One is transported to the Island and immediately senses the ambiance of the area. The characters are so well written they are real and the storyline is one filled with emotion. Definitely one to relax with and a brilliant holiday read. The only disappointment was that it finished. I wanted it to go on so the experiences, smells, sights and sounds of the Island could continue for longer. A truly good read and one I would undoubtedly recommend and has encouraged me to want to visit and experience the place for myself.
A lovely read. Nice to dream of visiting sunnier climes whilst unable to do much else! I read this whilst the country is in lockdown and this provided a wonderful escape.
Malta is as much of a character in this story as the people are. I really hope to visit someday as it sounds beautiful.
Thank you Avon and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
Just what was needed...to transport myself off to a sunny island and imagnine myself in the thick of all the ups and downs of Rosa's life. It was obviousl that the author had knowledge of the island and it felt like I was being shown round by a knowledgeable guide as the various locations were described.
And that was just the scenery. The story itself was full of twists and turns all centred around the apartments that belonged to Zach's family. I enjoyed journeying with Rosa and Zach and the way that other elements and characters were drawn into the story.
Brilliant Lockdown reading!
Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect escapist read.
An engaging novel in which newly single Rosa follows her mum to Malta to be her assistant while her mum writes the latest in her cookbook series. Her mum is trying to push her towards their handsome neighbour Zach, but neither Rosa or Zach is ready for a relationship. Or are they?
Summer On A Sunny Island is a delightful read, full of engaging characters and with a wonderful setting. I found it to be extremely easy to read, in fact I had a hard time putting it down. It was just the mood booster I needed during this Easter break of lockdown and quarantine, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who's looking for a bit of fun and romance.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book in my garden on a lovely sunny day. It was a couple of weeks into my 12 week isolation period. This book was a lovely escape from being in Lockdown. I could imagine what it was like being on holiday in Malta, as the descriptions were so vivid.
This book was very interesting to me, it's not just a romantic novel. The main theme of a reunion of the children of ex service families.
Every character had their own problems which they were trying to sort through, and hoped that a change of scenery in Malta might help them.
There was a lot of different subplots in this book, history,family problems, breakups, gang fights, crime and romance. Despite the many characters and themes, it was easy to follow, and I found it enjoyable and engaging.
I've read a few of Sue Moorcroft's books, and have loved reading them. If you are a fan, then you will definitely like this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
A story set on the beautiful Island of Malta. It involves two families of ex-military personnel who previously lived in Malta when stationed there.
They return for a reunion and find it very difficult to leave as lives become intertwined once again.
A celebration of Maltese cuisine, tradition s and customs, living along side modern-day Malta with its nightlife, cafe bars and shopping.
Can the past be let go long enough to spark a new beginning.?
Sorry Sue. This one not for me. Read 31% and still failed to care about the story or the characters
The only interestingbits were the small pieces of history and knowing how to pronounce thus strange language which has a bit of Spanish, a bit of Moorish, some Arabic, and a native language all mixed up.