I’ve always loved sue moorcrofts books so was eager to read this one!this book would make a perfect sumner holiday read!
One feels instantly transported to Malta the descriptions of the apartments, the food, the beaches and surrounding areas puts you into the holiday mood straight away! The characters are so diverse but very likeable I particularly liked Zachary and dory and the easy friendships that were developing between the occupants of the apartments over their shared food tastings! No sumner read would be complete without a dose of romance although the path of true love doesn’t run smoothly for zach and Rosa although the outcome Is your typical happy ever after!
Thank you net galley for this early read

I struggled a bit in the first few chapters because I felt there was too much information about Malta and I found myself skimming the pages. However, after this I got into the story of Zach and Rosa and enjoyed the book very much

Rosa is helping her mum adapt recipes for her latest cookery book after breaking up with Marcus. In the flat above them is Zach and his sister, who suffers with anxiety, and her daughter Paige.

I liked Zach very much. He has made mistakes in the past but is not afraid to put himself in danger to help others. He lacks confidence thanks to his negative father but is the person his sisters and mother turn to when they need help

The story isn’t just about Rosa and Zach it is about their families too which makes an interesting read. Plus we have a bit of a mystery with police involved.

A great summer read

I loved Let it Snow, so picking Summer on a Sunny Island was a no brainer for me. I really love the fact that Sue Moorcroft includes characters who have mental or physical illnesses. This is a lot more realistic than many books that have no characters with illnesses at all!

I liked Zach, and the way he tries to help people. Rosa and he seem like a good match as they have many of the same values. I love the way that Rosa and her mum really stand (and speak) up for themselves. To be honest, I liked pretty much all the characters. The Sunny Island of Malta comes across with a good sense of location.

The writing is done very well, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the story - it’s always a sign of a great book when I don’t even notice the grammar and spelling.

Conclusion: the perfect summer escape if you prefer your romances with realistic characters.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Moorcroft is the high priestess of escapist fiction and Summer on a Summer Island certainly doesn't disappoint. She's again created believable characters in Rosa and Zach. I adored their relationship hurdles and the location of Malta was sheer delight. But it was the side plots including Dora and Steve that cemented this as a firm favourite.

I loved this book. I learnt a lot about Malta. I liked the cooking connection. The negative equity of the house kept you intrigued. One of the best Sue Moorcroft 's I have read. A good holiday book. Lovely ending. Would highly recommend it

Rosa splits with Marcus who has gambled all his money. she goes to Malta to be with her mother who is writing a cook book.

Another glorious sunny escape with this lovely book based in Malta 🇲🇹
Great storyline that instantly hooked me, likeable characters and some excitement to keep the pages turning too.
A much needed fix of sunshine on a gloomy February!

Having read and enjoyed other books by Sue Moor croft I jumped at the chance of reading an advance copy of this book from the publisher, although this didn't influence my review.
This time the setting is on the island of Malta where Rosa spending the summer with her mother, who is writing a cookery book, after her relationship with her partner broke down. There she meets Zak, who is staying whilst refurbishing the flats for his aunt, joined by his sister and her daughter. Rosa and Zak are attracted to each other and start a relationship, although this is not straightforward due to their individual issues.
Not a feel - good story due to situations around them, not a criticism more an observation , however it kept me reading and enjoying the thought of Summer weather whilst seeing how their situations would develop.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I like this author and her characters and storyline, this was a good read that seemed to flow.

The Sun Soaked Island Of Malta....
Jet off to the sun soaked island of Malta, the perfect setting, with Sue Moorcroft in her latest Summer read. Rosa is dealing with a split from her partner - Dora, Mum to Rosa, tries to help. Enter Zach. Engaging and entertaining, well rounded characters with a good dose of romance, mystery and family drama. In the true tradition of this author’s books - some guaranteed escapism.

