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jenna36's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book really hit exactly where I needed it to. I probably would have rated it closer to 5 stars if I had known what to expect going in. It is definitely not a romcom! It's more of an emotional romantic drama with some fun side characters. I really loved the setting and all of the islanders. I did not love the romance at the start, but the growth of both characters (separately and together) was incredible. The final sentence of the epilogue actually brought me to tears because of how emotionally invested I became. The book had a bit of a rough start, but it got much better the more of it I read. Cleo's journey was especially poignant to me because of where I am at in my own life. I think this was the book that I really needed to read right now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Abandonment and Emotional abuse
theespressoedition's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When I pick up a book written by Josie Silver, I'm almost always guaranteed a dose of sweet romance, heady laughter, and at least one moment of tears. One Night on the Island provided exactly that.
Similar to One Day in December, this book made me clench my teeth a bit at the beginning when I read that who I supposed was the love interest was indeed a married man. I was worried that there would be an uncomfortable amount of infidelity that was written to seem more glorified than it was as a cautionary tale. Instead of that being the case, the relationships were really well done. It felt realistic for a man struggling with his separation while still wanting to be in his kids' lives. So, I was able to anticipate where it was going and quickly reassure myself that this was going to be a wholesome tale.
Okay, so "wholesome" is maybe the wrong word because there was some truly perfectly-placed spice throughout this story! I appreciated the way the scenes weren't there for the sake of just being there, but they were necessary to elicit emotions as the story was read. They caused anxiety, embarrassment, and of course, there were a couple of swoony scenes too.
The location and the secondary characters played a huge part in what endeared me to the book. I mean, a small Irish island with a group of knitting "oddballs" who really take in all the strays. What's not to love? I want novellas or spin-off stories for every one of those incredible characters! I appreciated that the more that we got into the book, the more they appeared and the further we got to look into their lives.
I recently watched "A Castle for Christmas" and so many elements of that movie reminded me of this book - from the similar location, to the knitting group, to a writer looking for inspiration in where she's staying but finding love as well! If you've seen that movie and enjoyed it, you'll love this book. Also, this book has the "one bed" trope (or... one cabin? but essentially the same concept).
Speaking of looking for inspiration, I loved that the whole reason for Cleo visiting the island in the first place. Marrying herself might sound like a weird concept, but the self-love that was represented was truly inspiring for ME! And I love that she didn't just give up on that idea even though she "found a man" as well. So many books seem to just ditch the self-love mantra when the romance comes into play, but not this one!
Honestly, I could keep raving about this book, but I'm going to leave it at that and say read it ASAP!
Similar to One Day in December, this book made me clench my teeth a bit at the beginning when I read that who I supposed was the love interest was indeed a married man. I was worried that there would be an uncomfortable amount of infidelity that was written to seem more glorified than it was as a cautionary tale. Instead of that being the case, the relationships were really well done. It felt realistic for a man struggling with his separation while still wanting to be in his kids' lives. So, I was able to anticipate where it was going and quickly reassure myself that this was going to be a wholesome tale.
Okay, so "wholesome" is maybe the wrong word because there was some truly perfectly-placed spice throughout this story! I appreciated the way the scenes weren't there for the sake of just being there, but they were necessary to elicit emotions as the story was read. They caused anxiety, embarrassment, and of course, there were a couple of swoony scenes too.
The location and the secondary characters played a huge part in what endeared me to the book. I mean, a small Irish island with a group of knitting "oddballs" who really take in all the strays. What's not to love? I want novellas or spin-off stories for every one of those incredible characters! I appreciated that the more that we got into the book, the more they appeared and the further we got to look into their lives.
I recently watched "A Castle for Christmas" and so many elements of that movie reminded me of this book - from the similar location, to the knitting group, to a writer looking for inspiration in where she's staying but finding love as well! If you've seen that movie and enjoyed it, you'll love this book. Also, this book has the "one bed" trope (or... one cabin? but essentially the same concept).
Speaking of looking for inspiration, I loved that the whole reason for Cleo visiting the island in the first place. Marrying herself might sound like a weird concept, but the self-love that was represented was truly inspiring for ME! And I love that she didn't just give up on that idea even though she "found a man" as well. So many books seem to just ditch the self-love mantra when the romance comes into play, but not this one!
Honestly, I could keep raving about this book, but I'm going to leave it at that and say read it ASAP!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Minor: Death and Grief
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