Cecilie and Hector are like ice and fire. Cecilie's home in Norway in Tromso, in the Arctic Circle is cold and lacking sunlight for much of the year. Meanwhile, Hector's life in Mexico is hot and sunny, the polar opposite. They meet accidentally on line and are drawn to each other. However, outside the bubble of their chats, their real life and relationships get in the way. The story goes back and forward through their friendship, showing you the story from both points of view.

There is also a third character, living in the UK, Kate, who is older but who we discover met Hector years ago and had a relationship. Her homelife is difficult with a husband who is preoccupied and who she suspects is drifting away from their marriage. Her children are growing up but she tries to fill her days with PTA school stuff and feels overworked and stressed for most of the time, feeling like an outsider from the other parents.

I did find it quite hard to warm to Hector for most of the story although I'm not too sure why. In addition to his handsome looks and charm, he has retained a link with the children's refuge which helped him when he was younger. Cecilie has had a privileged upbringing by her high flying Mother but you sense that she has missed out on family elements, although she has had a close relationship with her twin. She has protected herself by keeping her interests close to home and her friendship group small.

It seems that all three characters need to get the courage to make a leap of faith and to step outside their comfort zones. When they do, there are surprising results.

In short take a leap of faith

A slow start but definitely worth persevering with and one I think that will get better the more times it’s read. An unconventional romance in the form of a long distance relationship but no less emotional and engaging because of it. The contrasting settings of Norway and Mexico are beautifully brought to life and their differences echo those of the hero and heroine. All in all an emotional and engaging read.

It was really hard to rate this book.

Really if anything it was just Ok. Told in multiple (confusing to me) timelines.
I was upset I didn't love this because it has my favorite tropes.

The characters were bland and one in particular had me rolling my eyes unfortunately.

I am thankful to Netgalley author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I still stop to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover though.

Thank you Boldwood Books for this arc!

This book is not the sort of romance I would normally pick up, but I actually liked it. There was something beautiful about the online conversations and I really felt the connection between them. I also liked the story of their lives, like it made sense how they gravitated towards each other. I especially loved the role of Kate, whose story was so relatable to me and very empowering. I liked where the story went, though the timelines actually confused me a lot 😅 The first 30-50% was a little slow, but it picked up after that, maybe because I was beginning to connect the dots. I was satisfied with how it ended, too. If you like slow burn, star-crossed lovers, long distance/online relationships, good characters who make bad decisions, and introverted main characters, you might like this book 🙂

I enjoyed two other books by Zoë Folbigg in the recent past so when I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this one, I jumped at it. From the get go this didn’t grab me the way the others did and I found myself bored with the characters only a few chapters in. I then discovered that this isn’t a new book, but rather a reprint with a new title of an older book, The Distance. After a week of trying to convince myself to read a little bit more, I finally had to DNF it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy.

Against the Arctic Norwegian backdrop, we meet Cecilie, a creature of habit content with her café job. In her quest for friendship, she discovers Hector Herrera, a Mexican national, online. A casual conversation unexpectedly develops into something more meaningful. Yet, a difficulty exists: Hector is evading a heartbreaking past, and the separation between them feels vast and unconquerable. They’re falling for each other, but they must confront their fears and decide if they’re ready to take the plunge.

Zoë Folbigg perfectly portrays the difficulties of long-distance relationships. The icy Norway and warm Mexico in the novel are a perfect contrast to Cecilie and Hector’s lives, making their journey more interesting. Through vivid descriptions, the author transports readers to diverse landscapes.

Self-discovery, the possibility of second chances, and the courage to embrace the unknown are key themes in the novel. We see Cecilie’s heartwarming and relatable transition from comfort to the possibility of change. Hector’s past and his quest for redemption add emotional complexity to the story.

While the heartfelt storytelling and well-developed characters are great, the dual timelines could prove somewhat confusing to some readers. For readers, like me, who love richly detailed narratives and unconventional romances, though, this novel is an unforgettable experience.

Originally published as The Distance, this book captivates readers with its poignant exploration of love and fate. For fans of contemporary romance that transcends borders, Under One Sky is a must-read, proving that love truly knows no boundaries.

This was my first ever automatic approval arc read and I was so excited for the offer I snapped it up especially with a description like it has!!
Okay so first I loved how each chapter was dated and had the location as it made it easier for me to follow. I found the book a little busy which made it a little hard for me to follow at times but with the addition of the time stamps ect it really helped me keep on track. I will say this one took a while to get hooked but once I did I was well and truly hooked into this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished

Cecilie and Hector's story was everything, right from that first 'meeting' on a fan forum to chat their appreciation for Depeche Mode, to finding a love where continents are their main hurdle.

There are three main characters in the book, and chapters are narrated from their POV. Cecile, Hector and Kate were great characters. Folbigg has written them with depth and credibility.

Scenes were brought to life with their postcard perfect settings and the author's descriptions.

Folbigg's story is absolutely captivating, strewn with emotions and takes us on a journey of love, fate and the future.

Absolutely loved it, so enjoyable.

