Member Reviews
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this upbeat romance, but certain plot points really don't make sense, and the book isn't helped by having a title that doesn't actually convey the essence of the story.
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Y’all - i read One Night on the Island by Josie Silver this week and just fell in looooove with it. It was exactly what i needed.
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Three things about this book (see what I did there, those who have read it?!)
1. The growth and experience of the main character, Cleo, was beautiful and inspiring. I related so much and really enjoyed her character’s progression. This book is a romance but her development was really at the forefront for me.
2. The island, as a character, added so much to the story. The people, the landscape, the vibes - all impeccable and really moved the plot forward.
3. The holiday romance between Cleo and Mac was swoonworthy and felt authentic to me. I loved how they moved from adversaries forced to share the same cottage to chums to… more? (with a few notable diversions thrown in there).
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In all - just a lovely book that i loved and will remember for a long time. I have loved all of Josie Silver’s books and this one may just edge out One Day in December as my fave.
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Thank you so much to @netgalley, Ballantine Books, and @josiesilverauthor for the chance to read. What a dang delight. This one comes out Tuesday (2/15). Go get it!
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I enjoyed One Night on the Island by Josie Silver. One Night on the Island is a thought-provoking book that makes you consider your own life. Salvation Island seems like the perfect place to slow down and think about what is going on in your life to make some much needed changes. Mack and Cleo are remarkable characters that a lot of people can relate to. Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for giving me the opportunity to read One Night on the Island in return for an honest review
one night on the island is genuinely a compelling emotional read silver has written with a story so realistic with the situation between our mains being your not so usual romance. as it highlighted the struggles both are going to in how they both ended up on the island for self healing. thoroughly enjoyed the dual perspective of both characters cleo and mack as we got to see the inner workings of their pain and heartache and follow their individual journeys of figuring out their paths. also with how the authentic friendship between them formed slowly yet surely and i adored the sisterhood dynamics that cleo formed with the knitting group of women on the island she had connected with. this was just a storyline raw in feelings and focused in character flaw as they come to fulfillment to who they are. the ending itself was one that fit the story itself with how hopeful it was and the content i was in as i finished.
3.5 stars
I'm a little torn on how to review this book. For the most part I liked it. But I wanted to love it, and I just didn't quite love it as much as I loved Silver's previous book (One Day in December).
The story goes like this: Cleo books a cabin on a remote Irish Island with the plan to hunker down and write a new series for her dating column about being content in her singleness. She is caught off guard when she shows up at the cabin and finds Mac- who has also rented the one bedroom cabin looking for a retreat from his own problems. The two instantly dislike each other and fight over who is going to keep the cabin. But as time goes on, they find that they really don't dislike each other so much at all.
Probably the biggest problem that I have with this book is that Mac is married. HIs marriage is not in a good place, but still he is married and has a wife and kids.. And I wanted to route for him and Cleo, but his infidelity in this story just did not sit well with me. I couldn't get behind him as the love interest for Cleo.
I loved the Irish island setting. When I started the book, I was expecting a tropical, beachy kind of island based on the title. So the Irish island was a surprise and a lovely setting for this book. I also enjoyed the quirky characters on the island. I love any story with a tight-knit community of characters living together in a remote place.
So I didn't love the love story but I did enjoy other elements of this book. And I will still definitely be first in line to read whatever Josie Silver writes next, as there is plenty to enjoy in her stories and writing!
This is a tricky one to rate! While I read the book in its entirety and didn't feel the need to DNF, I also struggled to love it. It was a really slow book overall. I also struggled to like Mack. As the lead male character, he was married, hoping to fix things with his wife but still sleeping with the female lead, Cleo. I want to love the main characters but this was sticky. The 3 things part was cute and I feel like this had potential to be a cute romance, but missed the mark for me.
This is the third book I have read by Josie Silver and it is by far my favorite!
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This book is perfect for a Spring time read🌳
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Our main character, Cleo, goes on a self-coupling sabbatical to a remote Irish island- Salvation Island. She expects to spend some, much needed, time alone, but instead ends up reserving the same one-bedroom lodge as Mac. Mac has his own story and reasoning for traveling to this remote island as well.
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The rest of the story unfolds and explores the meaning of home and self love & growth.
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And the supporting characters🥺 Cleo finds herself among a very diverse & loving group on this island!
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I feel that this book has a much more mature attitude than Silver’s other books. Although I did enjoy One Day in December & The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, this book just resonated with me so much more.
This is everything and more!
I won't lie I was thrown off by the cover. I expected a cute romance book, but I got more than I bargained for in the best way. This is more than just a romance story; it's a story about life and self-discovery. The main characters had so much to learn about themselves and found themselves in the best way possible. I adored Cleo. This is one of the most realistic rom coms I have read in a while; I one hundred percent recommend this book! Plus it is forced proximity and the one-bed trope; sign me up!
1. This book took a sliver of my heart with it when I turned that final (electronic) page. Cleo and Mack's love story is sweet, sexy, and everything else you could ever want from a "vacation romance" (ha, like that no-strings-attached idea was ever going to work out!).
