So pleasantly surprised!

⛰ what it is about
Taking a sabbatical in Bali is one thing, but leaving your job and jumping into the unknown is another. In this light, wholesome, funny, and deliciously colorful novel, Sandy Barker broadens our horizons of what pure life is. It is not about working the hardest or having the most expensive shoes. It is about waking up by yourself without an alarm, finding peace in your choices, and making friends that last.

🧠 thoughts
Jaelee’s life got through me, I could not let the book down. This book is nothing too pretentious, and it is perfect the way it is. Yes, it is a little cliché, but sometimes we need this. There is nothing better than a book that takes you to the beach with a cold beer in your hand. This novel is light, easy, a good pick me up and dive into it for the afternoon.

🥰 who would like it?
Honestly, I would recommend it to anyone wanting to step aside from the heavy reading for a while, and obviously to all the fans of beach books.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for sharing a copy of this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

When Jaelee is suddenly called back to work the minute she lands on the other side of the world, she does the unthinkable: quits, and reassesses her priorities in the idyllic chaos that is Bali. Along the way she makes firm friends, confronts old demons, and falls in love, but when faced with a crisis, does she follow her love halfway around the world?

I really liked this book. It was a mostly lighthearted yet introspective novel of friendships and relationships, all set in a digital nomad community in Bali. The scenes are vividly written, so the reader can almost feel as though they are there, and the characters flawed and utterly relatable. This is a romance done right: a realistic romance woven seamlessly through an engaging storyline.

Bali has never been high on my travel list, but this book makes me want to pack up my laptop and head over. :D

A perfect beach escape read.

~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

I really liked A Sunrise Over Bali for many different reasons. First, the setting in Bali offered a perfect escape from reality, and with the descriptions of local foods, landscape and customs, it almost felt like I was on an exotic retreat myself. Second, the characters were great and I enjoyed that the story wasn't just focused on Jae and her Hot Scot, but brought a host of other friendships to life. If you enjoy a romance with well developed side characters, then pick this one up! Third, I liked that the characters were in their thirties and forties and had a more mature outlook on life.
I'll definitely be picking up the other titles in Sandy Barker's Holiday Romance series - thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with an electronic copy in exchange for a review.

The fourth book in the #HolidayRomance series centers on Jaelee Tan. While on a sabbatical in Bali to escape a fight with a friend and to get over a broken heart, Jaelee quits her successful PR job and then needs to decide what to do with her life. There’s also the matter of fellow traveler, Alistair. He’s been dealing with a long-term relationship breakdown and a family health emergency and might be just who Jaelee’s been looking for. While there’s the obvious romance factor of this story, I really enjoyed the friendships Jaelee formed with the people she met in Bali and how they helped her find a new career path. There was also an added layer of family drama and dynamics, both for Jaelee and Alistair, which lifted the story for me and held my interest. As is usual for Sandy Barker’s books, the descriptions of the settings and food will have you inspired to book an overseas trip. Recommended for adventurous lovers of romance stories.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a great escapist romance novel. It made me feel like I was on vacation! Great beach read!

I really like this story. The laughs and tears were exactly what I needed and the journey and characters took me on quite a ride. I am grateful to have been able to get this book.

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

This is a great escapist romance novel. It made me feel like I was on vacation!

I loved this book. It’s another “escape” romance where the characters go away somewhere to find themselves, (and maybe find someone else!) in an organized setup for digital nomads. And it’s in Bali, not just any old boring vacation destination.

The descriptions of Bali the island , the food, and especially the scenery had me checking ticket prices. The descriptions of Scotland (and the Hot Scot!) were great too! The romance was well done and felt very real.

From the publisher:
“When Jaelee Tan leaves her high-flying PR job in Miami for a sabbatical in Bali, the last thing she expects is for it to become permanent. But when her boss demands the trip be cut short, Jae does the only thing she can think of and quits on the spot.
With two months in Bali, a new group of friends and the gorgeous scenery and beaches, Jae is determined to make the most of her new-found freedom. And when she locks eyes with hunky Scot, Alistair, Jae wonders if she’ll lose her heart to more than just a Balinese sunrise.”

