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The Summer of Chasing Dreams
A joyously romantic, feel-good summer read that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. Eva Blue is about to go on a trip of a lifetime, but one adventure she didn't count on was falling in love...
Eva is quite content with her life in London. In her job as a cover designer, she works at home, and often in her cosy pyjamas. She's happy to stay in her safe little world and not explore much outside of it.
She is the opposite of her mum, a free spirit who craved finding adventure and thrills in all corners of the world. But on the day her mum’s will is finalised, Eva finds a list of all the dreams her mum wanted to achieve in her life. Things she never did because she fell pregnant with Eva.
Eva decides these dreams will not go unfulfilled — she is going to be brave and complete them for her mum. As Eva has no experience travelling the world, she hires a guide to go with her on this holiday.
Gorgeous but rude Thor Anderson is not the person she would choose to accompany her on this journey, but somehow she gets stuck with him. As they discover the world together Eva starts to think he might not be as bad as she first thought. She is swept away by Thor's kindness and mischievous sense of humour. But will it be a simple holiday romance or could this wonderful adventure lead to so much more?
The stunning new story from the bestselling author of The Cottage on Sunshine Beach. Discover an unforgettable romance this summer. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Miranda Dickinson and Jill Mansell, this book is for you.
Eva is quite content with her life in London. In her job as a cover designer, she works at home, and often in her cosy pyjamas. She's happy to stay in her safe little world and not explore much outside of it.
She is the opposite of her mum, a free spirit who craved finding adventure and thrills in all corners of the world. But on the day her mum’s will is finalised, Eva finds a list of all the dreams her mum wanted to achieve in her life. Things she never did because she fell pregnant with Eva.
Eva decides these dreams will not go unfulfilled — she is going to be brave and complete them for her mum. As Eva has no experience travelling the world, she hires a guide to go with her on this holiday.
Gorgeous but rude Thor Anderson is not the person she would choose to accompany her on this journey, but somehow she gets stuck with him. As they discover the world together Eva starts to think he might not be as bad as she first thought. She is swept away by Thor's kindness and mischievous sense of humour. But will it be a simple holiday romance or could this wonderful adventure lead to so much more?
The stunning new story from the bestselling author of The Cottage on Sunshine Beach. Discover an unforgettable romance this summer. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Miranda Dickinson and Jill Mansell, this book is for you.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
1076 people are currently reading
3204 people want to read
About the author
Holly Martin
53 books1,545 followersHolly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
April 1, 2019
5☆ Uplifting Rom Com Adventure I Couldn't Put Down!
The Summer of Chasing Dreams is an uplifting, heart warming read, that I couldn't put down!
The title pretty much sums this book up perfectly!
When Eva decides to set off on an adventure around the world, chasing her late mother's bucket list of dreams on her behalf, she never realised that making these magical memories might just change her life and potentially find love in the process.
Thor is Eva's travel guide, he is sexy, kind, thoughtful, professional, but isn't what Eva was expecting. He filled in at the last minute, she originally booked a female tour guide.
The banter between the two of them is very comical. It's obvious there is a very strong connection, but will a holiday romance be on the cards? Or is Thor determined to keep things strictly professional?
I adored the postcards that Eva writes to her Mum as she travels to various destinations, they are really touching and add a special touch to the story, that will melt your heart.
Holly clearly has put alot of research, dedication and passion into this book.
All the intricate details and destinations are superbly written.
I was fully immersed and whisked away, which I thoroughly enjoyed seeing as i haven't been away on holiday in many years due to health It was the perfect tonic!
The Summer of Chasing Dreams is a story of adventure, risk, following your dreams, making memories, friendship, love, passion, relationships all surrounded by stunning destinations.
It's an uplifting, fun, heart warming, captivating read, with memorable characters and locations.
Holly sweeps you off on a journey, you will laugh, blush, tear up, laugh some more but one thing is for certain you won't be able to put this book down!
So grab a steaming mug of hot chocolate and snuggle down and prepare to be whisked away with this Must Read Rom Com... The Summer of Chasing Dreams!
Thank you to Holly for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
The Summer of Chasing Dreams is an uplifting, heart warming read, that I couldn't put down!
The title pretty much sums this book up perfectly!
When Eva decides to set off on an adventure around the world, chasing her late mother's bucket list of dreams on her behalf, she never realised that making these magical memories might just change her life and potentially find love in the process.
Thor is Eva's travel guide, he is sexy, kind, thoughtful, professional, but isn't what Eva was expecting. He filled in at the last minute, she originally booked a female tour guide.
The banter between the two of them is very comical. It's obvious there is a very strong connection, but will a holiday romance be on the cards? Or is Thor determined to keep things strictly professional?
I adored the postcards that Eva writes to her Mum as she travels to various destinations, they are really touching and add a special touch to the story, that will melt your heart.
Holly clearly has put alot of research, dedication and passion into this book.
All the intricate details and destinations are superbly written.
I was fully immersed and whisked away, which I thoroughly enjoyed seeing as i haven't been away on holiday in many years due to health It was the perfect tonic!
The Summer of Chasing Dreams is a story of adventure, risk, following your dreams, making memories, friendship, love, passion, relationships all surrounded by stunning destinations.
It's an uplifting, fun, heart warming, captivating read, with memorable characters and locations.
Holly sweeps you off on a journey, you will laugh, blush, tear up, laugh some more but one thing is for certain you won't be able to put this book down!
So grab a steaming mug of hot chocolate and snuggle down and prepare to be whisked away with this Must Read Rom Com... The Summer of Chasing Dreams!
Thank you to Holly for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
July 23, 2019
Gorgeous but rude hero? Named Thor? Why yes that’s enough to persuade me to part with my money.
...sunrises were a new beginning and the possibilities for the day ahead was always endless.”
Fresh, charming, funny, with beautiful destinations and so perfectly romantic, The Summer of Chasing Dreams brought everything I want from a summer read. Holly Martin created magic between two of the most loveable characters I’ve come across in the chick-lit world and this is hands down the best I’ve read from her, and I’ve read a few.
After this trip finishes, I don’t think I’m ever going to forget about you.”
...sunrises were a new beginning and the possibilities for the day ahead was always endless.”
Fresh, charming, funny, with beautiful destinations and so perfectly romantic, The Summer of Chasing Dreams brought everything I want from a summer read. Holly Martin created magic between two of the most loveable characters I’ve come across in the chick-lit world and this is hands down the best I’ve read from her, and I’ve read a few.
After this trip finishes, I don’t think I’m ever going to forget about you.”
March 22, 2019
Eva had been clearing her mum’s house out after her death, her old family home, when she came across a letter addressed to her written by her mum Juliette when Eva was just a baby. Alongside the letter was a box filled with bucket list items that Juliette wanted to do but gave up trying when she fell pregnant with Eva.
Spurred on by the letter and the bucket list, plus the money she has been left in her mum’s will, Eva decides to take a trip around the world. She is safety conscious though and books through a place offering travel companions. Unfortunately, Eva’s companion has to pull out at last minute but organised a replacement for her – Danish Thor Anderson.
Eva and Thor are complete opposites and continuously rub each other up the wrong way. But with this being an important holiday for her Eva is determined to have fun and experience all that the countries have to offer and tick off some of her mum’s hopes and dreams on her bucket list.
If you like romantic comedies and travelling then you will love this book. It is filled to the brim with heart-warming moments that will make you feel all warm and cosy inside. It also has plenty of moment to make you laugh-out-loud.
The book was such a pleasure to read. The locations around the world had me craving to book my next holiday and get out more. The whole atmosphere throughout made me feel happy.
