Samantha Tonge is one of the authors whose books I just can't wait to read and this proved another brilliant story to escape into from her! This is a fantastic story of siblings, looking after each other and discovering more about yourself, your abilities and your dreams - as well as a heartwarming romance. It is about expectations, being out of your comfort zone and finding inspiration and another superb story from this highly talented author.

How would you react if your much loved younger sibling won a prize on the lottery and booked you both a whole month away at a fabulous luxury holiday resort? Excited? Eager? Delighted? Despite problems with her boss, Sarah feels all those things. However, imagine her reaction when it turns out Amy revised their plans. Instead of a luxury holiday they're going to work on a conservation project..... forget the luxurious accommodation and activities, think emptying communal compost toilets, showers with only cold running water - and tarantulas - and no air conditioning. To say Sarah is shocked is an understatement! However, sometimes unexpected changes can have life changing impacts . . . . what you are disappointed has changed can actually lead to something even better and help not only yourself but others, too.

With great insights into sibling relationships, the need for conservation projects, more than one romance, fabulous characters, a superb setting and a delightful, mischievous monkey I absolutely loved this story and have no hesitation at all in highly recommending it.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this via NetGalley and this is my honest review after thoroughly enjoying reading it.

Sarah has looked after her sister Amy since their mother succumbed to breast cancer when Sarah was eleven and Amy seven. It was a difficult childhood for them both, their father was demanding and verbally abusive, and at eighteen Sarah left to ‘make her own way’, starting as a receptionist at a mid-level hotel. Now years later, Sarah’s been promoted to Assistant Manager, Amy is working as a veterinary rurse, and has just won a small windfall from the lottery. Amy’s plan is to take Sarah away on a dream holiday – a month of five-star relaxation in the British Virgin Islands.

But just before they left, Amy changed the holiday to a conservation-themed one, with shacks, compost toilets, work rotas and working various projects to help native flora and fauna in the recovery from a hurricane three years earlier. Surprise!


I’ll be honest, initially it was difficult to get into the story as there was a ton of self-doubt and recrimination (and more than a few control issues) from Sarah, and the surprises, along with some withholding of pertinent information from Sarah, was troubling. But soon, the space, Amy’s excitement, Sarah’s determination and innovation when it came to the ‘resort’ and their money troubles, and Rick’s appeal to Sarah, and her fighting it if not making friends with Cheeky the monkey was addictive. Soon, things are changing, Rick and Sarah are getting closer, we understand Sarah’s struggles with self-esteem and Rick’s similar battles with his older brother, and the balance between making a difference to conservation while simultaneously amassing profits and a sustainable model to keep the family’s island in business. Tonge’s ability to combine pertinent issues, flawed characters and a cute monkey to spur on healing and hope worked – and as each page passed, I needed to know more. A lovely getaway with several twists, that left me smiling and happy for them all.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aJa/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I picked this up because I thought it would be a cute book about a camaraderie between sisters and that is what I got. It gives you such a heartwarming feeling which I think the world needs/wants right now!

I loved this book so much although, to be perfectly honest, if my sister had played that trick I'd never have spoken to her again!!! Perfectly written summer read, which is only to be expected from a writer of Tonge's caliber.

Summer Island Swap is an easy to read story about Sarah, who is dreaming of the perfect relaxing get-away with her sister. In a twist, she is not going on the all-inclusive, glamourous getaway but instead she is on a conservation trip for the whole month (her sister secretly swapped trips before they were set to go
Will Sarah stick at it or will she decide that it really isn’t her thing and head home?
I have to admit, it took me a good while to get into this one… I found it a bit slow at first but once we really got into the project on the island, I was all in. To be honest I was angry for Sarah and would have been fully supportive if she’d had upped and left, by the end though I was so glad she stays to suffer it out.
With a whole cast of interesting characters, all with their own wonderful backgrounds and story, you will laugh out loud, by sympathetic and even be annoyed by people at various parts of the story. Keep an eye out for the fantastic, fun and entertaining Chatty though – my favourite character.
The Summer Island Swap is a sweet book to read and was enjoyable, I definitely saw things from a new point of view. It’s well written and had me dreaming of the next time I can go on holiday!