This novel presents a unique and deeply emotional love story between Hector in Mexico and Cecilie in Norway, whose connection begins on a Depeche Mode fan forum. Despite living worlds apart, their online friendship gradually deepens into something more meaningful.

Cecilie leads a quiet yet independent life, working multiple jobs while dealing with personal struggles. Hector, a commercial artist with a difficult past, grapples with the lingering influence of gangs and a reckless lifestyle. As their bond grows, they become a source of support and stability for each other.

Adding another dimension to the story is Kate, a mother in England facing marital turmoil. Her past link to Hector slowly comes to light, weaving another thread into the story as their lives unexpectedly intersect.

Told through a non-linear timeline, the novel masterfully contrasts the grittiness of Mexico with the icy calm of Tromsø, immersing readers in its richly detailed settings. With its unconventional narrative structure, deeply developed characters, and poignant romance, this book offers an emotionally resonant and refreshingly different take on love and human connection.

Under One Sky by Zoe Folbigg is a romantic story and has three protagonists.
Each chapter was dated and also told you where in the world it was.
If I’m honest, I found it a little bit flat to begin with, I really struggled to get into it. Then suddenly it took off and I was hooked! Cecilie was a real home bird. She liked her routine, her job and her interests. She starts talking to a man called Hector, and he lives far away in New Mexico, compared to her Norway. They couldn’t get further away!! He is a party animal and has lots of friends. They are very different…
Then Kate is thrown into the mix, and she lives in England. She has a rocky marriage, and is trying to get to the bottom of things that don’t seem right with her husband. He’s been acting very cold and.something is not making sense.
We have to see what happens for the couple and Kate!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #ZoeFolbigg.

Book Review and pamper night 💜💙

It’s my turn on the blog tour today for Under One Sky by @zoefolbigg

I love books that take you to places without leaving the house. Travel is one of my passions and I was excited to read this. Set in several countries this was right up my street.

Norway is on my list so I really enjoyed getting to read about the country. I would love to go and see the northern lights.

Cecilie and Hector meet in an online chat room. I loved how the story started and left you wanting more to see how the start of an online chat could end up when they wasn’t in the same country. I was intrigued as there was also another story line going on and I couldn’t work out how they all joined up which was exciting.

I was invested in Cecilie and was routing for her happy ending. Along with Hector he has a sadness about him. I loved the chat room talk and enjoyed how the dual timeline allowed the story to build up slowly and kept me hooked.

Even though it felt like a slow burn romance I raced through this.

I love destiny and think this element of the story drew me in.

Captivating, romantic and in wonderful locations it’s a must read.

I also loved Zoe’s first book The Note with Train Man That’s a must read too 😍

Thank you for letting me be part of the blog tour. @rachelsrandomresources @theboldbookclub

Two strangers meet in an interchat room. They form a friendship but as they live in two different parts of the world.
Both hiding feelings, but getting on with their lives. Will they ever decide to take it further?

The settings of this book are so beautifully described from the heat and bustle of Mexico to the calm cold of Norway and the sparks between Hector and Ceci, across the internet, are fantastically written. However, I found Kate a distraction and it was hard to place where she belonged in the story really from the outset...I felt she was superfluous in many ways and spoiled the flow on occasion!
The ending is just as it should be and overall the book is a good read.

I am a big fan of Zoe Folbigg and all her books, Under One Sky is a wonderful example of why I do. I love how she is able to draw me in, she weaves her spell over me as much as she weaves her plots over the story and the characters , so much that I don’t want to leave her pages.

I love how much emotional she makes me experience on the characters journeys, the pain and struggles they face and how they change their lives, choose their paths. I adore how she always manages to surprise me, when I realise she’s been throwing hints throughout the story it’s a magical journey I take too.

No spoilers because I never ever spoil a book for anyone, but I can say I loved the ending and it’s simplicity, it felt so perfect and true to the story and was a wonderful reward for all the book anxiety.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Under One Sky by Zoë Folbigg is a heartwarming and emotional romance that explores the transformative power of love, the challenges of overcoming personal struggles, and the beauty of taking chances on the unexpected.

Cecilie, a young woman living in Arctic Norway, leads a life defined by routine and familiarity. She works at a local café in her small town, where she’s grown up and where everything feels safe. When she stumbles across Hector Herrera online, her world is turned upside down. Hector lives thousands of miles away in Mexico, and while they begin chatting casually, it quickly becomes clear that there is a strong, undeniable connection between them. Over time, their conversations blossom into something much deeper, and they realise they might have fallen in love, even though they’ve never met in person.

However, Hector is running from a tragic past, and Cecilie is rooted in her small town, uncertain whether she can make a leap of faith for someone she has only known online. The distance between them is not just physical but emotional, as both characters are dealing with their demons and facing difficult decisions about change.

The novel beautifully captures the complexity of their relationship as they try to navigate their feelings for one another while confronting their fears and insecurities. Cecilie, in particular, must decide whether she can leave behind everything she knows to pursue something as uncertain as love with someone so far away. Hector, too, must confront his past and find a way to embrace the possibility of a new future.

