Book Review – The Book-Lovers’ Retreat

Title: The Book-Lovers’ Retreat

Author: Heidi Swain

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/ Romance

Goodreads Rating: 4.38

My Rating:

Source: ARC

Synopsis:

One long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…?

Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime.
Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex.
But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever…?

My Review:

I’d like to thank Tandem Collective for inviting me to take part in this readalong. I love Heidi Swain’s books and always look forward to her latest release.

⭐ Firstly can we talk about the beautiful setting? I have visited the Lake District on a few occasions and Heidi’s setting instantly took me back there. The waterfalls, the lakes and the starry sky were a dream to read. Now I need to find myself a secluded cottage and get the peace and tranquillity for myself.

💖 Our three ladies clearly have a strong bond and represent the ins and outs of female friendships. While I did find Emily a little immature and childish at times, she grew on me. The whole way through I predicted what would happen with each of them and whilst I was right I enjoyed seeing them reach those conclusions.

🪡Emily’s passion and creativity was one of my favourite parts of the story. As a self employed business women I was keen to see her take the step into that world and do something she loved. I want one of her dresses and pictures, the sound simply wonderful.

🧑🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏻Alex was my favourite character. I loved his back story and how he embraced the different adventures they went on. He kept the trip from falling apart at times and was a great support to all three of the women. Obviously his romantic moments with Emily were brilliantly executed I just wish there had been more of them.

This is a great standalone from Heidi Swain, filled with loveable characters and welcoming communities. Now I need Heidi to write Hope Falls because I want to read that book too!