I loved that Jae makes new friends there and realizes how important her old and new friends are to her happiness, they’re her family. She realizes that home can be anywhere she feels loved and appreciated.

Watch my reel for a Bali/Scotland tour of the some of the places in the book! I love to see pictures of the places in the book as I read, it’s easy to imagine the characters there. I highly recommend this book, 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another lovely book by this author set in beautiful Bali. I loved the characters of Jae and Alistair and the thought of spending two months on Bali an island I love. Plenty of humour, lovely characters and friendships make this a perfect beach read

My knowledge of Bali is extremely limited, so much so that when I started reading this book I had to Google where in the world it actually was.

However, after reading, Sandy has definitely made me feel like I’ve been on a holiday and adventure of my own as I’ve watched and witnessed these wonderful characters. The descriptions of the settings portray a detailed knowledge or at least picture of the island and its landscapes. The description of the sunrise was definitely one of my favourite in the book, where once again Sandy showcases her literary talent in an accessible and understated way.

The concept of being a ‘digital nomad’ was completely original and brought this timeless story of friendship, exploration, growth and romance into the 21st century, as well as giving it an original spin. After reading, I can definitely see the appeal of this lifestyle choice, even if it is for a short period.

I definitely warmed to Jaelee as a character quite quickly, though I hadn’t read the previous book that features her with her friend Cat.

Overall, a warm and wonderful escapist read from one of my faves. Perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Lucy Coleman and Julie Caplin.

Today I am delighted to be sharing my review for this wonderful read set in the gorgeous Bali. I love how reading books by Sandy Barker enables us to travel to such wonderful locations, this is an element that she brings to all of her books and that I love.

After the past couple of years we all need some escapism and this book is literally that on prescription. The location is gorgeous and I loved getting to know the wonderful characters and learning more about their stories especially Jaelee starts to reassess her life. I have heard of retreats for digital nomads and loved the idea of Urop and spending time there with the ability to work but also relax and take in a new culture and experiences.
As always Sandy brings her extensive travel knowledge to the table and offers the most wonderful descriptions and insights to make us feel like we are there right alongside Jaelee. A truly wonderful story and it was a pleasure to read and review.

A Sunrise Over Bali by Sandy Barker is a beautiful romance set in Bali. Jae is a Miami PR exec who meets Alastair, a tech guy from Edinburgh. Sparks fly but life is complicated. I wanted nothing more then to catch a flight to Bali and bask in the sun and romance when I finished this book. A great read!

Romance and a far-off destination...A Sunrise Over Bali is a perfect combination for me.

Thirty-five-year-old Jaelee Tan has crammed into and achieved much in her life and is now a Junior Vice President of the second largest PR agency in Florida. Hard work and determination, fuelled by Tina Tan have reaped their rewards as she owns a South Beach Condo and far too many pairs of designer shoes. Yet, despite her success, Jae is lonely and unhappy with her life.
When at her best friend's 40th birthday party she spots her ex and his new wife, it highlights how miserable she is. At a time in her life when it's smarter to handle issues head-on, she does the total opposite by running away, as she flies to Bali for a two-month sabbatical, in the hope she can turn her life around…

As a heroine, Jae doesn't instantly warm to readers. With a mother who has always been a force to reckon with, it's no surprise, her only daughter has achieved much in her life. Jaelee is tough and ambitious but also, uninformed with the world that surrounds her as she views and judges others with a critical eye. However, all it takes is a change of scenery and new acquaintances to change her attitude and to see the world and other people from a whole new perspective.

Ms. Barker fills the pages with beautiful words to match the stunning Balinese backdrop as the heroine settles into her temporary accommodation. It's a steep learning curve for her, but it isn't long before she meets fellow residents at UROP (You Are Our People) and begins to see that her life is full of opportunities to grasp. The supporting cast of characters is a delightful bunch of people… the kind you would want to be friends with. This and the engaging narrative creates an escapist adventure for anyone looking for a distraction from their everyday life.

