Another great book in the Island Romance series by Lilac, in my view the best one so far. Showing how love can come to people later on in life and they can live just as happily despite having reservations of previous marriages.

This was slightly disappointing when comparing it to the first two books in the series. It was somewhat of a slower pace and slightly predictable.
Even though it is set in a beautiful setting, and you could really feel the sun on your face while reading (even though it’s a freezing February day here in the UK), I just couldn’t quite get on board with the characters or the storyline.
Elspeth was obsessed with her age, even though we don’t at any point find out what that age is, other than her not being sixty yet. Sometimes she came across young and others times; I would have said she was at least eighty! It had too much of an emphasis and ruined the story of her finding love after heartache.
The story was beautifully written about her past and loss, and you really did feel all the ups and downs. However, even though that side was perfect, the story as a whole was lacking.
As soon as Elspeth gets the call from Amanda, you know what the outcome is going to be. As soon as Stefan makes a decision, you knew how each of the characters would react and what the answer was. There were no surprises and nothing to keep you hooked.
For a short book of only 250 pages, it didn’t move at a quick enough pace for my liking. Even though it was appropriate to the character’s personalities, too much time was spent wandering up and down hills, gorges and mountains. I don’t pick up these lighthearted books to get a tourist information guide on a country.
The author has always managed to find the right balance between exploring Tenerife and keeping it lighthearted in the past. However, this book missed the mark and wasn’t quite right for me. So, an unsatisfying third book of this series.

I always enjoy reading stories that feature older characters, women more my own age, and I found this book to be a light, romantic but realistic read.

Elspeth has been widowed for four long years but she still talks to her husband every day. She is happy in Tenerife; she has friends who are supportive, a job she enjoys and the sun on her skin. There are also the incredible walks that she likes to take, Elspeth is no doddery old woman!

A friend asks her to take a lodger for several days due to a mix-up in a booking and she finds herself saddled with Charles. She is so conflicted about him, it is rather sweet to see. He seems lovely and they get on well, but that doesn't have to mean a thing, right?

Great story and even though I have never been to Tenerife, I could just about visualise myself there.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo.

🌺Crossroads for widow Elspeth: great setting, lovely late-blooming romance🌄

I really fell in love with Charlie Brown, the unexpected 60-something lodger who rocks into Elspeth's quiet life of routine on the Canary Island of Tenerife. This later in life romance delves into some serious issues, describing a mature woman who's been hanging on to the past and short-changing her present until Charlie's visit shakes something loose. The dilemmas she faces, particularly related to her grown son and his family, are very realistic and I liked the way Elspeth goes about making critical decisions on her future that will impact others.

The setting is an important supporting character in Elspeth's story. Author Lilac Mills obviously adores the location and has Elspeth introducing Charlie (and the reader) to the terrific sights around Tenerife. She waxes lyrical about the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, the mountains, valleys, coasts and star-filled skies and made me want to be there with the characters.

A bit travelogue with relatable characters and a lovely, sweet second chance romance for a mature couple, Sunset on the Square was a sunny treat of a story. This is an author I will seek out again.

Thanks to publishers Canelo and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

This was a really wonderfully romantic book. I think this is my second book by this author and I really love her writing.
I enjoyed it. Really nice book.
4 stars.

The third book of the island series by Lilac Mills though the characters and the plot line are different. Each book is a standalone but nonetheless, truth to say, I have gotten addicted to these island series!

Elspeth is a widow mourning at the loss of her husband Ray. Every morning, before going to work, she would talk to her husband, whose ashes are buried under the orchid tree. Then her life changes when her friends, Amanda and Toni asks Elspeth to provide lodging to a British traveler named Charles Brown and Elspeth realizes she feels dizzy when she is around him...

Just like the previous book I have read from the island series, this book was really good!!! Warm, funny at some parts, I do really like Elspeth as a character--her character is so well written and also I really wanted her to fall in love again!!! While reading the book, I really felt as if I was on holiday in a Spanish island as author used realistic descriptions to make the reader feel like they are on holiday with Elspeth and Charles! The writing was really great and I got drawn into the story. Elspeth is actually a very likable character and so does Charles. And the ending? It was really sweet and heartwarming ending!

Overall, this book is a heartwarming love story and is actually perfect for someone who is looking for a summer read! Worth five stars! I hope there will be a fourth book soon!!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for granting me the ARC of this book. This review is based on my honest opinion.

This was wonderful, I love the focus on an older couple and the writing style was just perfect. I am a big fan of how Lilac Mills writes, I always have a good time reading her stories.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

After four very long years, but still Elspeth talks to her husband Ray, deceased.

Living in Tenerife, having some very good friends, but, no one special in her life as she’s not moved on.

But that all changes when the hotel is full and she’s asked to be a host to Charles - on holiday.

All of a sudden, now finding herself having that spark back, along with a lot of things to think about.. whether this relationship has legs, as he’s going home soon ??

I love how Lilac never made fun of the characters or light of Elspeth's loneliness.

Enjoyed it.

It's been four very long years and yet Elspeth hasn't stopped talking to her husband Ray who is deceased. She's living in Tenerife and has good friends but she hasn't really moved forward. Then, when there's a hotel snafu, she's asked to host Charles, who is on holiday. Suddenly, she finds herself beginning to spark a bit but she's got a lot to think about . It this a legit relationship? He's going home eventually. Sigh. I liked this in part because it features mature characters AND because of the setting. Mills makes good use of the latter (I soooo wish we could travel). She never makes fun of her characters or light of Elspeth's loneliness. You know how this might end, don't you? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A light fun read.

