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Emerald Coast: A Novel
Set on the glamorous Italian island, Anita Hughes's Emerald Coast is a touching and humorous story about marriage and the difficulty of finding love and happiness at the same time.
Lily Bristol arrives at a luxurious resort in Sardinia for the grand opening of her newest home furnishing store on the Emerald Coast. She's a successful business woman with an international chain of stores from San Francisco to Milan. Thirty-two and newly divorced, she's ready to handle things on her own. At least until her private butler, Enzo, escorts her to a beautiful suite where she notices a suspiciously familiar pair of men's slippers and shaving kit.
Lily is horrified. Her ex-husband Oliver moved out of their restored Connecticut farmhouse six months ago, but they booked this trip when they were trying to save their marriage and never cancelled the reservation. Oliver, a food critic for the New York Times, is here covering Sardinia's hottest new restaurant. The only other available room is the adjoining suite; and worse, Oliver isn't alone. He's brought a twenty-something named Angela with him.
Lily is determined to make do and enlists Enzo to find her a suitable man. But it's not as easy to find new love as they both expected. When Lily and Oliver find themselves alone on a very important night, they turn to each other. Sparks begin to fly, but can they be together without breaking each other's hearts?
Lily Bristol arrives at a luxurious resort in Sardinia for the grand opening of her newest home furnishing store on the Emerald Coast. She's a successful business woman with an international chain of stores from San Francisco to Milan. Thirty-two and newly divorced, she's ready to handle things on her own. At least until her private butler, Enzo, escorts her to a beautiful suite where she notices a suspiciously familiar pair of men's slippers and shaving kit.
Lily is horrified. Her ex-husband Oliver moved out of their restored Connecticut farmhouse six months ago, but they booked this trip when they were trying to save their marriage and never cancelled the reservation. Oliver, a food critic for the New York Times, is here covering Sardinia's hottest new restaurant. The only other available room is the adjoining suite; and worse, Oliver isn't alone. He's brought a twenty-something named Angela with him.
Lily is determined to make do and enlists Enzo to find her a suitable man. But it's not as easy to find new love as they both expected. When Lily and Oliver find themselves alone on a very important night, they turn to each other. Sparks begin to fly, but can they be together without breaking each other's hearts?
296 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
About the author
Anita Hughes
27 books1,034 followersAnita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER, and CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT published by St. Martin's Press. ROME IN LOVE is coming to the HALLMARK channel in July, 2019!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 10, 2017
Lily Bristol has just recently signed her divorce papers from her husband of ten years, Oliver when she decides to head to a luxurious resort in Sardinia to see about her business there. However, when Lily arrives she finds a man's things in her suite and discovers that Oliver has also decided to use the trip that they had booked prior to divorcing.
Luckily for Lily there is an opening at the resort for her to change rooms seeing how Oliver is traveling with his new girlfriend. However unlucky for Lily the new suite is right next door to her ex-husband causing them to cross paths more than once on the trip. Lily becomes determined to continue her trip and even have a good time enlisting the help of her butler Enzo.
Emerald Coast by Anita Hughes is a bit of a different type of romance read as Lily and Oliver are freshly divorced but the book takes the reader on a journey looking back at their relationship and the ten years they had together. Alternating the past between Lily and Oliver and where they are at now in their lives intertwines the story showing just how love can go astray and gives a deeper meaning to the current events in their lives.
I actually enjoyed the characters in the book and had my suspicions on how things would turn out in the end all the while I was reading. The one character complaint that I would make would be I found it a bit odd that Lily was so forgetful in her day to day life but manages a successful business that spans the globe, a bit contradictory there. But making this book also shine was the lovely setting it takes place in, the author does a great job giving the feel of Sardinia bringing the area and customs to life. With the twist of focusing on a divorced couple and the lovely setting I found this one quite unique and an interesting read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Luckily for Lily there is an opening at the resort for her to change rooms seeing how Oliver is traveling with his new girlfriend. However unlucky for Lily the new suite is right next door to her ex-husband causing them to cross paths more than once on the trip. Lily becomes determined to continue her trip and even have a good time enlisting the help of her butler Enzo.
Emerald Coast by Anita Hughes is a bit of a different type of romance read as Lily and Oliver are freshly divorced but the book takes the reader on a journey looking back at their relationship and the ten years they had together. Alternating the past between Lily and Oliver and where they are at now in their lives intertwines the story showing just how love can go astray and gives a deeper meaning to the current events in their lives.
I actually enjoyed the characters in the book and had my suspicions on how things would turn out in the end all the while I was reading. The one character complaint that I would make would be I found it a bit odd that Lily was so forgetful in her day to day life but manages a successful business that spans the globe, a bit contradictory there. But making this book also shine was the lovely setting it takes place in, the author does a great job giving the feel of Sardinia bringing the area and customs to life. With the twist of focusing on a divorced couple and the lovely setting I found this one quite unique and an interesting read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
August 2, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Sweet, uplifting, and romantic!
Emerald Coast, the latest novel by Hughes, takes us into the lives of the recently divorced Lily and Oliver and reminds us of the complicated ups and downs of marriage, the importance of appreciating what we have, accepting the things we can't change, and understanding that honesty and trust truly are the backbone of love and happiness.
The prose is exceptionally descriptive. The characters are successful, driven, and quirky. And the plot is a charming mix of life, friendship, family, introspection, jealousy, forgiveness, drama, courage, new love, old love, sex, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Emerald Coast is the second novel I've read by Hughes and even though I would have liked to connect with the characters a little bit more when it comes to writing a lighthearted, easy read set in a tropical paradise and full of all the glitz and glamour of the rich and famous she nails it.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet, uplifting, and romantic!