As I dived into this novel, the lyrics from the late great John Denver sprung to mind, as the suppressed feelings of my wanderlust surfaced. I dreamed of packing my suitcase and laptop… "to leave on a jet plane", and head off to paradise to indulge in some meaningful 'me time'. The reality, however, means I've remained where I am but with a longing to visit a new destination, sold to me through the author's vivid descriptions.

For those who have read, That Night in Paris, (like myself), you'll get an opportunity to catch up with Cal again. If you haven't, don't worry, as both books are stand-alone. Either way, both books won't disappoint.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

3.5 stars

Prior to reading this book, I'd never knew anything about Bali or Indonesia. The author painted a truly magnificent picture of it - despite the chaotic traffic and polluted waterways - it sounds breathtaking. There was a lot that I liked about this book - the romance, the supporting characters, Alistair and his man bun! I just did not warm to Jaelee, the main character. She was brash and opinionated and too easily annoyed. It's great to have a strong female character who is sure of herself, but Jaelee just wasn't all that likable. For example, in one scene she and Alistair, who's Scottish, are discussing some aspects of Scottish history. Jaelee thinks she's an expert because she's watched Outlander (and read the books) and Braveheart. When Alistair calls her out for not knowing who William Wallace is, she gets very defensive "Ohhhh, right,. Don't mind me, just a typical ignorant American.", instead of owning that she really did not know as much as she thought she did.

Would I read more books by Sandy Barker? Absolutely! I felt transported to parts of the world that I'll probably never see in person. This one was very readable, but certain aspects of the main character didn't work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

I have a huge appreciation for Sandy’s books, it’s no secret she is one of my favourite travel writers. Not only are they full of romance, they provide a feel good factor that leaves you thinking you can do anything you put your mind to. Plus the travel element is my favourite part.

I’ve read all her books - they are the best way to escape and travel whilst sitting on your sofa. She takes us on a journey to a new country each time and you actually feel like you are there with her.

This time to beautiful Bali, with Jaelee who is on a 2 month sabbatical. How cool?! Being asked to return home on the first day to go back to work. As if you would want to leave paradise. She said no. I then loved how she owed it and the chances she took. From the first page there was a strong independent women vibe that I admired and am all for.

Of course I was smitten with the romance in this book - it was lovely, hot Scot was a darling and you couldn’t not like their sweet immediate chemistry. But what I really enjoyed was the female friendship element, old and also new - how they were formed. All the characters were great. Along with the self discovery of not only one character but multiple ones. Girls supporting girls.

I’m a sucker for a sunrise and think it’s honestly the best thing to watch. This was special with the warmest beautiful description that left me feeling emotional.

Go pick this book up you won’t be disappointed.

Ever since I read Eat, Pray, Love Bail has been on my list, and it’s now even more so thanks to this book. Straight after I was researching trips to Bali and looking where to go and also where the Gili islands were. I need to try all the food too, as it sounded delicious.

‘So, is this some kind of Eat, Pray, Love thing?’

Does Bali appeal right about now? Do you need to feed your wanderlust and escape on a sabbatical? Sounds good. I am, however, torn as I just don’t know how to reconcile my polar response to, A Sunrise Over Bali. I have read some of Sandy’s other books such as, The Christmas Swap which I very much enjoyed but this one I am undecided about.

The defining attribute of this book is definitely the location - Bali. Whether you have ever been or just wish for some armchair travel, then Sandy has you covered. From stunning locale to the digital nomad lifestyle, you become immersed in expat living. Sandy delves much deeper than all the touristy spots and, as the title indicates, sunrises will never quite be the same again.

‘The sky is lighter now, the pink having dissolved into the distinct blue of the Balinese sky. My gaze shifts to the dense jungle, picking out palm trees, their fronds swaying slightly in the morning breeze.’

There are some good characters and plot stories that evolve with everything from friendships to romance. It was, however, the soul searching that drew me in and what better place to contemplate your future direction in life than Bali. Sadly, however, I just did not like Jaelee - brash and rude and her insta love did not ring true for me. I just could not connect with her. She does have a solid character arc but too little too late for my liking. Therein lies my dilemma with this book.

