This book was special ! The reader felt they were in Andalusia, Spain with Juliana
It is a feel good story of pure escapism as Juliana finds out more about her Spanish heritage. This was my first Cherry Radford book and I really enjoyed her writing style.
An easy read, with enchanting characters and a great. plot
Loved it !
Thank you to Netgalley, Aria and Aries and Cherry for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

I really liked this book, I enjoy Karen Swan's writing. It was a great story with really good characters and an interesting storyline. Definitely recommend.

This was the first book I have ever read by this author. I enjoyed reading it. I felt immersed in the story. Will be looking out to other books by this author in the future. Definitely recommend.

I enjoyed this book. A tiny bit slow to start, but once it got rolling, I was captivated by the story! I loved Juliana and enjoyed going for the adventure with her. A great stay at home and travel book for those of us looking to travel without leaving home.

“One Spanish summer, one huge family secret”


Author Cherry Radford has written a sweet and poignant romance, with a light touch of mystery and suspense; which took me, along with Juliana, on her delicious journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Those opening lines all help to set the scene for this summer of discovery and a lifetime of change. Relatively short chapters kept the pace of the storyline fluid, seamless and fast moving; and as you might expect, all those little loose ends were neatly packaged and tucked away by the end, for that happy-ever-after feeling.

The story was definitely three dimensional, being equally plot and character driven; whilst having the added advantage of that third and all important quality, a genuine sense and essence of time and place, which was rich in cultural and social atmosphere, with a real community atmosphere, making it fully immersive, thanks to the lovely observationally detailed and vibrant, descriptive narrative, together with some compelling and perceptive dialogue. A real bonus for any summer “deckchair traveller”, is having an author who is fully invested in the location they choose for their storyline to unfold and the authenticity of the characters they then introduce into that environment and Cherry has that one totally nailed!

The premise tells you in a nutshell the bare bones of this story, so not wishing to reveal too many additional spoilers, I’ll probably not say any more and spoil Juliana’s journey for anyone else. The list of conditions Uncle Arturo sets for Juliana to complete in her allotted time, at first glance appear random and unrelated. However it turns out that the list has been compiled with a great deal of thought and consideration, with the intention of testing Juliana’s suitability and commitment to inherit his coastal property in some depth, with the tasks forcing her to face her past, long forgotten memories, assessing her strength of character, morality and judgement. She also has to prove she is able to adapt and fit into a small rural community, to become as one with them, without forcing them to change in accommodating her.

In some bittersweet moments, Juliana also has to discover, uncover, face up to and own, several personal facts from her past, which have hitherto been kept from her, albeit ostensibly for her own good, although she has often questioned the validity of the stories she has been told. Often raw and passionate moments of reflection, challenge her emotions to the max. How she chooses to deal with them and heal any rifts and cracks which affect relationships with her inner circle of friends and family, is a much deeper challenge, which Uncle Arturo also hopes she will now have the maturity to deal with. Juliana has plenty to learn about herself and her own resolve and stoicism, whilst adapting to take other people’s feelings and motives into account.

This well structured, multi-layered storyline was beautifully textured, immersive, filled with some sweet moments of heart and humour, and authentically written with an assured, intuitive ease of style and confidence, by an author who knows her characters inside out and exactly where she is taking her storyline. At times profoundly touching, emotional and compassionate, there were also some amusing, laugh-out-loud moments and dialogue exchanges, which Cherry wove into the fabric of everyday life, with great care and thoughtfulness. Especially when Juliana meets the ruggedly handsome artist who lives next door. Their on/off friendship literally switches tempo minute by minute, Spanish tempers flare and Juliana is not impressed when it transpires that he too is hiding something from her. Emotions run hot and cold, as they play a game of cat and mouse, which neither really has the heart for, as their eventual fate has so obviously been inexorably sealed from that very first meeting, if only they will take the time to allow their relationship to flourish naturally. It just needs Juliana to step back, take some time to consider her options in the cool, calm manor which Uncle Arturo expects of her and make her final decision right for everyone, not just herself.

A cast of well developed and defined, engaging characters, totally owned this storyline and had been given a huge voice to tell their story, directing and guiding events, with just the slightest helping hand from their creator. Genuine and believable, some vulnerable and complex, they were all authentic, addictive, totally worth investing in and easy to relate to. On the whole, there was a great synergy between them, as they welcome Juliana into their midst, which made this a reading experience to savour slowly and totally indulge in.

In the summer Spanish sun, does Juliana get her house and her man in the end? – Now that would be telling!

This light summer read, kept me engaged and entertained; provided some good moments of enjoyment and escape from reality; and of course the emotion of the storyline was totally evocative – job done Cherry!

This is set in the Cabo De Gata area of Andalucia an area that I haven't been to and after reading this book would love to explore. Juliana has returned to Spain to discover her past and find out more about her Spanish mother who died when she was very young. She unearths all sorts of secrets - I could really relate to the villages and pace of life in this book as it reminded me so much of Granada and the surrounding area .. it was a comforting read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Aria, and Cherry Redford for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun story! The concept of completing a checklist of items in order to get a house? What a great idea!!!! Following Julianna through this process was entertaining and I found this to be a different way for the reader to get to know the main character.

While a little slow to start and not super gripping off the bat, once I got to the meat of the story I found I moved through it a lot quicker.

An enjoyable read!!

