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Dreaming Under an Island Skye
Is there really such a thing as a second shot at true love?
After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.
Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.
Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.
During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.
Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?
Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?
After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.
Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.
Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.
During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.
Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?
Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
392 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
January 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much, it was set on the Isle of Skye and I loved all the descriptions of the people, the weather and the pub with the roaring fire. Although this story was a little predictable it didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all. In fact, I think sometimes we need a gentle book to read which just carries you along to the end. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 4, 2021
I only have an opportunity to read at bedtime. I know a book is extra special when the characters linger during the day and I can’t wait until night to read the next instalment. This was one of those books.
Young widow Juliette is struggling to deal with the passing of her beloved husband. Living in the same house in the Cotswolds and working as a librarian at the university where Laurie was a professor, there are reminders everywhere she turns. She feels the need for some time and space to get her head together and the beautiful Isle of Skye – her mother’s birthplace – feels like the ideal place to do that.
Taking a sabbatical and leaving behind the valuable support of her brother and best friend to go it alone is a big decision. It’s a brave decision. But Juliette needs to find herself again and work out what a future without her beloved Laurie might look like.
Juliette is warmly welcomed by most of the villagers and, when she secures a role looking after The Lifeboat House Museum – a gorgeous building steeped with local history – she feels she has found, albeit temporarily, a place where she can breathe; a place where she belongs.
Not all the villagers are quite so welcoming. She keeps crossing paths with Reid who seems to have taken an instant dislike to her for reasons Juliette can’t fathom. It doesn’t help that his son Evin and dog Chewie adore Juliette. A dramatic incident thaws Reid’s attitude towards Juliette but every time she feels they’ve reached an understanding and could be friends, the barriers go up and they’re back to square one.
Juliette’s an expert at putting up barriers so she can see much of her pain and grief reflected in Reid and is desperate to help him like her brother and best friend back home helped her. Will he be willing to accept her assistance or is he too damaged by his past to find a way forward?
I fell in love with the characters (especially Chewie the dog), the story and the setting in this gorgeous book. The friendships felt real and the grief felt raw. I may have shed a few tears here and there but I also smiled a lot. This is an uplifting story of two broken, lost individuals trying to come to terms with their grief and find the courage to take a chance on love again. Visiting the Isle of Skye is now on my bucket list and more Lisa Hobman books are on my TBR pile. Simply gorgeous.
Young widow Juliette is struggling to deal with the passing of her beloved husband. Living in the same house in the Cotswolds and working as a librarian at the university where Laurie was a professor, there are reminders everywhere she turns. She feels the need for some time and space to get her head together and the beautiful Isle of Skye – her mother’s birthplace – feels like the ideal place to do that.
Taking a sabbatical and leaving behind the valuable support of her brother and best friend to go it alone is a big decision. It’s a brave decision. But Juliette needs to find herself again and work out what a future without her beloved Laurie might look like.
Juliette is warmly welcomed by most of the villagers and, when she secures a role looking after The Lifeboat House Museum – a gorgeous building steeped with local history – she feels she has found, albeit temporarily, a place where she can breathe; a place where she belongs.
Not all the villagers are quite so welcoming. She keeps crossing paths with Reid who seems to have taken an instant dislike to her for reasons Juliette can’t fathom. It doesn’t help that his son Evin and dog Chewie adore Juliette. A dramatic incident thaws Reid’s attitude towards Juliette but every time she feels they’ve reached an understanding and could be friends, the barriers go up and they’re back to square one.
Juliette’s an expert at putting up barriers so she can see much of her pain and grief reflected in Reid and is desperate to help him like her brother and best friend back home helped her. Will he be willing to accept her assistance or is he too damaged by his past to find a way forward?
I fell in love with the characters (especially Chewie the dog), the story and the setting in this gorgeous book. The friendships felt real and the grief felt raw. I may have shed a few tears here and there but I also smiled a lot. This is an uplifting story of two broken, lost individuals trying to come to terms with their grief and find the courage to take a chance on love again. Visiting the Isle of Skye is now on my bucket list and more Lisa Hobman books are on my TBR pile. Simply gorgeous.
February 28, 2021
This book really surprised me. I found it offered more than a typical piece of romantic fiction because of the attention paid to feelings and mental health. All in all, I would describe this book as having a bit of “bite” and one that had more depth to the story than I was anticipating.
The book opens with a very sweet meeting between Juliette and her would-be husband. It is a funny scene of a woman being stuck up on library shelves and needing rescuing. Quite literally, Laurie is her knight in shining armour. Fast-forward eight years, and we discover that Juliette is now widowed. Over the course of the novel, we find out a bit more of what happened between her and Laurie and the sadness that envelopes her with fears of moving on. Heading to Skye seems like the most obvious decision, especially as her mother and grandparents used to live on the Island. Wanting to escape the memories of Laurie and the grief that is constantly threatening to drown her, Juliette wants to rediscover who she is in this remote location.
The portrayal of the Isle of Skye is beautifully vivid. Hobman describes it so naturally and I felt like I was exploring the island with Juliette. Meeting the locals, the tight-knit community seem just what Juliette needs and I loved the welcoming atmosphere that is presented. Indeed, the pub scenes were most warming and I think this is what epitomises the attitude of the village. Furthermore, the island games event that Juliette attends adds to the friendship circles that she is developing. A community that offers so much to Juliette, I found myself asking, along with the other characters, why would she want to leave and return to her old life in the Cotswolds?
Hobman has a great cast of characters in this story, including the lovable hound of Chewie! Even though Juliette admits she is not a dog person, she cannot help but full in love with Chewie. I really laughed at Juliette’s reluctance to be “doggy friendly”; I loved the honesty of her character and I think this adds to how raw and genuine her emotions are over the story. Hobman is not trying to disguise Juliette’s feelings: she really is struggling to cope with her grief from losing her husband. Overall, there are quite a few characters in the story that need rescuing, all in their own individual ways.
It is not just Juliette’s vulnerability that is explored in this novel. Reid, the male protagonist who seems to take an instant dislike to Juliette, has a past that is only gradually revealed in the story. Like Juliette, Reid is emotionally suffering and I liked seeing the parallels that Hobman creates between the two characters. Furthermore, I thought it refreshing to see such an emotional male character; Reid literally wears his heart on his sleeve and needs as much support as Juliette did in the early days of losing Laurie. Some of the scenes with Reid and Juliette were full of sorrow and quite emotional. It made me truly sympathise with the characters and I felt a connection I was not expecting in this story.
The symbol of the robin is really clever. It was haunting, magical and romantic all at once. There were times that I felt myself come out in goosebumps and, to be quite honest, I don’t think I will look at a robin in quite the same way again. You need to read the book to fully appreciate this but I think this is another example of how Hobman has created a narrative that is full of both sides of emotion: love and overwhelming sadness.
