Member Reviews
Fliss and her twin have set up a professional dog walking firm and are happily considering extending it when Seth her ex-husband appears in her area and so she drives off pretending to be Harriet her twin to look after her grandmother in the Hamptons to escape bumping in to him. Unfortunately the first person she sees is Seth, newly returned to his vet's practice. Her issues with him and the past are played out in this page turning novel. Family issues and a seemingly unloving father play a major part in the reluctance of Fliss to expose her feelings. Lovely touches of love are shown through her Grandmother's interaction and finally Harriet's arrival in the Hamptons. Certainly a great summer read!
I've read many Sarah Morgan books and couldn't wait to read this one. I wasn't disappointed. I didn't realise it was one of a series but works perfectly well as a stand alone book. Fliss is a very interesting character who I soon felt I knew personally. Highly recommended. Perfect beach read.
Really enjoyed reading this, good holiday read. Liked the characters, always interesting when twins are involved. Easy reading and entertaining. Would read this author again
It seems there continues to be a never-ending supply of chick-lit of this type. The setting could have been refreshingly different but sadly this story sent in the USA has a strangely English tone to it and the Hamptons could just as easily have been Cornwall or any other English seaside location. The story progresses in a predictable way - two people who everyone knows should be together have to overcome their misunderstandings to start their relationship. It's a poolside read and fairly enjoyable but nothing exceptional.
For professional dog-walker Felicity Knight, New York was exactly where she wanted to be. That was until her ex-husband Seth started working at her local vet clinic. It’s been ten years since Fliss last saw him but with the hurt in her heart as fresh as though it were yesterday, she heads for the Hamptons to take refuge for the summer.
It may have been a decade but Seth still knows how Fliss works, if she’s run away that means she’s terrified and Seth knows it’s her feelings for him that made her run. After letting her go once, he refuses to let it be that easy for her again.
With the help of a dog who likes to play dead, some summer sun and a little determination will Seth manage to convince Fliss for him it’s always been her and that things are far less scary than they seem?
Well, Sarah Morgan has pulled it off again! Five books into this loosely but intricately linked series and I’m still far from bored. In fact, I find myself checking NetGalley regularly anticipating the next instalment.
This book covers the story of Fliss and Seth and their shot at second chance love. Although written about by many authors in this genre, Morgan somehow manages to put her own spin on things making it seem fresh and new. It’s the wonderfully real characters and believable feelings that sets these books apart.
I’ve read a few reviews claiming this story was predictable, of course it is but if a rom-com ended any other way there’s be hundreds of disappointed readers out there. That’s why we read them right? To make us feel warm and fuzzy!
I’m hoping the next in the series will see a little love and good fortune come Harriet’s way. Until then I’ll keep checking NetGalley with eagerness.
A great addition to this wonderful series, this time set in The Hamptons instead of the usual Manhattan, although we do start off there.
This story is about Fliss, one of the co-owners of Bark Rangers from the previous books, and Seth, a vet and her ex-husband. Although ex-husband is pushing it a bit as they were only married a few months 10 years ago, before certain issues happened and it all fell apart.
Fliss and her siblings had a hard childhood as her Father was a horrible bully, but she was always the strong one who wouldn't back down to him and protected her twin sister, Harriet. Because of him she was determined to build a good life and business and prove herself. So she closed off her heart and is a lot harder, on the surface, than her twin Harriet.
Seth had some recent family trauma and decided life was too short and he was going to see if the spark was still there between them, as misunderstandings tore them apart when they were younger, and goes to Manhattan to work for a short time in the vet practice The Bark Rangers use. Fliss sees Seth and is sent into a panic. After getting a call from her Grandmother saying she'd had a fall and needed some help Fliss found the excuse she needed to escape and fled Manhattan to The Hamptons to look after her Grandmother.
Unfortunately for Fliss Seth was only covering in the Manhattan vet practice for a short time and she bumped into him immediately when she arrived in The Hamptons as he was back in his practice there! There was a lot of confusion going on initially as Fliss was still trying to avoid Seth, but they worked it out in the end. I really liked Seth's character, he was a very gentle, patient guy. Fliss had more hang-ups and it took longer to warm to her, but she finally let her guard down.
It was lovely to catch up with Chase and Matilda too, from a previous book, who were also living on the beach. A lovely, easy-reading summery read that was very enjoyable. I look forward to reading Harriet's story next.
This book continues with the interlinking characters of the other books in the series. It's so interesting to find out how all the links work and also try to guess what new links/characters will come up in possible future books. The characters are easy to relate to and the links between the books keeps the storylines quite fresh is a familiar kind of way. Loved it and want more.
This was an enjoyable and light read, but I felt frustrated sometimes as here were parts where there was too much detail, and other parts left unexplained.
