In Norway quiet, awkward Cecilia struggles with relationships and communication but online she talks freely to Hector in Mexico. Two people living very different lives half a world away. Can their worlds coincide? #netgalley #underonesky

This book is a whirlwind of emotions and entanglements in several locations across the globe. It is a heartfelt tale of loneliness and love. This story is a refreshing look at contemporary relationships and friendship..

Under One Sky by Zoe Folbigg is the first book I’ve read by this author—but it definitely won’t be my last! This story is filled with both heartbreak and hope, showing that time, distance, and even oceans can’t stand in the way of soulmates and true love.

Told in both the past and present, the story introduces us to Cecilie from Norway, Kate from the UK, and Hector from Mexico. Cecilie, despite having a mother who works in government and travels often, has rarely left her quiet town of Tromsø, where she works in a café and a library. It’s in that library where she stumbles upon a chatroom and connects with Hector, a fellow Depeche Mode fan living in Mexico. Time zones and continents separate them, but their friendship quickly deepens—from chatroom conversations to texts and FaceTime calls.

But there’s a complication: Hector lives with his girlfriend, Pilar, who later becomes his wife. While Cecilie knows nothing more can happen between them, she can’t help the jealousy that bubbles up. When Cecilie finally cuts off communication, it’s too painful to stay in touch… until the messages start again. What will become of Hector and Cecilie? And how does Kate tie into it all? What connects these three lives?

This was such a heartfelt, emotional, and character-driven story that I couldn’t put down. It resonated deeply with me—especially because I once had a fiancé stationed in Japan while I was in the U.S. I completely understood the longing, the dependence on communication, and the ache when time passed without contact.

I absolutely recommend this one—it was a FIVE STAR read for me! Released earlier this March, it's available in both print and audio.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Zoe Folbigg, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful novel.

I have read other books by this author and was excited for this title. Not my favorite of her books but I'm still glad to have read it

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cecile is a dreamer. She lives in a world that is familiar, a world she has always lived in, a town she was born in and is comfortable in her world. She is a librarian, plays the harp and works part time in a quirky little café. She is lonely but she is not sure what she is seeking.
Hector lives in Mexico and is a mixture of a past he is running away from, a present he is being forced into, and a lifestyle which is uncomfortable, dangerous and destructive.
They meet on line and what begins as fun, slowly becomes a deeper relationship that develops into love, which they both are comfortable with, as they live far, far away from each other, making meeting almost impossible. Cecile lives in Tromso, Norway and Hector lives in Xalapa, Mexico.
When Hector tells Cecile he is about to be married, she is devastated, destroyed and inconsolable. Hector is struggling with being pressured into marrying Pilar, a young Spanish teacher who came to Xalapa and who has been in his life for some time. He is depressed but has no honourable way out of the mess he has helped create.
Zoe Folbigg captures the very essence of love at a distance in Under One Sky, where she carefully looks at what is considered as love; is it something that can develop even though two people have never met, is it something that can create change, that can destroy and build up, that can be felt deeply.
Played out as on-line chat the style of presentation allows the reader to get to know the protagonists, their cultures and their emotions intimately, creating a more modern dimension to a global romance.
The slow build up to the finale has been well constructed as Folbigg draws together several strings which, during the course of the story seem to mean little, but bind together to create an unforgettable ending based on a massive leap of faith and the knowledge that love really is the ultimate emotion.

I’ve enjoyed previous work by this author, so was excited to read Under One Sky.
Mmmm, difficult one- I persevered but it wasn’t my favourite I’m afraid. The story went backwards and forwards in time, which was ok, but I wasn’t sure if some of the stories of Cecile were actually in her imagination rather than real life.

Under One Sky was a very compelling and unique story! Hector and Cecilie are both complex characters whose individual lives perfectly line up when they begin communicating, and again, years later when they finally have their happy ending. It’s a story about timing and the patience that love requires.

This story is set across the globe from Mexico to Norway, two vastly different places bringing two very different people together. The jumps in time and place kept me on my toes to figure out how the story between Hector and Cecilie ended.