Emerald Coast, the latest novel by Hughes, takes us into the lives of the recently divorced Lily and Oliver and reminds us of the complicated ups and downs of marriage, the importance of appreciating what we have, accepting the things we can't change, and understanding that honesty and trust truly are the backbone of love and happiness.
The prose is exceptionally descriptive. The characters are successful, driven, and quirky. And the plot is a charming mix of life, friendship, family, introspection, jealousy, forgiveness, drama, courage, new love, old love, sex, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Emerald Coast is the second novel I've read by Hughes and even though I would have liked to connect with the characters a little bit more when it comes to writing a lighthearted, easy read set in a tropical paradise and full of all the glitz and glamour of the rich and famous she nails it.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
If you're looking for the perfect book to completely escape into, Emerald Coast is it! While I was reading it I felt like I was indulging myself, it had a decadent feel to it as most of the people visiting this exotic locale are glamorous. Though it wasn't quite as scintillating, I still felt a similar vibe to Nigel May and Jackie Collins, it had that same breezy style and stunning setting that their books both have.
The premise for this put a fresh spin on a standard romance; Lily and Oliver are already divorced so there is no brand new love story here. Instead, they both reflect on their relationship throughout the book so you learn about their past that way, which was fun. Both were pretty complex characters with their own quirks and habits that made them endearing. I connected more to Lily than to Oliver, she was a lovable scatterbrain while he was a bit annoying at times.
My favorite part of this was the gorgeous setting, Hughes did a fabulous job of bringing the Emerald Coast to life. The writing was rich and the descriptions were vivid and so easy to conjure up. Add in a little humor and a bit of raciness, what more could you want for a fun, summer beach read?!
If you're looking for the perfect book to completely escape into, Emerald Coast is it! While I was reading it I felt like I was indulging myself, it had a decadent feel to it as most of the people visiting this exotic locale are glamorous. Though it wasn't quite as scintillating, I still felt a similar vibe to Nigel May and Jackie Collins, it had that same breezy style and stunning setting that their books both have.
The premise for this put a fresh spin on a standard romance; Lily and Oliver are already divorced so there is no brand new love story here. Instead, they both reflect on their relationship throughout the book so you learn about their past that way, which was fun. Both were pretty complex characters with their own quirks and habits that made them endearing. I connected more to Lily than to Oliver, she was a lovable scatterbrain while he was a bit annoying at times.
My favorite part of this was the gorgeous setting, Hughes did a fabulous job of bringing the Emerald Coast to life. The writing was rich and the descriptions were vivid and so easy to conjure up. Add in a little humor and a bit of raciness, what more could you want for a fun, summer beach read?!
April 18, 2017
A beautiful story set on a beautiful island! I could just imagine myself there such beautiful descriptions! It is a story of about marriage and all the ups and downs a marriage can through. I received and ARC through Goodreads.
November 13, 2017
Lily Bristol has it all. She has a beautiful daughter, an amazing career, good looks and boatloads of money. She is newly divorced, but she isn't going to let that bring her down. She is on a luxurious trip to Sardinia for not only pleasure, but also to supervise the grand opening of her latest store. While at her five star hotel, she tries to unwind in her suite, but comes to find that there are random items in her room already and not just any items; there's a men's shaving kit and other personal items. Lily comes to find that her ex-husband, Oliver, who helped planned this trip with her prior to their divorce, never canceled his reservation. And is there! In her room! Lily promptly requests a new room and of course all they have available is a connecting room. To make matters worse, Oliver has brought his new and much younger girlfriend on this trip. Before Lily throws in the towel as this being the worst trip in the history of the world, she asks her butler, turned friend, to help her find a decent guy on the island that she can date. Of course, Enzo, the butler, knows the perfect Italian gentleman! Maybe this trip won't be as horrible as she imagined? Anita Hughes's Emerald Coast is like a lazy day at the pool sipping your favorite drink without a care in the world. It's a great book to read when you want an escape.
Read the rest of my review here:
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Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
July 2, 2017
Emerald Coast is a scintillating book about a newly-divorced couple who are still coming to terms with the things that tore their marriage apart. When Lily goes to Sardinia for the grand opening of her store, she discovers that Oliver is there as well...and he's brought a girlfriend. This book is a real page-turner, as the two of them explore new loves, trying to rebuild their lives after their divorce. The setting is exquisitely described by the author, putting the reader right there on the beach, on a luxury yacht, and exploring the beautiful Emerald Coast! The relationships between Oliver and Lily and their new loves are intertwined with their own love story, and the events that led to their separation. This book is perfect for tucking away in a beach bag!
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2017
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
While the descriptions of Sardinia in this novel are lovely, the characters are quite shallow and insipid. There are also some inconsistencies in the characterization of Lily that I found difficult to ignore. For instance, Lily runs a very successful international business and yet she can't keep track of her wallet, bank cards or keys. And while she seems to have no idea how to proceed following the loss of her cards, she just happens to find the spare card that her ex-husband put inside her shoe just in case... I could've also done without the awkward conversations between Lily and her butler. Overall, a forgettable beach read.
I was a bit disappointed because I remember reading Market Street by Anita Hughes awhile back and that novel seemed far stronger than this one.
While the descriptions of Sardinia in this novel are lovely, the characters are quite shallow and insipid. There are also some inconsistencies in the characterization of Lily that I found difficult to ignore. For instance, Lily runs a very successful international business and yet she can't keep track of her wallet, bank cards or keys. And while she seems to have no idea how to proceed following the loss of her cards, she just happens to find the spare card that her ex-husband put inside her shoe just in case... I could've also done without the awkward conversations between Lily and her butler. Overall, a forgettable beach read.