The characters of both Eva and Thor were well developed and it was nice to see two very different people coming together and using their differences to show the other their way of life and that they both excepted change.
From the first chapter to the last I was held to the pages. Ms. Martin has certainly done her research when it came to the countries abroad as you often felt like you were standing in them and experiencing the local delights.
This is a beautiful book that will have you laughing, smiling and feeling uplifted the whole way through and I didn’t want it to end.
Spurred on by the letter and the bucket list, plus the money she has been left in her mum’s will, Eva decides to take a trip around the world. She is safety conscious though and books through a place offering travel companions. Unfortunately, Eva’s companion has to pull out at last minute but organised a replacement for her – Danish Thor Anderson.
Eva and Thor are complete opposites and continuously rub each other up the wrong way. But with this being an important holiday for her Eva is determined to have fun and experience all that the countries have to offer and tick off some of her mum’s hopes and dreams on her bucket list.
If you like romantic comedies and travelling then you will love this book. It is filled to the brim with heart-warming moments that will make you feel all warm and cosy inside. It also has plenty of moment to make you laugh-out-loud.
The book was such a pleasure to read. The locations around the world had me craving to book my next holiday and get out more. The whole atmosphere throughout made me feel happy.
The characters of both Eva and Thor were well developed and it was nice to see two very different people coming together and using their differences to show the other their way of life and that they both excepted change.
From the first chapter to the last I was held to the pages. Ms. Martin has certainly done her research when it came to the countries abroad as you often felt like you were standing in them and experiencing the local delights.
This is a beautiful book that will have you laughing, smiling and feeling uplifted the whole way through and I didn’t want it to end.
August 11, 2019
Holly Martin is one author I always like to support. Her books are always uplifting, perfect to made a stormy day brighter, or sunny day even more shiny. In other words, they radiate happiness, and The Summer of Chasing Dreams was no exception.
The story follows Eva Blue (who’s name reminds me of Beyonce’s daughter) who, after her mother’s death, goes on an adventure to chase dreams her mother never had an opportunity to experience.
Her company is a tourist guide called Thor (and yes, that is his real name).
They go on that adventure alone, because Eva paid for the private tour, and the more countries they visit, the stronger their connection is.
I was never the one to enjoy road trip books, so the main reason why I decided to read this book is the author.
I would probably never pick it up based on synopsis.
However, now I am glad I did, because I really enjoyed it.
I love the way the connection was built between our main characters. I, as a reader, could sense it immediately, but it took some time until Eva and Thor recognized it too.
They tried to resist it at first, but with time, it was impossible for them.
The only thing that I wasn’t a fan of was how Thor was an unrealistic character. I don’t think any kind of man would talk about his feelings so openly from the very beginning and I don’t know… He just seemed like a character girls dream about, but I don’t think there are those kind of men in the real world.
Everything about him and his behaviour was… Like he was pulled from someone’s imagination (and in reality, he was: from Holly Martin’s imagination).
Most women will probably like him for that, but I had to say how I feel…
The writing style was great. Easy to read and enjoyable.
The story is written in third person, and it mostly follows Eva’s POV, with some small parts with Thor’s POV.
The end was predictable (as it usually is in romantic comedies) but I wouldn’t change anything about it.
I would recommend The Summer of Chasing Dreams to everyone who likes to read romantic stories, but also to those who enjoy reading about adventures around the world.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
The story follows Eva Blue (who’s name reminds me of Beyonce’s daughter) who, after her mother’s death, goes on an adventure to chase dreams her mother never had an opportunity to experience.
Her company is a tourist guide called Thor (and yes, that is his real name).
They go on that adventure alone, because Eva paid for the private tour, and the more countries they visit, the stronger their connection is.
I was never the one to enjoy road trip books, so the main reason why I decided to read this book is the author.
I would probably never pick it up based on synopsis.
However, now I am glad I did, because I really enjoyed it.
I love the way the connection was built between our main characters. I, as a reader, could sense it immediately, but it took some time until Eva and Thor recognized it too.
They tried to resist it at first, but with time, it was impossible for them.
The only thing that I wasn’t a fan of was how Thor was an unrealistic character. I don’t think any kind of man would talk about his feelings so openly from the very beginning and I don’t know… He just seemed like a character girls dream about, but I don’t think there are those kind of men in the real world.
Everything about him and his behaviour was… Like he was pulled from someone’s imagination (and in reality, he was: from Holly Martin’s imagination).
Most women will probably like him for that, but I had to say how I feel…
The writing style was great. Easy to read and enjoyable.
The story is written in third person, and it mostly follows Eva’s POV, with some small parts with Thor’s POV.
The end was predictable (as it usually is in romantic comedies) but I wouldn’t change anything about it.
I would recommend The Summer of Chasing Dreams to everyone who likes to read romantic stories, but also to those who enjoy reading about adventures around the world.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
September 18, 2020
А вие имате ли си списък с мечти?
February 6, 2019
Without a doubt my favourite Holly Martin book of all time, and easily the best one she has written since One Hundred Proposals. This feels like vintage Holly Martin - a fabulous feel good factor, some incredibly romantic scenes and gestures, some wonderful creativity, had me laughing and smiling throughout and generally just wow.
As someone that loves travel, loves going on holiday and also loves reading books set around the world - what better for me than The Summer of Chasing Dreams that features a round the world trip.
I can't imagine the amount of research the author put into this to make each section in each country feel so authentic, and real. I could picture everything so so clearly, and really had a sense of every little thing that Eva and Thor were experiencing.
Eva discovered her mum's chest of dreams written when Juliette was only 18, just before falling pregnant with Eva. With the money that Juliette left her, Eva decides to travel around the world and experience the dreams for her, and also write postcards to her mum the whole way through.
I loved how the postcards were used to move the trip onwards and give a taste of some of the places, without us experiencing every last moment of the holiday- just all the key ones.
There are scenes that had me laughing out loud, including a sink in a hotel room in Belgium, conversations that made me fall for Thor, such as the ones about sex in Amsterdam, there a memorable moments involving giraffes, the scenery descriptions involved in a hot air balloon ride has made me determined to experience one of those.
There were also moments where Thor's kindness and thoughtfulness had me almost in tears especially with one surprise he had for Eva.
Thor though was not meant to be Eva's travelling companion, and was sent as a replacement from the travel company when her original female escort became injured. Even the initial stages of their interactions were amusing, and did think he seemed on first impressions rather too sure of himself. But as we got to know both him and Eva, I could understand them both incredibly well.
This is perfect holiday reading, or like me, a cold winters day read, where I get to think and virtually travel to warmer places. I adored every single moment of this fabulous book and it already feels like one of my top romantic comedy reads for the year.
Or if you thought all of that was too long to read - let me sum it up for you the easy way - go buy and read this book, and enjoy your virtual travels and romance!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
As someone that loves travel, loves going on holiday and also loves reading books set around the world - what better for me than The Summer of Chasing Dreams that features a round the world trip.
I can't imagine the amount of research the author put into this to make each section in each country feel so authentic, and real. I could picture everything so so clearly, and really had a sense of every little thing that Eva and Thor were experiencing.
Eva discovered her mum's chest of dreams written when Juliette was only 18, just before falling pregnant with Eva. With the money that Juliette left her, Eva decides to travel around the world and experience the dreams for her, and also write postcards to her mum the whole way through.
I loved how the postcards were used to move the trip onwards and give a taste of some of the places, without us experiencing every last moment of the holiday- just all the key ones.
