So excited about this new summer series, which I’ve decided to call Lazy Days of Summer Book Reviews, because, hey, I am being kinda lazy. You, my dear readers, are reviewing MY to-be-read books and telling me all about them. In the meantime, I’m brainstorming for the next book I’m going to write. So many thanks to all of you who’ve volunteered!
The first review is of a contemporary romance novel titled Five Days in Skye, by Carla Laureano. I know Carla and she’s a true mentor, not to mention a fun gal. I enjoyed her recent interview on how her main character went through some of the same experiences she did as a working woman. You can find that here at Fresh Fiction.
A big thank you to Amy Drown, who wrote this review and let me re-post it. Amy has a lovely and very Scotch-looking blog here: Amy’s blog. Lovin’ the plaid, Amy!
By the way, this novel is set in Skye, Scotland. Exotic locale, anyone? Count me in!
FIVE DAYS IN SKYE by Carla Laureano
Book Review by Amy Drown
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| FIVE DAYS IN SKYE–Amazon link |
About Five Days in Skye:
Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last chance to snag a high-profile client or she’ll have to kiss her dreams of promotion goodbye. When she’s sent to meet Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, she just wants to finish her work as efficiently as possible. Yet her client is not the opportunistic womanizer he portrays himself to be, and her attraction to him soon dredges up memories she’d rather leave buried.
For James, renovating the family hotel is a fulfillment of his late father’s dreams. When his hired consultant turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely unimpressed by his public persona, he makes it his mission to win her over. He just never expects to fall under her spell.
Soon, both Andrea and James must face the reality that God may have a far different purpose for their lives—and that five days in Skye will forever change their outlook on life and love.
In My Honest Opinion:
It is a truth universally acknowledged… that a novel set in Scotland is going to find its way into my hands sooner or later. With Carla Laureano’s Five Days in Skye, I am thrilled that it was sooner. This debut novel takes the reader to places few Contemporary Christian Romance novels dare to go—and I loved every minute of it.
The chemistry between Andrea and James leaps off the page like an electric current, and the vivid descriptions of upscale London and the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland will have you packing your bags for a UK vacation long before you reach the last page. But the best part of this romance may very well be these characters’ imperfections. Neither Andrea nor James are what they wish others to perceive them to be, and as their facades are slowly stripped away, we get to know two broken, insecure people who struggle to balance faith and success in their fast-paced, high-pressure world. Laureano refuses to let her characters—or the reader—shy away from asking the really tough questions about faith, second chances, and trusting in the seemingly impossible, and as a result, Five Days in Skye is as challenging and uplifting as it is entertaining. The secondary characters come alive as well, laying an enticing groundwork for future novels in this series.
Make no mistake—Laureano’s one-two punch of heart-pounding romance and thought-provoking realism will have you returning to Five Days in Skye over and over again.
Favorite Scenes:
Making omelets for dinner. And the sheep. Wait for the sheep. 
Survey Says:
FIVE STARS! Five Days in Skye is a sigh-worthy, smile-inducing passport to a contemporary romance vacation you’ll want to repeat often. A summer reading must-have!
To read more about Carla Laureano and Five Days in Skye, click on the link above or visit her website.
AMY DROWN studied History at the University of Arizona and the University of Glasgow. An executive assistant by day, she is also an award-winning photographer and musician. But her true passion is writing edgy, inspirational stories that explore the deep roots of family, friendship and faith. She is a 2013 ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist (Contemporary Fiction), and was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions Finalist (Historical Fiction). Connect with Amy and learn more about Deep-Rooted Fiction™ at www.AmyDrown.com.
****Thank you so much, Amy! I’ve enjoyed Carla’s desire to bring imperfect characters to life with her novel–makes it more believable and relatable! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Have any of you readers been to Scotland? Have any of you read this book? Do tell!****
Well, it looks as though another book will be added to my TBR list ~ this sounds really good! I love the cover. Thanks Amy and Heather!
Great review, Amy!I LOVED Five Days in Skye, LOVED it.
Thanks for the review, I know someone who will love this book! I'll pass it along to them.
I know, I've heard nothing but good things about this book! Glad this review helped–thanks for sharing it, Amy!