Another fabulous book from Sue.
Absolutely loved the setting, made me want to book a ticket.
Lovely story of issues that happen in real life with the youth and in families.
The characters were fabulous. Loved Dory and especially Paige.
This story proves that things can change in your life if you really want them to, and there are good people about.
Can’t wait for your next one Sue.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wish there were more stars - 5 are not enough!! Summer on a Sunny Island by Sue Moorcroft is a captivating story filled with engaging characters that I loved! The vivid description of Malta made me see it, feel it, taste and smell it, - I could actually feel the heat of the sun!! This wonderful story captured me from the first to the last page, and I really didn’t want it to end! Rosa and Zach held my interest throughout the story, and I think Dory is lovely!! It’s not all sweetness and light - there’s a darker side - and I loved that. Bravo Sue, another brilliant book!

All the hallmarks of a Sue Moorcroft novel.

I enjoyed this summer tale in Malta. It made me want to go on a holiday to that country. As always, Sue Moorcroft paints a vivid backdrop to a "push me pull you" relationship between very believable characters with their own fascinating backgrounds, jobs, hopes and dreams.

My only complaint is that I read her novels too quickly and have to wait until she's written another one for my "fix"!

I love a good Sue Moorcroft book and was looking forward to reading this one.

Rosa has split from long term boyfriend Marcus and her mum Dory has invited her to spend the summer on the sun filled island of Malta to help her write a cookery book. Zach has a bad boy reputation and is in Malta to escape problems at home. Although both are not looking for love, it slowly creeps up on them; but will the problems they have left behind hinder the future of their romance?

A lighthearted summer book with good characters which was an enjoyable read.

Summer on a Sunny Island review

What better way to prepare for the coming summer than the latest Sue Moorcroft novel, 'Summer on a Sunny Island'.

As the title states, such is the content.

Set on the glorious and stoic island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, this is the perfect foil to put you in the mood for a holiday. I've been to Malta, a good while ago admittedly, but I was transported back to happy memories of when I'd only recently been married.

Sue has the gift of being able to describe a location and to make you feel as if you are in the centre of the action and an integral cog in her stories. I can still feel the Maltese sun on the back of my neck the day after finishing this novel.

The story of Rosa and Zach, two people at crossroads in their lives, Summer on a Sunny Island never lets up in it's twists and turns and the author never shirks from putting her protagonists through the wringer. I felt anger when the characters were put in danger; beamed like a lunatic with happiness when there was cause for celebration; almost cried (I'm of the male persuasion so don't expect me to admit to the act) at times too.

With a supporting cast of various relations and local Maltese, heroes and villains both, that are each well-rounded and with purpose for the story, this novel is up there with the author's best work and I can't wait for my goldfish-like memory to forget enough of it so that I may read it again afresh.

I cannot and will not be able to recommend this novel enough. Buy it now, you won't be disappointed!

My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the reading copy.

I am a huge fan of Sue Moorcroft. Her books are uplifting, emotional and take me to places I will never travel, but get to visit in her writing. Her characters are like-life and relatable. The events in her books are handled with love and care. Sometimes a serious situation occurs and it is dealt with mature understanding. I will also add that Sue Moorcroft just received (March 2020) the Romantic Novelists’ Association Award for Contemporary Romantic Novel 2020, for her book, A Summer to Remember, therefore, I am definitely not alone in my praise of this author’s collection.

Summer on a Sunny Island is a fantastic book that I enjoyed so much. I feel like I visited the beautiful island of Malta. The scenery is described so expertly that I could visualize the coast, historic sites and nightlife. While the setting is idyllic, the problems people face do not go away just because they go to a beautiful place. Your past follows you always, as is shown in this story. One of the things I found inspiring in this book was that your past does not define who you are. Your actions in the present is your true value. Without going into the actual plot, which you can easily read in the book’s summary, I will say that I was drawn into the lives of the characters and the struggles they were going though. That is a sign of a fantastic author. They pull you into the world they created and make you care about the fictional people that you think are “real”.

I want to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read the Advance Reader Copy of this wonderful story. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.

When army friends reunite in Malta, Rosa meets Zach, his sister Marci and niece Paige as her mum tries to get her over Marcus her boyfriend from back in England after he gambled their lives away and stole her best friend too.



