This would be perfect for a light beach read. It just had reflection, hope, and love. This was a really cute read.

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?

This is the perfect book to read on Summer vacation, it's engaging and descriptive. I usually don't like a book with too many characters and the changing between characters every chapter but with this book I absolutely loved it and it totally worked. I would really like to see a sequel to this book because I don't want it to end. Another outstanding read by Shari Low. And I adore the stunning cover of this book. Thank you netgalley and boldwood books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
My rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
#netgalley #onelastdayofsummer

I didn't realise that this story was set about 99% on a plane, which you would think wouldn't really work, but it just did! It was so enjoyable with different characters that may never have bumped into each other in 'real life', but by the end of the flight they were all firm friends.

There was the up and coming rock-star, a bullied wife, a single woman and a wannabe (male) romance writer. All with issues they were trying to sort out in their lives on their way to a holiday/wedding in St Lucia. I just loved all the characters and how throughout the long flight they worked out most of their issues with each others help, once the barriers came down a bit and they started chatting to each other.

A really enjoyable read with a very satisfying ending. I'd love to see what happened with them all after this flight, maybe in another book!

Four stranger meet on an airplane bound for St Lucia. Bernadette, a domestic abuse survivor who is going on her first solo holiday. Tadgh, an emerging rockstar on his way to his destination wedding. Dev, an aspiring novelist who is chasing a woman he had an instant connection to the week before and finally, Hayley, a dance teacher and wife of a top fertility specialist who hopes this trip will bring back the sport in her marriage.

Over the next 24 hours the four become friends, secrets are shared and problems are solved.

Shari Low will forever be one of my favourite authors. I have already recommended this book to a number of people. It’s just brilliant.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of One Last Day of Summer by Shari Low from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I LOVED this book! Buckle up as this book takes you on a (plane) ride that you won't soon forget. So fun and I couldn't wait to see how this would end. Do yourself a big favor and read this asap!

I absolutely love when Shari Low gives us one of these wonderful books where all the action happens in one day. We meet a host of fabulous characters, we take one day, and let it all unfold.

Straight away I was catapulted into the lives of the characters, all of whom are so authentic.

They meet on the plane, and each of them has their own reasons for travelling and their own worries in their personal lives.

Their stories and their lives intersect with fascinating consequences on the nine hour flight

A delight from start to finish, I was just totally swept away by this gorgeous book. I was lucky enough to read it while en route to my own holiday, but it would certainly put you in the holiday mood. Above all else though, it’s a gorgeous and truly entertaining read.

Excellent feel good read. I was hooked on the relationships as they developed whilst originally strangers on the plane. It was exciting as friendships built and intertwined. I felt involved with them all and hoped for a happy ever after! Amazing writing and truly impossible to put down!

This book had me hooked from the very first page! Four strangers, unlucky or unhappy in love, find themselves unexpected seat mates on a nine-hour flight to St Lucia. Over the course of one day they share their lives, their hopes, and their fears - and by the end of the day, everything has changed.

Each of the characters are great in their own distinct way. Bernadette is a nurse, taking a risk for the first time since exiting her abusive marriage. She is loving and stable and the voice of reason of this little bunch. Tadgh is supposed to be getting married but a killer hangover and insistent doubts have soured his mood. Hayley misses the outgoing, carefree woman she used to be but new friends and a change of scenery might help her find herself. Good-natured Dev is trying to write a romcom (a little meta, but I'll allow it) but is stunningly oblivious to the real world around him. Even the side characters add richness and depth to the relationships - new, old, loving or dysfunctional.

Add some free-flowing alcohol (gleefully supplied my my new fave cabin crew Stefan) and the forced intimacy of a long haul flight, and you have an entertaining, clever, and feel good story that kept me up past my bedtime. Beware, it's not without its share of emotional moments - keep an eye out for emotional abuse, fertility problems, and infidelity - but all so well-written and balanced that the payoff is worth the journey. There are tons of clever one-liners and quoteable lines to lighten the mood.

Best enjoyed when wishing you were anywhere but here because if you read this on a plane you might miss a conversation that would change your life!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.

They say that there are no coincidences and everything life throws as at us works out in the end. That couldn’t be more true of the four strangers who found themselves sitting in the same row of an aeroplance bound for St Lucia.

As they journey together, the author gives us an insight into each of their lives up to this point. We then begin to see their individual and joint stories evolve while aboard this aircraft. She really does a great job of reeling us in wondering how each of these individual’s stories will pan out and how they might impact their ‘row mates’!