There are scenes that had me laughing out loud, including a sink in a hotel room in Belgium, conversations that made me fall for Thor, such as the ones about sex in Amsterdam, there a memorable moments involving giraffes, the scenery descriptions involved in a hot air balloon ride has made me determined to experience one of those.
There were also moments where Thor's kindness and thoughtfulness had me almost in tears especially with one surprise he had for Eva.
Thor though was not meant to be Eva's travelling companion, and was sent as a replacement from the travel company when her original female escort became injured. Even the initial stages of their interactions were amusing, and did think he seemed on first impressions rather too sure of himself. But as we got to know both him and Eva, I could understand them both incredibly well.
This is perfect holiday reading, or like me, a cold winters day read, where I get to think and virtually travel to warmer places. I adored every single moment of this fabulous book and it already feels like one of my top romantic comedy reads for the year.
Or if you thought all of that was too long to read - let me sum it up for you the easy way - go buy and read this book, and enjoy your virtual travels and romance!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 25, 2019
Immature and idealistic. The main characters had no defining personality traits, I skimmed a lot of the inner dialogue in the end because it was so repetitive and predictable. I finished it because it was short enough, otherwise I would have put it down after day 2 of Eva's trip, after her eating the weed brownie and turning into a sex craving maniac out of nowhere, screaming at the top of her lungs, then waking up with a hangover. Completely ridiculous, maybe someone would do that drunk but not stoned. I was about 1/3 of the way in and thought I may as well finish and it didn't get any better really.
December 27, 2020
Не бих препоръчала „Целувката, която спря дъжда“, заради любовната история, но определено бих я препоръчала, заради невероятните дестинации, включени в книгата.
В годината, в която не успях да пътувам, да прочета за толкова прекрасни места – някои, от които съм посетила и други, които надявам се ще посетя някой ден, беше като глътка свеж въздух. Осъзнавам, че за част от дестинациите авторк��та е избрала най-баналното, с което са свързани те, но въпреки това обикнах автосферата и чувството да бъдеш пренесен на стотици километри от дома само с няколко изречения...
В годината, в която не успях да пътувам, да прочета за толкова прекрасни места – някои, от които съм посетила и други, които надявам се ще посетя някой ден, беше като глътка свеж въздух. Осъзнавам, че за част от дестинациите авторк��та е избрала най-баналното, с което са свързани те, но въпреки това обикнах автосферата и чувството да бъдеш пренесен на стотици километри от дома само с няколко изречения...
April 20, 2019
A lovely feel-good story that took in so many sights across the world, even though it was a fleeting visit to many countries it really hit the spot. So many wishes would have been on my list too and I loved reading about their adventures together. This couple had such chemistry!
October 30, 2025
Sommige boeken staan in mijn kast of op mijn tablet maar je moet me niet vragen hoe ik eraan gekomen ben. Een ingeving van het moment, winactie of gekregen? Geen flauw idee. Tja, ik kan nu eenmaal niet alles onthouden ook he? En laat dat nu net het geval zijn bij mijn laatst gelezen boek. Ik wou nog eens een epub uitlezen en botste op mijn tablet, natuurlijk niet letterlijk, op het boek Een zomer om van te dromen van Holly Martin.
Na wat opzoekwerk vond ik toch wat info over Holly Martin. Het is een Britse auteur die bekendstaat voor haar romantische sprankelende verhalen. Ze leeft in een wit huisje dicht bij de zee. Misschien dat ze daar haar ideeën vindt terwijl ze uitkijkt over het water.
Een zomer om van te dromen gaat over Eva. Ze werkt van thuis uit als vormgeefster voor onder meer boekcovers. In haar zetel, in haar piyama, in haar kleine wereld. Haar moeder is meer een vrije ziel. Avonturierster in hart en nieren.
Wanneer haar moeder sterft vind ze een lijst met zaken die ze nog wou uitvoeren in haar leven.
Impulsief beslist Eva om haar moeders lijst zelf af te werken.
De knappe en wat ruwe Thor Anderson is nu niet direct de persoon die Eva wou om haar te begeleiden maar ze kan nu niet anders. Maar beetje bij beetje moet ze haar beeld van Thor bijstellen.
Ik ben nog niet zo thuis in het feelgood genre maar Martin kan mij wel bekoren. Het verhaal las zeer vlot en bevatte genoeg lagen om mij goed te entertainen. Maar god zeg, nog nooit zoveel seks meegemaakt in een boek, maar deze keer stoorde het zeker niet. Het vormde mee het verhaal.
De personages kwamen wel geloofwaardig over. Heel leuk om te lezen hoe ze allebei hun eerste indruk van de ander moeten gaan bijstellen.
Het voldoen van de bucketlist loopt als een rode draad doorheen het verhaal en dit wordt nog versterkt door de brieven die Eva schrijft naar haar overleden moeder.
Het einde bevat nu niet echt grote verrassingen. Maar voor mij is het einde goed geschreven.
Conclusie is dat ik genoten heb van dit boek vol romantiek zonder te klef over te komen. Personages die ik zomaar langs de weg kan tegenkomen. Maar ook met een verhaal dat vlot leest en genoeg lagen bevat om enkele uren ongedwongen te kunnen lezen.
Terug een nieuwe feelgood auteur leren kennen en het is me terug goed bevallen. Of dit nu echt het vat met feelgood auteurs opentrekt voor mij is nog niet zeker. Zo nu en dan eentje kan mij wel bekoren. Het is mijn derde feelgood van dit jaar wat ik vermoed een beetje het standaardaantal is voor mij.
Na wat opzoekwerk vond ik toch wat info over Holly Martin. Het is een Britse auteur die bekendstaat voor haar romantische sprankelende verhalen. Ze leeft in een wit huisje dicht bij de zee. Misschien dat ze daar haar ideeën vindt terwijl ze uitkijkt over het water.
Een zomer om van te dromen gaat over Eva. Ze werkt van thuis uit als vormgeefster voor onder meer boekcovers. In haar zetel, in haar piyama, in haar kleine wereld. Haar moeder is meer een vrije ziel. Avonturierster in hart en nieren.
Wanneer haar moeder sterft vind ze een lijst met zaken die ze nog wou uitvoeren in haar leven.
Impulsief beslist Eva om haar moeders lijst zelf af te werken.
De knappe en wat ruwe Thor Anderson is nu niet direct de persoon die Eva wou om haar te begeleiden maar ze kan nu niet anders. Maar beetje bij beetje moet ze haar beeld van Thor bijstellen.
Ik ben nog niet zo thuis in het feelgood genre maar Martin kan mij wel bekoren. Het verhaal las zeer vlot en bevatte genoeg lagen om mij goed te entertainen. Maar god zeg, nog nooit zoveel seks meegemaakt in een boek, maar deze keer stoorde het zeker niet. Het vormde mee het verhaal.
De personages kwamen wel geloofwaardig over. Heel leuk om te lezen hoe ze allebei hun eerste indruk van de ander moeten gaan bijstellen.
Het voldoen van de bucketlist loopt als een rode draad doorheen het verhaal en dit wordt nog versterkt door de brieven die Eva schrijft naar haar overleden moeder.
Het einde bevat nu niet echt grote verrassingen. Maar voor mij is het einde goed geschreven.
Conclusie is dat ik genoten heb van dit boek vol romantiek zonder te klef over te komen. Personages die ik zomaar langs de weg kan tegenkomen. Maar ook met een verhaal dat vlot leest en genoeg lagen bevat om enkele uren ongedwongen te kunnen lezen.