I fell in love with LuLu and Seth, but I felt that initially at least, Fliss wasn't portrayed right, or eventually became an unrecognisable character to who she was at the start. Similarly, I felt her relationship with her twin wasn't fully utilised, and was somewhat confusing. However, overall, I would recommend this book as a light escapist read typical of the genre!
A lovely light hearted holiday read. Good characters and you wanted everything to turn out the best for everyone!
A beautiful easy read, perfect for holiday when all you want to do is relax. Poignant and touching with a hint of reality thrown in, life like characters who you can imagine in reality. I didn't want it to finish, perhaps there will be a sequel??!
I loved this book, twin sisters have a very unhappy childhood they move to Manhattan to run a successful dog walking business. The past love of one of the twins also takes a temporary job in Manhattan causing the twin to return to the Hamptons to avoid him. The story goes from here. Wonderful characters and a well plotted story.
Holiday in the Hamptons is the perfect book for the upcoming summer. I can imagine lying on a beach, on a sun lounger while reading this would be utterly blissful.
Fliss and Harriet are identical twins who run a successful dog walking business in Manhattan. They share a cute little apartment, and have a fun care free life. That is until Fliss's ex - Seth - of more than 10 years ago appears in Manhattan. Seth is a vet and Fliss knows that she won't be able to avoid him forever. So when their grandmother falls ill, Fliss decides it's the perfect opportunity to escape the city and spend the summer in the Hamptons where they used to holiday every summer as kids, looking after her Gran.
Only her plan fails when she realises Seth hasn't permanently moved to New York City, but is also back living in the Hamptons. When she bumps into him again, she pretends to be her twin to avoid any awkward conversations. But the past chemistry between them is still running high and Fliss knows she will need to try to keep a distance between them to protect her heart. But will she be able to continue pretending to be Harriet, or will her subterfuge be discovered? If so, Fliss knows that the past may need to be revisited and along with it deep buried secrets and feelings brought back to the surface.
Sarah Morgan is definitely becoming an author I know I can rely on if I fancy a well written chick lit book. Holiday in the Hamptons is simply structured and told from two viewpoints, Fliss's and Seth's. This helps to understand each of the characters on a deeper level, and to see clearly why each acts the way they do, and the emotions kept hidden below the surface. The dialogue is witty and the characters relatable; although some deeper subjects were touched upon, it's undertaken in a lighthearted manner without making the book too depressing or preventing it from being a fantastic and light holiday read.
I'm not sure if this is a common theme among Sarah Morgan books, but I noticed a few references to another of her books (Sleigh Bells in the Snow), when one of the characters mentions booking a cabin at the Snow Crystal Resort & Spa.
If you're looking for a great beach read, then look no further. Holiday in the Hamptons is almost a blue print for the prefect holiday read. If you aren't getting away this year, then the gorgeous descriptions of the beaches and scenery in the Hamptons will help make you feel like you are in an idyllic seaside resort. Sarah Morgan is almost like the American version of Jenny Colgan, a seemingly fail safe choice for well written and pure escapism chick lit.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Sarah Morgan's books are my go-to when I need to relax so I was delighted to read Holiday in the Hamptons. I remained delighted until a few chapters in when a tired old trick was introduced. So incensed was I that I actually stopped reading the book for weeks. But I have should have known better. Sarah Morgan is far too good a storyteller to go for the easy option as I quickly realised when I went back to the novel. Fliss and Seth are strong characters and the supporting cast provides a good backdrop for them. I thought the back story was well handled and meshed properly with the contemporary action. Looking forward to Harriet's story now...
I love Sarah Morgan, in fact she's probably in my top five writers and Holiday in the Hamptons certainly didn't disappoint. Twin sisters, messy family history and handsome vets not to mention glorious locations all went to make this an enjoyable read.
A most enjoyable read. I had no idea that it was part of a series - it works totally as a standalone.
~An easy read perfect for holidays, lovable characters - including the dogs!
Yes its predictable at times and basically it is romantic chick lit, but that is just what I need sometimes between books that may be a little deeper or more complex.
Set in the Hamptons in the type of seaside setting that most of us can only dream of holidaying in added to the enjoyment.
I thoroughly enjoyed what I believe to be my first book by this author but I will most definitely be looking out for more now. Thank you to Netgalley for an early read in exchange for a review.
A really enjoyable read. A pure indulgent pleasure., thank you. A love story that grabs you and doesn't let go until the last page. Very well writing and deeply entertaining. A must read
Firstly what a gorgeous summery cover this novel has, it is screaming holiday read! Holiday in the Hamptons is the 5th book from the fabulous Manhattan With Love series, but like all the others in this series can be read as a standalone. Personally I just love getting reacquainted with the characters from the previous books as it gives me an incite as to how their lives have moved on.