This book offered so much on many levels. It was enjoyable to read and I could not predict how it would close. It’s a rather emotional story, not just full of love and laughter, and I think this made the read even more poignant. Loving the cast and setting, I really hope Hobman returns to Skye: I would be excited to see what happens next to these characters.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with a very sweet meeting between Juliette and her would-be husband. It is a funny scene of a woman being stuck up on library shelves and needing rescuing. Quite literally, Laurie is her knight in shining armour. Fast-forward eight years, and we discover that Juliette is now widowed. Over the course of the novel, we find out a bit more of what happened between her and Laurie and the sadness that envelopes her with fears of moving on. Heading to Skye seems like the most obvious decision, especially as her mother and grandparents used to live on the Island. Wanting to escape the memories of Laurie and the grief that is constantly threatening to drown her, Juliette wants to rediscover who she is in this remote location.
The portrayal of the Isle of Skye is beautifully vivid. Hobman describes it so naturally and I felt like I was exploring the island with Juliette. Meeting the locals, the tight-knit community seem just what Juliette needs and I loved the welcoming atmosphere that is presented. Indeed, the pub scenes were most warming and I think this is what epitomises the attitude of the village. Furthermore, the island games event that Juliette attends adds to the friendship circles that she is developing. A community that offers so much to Juliette, I found myself asking, along with the other characters, why would she want to leave and return to her old life in the Cotswolds?
Hobman has a great cast of characters in this story, including the lovable hound of Chewie! Even though Juliette admits she is not a dog person, she cannot help but full in love with Chewie. I really laughed at Juliette’s reluctance to be “doggy friendly”; I loved the honesty of her character and I think this adds to how raw and genuine her emotions are over the story. Hobman is not trying to disguise Juliette’s feelings: she really is struggling to cope with her grief from losing her husband. Overall, there are quite a few characters in the story that need rescuing, all in their own individual ways.
It is not just Juliette’s vulnerability that is explored in this novel. Reid, the male protagonist who seems to take an instant dislike to Juliette, has a past that is only gradually revealed in the story. Like Juliette, Reid is emotionally suffering and I liked seeing the parallels that Hobman creates between the two characters. Furthermore, I thought it refreshing to see such an emotional male character; Reid literally wears his heart on his sleeve and needs as much support as Juliette did in the early days of losing Laurie. Some of the scenes with Reid and Juliette were full of sorrow and quite emotional. It made me truly sympathise with the characters and I felt a connection I was not expecting in this story.
The symbol of the robin is really clever. It was haunting, magical and romantic all at once. There were times that I felt myself come out in goosebumps and, to be quite honest, I don’t think I will look at a robin in quite the same way again. You need to read the book to fully appreciate this but I think this is another example of how Hobman has created a narrative that is full of both sides of emotion: love and overwhelming sadness.
This book offered so much on many levels. It was enjoyable to read and I could not predict how it would close. It’s a rather emotional story, not just full of love and laughter, and I think this made the read even more poignant. Loving the cast and setting, I really hope Hobman returns to Skye: I would be excited to see what happens next to these characters.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2023
A good, gentle light romance. Two people grieving for different reasons, a fabulous background for the story, and a dip into my favourite part of the world. I did want to give Jules a kick up the backside at times though!
January 20, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF. I really tried to like this book but put it down about a third of the way through. The overall idea, plot and cast of characters were all great but I found the execution to be lacking. The writing seemed a bit too mechanical and the dialogue stilted.
DNF. I really tried to like this book but put it down about a third of the way through. The overall idea, plot and cast of characters were all great but I found the execution to be lacking. The writing seemed a bit too mechanical and the dialogue stilted.
July 11, 2021
If you haven’t been to the Isle of Skye you must go. This cute little read had beautiful descriptions of the landscape and the Scottish people. A heart warming story with lovable characters.
Only fault is I found it a bit drawn out and repetitive. It could be because this was an audiobook.
A great Scottish saying…. “If it is meant for you, it will not pass by you.”
3.5 stars
Only fault is I found it a bit drawn out and repetitive. It could be because this was an audiobook.
A great Scottish saying…. “If it is meant for you, it will not pass by you.”
3.5 stars
February 14, 2021
When I read the synopsis for this book I knew it was one that I definitely wanted to read. I wanted a book that would whisk me away and give me a good story with a sense of place. This book definitely did that!
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I absolutely fell in love with her descriptions of Skye. It is a place that is on my list of places to visit one day. Her descriptions are gorgeous not just of the island but also of the community that she has created, warming, welcoming and one that sounds idyllic, well for the most part. As with any community, there is always the odd soul who likes to put a dampener on things.
Juliette finally realises that she needs a break from her life and those around her. She has been going through the motions of living after the death of her husband and while people have been supported she feels the time is right to take time out for something different. Skye is very different from her life in the Cotswold's where she is a librarian.
A few months will give her a chance to be herself, to be in a place where no one knows that she is still grieving and where people feel lost for words when they meet her. She makes arrangements to visit and it not just a random visit as she does have family connections to the island from years ago.
It is often mentioned that when you have been at your lowest, you are more likely to see the signs of it in others. This is the case for Juliette when she actually looks at Reid for the first time. Well, I say the first time, but it wasn't. They didn't exactly hit it off the first time! But she can recognise the signs of someone who is struggling and so as is her nature she tries to reach out to him.
A story of friendship and understanding, as well as misunderstanding, follows. A story of hard choices and heartbreak gives a wonderful story to escape into. The characters that the author has created sound, on the whole, to be a wonderful lot and I could see myself really enjoying the odd night at the pub with them!
This is such a wonderful book that delivered so many good things and also had such a wonderful sense of understanding to it. Dealing with loneliness, guilt, apprehension and loss and yet at the same time having a sense of wanting to move forward. Given what could have been a hard storyline for a reader, the author has taken it in a more positive way making it an uplifting read. I adored this book and if you love your contemporary romance then this one should be right up your street. It is one I would definitely recommend.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I absolutely fell in love with her descriptions of Skye. It is a place that is on my list of places to visit one day. Her descriptions are gorgeous not just of the island but also of the community that she has created, warming, welcoming and one that sounds idyllic, well for the most part. As with any community, there is always the odd soul who likes to put a dampener on things.
Juliette finally realises that she needs a break from her life and those around her. She has been going through the motions of living after the death of her husband and while people have been supported she feels the time is right to take time out for something different. Skye is very different from her life in the Cotswold's where she is a librarian.