One of the things I most enjoyed about this story was the use of online conversations! I love seeing when romances begin through different ways, and having these characters engage online was a brilliant way to develop their dynamics. I feel like there’s so much to learn about these characters through those conversations and what they aren’t saying as much as what they are.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I sort of found this a bit confusing and difficult to follow at times but maybe it was just me not adapting to this author's style of writing. It wasn't a bad book overall

A slow start worth persevering for - I really enjoyed this romance, I liked the formatting and the different timelines.

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it was a captivating and refreshing experience. From the moment I started the book, I was hooked by its grounded and relatable portrayal of romance.
The plot is incredibly realistic, which is something I truly appreciated. The love story unfolds at a pace that feels true to life—there are no unrealistic twists or melodramatic moments that often plague romantic novels. Instead, the characters face real-life challenges, personal growth, and emotional struggles that anyone can relate to. The story touches on themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery before fully opening up to someone else.
What stood out most to me was the character development. The protagonist evolve throughout the book, and their emotional growth is depicted with such care. Their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities are portrayed in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. It’s rare to find a romance where the characters' emotional journeys are as important as their romantic connection, and [Book Title] does this beautifully. Their interactions felt authentic, and the relationship built naturally over time, making it all the more rewarding by the end.
This book made me reflect on my own experiences and left me with a sense of hope that love can grow in the most unexpected ways. It's a novel about finding love not just with someone else, but also with yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that feels real, with characters that are fully realized and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish.

Cecilie and Hector are like ice and fire. Cecilie's home in Norway in Tromso, in the Arctic Circle is cold and lacking sunlight for much of the year. Meanwhile, Hector's life in Mexico is hot and sunny, the polar opposite. They meet accidentally on line and are drawn to each other. However, outside the bubble of their chats, their real life and relationships get in the way. The story goes back and forward through their friendship, showing you the story from both points of view.

There is also a third character, living in the UK, Kate, who is older but who we discover met Hector years ago and had a relationship. Her homelife is difficult with a husband who is preoccupied and who she suspects is drifting away from their marriage. Her children are growing up but she tries to fill her days with PTA school stuff and feels overworked and stressed for most of the time, feeling like an outsider from the other parents.

I did find it quite hard to warm to Hector for most of the story although I'm not too sure why. In addition to his handsome looks and charm, he has retained a link with the children's refuge which helped him when he was younger. Cecilie has had a privileged upbringing by her high flying Mother but you sense that she has missed out on family elements, although she has had a close relationship with her twin. She has protected herself by keeping her interests close to home and her friendship group small.

It seems that all three characters need to get the courage to make a leap of faith and to step outside their comfort zones. When they do, there are surprising results.

In short take a leap of faith

A slow start but definitely worth persevering with and one I think that will get better the more times it’s read. An unconventional romance in the form of a long distance relationship but no less emotional and engaging because of it. The contrasting settings of Norway and Mexico are beautifully brought to life and their differences echo those of the hero and heroine. All in all an emotional and engaging read.

It was really hard to rate this book.

Really if anything it was just Ok. Told in multiple (confusing to me) timelines.
I was upset I didn't love this because it has my favorite tropes.

The characters were bland and one in particular had me rolling my eyes unfortunately.

I am thankful to Netgalley author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I still stop to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover though.

Thank you Boldwood Books for this arc!

This book is not the sort of romance I would normally pick up, but I actually liked it. There was something beautiful about the online conversations and I really felt the connection between them. I also liked the story of their lives, like it made sense how they gravitated towards each other. I especially loved the role of Kate, whose story was so relatable to me and very empowering. I liked where the story went, though the timelines actually confused me a lot 😅 The first 30-50% was a little slow, but it picked up after that, maybe because I was beginning to connect the dots. I was satisfied with how it ended, too. If you like slow burn, star-crossed lovers, long distance/online relationships, good characters who make bad decisions, and introverted main characters, you might like this book 🙂

I enjoyed two other books by Zoë Folbigg in the recent past so when I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this one, I jumped at it. From the get go this didn’t grab me the way the others did and I found myself bored with the characters only a few chapters in. I then discovered that this isn’t a new book, but rather a reprint with a new title of an older book, The Distance. After a week of trying to convince myself to read a little bit more, I finally had to DNF it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy.