Dev is throwing caution to the winds and following his heart to meet the woman he believes to be the love of his life. Tadgh, who was downgraded to fly economy, is going to his own wedding accompanied by his brother and friend. Bernadette is going for a holiday paid for by her ex-husband, and is alone because her friend had to cancel at the last minute. Hayley who is hoping that this holiday is the start of a new chapter in her marriage, finds herself among strangers, because her husband upgraded himself to First Class!

How these four people discover each other, talk and listen, console and motivate, makes for a fantastic read. I was totally invested in the story and enjoyed the conversations – the dark ones and the humourous ones. The four main characters were endearing and I was rooting for things to end well for them all.

As always, Shari did not disappoint with this story – managing to deal with emotional abuse, gaslighting, and unfaithfulness, while also making us smile with her lovely turn of phrase and funny situations.

A great summer read!

I’m always amazed by authors like Shari who consistently turn out such lovely stories that grab at your heart and stay in your mind for a long, long time.

could actually read Shari Low books all day every day and never tire of them. They are just sooo good.

Four strangers - one long-haul flight - lives changed for ever. Bernadette is unexpectedly flying solo on the holiday of a lifetime to St Lucia. Tadgh is on his way, along with his friends, out to get married to his childhood sweetheart at a resort in St Lucia. Hayley and her husband are having some much needed time together in St Lucia after their failed attempts to have a baby. Dev has booked the flight on a whim after meeting the girl if his dreams who told him she was going to, you guessed it, St Lucia. Quite by chance the four end up sitting next to one another and find out that a lot can happen during a nine hour flight.

I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. You just get so invested in the lives of the characters and feel you know each of them personally.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The story is narrated by the four passengers, through their backstories, in their perspectives. Even though some of the stories may seem out there, Low has a way of writing to come off believable. The characters are well developed, charismatic, relatable, and intriguing. The author’s writing style has complexity, builds the plot on a consistent basis, character building, and keeps you engaged throughout the story. This would be perfect for a light beach read. It just had reflection, hope, and love. This was a really cute read.

I really enjoyed this tale of four strangers who met on a plane from England to St. Lucia and how those 9 hours together totally changed all of their lives for the better! Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Oh what a joyous, cute & charming book! And oh! look at that gorgeous cover!

But underneath all the cottony fluff & warm fuzz, there is so much substance, introspection, depth & dimension to every character here.

This book was like a balm to my soul soothing my frayed nerves after a few recent heavy reads.

Synopsis –
Meet these lovely passengers on the flight to St Lucia -

Bernadette - who wants to make the most of her first ever exotic holiday after an insufferable marriage

Hayley - being the wife of the country’s top fertility expert, unable to get pregnant herself is hoping that the sun & sand will help improve the state of her marriage.

Dev is head over in heels with a girl he had a one night stand with & is now travelling half way around the world to find her.

Tadgh is all set to marry his childhood sweetheart, but is sensing that something is very wrong, when he sees a text he isn’t meant to be seeing.

As fate brings them together on board, it is by the time they land, that their lives might have changed forever.

Review -

The narrative follows each of the co-passengers – Bernadette, Dev, Hayley & Tadgh. I instantly fell in love with Bernadette. Having overcome an abusive relationship & a difficult divorce, I was amazed at how she seemed to be so “alive”, brimming with kindness, hope & optimism. I just couldn’t get enough of her liveliness, sass & cheeky remarks.

I loved how these folks seemed to effortlessly bond over simple introductions & the circumstances under which they are all here.

I admired Dev for his joviality, positive attitude & the ability to laugh at himself. Befriending Bernadette with his oh-so charming persona, we come to understand him like a dear friend as he reflects back on his life, failures & how much he values his lifelong friendship with his childhood buddy Lizzie.

The connection Hayley forges with Bernadette & Tadgh come to change her very being. As she draws the parallels between her own marriage & Bernadette’s, I cheered her on as she slowly finds her footing, stands up for herself, finally making the right choice.

Consumed by spiraling thoughts & the danger his imminent wedding might be in, I could really feel Tadgh’s dilemma. As he begins to open up to Hayley, creating a safe “bubble”, I could only swoon over the subtle yet unmistakable chemistry between them.

As Bernadette shares her own life experiences & learnings with Dev & Hayley, it helps them see things from a fresh perspective.