Lilac Mills books always give the reader a great read and this book is just as good. Lovely story line and different. The characters came to life and the back ground details were great, you could really imagine yourself being there and enjoying life to the full. This is a 5 star book and I recommend everyone read it and enjoy it as I have done.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this eARC

I enjoyed this story! The setting made me want to hop on a plane immediately! You will love the character development and how sweet the love portion is. There is a little bit of language in it for those who might be sensitive to that, but overall, great story!

The writing quality was okay, but the pacing was too slow. The amount of description was overwhelming. I'm not a good fit for this book.

I really liked it! The romance was very cute. The main character was dealing with grief and it was very fulfilling to watch how she learned to live happily again and not feel guilt for her feelings. I didn't find a lot of the dialogue believable, it was very forced as well as very predictable.

I really enjoyed this book, it was nice to read about an older couple rather than a 20 something ...... the characters are well written and had depth, there was no “padding” the story flowed and I was caught in that circle of wanting to finish to see what happened and wanting to slow down to savour the story...... pity it’s winter as I could imagine reading this book in the garden with a glass of something chilled ....... grab a hot chocolate and curl up by the fire instead

Unexpected Love Later in Life
This is a warm and realistic look at finding new love later in life. Many of us have gone through this new birth brought about by finding new love, new life, and new purpose later in life. After going through the loss of her husband, our heroine rebuilds her life around her job and friends. She does not see her loneliness until she meets the most intriguing man. This is a lovely story that many will be able to relate to. It takes the reader through a variety of emotions and will leave you with a smile on your face and in your heart. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed his book, so much so I read it in one sitting! I love a holiday romance type book especially in winter when you're snuggled up under your duvet trying to keep warm, whilst the characters you read about are enjoying basking in the sun or frolicking in the sea. I am transported on holiday with them.

The book is set in Tenerife where our main character Elspeth lives, widowed four years earlier she is trying to live her life without the presence of her much loved Husband Ray, and thinks she is doing a really good job of it until she has an unexpected house guest. She is instantly attracted to Charles and he reminds her in certain way of her husband, which in turn makes her happy, sad and feeling like she is betraying him all at the same time. Spending her time with her close friends, working part time and walking around this beautiful island, keeps Elspeth busy she realises that she is still young and has lots left to give and plenty life ahead of her.

There is so much I liked abut the book, the amazing scenery painted beautifully by the author, she chose a quite part of the Island full of breathtaking vistas and rugged scenery. Having visited myself a few times, it brought back wonderful memories of my times there with my husband. I also love that this is a second chance at romance for a couple who are in their 50's and 60's just showing you friendship, contentment and love can come to you at any time. It was lovely to see the characters come alive again by falling in love with each other.

Lilac Mills (love the name) is a new to me author but I will definitely be checking out the other books in her collection. I enjoyed this one so much.

Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo Publishing for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - Publication Date: 25 Feb 2021

My rating scale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved it! Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling or made me cry. And took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Really liked it. Will read more by the author and other books in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - It was just okay, didn’t move me, but don’t feel like I wasted me time reading it either.
⭐️⭐️ - Didn’t like this book and probably won’t read other in the series.
⭐️ - I did not care for this book at all and feel like I wasted my time reading it

This is part of the Island Romance series of books. They are all set in Tenerife, with English protagonists, but they are all standalone books. The books are all set in parts of Tenerife which are quieter and less touristy places. Lilac Mills makes Tenerife sound very appealing and it is a great escapism read.
This book features Elspeth, a Widow of four years. She is in her late 50s which is refreshing to read about, as most female protagonists are usually a lot younger.
I found this book very easy to read, the writing flows smoothly. This is a lovely easygoing and feel-good read, perfect and uncomplicated for relaxing with.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Thank you NetGalley, Lilac Mills and Canelo for the ARC of Sunset on the Square. This is my personal review.
This was such a refreshing romance book to read. Elspeth is in her late 50’s and several years have passed since she lost her husband.
She has a wonderful family and friends in her life and she is happy in her life in Tenerife. She is always there to help whenever and whoever needs her help. Helping leads her to find new love in her life.
This is a calm sweet romance that felt good to read.

What a wonderful book. Elspeth is a wonder caring lady who loves her life in Tenerife and drops everything to help others. Her best friends own a hotel and on a busy season an elderly couple up there booking. This causes a problem as there room is now double booked. So Elspeth is asked to board this gentleman for a few days which she says she will do. However Charles is not what she is expecting at all and he throws her life into a spin. Mainly because this is the first time anyone other than her deceased husband has stayed in her house. A wonderful story of hope, happiness, longing and understanding.

Sunset on the Square - Lilac Mills

I found this a very refreshing take on your usual romance style novel, set in beautiful Tenerife we meet Elspeth who is in her late 50s. Four years have passed after the death of her husband when she puts up a guest (Charles) from her good friends local hotel where there has been a booking mistake. Soon the sparks begin to fly and Elspeth finds herself feeling things that at first she is very unsure of and shocked by. Alongside the romantic aspects of the book there are other relationships to enjoy, including between her friends, boss and her son who lives in Japan. Overall this was a super quick and enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for allowing me the chance to read this book in return for an honest review