2. Cleo's self love story was just as rewarding to read as the romantic love story. Much like in The Two Lives of Lydia Bird (which I ADORED), Silver has written a story that goes so much deeper than it might appear on the surface. I saw a lot of parallels to myself and my life in Cleo, as I'm sure many readers will as well. Her journey to re-assess what's important in her life and to love herself was surprisingly moving considering I initially thought it was just going to be a corny plot device.
3. If you've read the book, you know what #3 is (and if you haven't, don't you want to find out?!)
I loved Josie Silver’s previous books, and was super excited for this one. I will admit I had a difficult time getting into this one, but once I did I was hooked! I liked the characters, and their struggles. The plot was interesting and really makes you think. I loved the character growth, and the focus of finding strength within yourself. It was an emotional well written and sweet story,
Original, compelling, atmospheric, good sense of place, good character building. Original conflict. No break up makeup trope. Slightly shallow at times. Nothing challenging, lots of privilege
This book has all the feel good for an amazing story! Characters that you get hooked on right away! I adored this story:)
This book was like a warm hug. It is more than a usual rom-com, it is about self discovery. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Add Josie Silver to the list of authors who write books that take your heart out of your chest, twist it in circles and gently put it back, cuddled up nice and tight. One Night on the Island was an absolute treat in every way. Cleo was incredible, a strong female character that is striving to be her own person and okay with the decisions she's made for herself as she turns 30, single and child-less. Mack has separated with his wife and desperately missing his two boys, but trying to make their lives easier and the family navigates its new situation. Both of them find themselves on a tiny secluded island, sharing the same tiny cabin after a mixup with bookings, and no where else to stay on the island. My heart ached and swooned for both of these characters throughout the entire book.
I definitely found myself with tears streaming down my face more than once. I found myself giggling and cheering. I will say that I struggled a little bit with this 'self-coupling' ceremony, as I guess I kind of found myself siding with Dolores' on the idea of it, but what really bothered me about it was Cleo was supposed to be there to discover herself and be there for herself, but mentioned a man waiting for her afterwards. That was probably the only part of this book I didn't LOVE. Get yourself some kleenex and dive into this one immediately!
It’s time for me to gush about the best book I read in January: One Night On the Island. Here’s a short list of things in this book which I adored:
✨Forced proximity on a remote Irish island.
✨An AMAZING romance that kept me on my toes.
✨Emotional, empowering journeys for both of the main characters.
✨A phenomenal found family.
✨Knitting!
I seriously can’t say enough about this book. It was cozy, sexy, and so romantic. Thanks a million to @randomhouse and Ballentine for the early copy.
Cleo's life is fine - her job, while it isn't what she wants to do, is fun and enjoyable enough, she's also still single and about to be 30. She's made her whole career, so far, on trying - and failing - at finding love, and her boss is loving how much drama is provided along the way. When her boss has the brilliant, in her opinion, idea, to send Cleo to a remote island off the coast of Ireland, for a self-coupling ceremony like Emma Watson had done, Cleo isn't thrilled. But as they talk, Cleo comes around to the idea and eventually agrees. It couldn't be that bad right? After the harrowing journey on the rough ocean over to the island - all Cleo wants is a warm bubble bath and solitude. Unfortunately, Mack wanted that same solitude. The two initially butt heads but soon discover that life is easier if they're at least friendly to each other. Will not being alone derail their plans or will they find harmony in unexpected company?
What a beautiful and bittersweet love story Josie Silver has crafted. While I absolutely loved the Cleo and Mack characters there were also lots of vibrant locals on the island as well. The world building was phenomenal, I could really picture myself on a remote island in Ireland. Everything about this novel was perfection for me - and I wasn't expecting it. The moods, the environment, the people, the scenery, everything was so immersive. The characters were definitely likable and relatable - so much so I actually found myself getting misty on their behalf a few times. This was already not my first novel by Josie Silver and it most definitely will not be my last.
I absolutely fell in love with the setting of this book. Who doesn't want to escape to a remote island to figure out your life? The main characters both struggle and transform as the story progresses and it is beautiful to watch. I love Josie Silva's writing and this book was no exception.
I absolutely loved this book! Josie Silver has easily become an author I will pick up anything she writes. The book was just pure hygge. The small town setting, the story about a woman finding herself, and the love story were all absolutely wonderful. I wish I could travel to the island of Salvation myself and meet the cast of characters. I have already recommended this one to several friends and could easily see myself gifting it to them if they don't immediately pick it up when it comes out!
The beautiful bright intriguging cover, the blurb, and Josie Silver. Count. Me. In!
As a romcom expert and a hopeless romantic, I cannot resist a good love story. Josie Silver has done it again. This book is a bit of a slow burn that not only gives you all the romantic feels but draws you in and makes you feel like it is real life and Cleo is the best friend you're rooting for. I love a good story telling and more than just surface level relationships and emotions. A must read. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group Ballentine and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars.
absolutely adored this read. I’ve never heard of self-coupling until I read this book and I very much enjoyed reading about Cleo and what led her to this decision.
I laughed, I cried, I laughed again, and cried some more. Always feel touched in some way when I read Silver’s novels and this will not be my last of hers. She is profound in finding ways to evoke her character’s personalization and it shines through for me.
I know this isn’t a read for everyone, but I loved it.