I feel like I had a love-hate relationship with this book. 2.5 stars.

When I started reading the book, I got right into it and wanted to just keep reading. The idea of a 32 year old woman, making her living writing songs for famous performers while traveling the world pet-sitting in exotic locales was fascinating to me. I would have loved living a life like that!

But then I became disillusioned with Tabitha when she allowed Raff to stay in his parents home, that she had a custodial responsibility for, without so much as checking his identification, much less asking permission. If someone was sitting for me and did this I’d be livid! I understand her reasoning but it still rubbed me wrong.

I did continue to the end, but I won’t write spoilers so I can’t say how it all worked out. It was a great concept but just missed the mark for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Running away is easy, until saying goodbye becomes too hard…

With so many shocking stories recently about airline travel, it’s been nice to get away to the sun-drenched island of Madeira and not have to worry if my flight home has been cancelled!

The protagonist, Tabitha Callahan, is a songwriter who is escaping heartache for three weeks by house and pet-sitting two Cavalier King Charles spaniels and a cat. Little does she know that the cause of her heartache is now living not far from where she is house-sitting, nor that the couple she’s working for has a son - a hunky man who shows up unannounced!

You’ll love the tension created by Raff and Ollie and the angst Tabitha brings upon herself trying to figure out where she fits in. You’ll wonder whether the next-door neighbour can keep a secret and you’ll be drooling over references to pasteis de maracuja. For those of you who are dog lovers, Bailey and Fudge will keep you smiling.

I personally was excited to be reminded of great vacations on this Portuguese island. I, too, have sat in Taylor’s Port House in the library and tasted thirty-year-old port! Regardless, Frost was able to make Madeira come alive for her readers and she certainly made me yearn to return.

This is my third Kate Frost book and I was impressed with (1) her exploration into whether it’s ever too late to make peace with your past and (2) the emotional push/pull she worked into her plot. Oh, Rafferty. I hope we hear about you again soon.

I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A beach read you have to pick up for summer 2023. This one will be a must to add to your TBr list with strong female leads and moments to take your breath away.

This is my first Kate Frost book and I will be reading her back catalogue. The cover drew me to it with its vibrate colour plus the fact its set in such a beautiful location. Tabitha is a songwriter who is trying to forget her past but you can never really do that.

Set against the beautiful Madeira, I couldn't put down this beautiful book about Tabitha, how she lands on the island with two men that haunts her- Lewis, her ex and her once best friend from uni, Ollie. She's a woman who goes from pet sit to pet sit all around the world. This book follows as she pet sets for Coradelia and Rufus three pets: Fudge and Bailey the King Charles and Misty the cat. I'll freely admit that I love books about dobs but this is so much more.

What is meant to be three weeks in the sun, working on new songs turns into so much more when Coradelia and Rufus son comes crashing into her life. All I'm going to say is this story moved me, I felt for Raff and everything he had been through. Tabitha can't seem to stay away and this pet sit is nothing like any she's done before.

It's about a story of self discovery, letting go of the past but also maybe finding true love along the way. I wanted to keep on reading their story, to find about where did they go next.

I love learning a bit about Madeira, which to be honest sounds idyllic and somewhere I'd move to in a heartbeat.

Kate has certainly been added to my list of favourite authors. This is her third book with Boldwood Books and yet again this book has their magic. You won't regret picking this up. I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.