I chose this book because the music theme appealed to me and, even if the story starts with a runaway bride (which I've never really liked), I started enjoying it soon after Willow was back on her childhood island, in her mother's music shop. I liked how the chapters about Willow and her childhood friend Luc (now a professional musician invited to play at the festival) alternate with flashback chapters about Willow's mother, Cathy, who used to be in a band with her husband and Luc's mother. Secrets are revealed at different points and, even if most are rather easy to guess, I enjoyed finding out when and how the characters would hear or figure things out too.

A beautiful cover matches what a truly beautiful read this is.

Willow after walking out on her wedding day finds herself back on the Isle Of Wight licking her wounds and bumps into childhood friend Luc, who also has been away living the life in Nashville.

Picking up where they left off can things ever be the same?

I loved the way this story was told the way the chapters flowed between Willow, Luc and of course Cathy's tale taking you right back to the 80s.

I enjoyed everything about this read the secrets which you was just waiting to be unravelled into a can of worms.

Highly recommended you pick this one up you will not be left disappointed.

A huge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.

Oh this book is an absolute must! I'm almost worried I won't be able to do it justice enough in this review because, truly, it is an incredible read that kept me hooked page after page because I felt so invested in the stories that unfold.

Truly, this is a book of two plots. The first tale is runaway bride Willow's journey of discovery once she reluctantly returns home to the Isle of Wight; amid a torrent of confusion and disorientation regarding the life she's run away from in London, she also bumps in to her teenage past on the island in the form of Luc, former best friend and now world famous rock star. The second tale is of Cathy, Willow's Mum, and her talent for music that reveals how invested she is in the Festival on the island that she organises every year, but also reminisces her hedonistic past in the 80's folk/rock music scene of groupies, tours and the trappings of fame. Mysteries, secrets and betrayals all reveal themselves as both women have to understand their pasts and fight for what really matters to them, as well as those they love.

I truly loved reading Cathy's memories especially, she's like the Stevie Nicks of the mandolin and through her naive young years you experience so much of the live music scene of that era and witness things almost as if you were backstage alongside the band.

I felt the characters were so well crafted in this story, they felt so real and developed a true feel for each situation: the nostalgia of a first love in Luc, the true friendship of Skye, the regrets and past lives of Luc's and Willow's parents. Every bit was written from a compelling perspective that takes you by the hand and leads you on to the stage.

If you've ever felt the buzz of live music and the addictive pull of reliving adolescent memories then this book will completely resonate with you. Yes, it is a love story and has a romantic theme, but ultimately it's a coming-of-age story of music and mistakes, talent, being true to yourself and the true meaning of home. But don't just take my word for it, get yourself a copy to enjoy!

Flipping the pages of Rachel Burton’s newest novel, The Summer Island Festival, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time 30 years and assumed the life of a roadie or groupie! Grab a chocolate croissant, don your latest concert tee and hunker down for a sweet ride.

Just feet from the front door of the church, Willow turns and walks away from her wedding. It’s the happiest day of her life – the day she takes back her old life. She returns to Seaview Village on her island home, the Isle of Wight, for what was to be a two-week self-care and recovery time.

Luc, a heart-throb musician who tours sold-out stadiums around the world, has left his career in Nashville to rediscover his roots and headline the Isle of Wight’s annual music festival. Winning Willow back is first on his list.

Willow and Luc’s paths cross in an attempt to keep the annual festival afloat and in their desperate search to find a missing, presumed dead, rockstar named Storm. Can they pick up where they left off? Will finding a long-forgotten item found hidden in a drawer uproot the families who’ve been linked for over 30 years? Or will it unite the island’s fragile community and provide an opportunity for a second chance at love?

You’ll soak up the island life and immediately become part of the drama. Burton’s writing style is inviting and fast-paced. Chapters alternate between band members and family members over several decades. There’s just enough sweet romance mixed with mystery and intrigue to keep you reading. Burton reveals that the idea came to her whilst watching an episode of Midsomer Murders and has poured her heart into the novel for the past two years – and it’s obvious!

Thank you to Rachel Burton, Aria & Aries, and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: March 04, 2021