Well out of it, in Malta helping her mum with her newest cookbook she discovers her passion for dance again and realises her future may be more satisfying than the past with a new career change and a prospect of new love on the horizon...



Zach's so called friend Luccio causes trouble like Zach himself did so when he was younger as Lucio commits theft and harm around them causing destruction.



There's plenty of family drama and shocks along with all the big life changing decisions that Zach and Rosa face, we see how their families come together and the natural way they work it was a refreshing read to see that despite bad things and times just like in real life naturally things work out a summery read to escape into!



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Well what can I say? I want to go to Malta. The way Sue talks about Malta makes me feel I was actually there. Love the story and the characters. Fabulous as usual.

When you are at the crossroads of life which path do you take....the easy one or the one that could lead to happiness or heartache? “Summer on a Sunny Island” is the second book by Sue Moorcroft that I have had the privilege of reading. Set on Malta this sweet story spoke to me. A nice easy read that leaves you with a smile.

A great book once again.
This book is brilliantly wrote with the holiday location in Sunny Malta. She describes the setting to perfection and adds all the history Malta has to offer. She describes the coast and the nightlife to perfection and if you've been to Malta, you know it's all correct. I could identify with areas she discussed in the novel as I was there last summer. Send me back to the sunny beaches.
I loved the story of Rosa and Zac who are living and working out there but things arent always happy.
This was such a great read for me. Nice to read a book that's not the usual locations.
Thank you to netgalley for this early read.

Another glorious sunny escape which has been needed whilst socially isolating.
This has a great storyline which hooked me instantly and I haven’t been able to put it down. Definitely a great escape.

When everyone’s travel plans are being cancelled and dreams of a summer holiday seem so far away, what better way than to live vicariously through Rosa’s adventures on the beautiful island of Malta in Sue Moorcroft’s new novel.

Summer on a Sunny Island sees Rosa having split from her husband, moving out to Malta for the summer. She’s helping her mum with her new cooking escapades for her new book and re-evaluating her life. She’s certainly not looking for love...is she?

I loved this book, though definitely had trouble with some of the Maltese words. It’s well written with some great characters, especially little Paige and will entrain you with each turn of the page.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

Rosa moves to live on Malta for the summer to help her mother put together a cookery book. She is escaping from a broken relationship with her gambling addicted partner. Well written, with lots of underlying themes to keep the readers interest, hard to put down, a very enjoyable read.

This is yet another fantastic novel by Sue Moorcroft, her style and research on this book keeps her up at the top of her game. The different elements all comes together to make an interesting storyline which I enjoyed very much, I recommend everyone give this book a go and enjoy it. I am giving this 5 stars and I hope that you will too. Well done Sue, can't wait for your next book .

A great novel about family history, island history and dramas to rival any soap opera. You always know what you're getting with Sue Moorcroft but she always delivers a surprise or two. A great author to take you to a place, introduce you to a family and then sit back and see what dramas unravel. Add in a love story and some serious topics too and you have a great read.

I enjoyed spending time in Malta! Not somewhere I've been but I did learn a lot about the island and the best places to eat!

I’ve never visited Malta but Sue Moorcroft’s beautiful descriptions have made me add it to my must see list. This is a wonderful, escapist story about Zach, Rosa and their family relationships. Just what everyone needs as we move into summer.

Love holiday romance books but I loved the fact this was based in Malta and felt like I was in the country with the couple. Light hearted read definetely a holiday chill out book

Set in a part of Malta that I happen to know very well, Dory and her daughter decide to spend the summer in Malta to attend a military children's reunion and find themselves. They are staying in an apartment owned by the family of Dory's childhood friend, Steve. His son Zach is also there with his sister and Niece. The two women examine past relationships and contemplate new ones. Well written, sunshine, sea, romance and yes, some sex. Very readable. Loved it.

This is not the usual romantic novel (although it is the theme running throughout). It is also about families and relationships. It is based in Malta where the description of the Island is how I remember it from a previous holiday. Well written and easy to read.