This story focus’s on Fliss and Seth, who were married for a short time when Fliss was just 18 years old, but picks up their lives some 10 years later. Fliss is still damaged emotionally from her relationship with her father as a child and is extremely protective of her twin sister Harriet. As the book progresses Seth and Fliss meet up again and although it is clear that there is still a spark between them, Seth is determined to take it slower this time and show Fliss that she is a good worthy person.
I must admit that this story did take me a bit longer than usual to get into but it was well worth the perseverance as I found this novel a lovely romantic read.
Many thanks to Net galley for the ARC.
Holiday In The Hamptons by Sarah Morgan was another delightful fun contemporary romance which I just wallowed in. Meeting up with familiar characters from previous novels meant I felt comfortable from the start.
Four legged friends had starring roles in the novel. As a pet lover I love it that animals feature and work their way into the reader's heart.
The novel shows the affect an upbringing can have on later life - for good or for bad. A traumatic childhood has far reaching consequences and a failed marriage can have a massive fall-out on all members of the family. "When a marriage goes wrong, it doesn't just affect one person. It reverberates... It destroys some structures and weakens others."
Failure to deal with the past will affect the future. "You were supposed to be able to leave your past behind. What were you supposed to do when it followed you?" The past is past. We cannot change it but we can minimise its future affects.
The theme of guilt is explored in the novel. "She wore guilt... that.. made for uncomfortable clothing." Misplaced guilt can wear one down. Guilt needs to be thrown off and the future, which is a clean slate, faced.
The novel shows we need to be careful of the voices we listen to. "You're nothing but trouble. Useless, no good, worthless, stupid." Words spoken in anger can stick and hang around us for years. We need to listen and take note of life affirming words and dismiss the negative words, which is easier said than done.
There is a wonderful air of love over the whole novel. The love of a family is a beautiful thing. We all need love to blossom. Families come in different shapes and sizes. In some children will grow healthily. In others the life will be sucked out of them. The novel explores the result of both types.
The characters were al beautifully drawn - a mixture of both strong and vulnerable. I loved them all.
Holiday In The Hamptons had its witty moments. My absolute favourite scene was with Gran and her Poker Club - their banter made me chuckle out loud.
Sarah Morgan is a marvellous writer. I adore her books - always a fun read but with a strong underlying message.
Holiday In The Hamptons is a fabulous feel-good read - but don't take my word for it, read it yourself. You will be glad you did, you will be in for a real treat.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The perfect summer escape…?
Professional dog-walker Felicity Knight loves everything about New York…until her ex-husband starts working at her local vet clinic. She hasn’t seen Seth Carlyle in ten years, but one glimpse of him – too gorgeous, and still too good for her – and Fliss’s heart hurts like their whirlwind marriage ended yesterday. So when her grandmother in The Hamptons needs help for the summer, it seems the perfect way to escape her past…
Their relationship might only have lasted a few scorching months, but vet Seth knows Fliss – if she’s run away to The Hamptons, it’s because she still feels their connection and it terrifies her. He let her go once before, when he didn’t know any better, but not this summer! With the help of his adorable dog Lulu, and a sprinkling of beachside magic, Seth is determined to make Fliss see that he’s never stopped loving her…
This is the third book from Sarah Morgan that I have read, but this one didn't seem to flow so easily and the story did become quite repetitive in many places, I enjoyed the characters in the storyline, but majority of the story is based on the past and how they all misinterpreted other peoples actions. Good easy going story but not as easily flowing books by the same author.
Holiday in the Hamptons.
Sarah Morgan
A romantic and heartwarming read with an original twist.
Because of her traumatic childhood Fliss has never been able to open up to anyone, least of all herself. She is the fortress and when anything or anyone threatens to invade her feelings she pulls up the drawbridge. On the outside she is a strong, successful businesswoman, someone who protects the twin she is the polar opposite of to the hilt. On the inside she is as vulnerable as the child she once was.
Disaster walks into her ordered life when she as joint owner of The Bark Rangers dog walking service finds that Seth Carlysle the handsome, sexy husband she walked away form ten years ago after a brief marriage is working as a vet at the practice they use in Manhattan. Seth is an all round nice guy. The kind of man anyone would fall for but he has never managed to fill the hole in his heart that Fliss carved out when she left him ten years ago.
Fliss has never gotten over Seth but the last person she will admit that to is herself. The opportunity to escape presents itself when her grandmother takes a fall and needs help. Relieved, she heads for the Hamptons to look after her leaving Harriet her twin to look after the business. But fate has its own game to play and when the first person she bumps into is the last person she wants to see, she retreats behind that draw bridge, pulls it up and pretends to be Harriet leaving us desperate to find out what will ensue.
This is a perfect summer read. It will make you laugh and make you cry. It will make your heart soar. As we live that summer, Sarah Morgan delves into the human heart and the complexities of what makes us who we are. How family background can affect us for better or for worse.
Will Seth be able to crack Fliss’s hard outer shell exposing her fragile heart or will the attempt irreparably damage his own making him realise he must finally move on?