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A Summer at Sea
Emily is happy with her life just as it is.
She has a career as a midwife that she loves . She enjoys living on her own as a single woman. But she also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air.
So when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer cooking on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance.
But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate.
Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant who thinks she should be head-cook, not Emily.
And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice.
Because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again?
She has a career as a midwife that she loves . She enjoys living on her own as a single woman. But she also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air.
So when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer cooking on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance.
But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate.
Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant who thinks she should be head-cook, not Emily.
And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice.
Because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2016
520 people are currently reading
1954 people want to read
About the author
Katie Fforde
96 books2,312 followersCatherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
March 17, 2016
2,5 stars
I am sorry. Sorry for taking so long to read this book and sorry for taking it even longer for reviewing it.
The thing is, in the middle of my reading, I had to take a long break from this book because of one particular scene, the one I decided to call – the placenta scene.
I'll be 100% honest with you – if I didn't read a review copy, I would DNF it and then donate it.
But, I had an eARC, I think it was only fair of me to read the whole book so I could write a decent review.
I'd be lying if I told you my expectations for this novel weren't high.
Katie Fforde is a pretty popular author, this is her (if I'm not mistaking) 15th novel and she writes books in my favorite genre – women's fiction.
Still, what I got from this story was not what I wanted.
The writing style was detailed, I even dare to say it was too detailed for my taste. It felt like the author wrote about certain, unnecessarily things and created some scenes just to make this novel longer, when in reality it could have been at least 70 pages shorter.
Yet, some things that would be interesting to read about weren't in the story.
For example, when Emily comes to puffer, to work in the kitchen, we meet a young girl who's name I forgot. She seems like an interesting character with some trouble in her life, but we never get the chance to know more about her.
For the matter of fact, we didn't get any scenes from kitchen (and even if we did, they were so dull that I forgot about them).
Emily could have been working on any possible position, it wouldn't make difference, because the only thing we got to read about is her hanging out with puffer owners, her love interest and his child (and one customer).
The story wasn't interesting enough and I didn't care about the characters, but the setting was good.
I had two main problems with this book:
1. The writing style, as I said was too detailed for my taste, but one particular scene was just too much for me – Ladies and Getelments, I now present you, the PLACENTA SCENE.
Let me warn you immediately, this is going to be spoilery for your own good.
Our main character is a midwife. That means, she's helping women deliver their babies.
We all know that after a woman pushes baby out of her vagina, there has to be placenta somewhere, right?
And we have all seen movies with baby birth in them, but not one movie shows you a woman pushing her placenta out of her body. And there's a good reason for that!
We know about placenta, but please, don't ruin my reading experience with writing (in a very detailed way) about delivering placenta. Please, don't do it!
We just read about beautiful baby coming to life, and then, it was all ruined with the placenta scene.
I will remember that scene for the rest of my life, probably, and that is NOT something I want to remember!
After that scene, I needed a 2-3 weeks break from this book.
2. It felt like the author wanted to make us think what she though was right.
I understand that sometimes author's beliefs blend on pages, but when (almost) every single character tells the same thing (that a woman will want to be a mother one day and it is better for her to work on her motherhood soon), is what I call „pushing readers to think what author thinks is right“ and I DON'T nor ever will approve that kind way of putting your message out there.
Overall, I know some people like this kind of writing style, but I am not one of those people, and I don't think I'll read this author again.
Note: I got this book for free via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Random House UK, Cornerstone!
Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
I am sorry. Sorry for taking so long to read this book and sorry for taking it even longer for reviewing it.
The thing is, in the middle of my reading, I had to take a long break from this book because of one particular scene, the one I decided to call – the placenta scene.
I'll be 100% honest with you – if I didn't read a review copy, I would DNF it and then donate it.
But, I had an eARC, I think it was only fair of me to read the whole book so I could write a decent review.
I'd be lying if I told you my expectations for this novel weren't high.
Katie Fforde is a pretty popular author, this is her (if I'm not mistaking) 15th novel and she writes books in my favorite genre – women's fiction.
Still, what I got from this story was not what I wanted.
The writing style was detailed, I even dare to say it was too detailed for my taste. It felt like the author wrote about certain, unnecessarily things and created some scenes just to make this novel longer, when in reality it could have been at least 70 pages shorter.
Yet, some things that would be interesting to read about weren't in the story.
For example, when Emily comes to puffer, to work in the kitchen, we meet a young girl who's name I forgot. She seems like an interesting character with some trouble in her life, but we never get the chance to know more about her.
For the matter of fact, we didn't get any scenes from kitchen (and even if we did, they were so dull that I forgot about them).
Emily could have been working on any possible position, it wouldn't make difference, because the only thing we got to read about is her hanging out with puffer owners, her love interest and his child (and one customer).
The story wasn't interesting enough and I didn't care about the characters, but the setting was good.
I had two main problems with this book:
1. The writing style, as I said was too detailed for my taste, but one particular scene was just too much for me – Ladies and Getelments, I now present you, the PLACENTA SCENE.
Let me warn you immediately, this is going to be spoilery for your own good.
Our main character is a midwife. That means, she's helping women deliver their babies.
We all know that after a woman pushes baby out of her vagina, there has to be placenta somewhere, right?
And we have all seen movies with baby birth in them, but not one movie shows you a woman pushing her placenta out of her body. And there's a good reason for that!
We know about placenta, but please, don't ruin my reading experience with writing (in a very detailed way) about delivering placenta. Please, don't do it!
We just read about beautiful baby coming to life, and then, it was all ruined with the placenta scene.
I will remember that scene for the rest of my life, probably, and that is NOT something I want to remember!
After that scene, I needed a 2-3 weeks break from this book.
2. It felt like the author wanted to make us think what she though was right.
I understand that sometimes author's beliefs blend on pages, but when (almost) every single character tells the same thing (that a woman will want to be a mother one day and it is better for her to work on her motherhood soon), is what I call „pushing readers to think what author thinks is right“ and I DON'T nor ever will approve that kind way of putting your message out there.
Overall, I know some people like this kind of writing style, but I am not one of those people, and I don't think I'll read this author again.
Note: I got this book for free via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Random House UK, Cornerstone!
Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
September 18, 2019
I loved the setting of the book on-board puffer boat in Scotland. It was an easy read, which I like in a book none of it dragged on too long or took ages to set the scene.