Terug een nieuwe feelgood auteur leren kennen en het is me terug goed bevallen. Of dit nu echt het vat met feelgood auteurs opentrekt voor mij is nog niet zeker. Zo nu en dan eentje kan mij wel bekoren. Het is mijn derde feelgood van dit jaar wat ik vermoed een beetje het standaardaantal is voor mij.
July 15, 2023
Een echte pageturner!
De schrijfstijl van Holly Martin is door het realistische en gedetailleerde aspect erg prettig.
Door de beschrijving van de omgeving waarin het zich afspeelde waande ik mezelf ook even op wereldreis.
Binnen enkele uren heb ik dit verhaal gelezen, en heb ik genoten van iedere bladzijde
De schrijfstijl van Holly Martin is door het realistische en gedetailleerde aspect erg prettig.
Door de beschrijving van de omgeving waarin het zich afspeelde waande ik mezelf ook even op wereldreis.
Binnen enkele uren heb ik dit verhaal gelezen, en heb ik genoten van iedere bladzijde
October 30, 2022
In Een zomer om van te dromen vindt Eva een lijst van haar overleden moeder waarop dingen staan die ze nog graag zou willen doen in haar leven. Omdat Eva's moeder de lijst niet meer zelf kan voltooien, besluit Eva om het voor haar te doen. Ze stapt uit haar comfort zone en plant samen met iemand van het reisbureau haar wereldreis. Maar diegene van het reisbureau die mee zou gaan, kan door omstandigheden niet meer mee en wordt vervangen door haar collega. Dé collega die Eva niet uit kan staan!
Holly Martin heeft een fijne schrijfstijl, waardoor je meteen in het verhaal zit. Je voelt mee met Eva, die haar angst opzij zet om de dromen van haar moeder waar te maken. Door de beschrijvingen waar ze samen met Thor allemaal naartoe gaat, waan je je ook op vakantie. Heerlijk om in de zomerse sferen te komen.
De chemie tussen Eva en Thor komt duidelijk naar voren. Een zomer om van te dromen is vanuit twee perspectieven geschreven. Op deze manier leer je Eva kennen, hoe haar band met haar moeder was, wat haar beweegredenen zijn om de reis te maken en vooral hoe zij de reis ervaart. Maar je leert ook Thor kennen door de hoofdstukken vanuit zijn perspectief, hoe hij erin staat en over dingen denkt. Hierdoor is het verhaal niet eenzijdig. Beide personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en maken een ontwikkeling mee.
Eva houdt een soort dagboek van haar reis bij. Dit doet ze door ansichtkaarten te schrijven die gericht zijn naar haar moeder. Dit is een leuke manier om wat afwisseling in het verhaal te krijgen. Hierdoor worden sommige bestemmingen kort aangehaald, je mist niks, maar het wordt ook niet te langdradig. Sommige bestemmingen worden wel uitgebreid omschreven, zoals ook Amsterdam. Kan niet zeggen dat ik het heel herkenbaar vond, het werd wel heel typerend benaderd. Dat was voor meerdere locaties en vond dat wat overdreven.
Een zomer om van te dromen is een heerlijke roman met humor. Het is romantisch, maar ook onderwerpen als rouw en verlies komen aan bod.
Holly Martin heeft een fijne schrijfstijl, waardoor je meteen in het verhaal zit. Je voelt mee met Eva, die haar angst opzij zet om de dromen van haar moeder waar te maken. Door de beschrijvingen waar ze samen met Thor allemaal naartoe gaat, waan je je ook op vakantie. Heerlijk om in de zomerse sferen te komen.
De chemie tussen Eva en Thor komt duidelijk naar voren. Een zomer om van te dromen is vanuit twee perspectieven geschreven. Op deze manier leer je Eva kennen, hoe haar band met haar moeder was, wat haar beweegredenen zijn om de reis te maken en vooral hoe zij de reis ervaart. Maar je leert ook Thor kennen door de hoofdstukken vanuit zijn perspectief, hoe hij erin staat en over dingen denkt. Hierdoor is het verhaal niet eenzijdig. Beide personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en maken een ontwikkeling mee.
Eva houdt een soort dagboek van haar reis bij. Dit doet ze door ansichtkaarten te schrijven die gericht zijn naar haar moeder. Dit is een leuke manier om wat afwisseling in het verhaal te krijgen. Hierdoor worden sommige bestemmingen kort aangehaald, je mist niks, maar het wordt ook niet te langdradig. Sommige bestemmingen worden wel uitgebreid omschreven, zoals ook Amsterdam. Kan niet zeggen dat ik het heel herkenbaar vond, het werd wel heel typerend benaderd. Dat was voor meerdere locaties en vond dat wat overdreven.
Een zomer om van te dromen is een heerlijke roman met humor. Het is romantisch, maar ook onderwerpen als rouw en verlies komen aan bod.
July 16, 2023
Heerlijk boek! Voelde net of ik ook op vakantie was naar al die landen!
March 11, 2019
Eva is a homebody, she works from home as a designer and has no need to interact with many people beyond her small group of friends and her aunt. She doesn't feel she needs to experience the world any further than her doorstep.
Her mother on the other hand was a free spirit and had a desire for adventure but she couldn't fulfill these dreams when she fell pregnant with Eva. Leaving behind a list when she dies, Eva makes the momentous decision to go to the places and do the things that she never got to do.
With no experience of travelling or the world and with the money her mother left her, Eva opts for a guide to show her all these places.
Thor Anderson was not the person Eva wanted as her guide - she opted for a female for a start. But when a last minute change, meant Thor was to join her, it looks like Eva is going to experience a different sort of holiday. The room requirements are certainly going to have to change.
Not getting off to the best of starts, the arrogance of Thor soon changes for someone much more thoughtful and caring and he encourages Eva to make her own list of dreams to go alongside her mums.
Writing home to her mum through various postcards, we travel with Eva across the world. Some places like Paris and Amsterdam we see in depth, others are merely the postcards home to move the story along. The author could have stretched the story out at each stop Eva makes, but a good author knows to keep the reader interested and engaged and Holly Martin does this with aplomb in this novel. I felt drawn into the novel straight away and was swept away with the romance of the travel.
As for the romance for Eva well that starts interestingly when Thor proposes to her at the Eiffel Tower but will one of Eva's dreams become a reality?
As someone who can relate to Eva and her little safe world, this book was a joy to read as she discovers the world, her past and her future on this trip. There are some laugh out loud moments contained within these pages as well as some heart melting and tear jerking ones. I liked Thor from the off, there was something vulnerable about his arrogant manner, but I think Eva was just as good for him as he was for her.
This is an excellent book for those who want to go on holiday vicariously and enjoy a bit of romance. A perfect holiday read whichever way you read it - at home or on your own travels!
This is lovely standalone novel is a great reflection of Holly Martin's other work which are based centrally in one place with a number of characters who all interact and have wonderful stories to tell. It was a great change to see Holly take us on some travels and I hope she had fun when she researched the book!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book to read which I chose to do voluntarily and my review was not influenced in anyway by this.
Her mother on the other hand was a free spirit and had a desire for adventure but she couldn't fulfill these dreams when she fell pregnant with Eva. Leaving behind a list when she dies, Eva makes the momentous decision to go to the places and do the things that she never got to do.
With no experience of travelling or the world and with the money her mother left her, Eva opts for a guide to show her all these places.
Thor Anderson was not the person Eva wanted as her guide - she opted for a female for a start. But when a last minute change, meant Thor was to join her, it looks like Eva is going to experience a different sort of holiday. The room requirements are certainly going to have to change.
