It gives me enormous pleasure to stay in with author Helena Halme today. Helena’s books look just my kind of read and although I haven’t been able to fit in a read yet, I’m longing to do so. Consequently, I was delighted when Helena agreed to stay in with me to chat about her latest release.

Staying in with Helena Halme

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag, Helena. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

It’s lovely to be here. Thank you so much for inviting me along!

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I am deep into writing a series set on a group of islands in the outer archipelago off the coast of Finland. The Island Daughter, Book 3, came out 17th July, and the Love on the Island series compilation with all the three novels was published 27 August.

So I’d like to offer all the books in the boxset: The Island Affair, An Island Christmas and The Island Daughter to share with you and your readers tonight.

They look fabulous Helena. I love travel and a return to Finland sounds like a brilliant idea. How exciting to have a new box set out. Congratulations. So, tell me, what can we expect from an evening in with Love on the Island Series Books 1-3?

All novels in the series follow Alicia, who returns to the islands where she was raised, after losing her son in a tragic accident. Her marriage to Liam, a British surgeon, breaks down and she embarks on a torrid affair with Patrick, the blonde and blue-eyed husband of a local property magnate’s daughter. We also meet Alicia’s mother, the gutsy Hilda, her world-travelling friend Brit, and other characters living in the small island community. Readers have called this series of three books ‘sensational’ (NetGalley) and ‘a rich story full of twists and turns you can’t see coming’ (GoodReads).

I love the sound of your characters and those reader responses make me even more keen to add the box set Love on the Island Series Books 1-3 to my TBR pile!

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

I can offer you a piece of Ålands Pannkaka, a clafoutis type of dessert often enjoyed together with a cup of strong coffee on the islands. Made with semolina and cream, it is just divine, especially served with local plum or cloudberry jam! This rich treat features quite a lot in the books.

If you’re going to bring food like that Helena, I shall be asking you back very soon!

I’m also sharing with you a few images from this magical place, where I’ve spent many, many lazy summer days.

It was these holidays that inspired me to write the stories in the Love on the Island series. I hope you agree that there could not really be a more beautiful setting to spend your time writing or reading about? I could be biased, of course…. 😉

I think you have every right to be biased. What a stunning location. Truly inspirational. You’ve made me want to visit both in person and vicariously through your books. Thank you so much for staying in with me and introducing the new box set for the Love on the Island series Helena. 

Thank you so much for letting me be your guest on your blog!

My pleasure!

Love on the Island

Transport yourself through ‘sensational fiction’ to the fascinating and serenely beautiful Åland Islands between Finland and Sweden!

Love on the Island series by the ‘brilliant author’ Helena Halme is a sweeping saga set on a small group of Nordic islands filled with tourists in the summer and snow and ice in the winter. This boxset combines the three first full-length novels in the ‘must read’ series with Alicia, a journalist raised on the islands, her British surgeon husband, Liam, and a Swedish reporter, Patrick, who makes Alicia’s heart beat a little too fast…

The Island Affair (Book 1)

After her son’s tragic death, journalist Alicia and her husband Liam travel to the Nordic Islands where Alicia was raised. As they struggle to keep their marriage afloat, secrets are revealed which threaten to end their relationship, but at the same time give Alicia hope for the future. Enter tall, blonde Patrick with the most piercing blue eyes Alicia has ever seen. As the summer heats up, can Alicia find a way to embrace life and love once more?

An Island Christmas (Book 2)

It’s time for Alicia to enjoy her first winter back on her beloved Islands with her family. But her estranged husband, Liam, springs an unwelcome and devastating surprise and her ex-lover, Patrick, tempts her with an altogether different kind of future, making Alicia face an impossible choice. With her world crashing around her, can Alicia create the idyllic Island Christmas she’s always dreamt about?

The Island Daughter (Book 3)

Alicia returns home to the islands after a family tragedy, leaving behind a new life in Stockholm with Patrick. But when Mia Eriksson, Patrick’s ex, makes a move to rekindle her relationship with him, Alicia is torn between duty and her own happiness. Alicia’s world is further upended when deeply buried family secrets surface. How can she face the future when everything she believed to be true about her past is a lie?

Join Alicia’s small island community in the captivating new series set on the most picturesque of Scandinavian islands. Once you enter her world, you’ll never want to leave.

The Love on the Island series is available for purchase here.

About Helena Halme

You can find more about Helena and her books on Helena’s website, by finding her on Facebook and by following her on Twitter @helenahalme.

You’ll find all of Helena’s books here.