The main character is Emma a midwife who encourages home births. She thinks the puffer boat will be a summer away from the job. First thing Emma discovers is you can't really get away from the job as her knowledge comes in very hand. Second thing Emma discovers is what she's really wanting in life, whether to return to a life she thought she loved or to take the new life she's discovered.
I didn't love the characters but I didn't hate any of them either. If anything the ending was a little too happy and a little predictable but still a good read.
3.5 Stars
The main character is Emma a midwife who encourages home births. She thinks the puffer boat will be a summer away from the job. First thing Emma discovers is you can't really get away from the job as her knowledge comes in very hand. Second thing Emma discovers is what she's really wanting in life, whether to return to a life she thought she loved or to take the new life she's discovered.
I didn't love the characters but I didn't hate any of them either. If anything the ending was a little too happy and a little predictable but still a good read.
3.5 Stars
August 20, 2016
Great summer read, perfect for a beach trip (or for when you wish you could take a vacation!) Katie Fforde always writes fun, sweet, and entertaining books of which this is no exception.
This is a feel-good book, as the tagline says, and just the kind I like to read when life gets hectic and crazy and I need an escape... Emily is a midwife who takes leave to help a pregnant friend, Rebecca, for the summer by taking over the kitchen duties for her on a puffer boat in Scotland. Despite the hard work, Emily loves the job and develops friendships with her fellow puffer workers as well as the clients on the boat. When the summer stint is over and Becca's sweet baby is born, Emily realizes she may have given her heart away without considering the consequences. What is her next step? Is she ready for this? What should she do? Read it to find out!
**Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy!**
This is a feel-good book, as the tagline says, and just the kind I like to read when life gets hectic and crazy and I need an escape... Emily is a midwife who takes leave to help a pregnant friend, Rebecca, for the summer by taking over the kitchen duties for her on a puffer boat in Scotland. Despite the hard work, Emily loves the job and develops friendships with her fellow puffer workers as well as the clients on the boat. When the summer stint is over and Becca's sweet baby is born, Emily realizes she may have given her heart away without considering the consequences. What is her next step? Is she ready for this? What should she do? Read it to find out!
**Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy!**
March 5, 2016
Sad to say I felt this was a bit slow, though I confess it followed a string of good thriller books and this may have contributed to the slow pace feeling.
From the starting chapter I thought Emily would be a feisty character - a midwife on a mission, but instead she went off on a sabbatical summer break cooking on a close friends floating hotel and her whole personality mellowed and became something else.
The relationship between Emily and Kate was endearing sadly I didn't feel the same about her relationship with Kate's dad Alasdair which was a bit lack lustre and predictable eventually tying up just as predicted quickly over a few pages, I was surprised that there wasn't an epilogue showing the outcome later on finishing the happy ever after more completely
From the starting chapter I thought Emily would be a feisty character - a midwife on a mission, but instead she went off on a sabbatical summer break cooking on a close friends floating hotel and her whole personality mellowed and became something else.
The relationship between Emily and Kate was endearing sadly I didn't feel the same about her relationship with Kate's dad Alasdair which was a bit lack lustre and predictable eventually tying up just as predicted quickly over a few pages, I was surprised that there wasn't an epilogue showing the outcome later on finishing the happy ever after more completely
October 12, 2016
Another fabulous book by Katie - and it was set in Scotland too not a million miles away from where I live. Loved the setting, the characters and of course the ending. Katies books are always feel good and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
June 1, 2016
Another adorable book from Katie Fforde. I'd love to be able to live in her world but at least I get the chance for a few days every year.
August 28, 2019
After a rip-roaring row with a GP Emily decides to take a sabbatical from her job as a midwife in the Cotswolds and, fortuitously, her BFF Rebecca needs a cook for her 'puffer boat which takes small groups of tourists on week-long tours of the Scottish coastline.
Emily soon makes friends with the customers, especially an elderly lady called Maisie, and with Rebecca's niece Kate and her father Alasdair, who just happens to be a local GP. So much so that she doesn't really want to return to the Cotswolds, until she is offered a dream job and the full support of the local GPs.
For some reason I had seen this book on offer several times and the idea of it being set on a boat was vaguely off-putting. I needn't have hesitate, not only is it not all set on board the puffer, but it is also charming, lots of glorious Scottish scenery, cute moppets, knitting and the trademark Katie Fforde romance.
Emily soon makes friends with the customers, especially an elderly lady called Maisie, and with Rebecca's niece Kate and her father Alasdair, who just happens to be a local GP. So much so that she doesn't really want to return to the Cotswolds, until she is offered a dream job and the full support of the local GPs.
For some reason I had seen this book on offer several times and the idea of it being set on a boat was vaguely off-putting. I needn't have hesitate, not only is it not all set on board the puffer, but it is also charming, lots of glorious Scottish scenery, cute moppets, knitting and the trademark Katie Fforde romance.
Read
May 22, 2018Dnf 31%
Dear me that was dull. I used to enjoy escaping into a Katie Fforde, but I don't remember them feeling quite so, well, middle -aged.
Dear me that was dull. I used to enjoy escaping into a Katie Fforde, but I don't remember them feeling quite so, well, middle -aged.
February 18, 2016
"A Summer at Sea" is Katie Fforde's 22nd novel, and every Sunday evening, when I turn the TV on, it looks like there is film that she's written for the German television, and I really have no idea how she does it. I usually don't watch TV, am not the biggest fan of movies, but those written by Katie are - just like her books - uplifting and full of great settings, and I really like watching them, it's my hidden pleasure :) And also, when I read synopsis to "A Summer at Sea" I thought this might be a really great read. And I also adore the cover of this book - this blue is so incredibly beautiful and cheerful and it makes me miss summer already!
However, I am in two minds about this novel. The larger part of the book felt like Rebecca was match - making Emily with Alastair, and I couldn't stand it, to be honest, because she did it with no subtlety. Then there was knitting. Tons of knitting. I am not a fan of knitting but I do like to read about things that I don't know much about but this knitting was just little too less imaginable for me, not to say boring. And then - and I really don't like it - people were trying to convince Emily that there is no living without children and that she's only going to be happy when she's with a small bunch of her own toddlers and pregnant again. Hello? We're living in the 21st century, and the book is also set in the 21st century, and I thought the times when only having a child was a significant determinant of being a "real" woman have long gone? It just sounded so, so patronizing and old - fashioned.
