Review - One night on the Island

Cleo is an online magazine columnist whose column is all about finding your flamingo!!!
Still single and about to turn thirty years old,  Cleo feels like a disappointment!
Her boss sends her to Salvation Island in Ireland to Self-couple, that is basically marrying yourself and be happy with that.
When she arrives at the rented cottage she isn't alone. There she finds Mack, an American, that has also rented the cabin. A problem starts - Neither wants to leave!
In the story, is evident the community of strong and genuine people in the Island, always welcoming and inviting Cleo into their lifes like they have known her forever. Very heartwarming!! The author really makes the reader feel they need to visit and stay in this island and like it's name find salvation!
The ceremony of her wedding was empowering and symbolic marking the transformation into a woman.
The narrative was very realistic and although still a romance/love story,  family priorities and self love are always on top of everything.
Is the second book I have read by Josie Silver and again one that I have truly enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishing for my complimentary copy.

This is the third book I’ve read by Josie Silver and I’ve enjoyed them all.

An easy read, a little predictable but escapism and fun.
Good characters

BOOK REVIEW 3.5/5 ⭐️

“Life is the stuff that happens between the cracks in your plans and expectations.”

All the books I read this month had the element of travel on it. 🤣 Not intentional at all.

This is beautifully written, there are so many quotable quotes and I am a sucker for that kind of thing.

This book does not revolve around the micro-love of the 2 main characters, it had subplots that I enjoyed so much. Mack’s family, finding self love, and the community of Slanu. I loved the people of Salvation Island! I wanted to go there and meet them all and be a part of their knitting group!

*Spoiler*
Although I hated the fact that Mack was still legally married, although they have been separated, it’s clear that he is still in love with his wife. I just found it unbelievable that he would “fall in love” with Cleo in a span of few days. I did not feel bad for Mack at all when his wife chose Robert because he technically cheated.

I did not expect to shed a tear for this book, at all, but boom, it suddenly hit me and before I knew it I had tears in my eyes. The ending is not the ending I hoped for but it’s not the worst either. Though I felt like the book gone on longer than it should but I still liked it anyway.

I don't know what I though of this book. At the beginning it was all very cliché, the man and woman "accidentally " meeting and being thrown together. There wrre loads of cheesy cliché parts to it, but I think as a nice holiday or summer read it is enjoyable.

For all I wasn't sure, it was a nice easy read with a cute love story and a happy ending. I would probably read something else by this author in future.

“I think what I’m really scared of is that I’ve fallen out of love with love.”
“I’m worried that either I’m not going to be enough, or else that I will be enough and I’ll be alone forever.”

Wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL, Josie Silver has once again captured every single one of our senses with one of the most important novels you’ll read this year. She captured our hearts, our minds, her words acted like beacons making us stop, think, and take stock. This is not just a tremendously beautiful and poignant love story. This is a life story that will have you welling up with tears at the sheer splendour that this Author’s words conjure up with the imagery of the bountiful yet harsh nature and the personalities of the people of Salvation Island surrounding you and stealthily stealing your heart as you become utterly immersed in a unique and epic love story. A love story with two sides. The love that you must show yourself and the love that resides in your heart for another. Truly breath-taking!

‘Something has drawn us together for this perfect moonlit moment on these worn wooden steps, to this tender kiss that feels like it’s been here all along, waiting patiently for us to find it.’

Cleo an aspiring novelist is at a crossroads in life, she’s happy with where she’s at -well- in most respects, but is she really fulfilled or is she settling? Sometimes we can dream big but taking that step to achieve our dreams seems too overwhelming, or we don’t know which path to take in order to reach something that we truly crave. Not just that, we can happily plod along through life, settling, because who are we to cheekily believe that we can do it, deserve it or realise it? Do we actually believe that we deserve that big dream, do we think it’s ours to realise or does this big dream just live in our heads as that ‘happy imaginary place’ to disappear into?

‘Make yourself some promises. Tell the wind your secrets and the ocean your dreams.’