This is just a gorgeous novel. The setting of the British Virgin Islands is exquisite and a fantastic escapist location especially as I read the book during lockdown and approaching an Australian winter. The setting is not only beautiful but provides an interesting location for the novel – and the two sisters who travel there for their volunteer experience and to help save the island and the wildlife that live there. I loved the relationship between the sisters and their entwined history together. They were believable and fun. Rick the owner of Seagrass Island is to die for and the rugged man everyone would want to find on a desert island. The author’s detail of the conservation was admirable and the characters she adds into the mix were enjoyable to learn about. Such a great story.

I am sorry to say that this was not one of Samantha Tonge's best novels, her writing and information was really good but it just didn't do it for me. I judged this book by its cover not the write up which was a pity and I have learnt from that. I wish Samantha well with this book, I am sure that plenty of people out there will really enjoy this and think I have been stupid to give this review.

A sweet summer read. I was looking forward to Reading this book, but I just could not connect with the characters in this book. Maybe I just read it when my heart craved a different types of book. Thank you to netgalley for this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

A really enjoyable read. Cosy and comfortable. A book you can really snuggle down with. I liked the various characters and the storyline. Lovely ending! Well worth picking up and reading.

Thank you Netgalley

Loved this! Great summer read and made me want to visit Seagrass Island.

Sisters Amy & Sarah couldn't be more different. One is more carefree, the other more the role of protector and parent.

Amy wants to treat her big sister and books a luxury break away, but then secretly changes it after a comment from her sister. Sarah is lusting after the white sands, massages, and laying in the sun with a cocktail.

Amy truly believes what she has changed it to is something her sister will love and will be a true break.... But is it.... When it turns out they are staying at a conservation project.

Amy is all for getting stuck in, whilst Sarah feels disappointment. However the girls both learn about themselves along the way, with some truths revealed and a romance blossoming maybe this getaway is just what they both need.

Enjoyable, a story that flows, characters to love and cheer for. What more could you wish for?

I wish I could tell you anything about the characters, describe who I loved the most, who I was most affected by...but I won't. You need to find this out for yourselves. This is a beautiful read and my only regret is that I wasn't able to read it on a beach myself.

Ms Tonge is a writer whose novels always affect me and leave me...thinking, pondering life's questions, and this is no exception. Suffice to say, you should purchase this novel, pull up your favourite seat and enjoy; I did!

My thanks to Netgalley and Aria for the review copy!

Unfortunately this just wasn’t a good fit for me. I just couldn’t connect with either Sarah or Amy. In fact the set up really bothered me. I ended up giving up around 35%.

A great summer read and escape (the only way I’m getting them is books) so this is perfect, full of fun, sunshine, perfect escapism. The characters are nice, the book is well written and it’s a lovely easy read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

“The Summer Island Swap” is the perfect book for a lazy summer day. A nice quick read about family, friendship, and romance all set on a Caribbean Island.

An engrossing and enjoyable read that made me smile and root for the characters.
The characters are well written, the plot flows and the setting is lovely.
I liked the style of writing and the humour.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Brilliant read, characters were great and I loved the friendships. The humour in this book was spot on and the plot easy to follow. I enjoyed this one a lot.

The Summer Island Swap tells the story of Sarah, a hardworking and ambitious hospitality worker who gets lucky when her sister Amy wins a small amount of money in the lottery. Having big ideas for how she can enter the world of first class hospitality, Sarah is thrilled when Amy decides to spend the money on a luxurious vacation for the two of them. Sarah and Amy head on their surprise trip and Sarah can't wait to enjoy the amazing benefits of the island vacation, including doing some on site research of fancy accommodations, until they arrive at their destination and Sarah realizes that Amy switched the trips as a surprise without her knowing. Sarah is now on a conservation trip on a island that was devastated by a hurricane. Her duties (yes, duties), include cleaning out toilets, hacking away plants with a machete to create paths, and sleeping in a non air conditioned hut, with bugs and creepy crawlies all around. Sarah is devastated, and ready to leave, but her support for Amy is unwavering, she doesn't want to disappoint her. She decides to stick it out for Amy, and maybe to see what kind of romance blossoms with the director of the conservation, Rick. Sarah undergoes a journey or perseverance and self-discovery, realizing her talents and that sometimes things are better than they first seem.

