ONLINE BOOK CLUB: Reviewer Ananya92
28.06.2015
Another Summer by Sue Lilley is a book in the romance genre. It follows the story of Evie, as she braces up to confront reality, and Joe, who wants to make up for his past mistakes and reclaim his wife.
A call to his office changes it all. Evie finally accepts the truth staring in her face that her husband, Joe, has been lying to her for a long time. Unwilling to let him talk her out of it this time, she runs away to her grandmother’s house in Cornwall. Evie didn’t expect that recuperating from her sorrow would be so exciting, in the arms of an attractive, funny and much younger rock star, Jake. On the other side of the country, Joe has made up his mind that he has changed and he will make it up to Evie. Even if it means that he would have to fight the stormy weather and unprecedented pouring, to get to her. Can Evie forgive Joe for the last time or will it be the end of the road for them?
The story is written from the perspective of both the lead characters, Evie and Joe. The story is well structured and flows back and forth effortlessly between the past and the present. There are some good dialogues between the main characters, with a high dose of drama. The story is fast paced and it’s interesting to read how the plot twists unravel themselves. To add to all of this, there are steamy and passionate intimate scenes aplenty. Another great feature of this story is its unpredictability which will keep the reader hooked till the end.
The author has given us two relatable and well-rounded characters in the book. None of the lead characters are close to perfection and this factor makes the story fairly realistic. Evie has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister. Being naturally a shy and timid person, she easily falls prey to the charms of a practiced seducer. Evie’s vulnerability and forgiving nature is portrayed in a heartening manner. It is interesting to read about her transformation into a free spirited woman. Coming to Joe, he is the quintessential rake in many ways and even after being paid in the same coin, he doesn’t mend his ways. Until one day he comes back to an empty house, with his wife no longer there to listen to his excuses. The transformation in Joe is tremendous, and the author accomplishes this evolution in a smooth and believable manner. The other characters which I found quite likable are Heather and Jake. Heather, Joe’s sister, gives her unconditional support to Evie and acts as Joe’s conscience, when he needs the reality check the most. Jake has an arrogant yet a loving personality, and in his final scene, his character comes across as extremely adorable.
The only disappointing bit for me was Evie’s vulnerability. Even after going through all that she has, there is this one bit of her that wants to cling to fantasy. I wish that her character had grown strong-willed towards the end of the book. This is a story that holds immense appeal for readers of romantic fiction who like plots containing sizzling love triangles. I rate it 3 out of 4 stars.