A little while ago I was lucky enough to have a guest post from writer and television presenter Julia Roberts as she celebrated the launch of her second novel If He Really Loved Me… You can read that post here. I was so intrigued I thought I’d read the first of Julia’s novels Life’s A Beach And Then…

My Review of Life’s A Beach And Then…

Single mum Holly Wilson is also Liberty Sands the travel blogger and protecting her identity is all part of the job, but when she meets Robert and Rosemary and their attractive friend Philippe, maintaining her secret and her equilibrium is not easy.

I have to be honest and say I was not expecting to enjoy Life’s A Beach And Then… as much as I did. I have no idea why, but I wrongly assumed it would be lightweight, formulaic chick-lit that would be an enjoyable read but little else. I was wrong. Life’s A Beach And Then… is so much more.

Firstly, it is well written with a fast pace that grips the reader and there are believable characters that I wanted to know more about, the more I read. Many are facing their own demons, either coming to terms with past lives or struggling with the one they have at present. I can’t say too much more without spoiling the plot but there are so many important themes and issues, including parenthood, relationships, illness and trust, explored by Julia Roberts, alongside the romantic elements of the story, that this is a book to make the reader think and count their blessings as well as enjoy as an entertaining read. The author’s personal experiences have contributed to making this an authentic and often moving read.

The plot itself is exciting and entertaining. I loved the twists and turns and the dramatic events that took place. The ending sets up the next book in the trilogy, If He Really Loved Me…, extremely well and I am very keen to read on to find out more about Holly, though I think some readers might find the ending of Life’s A Beach And Then… a little frustrating. It certainly took me by surprise.

I thought Julia Roberts conveyed the luxury and attraction of the Mauritian setting so effectively. I really wanted to be there alongside the characters. The writing also has just the right touch of detail to bring alive the story and to present a visual image in the reader’s mind’s eye. I really liked the concept of Ripped publishing playing a part in the novel as well as actually publishing the book.

Life’s A Beach And Then… is a smashing read that transports the reader away from their own life into the lives of Holly and her friends. It would be perfect for a holiday read – especially if you’re off to Mauritius. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Life’s A Beach And Then…

Holly Wilson has landed a dream job but there is one proviso… she must keep it secret, and that means telling lies. Holly hates telling lies.
Her latest assignment has brought her to the paradise island of Mauritius where she meets a British couple, Robert and Rosemary, who share a tragic secret of their own.
The moment they introduce Holly to handsome writer, Philippe, she begins to fall in love, something she hasn’t allowed herself to do for twenty years.
But Philippe has not been completely honest and when Holly stumbles across the truth, she feels totally betrayed.

Life’s A Beach And Then… was published by Ripped on 18th May 2015. It is available for purchase here.

If He Really Loved Me…

An enthralling story of love and romance, heartache and betrayal, set against the exotic backdrop of Barbados and the stunning Gower peninsula. If Holly can’t trust her own son, who can she trust?
Single mum, Holly Wilson, and her twenty-year-old son Harry have an enviably close relationship but when Harry finds out that she is pregnant and, for reasons unknown to all but herself, intends to raise the baby alone again, he begins to question her decision not to tell him about his own father, who abandoned them before his birth.
Upon discovering his father’s name, Harry secretly embarks on his search for the truth, a search which takes him to Los Angeles where he uncovers a tragic story. Still reeling from what he has learned, an extraordinary twist of fate brings Harry and Philippe, the father of Holly’s unborn child, face to face. Should Harry tell him about the baby and risk damaging his relationship with his mum forever? If he does, will Philippe want to be a husband and father? And will Holly be prepared to give Philippe a second chance?

If He Really Loved Me… was published by Ripped on 25th November 2015 and is available for purchase here.

You can follow Julia on Twitter and visit her website. You’ll also find her on Facebook.