Despite addressing gaslighting, emotional abuse & controlling relationships, the author maintains a general light-heartedness & a feel-good tone sprinkled with humor all the way through.

The ending although bittersweet, filled my heart with bliss & delicious satisfaction.

Thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!

As you can see from the blurb, its pretty self explanatory what this book is about. But, don't be fooled. It's about so much more. I'm actually going to say this might be one of my favourite books of 2022 so far. I had a lot of driving to do this week so as well as having an ecopy of the book I also downloaded the audio book too so I could continue the story in the car. I couldn't tear myself away from it! The audio book is read fantastically well and is also as brilliant as the ebook.

Four characters, all with their own stories, backgrounds and issues all sitting beside on another on a 9 hour flight to St. Lucia. What are the chances of friendships forming? I don't know about you but my goodness after reading this book, every plane trip I ever take from now on is going to fall massively short. I want fellow passengers like this lot!

Bernadette Manson - I think might actually love her! She's the middle aged character in the story and the mother hen of this wonderful foursome. She's incredibly funny, loving and wise. With a lot of life experience, she is able to offer support and guidance to her fellow travel companions. Her life has not been easy. Thirty years with an abusive idiot has taught her a lot about herself. The topic of domestic abuse has been handled sensitively and sensibly and shows that someone doesn't actually have to lay a finger on you to abuse you. While Bernadette doesn't always take herself terribly seriously at times, she does take this issue seriously and has made it her mission to help others. She has a heart as big as the ocean and its impossible not to want her to be your best friend. I could totally relate to her.

Tadgh Donovan - Irish, sexy and dark and brooding and in a band. What more could a woman ask for! But, he's also kind, loving and committed to the woman he's about to marry. Despite the huge worry he takes with him on the flight, he's still thinking about others and is at first perceived to be a bit stand-offish by his plane buddies, but its impossible not to be drawn to him eventually. He's a complete contrast to his brother, also on the flight. And, he misses his mammy too. Broke my heart!

Hayley Ford - Again, the author has through this character addressed domestic abuse and also the pain of infertility. Hayley starts the flight as a woman who has spent her marriage trying to appease her husband and is constantly firefighting, trying to calm a situation down before it escalates. To be living in this fight or flight mode is exhausting and Hayley has become a shadow of her former self. Her husband is a prize idiot and I wanted someone to chuck him out of the plane!

Dev Robbins - I actually lost my heart to Dev. He's such a self deprecating character who has absolutely no idea of his very natural magnetism. He's funny, charming and so so sweet. A hopeless romantic in search of that one big, all consuming love. He has the type of best friend who has been in his life his entire life and the banter between them is absolutely fabulous!

One Last Day of Summer is ultimately a story about finding friendship and love in the most unexpected of places. It shows that life can still throw up lots of surprises to take our breath away and lots of moments that will never be forgotten. This book certainly took my breath away. Its a complete mix of laugh out loud moments, sobbing moments, heroic moments and those moments that make you grin like a stupid idiot. It has a fabulous cast of characters a wonderful array of secondary characters, some of whom I think deserve their own book! This would make a fantastic movie! Someone please do this!! A highly recommended read from me!

Four people board a plane for a tropical get away, each has packed a lot of "baggage" (Oh yes I just went there!), each with a different motive, each unknown to one another. However fate sits them beside each other, and as you cam imagine they begin talking to one another and it seems like their paths were meant to cross.

I won't go into a whole lot, because this is a very character driven book, like literally (I have no idea if I used that word correctly, and frankly I don't care English Majors-hehe) 90% of the book is the 4 characters inner thoughts and conversations that take place on the plane from Ireland to the Island.

By the end of the book I felt like I was Teague, Bernadette, Hayley and Dev's best friend. There was definatly a hefty dose of cheese and eye roll moments, but it worked! I was cheering for each of these characters the whole trip!
This book will make you smile and make you really care about what happens to the four.
So why not 5 stars?

-There was some Irish language that was annoying (fek, da, mam)
-Way to many pop cultural references
-One to many slices of cheese

But I read this super quick, I smiled the whole way through!

I would like to thank Netgally and Boldwood Books for this advanced readers copy. I was not paid for this honest review.