I was a bit disappointed because I remember reading Market Street by Anita Hughes awhile back and that novel seemed far stronger than this one.
April 19, 2019
In Sardinia, love is more important than wealth or fame….
The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) on Sardinia is still a lure for the super-yachts, with beautiful beaches, wonderful food and an array of interesting places to visit. This is where Anita Hughes has set her novel, eponymously titled Emerald Coast.
In her novels the author sumptuously brings her settings to colourful life, whether detail of the interior decor (there aren’t just any cushions for her heroine to sink into, there are silk cushions of the most exquisite design, with marble floors, alabaster walls, a luxury yacht or two – including the Aga Khan’s yacht – all adding to the chic feel of the environs). She revels in detailing the fashion and delights in sharing the delicious wonders of local eateries that really do exist! This novel is a good choice for literary wanderlust, with fashion, luxury and some hot tips along the way for readers to savour.
Lily Bristol runs a successful interior furnishing conglomerate and is in Porto Cervo for the opening of her latest store. She is separated from her husband Oliver Bristol and they are both well on the way to an “amicable” divorce for the sake of their young, six year old daughter Louisa.
Lily checks into her suite and is taken aback to find that Oliver – with a woman, Angela, in tow – has also checked in and has been given the very same suite! Horror of horrors! Having none of this, Lily is fortunate to find another room in the height of the Summer Season but unfortunately it is adjacent to the original suite.
Both Lily and Oliver start reflecting on how they met when they first went to Italy (and where they ate.. try Caffè Spaccanapoli (great breakfast pastries apparently!) when you are next in Naples; the Cala di Volpe or Renato Pedrinelli on the island; Caffè Gili in Florence…). 10 years plus is a long time to have been together so it isn’t surprising they are now reminiscing. They each ponder the ups and downs in their lives to date, the vagaries of marriage, the pleasure of making a success of their joint life; until this point, that is, as they are on the cusp of going their separate ways! Here, now on Sardinia, they are both sharply aware of the other’s presence, despite respective burgeoning relationships with Angela and local millionaire Ricky (who has a fabulous yacht, just saying)…
The novel is dripping in glorious descriptions of food and if the characters ate everything on offer they would no longer be the svelte and elegant people that the author creates for maximum, luxurious effect! Oliver is in fact the restaurant critic for the New York Times so the food focus is not a surprise.
Overall there is a pleasing balance of luxe and lifestyle, with an alluring backdrop. A good, light beach read, ESPECIALLY if you are heading to Sardinia.
The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) on Sardinia is still a lure for the super-yachts, with beautiful beaches, wonderful food and an array of interesting places to visit. This is where Anita Hughes has set her novel, eponymously titled Emerald Coast.
In her novels the author sumptuously brings her settings to colourful life, whether detail of the interior decor (there aren’t just any cushions for her heroine to sink into, there are silk cushions of the most exquisite design, with marble floors, alabaster walls, a luxury yacht or two – including the Aga Khan’s yacht – all adding to the chic feel of the environs). She revels in detailing the fashion and delights in sharing the delicious wonders of local eateries that really do exist! This novel is a good choice for literary wanderlust, with fashion, luxury and some hot tips along the way for readers to savour.
Lily Bristol runs a successful interior furnishing conglomerate and is in Porto Cervo for the opening of her latest store. She is separated from her husband Oliver Bristol and they are both well on the way to an “amicable” divorce for the sake of their young, six year old daughter Louisa.
Lily checks into her suite and is taken aback to find that Oliver – with a woman, Angela, in tow – has also checked in and has been given the very same suite! Horror of horrors! Having none of this, Lily is fortunate to find another room in the height of the Summer Season but unfortunately it is adjacent to the original suite.
Both Lily and Oliver start reflecting on how they met when they first went to Italy (and where they ate.. try Caffè Spaccanapoli (great breakfast pastries apparently!) when you are next in Naples; the Cala di Volpe or Renato Pedrinelli on the island; Caffè Gili in Florence…). 10 years plus is a long time to have been together so it isn’t surprising they are now reminiscing. They each ponder the ups and downs in their lives to date, the vagaries of marriage, the pleasure of making a success of their joint life; until this point, that is, as they are on the cusp of going their separate ways! Here, now on Sardinia, they are both sharply aware of the other’s presence, despite respective burgeoning relationships with Angela and local millionaire Ricky (who has a fabulous yacht, just saying)…
The novel is dripping in glorious descriptions of food and if the characters ate everything on offer they would no longer be the svelte and elegant people that the author creates for maximum, luxurious effect! Oliver is in fact the restaurant critic for the New York Times so the food focus is not a surprise.
Overall there is a pleasing balance of luxe and lifestyle, with an alluring backdrop. A good, light beach read, ESPECIALLY if you are heading to Sardinia.
May 15, 2017
Disclaimer: Because I had reviewed Ms. Hughes' book, White Sand, Blue Sea, I was offered the chance to review, this book, Emerald Coast. I was provided an eARC by St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
Oliver and Lily Bristol are now divorced after many years of marriage. Freshly divorced and attempting to be single. But can they stand to see each other that way? And do they know how to function as single people again? Do they really want to? I'm not sure either one of them knows what they really want right now. And being written in the third person, we got to hear how everyone was feeling.
Ms. Hughes does a great job of portraying the insecurities such a couple would feel running into each other in a romantic vacation spot such as this and trying not to look alone or lonely. What does it take to be a couple? Is it happiness? Is it love? It's up to these two to decide before they make too many more mistakes.