This book took me a little while to get into but when I managed to get to grips with all the characters and the storyline I couldn't put it down. Loved reading about the area and the history of the place, was quite different to what I usually read. A nice little summer read.

A great summer escape book. Reading the good descriptions of Valletta, the surrounding areas and the wonderful weather gives you a real good feel factor. Lovely to immerse yourself in family life and romance.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.
When it is cold and grey outside, trying to snow and the country is in lock down - here is the perfect antidote.
This is a flowing read with lots of sun, stunning scenery and a satisfying story line.
After breaking up with her boyfriend in England, Rosa takes a summer job with her celebrity cook mum, in Malta. Here she meets Zach and his troubled family.
This is a great escapist read about love, trust and understanding.

Total escapism, very much needed at the moment! Malta, sunshine, food, wine, sea and great characters; what more do you need from a book? This book will fill you with happiness and make you long for summer. Very believable romance too.

A lovely read. Nice to dream of visiting sunnier climes whilst unable to do much else! I read this whilst the country is in lockdown and this provided a wonderful escape.

Malta is as much of a character in this story as the people are. I really hope to visit someday as it sounds beautiful.

Thank you Avon and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

Just what was needed...to transport myself off to a sunny island and imagnine myself in the thick of all the ups and downs of Rosa's life. It was obviousl that the author had knowledge of the island and it felt like I was being shown round by a knowledgeable guide as the various locations were described.
And that was just the scenery. The story itself was full of twists and turns all centred around the apartments that belonged to Zach's family. I enjoyed journeying with Rosa and Zach and the way that other elements and characters were drawn into the story.
Brilliant Lockdown reading!

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect escapist read.

An engaging novel in which newly single Rosa follows her mum to Malta to be her assistant while her mum writes the latest in her cookbook series. Her mum is trying to push her towards their handsome neighbour Zach, but neither Rosa or Zach is ready for a relationship. Or are they?

Summer On A Sunny Island is a delightful read, full of engaging characters and with a wonderful setting. I found it to be extremely easy to read, in fact I had a hard time putting it down. It was just the mood booster I needed during this Easter break of lockdown and quarantine, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who's looking for a bit of fun and romance.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in my garden on a lovely sunny day. It was a couple of weeks into my 12 week isolation period. This book was a lovely escape from being in Lockdown. I could imagine what it was like being on holiday in Malta, as the descriptions were so vivid.
This book was very interesting to me, it's not just a romantic novel. The main theme of a reunion of the children of ex service families.
Every character had their own problems which they were trying to sort through, and hoped that a change of scenery in Malta might help them.
There was a lot of different subplots in this book, history,family problems, breakups, gang fights, crime and romance. Despite the many characters and themes, it was easy to follow, and I found it enjoyable and engaging.
I've read a few of Sue Moorcroft's books, and have loved reading them. If you are a fan, then you will definitely like this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

A story set on the beautiful Island of Malta. It involves two families of ex-military personnel who previously lived in Malta when stationed there.
They return for a reunion and find it very difficult to leave as lives become intertwined once again.
A celebration of Maltese cuisine, tradition s and customs, living along side modern-day Malta with its nightlife, cafe bars and shopping.
Can the past be let go long enough to spark a new beginning.?

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another good read from Sue Moorcroft. When Rosa splits from Marcus she escapes to Malta to help her mom with her cookbook and blog. Whilst in Malta she meets Zack, his sister and niece who live in the apartment upstairs. Will the relationship between Rosa and Zack develop into love or will Marcus and his family get in the way?

Get your sunbed out in sunny Malta (if you can nowadays!). Perfect for holidays!

Rosa and her mum Dora escape to live on Malta for the summer to help her mother finish a cookery book. Rosa is running from a broken relationship with her gambling addicted partner.

Great characters, lovely settings and very well written, with lots of other different themes to keep the readers interest; some of it we have all read before, however.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the chance to read and review.

This is the story of newly single Rosa who heads to Malta for the summer to assist her food writer mother Dora with research for her latest cook book.
Dora, hating seeing her daughter unhappy, does what mothers do and tries to set her daughter up with Zach a neighbour and old friend of the family via an earlier armed forces connection . Neither of the pair are really ready for romance but sometimes love has its own ideas...