I was also promised that the puffer was made a queen of the book, but I didn't feel it. Also, the fact that I had to google puffer boat to see how it looks like and what it does, doesn't tell well, no? But at least I have seen the photos of coal being lifted out by the passengers and how the kitchen looks like and I feel very contented :) Though must admit that I thought it's much bigger and therefore spending holidays on such a boat, with other people, would be impossible for me - looks like there is no private sphere at all.
The characters were also too straight - forward for my liking, and they felt a little too wooden. I couldn't warm to Alastair, at all, I just didn't like him, there was something in him that just pushed me off but my final straw was when he told Emily that she puts her own career over other people happiness. Hello? And what else shall she do? Put other people's happiness over her own career? Excuse me, but after this action Alastair would see me never again. Emily I liked, she was opinionated and wasn't afraid of changes, and she was also able to stood for herself. She was also very helpful to people, there were moments I'd say too helpful for my liking, putting other people's need before her own. Nevertheless, Emily is a very dynamic character, and you can sit down comfortably, with a cup of sea, and see how she changes and develops throughout the whole story.
But of course the book is written in this typical, easy and peaceful Katie Fforde's style. The characters are speaking fluent English, they are chatty in this nice, bubbly way. They are also nice people, well - brought - up, full of respect to each other. They are good natured and enjoyable and they're looking for goodness in other people. The story itself, putting all my own problems aside, was uplifting little romance, touching upon many different issues. The author has also given her story one of the most beautiful settings and I adored the searching for otters, those were really the loveliest bits. She has also managed to create a wonderful atmosphere between the characters, this feeling of community was so easy to spot and truly palpable through the pages. I am sure that fans of Katie Fforde are going to adore this novel.
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
September 13, 2017
So glad I read this book. Wasn't sure about it but it turned out a good read.
July 14, 2018
Emily ist Hebamme aus Leidenschaft, die allerdings unter den Arbeitsbedingungen und den Vorurteilen die ihr entgegengebracht werden zu leiden hat und daher beschließt erst einmal eine Auszeit zu brauchen.
Da kommt ihr das Angebot ihrer besten Freundin Rebecca aus Schottland auf deren Schiff als Köchin zu arbeiten, gerade recht.
So macht sich Emily auf nach Schottland und verbringt dort einen wunderbaren Sommer, der ihr Leben verändern wird.
Katie Fforde ist wieder ein wunderbares Wohlfühlbuch gelungen, das einen von Schottland träumen lässt. Es wird wie üblich viel Tee getrunken und diesmal auch einiges an Whisky.
Es gibt Reibereien, nicht alles klappt auf Anhieb, aber durch vernünftige Planung und ein Gespräch an der richtigen Stelle, lassen sich viele Dinge rasch zurecht rücken.
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen, Emily und Rebecca und auch die anderen waren mir sehr sympathisch und die schottische Landschaft war so toll beschrieben, dass man sich fast wie vor Ort fühlte.
Definitiv ein Buch für gemütliche Lesestunden.
Von daher von mir eine volle Leseempfehlung!
Da kommt ihr das Angebot ihrer besten Freundin Rebecca aus Schottland auf deren Schiff als Köchin zu arbeiten, gerade recht.
So macht sich Emily auf nach Schottland und verbringt dort einen wunderbaren Sommer, der ihr Leben verändern wird.
Katie Fforde ist wieder ein wunderbares Wohlfühlbuch gelungen, das einen von Schottland träumen lässt. Es wird wie üblich viel Tee getrunken und diesmal auch einiges an Whisky.
Es gibt Reibereien, nicht alles klappt auf Anhieb, aber durch vernünftige Planung und ein Gespräch an der richtigen Stelle, lassen sich viele Dinge rasch zurecht rücken.
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen, Emily und Rebecca und auch die anderen waren mir sehr sympathisch und die schottische Landschaft war so toll beschrieben, dass man sich fast wie vor Ort fühlte.
Definitiv ein Buch für gemütliche Lesestunden.
Von daher von mir eine volle Leseempfehlung!
February 18, 2017
Feelgood, summervibes! Lief, romantisch, vlot te lezen
June 21, 2018
I was loaned this book, along with a few others by different authors, but I thought I would read it first - I was aware Katie Fforde had written many books and I was tempted by the exciting cover and more importantly, of course, the plot on the back of the cover. I thought reading about a woman spending a Summer at sea before having to return to her job sounded interesting and would be a good book to take on my own hols.
Wrong!!
Now, with these types of books, you know how the book will end before you've even read one page, however, the fun part is spending time with funny and engaging characters, and seeing the main character overcome some obstacles and good/bad times before getting their happy ending. The problem with this book is that I just didn't warm to Emily, who I found not particularly nice - there was her unease about wearing boots that she thought belonged to Alasdair's late wife - and in fact quite sanctimonious and dull. Why all of the eligible men in the book took at interest in her at one stage or another (Drew, Alasdair, Derek ) I have no idea.
As for the obstacles in her way, for the most part there were none and everything just feel into place. On a couple of occasions at the start of the book there was mention of some - the slight animosity that Sammi felt against her / Rebecca frowning at Emily when she said 1) she wasn't good at baking bread and 2) she and Sammi would be equal at work, i.e. she wouldn't be her boss - but these were resolved in a matter of sentences. For instance, all Emily had to do was warn Sammi she would get the sack if she didn't try and work well with Emily and ta dah! Sammi was a changed woman, frequently offering to work whilst Emily took time off.
Another issue of mine was it felt the author wanted to put key scenes in the book without the proper build up beforehand. For instance, she wanted Emily to see the Northern Lights with Alasdair and share a kiss, so had Emily spend the night because his 9 year old daughter wanted a sleepover!! I mean, really? A 35 year old woman befriends a 9 year old girl and when the girl wants her to sleep over, she does!?!? Another one was the wedding - Emily was bridesmaid when Rebecca married James but surely as James' brother Alasdair would have been at the wedding and met Emily? To me, the author wanted Emily and Alasdairs first meeting to be the near silent taxi ride - had they been at the wedding together, the conversation in the taxi would have flowed. Also, there was the scene when Emily felt sea sick during the storm and Alasdair kept an eye on her, she then spent time with him whilst he steered the ship. Up until then, Emily hadn't mentioned sea-sickness, not even when Rebecca first invited her to work on the puffer over the Summer.
And then there was Aladairs late wife who, of course, had to be a villain. Not only did she die in a car accident as she was leaving him and her daughter to be with her lover, but she would hardly let Alasdair hold Kate when she was born!! And she wouldn't breast feed her as it would ruin her figure. Really??