A few months will give her a chance to be herself, to be in a place where no one knows that she is still grieving and where people feel lost for words when they meet her. She makes arrangements to visit and it not just a random visit as she does have family connections to the island from years ago.
It is often mentioned that when you have been at your lowest, you are more likely to see the signs of it in others. This is the case for Juliette when she actually looks at Reid for the first time. Well, I say the first time, but it wasn't. They didn't exactly hit it off the first time! But she can recognise the signs of someone who is struggling and so as is her nature she tries to reach out to him.
A story of friendship and understanding, as well as misunderstanding, follows. A story of hard choices and heartbreak gives a wonderful story to escape into. The characters that the author has created sound, on the whole, to be a wonderful lot and I could see myself really enjoying the odd night at the pub with them!
This is such a wonderful book that delivered so many good things and also had such a wonderful sense of understanding to it. Dealing with loneliness, guilt, apprehension and loss and yet at the same time having a sense of wanting to move forward. Given what could have been a hard storyline for a reader, the author has taken it in a more positive way making it an uplifting read. I adored this book and if you love your contemporary romance then this one should be right up your street. It is one I would definitely recommend.
February 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this romantic story set on the idyllic island of Skye.
I liked the characters very much, all except one, but you will know who I mean when you read this book.
A lovely story with ups and downs and an awareness of mental health issues which are so important to raise.
I liked the characters very much, all except one, but you will know who I mean when you read this book.
A lovely story with ups and downs and an awareness of mental health issues which are so important to raise.
January 17, 2021
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to go to Skye. My Husband and I had hoped to go this year but with what is happening in the world that doesn't seem possible at the moment. So when I saw this book and the lovely cover I thought it would be to my liking, and it's the closest I will get for the moment. After finishing the book, I have to say I was not disappointed, and it has made me want to visit this amazing part of the world even more.
The book follows Julliette, still reeling from the death of her Husband a couple of years before, she needs to get away and decides to take a sabbatical, whilst the university she usually works for is closed for the term holidays. She sees an advert for a local Museum Keeper in Skye and feels a pull immediately as it is in the same remote place her mother was born. With nothing to loose she heads to the Island for three months and ends up on a journey of self discovery, learns how to heal a broken heart and makes lots of great friendships in the process. Whilst there, she meets single Dad and local business man Reid and another close friendship blooms, not just between them but with his son Evin and mischievous dog Chewie.
A lovely, moving, sometimes very funny story especially the parts involving Chewie, about learning to heal and love again. It is the first time I have read anything by the author but it won't be the last.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Julliette, still reeling from the death of her Husband a couple of years before, she needs to get away and decides to take a sabbatical, whilst the university she usually works for is closed for the term holidays. She sees an advert for a local Museum Keeper in Skye and feels a pull immediately as it is in the same remote place her mother was born. With nothing to loose she heads to the Island for three months and ends up on a journey of self discovery, learns how to heal a broken heart and makes lots of great friendships in the process. Whilst there, she meets single Dad and local business man Reid and another close friendship blooms, not just between them but with his son Evin and mischievous dog Chewie.
A lovely, moving, sometimes very funny story especially the parts involving Chewie, about learning to heal and love again. It is the first time I have read anything by the author but it won't be the last.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2021
A wonderful read was this where the characters stayed with me long after I finished the book. Emotions rocked me as I read more about Juliette. With vivid landscapes and deepening relationships between the characters, the story took a beautiful path when Juliette and Reid came together where love and a second chance at life healed all their hurts.
February 9, 2021
You will fall in love with this story of fresh starts and mending broken hearts!
Recommended!
Recommended!
June 7, 2022
Such a gorgeously romantic read - even though it was advertised as a romance, I didn’t feel like it was predictable at all. I was on the edge of my seat a few times during the read, unsure if there was going to be a happy ending but really enjoyed the rollercoaster of emotions that came with the read. Set in the beautiful Isle of Skye, this read is a real feel good tale of enemies to lovers, mixing in the joys of a good ceilidh, all the way to old school romances told through the eyes of the community.
April 23, 2021
Loved this book, characters were believable and Chewie the dog adorable. Set in the stunning Isle of Skye with references to Highland Games, Scottish Country Dancing, haggis and shortbread made me proud to be Scottish 🏴
February 23, 2021
A second chance romance, especially when the people involved are a bit bruised and broken, is always something that I particularly enjoy – but it’s far from the only reason why I thought this book was so thoroughly lovely. After the loss of the love of her life, Juliette’s unbearable grief and sense of acute loss is alleviated a little by the support of her family and her steadfast friend Millie – but what she really needs is some time among people who aren’t aware of the tragedy that’s begun to define her, to take some time to heal. Her mother’s family come from Skye, and she decides it’s the perfect place – and, after an unfortunate first encounter and a rather dramatic incident that places her centre-stage for a while, the village of Glentorrin begins to welcome her as one of their own. She finds a job and a temporary home at the museum in the lifeboat house, enjoys making new friends (but encounters some less friendly natives too), and the prospect of moving on and starting again begins to look increasingly possible.
The community of Glentorrin is quite wonderful – all such well drawn individuals. After a bit of a false start, and with a few stumbles at times, she grows close to artist Reid (not the “grumpy erse” he appears at first to be) and his young son Evin (and, in time, to his over-exuberant dog Chewie): and she finds she’s not the only one struggling with life, but also that she’s ideally placed to catch someone else as they’re falling, and to support them through it. The story could easily have become a little heavy at times – depression, mental issues, a tug of love situation – but the author is assured in its handling and treads lightly, while not skirting the realities. There might be those (well, certainly one in particular… who’s a tad off-balance herself) who feel her “mind-trickery and hippy shit” aren’t needed – but Reid’s path to healing and the faint possibility of a happy ending make it a very realistic and well-told story.
There were so many small things I loved about this book. The setting is quite wonderful – beautifully and vividly described – and I loved the museum (and the poignant stories behind some of its artefacts), those lovely nights in the pub eating haggis and stripping the willow (it might pass some readers by, but how lovely that Greg – from the last book I read – appeared as a “turn”!), and the way everything looks infinitely brighter with a bag of shortbread in your hand. The friendships formed were warm and lovely (Caitlin at the bakery, Archie from the outdoor clothing shop, Kenneth and Morag at the guest house and shop… and so many more): the slow-build and unlikely romance was perfectly paced and handled, and I really loved the relationship she developed with young Evin (and who wouldn’t love to become known as “Sparkly”, however unlikely when she first arrived).
I really enjoyed the set piece of the village games – other than the tear in my eye at the appearance of a summer robin (mmm, you’ll have to read the book to get that one… very nicely done). And I must mention the music, which I remember being a particular feature in the other book I’ve read by the author. And not just the traditional Scots plus Greg on his guitar, but the soundtrack of Radio Skye always in the background – suffice to say I’ve become quite a fan of Lewis Capaldi, whose music and great lyrics had rather passed me by until now.
