MY REVIEW
I first read a Shari Low book earlier this year – What Next? – and really enjoyed it, so when I heard One Last Day of Summer was coming out, I was excited to read it.
The story begins on 12th August, 8am – 10am and we follow the stories of four characters – Bernadette, Tadgh, Hayley and Dev.
The first chapter is written from Bernadette Manson’s viewpoint. She is 54 and an A&E nurse at Glasgow Central Hospital. She is divorced, has a grown up daughter Nina (33, married with two sons – Casey is 7 and Milo is 5) and son Stuart (26, lives with partner Connor).
Bernadette is due to go on holiday to St Lucia later that day with her friend Sarah. But then Sarah rings her and their plans have to change.
I could really relate to Bernadette. I was also in a controlling relationship which drained away all my self-confidence. I definitely recognised the “world paved with eggshells” Bernadette describes.
The second chapter is from Tadgh’s viewpoint. Tadgh Donovan is 28, a Dubliner, a graphic designer and lead guitarist in the band Home. He is engaged to Cheryl (28). They are going to St Lucia to get married. But will everything go to plan?
The third chapter begins Hayley’s story. Hayley Ford is 32 and a dance and drama teacher. She is married to Dr Lucas Ford (35), who is a specialist in infertility. Hayley has so far failed to get pregnant herself and hates the irony of the situation. Lucas is a bit of an arse (other words are available) and I felt so sorry for Hayley. She is taken for granted, unappreciated and often ignored. She definitely deserves better than Lucas!
The next chapter introduces us to Dev Robbins. He is 30 and a sports writer for the Essex Tribune. Unsatisfied with his job, he has decided that what he really wants to do is write a novel – specifically a romcom. One evening, out with his flatmate Lizzy, he finds a girl he thinks could be the love of his life. But she had disappeared after their night together and all he knew was she was heading to St Lucia. So he planned to follow her there…
Shari Low writes beautifully, in a really accessible style that is easy to read and draws you in straight away. I love the humour too. One of my favourite lines was about Dr Lucas – “his sperm were high achievers, just like the rest of him” – hee hee!
Her characters are completely believable. It is a very interesting to see all the different types of relationship explored too and how some seemingly wonderful couples just don’t work out in the long term.
The nine-hour flight to St Lucia forms the majority of the book. With the main characters all sitting near each other, their stories come out and friendships are formed. I loved the idea of this!
There are some bits of the book where you really want to hit a character (ha ha), so it shows I was emotionally invested in the story. Overall, it’s a beautiful read, heart-warming and positive and I loved the characters, especially Bernadette who I could learn a few things from!
I’m looking forward to reading all of Shari Low’s books at some point and I would definitely recommend this as a fabulous read, not just in the summer, but any time of the year.
BLURB
One Last Day of Summer
As a flight to St Lucia leaves the runway, four passengers meet for the first time.
After escaping her controlling husband, Bernadette Manson is taking the first extravagant holiday of her new life. But when her best friend cancels, will she be strong enough to fly solo?
Tadgh Donovan is about to jet off to his destination wedding when he sees a shocking text. Has his bride-to-be written her wedding vows… or already broken them?
Hayley Ford is the wife of a top fertility specialist yet her battle to get pregnant has almost broken her marriage. Can a trip to the sun heal their relationship or should she brace for a crash landing?
Dev Robbins is crossing oceans to track down the woman he fell in love with at first sight. Will it be a one way trip to happy ever after or a return journey to singledom?
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3kKtjX2
Author Bio –
Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 30 novels, including My One Month Marriage and One Summer Sunrise and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.
Social Media Links –
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks
Twitter https://twitter.com/sharilow
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharilowbooks/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ShariLownews Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shari-low
I Heart Books 