The author also paints a beautiful picture of the surroundings so that you feel you are there with Lily and Oliver at their lush locations and backdrops. There were some slow spots where things seemed to drag down a bit, but for the most part, the plot moved along well. I thoroughly enjoyed Oliver and Lily like I would a pair of good friends who were having relationship problems and were sharing their problems with me. Sometimes I wanted to hug them and sometimes I wanted to shake them. At the end, I sort of just wanted to put them over my knee and spank them!
If you read and enjoyed the first book I reviewed, White Sand, Blue Sea back in November, then I'm sure you'll also enjoy this book. This one has a bit more action but is just as good. Readers of women's lit and controversial romances will really enjoy this. I strongly recommend it to you.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
Oliver and Lily Bristol are now divorced after many years of marriage. Freshly divorced and attempting to be single. But can they stand to see each other that way? And do they know how to function as single people again? Do they really want to? I'm not sure either one of them knows what they really want right now. And being written in the third person, we got to hear how everyone was feeling.
Ms. Hughes does a great job of portraying the insecurities such a couple would feel running into each other in a romantic vacation spot such as this and trying not to look alone or lonely. What does it take to be a couple? Is it happiness? Is it love? It's up to these two to decide before they make too many more mistakes.
The author also paints a beautiful picture of the surroundings so that you feel you are there with Lily and Oliver at their lush locations and backdrops. There were some slow spots where things seemed to drag down a bit, but for the most part, the plot moved along well. I thoroughly enjoyed Oliver and Lily like I would a pair of good friends who were having relationship problems and were sharing their problems with me. Sometimes I wanted to hug them and sometimes I wanted to shake them. At the end, I sort of just wanted to put them over my knee and spank them!
If you read and enjoyed the first book I reviewed, White Sand, Blue Sea back in November, then I'm sure you'll also enjoy this book. This one has a bit more action but is just as good. Readers of women's lit and controversial romances will really enjoy this. I strongly recommend it to you.
July 30, 2017
A pretty good read but a little predictable for my taste. This author has a nice writing style. It's very descriptive and brings to setting to life for the reader. The characters were interesting but I never really connected with them. The story is about a couple, Lily and Oliver Bristol, who recently divorced yet find themselves at the vacation spot they had planned before things went bad. The only available room is the adjoining room next door. They spend quite a bit of the time together reflecting on their marriage, the good times and bad, and talking about the future.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice easy read.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice easy read.
May 22, 2017
MY REVIEW OF "EMERALD COAST" By Anita Hughes
I really enjoyed reading "Emerald Coast" by Anita Hughes. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I appreciate the way Anita Hughes describes the beautiful landscape and location. I wish I could go on vacation with turquoise waters, quaint shops,sensational views, and tantalizing food. I certainly would love a private butler and such luxury accommodations.
The genres of this story are Women's Fiction and Romance with a touch of humor.
The timeline of this story is told in the present and goes to the past when our characters first meet. The theme throughout the novel is the ups and downs of marriage. What are the ingredients of a lasting relationship? "The author brings up the question of what makes a marriage work?"
The characters are described as complex, complicated and insecure. The two main characters Lily and Oliver had been married for ten years, and have been divorced for one week. Lily is extremely successful as a business woman owning several stores. Oliver has always supported and encouraged her career. Oliver visits the best restaurants and writes about the food and establishments for the New York Times. Lily and Oliver share custody of their young daughter. Both Lily and Oliver are insecure and jealous, and felt the constant fighting and lack of trust could never be worked on in their marriage, and divorce. Both know they should move on.
Lily needs a vacation and goes to the Emerald Coast, where the couple had previously made reservations. She has her own butler, and everything is beautiful. The only thing she notices in her room, there are men's shoes and in the bathroom is a man's shaving kit. Her confusion gets worse, when she sees that it is Oliver with a new girlfriend. Both forgot to tell the other about the vacation.
Uh-oh!!!What else can go wrong? Can this lead to something good?
I like the way the author describes friendship,relationships and marriage. I find the author shows betrayal, loyalty , trust,growth, love and hope. I would highly recommend this story. I want to read more from this author.
I really enjoyed reading "Emerald Coast" by Anita Hughes. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I appreciate the way Anita Hughes describes the beautiful landscape and location. I wish I could go on vacation with turquoise waters, quaint shops,sensational views, and tantalizing food. I certainly would love a private butler and such luxury accommodations.
The genres of this story are Women's Fiction and Romance with a touch of humor.
The timeline of this story is told in the present and goes to the past when our characters first meet. The theme throughout the novel is the ups and downs of marriage. What are the ingredients of a lasting relationship? "The author brings up the question of what makes a marriage work?"
The characters are described as complex, complicated and insecure. The two main characters Lily and Oliver had been married for ten years, and have been divorced for one week. Lily is extremely successful as a business woman owning several stores. Oliver has always supported and encouraged her career. Oliver visits the best restaurants and writes about the food and establishments for the New York Times. Lily and Oliver share custody of their young daughter. Both Lily and Oliver are insecure and jealous, and felt the constant fighting and lack of trust could never be worked on in their marriage, and divorce. Both know they should move on.
Lily needs a vacation and goes to the Emerald Coast, where the couple had previously made reservations. She has her own butler, and everything is beautiful. The only thing she notices in her room, there are men's shoes and in the bathroom is a man's shaving kit. Her confusion gets worse, when she sees that it is Oliver with a new girlfriend. Both forgot to tell the other about the vacation.
Uh-oh!!!What else can go wrong? Can this lead to something good?