Under One Sky is a story of hope, vulnerability, and the power of connection. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where both characters must face the pain of their pasts and decide whether they are ready to take a chance on love, no matter the obstacles. Their love story is about more than just crossing distances; it’s about crossing the emotional divides that separate them from their true selves and each other.

With beautiful descriptions of the contrasting settings—the cold, stark beauty of the Arctic landscape and the warmth and vibrancy of Hector's life in Mexico—Folbigg creates a story that feels both intimate and vast, illustrating the physical and emotional distances we must sometimes overcome to find happiness and love.

This is a book that will make you reflect on your own life and the risks you take in the name of love. It’s emotional, poignant, and ultimately uplifting, reminding readers that sometimes love finds us when we least expect it and can change the course of our lives forever.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

My favorite part of this book is really the descriptions. The author has does a great job of building the scene so that you feel like you are in Mexico, Norway and England. Kate's story feels disjointed and out of place in the back and forth of Hector and Cecilie's relationship. I did enjoy their texting and messaging banter. It was fun watching two people from very different places come together over a common ground. Overall, I thought that the differing timelines and perspectives made the story hard to follow and less engaging. I did struggle through this as a result.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Netgalley & Bolwood Books for my review copy. These are my thoughts:

Cecilie lives a quiet, uneventful life in Artic circle in Norway. Hector lives halfway across the world in Mexico. His life is colourful and lively in comparison to Cecilie’s. They met in a chat room and bond over their love of Depeche Mode. As their friendship grows, so do their feelings but the timing isn’t right - they live worlds apart and Hector isn’t exactly available. But even though it feels like destiny, can they bridge the distance and come together? In England, Kate leads a suburban life - housewife and mother of three, her greatest concerns revolve around her family and all the PTA and WI meetings and events she is a part of. When her seemingly perfect life is put to the test, she must decide if this is a path worth continuing on or whether it’s time for a change.

And Zoe does it again! The story revolves around Cecilie and Hector, and Kate seems to be thrown in the mix without belonging to their plot. She does and she doesn’t. That’s what I love about Zoe’s stories - the way she weaves plots and subplots and the surprise element, with clues and hints that you pick up along the way. The contrast of the settings and cultures, was well infused into the personalities of each character.

Cecile and Hector share a connection that goes beyond the internet. Though morally questionable at times, they feel conflicted - Hector because he’s slowly drifting away from his old ways; while Cecile lacks the courage and motivation to change, even though her life has become dull. And Kate finds that her life didn’t pan out how she’d imagine and her husband turns out not to be the person she thought.

This is an emotional journey. The characters must face their pain and struggles and decide what is best for them. Change is hard and when all three characters are faced with it, their decision to embrace change or not, will determine the course of their lives.

I have to say, I loved the ending. It was simpler than I had imagined and felt like something that could have happened in real life. It was worth all the worrying and back and forth from the characters.

I very much enjoy Zoe’s books. This is probably my fifth and I love that I can tell it’s a Zoe Folbig story from her writing style, which its very much her own. Can’t wait for the next one!

Set in the stunning country of Norway, Cecile and Hector fall in love yet with any relationship there are struggles and things aren’t always straightforward. I was confused at times and struggled to follow the story when it kept switching between different years. I loved the different settings this book is set in ~ Paris, Mexico, Norway , the descriptions make you feel like your there and also made the story interesting to read. I found the frequent use of swear words annoying and not needed. I also didn’t like the amount of times text messages where included, there was 5 pages in a row at one point.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve been a fan of Zoe Folbigg ever since reading The Three Loves of Sebastian Cooper. The memory of such a cleverly constructed and emotional story stayed with me for a long time after I had finished it. Since then, I’ve also read Five Days, which I also thoroughly enjoyed, but have to admit Christmas in New York has not yet been added to by TBR pile. After just finishing Under One Sky, that’s about to be remedied.
I have to say I simply love Zoe’s writing. The way she breathes life into her characters and makes them feel very real, their situations deserving of our sympathy. On this occasion there are three - Hector in Mexico, Cecilie in Norway and Kathy in England. Hector and Kathy go way back and were involved when she was in her teens and helping out at an orphanage Hector had spent time in as a child. Cecilie is his on-line friend who met him on a Depeche Mode fan forum. Their long-distance relationship has blossomed from friendship to something more, although they have never met face to face. My main sympathies were with Hector and Kathy, both of whom had to deal with difficult relationships – Kathy’s awful husband who she suspected of having an affair, and Hector, whose party loving wife even resorted to stealing money from him. Cecilie’s issues were slightly different. She longs to break away from her ‘safe’ life in Tromso with her brother, but lacks the confidence to make changes.
It’s a cleverly woven story. A romance with a difference and definitely another well-deserved five star award for me.
I would like to thank Boldwood, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Under One Sky in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the story, but it did take me a while to work out who was who and the timeline.
It’s a beautifully written book and it was fascinating to read the descriptions of all the different parts of the world.
I was rooting for Cecilie and Hector from the start and the story has a beautifully happy ending. Definitely check this one out - off to recommend it to my friends!