Member Reviews
Cleo Wilder writes a dating column for one of London's best women magazines. She's been looking for her other half everywhere (without much luck) and her boss now proposes she marry herself in some Irish island no one has heard about for her 30th birthday. Enter Mack Sullivan, a photographer from Boston who has 2 kids and is still holding on to a marriage that has clearly ended.
The story is told in dual POV as Mack and Cleo meet at Salvation Island under not the best circumstances, are forced to live together, their enemies-to-lovers, let's-have-a-vacation-romance-and-then-forget-about-each-other story unfolds and you know the drill by now.
This is the first Josie Silver book I read, but I've heard great things about One Day in December so I did have some expectations going in. And I just don't know how I feel about this one? My point is, I did like the story. I could see myself in Cleo more that I would like too and Mack was perfect. I mean, he's a photographer! That just did it for me. But, if that wasn't enough, he's extremely loyal and an awesome dad. He's definitely a keeper. I could understand their relationship and see where each of them came from and I loved how the whole small island with awesome people vibes where brought in and how learning to love yourself and putting yourself first was given such an important place.
However, at the same time, I feel like I didn't really connect with the story. As much as I saw myself in Cleo and have highlighted parts of the book that really got me, I wasn't sucked into the story. It became a bit Hallmark movie at times and I just didn't fully click with it, I don't know how else to explain it.
I smiled a lot, I laughed & cried & then, at the end I had to take a minute to decide if I liked the ending. Turns out I really did, it fit so well with the whole book, not exactly what I'd imagined but so much better for it.
One Night on the Island is such a mix - friendship, romance, family, love, life & all its ups & downs. Certain scenes just resonated - particularly those that focus on the island women & their companionship. As Cleo explores what it is to be alone not lonely this is one of those books that has you doing that tight, satisfied smile as you swallow past the lump in your throat.
I'd love to visit Salvation, its beauty jumps off the page & I wouldn't mind sinking a cocktail or two with Delta & the other locals.
Cleo is a journalist who is sent to live in a small lodge on a remote island near Ireland to discover herself and write about her experience? When she arrives after a bumpy boat ride she finds out she isn't going to be alone after all as there has been a mix up with the bookings
Mack is a photographer who is separated from his wife and their 2 sons has arrived on the island after travelling from America also believing he will be alone to work out where his life s going
There is only 1 room and 1 bed so how will things work out for them ?
An enjoyable read
There is some truly beautiful writing in this novel. I could picture the island, the characters and their feelings so vividly. Would recommend for someone who is looking to read romance but knows you need to love yourself too.
Star rating 5*****
I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable and wholesome read. For all lovers of romance novels this is by far great for escapism and knock on the head reality checks. We all deserve happiness right? We all need to find ourselves before we find our ‘flamingo’! Don’t hesitate in picking up this fabulous book. It will have you turning the pages quicker and quicker as you delve into the lives of Cleo and Mack. Even if you aren’t a lover of romance I feel this book can be adored by many.
I had never heard from this author before seeing this title but I'm very glad I found this because wow... Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC. I loved it! The storyline, the characters, everything was amazing. Even the chapter names were great. This book had me hooked from the very first sentence. I highly recommend it! That's why I give it 5 stars.
I can't wait to read other books by this amazing author.
I was not sure at first (the first few pages) ... Cleo is off to a remote island to marry herself . Then you have the mix up with bookings so she ends up sharing the remote cottage with an American man. They do not get on together at first. But then I got into the story more. I loved the descriptions of the island and the islanders and the way of life there . The relationship between Cleo and Mack grows and is beautifully told. I loved the honesty of their emotions and by the time we reached the marrying ceremony, it felt right.
This is book which elicits emotions in the reader, I laughed and cried but it also gave me a feeling of peace. Well written, it tells a love story, not only between two people, but also of Cleo coming to love and care for herself. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review .
I really enjoyed this book. It started off really well and I was keen to read about Cleo and Mack and how their story began. When I got about a third of the way in it did start to dip a bit for me and I found the storyline went a bit weird from there with the idea of Cleo ‘marrying’ herself. Having said that it did take a turn and I loved how the story progressed. Was it predictable? Possibly… but I really enjoyed the writing and how it ended and I would recommend this to friends.
Another great read from one of my favourite authors. Two people trying to find themselves after different circumstances bring them to the island. A journey of self discovery for Cleo to find out who she is and not to please everyone else around her, but also learn to love herself which enables her to fall for another. A well written book about an unforgettable holiday romance. If you went to the island would you leave?
After listening to One Day in December on audio earlier this year and falling in love with Josie's unique way of drawing in the reader I was eager to read this. To say it didn't disappoint would be an understatment. I was engrossed from page one and the characters were just fantastic. Definitely one of my top reads so far of 2021.
Pleasant romance that was easy to read - good for dark days and cold nights.. I enjoyed this book and liked the characters..
Well it seemed a strange idea that Cleo would set off to a remote Scottish island to 'marry herself', but that aside I really enjoyed this story of two people thrust together in error, who found a way to tolerate each other and survive. Some good characterisation and a beautiful location.
Wow. This book.