‘Now, apparently, I have a resting bitch face. I’ve been accused of being moody, angry, annoyed, and just plain bitchy, when all I’ve been doing is nothing, simply because my default - i.e. resting - expression is ‘bitch face’.

A Sunrise over Bali definitely provides the perfect getaway where you can literally feel the sand between your toes. The camaraderie and friendships are enticing you to throw in a towel and book and catch the next plane there. I only wish I had more empathy with Jaelee but she was just too selfish for me.

‘Maybe I’m finding a way to cope with my avalanche of fuckups. If I focus on the beauty around me, on the simple pleasures of a run, or a decent coffee, or a visit from Lu - if I stop obsessing about everything that’s wrong in my life, stop complaining - I can find my way out of the mire of my own making. I can find peace. This is why, Jae - this is why Bali and not the Bahamas.’





This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I love the way in which Sandy Barker effortlessly takes us on a romance journey that contains a heavy dose of armchair travel.

When I read That Night in Paris I loved the character of Jaelee so I was really happy to finally get her story. Although you don’t need to read the previous books in the series, I can highly recommend reading them in order.

I was already a huge fan of the character of Jaelee, but the other characters in this story added so much. I loved that the love interest was a Hot Scot who was very ‘Hemsworthy’ (I think I’m going to adopt Hemsworthy as the perfect description for an attractive man!), in spite of his man bun, but the characters of Peta and Helena added the depth that friendship brings, and I can’t talk about characters without a special mention for Lu and Kermit!

I’d never heard of digital nomads before but I loved the concept that with a decent internet connection, work can be done from literally anywhere in the world. With so many people working from home these days, this seems to be an entirely achievable aim when travel restrictions ease.

This was a story about love and friendship but was also about soul-searching to find what you really want from life, which fits with the adage that home is where the heart is.

I really enjoyed the slow burn of this romance. It was a perfect storyline for Bali.
As an Aussie who has been to Bali many times the airport, mad driving, food and language were spot on! I could picture myself walking out of the airport and getting into a car as Baker was writing it. Although I take cars with seatbelts rather than the vans without (as they are plentiful and cheap).

NOTE: It was great to hear back that amendments were made re the Stingers/Jellyfish below. Netgalley readers we do make a difference!
Important Health Fact
From the Aust Gov Health website re Stingers or Jellyfish.
“To treat a sting, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and pour vinegar liberally over the tentacles on the person’s skin for at least 30 seconds to deactivate the sting. Remove any remaining tentacles. If vinegar is not available wash the area with seawater. Do not use fresh water.”
If you use fresh water you activate all the small stings that have not already activated and make the situation much worse.

Links added on publication date.

Jaylee feels like she is at a crossroads in her life. Her ex boyfriend has gotten married, she has a difficult relationship with her mother, and she needs a timeout. Her answer is heading over to Bali for a two month sabbatical. The day she arrives, her boss calls to tell her she needs her back at work immediately, and Jaylee quits her job. Now jobless, she really gets the chance to re-examine exactly what she wants out of life.

Just like herself, she meets others who are also in Bali for a two month stay, and makes friends and connections she never would have imagined. Included in those friends is a handsome Scottish man named Allistair, who she gravitates toward.

This was a wonderful read that will have you grabbing for your passport. The characters all are well rounded, with their own reasons for escaping. The backdrop of Bali is so well described that I felt like I was there along with everyone, and the relationships forged were meaningful and heart warming.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a perfect book to read during a frigid, snowy February weekend. It's an engrossing read with charming characters. A great up lit book.

Jae escapes her seemingly fantastic life in Miami for a two month sabbatical in Bali. She's trying to figure out if having it all that she worked for- career, condo, shoe collection - is enough or if she should take a few detours.

I do wish we got another chapter or two that showed how Jae's post-Bali life looked.

One other quibble is how many British spellings and words were used. I know the author is British but the main character is American and she wouldn't "realise" or wear trainers or use x at the end of her texts.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.