A lovely summer read with a nice mix of characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I liked that both Zach & Rosa each had their own struggles and was really rooting for them through the various twists and turns on the road to happiness

I also enjoyed the vivid descriptions of all the wonderful places in Malta - I would like to visit now to see if reality is anything like the beautiful scenes I’ve visualised.

I found this a very enjoyable summer read that took me to the sunshine for a few days while locked in at home

Many thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This is a perfect escapist book, entertaining and engrossing.
I loved the setting and learned some new things about Malta, the cast of characters is well thought and some of them are quite complex, the plot flows and kept me entertained.
I can't wait for the next book by Ms Moorcroft.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Meeting Zach will not be the panacea for all ills for Rosa.

You know, whenever I pick up a Sue Moorcroft book I know I am going to be transported to whatever setting she has chosen, but in Summer on a Sunny Island I think the author has outdone all her previous novels. The sense of place is astounding. All the senses are evocatively stimulated through fabulous descriptions so that the reader can picture, hear, taste, smell and touch everything just as realistically as the characters. It is no exaggeration to say reading this novel left me ravenous and feeling as if I were in Malta experiencing it with Rosa et al.

I thoroughly enjoyed a slightly darker theme of crime here as Sue Moorcroft affords her readers the opportunity to explore shades of behaviour. I found it fascinating that, rather than simplistic right and wrong, I was able to contemplate morality through character responses to the action. I loved the other themes too. Marriage, mature relationships as well as younger ones, loyalty and trust, employment, emotions and anxiety give a warm rich depth that is so satisfying to read.

And what action there is. Summer on a Sunny Island has smashing pace because there are several surprises I hadn't anticipated. Of course there are satisfactory resolutions that I would expect, but leading to them is a tautly plotted and hugely entertaining narrative.

However, it is character that really drives this story. I tend to prefer books that feature fewer people than Sue Moorcroft includes here, but in this case each person was so vivid and real that I had no problem keeping everyone distinct in my mind. Even secondary characters like Marcus were clear to me, adding enormously to my enjoyment in reading. But of course, it is Rosa and Zach who steal the show. I adored meeting them because, although the path of true love isn't without obstacle, I felt as if they were destined to be together if not necessarily in this book. It was as if somehow they existed beyond the confines of the narrative!

Summer on a Sunny Island is the perfect lockdown read. Sue Moorcroft transports the reader to a different place and captivates them so completely that it's an absolute pleasure to escape for a while. I loved being in Malta!

Given that the UK is currently in Lockdown, Summer on a Sunny Island felt like the perfect reprieve to everything and allowed escapism to happen. It also let me pretend that I was on holiday and escape to sunny Malta.

I have to be honest I struggled when I first started reading as we went straight into the story with what felt like no introduction. It felt hard to keep up and I had to read very fast to catch up. Once I was there though it was plain sailing. For me anyways.

As well as gorgeous Malta scenery there is also lots of family drama, as secrets are revealed, decisions made and futures are forged. Luccio in particular causes the majority of the drama for Zach and Rosa.

Dealing with their own problems and trust issues Zach and Rosa start of rocky but very quickly there is some sizzling chemistry. However, will they let Luccio, their family and even themselves stand in the way of what is obvious to everyone?

One thing that did bug me was the language surrounding the remortgage / issue with the house in the UK.  As someone who deals with conveyancing matters day in and day out, the term 'consent' felt very inappropriate. Although (maybe small spoiler!) I did like the bit where the Solicitor advised her to go to a financial advisor or estate agent. Because that would definitely have been my response!

Summer on a Sunny Island is that feel-good comfort read that you need right now. Sunny and bright, if you are missing that holiday vibe, this is the pick-me up that you might need.

If, during these unprecedented times of lockdown, you want a trip to a stunning, sunny location with plenty of history, lots to do and a gorgeous beach - then this is the perfect novel for you!