It’s just a great story – with highs and lows for its lovely characters, and quite a few issues to be disentangled – quite beautifully written, really involving and thoroughly heartwarming. I really didn’t want to leave the characters – or the Isle of Skye itself – behind, and that’s always a sure sign of a book well enjoyed. Very much recommended – I loved this one, and I’m really looking forward to reading more from Lisa Hobman.
The community of Glentorrin is quite wonderful – all such well drawn individuals. After a bit of a false start, and with a few stumbles at times, she grows close to artist Reid (not the “grumpy erse” he appears at first to be) and his young son Evin (and, in time, to his over-exuberant dog Chewie): and she finds she’s not the only one struggling with life, but also that she’s ideally placed to catch someone else as they’re falling, and to support them through it. The story could easily have become a little heavy at times – depression, mental issues, a tug of love situation – but the author is assured in its handling and treads lightly, while not skirting the realities. There might be those (well, certainly one in particular… who’s a tad off-balance herself) who feel her “mind-trickery and hippy shit” aren’t needed – but Reid’s path to healing and the faint possibility of a happy ending make it a very realistic and well-told story.
There were so many small things I loved about this book. The setting is quite wonderful – beautifully and vividly described – and I loved the museum (and the poignant stories behind some of its artefacts), those lovely nights in the pub eating haggis and stripping the willow (it might pass some readers by, but how lovely that Greg – from the last book I read – appeared as a “turn”!), and the way everything looks infinitely brighter with a bag of shortbread in your hand. The friendships formed were warm and lovely (Caitlin at the bakery, Archie from the outdoor clothing shop, Kenneth and Morag at the guest house and shop… and so many more): the slow-build and unlikely romance was perfectly paced and handled, and I really loved the relationship she developed with young Evin (and who wouldn’t love to become known as “Sparkly”, however unlikely when she first arrived).
I really enjoyed the set piece of the village games – other than the tear in my eye at the appearance of a summer robin (mmm, you’ll have to read the book to get that one… very nicely done). And I must mention the music, which I remember being a particular feature in the other book I’ve read by the author. And not just the traditional Scots plus Greg on his guitar, but the soundtrack of Radio Skye always in the background – suffice to say I’ve become quite a fan of Lewis Capaldi, whose music and great lyrics had rather passed me by until now.
It’s just a great story – with highs and lows for its lovely characters, and quite a few issues to be disentangled – quite beautifully written, really involving and thoroughly heartwarming. I really didn’t want to leave the characters – or the Isle of Skye itself – behind, and that’s always a sure sign of a book well enjoyed. Very much recommended – I loved this one, and I’m really looking forward to reading more from Lisa Hobman.
February 27, 2021
I read the synopsis for ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ and it certainly like just the kind of light hearted, fun kind of read I was looking for. I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what I hoped would be a fabulous read. Oh ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ was certainly that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Juliette Fairhurst and I warmed to her from the start. When the story begins we learn that she works in a university library and she has got herself into a bit of a pickle. She is rescued by Laurie, who Juliette happens to have a major crush on. The rest as they say is history. One day Juliette has the rug pulled from underneath her feet and her world falls apart with the death of her beloved Laurie. Juliette eventually comes to realise that she has to allow herself time to heal from her loss and to carve out a new life for herself. She decides to take some time out and travel to somewhere she has always wanted to visit- her mother’s birthplace. Juliette is such a likeable character and I really did feel for her when she was describing her feelings of loss. I even found that I was comparing myself to Juliette- no I haven’t lost a partner to cancer but my Dad died suddenly of leukaemia and much like Juliette, I kept myself busy so that I didn’t have to think about my loss. I kept everything crossed for Juliette and I hoped that everything worked out for her in the end. What happens? Well for the answers to that question and so much more, you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I fell under this book’s spell from the moment I read the first word on the first page. I think that part of the reason why I enjoyed the book so much was because I liked Juliette so much and I identified with some of what she was saying. I became so addicted to the story that I literally took my Kindle everywhere with me just so I didn’t have to stop reading this gorgeous book. I developed a desperation to find out if Juliette got the happy ever after ending that she deserved. The pages turned over at a fair old pace as I worked my way through the book. Then all too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Juliette.
‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ is beautifully and sensitively written. Lisa doesn’t shy away from discussing difficult subjects but she does it in a such a gentle and compassionate way. Lisa certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into this lovely story. She clearly cares about her characters and describes them so well that they seemed to be just as real as you and I. I also liked the vivid descriptions of Skye, which were so convincing that they made me want to pack a suitcase and go on my holidays. I also loved the fact that my home county (in my opinion THE best county) of Durham got a mention or two as I love reading about places with which I am familiar. I found ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ to be a beautifully and compassionately written story, which kept my attention throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lisa’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I loved the character of Juliette Fairhurst and I warmed to her from the start. When the story begins we learn that she works in a university library and she has got herself into a bit of a pickle. She is rescued by Laurie, who Juliette happens to have a major crush on. The rest as they say is history. One day Juliette has the rug pulled from underneath her feet and her world falls apart with the death of her beloved Laurie. Juliette eventually comes to realise that she has to allow herself time to heal from her loss and to carve out a new life for herself. She decides to take some time out and travel to somewhere she has always wanted to visit- her mother’s birthplace. Juliette is such a likeable character and I really did feel for her when she was describing her feelings of loss. I even found that I was comparing myself to Juliette- no I haven’t lost a partner to cancer but my Dad died suddenly of leukaemia and much like Juliette, I kept myself busy so that I didn’t have to think about my loss. I kept everything crossed for Juliette and I hoped that everything worked out for her in the end. What happens? Well for the answers to that question and so much more, you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I fell under this book’s spell from the moment I read the first word on the first page. I think that part of the reason why I enjoyed the book so much was because I liked Juliette so much and I identified with some of what she was saying. I became so addicted to the story that I literally took my Kindle everywhere with me just so I didn’t have to stop reading this gorgeous book. I developed a desperation to find out if Juliette got the happy ever after ending that she deserved. The pages turned over at a fair old pace as I worked my way through the book. Then all too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Juliette.
‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ is beautifully and sensitively written. Lisa doesn’t shy away from discussing difficult subjects but she does it in a such a gentle and compassionate way. Lisa certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into this lovely story. She clearly cares about her characters and describes them so well that they seemed to be just as real as you and I. I also liked the vivid descriptions of Skye, which were so convincing that they made me want to pack a suitcase and go on my holidays. I also loved the fact that my home county (in my opinion THE best county) of Durham got a mention or two as I love reading about places with which I am familiar. I found ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ to be a beautifully and compassionately written story, which kept my attention throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dreaming Under An Island Skye’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lisa’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 22, 2021
Dreaming Under an Island Skye is a beautiful and emotional story set on the beautiful island of Skye. Skye is one of those places I haven't visited for a while and of course this book has me longing to go there again.
Lisa Hobman had me almost in tears in the first chapter. Having just met the wonderful Laurie in the prologue, I was so sad to find that just eight years later, Juliette was a widow having lost Laurie to cancer. There were many moving moments throughout this book but don't worry, it's not all about grief and sadness, rather is is a lovely story of finding happiness after different kinds of loss. As the front cover says, you can take your memories anywhere and sometimes the right thing to do is to make a fresh start. That was certainly the case for Juliette who takes the opportunity of a long break from her work to move to Skye for a few month, to the village where her mother was from.
The characters in this book are just wonderful and the emotional development was so well done. The way Juliette began to come to terms with the loss of her husband was beautifully described, not just quickly and unrealistically glossed over. She had wonderful support from her friend Millie and her brother Dexter and was quickly welcomed into the community of Glentorrin, especially when she took over guardianship of the local Lifeboat Museum. She has difficulties initially with grumpy single dad Reid McKinnon but I loved the way she supported him and didn't give up when she recognised in him the emotions she had experienced. Reid's young son and Evin and his mad dog Chewie went straight to my heart. Of course, not all of the community were pleased to welcome the incomer and there were a few troubles caused by one or two of the villagers!
There are some difficult themes addressed in this book including grief, depression and loss. I really liked the message that it is okay not to be okay. However, this is balanced beautifully with themes of love, friendship and support from friends, family and community making for a really uplifting read.
With this book, Lisa Hobman has gone straight onto my list of must-read authors! I really loved this gorgeous book and will definitely be keen to read more from this author.
Lisa Hobman had me almost in tears in the first chapter. Having just met the wonderful Laurie in the prologue, I was so sad to find that just eight years later, Juliette was a widow having lost Laurie to cancer. There were many moving moments throughout this book but don't worry, it's not all about grief and sadness, rather is is a lovely story of finding happiness after different kinds of loss. As the front cover says, you can take your memories anywhere and sometimes the right thing to do is to make a fresh start. That was certainly the case for Juliette who takes the opportunity of a long break from her work to move to Skye for a few month, to the village where her mother was from.
The characters in this book are just wonderful and the emotional development was so well done. The way Juliette began to come to terms with the loss of her husband was beautifully described, not just quickly and unrealistically glossed over. She had wonderful support from her friend Millie and her brother Dexter and was quickly welcomed into the community of Glentorrin, especially when she took over guardianship of the local Lifeboat Museum. She has difficulties initially with grumpy single dad Reid McKinnon but I loved the way she supported him and didn't give up when she recognised in him the emotions she had experienced. Reid's young son and Evin and his mad dog Chewie went straight to my heart. Of course, not all of the community were pleased to welcome the incomer and there were a few troubles caused by one or two of the villagers!
There are some difficult themes addressed in this book including grief, depression and loss. I really liked the message that it is okay not to be okay. However, this is balanced beautifully with themes of love, friendship and support from friends, family and community making for a really uplifting read.
With this book, Lisa Hobman has gone straight onto my list of must-read authors! I really loved this gorgeous book and will definitely be keen to read more from this author.
February 24, 2021
Dreaming Under An Island Skye by Lisa Hobman is an uplifting, feel-good read about loss, hope, love and most of all second chances! I found the story really touched my heart. Lisa Hobman is a new author to me but one I will watch for in the future. I found it to be a beautiful and emotional story set on the picturesque island of Skye in Scotland. I loved the sense of community in the small village of Glentorrin and how most of them welcomed Jules with open arms.
The book does touch on some sensitive themes like depression and grief but in a sympathetic and realistic way. It takes you through the journey of healing, forgiveness and getting better.
I highly recommend this to my friends, I didn’t want it to be over.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book does touch on some sensitive themes like depression and grief but in a sympathetic and realistic way. It takes you through the journey of healing, forgiveness and getting better.
I highly recommend this to my friends, I didn’t want it to be over.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 23, 2021
As a lover of Island of Skye, I couldn't not love this book. The setting is beautiful and greatly described.
The book touches very sensitive themes like loss, grieve, depression and not in a superficial way. But also gets you through the journey of healing, forgiveness and getting better.
The characters are relatable and well outlined (the bad ones almost too bad to be true, but that is the only negative thing). The story is warm and uplifting.
I loved the idea of "it's OK to not be OK" that runs through the book, it's necessary to admit to not being ok in order to start to heal.
A very nice, uplifting story, highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book touches very sensitive themes like loss, grieve, depression and not in a superficial way. But also gets you through the journey of healing, forgiveness and getting better.
The characters are relatable and well outlined (the bad ones almost too bad to be true, but that is the only negative thing). The story is warm and uplifting.
I loved the idea of "it's OK to not be OK" that runs through the book, it's necessary to admit to not being ok in order to start to heal.
A very nice, uplifting story, highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
Thanks NetGalley, author Lisa Hobman, and Boldwood Books for giving me a free E-book Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
This was a beautiful story of healing, family, and a second chance at finding love. I loved these characters and the setting of the story. The village life seems to be the place Juliette is looking for in order to have a fresh start from the pain and loss of her husband. I really appreciated how well the author was able to bring Juliette and Reid together. Their meet cute was such a great way to start these characters on their journey of healing from their losses. Chewy was the star of this book. I have a soft spot for dogs and he was so sweet! The story was somewhat predictable but no less enjoyable. Overall, this is a must read for those who love a sweet story! Author Lisa Hobman's books will be on my TRB list!
4.5 stars
This was a beautiful story of healing, family, and a second chance at finding love. I loved these characters and the setting of the story. The village life seems to be the place Juliette is looking for in order to have a fresh start from the pain and loss of her husband. I really appreciated how well the author was able to bring Juliette and Reid together. Their meet cute was such a great way to start these characters on their journey of healing from their losses. Chewy was the star of this book. I have a soft spot for dogs and he was so sweet! The story was somewhat predictable but no less enjoyable. Overall, this is a must read for those who love a sweet story! Author Lisa Hobman's books will be on my TRB list!
August 4, 2021
This was a wonderful story , slightly predictable, a really good ending ! I gave it a 3 star but the last few chapters I would give a 4 star 🙌🏻
April 7, 2023
This book would have been bearable if it was cut short by 30%.
