Cover Image: A Summer of New Beginnings

A Summer of New Beginnings

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Member Reviews

I originally chose to read this book because it was set in Scotland, given i'm Scottish myself and totally in love with the highlands. But this author has completely won me over. The plot takes unexpected twists and I definitely felt I was on Zara's journey with her. The author has described the highlands and the Scottish people perfectly, the countrie's beauty and friendliness has been brought to life throughout the pages but I also enjoyed the authors writing style. I will definitely be reading her other titles. Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Having read and loved this author before, I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this book. I found myself so invested in the story that I stayed up way too late and read it in one sitting.

I have to come to expect great detail of Scotland and its scenery in the authors books, and this one didn’t disappoint. As a very proud Scot, who loves the scenery we have in abundance, her obvious love of the country shines through. As for the story itself, I was intrigued as I have heard of the North Coast 500 but will never actually experience it for myself. I loved the inclusion of various eateries along the way and can only hope they may exist in some form or another a,long the route.

The love part of the story was, at times, a little predictable, but it didn’t take away any of the enjoyment for me.

Another great story from the author. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

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This was a simple story, predictable in spots. It made me think of what Wild by Cheryl Strayed would be like re-imagined as a frothy chick-lit book. It wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either. If you can 'dispel your disbelief' in certain places in regards to how someone can cycle 500 miles with limited training, and how an unknown writer can write a masterpiece book loved by all, then this might work for you. I won't recommend this book but I also didn't hate it.

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Heart warming feel good book, I only wish I was on holiday reading it. Loved this so much look forward to reading more by this author.

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This was a truly heartwarming tale about the difference between how a woman who perceived what she thought she wanted but then went for what truly made her happy and loved. I would read any sequel to this book. A great read!

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Zara is a luxury travel writer who spends most of her time traveling to stunning destinations, staying in boutique hotels in far-flung places and writing about her experiences.

She’s just returned from her last travel assignment in Miami when her boss, Noah announces her next assignment and destination: cycling in Scotland and writing an article about the North Coast 500. Her colleague, Dillion who was supposed to cover this article, has quit suddenly and Zara has to go on this assignment because the trip has already been paid for. Seeing as she's used to staying in five-star hotels and penthouse suites in exotic places, she's not too keen on the prospect of camping outdoors. Nevertheless, she agrees to go.

We follow Zara as she navigates the rough terrains of Scottish Highlands on a bicycle, taking in the views of the stunning coastal scenery, the craggy mountains, not to mention the friendly people she meets along the way—her encounter with Daughters of Anarchy and the toy soldiers.

On her first leg of the journey, her map gets swept away by a gust of wind and then soaked in a nearby pool. Then she loses phone signal and her phone battery runs out. To make matters worse, her bicycle gets a puncture.

She decides to pack it up for the night, pitching her tent unknowingly on private property. The owner shows up the following morning but instead of reproaching her for trespassing, he offers her a place to stay on his farm while she sorts herself out.

A Summer of New Beginnings is a beautiful blend of romance and chick lit, interspersed with humor. I was easily transported to the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s Highlands. Not to mention the mouthwatering descriptions of the food she sampled there—the hot chocolate she had in Balkneil. Yum
I’m glad how everything turned out for Zara, from finding love in the least likely place to finally pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist. Overall, an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend.

Quotes I liked:

"She was like a comet passing through the atmosphere of his life. Beautiful but all too fast... So like a comet he would have to enjoy the memory of her even though it was unlikely she would appear in his sky again.”

Thank you to Lisa Hobman, Aria, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Even if it's winter this book made me feel like the sun was shining and the flower blooming.
It's well written, entertaining and heartwarming.
I loved the cast of characters and the setting. The plot was great and I couldn't put this book down.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Many thanks to Aria and Netgalley for this ARC

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Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
What a fabulous funny book loved loved it
First time reading this author won't be my last
Can highly recommend this book it deserves to be read by all.

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