Against the Arctic Norwegian backdrop, we meet Cecilie, a creature of habit content with her café job. In her quest for friendship, she discovers Hector Herrera, a Mexican national, online. A casual conversation unexpectedly develops into something more meaningful. Yet, a difficulty exists: Hector is evading a heartbreaking past, and the separation between them feels vast and unconquerable. They’re falling for each other, but they must confront their fears and decide if they’re ready to take the plunge.

Zoë Folbigg perfectly portrays the difficulties of long-distance relationships. The icy Norway and warm Mexico in the novel are a perfect contrast to Cecilie and Hector’s lives, making their journey more interesting. Through vivid descriptions, the author transports readers to diverse landscapes.

Self-discovery, the possibility of second chances, and the courage to embrace the unknown are key themes in the novel. We see Cecilie’s heartwarming and relatable transition from comfort to the possibility of change. Hector’s past and his quest for redemption add emotional complexity to the story.

While the heartfelt storytelling and well-developed characters are great, the dual timelines could prove somewhat confusing to some readers. For readers, like me, who love richly detailed narratives and unconventional romances, though, this novel is an unforgettable experience.

Originally published as The Distance, this book captivates readers with its poignant exploration of love and fate. For fans of contemporary romance that transcends borders, Under One Sky is a must-read, proving that love truly knows no boundaries.

This was my first ever automatic approval arc read and I was so excited for the offer I snapped it up especially with a description like it has!!
Okay so first I loved how each chapter was dated and had the location as it made it easier for me to follow. I found the book a little busy which made it a little hard for me to follow at times but with the addition of the time stamps ect it really helped me keep on track. I will say this one took a while to get hooked but once I did I was well and truly hooked into this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished

Cecilie and Hector's story was everything, right from that first 'meeting' on a fan forum to chat their appreciation for Depeche Mode, to finding a love where continents are their main hurdle.

There are three main characters in the book, and chapters are narrated from their POV. Cecile, Hector and Kate were great characters. Folbigg has written them with depth and credibility.

Scenes were brought to life with their postcard perfect settings and the author's descriptions.

Folbigg's story is absolutely captivating, strewn with emotions and takes us on a journey of love, fate and the future.

Absolutely loved it, so enjoyable.

This novel presents a unique and deeply emotional love story between Hector in Mexico and Cecilie in Norway, whose connection begins on a Depeche Mode fan forum. Despite living worlds apart, their online friendship gradually deepens into something more meaningful.

Cecilie leads a quiet yet independent life, working multiple jobs while dealing with personal struggles. Hector, a commercial artist with a difficult past, grapples with the lingering influence of gangs and a reckless lifestyle. As their bond grows, they become a source of support and stability for each other.

Adding another dimension to the story is Kate, a mother in England facing marital turmoil. Her past link to Hector slowly comes to light, weaving another thread into the story as their lives unexpectedly intersect.

Told through a non-linear timeline, the novel masterfully contrasts the grittiness of Mexico with the icy calm of Tromsø, immersing readers in its richly detailed settings. With its unconventional narrative structure, deeply developed characters, and poignant romance, this book offers an emotionally resonant and refreshingly different take on love and human connection.

Under One Sky by Zoe Folbigg is a romantic story and has three protagonists.
Each chapter was dated and also told you where in the world it was.
If I’m honest, I found it a little bit flat to begin with, I really struggled to get into it. Then suddenly it took off and I was hooked! Cecilie was a real home bird. She liked her routine, her job and her interests. She starts talking to a man called Hector, and he lives far away in New Mexico, compared to her Norway. They couldn’t get further away!! He is a party animal and has lots of friends. They are very different…
Then Kate is thrown into the mix, and she lives in England. She has a rocky marriage, and is trying to get to the bottom of things that don’t seem right with her husband. He’s been acting very cold and.something is not making sense.
We have to see what happens for the couple and Kate!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #ZoeFolbigg.