Repetitive, irritatingly slow/naive characters, tried too hard to push the mental health side and the constant referral to modern songs was a bit annoying in the end.
I get bereavement and MH is important but it honestly got so dull and depressing I felt like I was sat in a counseling session. Cute setting and overall storyline but needing a lot cutting from it.
Repetitive, irritatingly slow/naive characters, tried too hard to push the mental health side and the constant referral to modern songs was a bit annoying in the end.
I get bereavement and MH is important but it honestly got so dull and depressing I felt like I was sat in a counseling session. Cute setting and overall storyline but needing a lot cutting from it.
February 14, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
A real feel good read. I love how Lisa Hobman describes Skye, it’s not somewhere I’ve been but I fell in love with it after such descriptive writing.
The storyline is good and the characters are well developed and all relevant to the story. Jules being such a young widow is heartbreaking and the book really does this theme justice, especially the conflicting emotions that go with this. Whilst the ending is generally what you’d expect it made me smile. You just can’t beat a happy ending!
Thanks to NetGalley, Lisa Hobman and Boldwood books for my ARC.
A real feel good read. I love how Lisa Hobman describes Skye, it’s not somewhere I’ve been but I fell in love with it after such descriptive writing.
The storyline is good and the characters are well developed and all relevant to the story. Jules being such a young widow is heartbreaking and the book really does this theme justice, especially the conflicting emotions that go with this. Whilst the ending is generally what you’d expect it made me smile. You just can’t beat a happy ending!
Thanks to NetGalley, Lisa Hobman and Boldwood books for my ARC.
January 29, 2023
Oh dear, I feel like I fell through a time warp into a 1980's People's Friend story like my gran used to love. The author clearly tried to show 'modern' with the old man whose grandson was *gasp* marrying a man, a single mum *and* some pop music from the last few years, but there were also references to things so old I'd totally forgotten about them (the one I heard most recently being an answering machine), and couldn't imagine for a minute anyone under 50 even naturally associating them.
If you're a fan of old fashioned, twee, predictable tripe with a narrator that sounds like she's about to greet about 50% of the time, then this is for you. Otherwise, I'd suggest you move on. I only listened to the end because we're not even at the end of January and I've had to DNF 2 books already, but I wish I'd done it with this one too, 14 1/4 hours was ridiculous.
If you're a fan of old fashioned, twee, predictable tripe with a narrator that sounds like she's about to greet about 50% of the time, then this is for you. Otherwise, I'd suggest you move on. I only listened to the end because we're not even at the end of January and I've had to DNF 2 books already, but I wish I'd done it with this one too, 14 1/4 hours was ridiculous.
January 14, 2021
2 1/2 elevated to 3.
The setting is very well done, very picturesque, and it made me want to visit Skye. I liked reading about the village and all the people. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The rest of the story read a bit too long and at times too much like a therapy session. Reid and Juliette have a lot of baggage, and while that's not a bad thing, I didn't feel connected to them.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
The setting is very well done, very picturesque, and it made me want to visit Skye. I liked reading about the village and all the people. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The rest of the story read a bit too long and at times too much like a therapy session. Reid and Juliette have a lot of baggage, and while that's not a bad thing, I didn't feel connected to them.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
March 10, 2021
Dreaming Under an Island Skye is a beautiful book about hope, grief, renewal and second chances readers are going to thoroughly enjoy.
Juliette and Laurie had been married for three wonderful years. The future was full of hope and possibility and their happiness was absolute – until tragedy happened and Laurie was taken from Juliette much too soon. Devastated, heartbroken and inconsolable with grief, Juliette doesn’t know how she can possibly spend the rest of her life without the man she loves with all of her heart by her side. Desperate to take time out and to step away from all of her anguish and despair, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and to reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the picturesque village of Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye. But just what is Juliette going to find in Glentorrin? Will she find the second chance she had been hoping for? Or will she end up regretting her decision to visit the Isle of Skye?
Welcomed with open arms by most of her new neighbours, Juliette throws herself into community life and finds much needed respite working as a temporary guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum. Juliette hasn’t felt this alive for ages. She finally has a purpose for getting up in the morning and feels as if she is doing something worthwhile with her time. However, her idyll looks set to be short-lived when she finds herself clashing with single dad artist Reid McKinnon, who seems to have his own demons to contend with. Although the two of them have got off on the wrong foot, Juliette can sense that beneath Reid’s gruff exterior lies a man with a broken-heart. As the two of them begin to get closer, their feelings for one another intensify leading them to wonder whether they are ready to leave the past behind and put their heart on the line again or whether they will continue to let their fears and insecurities hold them hostage.
As heart-warming as it is heart-breaking. Dreaming Under an Island Skye is a superbly written novel about finding the courage to go on when all seems desperate, healing from the past and letting down your guard to embrace a new beginning that will bring a tear to the eye of even the most jaded and cynical of readers. Lisa Hobman exquisitely explores the depths of the human heart and writes sensitively and beautifully about human emotions and experiences readers will relate to and be moved by.
With beautifully drawn characters and plenty of humour, warmth and charm, Lisa Hobman’s Dreaming under an Island Skye is another unmissable treat by this immensely talented writer.
Juliette and Laurie had been married for three wonderful years. The future was full of hope and possibility and their happiness was absolute – until tragedy happened and Laurie was taken from Juliette much too soon. Devastated, heartbroken and inconsolable with grief, Juliette doesn’t know how she can possibly spend the rest of her life without the man she loves with all of her heart by her side. Desperate to take time out and to step away from all of her anguish and despair, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and to reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the picturesque village of Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye. But just what is Juliette going to find in Glentorrin? Will she find the second chance she had been hoping for? Or will she end up regretting her decision to visit the Isle of Skye?
Welcomed with open arms by most of her new neighbours, Juliette throws herself into community life and finds much needed respite working as a temporary guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum. Juliette hasn’t felt this alive for ages. She finally has a purpose for getting up in the morning and feels as if she is doing something worthwhile with her time. However, her idyll looks set to be short-lived when she finds herself clashing with single dad artist Reid McKinnon, who seems to have his own demons to contend with. Although the two of them have got off on the wrong foot, Juliette can sense that beneath Reid’s gruff exterior lies a man with a broken-heart. As the two of them begin to get closer, their feelings for one another intensify leading them to wonder whether they are ready to leave the past behind and put their heart on the line again or whether they will continue to let their fears and insecurities hold them hostage.
As heart-warming as it is heart-breaking. Dreaming Under an Island Skye is a superbly written novel about finding the courage to go on when all seems desperate, healing from the past and letting down your guard to embrace a new beginning that will bring a tear to the eye of even the most jaded and cynical of readers. Lisa Hobman exquisitely explores the depths of the human heart and writes sensitively and beautifully about human emotions and experiences readers will relate to and be moved by.