Towards the end, the book improved a little, I guess because we were getting to the crux of how they would get together, though Emily's brilliance at everything; "oh James, you're too busy to collect Rebecca's mother from the airport, I'll do that as well as bake 2 cakes, one for Valerie and one for the kids, plus we'll plan all meals including coffee breaks for the next week etc. " did irk somewhat. If I was Rebecca I'd feel quite annoyed that my friend was taking over my life!!
To me, this whole book seemed as if the author had the start and beginning sorted, plus a few key scenes but didn't how to fill in the rest and so she just imparted the knowledge she gained on researching the book (knitting, midwifery and Scotland) and what could have been excellent was for me, really rather dull. Sorry, but based on this book this author is not for me.
Wrong!!
Now, with these types of books, you know how the book will end before you've even read one page, however, the fun part is spending time with funny and engaging characters, and seeing the main character overcome some obstacles and good/bad times before getting their happy ending. The problem with this book is that I just didn't warm to Emily, who I found not particularly nice - there was her unease about wearing boots that she thought belonged to Alasdair's late wife - and in fact quite sanctimonious and dull. Why all of the eligible men in the book took at interest in her at one stage or another (Drew, Alasdair, Derek ) I have no idea.
As for the obstacles in her way, for the most part there were none and everything just feel into place. On a couple of occasions at the start of the book there was mention of some - the slight animosity that Sammi felt against her / Rebecca frowning at Emily when she said 1) she wasn't good at baking bread and 2) she and Sammi would be equal at work, i.e. she wouldn't be her boss - but these were resolved in a matter of sentences. For instance, all Emily had to do was warn Sammi she would get the sack if she didn't try and work well with Emily and ta dah! Sammi was a changed woman, frequently offering to work whilst Emily took time off.
Another issue of mine was it felt the author wanted to put key scenes in the book without the proper build up beforehand. For instance, she wanted Emily to see the Northern Lights with Alasdair and share a kiss, so had Emily spend the night because his 9 year old daughter wanted a sleepover!! I mean, really? A 35 year old woman befriends a 9 year old girl and when the girl wants her to sleep over, she does!?!? Another one was the wedding - Emily was bridesmaid when Rebecca married James but surely as James' brother Alasdair would have been at the wedding and met Emily? To me, the author wanted Emily and Alasdairs first meeting to be the near silent taxi ride - had they been at the wedding together, the conversation in the taxi would have flowed. Also, there was the scene when Emily felt sea sick during the storm and Alasdair kept an eye on her, she then spent time with him whilst he steered the ship. Up until then, Emily hadn't mentioned sea-sickness, not even when Rebecca first invited her to work on the puffer over the Summer.
And then there was Aladairs late wife who, of course, had to be a villain. Not only did she die in a car accident as she was leaving him and her daughter to be with her lover, but she would hardly let Alasdair hold Kate when she was born!! And she wouldn't breast feed her as it would ruin her figure. Really??
Towards the end, the book improved a little, I guess because we were getting to the crux of how they would get together, though Emily's brilliance at everything; "oh James, you're too busy to collect Rebecca's mother from the airport, I'll do that as well as bake 2 cakes, one for Valerie and one for the kids, plus we'll plan all meals including coffee breaks for the next week etc. " did irk somewhat. If I was Rebecca I'd feel quite annoyed that my friend was taking over my life!!
To me, this whole book seemed as if the author had the start and beginning sorted, plus a few key scenes but didn't how to fill in the rest and so she just imparted the knowledge she gained on researching the book (knitting, midwifery and Scotland) and what could have been excellent was for me, really rather dull. Sorry, but based on this book this author is not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2016
Usually I like slow-paced novels where I can read a lot of well-written descriptions of landscapes and especially descriptions of things I'm not that familiar with - e.g. the job of the midwifes and the whole birthing-scene. What I also liked was that Emily was about my age and I could relate better to her. The season on the puffer sounded exciting, the budding friendship between Katie and Emily was endearing and the relationship between Alasdair and Emily was very promising and I was happy about them getting their happy-end.
So everything seems perfect... but...
What I didn't like was that there was a "fast-forward romance" opposed to the slow-paced attitude of life in the book. It would have been really good if even the romance would have been a bit more realistic - that way the contradiction wouldn't have been that obvious.
I'm not a big fan of "insta-love" and that's what we have here:
Another thing I didn't like were the many repitions, which were mostly for two major topics:
- "You will live to regret it if you don't have a baby" in all variations -> Well.. I'm getting that speech too since I'm a convinced single who doesn't want any children (yet) so I can relate to that, but it's still annoying to read it so often... :)
- "It's so sad you're going" in all variations and mostly from Rebecca. After the third till fifth mentioning of that in a very short time I was really annoyed.
The "minor" topics like the letting-down of Katie are tolerable since it wasn't as often mentioned as the ones I listed.
Thanks to the "fast-forward romance" and the repetitions I was really underwhelmed so it was just an "ok"-read for me.
So everything seems perfect... but...
What I didn't like was that there was a "fast-forward romance" opposed to the slow-paced attitude of life in the book. It would have been really good if even the romance would have been a bit more realistic - that way the contradiction wouldn't have been that obvious.
I'm not a big fan of "insta-love" and that's what we have here:
Another thing I didn't like were the many repitions, which were mostly for two major topics:
- "You will live to regret it if you don't have a baby" in all variations -> Well.. I'm getting that speech too since I'm a convinced single who doesn't want any children (yet) so I can relate to that, but it's still annoying to read it so often... :)
- "It's so sad you're going" in all variations and mostly from Rebecca. After the third till fifth mentioning of that in a very short time I was really annoyed.
The "minor" topics like the letting-down of Katie are tolerable since it wasn't as often mentioned as the ones I listed.
Thanks to the "fast-forward romance" and the repetitions I was really underwhelmed so it was just an "ok"-read for me.
August 9, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: 4 STARS
I am loving all of these re-releases of Katie Fforde's books! I think these are older book and that they've been given updated covers and are now coming out on kindle. You can read a recent review of one of these other re-releases HERE. But getting back to A Summer at Sea -- this one was so fun, so heart-warming! I loved the setting in Scotland and on the water in the 'puffer' (boat) and I really, really loved Alasdair -- the incredibly warm and HOT single-dad and doctor that provided swoon after swoon. This was just such a great story -- perfect for light summer reading: romantic, fun, not a trope you read in every other contemporary romance and just such a delight!