What starts as a crazy column idea becomes a monumental self-realisation for our Cleo, who leaves her beloved London for a remote Irish island in the Atlantic. The way in which Josie Silver writes this unique and epically beautiful occasion had us in tears of happiness whilst questioning parts of our own selves. The beauty of it is that we experience it through such vivid imagery and such heartfelt and poignant words.

‘I promise to listen to myself, to take the time to hear the voice in my gut because I know myself better than anyone and I always have my own best interests at heart…I also know that I am enough, and I’m brave and I will succeed.’

Mack, a renowned photographer, is on a break from his life in Boston, not self-imposed or by choice, rather it’s a journey that is breaking his heart, so he throws himself into seeking solace in discovering his ancestry and photographing the journey. He did not count on Cleo nor she on him. Sometimes we find what we are looking for at a moment in time that is not convenient, nor planned. Sometimes what we need is not what we ask for. Rather it finds us and breaks down our door. Unlocking invisible self-erected walls.

“And for a little while, he made me feel as if I’d swallowed stars.”

Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. Inspirational. Hopeful. Hilarious. Magnificent. Bravo Josie Silver!

“Someone exceptional told me a while back that my heart hadn’t got the memo…But I’ve got it now.”

ARC review - 'One Night on the Island' by Josie Silver. Get your copy on 17 Feb 2022.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review contains some spoilers.

I'm not quite sure how to put this one into words. I don't think it was the right choice for me - perhaps better suited to someone who enjoys a light, sweeter read with an ambiguous ending.

I initially disliked everything about the female lead Cleo, I found her to be extremely rude and angry for no reason whatsoever which made me uncomfortable being a Brit myself. I thought, is this how we come across to non-Brits (male lead Mack is American)? It was also a little difficult to get accustomed to the style of writing but I sort of got used to it, the more I read on. It did start off as a slow-burn romance with the main characters connecting romantically somewhere in the middle but the remainder of it was sadness and heartache.

I must admit, I didn't quite feel the chemistry between Cleo and Mack but yet I understood the heartache of them being apart - it was a strange one. The ending was out of my comfort zone and fell a little flat for me.

However, don't let this review put you off, whilst it wasn't completely my cup of tea, I can imagine some of you enjoying this sweeter contemporary romance, I suppose I was after more passion between Cleo and Mack to the very end - plus there were some tropes I'm not a fan off: Mack being married with kids.

Its 3 stars from me.

In One Night on the Island we follow Cleo who heads to Salvation Island on assignment for the on line women's magazine she writes a dating column for. The idea is to spend time alone in a beautiful location to assess where she is at with her life leading to a "self-coupling" ceremony on her 30th birthday.

The idyllic plans are interrupted however when it turns out the cabin she is staying in has been double booked and she ends up sharing with American Mack.

I was really drawn into this book from the off. The descriptions of the island, its beaches, its community and the cabin had me wishing Salvation was a real place I could book a holiday to!

i enjoyed the relationship development both between Cleo and Mack and Cleo and the islanders. A really heart warming read which I would recommend but beware- I've lost count of the number of holiday cottages I have searched since I finished!