I like the way the author describes friendship,relationships and marriage. I find the author shows betrayal, loyalty , trust,growth, love and hope. I would highly recommend this story. I want to read more from this author.
July 28, 2017
A very enjoyable book about a recently divorced couple, Lily and Oliver, who end up in adjoining rooms while vacationing in the Emerald Coast. They were to go on that trip together before their divorce but since the trip was never cancelled, they each decided to go not knowing the other would be there at the same time. Oliver takes his new love interest with him on this trip which at times ends up being a bit awkward, especially for Lily, who then decides to have her butler Enzo find her a respectable man to spend time with while she's there in the Emerald Coast preparing for the opening of her new home furnishing store. Was the idea of having a male companion made to make Oliver jealous? Or did she really want some companionship and maybe a new love?
If you're looking for a good beach read this summer and plan to read all day long while soaking up the sun, this is the perfect book. A spectacular setting with vivid descriptions, reading this book really made me wish I was in the Emerald Coast. This was a nice "beach escape" for me.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a good beach read this summer and plan to read all day long while soaking up the sun, this is the perfect book. A spectacular setting with vivid descriptions, reading this book really made me wish I was in the Emerald Coast. This was a nice "beach escape" for me.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2017
Marriage is not always perfect. It is something you have to work on every day. When it comes to a strong relationship, there has to be trust and no secrets. Lily and Oliver Bristol found this out the hard way and it cost them their marriage. In this book we learn what happened to cause their divorce and how they have moved on. But, is there still something between them? Are they still in love or is it just the memories that make it seem so?
When Lily goes on a business trip to Sardinia, she had forgotten the reservation was originally made for her and Oliver. When she finds a man’s shaving kit in her room, she thinks there is a mix up in the reservations. She quickly asks for another room. The only room available is the adjoining room. Lily gets the surprise of her life when she finds out Oliver is the man who was using the room. He was also there on a business trip, but he brought his girlfriend Angela with him. Lily decides it’s time for her to move on and is introduced to Ricky, a local boutique owner. They hit it off really well and spend a lot of time together. Lily and Oliver still seem to bump into each other often and their thoughts are flooded with memories. Will either be able to really move on and find love again?
With the beautiful setting of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast, fashion and food, along with an intriguing story, this book is one that I will definitely want to revisit in the future.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.
When Lily goes on a business trip to Sardinia, she had forgotten the reservation was originally made for her and Oliver. When she finds a man’s shaving kit in her room, she thinks there is a mix up in the reservations. She quickly asks for another room. The only room available is the adjoining room. Lily gets the surprise of her life when she finds out Oliver is the man who was using the room. He was also there on a business trip, but he brought his girlfriend Angela with him. Lily decides it’s time for her to move on and is introduced to Ricky, a local boutique owner. They hit it off really well and spend a lot of time together. Lily and Oliver still seem to bump into each other often and their thoughts are flooded with memories. Will either be able to really move on and find love again?
With the beautiful setting of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast, fashion and food, along with an intriguing story, this book is one that I will definitely want to revisit in the future.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.
June 25, 2017
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
I really liked the way this book was written and the setting of the book Sardinia was so lovely and well described, I felt like I was there.
A slightly humorous, lighthearted story about a divorced couple, at the same hotel in next door rooms,reflecting on their new lives, their history and moving on into new relationships. It is told from both perspectives which I liked.
A good summer read. 3.5***
I really liked the way this book was written and the setting of the book Sardinia was so lovely and well described, I felt like I was there.
A slightly humorous, lighthearted story about a divorced couple, at the same hotel in next door rooms,reflecting on their new lives, their history and moving on into new relationships. It is told from both perspectives which I liked.
A good summer read. 3.5***
March 26, 2019
A bit of a lazy read and somewhat predictable. Perfect for shilling on vacation.
August 7, 2018
This book was mildly entertaining enough for a beach read...however, I had several issues.
1. If you are going to have flashbacks be a large portion of the story, you should somehow indicate a change in time, as I often found myself getting confused. Can I puhlease get a some italics, or a page break?!
2. The character of Oliver was... awful. I did not care for him, and therefore did not find myself cheering, let alone caring if the couple rekindled their romance.
3. I constantly found myself rolling my eyes or saying “ok but what’s the point of this story?!?”
All in all, not bad enough to where I can not finish it, but not good enough to where I was eager to go back to it. Overall, meh.
1. If you are going to have flashbacks be a large portion of the story, you should somehow indicate a change in time, as I often found myself getting confused. Can I puhlease get a some italics, or a page break?!
2. The character of Oliver was... awful. I did not care for him, and therefore did not find myself cheering, let alone caring if the couple rekindled their romance.
3. I constantly found myself rolling my eyes or saying “ok but what’s the point of this story?!?”
All in all, not bad enough to where I can not finish it, but not good enough to where I was eager to go back to it. Overall, meh.
February 25, 2018
This book was okay, but it was a little confusing; they kept going back and forth between when Lily and Oliver were married and when they were divorced. Oliver was annoying. He got so jealous when a man paid attention to Lily, but she didn't act that way. No wonder they got divorced. And I didn't like Lily's mom. She didn't like Oliver and she showed it, She kept inviting Roger, Lily's ex-boyfriend, over. She treated Oliver like he was nothing.
I'm glad that Oliver and Angela broke up, but the whole thing with Ricky was a little confusing. I think that Ricky was lying. I think Lily wanted to believe him, but she had her doubts. I think that all that was said about Ricky was true.
