Guest Review: The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan

On the quayside next to the Endless Beach sits the Summer Seaside Kitchen. It's a haven for tourists and locals alike, who all come to eat the freshest local produce on the island and catch up with the gossip. Flora, who runs the cafe, feels safe and content - unless she thinks too hard about her relationship with Joel, her gorgeous but emotionally (and physically) distant boyfriend.

While Flora is in turmoil about her relationship. her best friend Lorna is pining after the local doctor. Saif came to the island as a refugee, having lost all of his family. But he's about to get some shocking news which will change everything for him.

As cold winter nights shift to long summer days, can Flora find her happy-ever-after with Joel?

Review: I was very pleased when I found this latest novel from one of my favourite writers, Jenny Colgan, in audiobook format, and listened to it in just a couple of sittings. I anticipated a compelling, romantic and heartwarming story, and I was not disappointed. 

The story is set principally in the lovely but remote Scottish island of Mure, which readers may remember from Jenny's last book, The Summer Seaside Kitchen. Once again, the central character is Flora MacKenzie, who has returned to the island after a spell living in London and has opened the Summer Seaside Kitchen, a cafe popular with locals and tourists alike. Flora is in a somewhat troubled relationship with Joel, an American lawyer representing Colton, an American millionaire with interests in the island. Her best friend and island teacher, Lorna, is also having romantic problems, having a crush on Saif, the doctor who came to the island as a refugee, having become separated from his wife and sons. 

There are, of course, a host of other characters in the story, including Flora's family, many of the islanders, staff and visitors connected with the local activity centre and people from Joel's background. Although there are some humorous parts to the tale, some more serious topics are dealt with causing pain and a great deal of worry for some figures. 

I would definitely recommend this latest book about the island of Mure to anyone looking for an entertaining read. At the very least, you find yourself wanting to be transported to this lovely spot and the amazing beach of the title, with the added lure of some delicious snacks from the Seaside Kitchen. Jenny has included a selection of recipes for Scottish specialities for those of us feeling creative. 

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US