All the Ingredients for a Quintessential Summer Read!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Inspired Contemporary Romance
SETTING: Modern-Day South Carolina
SERIES: Wedding Planners #1
SYNOPSIS:
Ellie Barrett is finally on the fantastic tropical vacation for which she has saved up for 6 years. On her first night she encounters William Davies, who is also traveling alone, and allows him to share her table at dinner (since he failed to make his own reservation). The two end up on the same snorkeling trip the next day and decide that since they are both alone, it might be wise to “buddy-up” during their vacation excursions. Neither Ellie nor William were expecting anything more than friendship from this arrangement, but all this time together continues to build the attraction and admiration that both are valiantly trying to suppress and conceal. What happens when their vacation friendship turns into a vacation romance….? And is it the kind of romance that will last?
NOTE: This story is very loosely inspired by P&P, the characters are similar in name and some personality traits only.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Resort Vacation: I love the vacation Ellie went on…I’ve been on ones like it – although in the Caribbean, not the South Pacific! Ellie and William experience all the fun of staying in a beautiful resort: oceanside villas, snorkeling, wave-runners, dining with an ocean view, visiting local markets, boat rides to uninhabited islands, and thanks to Ellie – a beach clean-up! Since travel like this isn’t possible at the moment, living vicariously through Ellie and William was a fantastic indulgence!
- The Romance: I loved Ellie and William together – how their relationship started as friends and amicable travel companions, how they both fought their own attraction for each other, and how they found such fulfilling happiness and joy together. Their time together was sincere, captivating, and memorable.
- Ellie’s Life: I enjoyed seeing more of Ellie’s family and life. She has a strong and nurturing support group with Jena (her sister), Charlie (her friend), and her father. I loved Ellie’s strength and independence, and the glimpses we saw of her daily life – her work (she co-owns a wedding business with Jena and Charlie), her visits to the park, and her time with her family at her home. There was charm, contentment, and self-sufficiency in her life that was admirable.
- Forgiveness and Trust: The relationship between Ellie and William takes quite a different course in this story. It is one that has less pride and prejudice and more emotional baggage and hurtful mistakes. I enjoyed the poignancy of this tale and I appreciated how accurately and perceptively Ms. Diamond featured relationship obstacles such as broken trust and earning forgiveness.
- It’s A Series: I loved my introduction to these characters, their history, and the charming small-town of Marysville, South Carolina they live in. And I am so glad that there is more in store! In this three book series Jena and Charlie also have their own stories. And judging by the book descriptions, it looks like each story is inspired by a different Jane Austen novel!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: A couple of times the story jumps forward in time. And while these jumps allow the pace of the story to progress steadily without lag, part of me was wanting to spend more time with certain developments before moving forward. In addition, part of me feels conflicted about one of Ellie’s decisions – I understand her fear, but at the same time kinda feel she should have done what was right regardless of that fear. But then again, I’ve never been in her situation, so…
WARNING: Since there are a few romantic intimate scenes and uses of strong language, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences.
CONCLUSION:
With a tropical vacation, a whirlwind romance, and a charming small-town setting – this story has all the ingredients for a quintessential summer read! It’s Always Been You is a flirty, fun, and remarkably satisfying contemporary romance! I cannot wait to spend more time in Marysville, South Carolina with these characters!
Thanks for the amazing review, Meredith! I’m thrilled you enjoyed Ellie and William’s story! It’ll be fun to look for the hints in the second two. I think Charlie and Jensen are a bit obvious 🙂
My pleasure, Leslie! Thank you for writing such fun and touching stories! I cannot wait to continue reading. These are the perfect vacation reads for not being able to go on vacation!
I love this series! I know it’s not Darcy and Elizabeth but it’s close enough and I do love Leslie’s writing!
Yes I do think Ellie made a mistake with her decision and I felt sorry for William but *spoiler alert* it does have a happy ending! 🙂
I hope you get to enjoy the other two soon Meredith!
I could understand both sides really. It’s definitely a tricky trust issue. I’m just glad most people could forgive both of them. Thanks, Glynis!
Same here, Glynis! It is close enough, I don’t mind the deviation. And yes, must have a happy ending!!
Ohhh, this sounds really cute! And really appropriate for summer! Love the review!
I hope so! I was yearning for sun and beautiful weather during a dreary British winter. Writing this helped a LOT! 🙂 Thanks, Christine!
Definitely! Thanks for reading my review!
I want that vacation too. I loved reading this story and experiencing all the highs and lows of our dear couple falling in love. Heck, I was in love as soon as Leslie started describing their locale. Heavy sigh.
It was idyllic wasn’t it? I was entranced by those long rows of villas in the Maldives. Thanks!
So true, Jeanne! I was too! I would’ve happily jumped into this novel right at page one! 🙂
enjoyed the review.
d
Thank you, Denise!
I too loved this series, and I understand those who were disappointed with Ellie, however, that decision is what makes for the best tension in the book, and I happen to be an angst lover! We all can get through it and find the HEA in any case, so all is well. I’m biased, but I love all of Leslie’s work. Thanks, Meredith, for an insightful review that helps readers to enjoy this just in time for the beach read.
This one did have a bit of angst, but at least there was a HEA to look forward to. Thanks, Suzan!
That is true, Suzan. It definitely ratcheted up the angst!
I hope this book gets to be many people’s summertime read!
A vacation romance! This would make a perfect summer read.
I hope so!! 🙂 Thanks, Sophia Rose!
Yes!! I am so glad I started my summer with it!
This sounds as if it will be for the most part a fun read with some emotional hills and valleys. I should put this in my TBR.
Yay! I hope you enjoy! Thanks, Jen D!
What a great way to describe it! I agree! 😉
I own the series but haven’t had time to read the books yet, but now I can’t wait! I’m leaving for a 2-week camping vacation on Friday and these are coming with me!
Yay! I hope you enjoy them! Thanks, Gail!
YAY!!! That sounds perfect! I know they will be terrific companions! I can’t wait to hear what you think. 🙂 I am planning on reading the next book soon too!
I’m such a big fan of Leslie Diamond’s books, both modern and historic. I’ve got these in my TBR but haven’t read them yet. I loved your review.
Thank you so much, Michelle! I hope you enjoy them when you read them 🙂
Thank you, Michelle! I hope you can get the chance to read them soon! I definitely recommend the first book being a summer read!
I read and enjoyed this series also. Great review, Meredith.
Thanks, Sheila!
Thank you, friend!