Definitely recommend this to fans of contemporary romance; this is set in Scotland and does not disappoint!
I am loving all of these re-releases of Katie Fforde's books! I think these are older book and that they've been given updated covers and are now coming out on kindle. You can read a recent review of one of these other re-releases HERE. But getting back to A Summer at Sea -- this one was so fun, so heart-warming! I loved the setting in Scotland and on the water in the 'puffer' (boat) and I really, really loved Alasdair -- the incredibly warm and HOT single-dad and doctor that provided swoon after swoon. This was just such a great story -- perfect for light summer reading: romantic, fun, not a trope you read in every other contemporary romance and just such a delight!
Definitely recommend this to fans of contemporary romance; this is set in Scotland and does not disappoint!
'So, do you want the job?' she asked when Emily had finished describing it.
'If it wasn't here, I'd love it!' said Emily. 'It'll be varied, I'd be learning lot of new stuff for the health visitor aspect of it. And I think they could learn a lot from me on the maternity side. But it is here.'
'And what's wrong with "here"?'
'Oh, Bec, you know! It's Alasdair! He's in every blade of grass and bell of heather. And sorry if that sounds like a cheesy song lyric. I'm not over him and if I was up here it would take me far longer to do it. I'd be constantly worrying that I was going to see him or yearning to see him. My head would be a mess. I need to go back home and find a man who wants children, who wants me! Not hanker after a man who never will want me.'
April 11, 2016
Maybe 2.5.
This was a wholly unsatisfying read for me. From the beginning it was obvious what would happen, which made the story irrelevant. Had it been more interesting, then at least it would have been a good read, but it really wasn't. There was so little to it that it became really repetitive. Add to that that the love interest was a bit of a dick, especially when he goes off about
Often books like this are a solid 3 star read, as they can be a nice bit of entertaining diversion -this is not the case here.
This was a wholly unsatisfying read for me. From the beginning it was obvious what would happen, which made the story irrelevant. Had it been more interesting, then at least it would have been a good read, but it really wasn't. There was so little to it that it became really repetitive. Add to that that the love interest was a bit of a dick, especially when he goes off about
Often books like this are a solid 3 star read, as they can be a nice bit of entertaining diversion -this is not the case here.
January 17, 2017
Having read mainly detective/murder mysteries while I've been on holiday thought I'd have a change and Katie Fforde never disappoints. Very predictable but a lovely read whilst laid on the sun lounger.
March 13, 2016
Another enjoyable read from Katie Fforde.
September 20, 2017
Easy quick read. More fluffy than usual so got a bit bored hence the 3 stars.
Popsugar challenge : book with a season in the title
Popsugar challenge : book with a season in the title
February 12, 2016
So we may still be languishing in the cold, dark, gloomy days of winter but Katie Fforde's new novel - A Summer at Sea is here with its cheerful bright summery cover to remind us that the warm, glistening days of Spring and Summer are just around the corner. This cover was colourful and whimsical and gave the reader a real flavour as to what was in store for us between the pages of Katie's 22nd book (excluding short stories). This book was a welcome addition to my reading list as with any new book of Katie's a fun, good natured, enjoyable read is always guaranteed. I certainly got that and a whole lot more as this was the book that took me out of my reading slump. Katie had released a gorgeous short story at Christmas entitled 'A Christmas in Disguise' which I reviewed and so I was delighted to see she had not kept her readers waiting long until her next full length novel. A Summer at Sea was a feel good read with romance and positivity at its centre, I devoured it in two sittings and was sad to leave behind the characters and such a wonderful setting in Scotland.
In the majority of Katie's books she chooses a profession to focus on, in this case midwifery and weaves this seamlessly into the overall plot. For me this is what sets Katie's books apart from other authors in this genre. Clearly a lot of research goes into her chosen subject and this adds an extra dimension to her novels and makes for an interesting read as you may not know a lot about she has written about but by the end of the book you find yourself a lot more clued in and aware of a different occupation from yours. In A Summer at Sea we are introduced to Emily who is single and living and working in the Cotswolds as a midwife. She loves her job and is dedicated to it despite the long hours. She finds it very rewarding and strongly advocates home births although not all her colleagues in the medical profession may agree with her views. Initially Emily seems happy with her lot but an incident with the husband of one of her patients combined with a run with a doctor make her begin to realise she needs a change. Emily is becoming slightly disillusioned with the opposition she seems to regularly come against as most believe home births put the mother and baby in danger. Both a change in scenery and her profession may be just the thing Emily needs. Time away to have a rest and take stock and come to a decision as to what direction she wishes both her professional and personal life may be just the thing she needs. When a call comes from best friend Rebecca urgently looking for a cook for her hotel on board a puffer boat for the Summer months, Emily feels this is destiny and just what she is looking for. Before long she finds herself transported to Scotland and to a Summer which will change everything. But will this be the change she is searching for?
Emily was instantly likeable right from the opening chapter, she was opinionated but in a good way and ultimately wanted the best for all her patients. She was kind and most helpful to people in all sorts of situations. In fact I think she put other peoples needs way before her own so when it came to looking after herself or looking for a nice man to marry, have children and spend the rest of her life with she seemed to stumble and become unsure of herself as she was so used to caring for others. In a way she had forgotten how to relax and find her own happiness. Certainly Emily was very brave to give up her routine with her job and lovely cottage even if it was only for a few months. Yet it showed her caring nature and that she would always help a friend in need. Rebecca had long been a close friend even though her marriage and subsequent move to Scotland had kept them apart as soon as Emily arrives they reconnect. Rebecca is expecting her third child and can no longer work within the narrow confines of a puffer boat as the boats cook. Even though cooking may not be Emily's area of expertise she gives it a good go and soon adapts to life on board and finds to her surprise she quite enjoys it as life on board proves to be anything but plain sailing.