With beautifully drawn characters and plenty of humour, warmth and charm, Lisa Hobman’s Dreaming under an Island Skye is another unmissable treat by this immensely talented writer.
March 27, 2021
This is a delightful story of love, loss and second chances. The story follows Jules as she struggles to deal with the loss of her husband, the love of her life. Having a wonderful support system in her best friend Millie and brother, Dex, she copes pretty well, but there is always something missing. When a first date post her husband's passing ends up in disaster, Jules decides to take a holiday and visit the Isle of Skye. This is where her mother grew up for some part of her childhood and for some reason Jules feels a pull to visit and explore.
Taking the scenic route, Jules drives down over two days, reaching her destination in awe of the beauty of the place. It doesn't take long for Jules to find friendship and kinship among the people of Skye as she makes a small space for herself in the community. We are also introduced to Reid Mackinnon, father to the adorable Evin. Evin and his dog Chewie slowly endear themselves to Jules while Reid struggles to deal with his life. All the various characters in the story are amazing and well thought out. Everyone has a story to tell, but in the end they come together as one.
I love how the author has delicately handled the different forms of loss a person feels, introducing us to Mr Hamish, grieving for his wife for more than thirty years, Jules, grieving the loss of her husband but with the determination to try to move on and Reid, dealing with an ex-wife who cheated on him and then left him. There is also beauty in the way people come together to help one another and it is not a community but one very big family.
As the story progress, Jules immerses herself in the history of the place while volunteering to run The Lifeboat House Museum. The experience is cleansing and everything she needs to relax and refresh and find herself once again. This is a heart-warming tale filled with some sad and a lot of bright moments that will light up the reader's day! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved being a part of Jules and Reid's journey! In the end everyone needs support from their loved ones in different forms and this is well portrayed in this book. I recommend this light but emotional read to all those who love a good story, especially ones about healing and second chances.
Taking the scenic route, Jules drives down over two days, reaching her destination in awe of the beauty of the place. It doesn't take long for Jules to find friendship and kinship among the people of Skye as she makes a small space for herself in the community. We are also introduced to Reid Mackinnon, father to the adorable Evin. Evin and his dog Chewie slowly endear themselves to Jules while Reid struggles to deal with his life. All the various characters in the story are amazing and well thought out. Everyone has a story to tell, but in the end they come together as one.
I love how the author has delicately handled the different forms of loss a person feels, introducing us to Mr Hamish, grieving for his wife for more than thirty years, Jules, grieving the loss of her husband but with the determination to try to move on and Reid, dealing with an ex-wife who cheated on him and then left him. There is also beauty in the way people come together to help one another and it is not a community but one very big family.
As the story progress, Jules immerses herself in the history of the place while volunteering to run The Lifeboat House Museum. The experience is cleansing and everything she needs to relax and refresh and find herself once again. This is a heart-warming tale filled with some sad and a lot of bright moments that will light up the reader's day! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved being a part of Jules and Reid's journey! In the end everyone needs support from their loved ones in different forms and this is well portrayed in this book. I recommend this light but emotional read to all those who love a good story, especially ones about healing and second chances.
February 17, 2021
😢The fine art of overcoming grief: touching, great setting🌅
4-4.5🌟 stars
This novel had a heap of positive qualities, including:
- The setting in a small coastal village on the scenic Scottish Isle of Skye;
- A community of interesting locals;
- Two poignant love stories for the female lead character;
- An endearing boy and his "fetching" dog; and
- A story of overcoming depression and grief to embrace life with a bit of mystical portent thrown in.
Juliette's reminiscences about her life with her deceased husband Laurie were amazingly touching and bittersweet. Author Lisa Hobman really did a fantastic job evoking the joy and heartache attached to Juliette's first love, its tragic end and its continued presence in her thoughts and feelings.
Reid, the handsome, artistic single dad who resists Juliette from their first contact, is a bit unusual for a male lead in a romance. He has major personality issues and seems somewhat rudderless and clueless about things going on around him. Yes, he has suffered betrayal and fears the loss of his beloved son but those are not sufficient reasons for his blinders, especially regarding long-time friend Leanna's tricks and attitude.
Although their romance has its share of special moments, I just wish Juliette's relationship with Reid had not focused so much on amateur counseling. It bogged the story down and brought me down a bit, quite frankly. And I thought the author missed out on an excellent opportunity to have Juliette explore more of this incredibly beautiful island's sights during her three-month stay.
Overall, this was a moving and worthwhile read and the author's writing style was good, evocative of feeling, the village life and Scottish traditions.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
4-4.5🌟 stars
This novel had a heap of positive qualities, including:
- The setting in a small coastal village on the scenic Scottish Isle of Skye;
- A community of interesting locals;
- Two poignant love stories for the female lead character;
- An endearing boy and his "fetching" dog; and
- A story of overcoming depression and grief to embrace life with a bit of mystical portent thrown in.
Juliette's reminiscences about her life with her deceased husband Laurie were amazingly touching and bittersweet. Author Lisa Hobman really did a fantastic job evoking the joy and heartache attached to Juliette's first love, its tragic end and its continued presence in her thoughts and feelings.
Reid, the handsome, artistic single dad who resists Juliette from their first contact, is a bit unusual for a male lead in a romance. He has major personality issues and seems somewhat rudderless and clueless about things going on around him. Yes, he has suffered betrayal and fears the loss of his beloved son but those are not sufficient reasons for his blinders, especially regarding long-time friend Leanna's tricks and attitude.
Although their romance has its share of special moments, I just wish Juliette's relationship with Reid had not focused so much on amateur counseling. It bogged the story down and brought me down a bit, quite frankly. And I thought the author missed out on an excellent opportunity to have Juliette explore more of this incredibly beautiful island's sights during her three-month stay.
Overall, this was a moving and worthwhile read and the author's writing style was good, evocative of feeling, the village life and Scottish traditions.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 12, 2021
5 Gripping, Heart-Warming Beautiful Stars!!!
Lisa Hobman has left my heart full to the brim with love after reading Juliette’s story. On more than one occasion it brought a tear to my eye, however, it also filled my heart with a lot of love and understanding for their heartache and pain. This story is one of loss, grief, heartache, deceit and finding yourself. Learning to build yourself up again, to find a purpose in life and to never give up fighting.
I did not want to put this story down and I read it within a couple of days. Lisa Hobman’s style of writing meant I was able to escape to the Island of Skye along with Juliette and the residents. I was able to picture the beautiful and history of the place as well as feel and see each of the characters characteristics. This story is the perfect escape from reality and although this story is not all hearts and flowers, it is breath takingly beautiful. A story I will not forget, one I will read again and again.