I'm glad that Oliver and Angela broke up, but the whole thing with Ricky was a little confusing. I think that Ricky was lying. I think Lily wanted to believe him, but she had her doubts. I think that all that was said about Ricky was true.
April 10, 2017
I was given this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The setting of this story was great I did like the descriptions of places but I found the story a little cheesy and the characters shallow.
January 10, 2018
This is the story of Lily and Oliver Bristol.
Lily has arrived in Sardinia at a luxury resort. She is there for the opening of her new home furnishing store. She has a chain of stores from San Francisco to Milan, so she is excited for her latest shop to be open. The Emerald Coast is beautiful and Lily is looking forward to exploring for a few days before business starts.
What Lily doesn't count on is going into her shower to refresh and seeing a familiar shaving kit when she is toweling off. She and Oliver scheduled this reservation for the trip when they were still married & together. The have both forgotten and neither one of them cancelled! Lily has no choice but to move into the only available room, which is an adjoining one!
Oliver is a food critic and is in Sardinia to review a new restaurant. He has brought his new girlfriend, Angela, with him.
Lily tries to not run into Oliver, but it seems like their paths keep crossing. She enlist in her butler's help in finding someone to tour the island with. As Lily enjoys her trip with Ricky, it seems like Oliver keeps entering her day, and her thoughts.
On a very important night, they find themselves alone, but in each other's company. They turn to each other for support, and the old sparks that never left begin to fly. Can the lies that tore them apart be forgiven? Can they be together without breaking each other's hearts?
I loved the descriptive writing of the beauty of the island, the hotel, the food, the clothes and the people. It took me there, and i could visualize everything in my mind. It was touching, humorous, and a different type of love story.
Lily has arrived in Sardinia at a luxury resort. She is there for the opening of her new home furnishing store. She has a chain of stores from San Francisco to Milan, so she is excited for her latest shop to be open. The Emerald Coast is beautiful and Lily is looking forward to exploring for a few days before business starts.
What Lily doesn't count on is going into her shower to refresh and seeing a familiar shaving kit when she is toweling off. She and Oliver scheduled this reservation for the trip when they were still married & together. The have both forgotten and neither one of them cancelled! Lily has no choice but to move into the only available room, which is an adjoining one!
Oliver is a food critic and is in Sardinia to review a new restaurant. He has brought his new girlfriend, Angela, with him.
Lily tries to not run into Oliver, but it seems like their paths keep crossing. She enlist in her butler's help in finding someone to tour the island with. As Lily enjoys her trip with Ricky, it seems like Oliver keeps entering her day, and her thoughts.
On a very important night, they find themselves alone, but in each other's company. They turn to each other for support, and the old sparks that never left begin to fly. Can the lies that tore them apart be forgiven? Can they be together without breaking each other's hearts?
I loved the descriptive writing of the beauty of the island, the hotel, the food, the clothes and the people. It took me there, and i could visualize everything in my mind. It was touching, humorous, and a different type of love story.
August 4, 2017
I received an ARC of this for an honest review.
The main story here was fantastic. Two divorced people remembering their time together as they each move forward with a new person while enjoying themselves in Sardinia. In thinking about their time with each other you are taken through the struggles they had with their marriage that were very relatable, though completely frustrating that Lily was always so eager to give up when the going got tough.
While I enjoyed the idea behind the book there were some flaws that had me struggling to stay with it. First of all, the way the memories each Oliver and Lily had of their time together were written in it didn't flow very smoothly at all. It often said "he remembered" or "she remembered" and then went into the story. It was really repetitive with this and it sort of interrupted the flow of reading doing this every time. The other thing that didn't seem to go seamlessly into the story was Lily's awkward interactions with her butler. In the beginning some were rather funny and relatable as she rambled on about what was bothering her about her divorce. However the interactions were so few that they didn't seem like they fit into the story very well. The butler's character exists to introduce Lily to Ricky but the interactions between him and Lily were brief, and so awkward and made it seem like an interruption to the story.
Despite the few flaws that made it a little choppy I did enjoy the book and it's still worth the read and the issues the characters face are pretty relatable.
The main story here was fantastic. Two divorced people remembering their time together as they each move forward with a new person while enjoying themselves in Sardinia. In thinking about their time with each other you are taken through the struggles they had with their marriage that were very relatable, though completely frustrating that Lily was always so eager to give up when the going got tough.
While I enjoyed the idea behind the book there were some flaws that had me struggling to stay with it. First of all, the way the memories each Oliver and Lily had of their time together were written in it didn't flow very smoothly at all. It often said "he remembered" or "she remembered" and then went into the story. It was really repetitive with this and it sort of interrupted the flow of reading doing this every time. The other thing that didn't seem to go seamlessly into the story was Lily's awkward interactions with her butler. In the beginning some were rather funny and relatable as she rambled on about what was bothering her about her divorce. However the interactions were so few that they didn't seem like they fit into the story very well. The butler's character exists to introduce Lily to Ricky but the interactions between him and Lily were brief, and so awkward and made it seem like an interruption to the story.
Despite the few flaws that made it a little choppy I did enjoy the book and it's still worth the read and the issues the characters face are pretty relatable.
August 1, 2017
I got to read an early, I corrected copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoy this author and appreciate the opportunity to read it. I've got two more of hers on my TBR pie currently.
Back to the review,
Lily goes to the Emerald Coast and finds her very recent ex husband Oliver in the hotel as well. Things get worse when she realizes he's there with someone. Whether they're over each other isn't necessarily the issue, it's awkward. Ultimately making things more awkward, Lily asks her butler to set her up with someone.
Pros:
I like how this author always seems to make the woman successful and financially able to take care of herself. I say that because it makes the glamorous parts more fun, sure the guy buys her jewelry but that's not how he swept her off her feet.