One Night On The Island By Josie Silver is a fun RomCom with mature, complex characters seeking solitude on a remote island. It is a compelling perusal of love and life with Cleo Wilder and Mack Sullivan both looking forward to some alone time to consider their next moves and rediscover themselves. I found this an unusual love story because the couple are at different stages of their lives and both attempting to cope with their problems. Somehow they discover more about themselves and develop a friendship under the most surprising circumstances. The story celebrates being a woman, feminine solidarity and finding true friendship.
Cleo writes a dating column for an online woman’s magazine and describes her experiences of trying to find the perfect boyfriend. She has had many unsuccessful attempts at finding ‘the one’ and as she approaches turning thirty, she is feeling anxious and a little lost. Ali her boss comes up with the great idea to send her to a remote island to discover herself and perform a self coupling ceremony to show her readers that life can be good on your own without having a partner. Cleo has always dreamed of writing a novel so living a solitary life for a few weeks would allow her the time to fulfil that dream. Cleo packs up and set off for Salvation hoping the island will live up to its name. She never expects to be stuck with a broody American who has also come to the island. Due to miscommunication, weather conditions and their stubbornness, they end up having to share the delightful Otter Lodge.
Mack is a photographer from Boston who is currently separated from his wife and has come to Salvation to re-connect with the Irish side of his family, photograph his heritage and work out what he is going to do next. He feels let down by his wife and really misses his family. He is desperate to be a good dad to his two boys because his father really let him down.
This book is full of funny situations especially when they devise a fragile truce and start to learn about the reasons they have found themselves on the island. They both have complicated lives but find the aura of the island settles them and gives them a sense of belonging. They both get a chance to redefine what they want out of life, where they want to be and what they want to do in the next chapter of their lives. They go from strangers to friends and connect in a way neither thought possible. I giggled over their chalk line and thought the ritual of three things was an ingenious way of them getting to know each other and I thoroughly enjoyed their night time confessions.
The author describes life on the island so well that you will feel you are fighting the wind on the top of Wailing Hill trying to find a phone signal along with Cleo. It is so atmospheric and realistic as the rain batters the coast. The book has a great selection of characters who show the power of friendship and community. The residents are wonderful and welcome both of them. They are all so entertaining and I loved the very smart group of women in the knitting group. The depiction of the sisterhood, all their stories and predicaments was true to life and inspiring.
I am a massive fan of Bruce Springsteen so enjoyed the use of Thunder Road. It was such a good choice of song because the harmonica at the start signifies something is about to happen and the lyrics are so apt for the couple. This is a delightful journey of self discovery and embracing being a self sufficient woman. The ending wasn’t what I expected but it was so suitable for their relationship and full of hope for everyone.

If you’re looking for heart, you have no need to look any further. One Night on the Island had me in pieces, not just because of Cleo and Mack but the islanders drew me in too.

Both Cleo and Mack are at crossroads in their relationships and for Cleo, her career too. I didn’t feel compelled to have any answers to how their lives would work out. I was enjoying what was happening in the here and now in the story.

Isolated and windswept Salvation Island is the perfect setting for Cleo to experience her self-coupling and despite the rental cabin mix up, such a beautiful ceremony! I totally got this and thought it was the perfect landmark moment for changes to begin.

I admired Cleo’s strength in moving forward without letting Mack’s situation hold her back. It was great to see her managing, first with the strength of the community holding her up and then making inroads herself. Go Cleo!

Josie Silver writes some fabulously romantic one-liners that, even though could be cheesy, somehow aren’t at all. I felt every single word.

I was so disappointed when the story ended. It was that good!

Love on the Island will give you all the romantic feels (even goosebumps) but more than that, you’ll feel like you’ve found your tribe who’ve wrapped you up in warmth and care. I’m still feeling the after effects now.

I had high hopes for this but the overall tone of the book was too sickly sweet for me.

Both characters are set to stay at a cabin on 'Salvation' island in Ireland. They come together unexpectedly and bond in their isolated lodgings. I liked all the characters and no one was annoying, but sometimes I felt like the speech wasn't realistic and was sometimes cloying.

There were also quite a few sex scenes (I don't think they were all needed!) and the novel was full of clichés.

Not for me but perhaps for someone else!

(Not posted to Amazon/Waterstones)

As someone who has recently turned 30, is a novice knitter and absolutely loves Grey's Anatomy I really felt a connection to Cleo.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story being told from both Cleo and Mack's perspectives, especially the time/dates being noted, because it truly felt like we were emersed on their island adventure with them. (But fortunate enough to not experience the weather on the island).

I couldn't put this book down; I laughed, I cried and more than anything i wanted to blink and find myself in the middle of island life, surrounded by my clan, eating cake and attempting to knit. Their loyalty knows no bounds, and I can honestly say that I strive to be more like those women.