Katie Fforde did a brilliant job of writing about the hotel on board the puffer boat. Admittedly I hadn't a clue what a puffer boat was or what it had been used for and I had to google it. Which I am glad I did because it helped me to envisage even more the delightful picture the author was creating. What really made this book a joy to read was the fact we weren't bogged down in technical boat terms. We were given just the right amount of information written in the easiest way so the reader could create their own image in their mind. Also the story was not just a rehash of every day spend on board the boat and the various guests. Although I did love elderly Maisie who introduced Emily to fair isle knitting. Instead we are treated to a wonderful exploration of the Scottish coast and countryside (with a little help from a real loveable male character) as Emily journeys on the puffer boat and sees her view on life and her job back at home start to change. I really started to feel as if I was there alongside Emily as these few months prove to be a turning point in her life. All the secondary characters throughout the book were really well written and added to the real homely, comfortable feel created by Katie. We have Billie who works on board the boat, she appeared a bit mean at first but mellows a bit after she realises Emily is not out to get her job. James is the owner of the boat and married to Rebecca and they did have a lovely little storyline towards the end.
The best character for me alongside Emily was Alasdair – local doctor and brother to James. Too often in books men remain cold and aloof and give mixed signals but Alasdair proved to be the opposite and I think this was because he had already married before but now was a widow raising the adorable Kate. Kate was brilliant, a little girl who was not afraid to speak her mind, she was forward and blunt and spoke as if she was the wisest person in the world. The relationship that develops between her, Emily and Maisie was a delight to read. Alasadair shows Emily all that the highlands has to offer and just like Emily I found myself falling for him just that little bit and now want to move to the highlands and spend days picnicking on islands whilst searching for otters. It all seemed such a magical time, that the summer days would last forever and reality would come crashing in. Should Emily give in to her ever increasing feelings or will a life changing offer from at home force her make some big decisions? The later half of the book really saw Emily develop as a character and I warmed to her even more. I now understood why she was so forceful in her opinions relating to her job and home births and how she wasn't going to be put down. I felt for her as she was torn in two between the idyllic life she had experienced in Scotland and the need to continue on the good work she had started in the Cotswolds. I was rooting for her to make the right decision the one which would see her find ultimate happiness but as with any good book there was plenty to play out in the later stages of the book and it kept me hooked right until the last page.
Katie Fforde has once again succeeded in writing another delightful read that will not leave her fans in the slightest way disappointed. For new readers A Summer at Sea is the perfect introduction to Katie's writing and once you have read it will be eager to devour her back catalogue. Katie has created a heart-warming story combined with vivid, beautiful descriptions and coupled with a real community feel this book was just the perfect read I needed at the time. Emily is a character who proves you don't always have to have your head rule your heart. That every opportunity should be grabbed with both hands. Do the best with everything that comes your way because you never know what remarkable, wonderful things may spring from the most unlikely of offers. Do make sure and buy this wonderful read you won't be disappointed. Hurry up Katie and write number 23 this reader is dying to see what is in store for us next.
In the majority of Katie's books she chooses a profession to focus on, in this case midwifery and weaves this seamlessly into the overall plot. For me this is what sets Katie's books apart from other authors in this genre. Clearly a lot of research goes into her chosen subject and this adds an extra dimension to her novels and makes for an interesting read as you may not know a lot about she has written about but by the end of the book you find yourself a lot more clued in and aware of a different occupation from yours. In A Summer at Sea we are introduced to Emily who is single and living and working in the Cotswolds as a midwife. She loves her job and is dedicated to it despite the long hours. She finds it very rewarding and strongly advocates home births although not all her colleagues in the medical profession may agree with her views. Initially Emily seems happy with her lot but an incident with the husband of one of her patients combined with a run with a doctor make her begin to realise she needs a change. Emily is becoming slightly disillusioned with the opposition she seems to regularly come against as most believe home births put the mother and baby in danger. Both a change in scenery and her profession may be just the thing Emily needs. Time away to have a rest and take stock and come to a decision as to what direction she wishes both her professional and personal life may be just the thing she needs. When a call comes from best friend Rebecca urgently looking for a cook for her hotel on board a puffer boat for the Summer months, Emily feels this is destiny and just what she is looking for. Before long she finds herself transported to Scotland and to a Summer which will change everything. But will this be the change she is searching for?
Emily was instantly likeable right from the opening chapter, she was opinionated but in a good way and ultimately wanted the best for all her patients. She was kind and most helpful to people in all sorts of situations. In fact I think she put other peoples needs way before her own so when it came to looking after herself or looking for a nice man to marry, have children and spend the rest of her life with she seemed to stumble and become unsure of herself as she was so used to caring for others. In a way she had forgotten how to relax and find her own happiness. Certainly Emily was very brave to give up her routine with her job and lovely cottage even if it was only for a few months. Yet it showed her caring nature and that she would always help a friend in need. Rebecca had long been a close friend even though her marriage and subsequent move to Scotland had kept them apart as soon as Emily arrives they reconnect. Rebecca is expecting her third child and can no longer work within the narrow confines of a puffer boat as the boats cook. Even though cooking may not be Emily's area of expertise she gives it a good go and soon adapts to life on board and finds to her surprise she quite enjoys it as life on board proves to be anything but plain sailing.
Katie Fforde did a brilliant job of writing about the hotel on board the puffer boat. Admittedly I hadn't a clue what a puffer boat was or what it had been used for and I had to google it. Which I am glad I did because it helped me to envisage even more the delightful picture the author was creating. What really made this book a joy to read was the fact we weren't bogged down in technical boat terms. We were given just the right amount of information written in the easiest way so the reader could create their own image in their mind. Also the story was not just a rehash of every day spend on board the boat and the various guests. Although I did love elderly Maisie who introduced Emily to fair isle knitting. Instead we are treated to a wonderful exploration of the Scottish coast and countryside (with a little help from a real loveable male character) as Emily journeys on the puffer boat and sees her view on life and her job back at home start to change. I really started to feel as if I was there alongside Emily as these few months prove to be a turning point in her life. All the secondary characters throughout the book were really well written and added to the real homely, comfortable feel created by Katie. We have Billie who works on board the boat, she appeared a bit mean at first but mellows a bit after she realises Emily is not out to get her job. James is the owner of the boat and married to Rebecca and they did have a lovely little storyline towards the end.