When Rosa and her long-term boyfriend part company, her mum is on hand to offer her a summer job on the beautiful island of Malta. Badly needing to put some distance between herself and Marcus, Rosa arrives on the sun-drenched island, looking forward to time to get herself together again. Her mother, however, is quick to introduce Zach in the hope that a new romance is the quickest way of her moving on, but another entanglement is the very last thing on Rosa's mind. In fact, she is determined to avoid love altogether.

This is a wonderful novel, bursting at the seams with the beauty of Malta, the fabulous weather, the history of the island and all told through a well-written, creative story with excellent characters. Touching on romance, family dynamics and so very much more, this is a great read with so much going on! I thought that the author must have done a lot of research for this one, but on reading the acknowledgements I realise that her interest was piqued by her own experiences. Sue Moorcroft does the setting justice - frankly, the tourist board should sell this book! I've been immersed in a truly unforgettable experience and can now understand the attraction of this island and why people return again and again. My only criticism would be that the final chapter seemed a little abrupt and out of place with the pace of the preceding ones. However, I have no hesitation in giving this one the fullest recommendation and 4.5 glowing stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

I totally enjoyed this book by Sue Moorcroft. I like the plot and her writing style. Will definitely be checking out other books written by her in the future.

Thank you to Avon Books for a digital review copy via NetGalley - my thoughts are my own.

I loved travelling to Switzerland with Sue Moorcroft in Let it Snow last year and enjoyed my visit to Malta in Summer on a Sunny Island.

The story involves two families, who have been reunited decades later, who spent time in Malta with the British Armed Forces. Having only visited Malta for a day on a cruise 20 years ago, Sue Moorcroft has given lots of recommendations throughout the book for places to visit and foods to try when the current global pandemic is over.

Rosa and Zach are spending the summer working in Malta, whilst thinking about where their futures will take them. Both need to resolve issues in their past to be able to move forward. The story flows well and is a good summer read. My favourite characters are Dora and Paige - both made me smile on numerous occasions.

The story centres on a somewhat difunctional families, the offspring and descendants of service families that used to be stationed in Malta when there was a garrison there. Enjoying a sojourn there for the summer they are overshadow by a desolate future that they will have to face when they return home. An engrossing tale of human relationships and the need to grasp whatever opportunities that could lead to a brighter future. Provides an alternative view of Malta as seen by those that are born and bred there with a happy ending.

Ah Malta! Rosa heads to Malta to spend time with her mother Dory after her relationship crumbles. The setting is lovely and then there's Zach, the neighbor. One of the nice things (for me at least) was that this focuses on military families and the issues they face, even after deployments are done. This has a lot of characters (Zach is part of a large family) but you know early on who is important. I liked all the scene setting in Malta, a place I haven't visited. This isn't deep, it's a little predictable in spots (until it isn't because it also addresses some serious issues), but it's sunny and bright and I rooted for the characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good diversion from the news for sure but is a pleasant read for anytime.

Sun drenched love story. Fantastic setting with likeable characters and a mixture of story lines to keep you hooked and entertained. This is no fluffy tale but is fun and entertaining. Zach and Rosa will undoubtedly win your heart.

Thank you Netgalley

When you pick up a book and lose yourself in it. This for me was the book. It was a true escape from lockdown. Wishing the book was about me. It was well written. A joy to read. The book was great . Love this author. She alwYs knows how to pull a belter out the bag

I am a big fan of Sue Moorcroft's books. On the face of it, they are a feel good romance, but Sue has a way of making her characters real and they always have an interesting background. In this book, Rosa works in communications for her mum who writes cookery books, Zach helps at a youth centre and has had troubles in his past. The settings of the books are always different and beautifully described, in this case, Malta.
Just right for curling up with to escape for a while.

What a delightful book this is, so full of sunshine that you can almost feel you have been transported to Malta where it is set. Some delightful characters, some not so delightful, with some will they, won't they moments which makes for a good book. One little observation, I struggled with the pronunciation of some place names, perhaps a page in the front of the book would make this easier for the reader.