I loved this book so much, I've already got it ready to pre order for my Mum. I think Josie Silver will be an author that I will have pride of place both on my bookshelf and my virtual TBR, because so far I have read two of her books and loved them both.

This was a lovely read. It had a nice storyline and likeable characters. It didn’t blow me away but if you’re in the mood for an easy reading chic lit then I would recommend it.

Realistic, charming and eye-opening story. This book was my introduction to Josie Silver’s writing and it definitely whetted my appetite for more from this author. One Night on the Island can be defined as a feel-good romance, with its delightful setting and a cast of wonderful characters. It’s a beautiful tale about life-altering chance encounter that warms the heart.

One Night on the Island had me hooked! I became so invested in the characters, their respective journey and reasons for being on Salvation Island I found it difficult to stop reading on more than one occasion.

The way the author writes about the island and the community resonated with me and reading the story left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling (and perhaps slightly leaky eyes at points).

Thought provoking, funny and heartwarming at the same time, this one left a mark on me.

Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to experience this book.

OMG, my poor heart. I don't remember crying that much reading a book. Josie Silver what have you done??? This book is so much more than a romance, it's about finding yourself, acceptance, friendship, family, and so much more. I loved it!! Definitely going to be on my favourites for 2022.

This is such a lovely little book, a gorgeous little winter read to match the cold, wet, blustery weather of Salvation.
A step away from the majority of books I normally read, I didn't think it would be for me when I first started reading. It felt a bit obvious where the plot would go and predictable but the more I read, the more it didn't matter to me; it's ok to presume the ending and just enjoy the journey and that's what I did with One Night on the Island.
Two characters who would never have normally met being forced together on a remote island? It just made me think how many opportunities we miss every day. Or how lucky we are to get an opportunity based on who, where and when we all are. In their own worlds, Cleo and Mack may have walked past each other in the street without even noticing each other and yet here, they're forced together, forced to speak and learn about each other and it's wonderful.
I was charmed by the setting, Cleo and Mack were great characters but what really brought the book together for me was the islanders. They were utterly charming and everything Cleo needed for without her even realising it. Her journey of self-discovery is inspiring... I think I'd quite like my own little lodge in the middle of nowhere on a remote island after reading this book!
The romantic moments were so warm and loving that I found myself uttering a little "aww!" throughout!
Josie Silver manages to stretch out each characters journey and choices until they're certain of what they want and in the meantime, there's doubt for the reader of just where it is headed.
All in all, I really enjoyed One Night on the Island. It warmed my cold, cold heart!
4 big stars for being a really well written book with a plot that will wrap you up warm with love.
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Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Josie Silver for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! Totally loved this book!
A beautiful intimate account of a woman's journey to connect with the power within. Full of pure deep understanding of our women's life in todays culture. Brilliant!!
Cleo is sent to an isolated island off the coast of Ireland, by her boss Ali and friend, whom she writes a column for a woman's magazine about love.. She is used to a chaotic hectic London lifestyle and this island is going to be a challenge!! Mack's life back in Boston is 'complicated ', he needs time out to find his family roots on this Irish Isle.
No spoilers, this book is about discovery and connection, its a beautiful journey to read along with, and makes me proud of my womanhood!
The characters are hilarious and easy to imagine and relate to, beautifully drawn, easy to see. Whilst a couple of parts were easy to predict, it didn't detract from enjoying the read!
So enjoyed this book, it get gets a full 5 stars plus from me!
Thank you NetGalley for the early read, loved it and can't recommend it higher enough!!

Another great read from Josie Silver. The characters came alive for me and the story kept me really involved and I didn’t want to leave Salvation Island. . A joy to read from start to finish. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

I’ll admit I struggled a tiny bit at the beginning to ‘care’ about this story, but after that I absolutely devoured it. I love the detail in Josie silvers writing, I really felt like I was there on Salvation island. The friendships that blossomed, the love that was made, I adored this book.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this new novel.

I didn't like the ending one bit 😂 Otherwise, it was a bit slow but I'll definitely pick up her next book.