Not getting off to the best of starts, the arrogance of Thor soon changes for someone much more thoughtful and caring and he encourages Eva to make her own list of dreams to go alongside her mums.
Writing home to her mum through various postcards, we travel with Eva across the world. Some places like Paris and Amsterdam we see in depth, others are merely the postcards home to move the story along. The author could have stretched the story out at each stop Eva makes, but a good author knows to keep the reader interested and engaged and Holly Martin does this with aplomb in this novel. I felt drawn into the novel straight away and was swept away with the romance of the travel.
As for the romance for Eva well that starts interestingly when Thor proposes to her at the Eiffel Tower but will one of Eva's dreams become a reality?
As someone who can relate to Eva and her little safe world, this book was a joy to read as she discovers the world, her past and her future on this trip. There are some laugh out loud moments contained within these pages as well as some heart melting and tear jerking ones. I liked Thor from the off, there was something vulnerable about his arrogant manner, but I think Eva was just as good for him as he was for her.
This is an excellent book for those who want to go on holiday vicariously and enjoy a bit of romance. A perfect holiday read whichever way you read it - at home or on your own travels!
This is lovely standalone novel is a great reflection of Holly Martin's other work which are based centrally in one place with a number of characters who all interact and have wonderful stories to tell. It was a great change to see Holly take us on some travels and I hope she had fun when she researched the book!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book to read which I chose to do voluntarily and my review was not influenced in anyway by this.
November 6, 2019
Igave up on this book.
The idea - of a trip round the world seeing the sights and fulfilling her dead mother's dreams - offered much, but the trip to interesting places lost all credibility when our heroine, and her sexy escort, flew to Paris in the morning from London (why didn't they take the train?), visited the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Palace of Versailles! (11 miles from the centre of Paris as the crow flies, and the crow doesn't get caught in the Paris traffic), in the afternoon, having time to go up the Eiffel Tower before dining. It might be possible, if her escort arranged a motor cycle escort, but on my visit to Paris the Louvre itself occupied a whole day, as did Versailles. They then flew to Brussels, ate chocolate and drank beer, spent the night, and flew the hundred miles to Amsterdam. The train, from city centre to city centre, would have taken less than 3 hours. The flight was delayed, and I couldn't help feeling that it served them right!
I decided not to spend any more time following two such uninteresting characters around the world.
The idea - of a trip round the world seeing the sights and fulfilling her dead mother's dreams - offered much, but the trip to interesting places lost all credibility when our heroine, and her sexy escort, flew to Paris in the morning from London (why didn't they take the train?), visited the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Palace of Versailles! (11 miles from the centre of Paris as the crow flies, and the crow doesn't get caught in the Paris traffic), in the afternoon, having time to go up the Eiffel Tower before dining. It might be possible, if her escort arranged a motor cycle escort, but on my visit to Paris the Louvre itself occupied a whole day, as did Versailles. They then flew to Brussels, ate chocolate and drank beer, spent the night, and flew the hundred miles to Amsterdam. The train, from city centre to city centre, would have taken less than 3 hours. The flight was delayed, and I couldn't help feeling that it served them right!
I decided not to spend any more time following two such uninteresting characters around the world.
February 14, 2020
Убийствено елементарна :( С пистолет опрян до главата, не мога да стигна до края .
Издателство Ера явно е загубило нюх за добри автори.
От Адел Паркс , Катрин Елиът и т.н. да стигне до тук , направо не е за вярване.
Издателство Ера явно е загубило нюх за добри автори.
От Адел Паркс , Катрин Елиът и т.н. да стигне до тук , направо не е за вярване.
February 21, 2019
A new book by Holly Martin, but something completely different… everybody knows how much I love Holly Martin. Love might even be underselling it, because I simply adore her books. But when she announced this new book I kind a got a little scared. It sounded like miles away from anything I was used from her. No quaint little villages in the English country site. No little cafes, no quirky villagers… It gave me nerves, I must confess that.
But I had to read it… because well… it’s Holly Martin. So when Holly asked if there were bloggers who would love to read the ARC, I jumped to the chance. And let’s just start off with saying I do not regret it one second. This book.. it’s just… well let’s try to get my brain to work properly and give you a decent review.
Our main heroine in this book is Eva. She is kind of a caterpillar at first glance. Happy in her little homely cocoon. The world outside frightens her a little bit. She loves cocooning up in her own safe apartment. Eva’s mother was the complete opposite. Wild at heart, running free, trying new things… passion pulsing trough her blood. Everything Eva is not. But when her mother dies Eva finds a box with all her mother’s unfulfilled dreams. Dreams that will take Eva all over the world and far out of her comfort zone. And then enters Thor, travel guide and Danish God, who will escort Eva all over the world and let her fulfill her mother’s wildest dreams.
Through postcards written to her mother we follow Eva and Thor on their round the world tip. Some place like Amsterdam, Skagen and Brussels we follow more thorough. But the postcards really move the story along without feeling like we are missing out in destinations.
Without a doubt Holly has put in a lot of research for the book. All of the different destinations really sprung to life on the pages. I was walking with Eva along the Seine. I dived with her into the gold waters and I could smell the lovely aroma of the rain falling down at the Taj Mahal. I am used to Holly’s vivid writing style, but in The Summer of Chasing Dreams it really reached new heights.
Of course I love the romance… They are always perfect. But again this felt completely new and refreshing. The attraction between Eva and Thor was there from the very start, but the stakes were pretty high. I loved how Holly played around with the concept of professionalism and boundaries.
Although The Summer of Chasing Dreams feels like a completely new form of storytelling by Holly, it is also classic Holly. It will make you laugh out loud with all the funny situations Eva and Thor get into. At the same time you will feel your eyes water because of all those heart-breaking, sweet and sad moments you will share with them. You will blush because of the hot and steamy scenes. And the last page of the story will come way to early.
The Summer of Chasing Dreams is a story about a little caterpillar that learns how to spread her wings and become a marvelously, beautiful butterfly. It is also a story that added about 20 new travel destinations to my bucket list. But it was mainly a story that transported me from my comfortable couch in rainy Antwerp, to hot sweltering deserts, romantic little streets, cannabis coffee shops and gorgeous sunsets. After finishing the last page I really felt like I had traveled the world and experienced it all together with Eva.
The Summer of Chasing Dreams will be in stores on 29 March. But I highly recommend you pre-order this gorgeous book!
But I had to read it… because well… it’s Holly Martin. So when Holly asked if there were bloggers who would love to read the ARC, I jumped to the chance. And let’s just start off with saying I do not regret it one second. This book.. it’s just… well let’s try to get my brain to work properly and give you a decent review.
Our main heroine in this book is Eva. She is kind of a caterpillar at first glance. Happy in her little homely cocoon. The world outside frightens her a little bit. She loves cocooning up in her own safe apartment. Eva’s mother was the complete opposite. Wild at heart, running free, trying new things… passion pulsing trough her blood. Everything Eva is not. But when her mother dies Eva finds a box with all her mother’s unfulfilled dreams. Dreams that will take Eva all over the world and far out of her comfort zone. And then enters Thor, travel guide and Danish God, who will escort Eva all over the world and let her fulfill her mother’s wildest dreams.
Through postcards written to her mother we follow Eva and Thor on their round the world tip. Some place like Amsterdam, Skagen and Brussels we follow more thorough. But the postcards really move the story along without feeling like we are missing out in destinations.
