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Friday, 26 February 2021

#BlogTour Dreaming Under an Island Skye by Lisa Hobman

 

It's my turn on the BlogTour Dreaming Under an Island Skye by Lisa Hobman.

About the Author

Lisa Hobman has written many brilliantly reviewed women’s fiction titles - the first of which was shortlisted by the RNA for their debut novel award. In 2012 Lisa relocated her family from Yorkshire to a village in Scotland and this beautiful  backdrop now inspires her uplifting and romantic stories. Sign up to Lisa Hobman's newsletter

About the book

Is there really such a thing as a second shot at true love? After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.

Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.

Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.

During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.

Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other? Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

Review

The story begins with Juliette's dreams coming true only to be shattered soon after. In an effort to try and find some semblance of happiness or peace after a tragedy that has left her frozen in time, she decides to spend some time in her mother's birthplace, which is the beginning of a brave new Juliette.

The first encounter with Reid, a single father recovering from the kind of divorce that leaves devastation in its wake, is a bit like embracing a cactus. The two of them are reluctant to engage with each other in any way other than on different ends of a barge pole. It's frosty, despite the beautiful surroundings. 

Hobman draws upon the perfect imperfection of life and the way some paths are marred by tragedy whilst others live in blissful ignorance of the same. It's not unusual for two people stricken by mishaps, grief and trauma to happen upon and connect with each other. I think this storyline will resonate with readers because it has one foot grounded very firmly in reality.

It's a tale of pain and grief, but also one of courage and perseverance. A message about not giving up even when things seem impossibly dark - you just never know when another door will open up.

Buy Dreaming Under an Island Skye at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Boldwood Books pub date 23 Feb. 2021. Buy at Amazon com. Hive. Waterstones.

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