The best character for me alongside Emily was Alasdair – local doctor and brother to James. Too often in books men remain cold and aloof and give mixed signals but Alasdair proved to be the opposite and I think this was because he had already married before but now was a widow raising the adorable Kate. Kate was brilliant, a little girl who was not afraid to speak her mind, she was forward and blunt and spoke as if she was the wisest person in the world. The relationship that develops between her, Emily and Maisie was a delight to read. Alasadair shows Emily all that the highlands has to offer and just like Emily I found myself falling for him just that little bit and now want to move to the highlands and spend days picnicking on islands whilst searching for otters. It all seemed such a magical time, that the summer days would last forever and reality would come crashing in. Should Emily give in to her ever increasing feelings or will a life changing offer from at home force her make some big decisions? The later half of the book really saw Emily develop as a character and I warmed to her even more. I now understood why she was so forceful in her opinions relating to her job and home births and how she wasn't going to be put down. I felt for her as she was torn in two between the idyllic life she had experienced in Scotland and the need to continue on the good work she had started in the Cotswolds. I was rooting for her to make the right decision the one which would see her find ultimate happiness but as with any good book there was plenty to play out in the later stages of the book and it kept me hooked right until the last page.
Katie Fforde has once again succeeded in writing another delightful read that will not leave her fans in the slightest way disappointed. For new readers A Summer at Sea is the perfect introduction to Katie's writing and once you have read it will be eager to devour her back catalogue. Katie has created a heart-warming story combined with vivid, beautiful descriptions and coupled with a real community feel this book was just the perfect read I needed at the time. Emily is a character who proves you don't always have to have your head rule your heart. That every opportunity should be grabbed with both hands. Do the best with everything that comes your way because you never know what remarkable, wonderful things may spring from the most unlikely of offers. Do make sure and buy this wonderful read you won't be disappointed. Hurry up Katie and write number 23 this reader is dying to see what is in store for us next.
March 27, 2017
Emily is a midwife who is exhausted from always having to defend her beliefs and position on home births, so when she gets the opportunity to help out her old college friend Rebecca, she jumps at the chance. Taking a sabbatical from her job, she volunteers to cook on Rebecca's puffer ship which serves as holiday accommodation, and with it, she gets a different perspective on her life, and what she wants from her future. With lovely scenery and cosy scenes with the many guests and crew on the boat, A SUMMER AT SEA by Katie Fforde is an old-fashioned romance that will please many readers. For me, the pace was a little too slow, and some of the characters didn't have the depth that I look for which resulted in my not really caring what happened to them. Having read many of the author's novels, I am a fan, but there was just something missing for me with this novel.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
January 16, 2020
I enjoyed this chick lit story! Easy reading! It reminded me of the Harlequin stories I read years ago! I will admit I got a bit annoyed with Emily when she seemed not to know her own mind! 3.5 stars!
April 3, 2019
What hell is this. I can’t remember the story
July 30, 2019
Review to follow.
August 26, 2020
Loved this one.
June 17, 2025
Tää oli tämmönen kevyt kesälukeminen junamatkoille.
Eipä ollut kummoinen enkä kummoisia odottanutkaan, ihan viihdyttävä tarkoituksessaan.
Luin tän siis suomeksi niin osittain oli kyllä tosi kömpelö suomennos eli en tiiä oisko ollu englanniks parempi.
Eipä ollut kummoinen enkä kummoisia odottanutkaan, ihan viihdyttävä tarkoituksessaan.
Luin tän siis suomeksi niin osittain oli kyllä tosi kömpelö suomennos eli en tiiä oisko ollu englanniks parempi.
June 27, 2017
2.5 stars
July 25, 2016
Oh dear...I hate to give a review for a book I didn't like much by an author that everyone seems to love. Especially if it's a genre that I've made clear isn't my favourite.
As I've wanted to read more books from this genre lately I have been asking myself more and more why it's not a genre that I absolutely love.
This book is why! I've read some exceptional books that were classified "chick lit". I've read some that make my heart swell...some that have made me laugh out loud...and some that have given me so many "feels" that I can't help but to always seek out that next one that makes me feel all those emotions.
This book wasn't awful. But I just have issues with the characters.
Why was the main character so stressed out from a job that she proclaimed meant so much to her, that she was so passionate about, but then was willing to just walk away for several months. I understand stress...I do! I understand needing a break...I do! However, this just seemed like it was over dramatic, especially since a few weeks later it was once again the best job in the universe with no issues at all...what was the real story going on there?
Second, I can't stand where a character just falls for someone they don't know...I mean, she didn't even seem to find him that attractive when she first saw him...then suddenly after talking to her mate, she couldn't stop thinking of him...then after one day she's willing to do all sorts of things with him...
TBH, when we first heard of the *love interest* in this novel the description was so non-descriptive I didn't have a clue what he was like...I pictured him as older man that didn't speak much and might not even speak the same language...
Again, I'm not trying to be horrible here...the book REALLY was okay...
I just need some type of foundation to build a HEA on and I don't feel like I received it in this novel. Little Kate was wonderful...the teddy was wonderful...the elderly Maisie was wonderful...
But that's just it...the rest just weren't...and there were bits that really bothered me...How in an interview and discussing a new job the main character kept referring to the elderly as "old people". Here she is in an interview and they ask her if she's ever worked with senior citizens and she goes on about "one old lady in particular". Im not really one for strict PC, but I just found it a bit off-putting for me. It bothered me. Two days later it STILL bothers me...That "old woman" was meant to be her friend...and there you have it...I just found Emily shallow and fickle. I found Alasdair stern, controlling and unforgiving...and I didn't seem them as an item at all...
I certainly didn't hate the book, but I can't reconcile myself a fantastic, deep felt relationship between two people that I never saw any evidence of...so this book was a pass for me...
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review
As I've wanted to read more books from this genre lately I have been asking myself more and more why it's not a genre that I absolutely love.
This book is why! I've read some exceptional books that were classified "chick lit". I've read some that make my heart swell...some that have made me laugh out loud...and some that have given me so many "feels" that I can't help but to always seek out that next one that makes me feel all those emotions.
This book wasn't awful. But I just have issues with the characters.
Why was the main character so stressed out from a job that she proclaimed meant so much to her, that she was so passionate about, but then was willing to just walk away for several months. I understand stress...I do! I understand needing a break...I do! However, this just seemed like it was over dramatic, especially since a few weeks later it was once again the best job in the universe with no issues at all...what was the real story going on there?
Second, I can't stand where a character just falls for someone they don't know...I mean, she didn't even seem to find him that attractive when she first saw him...then suddenly after talking to her mate, she couldn't stop thinking of him...then after one day she's willing to do all sorts of things with him...
TBH, when we first heard of the *love interest* in this novel the description was so non-descriptive I didn't have a clue what he was like...I pictured him as older man that didn't speak much and might not even speak the same language...
Again, I'm not trying to be horrible here...the book REALLY was okay...
