This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Review by Laura Bambrey
Sometimes you need a book that wraps you up in its arms and just gives you a big cuddle- and this is one of those books. I read Wildflower Bay by Rachael Lucas during a week when I didn’t know whether I was coming or going, there was that much going on around me. And it was the perfect friend through it all- a warm, sweet story with a heart of gold.
Isla has a plan. She is 100% in control. She has a dream job as a top hair stylist, a snazzy car and a rent-free apartment in the poshest part of Edinburgh. But then disaster strikes and Isla is left holding the tattered remains of her tightly regimented existence. Her saviour arrives in the dubious form of her Aunt’s salon on the remote island of Auchenmor. It needs someone to run it while her Aunt is out of action, and Isla just happens to be in need of change of scenery – not that she’d admit it.
The little island has a lot more going for it than Isla could ever imagine, and a lot to teach her about true friendship and living her dreams- if she can just manage to stick it out for more than a few weeks.
Rachael Lucas is a skilled writer who takes some serious subjects- loneliness, isolation, the importance of love and friendship – and weaves them with the lightest of touches. This makes for a lovely read that has depth and soul- whilst managing to be a lot of fun.
This book was such a joy to read. Told from three points of view, we are treated to three very different takes on life. Naughty boy Finn was a great character – and his fun-loving, easy manner made for the perfect counterpoint to Isla’s more buttoned-up outlook. The passages written from Ruth’s point of view were some of my favourites. In fact Ruth goes down as one of my favourite characters of all time.
If you are looking for a heartwarming book that offers a lot of laughs, a few tears, a brilliant story and fantastic characters – you’ve found it.
9/10
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