Without a doubt Holly has put in a lot of research for the book. All of the different destinations really sprung to life on the pages. I was walking with Eva along the Seine. I dived with her into the gold waters and I could smell the lovely aroma of the rain falling down at the Taj Mahal. I am used to Holly’s vivid writing style, but in The Summer of Chasing Dreams it really reached new heights.
Of course I love the romance… They are always perfect. But again this felt completely new and refreshing. The attraction between Eva and Thor was there from the very start, but the stakes were pretty high. I loved how Holly played around with the concept of professionalism and boundaries.
Although The Summer of Chasing Dreams feels like a completely new form of storytelling by Holly, it is also classic Holly. It will make you laugh out loud with all the funny situations Eva and Thor get into. At the same time you will feel your eyes water because of all those heart-breaking, sweet and sad moments you will share with them. You will blush because of the hot and steamy scenes. And the last page of the story will come way to early.
The Summer of Chasing Dreams is a story about a little caterpillar that learns how to spread her wings and become a marvelously, beautiful butterfly. It is also a story that added about 20 new travel destinations to my bucket list. But it was mainly a story that transported me from my comfortable couch in rainy Antwerp, to hot sweltering deserts, romantic little streets, cannabis coffee shops and gorgeous sunsets. After finishing the last page I really felt like I had traveled the world and experienced it all together with Eva.
The Summer of Chasing Dreams will be in stores on 29 March. But I highly recommend you pre-order this gorgeous book!
February 27, 2019
An utterly gorgeous book, my favourite ever Holly Martin book! I loved it.
I loved the box of dreams that Eva found in her Mum’s attic. This spurred her on to take the plunge and get out of her cosy and comfortable life. To just go for it and plan this trip of a lifetime, to live some of her Mum’s dreams and throw in some of her own.
After a hitch in the plans with the trip organiser she embarks on her dream holiday with a different escort, Thor. A Danish god!! The sparks were there between them, but things were complicated.
The letters and postcards she wrote to her Mum as she travelled were so touching, especially as she discovered things along the way that weren’t as she’d always believed. I loved the relationship with her aunt, so very open.
I would love to visit some of these locations, I can’t choose as they all sounded so good.
I so wanted it to carry on, I’m hoping there is a sequel.
Happy, sad, worried, funny, touching, steamy….all the emotions!! It ticks all the boxes for me.
I loved the box of dreams that Eva found in her Mum’s attic. This spurred her on to take the plunge and get out of her cosy and comfortable life. To just go for it and plan this trip of a lifetime, to live some of her Mum’s dreams and throw in some of her own.
After a hitch in the plans with the trip organiser she embarks on her dream holiday with a different escort, Thor. A Danish god!! The sparks were there between them, but things were complicated.
The letters and postcards she wrote to her Mum as she travelled were so touching, especially as she discovered things along the way that weren’t as she’d always believed. I loved the relationship with her aunt, so very open.
I would love to visit some of these locations, I can’t choose as they all sounded so good.
I so wanted it to carry on, I’m hoping there is a sequel.
Happy, sad, worried, funny, touching, steamy….all the emotions!! It ticks all the boxes for me.
June 30, 2019
The Summer of Chasing Dreams. This book was a pleasure to read and definitely made me want to travel the world! It’s uplifting, funny and I really liked the postcards Eva wrote to her mum throughout the book. The author must of done a lot of research on all the different countries, you could really imagine being there yourself! This book is the perfect holiday read and I really enjoyed it! “Find something you love, something you’re passionate about and do it. Life too short and we never know what is around the next corner.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 13, 2022
Heb je zin in een reisje rond de wereld zonder dat je daar de deur voor uit hoeft? Nou, pak de maar gauw 'Een zomer om van te dromen' van Holly Martin uit de kast. Deze auteur zorgt er namelijk met haar beeldende en hele toegankelijke schrijfstijl in no time voor dat je - door de ogen van Eva en Thor - de sfeer kan proeven in diverse landen binnen en buiten Europa. Zij zijn daar namelijk omdat Eva de dromen wil waarmaken die haar overleden moeder ooit heeft bedacht en opgeschreven. En dat terwijl Eva zelf eerder een huismus is dan een avonturier.
Alleen al hierdoor is het eenvoudig om met haar mee te leven in dit verhaal dat verder vol zit met realistische taferelen, een vleugje emotie en verder vooral met twee personages die ondanks hun duidelijke gevoelens om elkaar heen blijven draaien. Erg? Nee, totaal niet. Ik vermaakte me namelijk alleen al met alle sfeerbeschrijvingen. Hierdoor voelde het namelijk tijdens het lezen echt alsof ik er zelf op uit was gegaan.
Alleen al hierdoor is het eenvoudig om met haar mee te leven in dit verhaal dat verder vol zit met realistische taferelen, een vleugje emotie en verder vooral met twee personages die ondanks hun duidelijke gevoelens om elkaar heen blijven draaien. Erg? Nee, totaal niet. Ik vermaakte me namelijk alleen al met alle sfeerbeschrijvingen. Hierdoor voelde het namelijk tijdens het lezen echt alsof ik er zelf op uit was gegaan.
September 3, 2022
This book, I loved it soooo much! ❤️ It had everything, it made me laugh and giggle like a little girl in love. Thor and Eva are two amazing characters and it was so much fun to go on an adventure along with them!
June 14, 2023
De Londense Eva werkt vanuit huis en leeft haar meeste dagen in haar pyjama. Haar moeder Juliette was precies het tegenovergestelde. Als Juliette overlijdt, vindt Eva een bucketlist van haar moeder met al haar dromen. Eva besluit op wereldreis te gaan om de bucketlist af te werken. Ze huurt een gids in, maar had niet gerekend op de knappe maar lompe Thor Anderson…
Wat een leuk idee voor een boek! Zeg nou eens eerlijk, heb jij een bucketlist? Of op z’n mist een paar dingen waarvan je altijd denkt ‘dat zou ik nog wel eens willen doen’? Eva niet, maar haar moeder wel. Dus moet Eva uit haar comfortzone stappen. Van het zien van de Chinese Muur tot boven op de Eiffeltoren zingen of kussen in de regen: de lijst is heel divers, maar heeft wel veel te maken met reizen. Een zomer om van te dromen zet je aan het denken over je eigen dromen.
Dus Eva gaat op pad. Uit haar pyjama, uit haar huis, uit Londen. Eva houdt helemaal niet van op vakantie gaan en ziet overal gevaar, dus ze besluit een bureau in te huren, met een gids die met haar mee op reis gaat. De passages van de reis zijn heel beeldend geschreven, waardoor je het gevoel hebt dat je zelf ook op reis bent. Je vaart met Eva in Venetië, je ontbijt met giraffen… Een zomer om van te dromen neemt je mentaal mee op reis én zorgt ervoor dat je zelf heel veel zin hebt om ook in het vliegtuig te stappen!
Maar op de dag van vertrek, blijkt Eva’s beloofde gids niet te komen en zit ze opgescheept met iemand anders. Na een slechte eerste indruk vindt ze Thor maar arrogant en stom. Maar het is al meteen duidelijk dat Thor misschien minder vervelend is dan ze denkt – heerlijk om te lezen! Dit is een softe enemies-to-lovers op tropische en mooie bestemmingen.
Ik word zo vrolijk van de interacties tussen Eva en Thor! Je merkt meteen dat het klikt en hij haar beschermt. Bijvoorbeeld de scène waarin Eva (met tegenzin) gaat zingen bovenop de Eiffeltoren, en Thor haar gevoelens wil beschermen. Thor is echt een good guy en laat Eva helemaal ontdooien op haar wereldreis.