2.5 stars…..This book was fine. The premise sounded really interesting, but the writing and plot didn’t quite meet my expectations. The pacing felt off for most of the book. I felt like DNFing for the first 25-30% of the book. The middle section was more interesting and I cared more about finding out what was going to happen. That dropped off for the last 20-30% of the book. The romance was okay, but the way Josemi treated Julianna was frustrating and left me not caring if they ended up together. Overall, this book was fine, but didn’t make me look forward to picking it up.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me access to this eArc for my honest opinion.

One summer Juliana gets a chance of a lifetime. Her uncle Arturo offers her a chance to housesit his home in Spain. She uses this as chance to connect with her Spanish roots. She learns about her mother and who she is. She spends the time rediscovering her family and her connection to them. She falls in love with the town and her life. This was a charming summer read. It will transport you to the coast of Spain. I had a blast reading this story! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for sending this arc for an honest review!

Now babez. This book was like mama Mia. And when I say mama Mia. I mean THE MOVIE MAMA MIA. Although this was a Spanish setting it really did give off the vibes of Greek setting. The idea fit in with me and so did the colors. It was beyond enjoyable reading a story about a Spanish house that used to be filmed and the memories it had for Juliana.

I will have to say. This was a pretty slow book. So it took me a long time to finish, and the way I saw it was that there were a few unnecessary things added to the story that made it drag.

In all honesty I give this a 3/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This was a great beach read; those last few days of summer, soaking up the sun and reading a good book that transported me to a small coastal Spanish village was just what I needed. This author's wrtiting style was easy to read and the characters were enjoyable, I liked that there were a few twists to the story and really enjoyed the ending. Sometimes I read a lot of heavy and/or more intense books and this type of light read is exactly what I need to clear my head and leave me smiling, I don't know if anyone else is like this, but I feel it helps me enjoy each book more.

Thsi novel revolves around Julianna, a part actress who doesn't even realize how stuck she is in life until her beloved uncle offers her an opportunity that she cannot say no to. He asks her to come to Spain and stay at his beach front cottage property, to help him fix it up, to complete a list of quests, and if completed, the property will be hers to own. Julianna instantly falls in love with the house and strarts checking things off the list, when she reports to her uncle, he doesn't seem impressed, it is then that she realizes he wants this to be a journey of discovery, not just ticking a box. Julianna throws her heart into the mix and falls more in love with the house and maybe her handsome artist neighbour too. This was a satistfyling and lovely read. Definitely recommended.

In general, the book was good. The main idea was interesting, i just can't say that something grabbed my attention very much.

What can I say, sometimes the book's just don't click with us, it doesn't make it bad it just not everything for everyone.
And I must say that I love the cover and yes I recommend this to anybody who love light summer like reading.

Thank you netgalley for this free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw the cover to this book and read the title I was full of intrigue and dying to read the book. The synopisi promised so much. Juliana is of Spanish and English descent, and receives a call and email from her Uncle who is promising to leave her a house in Spain, if she follows his certain conditions. I was hoping for so much from this book but unfortunately it was just bland from the outset. I thought I would follow Julianna in to a spiritual journey of her heritage and past, but I just found her trying to do things to tick off her Uncles list so she could have the house, without getting any real feelings or emotions from her.

Unfortunately this book was not for me, I love the cover and the title but the characters and writing just didn't work for me, and I couldn't connect.

Expected publication date March 2022.

this was such a good book! ! i'm really glad i got to read this one early!! i loved reading about these characters and this author is definitely one i will check out again in the future, for sure!

A gentle and engaging story set in beautiful Spain. I enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of the setting and found the characters warm - lovely romantic escapism. Thank you.

This was my first Cherry Radford book and I loved how I was immediately transported to beautiful Spain with its luscious scenery and delicious food. I enjoyed following Hooli's journey to self discovery, even if there were some speed bumps and annoying misunderstandings along the way (but it's that what life's journey is all about?!). A nice, easy summer read!

An enjoyable book with a unique locale and engaging characters. Not completely formulaic, as many titles in this genre are.. If anything took away from my enjoyment, it was the fact that some of the plot points seemed to set up tension/conflict that never developed making it feel that the author ignored the rules set up early in the book. but I won't mention specifics as I don't like to post spoilers, and I will say that this was a minor annoyance. Overall, a very pleasant and enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute read. Julie has to complete a list of tasks in order to inherit her uncle’s coastal house in Spain. She gets closer to her uncle, discovers her true past, and resolves relationship differences both past and present. I liked all the characters, the setting, and the outcome. It’s a sweet story and a quick read.

The Spanish house provides a pleasant blend of romance and travel history. When Juliana is offered the opportunity by her uncle Arturo to leave England and visit her mother’s home land in Spain in hopes of inheriting a home she jumps on the opportunity. In addition to being able to learn more about her own roots and the places where her deceased mother lived she learns that she has a “hot” new neighbor! Well following a romance with all its excitement and challenges, this travel bug reader was left with a desire to visit the actual place is described in the book.

Thank you Aria for the opportunity to read this lovely book.

Juliana lives in the UK working as a TV/film extra until her beloved Uncle Arturo offers her the chance to house sit in Andalusia, Spain, however there is a clause to this, which is completing 10 “life enhancing” conditions within 90 days, then the house is hers.
There are family secrets to unearth, rivalries already made, a handsome neighbour to befriend and a list to be completed.
I loved the setting the emotions and thoroughly enjoyed following Julianas journey.