I really wanted to love this book. I should start by saying I clearly did not read the entire description close enough when I requested it. I honestly expected a book about two sisters going to a luxurious island and finding love on an amazing trip! That's what I was expecting, so when Sarah found out her dream trip had been ruined-so did I. At that point, I stopped reading. I left the book for awhile and then realized that the publication date was coming up and I wanted to finish it to review, so I continued. I made my way through but by hand way through I still wasn't into the story. I found it predictable from page 35, I knew how it was going to end. I ended up skimming my way to the end. Honestly, I loved the beginning, until they got to the island. I just wasn't interested in reading about conservation and everything that went along with living on the island. I wanted a story about luxury and romance-but that was my fault, I should've been more careful when reading the description. The book is well written and the characters are likeable and relatable. I thought Sarah was a pretty good character. She did come off and immature, way too hung up on her past, it was mentioned way too much throughout the entire story. The romance aspect was okay, nothing great. Rick was also just okay, a pretty bland character, and I didn't enjoy a lot of his reactions in the story. I thought the story had the body of a good story, the side stories were developed, the characters were developed and so on. As much as I wanted to love it, it just wasn't for me. I'm happy so many others enjoyed it!

Sometimes the surprise switch makes for a better experience- or life in this instance. Sarah is not happy when she discovers her sister Amy didn't book the luxury trip to the Virgin Islands she promised to fund with her lottery winnings. Turns out, though, that once Sarah sheds a bit of her annoyance and loosens up, an eco-vacation (with wonderful turtles, among other things) is just what she needs. Rick is an unexpected bonus. He's not very nice to Sarah initially (you can understand why these two might clash before they loosen their shells) but eventually, no surprise, things blossom. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A light read than will cheer you up (and make you long for the beach!)

Sarah and Amy Sterling are sisters finally living together in London after a traumatic childhood tore them apart. When Amy's syndicate wins the lottery she decides they deserve a holiday somewhere usually out of their reach. Sarah is imagining luxury hotels, white sand, hot sun and evenings beneath the stars and she might have got it if Amy hadn't changed their plans at the last minute. Now the only thing the same are the stars because they are part of a group volunteering on a Caribbean conservation project and there are absolutely no mod cons!

This is such a lovely book, there is a level of self worth and positivity that increases exponentially as the book progresses with, of course, the occasional hiccup all good fiction deserves. Mainly a reader of psychological thrillers I need to experience a far less heartstopping type of novel every now and again and Samantha Tonge is brilliant at providing that. As with her 2019 festive offering The Christmas Calendar Girls, I lost myself in very pleasant circumstances, this time in the the British Virgin islands. As before, a topical life problem was explored with sensitivity and realism which added extra depth to a wonderfully engaging feel good story experience.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Samantha Tonge's novels or wants some pure holiday escapism, this is definitely worth reading wherever they spend the summer.

My first by this author and I'll be seeking out more.
I didn't read the blurb, I just saw the cover and loved it.
I was expecting a fancy beach holiday story and it was, but with a difference.
I loved that I didn't know what was coming.

Two sisters, Sarah and Amy.
They lost their Mum at a young age and Sarah has always looked out for younger sister Amy. She’s felt almost maternal and protective towards Amy, as their Dad always belittled them. As soon as they were able to, they left home and lived together.
Sarah works in a hotel and is always well turned out, hair and make-up done to perfection and smartly dressed.
Amy always wanted to be a vet but Dad said she’d never be able to do it, so she’s enjoying her career as a veterinary nurse. She’s more relaxed about her appearance and is low maintenance.
Amy has a lottery win, £5,000. And as a thank you to Sarah for looking out for her all these years she books a fancy holiday for them both. A month long holiday, all posh and relaxing. Lots of spa days. Amy keeps the exact details a secret. Sarah can’t wait and buys lots of new clothes. She also plans on seeing how a luxury hotel is run, so she can use some ideas at the hotel she works at. Her boss is not one for change, even when Sarah has some good ideas to make their hotel more attractive.
Sarah has a secret. She is sacked the day before the holiday.
When they land in the British Virgin Islands they are rounded up at the airport by Rick. He looks after Seagrass Island. Sarah feels like she’s wearing the wrong outfit compared to everyone else. Amy comes clean on the holiday plans. She didn’t want Sarah to be staying in a hotel, on a busman’s holiday. This holiday is to be totally different. The island is a conservation project after being wrecked by a hurricane. And they are here to work.
What follows is a journey. The girls discover a lot about themselves.
From the insects, food and toilet facilities to much, much more. There’s even a little monkey who you’ll love.
A great cast of characters from all over the world. The camaraderie between them all made it for me.
What a beautiful island.
Thanks to Aria Fiction and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.