Een zomer om van te dromen is het perfecte vakantieboek! Of je het nou leest op je strandbedje of op je balkon, je droomt ermee weg. Deze feelgood weet op een luchtige manier ook moeilijkere onderwerpen te bespreken, en zorgt ervoor dat je met een grote glimlach achterblijft. Van mij had het boek nog langer mogen zijn!
Deze recensie verscheen eerst op https://www.readalicious.nl/recensies...
Wat een leuk idee voor een boek! Zeg nou eens eerlijk, heb jij een bucketlist? Of op z’n mist een paar dingen waarvan je altijd denkt ‘dat zou ik nog wel eens willen doen’? Eva niet, maar haar moeder wel. Dus moet Eva uit haar comfortzone stappen. Van het zien van de Chinese Muur tot boven op de Eiffeltoren zingen of kussen in de regen: de lijst is heel divers, maar heeft wel veel te maken met reizen. Een zomer om van te dromen zet je aan het denken over je eigen dromen.
Dus Eva gaat op pad. Uit haar pyjama, uit haar huis, uit Londen. Eva houdt helemaal niet van op vakantie gaan en ziet overal gevaar, dus ze besluit een bureau in te huren, met een gids die met haar mee op reis gaat. De passages van de reis zijn heel beeldend geschreven, waardoor je het gevoel hebt dat je zelf ook op reis bent. Je vaart met Eva in Venetië, je ontbijt met giraffen… Een zomer om van te dromen neemt je mentaal mee op reis én zorgt ervoor dat je zelf heel veel zin hebt om ook in het vliegtuig te stappen!
Maar op de dag van vertrek, blijkt Eva’s beloofde gids niet te komen en zit ze opgescheept met iemand anders. Na een slechte eerste indruk vindt ze Thor maar arrogant en stom. Maar het is al meteen duidelijk dat Thor misschien minder vervelend is dan ze denkt – heerlijk om te lezen! Dit is een softe enemies-to-lovers op tropische en mooie bestemmingen.
Ik word zo vrolijk van de interacties tussen Eva en Thor! Je merkt meteen dat het klikt en hij haar beschermt. Bijvoorbeeld de scène waarin Eva (met tegenzin) gaat zingen bovenop de Eiffeltoren, en Thor haar gevoelens wil beschermen. Thor is echt een good guy en laat Eva helemaal ontdooien op haar wereldreis.
Een zomer om van te dromen is het perfecte vakantieboek! Of je het nou leest op je strandbedje of op je balkon, je droomt ermee weg. Deze feelgood weet op een luchtige manier ook moeilijkere onderwerpen te bespreken, en zorgt ervoor dat je met een grote glimlach achterblijft. Van mij had het boek nog langer mogen zijn!
Deze recensie verscheen eerst op https://www.readalicious.nl/recensies...
August 13, 2023
In één ruk uitgelezen. Leuk verhaal, mooie opzet. Soms wat magere details. Einde te zoetsappig.
August 28, 2023
Mijn review lees je op storygraph en binnenkort op mijn instagram: imke.leest
October 5, 2019
I was over the moon when Holly Martin asked if I wanted to read and review her new book. I’ve read almost all, if not all of her books and think they are absolutely fabulous! As I’ve got a list of books which need to be read first for other blog tours, I put this book aside until it reached its natural place in the queue! This actually only lasted a few days though, I was so keen to start it I’ve pushed everything else back one place just so I can read this one first!! I didn’t really have to worry though as it took me less than a day to read and I was reading well into the early hours as I just couldn’t put it down! Before we go any further, I’ll just take a minute to mention the front cover. It is absolutely beautiful and such lovely colours. It perfectly suits the books showing all the different places which are visited throughout the story.
In this story we meet Eva Blue. Eva’s mother has recently died and she is in the process of winding up her estate and sorting out her effects. Whilst sorting through boxes in the attic, Eva comes across a box with slips of paper in. Written by her mother when she was 18 years old, each slip has a dream written on it – something which her mother wanted to do throughout her life. Eva decides to fulfil her mum’s dreams for her with the money which she has left her. Hiring a tour company to organise a round the world trip and provide an escort to accompany her, Eva finds herself in the company of tour guide, Thor Anderson. Initially getting off to a bad start with him, Eva finds herself enjoying his company and him enjoying hers. Can Thor remain professional with Eva to help her complete her dream list or are things going to become really complicated?!
I absolutely loved this book. I knew I was going to anyway, but didn’t expect it to be quite so much! Going by previous books, I know what kind of stories this author writes, but this one was completely different!! Right from page one, I was hooked! It wasn’t just a story of love, family, travel and, of course, sex. It was also full to the brim of self-discovery, regret and forgiveness! All of these things mixed together gave me a book which was completely mesmerising, heart-warming, heart-breaking and so so wonderful! It kept me reading until the very early hours and the only reason I put it down was because I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer, even though I only had 30 minutes left to read!!
Eva was a great character and one which is so easy to relate to. She doesn’t like a change in her routines, has lots of things that she fears and is insecure about and needs a lot of reassurance. She is also a loving, caring and forgiving character and I challenge anyone to not love her because of this. Thor (or should I say Phwoar – okay, that was a bad joke, I’ll give you that!) was a huge Danish man mountain with a heart of gold. If I had to choose anyone to accompany me round the world, it would have to be someone like him! Of course, the problem being was that he was a last minute stand-in and Eva didn’t really have a choice but I just loved how he managed to win her round!
The storyline was original and I loved the prospect of visiting all these countries throughout the course of the book. Of course the storyline focussed on Eva and Thor but we also got a glimpse of all these exotic places and the wonderful things that Eva did to fulfil her mum’s dreams. I was insanely jealous of them both by the end of the book!! Being typical to books of this genre, the course of true love never runs smoothly and as the story moves on you begin to understand that both the main characters have commitment issues through one reason or another and are left wondering whether they will ever be able to work through these. It certainly was an absolutely fabulous book and by the time I’d got to the end I felt like I had known these characters all my life. It’s not all serious and emotional issues though, there were so many bits in the book where I laughed out loud and there was also plenty of sex which had me blushing from the tips of my toes to the top of my head (all done in the best possible taste though!). I loved the impromptu singalong, the slightly dodgy cake and the hair removal incident to name but a few!
The author has not only 100% done it again, but she’s knocked it so far out of the park you can’t even see it. Unfortunately, most review sites say I have to mark it out of 5. 5 stars does not do this book justice, neither does 10, 20 or even 50!! This book has just made my year!!! If you are going to read one book this year, make it this one!! Fan….bloody….tastic!!! Highly highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for providing me with copy of this book to review, and inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour!
In this story we meet Eva Blue. Eva’s mother has recently died and she is in the process of winding up her estate and sorting out her effects. Whilst sorting through boxes in the attic, Eva comes across a box with slips of paper in. Written by her mother when she was 18 years old, each slip has a dream written on it – something which her mother wanted to do throughout her life. Eva decides to fulfil her mum’s dreams for her with the money which she has left her. Hiring a tour company to organise a round the world trip and provide an escort to accompany her, Eva finds herself in the company of tour guide, Thor Anderson. Initially getting off to a bad start with him, Eva finds herself enjoying his company and him enjoying hers. Can Thor remain professional with Eva to help her complete her dream list or are things going to become really complicated?!
I absolutely loved this book. I knew I was going to anyway, but didn’t expect it to be quite so much! Going by previous books, I know what kind of stories this author writes, but this one was completely different!! Right from page one, I was hooked! It wasn’t just a story of love, family, travel and, of course, sex. It was also full to the brim of self-discovery, regret and forgiveness! All of these things mixed together gave me a book which was completely mesmerising, heart-warming, heart-breaking and so so wonderful! It kept me reading until the very early hours and the only reason I put it down was because I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer, even though I only had 30 minutes left to read!!