It was SO much more than a romance (not that there’s anything wrong with ‘just’ a romance of course) but this book really got me.
It’s about self discovery, about being a woman, about turning 30. Yes there was Mack’s POV too about self discovery but being a nearly 28 year old woman, Cleo’s POV really resonated with me!
It was funny and emotional. It had such depth. It had me crying and laughing.
It was cleverly written, the chapter names were funny, it flowed incredibly well.
On top of all of this, the setting, wow the setting. The beautiful descriptions meant I could so easily imagine being on that island…
I simply loved it. If I could give it 6 stars I would.
Incredible. I was engrossed from the first page and just couldn’t put it down. There was something really special about this book, it may be the atmospheric and scenic descriptions or the brilliant characters; but everything I need to truly love a book was ticked off the list.
Cleo is a brilliant, headstrong woman - a powerhouse with hidden vulnerability that makes her so easy to relate too. I loved the change in her, for no other reason than SHE wanted that change.
Mack sounds a delight, and if we are going to have to be stuck with someone I wish it were him. They complimented each other wonderfully and created a very special
bond, unique.
My heart burst for Cleo, broke for Mack. The whole cast of supporting characters bring humour, heart and that sense of community that gives books like this that endearing quality.
Highly recommend!
Thanks to @netgalley & @penguinukbooks for the chance to read this, due for release Feb 2022.
'Two people. A chance encounter. A love story that will last a lifetime.'
Cleo goes to Salvation Island to 'marry herself' but crossed wires means she has to share the only accommodation available with a seemingly grumpy American, Mack.
I was so excited to read this & it didn't disappoint. Another cracking read from @josiesilverauthor
OK someone could have warned me I would need to invest in Kleenex to get through this book. OMG it is so heartbreakingly beautiful and I absolutely fell in love with Cleo and Mack and this story not only made me swell up with love but also broke my heart a little. I love this island and all the residents and want to run off and marry myself as well so wonder if the cabin is free lol. I loved it and I was actually sad to get to the last page.
I absolutely loved this! Its beautifully written, funny and poignant. I adored the characters and it had me hooked from the first page. One of the best books I've read in a while. Highly recommended and well deserves the 5 stars.
Thank you Netgalley.
I adored Josie Silvers previous book and was delighted to receive an advance copy of this!
This book was uplifting and romantic, with relatable characters and a beautifully described setting. It was a perfect read for an entire evening and I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and family alike!
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and Josie Silver for the ARC.
Cleo is a journalist who writes a column for a London magazine about all things romantic and dating. Her thirtieth birthday is approaching rapidly when her editor comes up with a suggestion to enliven her column (which is already very successful). She offers Cleo the chance of a holiday over the waters on a remote island called Salvation Island, off the Irish coastline. Cleo will keep a diary of her holiday and will report back to her boss, especially about plans for her thirtieth birthday, when she will marry herself, proving singletons can be happy and fulfilled without a partner. Cleo thinks ‘what’s not to like’ about this new idea and so a reservation is made for her to live in Otter Lodge, a remote dwelling with beautiful sea views, golden sands and no near neighbours. Peace, perfect peace.
When Cleo arrives on Salvation Island she is overwhelmed with the stark beauty of the unspoilt island. It is breath taking and the residents are mostly related natives of the island. Otter Lodge is in an idyllic spot and she is pleased to see some supplies have already been included in the tenure. She is just beginning to settle in when she is disturbed by an American photographer called Mack, whose relative owns the lodge and has gifted it for him to use. It is soon verified that there has been a mistake. The lodge has been double booked and there is nowhere else to stay on the tiny island. Cleo has to accept they she must share the accommodation with the handsome stranger. The next ferry will not sail over to Salvation Island for another week. She isn’t happy about it, but she must get on with it. There is nothing else for it. But who fancies living with a tetchy American and sleeping on a sofa? This is the story of Cleo’s holiday on Salvation Island.
I really enjoyed this unique theme about a holiday for two strangers who agreed to compromise and share a lodging with each other (albeit with a degree of awkwardness and reluctance) on an island miles away from anywhere, and where strangers are literally thrown together and left to get on with it. It intrigued me and, as I got more and more into the story, I fell in love with the friendly islanders with their close community of wildly different characters who would almost bend over backwards to help you. I enjoyed the wonderful scenery, the new friendships, the community activities and the most unusual wedding I have ever heard of let alone seen. The story telling was beautiful and I thought to myself how much I would love a holiday just like Cleo had.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Penguin through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. I recommend this book for all fellows who love a feel good read, with magical scenery, eclectic and welcoming characters, a bit of romance and pages that will make you laugh and cry. It is uplifting and joyful. It’s a 4.5* review from me.
A heartfelt and entertaining novel with a lovely cast of characters and a beautiful setting. As well as being a touching romance, I very much enjoyed the thread about being complete on your own, and found Chloe's story believable and interesting. Mack is a great love interest, and his own journey is difficult and emotional but makes him a relatable three dimensional character. There are genuinely touching, inspiring and tear jerking moments in this book and I will definitely be reading more by this author. Highly recommended for anyone who likes their romance with a bit a depth.