Also, the settings are always beautiful. The Emerald Coast sounds gorgeous and the food sounds amazing.
Cons:
Oliver. I'm sorry, I just did not like this guy. He was always jealous of any man Lily talked to, he was a hothead and he was weird about money.
As most other reviews said, it's hard to buy into Lily being as forgetful as she is. She looses everything.
They were definitely a passionate couple, they fell in love at first sight. The good times were good and the bad times were bad.
A light summer read.
Back to the review,
Lily goes to the Emerald Coast and finds her very recent ex husband Oliver in the hotel as well. Things get worse when she realizes he's there with someone. Whether they're over each other isn't necessarily the issue, it's awkward. Ultimately making things more awkward, Lily asks her butler to set her up with someone.
Pros:
I like how this author always seems to make the woman successful and financially able to take care of herself. I say that because it makes the glamorous parts more fun, sure the guy buys her jewelry but that's not how he swept her off her feet.
Also, the settings are always beautiful. The Emerald Coast sounds gorgeous and the food sounds amazing.
Cons:
Oliver. I'm sorry, I just did not like this guy. He was always jealous of any man Lily talked to, he was a hothead and he was weird about money.
As most other reviews said, it's hard to buy into Lily being as forgetful as she is. She looses everything.
They were definitely a passionate couple, they fell in love at first sight. The good times were good and the bad times were bad.
A light summer read.
August 13, 2017
Lily met Oliver when she was traveling from Naples to Florence. The couple, both in their 20s, were in Italy for different reasons. He was working as a waiter in restaurants in Italy and hoped to someday be a chef. She had been traveling on her own and was to return home to a new job San Francisco. He rented a car to drive her to Florence and on the trip, they fell in love. Soon they were married and Lily opened a small chain of Lily Bristol home stores in major cities in the US and Europe. Oliver became a restaurant critic and ended up at the NY Times. They had a young daughter and a perfect life. However after 10 years, the marriage unraveled and they divorced.
Six month after the divorce was granted, both Oliver and Lily ended up in adjacent suites at a posh hotel in Sardinia. He had brought along a gorgeous new girl friend, Angela, and was there to review the top new restaurant. Lily was opening a Lily Bristol shop and had come alone. So she decided to have the personal butler provided by the hotel to find her an acceptable escort.
This book is filled with descriptions of legendary restaurants, exotic meals and gorgeous scenery on the Sardinian coast. It is the perfect beach read. I did have a problem accepting the fact that a couple who was genuinely in love and who both loved their young child, would divorce so quickly for the reasons they did.
Six month after the divorce was granted, both Oliver and Lily ended up in adjacent suites at a posh hotel in Sardinia. He had brought along a gorgeous new girl friend, Angela, and was there to review the top new restaurant. Lily was opening a Lily Bristol shop and had come alone. So she decided to have the personal butler provided by the hotel to find her an acceptable escort.
This book is filled with descriptions of legendary restaurants, exotic meals and gorgeous scenery on the Sardinian coast. It is the perfect beach read. I did have a problem accepting the fact that a couple who was genuinely in love and who both loved their young child, would divorce so quickly for the reasons they did.
August 1, 2017
Marriage is not always perfect. It is something you have to work on every day. When it comes to a strong relationship, there has to be trust and no secrets. Lily and Oliver Bristol found this out the hard way and it cost them their marriage. In this book we learn what happened to cause their divorce and how they have moved on. But, is there still something between them? Are they still in love or is it just the memories that make it seem so?
When Lily goes on a business trip to Sardinia, she had forgotten the reservation was originally made for her and Oliver. When she finds a man’s shaving kit in her room, she thinks there is a mix up in the reservations. She quickly asks for another room. The only room available is the adjoining room. Lily gets the surprise of her life when she finds out Oliver is the man who was using the room. He was also there on a business trip, but he brought his girlfriend Angela with him. Lily decides it’s time for her to move on and is introduced to Ricky, a local boutique owner.hey hit it off really well and spend a lot of time together. Lily and Oliver still seem to bump into each other often and their thoughts are flooded with memories. Will either be able to really move on and find love again?
When Lily goes on a business trip to Sardinia, she had forgotten the reservation was originally made for her and Oliver. When she finds a man’s shaving kit in her room, she thinks there is a mix up in the reservations. She quickly asks for another room. The only room available is the adjoining room. Lily gets the surprise of her life when she finds out Oliver is the man who was using the room. He was also there on a business trip, but he brought his girlfriend Angela with him. Lily decides it’s time for her to move on and is introduced to Ricky, a local boutique owner.hey hit it off really well and spend a lot of time together. Lily and Oliver still seem to bump into each other often and their thoughts are flooded with memories. Will either be able to really move on and find love again?
July 31, 2017
I always look forward to a new Anita Hughes book, especially when I want to travel somewhere beautiful and exotic but my budget can't get me there. I can always count on her books to take me to these glamorous spots, her beautiful descriptions to place me right there and her fabulous characters to live a life I only dream about.
This book whisked me away to Sardinia with Lily and Oliver. And oh what a beautiful trip it was. A fabulous hotel, delicious food, amazing scenery and some delightful adventures. It was funny and entertaining and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys descriptions that will make you feel like you've actually experienced every moment of the book and that you will remember years later. And characters who you grow to love and cheer for. I really enjoyed this one.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
This book whisked me away to Sardinia with Lily and Oliver. And oh what a beautiful trip it was. A fabulous hotel, delicious food, amazing scenery and some delightful adventures. It was funny and entertaining and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys descriptions that will make you feel like you've actually experienced every moment of the book and that you will remember years later. And characters who you grow to love and cheer for. I really enjoyed this one.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2017
Lily Bristol is super excited about the opening of her new store on the Emerald Coast. She is newly divorced and is hoping to have a great time here. She has lots of work to do till the grand opening of her store, but also wants to explore the coastline.