Eva was a great character and one which is so easy to relate to. She doesn’t like a change in her routines, has lots of things that she fears and is insecure about and needs a lot of reassurance. She is also a loving, caring and forgiving character and I challenge anyone to not love her because of this. Thor (or should I say Phwoar – okay, that was a bad joke, I’ll give you that!) was a huge Danish man mountain with a heart of gold. If I had to choose anyone to accompany me round the world, it would have to be someone like him! Of course, the problem being was that he was a last minute stand-in and Eva didn’t really have a choice but I just loved how he managed to win her round!
The storyline was original and I loved the prospect of visiting all these countries throughout the course of the book. Of course the storyline focussed on Eva and Thor but we also got a glimpse of all these exotic places and the wonderful things that Eva did to fulfil her mum’s dreams. I was insanely jealous of them both by the end of the book!! Being typical to books of this genre, the course of true love never runs smoothly and as the story moves on you begin to understand that both the main characters have commitment issues through one reason or another and are left wondering whether they will ever be able to work through these. It certainly was an absolutely fabulous book and by the time I’d got to the end I felt like I had known these characters all my life. It’s not all serious and emotional issues though, there were so many bits in the book where I laughed out loud and there was also plenty of sex which had me blushing from the tips of my toes to the top of my head (all done in the best possible taste though!). I loved the impromptu singalong, the slightly dodgy cake and the hair removal incident to name but a few!
The author has not only 100% done it again, but she’s knocked it so far out of the park you can’t even see it. Unfortunately, most review sites say I have to mark it out of 5. 5 stars does not do this book justice, neither does 10, 20 or even 50!! This book has just made my year!!! If you are going to read one book this year, make it this one!! Fan….bloody….tastic!!! Highly highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for providing me with copy of this book to review, and inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour!
August 11, 2023
(Voor mij) echt het perfecte zomerse boek! ☀️
April 15, 2023
Een leuk boek om in de zomerstemming te komen! ☀️
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
March 1, 2019
If you're looking for a way to take a trip around the world in the company of wonderful characters without having to move from your sofa, then you NEED this book in your life!! I've been utterly mesmerized by this book from start to finish .....and I may have fallen a little in love with Thor!! But more of him later!!
This is the story of Eva who is facing up to life without her mum. They were totally chalk and cheese in personalities - Eva is more than happy to stay indoors surrounded by what she knows and loves, whereas her mum was a life grabber! If an opportunity to do something came along she grabbed it. But the world scares Eva and you really feel for her as she starts to consider life outside her comfort zone.
When she starts clearing out the loft she uncovers a letter from her mum Juliette, that she wrote to her daughter when she was just a year old. Alongside the letter she finds a box of dreams - a list of things her mum always wanted to try, places she wanted to visit - and the combination of the letter and these bucket list items really gets to Eva and she takes a walk on the wild side and starts living life a little dangerously to fulfill some of her mums' dreams.
She researches an escorted holiday - safety first, she won't be travelling alone! - and soon her trip around the world becomes reality. Her first trip to the travel company she uses doesn't quite go according to plan but allows her to meet Rebecca who will be her travel companion and she gets on well with her. Unfortunate events on the day of departure lead to a change in her companion though, and this is when Thor steps in to save the day and escort her - considering their first meeting was a little fraught to say the least, it doesn't bode well but it's too late to change so off they go!
What follows is just a wonderful journey through a number of countries and experiences, along with some memorable and heartwarming experiences that Eva and Thor end up sharing and it was just so delightful to laugh along with them on a number of occasions as they become the kind of characters you warm to so easily!
Thor has been on a number of these trips before, but he's never met anyone like Eva before and he begins to enjoy the trip a little more as he's able to relax and be himself - funny, caring..... He's just wonderful! (see, told you I was smitten!)
There's lovely touches throughout as Eva never forgets her mum and finds a way to include her as she works through the list of dreams which I found to be so sweet.
This was a delicious treat of a read and I would have been happy for it to be at least another 200 pages long as I just loved my time with Eva and Thor. Loved it!!
This is the story of Eva who is facing up to life without her mum. They were totally chalk and cheese in personalities - Eva is more than happy to stay indoors surrounded by what she knows and loves, whereas her mum was a life grabber! If an opportunity to do something came along she grabbed it. But the world scares Eva and you really feel for her as she starts to consider life outside her comfort zone.
When she starts clearing out the loft she uncovers a letter from her mum Juliette, that she wrote to her daughter when she was just a year old. Alongside the letter she finds a box of dreams - a list of things her mum always wanted to try, places she wanted to visit - and the combination of the letter and these bucket list items really gets to Eva and she takes a walk on the wild side and starts living life a little dangerously to fulfill some of her mums' dreams.
She researches an escorted holiday - safety first, she won't be travelling alone! - and soon her trip around the world becomes reality. Her first trip to the travel company she uses doesn't quite go according to plan but allows her to meet Rebecca who will be her travel companion and she gets on well with her. Unfortunate events on the day of departure lead to a change in her companion though, and this is when Thor steps in to save the day and escort her - considering their first meeting was a little fraught to say the least, it doesn't bode well but it's too late to change so off they go!
What follows is just a wonderful journey through a number of countries and experiences, along with some memorable and heartwarming experiences that Eva and Thor end up sharing and it was just so delightful to laugh along with them on a number of occasions as they become the kind of characters you warm to so easily!
Thor has been on a number of these trips before, but he's never met anyone like Eva before and he begins to enjoy the trip a little more as he's able to relax and be himself - funny, caring..... He's just wonderful! (see, told you I was smitten!)
There's lovely touches throughout as Eva never forgets her mum and finds a way to include her as she works through the list of dreams which I found to be so sweet.
This was a delicious treat of a read and I would have been happy for it to be at least another 200 pages long as I just loved my time with Eva and Thor. Loved it!!
April 12, 2020
The Summer of Chasing Dreams was a bundle of joy from start to finish. We follow sensible normal Eva who would normally put her money into savings account for a rainy day rather than spend it on the here and now.
But while clearing out her mum’s house she finds a treasure chest with all of her mum’s dreams. And suddenly she wants to travel the world and fulfil her mum’s dreams. And maybe a few of her own along the way.
It had a very similar feel to One Hundred Proposals. The fantastic locations, the romantic gestures, the swoonsome moments. But somehow 100 times better.
Eva and Thor were a fab couple and I was rooting for them from the very first moment they met. I just wanted to hold a big sign and scream go for it! And that moment when everything fell into place was delicious.
This is the perfect feel good read, filled with some incredible romantic moments, and some fantastic locations to boot. You’ll be getting travel happy before you know it.
Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm
But while clearing out her mum’s house she finds a treasure chest with all of her mum’s dreams. And suddenly she wants to travel the world and fulfil her mum’s dreams. And maybe a few of her own along the way.
It had a very similar feel to One Hundred Proposals. The fantastic locations, the romantic gestures, the swoonsome moments. But somehow 100 times better.
Eva and Thor were a fab couple and I was rooting for them from the very first moment they met. I just wanted to hold a big sign and scream go for it! And that moment when everything fell into place was delicious.
This is the perfect feel good read, filled with some incredible romantic moments, and some fantastic locations to boot. You’ll be getting travel happy before you know it.
Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm
November 17, 2019
Such a lovely book ❤
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