I always love Sue Moorcroft's books and this is another that doesn't disappoint. Recommend to all her fans and to anyone needing some sunshine escapism too!

It is no secret that I am a confirmed fan of Sue Moorcroft’s books; it is always exciting when a new one appears on my Kindle. Her stories always transport the reader to different destinations that they see through the eyes of interesting and varied characters. This one took me to Malta; I have visited there once on holiday, but this story gave me further insight into life there. As usual with Sue’s books, I was quickly immersed in the story, the descriptions of the setting so vivid that I could almost feel the Mediterranean sun on my skin.

The story revolves around Rosa and Zach, two people who find themselves in the same Maltese town, and indeed in neighbouring apartments, escaping from unhappy situations back home in the UK. Rosa is helping her chef mum with her new cookbook; Zach is fitting out new apartments for an aunt and also doing some youth work. As they get to know each other and enjoy the gorgeous summer weather and the island’s sights together in their spare time, each has problems to deal with which look like preventing any long term relationship.

Based on past experiences, I expected to enjoy this book, and I really did. As I have found previously with Sue’s books, this story is filled with realistic characters, the type who you meet every day, living a normal life with its familiar ups and downs, even in a sunny and beautiful setting. I was completely drawn into Rosa and Zach’s world, and ached for them as their troubles seemed to build and build as the story progressed. I had to admire Zach’s strength and understanding, shouldering the problems heaped on him by increasing numbers of his family and friends. In fact, I liked practically all of the characters in the book. I think that this is a perfect book for those looking to escape from the outside world for a little while and enjoy some sun in an exotic setting.

Summer on a Sunny Island? I don't think many of us are going to be experiencing that this year. Yes, I know that Britain is an island but you know what I mean. Luckily, you have this book to whisk you off to Malta and spend a few sunny weeks in the company of Rosa and Zach and some of their friends and family. I feel like I've had a personal tour of Malta with an expert guide. Sue Moorcroft's love of the island and her knowledge really shine through and bring the island and its people to life.

Rosa is getting over a break-up from Marcus when her mum suggests she comes to Malta with her as she researches recipes for her new cookery book. Zach meanwhile is spending time of the island renovating a relative's house and trying to stay out of trouble. Not that he's a bad lad - far from it - but trouble just seems to find him! Both have parents who were children of army families who spent some of their childhood in Malta, just like Sue Moorcroft herself.

I found it rather poignant that early in the book Rosa makes herself a playlist of Zumba videos so she can still do some dancing which is one of her passions in life. She enjoys this connection to home but notes that it wasn't the same as being with her friends and I think we can all relate to that right now. And I think we can all empathise with Zach when he unexpectedly has his entirely family living with him in one apartment!

Sue Moorcroft is skilled at creating complex characters and has excelled again with Rosa and Zach. They both are moving on from their old lives, but just when they are settling into a new life and considering new possibilities it seems that their pasts may catch up with them and throw a spanner in the works. That makes it sounds like there was something really terrible they were both trying to leave behind but that's not what I mean. However, their past responsibilities and connections may mean they can't move on, that their options and possibilities may be taken away. These dilemmas make Zach and Rosa seem so much more than just characters but real people with real problems to resolve.

I can't talk about this book without mentioning the food. Rosa's mum Dory is something of a celebrity chef and is in Malta working on recipes for a new book. And oh my goodness did they have my mouth watering! Fresh and vibrant sounding dishes that I could almost imagine tasting! I really feel we almost needed a supplement to the book with some of the recipes included.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Malta with Rosa and Zach and as always found that Sue Moorcroft has written a thoroughly absorbing and uplifting story with great characters and in such a fabulous setting. Summer on a Sunny Island is the perfect escapist read to have you dreaming of summer holidays and sunny shores when we perhaps can't experience those in real life for a while.

I'm a big fan of Sue's books and as such was really excited to be given the chance to read this on Netgalley.