I just need some type of foundation to build a HEA on and I don't feel like I received it in this novel. Little Kate was wonderful...the teddy was wonderful...the elderly Maisie was wonderful...
But that's just it...the rest just weren't...and there were bits that really bothered me...How in an interview and discussing a new job the main character kept referring to the elderly as "old people". Here she is in an interview and they ask her if she's ever worked with senior citizens and she goes on about "one old lady in particular". Im not really one for strict PC, but I just found it a bit off-putting for me. It bothered me. Two days later it STILL bothers me...That "old woman" was meant to be her friend...and there you have it...I just found Emily shallow and fickle. I found Alasdair stern, controlling and unforgiving...and I didn't seem them as an item at all...
I certainly didn't hate the book, but I can't reconcile myself a fantastic, deep felt relationship between two people that I never saw any evidence of...so this book was a pass for me...
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review
February 26, 2016
Summer at sea with Katie Fforde sounds like a lovely way to explore the islands of Scotland!
Visit Crinan in Argyle and Bute via fiction: link: Come Sailing with Katie Fforde
Fancy fishing and cooking on a boat in Scotland? A puffer boat or the Vic 32 Puffer built in 1942 to be precise which is the star of this story.
Not quite the setting that a midwife from Gloucestershire would be expected to adapt to quickly but Emily is keen to get away and really it seems so far removed from her former life that it could just be exactly what she needs! Cooking for a few people however is not as easy as she hoped it would be however but the views and the fresh food more than make up for it.
The boat is quite the place to be and ideal to experience the Scottish Coast:
It’s a boat, an old cargo vessel. It used to carry cargoes all around the Highlands and Islands in the old days. Now it’s a sort of Floating hotel. People go on it for holidays”
This boat was built during WW2 and was a delivery ship carrying supplies up and down the coast. Now, there were wooden stairs, a long polished mahogany table and comfy looking cushions. Oh and that’s not forgetting the views you can drink in
Then there’s the knitting!
Lovely old Maisie introduces Emily to fair isle knitting – a real and vibrant tradition on the West Coast which brings out another part of the Scottish setting. As Emily travels more, she sees more of the Scottish coastline and really starts to see her life now and then change too.
This is a lot of fun and follows the story of a midwife too and it was interesting to find out more about this profession too but it's the whole life at sea that really makes the book for me. The book is based in Crinnan where you really can have holidays in a puffer boat and we've mapped out the locations on thebooktrail.com - this side of Argyll and Bute is really love to visit via fiction before I get the chance to go back for real - with this book in my hand!
Visit Crinan in Argyle and Bute via fiction: link: Come Sailing with Katie Fforde
Fancy fishing and cooking on a boat in Scotland? A puffer boat or the Vic 32 Puffer built in 1942 to be precise which is the star of this story.
Not quite the setting that a midwife from Gloucestershire would be expected to adapt to quickly but Emily is keen to get away and really it seems so far removed from her former life that it could just be exactly what she needs! Cooking for a few people however is not as easy as she hoped it would be however but the views and the fresh food more than make up for it.
The boat is quite the place to be and ideal to experience the Scottish Coast:
It’s a boat, an old cargo vessel. It used to carry cargoes all around the Highlands and Islands in the old days. Now it’s a sort of Floating hotel. People go on it for holidays”
This boat was built during WW2 and was a delivery ship carrying supplies up and down the coast. Now, there were wooden stairs, a long polished mahogany table and comfy looking cushions. Oh and that’s not forgetting the views you can drink in
Then there’s the knitting!
Lovely old Maisie introduces Emily to fair isle knitting – a real and vibrant tradition on the West Coast which brings out another part of the Scottish setting. As Emily travels more, she sees more of the Scottish coastline and really starts to see her life now and then change too.
This is a lot of fun and follows the story of a midwife too and it was interesting to find out more about this profession too but it's the whole life at sea that really makes the book for me. The book is based in Crinnan where you really can have holidays in a puffer boat and we've mapped out the locations on thebooktrail.com - this side of Argyll and Bute is really love to visit via fiction before I get the chance to go back for real - with this book in my hand!
August 27, 2016
I really don't know what to say, I feel like I have waxed lyrical about Katie Fforde's books a fair amount in the past, and no idea how to come up with anything original to talk about how brilliant A Summer At Sea is.
Because needless to say I absolutely loved this book, from the first few pages I was drawn into another cosy and comforting story that this always talented author has written. With a great location of the wilds of Scotland, and Emily has two jobs which are both very interesting. Normally she is a midwife, and after particularly awkward birth, she is finding herself a bit disillusioned.
Enter Rebecca her heavily pregnant best friend, who offers her the chance to work as a cook on their puffer boat that does Scottish Island tourist trips for the summer. I loved all the action on the boat, and thought it was a bit of a different setting for a story.
The scenery in Scotland was breathtaking too, watch out for some very cute wildlife making an appearance, as well as an adorable 9 year old girl, and her dishy doctor dad!
The action was pottering along at a reasonable pace that I was enjoying and then suddenly there was a period of the book that became energizing and unputdownable, while a multitude of things happened, and from there a good become great.
I always have the sense of walking away from a big comforting hug when I finish a Katie Fforde book, and this was no exception. The characters were all believable and likeable, the story was interesting and at times compelling and the descriptions of both setting and jobs were superb. All in all another masterpiece from one of the great women's fiction writers around.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Because needless to say I absolutely loved this book, from the first few pages I was drawn into another cosy and comforting story that this always talented author has written. With a great location of the wilds of Scotland, and Emily has two jobs which are both very interesting. Normally she is a midwife, and after particularly awkward birth, she is finding herself a bit disillusioned.
Enter Rebecca her heavily pregnant best friend, who offers her the chance to work as a cook on their puffer boat that does Scottish Island tourist trips for the summer. I loved all the action on the boat, and thought it was a bit of a different setting for a story.
The scenery in Scotland was breathtaking too, watch out for some very cute wildlife making an appearance, as well as an adorable 9 year old girl, and her dishy doctor dad!
The action was pottering along at a reasonable pace that I was enjoying and then suddenly there was a period of the book that became energizing and unputdownable, while a multitude of things happened, and from there a good become great.
I always have the sense of walking away from a big comforting hug when I finish a Katie Fforde book, and this was no exception. The characters were all believable and likeable, the story was interesting and at times compelling and the descriptions of both setting and jobs were superb. All in all another masterpiece from one of the great women's fiction writers around.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
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