Things take an unexpected turn when her ex husband arrives at the same hotel with his new girlfriend. They had made the reservation before they got divorced. They both did not expect to find the other there.
They try to stay out of each other's way, but do run into each at the most awkward times. Both of them try to move on and find love in other places. Things just don't work out the same way as they expected.
This is a great beach read. It does carry a very important message. You can have the greatest relationship, best sex life and be very happy, but if the most important ingredient is missing from the relationship nothing works out. Trust makes or break everything around us.
Things take an unexpected turn when her ex husband arrives at the same hotel with his new girlfriend. They had made the reservation before they got divorced. They both did not expect to find the other there.
They try to stay out of each other's way, but do run into each at the most awkward times. Both of them try to move on and find love in other places. Things just don't work out the same way as they expected.
This is a great beach read. It does carry a very important message. You can have the greatest relationship, best sex life and be very happy, but if the most important ingredient is missing from the relationship nothing works out. Trust makes or break everything around us.
July 8, 2020
I'll be honest ... this wasn't really my cup of tea ! This story is told in third person about the ongoing relationship between Oliver and Lily who were together for 10 years and get divorced. Suddenly on Lilys trip to open up a new shop in the beautiful Emerald Coast they find themselves on the same vacation in adjoining rooms .
Personally this wasn't my favourite book . It took me quite a while to read this book as it continuously went forward and back in time with not much warning. The chapters were extremely long until the last two. I found this book rambled on and on and on about there relationship and in the past .. and honestly it bored me. I found myself by the end wondering when the good stuff was going to happen and just continued to get disappointed one chapter after another .
However just because it wasn't my type of book doesn't mean someone else may not enjoy it .... I personally don't think I'll be reading this book again .
Personally this wasn't my favourite book . It took me quite a while to read this book as it continuously went forward and back in time with not much warning. The chapters were extremely long until the last two. I found this book rambled on and on and on about there relationship and in the past .. and honestly it bored me. I found myself by the end wondering when the good stuff was going to happen and just continued to get disappointed one chapter after another .
However just because it wasn't my type of book doesn't mean someone else may not enjoy it .... I personally don't think I'll be reading this book again .
June 7, 2017
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Emerald Coast, but thought it was a little formulaic. Lily Bristol goes to Sardinia along with the jet set to open her latest home furnishings store, and ends up staying in the suite next to her ex-husband Oliver, the NY Times food critic whom she recently divorced. If this was a movie, it would be the perfect "meet cute". Oliver is traveling with another woman, and Lily meets a man in Italy.
The characters were a little predictable, and it didn't make sense to me that Lily had a multi-national business but couldn't keep track of her credit cards. The setting was lovely, and the food sounded amazing.
This book would be a good beach read.
I liked Emerald Coast, but thought it was a little formulaic. Lily Bristol goes to Sardinia along with the jet set to open her latest home furnishings store, and ends up staying in the suite next to her ex-husband Oliver, the NY Times food critic whom she recently divorced. If this was a movie, it would be the perfect "meet cute". Oliver is traveling with another woman, and Lily meets a man in Italy.
The characters were a little predictable, and it didn't make sense to me that Lily had a multi-national business but couldn't keep track of her credit cards. The setting was lovely, and the food sounded amazing.
This book would be a good beach read.
August 2, 2017
I know when I start a novel by Anita that I am going to be transported to a world and a lifestyle that, realistically, I will never be able to experience. Her latest book takes us to a luxurious resort in Sardinia, on the Emerald Coast, a world full of beautiful landscapes and beautiful people.
Lily and Oliver are newly divorced but they find themselves at the same resort at the same time. As they work through the awkwardness of that and as they try to move on with their lives apart from each other, we, the readers, get to see how the rich and famous live. And it isn't always such a glamorous life.
Emerald Coast was an extremely enjoyable trip to a fabulous world, my little summer vacation, and I can't wait to see where Anita takes me next.
Lily and Oliver are newly divorced but they find themselves at the same resort at the same time. As they work through the awkwardness of that and as they try to move on with their lives apart from each other, we, the readers, get to see how the rich and famous live. And it isn't always such a glamorous life.
Emerald Coast was an extremely enjoyable trip to a fabulous world, my little summer vacation, and I can't wait to see where Anita takes me next.
May 5, 2017
This a strange romance novel. Is Lily and Oliver's story. These two fall in love and appear to have it all. However, life constantly throws curves that waylay the best of us. They divorce after 10 years and run unto each other on a romantic island. Oliver has brought a lady eith him and Lily is alone.As life happens on this island they both remember the good and bad times of their marriage. Is one of the most complicated relationships I've ever read. Is an interesting read due to the circumstances of life and the love that doesn't die when a marriage does. This novel out on August first. Thanks to Goodreads.
July 17, 2017
Thanks to this book, I am booking the next flight to the Emerald Coast! This book makes you wonder about the irony in how if things are meant to be and the paths that you cross play an important part in that destiny. I couldn't believe that in all the places to travel, Lily and her ex end up not only in the same city but the same resort! If that isn't a sign, then I don't know what is! Relationships become difficult when kids are involved because it makes you wonder if there was not a child involved, would you still be with that person? Bring your sunblock to the beach with this one because you won't want to stop reading!
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