Member Reviews
Kate Frost's "An Island Promise" is a captivating tale of friendship, self-discovery, and second chances set against the backdrop of the enchanting island of Ibiza. This novel skillfully weaves together themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the complexities of long-standing relationships.
The story centers around Belle, a successful woman who feels incomplete despite her career achievements. Her decision to take a dream job in Ibiza, where she vacationed with friends a decade earlier, sets the stage for a summer of reflection and transformation. Frost's choice of Ibiza as the setting is inspired, allowing her to contrast the island's reputation for vibrant nightlife with its quieter, more contemplative spaces.
The author deftly explores the dynamics of female friendship through Belle's relationships with Gem and Laurie. Their reunion, filled with the promise of recreating past joys, quickly becomes a catalyst for confronting hidden truths and evolving identities. Frost doesn't shy away from the challenges that arise when long-held secrets come to light, adding depth and realism to the characters' interactions.
The introduction of Caleb, Belle's attractive and generous boss, adds a touch of romance to the narrative. His presence not only complicates Belle's personal journey but also serves as a symbol of new possibilities and the potential for change.
While the novel touches on serious themes, Frost maintains a light, summery atmosphere that makes for an engaging read. The lush descriptions of Ibiza's beaches, villages, and resorts provide a vivid backdrop that almost becomes a character in itself.
"An Island Promise" succeeds as a thoughtful exploration of how the past shapes our present and future. Frost's writing shines in her portrayal of the nuanced relationships between the three women, capturing both the comfort of old friendships and the growing pains of change.
This novel is an ideal summer read, offering a perfect blend of escapism and emotional depth. It will resonate particularly with readers who appreciate stories about women navigating life's complexities against a picturesque setting. Frost reminds us that sometimes, a change of scenery is all we need to gain a new perspective on life and love.
"An Island Promise" is a heartwarming tale that will leave readers contemplating their own friendships, life choices, and the enduring allure of places that hold special memories
In “An Island Promise” by Kate Frost, the past, present and future come together on the beautiful island of Ibiza. It is one of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea known for lively nightlife, but also quiet villages and beaches. Belle, Gem and Laurie had visited this magical place when they were younger and made memories that lingered long past the last cocktail was served. Ten years later, Belle escapes to Ibiza for her dream job hoping the magic of the island would be the answer to her prayers. Regardless of the success she had achieved in her career, Belle felt she could do more to make her life feel complete. To add some drama to her summer she had invited her best girlfriends Gem and Laurie for a visit so they could recreate the fun they had in the past. Belle’s generous and handsome boss, Caleb, gave them a luxurious poolside room which impressed her besties and made Belle wonder if meeting Caleb was part of a bigger plan for her life. Belle made sure she had private time with her friends because she wanted their relationship to be like it once was. Unfortunately, secrets were revealed that threatened their happy reunion and changed one woman’s life forever. Love and romance were in the air at the gorgeous resort and all the women had decisions to make, as the sun warmed their skin while they relaxed by the pool.
Kate Frost is a creative writer whose characters come alive in whatever exotic locale they happen to be in. I may never travel to Ibiza but I felt as if I was there with Belle as she walked on the beach, gazed at the bright blue sky and breathed in the fragrance of the tropical flowers. Ibiza is the perfect place to fall in love, rekindle a lost love, and realize that the love you have is enough. Many thanks to Ms. Frost for sending me on vacation to a place I will never forget!
Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.
An Island Promise was just what I wanted it to be. Formulaic and uncomplicated in all the right ways.
I loved the main character Belle although the depth of her obsession with a 2 night summer fling from 10 years ago was a bit odd especially when so quickly cast aside. Her relationship with her friends and the exploration of how friendships change over the years felt very true to life. Things rarely go exactly as we plan when we are young but life can still be exciting and fulfilling (if you can go and find romance and a rich man in the sun).
I requested this book without even reading the outline because I've become to love Kate's work and this is her back to her very best. I instantly fell in love with Belle - she's warm, kind, and in desperate need of a break. So when moving to Ibiza brings her into the world of Serenity and Spirit, but also the gorgeous, rich hotel owner Caleb, will she find love with a man who has been through so much heartbreak?
From the moment I started reading the prologue, I just wanted to keep on turning the pages. This book has everything you ever want: loving, selfless families, new beginnings but I did find a few things that I suspected would happen and they did. I feel like this book needs a sequel to answer some of the questions I have but this is Kate back to her very best. I love books involving the Med, event planning and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Characters like Gem who really tested my patience - wow she can be so horrible!
If you want a book full of promise, love, forgiveness and moving on then this is the book for you.
Please do a sequel!
Another great escapist novel. Made me feel like I was in Ibiza. While the storyline is predictable, the character development is strong. Looking forward to the next book.
Belle goes on holiday to Ibiza with her 2 best friends when she's 21. They do all the usual things and promise to go back 10 years. It doesn't go the way she thought when they do go back
An island promise Well where do I begin? I have been so excited about this one and it has delivered on every level. I have been so caught up in this one – I devoured the whole thing in just one sitting.
Belle, Gem and Laurie went on vacation to Ibiza, for a week, when they were 21, where they had a lot of fun, clubbing, partying, drinking, When they were leaving they decided they would come back in 10 year. 10 years later, they meet at a friend's wedding, and decide that they would go back.
Kate Frost takes us along on their journey's and a lot can happen in 10 years. They really haven't kept in touch much, so it will be interesting spending time with each other. They aren't the carefree girls they were 10 years ago, being back, makes each one see who they are now, and they face the reality they hadn't before. Life has a way of doing that, I enjoyed my time with them in Ibiza, and I did enjoy watching their journey unfold, as they took each day as it came, and made the decision, to become the person they are meant to be today.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.