I absolutely wasn't disappointed. What a wonderful story, in a fantastic setting. Sue conjured up such a picture of Malta that I sometimes felt I was sitting on the terrace with Rosa. The story introduces us to Rosa and her Mum, Dory and Zach and his family. I'm definitely a little bit in love with Zach ❤️

I would wholeheartedly recommend Summer on a Sunny Island. I can't wait for Sue's next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sunny book that transported me to Malta, a place I've always wanted to visit, at a time when we can't safely travel anywhere! Rosa and Zach are both at a crossroads in their lives and not looking for romance until it comes looking for them. They have more than enough problems with their challenging families and fallout from past relationships but can't resist the attraction between them. All in all this was a light, uplifting read and I would strongly recommend it as the perfect escapist read.

When it’s still chilly and rainy, and the news is more bad than good – this is the book to perk you up and change your outlook, as well as provide plenty of moments to enjoy. Rosa and her partner Marcus have split up, and her mum is spending a few months on Malta as she works on a new cookbook. Offering Rosa a change of scene, somewhere to live and enlisting her help with the new book, there’s plenty to keep Rosa from getting too down from her split. But with little money, no real idea what she’s hoping to do next and several squabbles over the mortgage on the little house she and Marcus purchased when things were “better”, and she’s truly at a low ebb.

The apartment they are renting is in a building of three – owned by a family that Rosa’s mum Dory knew from childhood – when both families were stationed on Malta during her father’s time in the service. Currently, the family’s apartment is being used by Zach, who is also working on the 3rd apartment as his aunt decides whether to rent it or use it for her own self. Also working in the local youth center, Zach is licking his wounds after one of many set-tos with his father, a bit of trouble with the police, and hating his ‘data collection’ job that pays his bills. When you mix in more of Zach’s family arriving, an adorable but lively four year old, a young Sicilian boy in trouble and plenty of sparks between Rosa and Zach, the story takes off. Add in Dory finding a new ‘interest’ after a reunion of ‘army brats’ in Malta, the return of Rosa’s father after a thirty year absence, and plenty of food and recipes – and the story is easy to follow along even with all the action.

The perfect escape – with highlights of Malta, clever food options, plenty of heat and lots of heart – all add up to a series of second chances and changes for everyone we meet in the story. Sometimes it really is a change of scenery is all it takes to put everything into perspective and allow you the time to just enjoy while things tick over in the background- with a few pushes, pulls and decisions of course. One of the many reasons people flock to Moorcroft’s books is that sense of ‘otherworldliness’ that everyone can relate to: with sunny locations, plenty of resolutions and lots of heart – and this book has it all.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aGK/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I love Sue's books, there's always a romance but it never runs smoothly.
The setting of Malta was sublime, such a fabulous country with friendly people, so I knew that I would enjoy this book.

I wasn't wrong.
The story flowed and you couldn't help liking the main characters.

Definitely recommended.

I found this a little slow to start but once it did I loved it, great escapism while stuck in my back garden pretending I’m in Malta, wonderful descriptions, great characters. I love this relationship struggles but not too much tension or angst, a cute couple you root for and wonderful friendships and supporting characters. A great feel good read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Just the cover ALONE should be enough to make you want to read this book, it is gorgeous! As someone who hasn't left the house other than to go to work and to go grocery shopping for some time, this book was the perfect read.

Rosa goes to Malta with her mother, Dora. Dora has become a bit of celebrity cook and Rosa has just broken up with her long-term boyfriend so it seems like a good time to go to Malta, do lots of cooking and take beautiful pictures for the blog/new cookbook etc. Along the way, Rosa meets Zach and his interesting and somewhat dysfunctional family. Zach is just lovely and I enjoyed the relationship that these two had. I also loved the relationships that these two had with Zach's little niece and the young people in Malta. There was something very real and yet kind about the pair of them.

I love the fact that this book is not some sort of cookie-cutter chick lit book. Yes, there is romance but there is a lot of complex family relationship stuff as well, and for a bit there I wondered if Rosa could find her way through the difficulties that manifested themselves, even with the beautiful setting of Malta (which is somewhere I have never been but I want to go now!).

Lovely book and I shed a few tears at the end, happy tears :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books. And the author for writing such a great book!