Firstly, I was drawn to the story by the pretty book cover however, I have really enjoyed getting to know the four main characters who are inadvertently brought together when they are seated next to each other on a long haul flight from London to St. Lucia. Bernadette, Dev, Hayley and Tadgh are all visiting the Caribbean for their own very personal reasons and over the course of the flight we get to be privy to some of their innermost thoughts and feelings. The foursome are all very different and yet they each find something that resonates and which, over the space of a nine hour flight, brings them all together in a special way.

Whilst the story is light, with some genuine laugh out loud moments, it does cover some difficult subjects but this doesn't detract from the general appeal of the story. I enjoyed how each individual chapter gave the characters their own moment in the spotlight and even though some of the peripheral characters who flit into the story are not very likeable their inclusion into the story is important and works well. Every long haul flight needs Stefan, the attentive steward, his liberal generosity with mini bottles of prosecco and pretzels made me smile.

Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive, The Last Day of Summer is a really lovely holiday read. Perfect for your own long haul flight, or even a sunny afternoon in the garden.

Four strangers meet on a plane from London to St. Lucia. One is about to be married, another has a controlling husband, a third is following up on a one-night-stand, and a fourth is taking her first solo trip after a lifetime with an abusive husband. We learn their backgrounds and what events led to them being on this flight. Then, we get to see how they interact and become involved with one another. For anyone who roots for the "good guys," this is a great read. I liked the characters, the stories, and the setting which was unique. I really enjoyed this uplifting story!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this adventurous book, it’s full of strangers forming friendships, people giving support and understanding. It’s about finding yourself and what’s important to you and your mental health.

“Because sometimes we think we want something, and we’re so focused on making that happen that we lose sight of what’s best for us.”

I loved the four main characters in this book, Bernadette; the mother figure in this book, Tadgh the wild one, Hayley; the young naive woman, and Dave; the one person you want on your trivia table for music and movies questions.

“ There must be some kind of weird oxygen in this bubble because they were pouring out their very own heartbreaks to each other and yet there were these moments of levity that came out of nowhere.”

But with these new friendships also comes the uncertainty of Tadgh’s fiancé Cheryl who somehow has slept with two other men on the plane; Tadgh’s brother and Dave. 😱

A huge thank you to @bookandtonic and @sharilowbooks for having me on this readalong and @netgalley for providing the digital copy of One Last Day of Summer for reviewing purposes.

I just loved this latest book by Shari Low.
Engaging, realistic, humorous at points, I was instantly invested in all the characters.
I love the way each character’s story developed. I could not put the book down as I was eager to see how all of their lives panned out.
For me this was like catching up with a group of friends. Easy, fun and kept me hooked and intrigued.

Another new author and Shari Low is without a doubt definitely going on my favourites list. Loved this book so much!

Four different strangers with four different stories all end up on the same seat row on a long-haul flight to St Lucia. Bernadette who is heading off apprehensively for an unintentional solo holiday. Tadgh is heading to St Lucia to marry his childhood sweetheart but has seen a strange text before getting on the plane. Hayley is hoping St Lucia will give her and her husband a chance to relax, rediscover their love for each other and hopefully make a baby after years of infertility. Dev has never believed in love at first sight but after a one-night stand with a beautiful woman who mentioned she is heading to St Lucia; Dev feels she is the woman he is destined to be with and feels he needs to follow his feelings and find her to see if she feels the same. A lot changes during the nine hour flight and the four people who get on the flight to St Lucia depart the flight, not only with three brand new friends, but also with their lives taking a completely different direction.

Wow this book was seriously good. My first impression was positive after reading the little who’s who at the beginning, such a good idea, I love when books do this and although I quickly knew who everyone was, it was good to know I had that to refer back to should I get lost. I was hooked pretty early on and loved the different stories combining. I know a book is good when it can make me laugh out loud and this one did also pretty early on, so there are no spoilers I will just say I loved Bernadette’s thought of “hunk of burning love” re Tadgh and also “Marian (the flight attendant) the muscle”. Halfway through I was so hooked I was getting frustrated when life was getting in the way of reading, which is always a good sign of a great book and I just felt it was such an engaging story. I finished this book last night and for the first time in a long time I felt a little sad as I am going to miss Bernadette, Tadgh, Hayley and Dev so much! A bit of me would like a sequel 😉.

All in all, a brilliant read and I would highly recommend this for any rom-coms fans or really anyone who just wants a little break from normal life because that is exactly what you will get with this book. I have already put a few more books by Shari Low on my TBR list and I can’t wait to get to them!

Thank you to NetGalley, Shari Low and Boldwood books for my advanced reading copy. Out now.