Juliette was a strong woman, one with so much love and life. It was heart-breaking to hear her story, to go through the motions of grief and healing with her. It was also a breath of fresh air to see how well she took to her adventure, to see her grow and blossom. To see the joy, she brought to the people on the Island of Skye. I loved watching her friendship with Reid Mackinnon, it was clear she got under his skin, and was bringing him back to life. Heart-breaking yet breath-taking all at the same time.
The people on the Island were special, my kind of people. I loved the Island as much as Juliette did.
If you are looking for a story to escape into, one full of marvellous, refreshing, sweet characters, you will absolutely love Dreaming Under an Island of Skye by Lisa Hobman.
Lisa Hobman has left my heart full to the brim with love after reading Juliette’s story. On more than one occasion it brought a tear to my eye, however, it also filled my heart with a lot of love and understanding for their heartache and pain. This story is one of loss, grief, heartache, deceit and finding yourself. Learning to build yourself up again, to find a purpose in life and to never give up fighting.
I did not want to put this story down and I read it within a couple of days. Lisa Hobman’s style of writing meant I was able to escape to the Island of Skye along with Juliette and the residents. I was able to picture the beautiful and history of the place as well as feel and see each of the characters characteristics. This story is the perfect escape from reality and although this story is not all hearts and flowers, it is breath takingly beautiful. A story I will not forget, one I will read again and again.
Juliette was a strong woman, one with so much love and life. It was heart-breaking to hear her story, to go through the motions of grief and healing with her. It was also a breath of fresh air to see how well she took to her adventure, to see her grow and blossom. To see the joy, she brought to the people on the Island of Skye. I loved watching her friendship with Reid Mackinnon, it was clear she got under his skin, and was bringing him back to life. Heart-breaking yet breath-taking all at the same time.
The people on the Island were special, my kind of people. I loved the Island as much as Juliette did.
If you are looking for a story to escape into, one full of marvellous, refreshing, sweet characters, you will absolutely love Dreaming Under an Island of Skye by Lisa Hobman.
February 24, 2021
This is a truly lovely, heartwarming read dealing with some sensitive issues in a caring and supportive manner.
Juliette Fairhurst had gone straight back to work after the shocking death of her beloved husband after he lost his fight with cancer. She didn't really give herself time to grieve properly, suffered from depression and, two years later, has decided to make time for herself. She goes to stay in the village where her mother grew up, Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye, planning to stay there for three months over the summer. She never foresaw how welcoming most (but not all) of the islanders would be, how healing the experience would prove or how she would be able to help others, too.
It is a moving story, but one filled with optimism, too, showing how any loss can prove difficult to cope with but that there are folks to help. It is a story of friendships, recognising and helping those with mental health issues, breaking down barriers around your heart, family dramas and community. It is about recognising when you need help, opening yourself up to talking about experiences, fears, worries and the past to help you move on to a more positive future. There's a lovely lad, Evin, and his rambunctious puppy, Chewie, lots of new friendships to be made and some betrayals to be discovered. There's the beautiful setting, the heartwarming community, even their version of the Highland Games, The Lifeboat House Museum, a troubled artist and new friends in this emotive story which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and highly recommend.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed,
Juliette Fairhurst had gone straight back to work after the shocking death of her beloved husband after he lost his fight with cancer. She didn't really give herself time to grieve properly, suffered from depression and, two years later, has decided to make time for herself. She goes to stay in the village where her mother grew up, Glentorrin on the Isle of Skye, planning to stay there for three months over the summer. She never foresaw how welcoming most (but not all) of the islanders would be, how healing the experience would prove or how she would be able to help others, too.
It is a moving story, but one filled with optimism, too, showing how any loss can prove difficult to cope with but that there are folks to help. It is a story of friendships, recognising and helping those with mental health issues, breaking down barriers around your heart, family dramas and community. It is about recognising when you need help, opening yourself up to talking about experiences, fears, worries and the past to help you move on to a more positive future. There's a lovely lad, Evin, and his rambunctious puppy, Chewie, lots of new friendships to be made and some betrayals to be discovered. There's the beautiful setting, the heartwarming community, even their version of the Highland Games, The Lifeboat House Museum, a troubled artist and new friends in this emotive story which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and highly recommend.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed,
February 28, 2021
A word of warning: this book will make you cry. Well, it made me cry. Multiple times.
Widowed young, Juliette starts processing the untimely death of her beloved husband and realises she's got to get away. Choosing to visit the village of her mother's birth, she takes a summer off to visit the beautiful isle of Skye (yes, like the song). There, she makes new friends, finds work looking after the local museum, and runs up against grumpy divorcee Reid.
Written entirely from Jules' point of view, the book also delves into flashbacks explaining her loss - hence the tears. I think there were perhaps a few too many of them - they didn't all feel necessary to the plot or knowing Jules, and they slowed the start of the book down. It took a little while and a few tissues to get to the feel-good part.
Once we got there, however, I found myself charmed by the (mostly) welcoming villagers as Jules settled in. I was especially fond of the kind banter and teasing from Morag and Kenneth, and it is impossible to dislike young Evin and his giant dog Chewie. The book deals with the rather heavy subjects of depression and loss, but in a respectful and honest way as it draws Jules and Reid together in a way that felt natural and ultimately uplifting. The beautiful prose flowed and relationships grew naturally over the summer, even as jealous Leanna and Evin's mother Kate made trouble in the background.
For a hopeful story about love and life after loss, pick this book up - but bring tissues!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
Widowed young, Juliette starts processing the untimely death of her beloved husband and realises she's got to get away. Choosing to visit the village of her mother's birth, she takes a summer off to visit the beautiful isle of Skye (yes, like the song). There, she makes new friends, finds work looking after the local museum, and runs up against grumpy divorcee Reid.
Written entirely from Jules' point of view, the book also delves into flashbacks explaining her loss - hence the tears. I think there were perhaps a few too many of them - they didn't all feel necessary to the plot or knowing Jules, and they slowed the start of the book down. It took a little while and a few tissues to get to the feel-good part.
Once we got there, however, I found myself charmed by the (mostly) welcoming villagers as Jules settled in. I was especially fond of the kind banter and teasing from Morag and Kenneth, and it is impossible to dislike young Evin and his giant dog Chewie. The book deals with the rather heavy subjects of depression and loss, but in a respectful and honest way as it draws Jules and Reid together in a way that felt natural and ultimately uplifting. The beautiful prose flowed and relationships grew naturally over the summer, even as jealous Leanna and Evin's mother Kate made trouble in the background.
For a hopeful story about love and life after loss, pick this book up - but bring tissues!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
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