**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
About the Book
Book: Island Charm
Author: Audrey Wick
Genre: Christian Contemporary Beach Read
Release date: May 14, 2021
An imposter in paradise.
When Anna Worthington’s twin sister gets jilted by her fiancé, Anna steps in with a plan for a girls’ Key West getaway instead of a honeymoon trip. Yet when her twin has her own crisis of commitment and doesn’t board the plane, Anna finds herself on a romantic getaway that she’s forced to navigate alone.
A vacation romance with an expiration date.
Gunnar Lockhart, whose specialty is island tourism, is the perfect match for helping Anna complete her vacation bucket list, but time together forges a connection more personal than either anticipate. As they make island memories, Anna has to untangle her mixed emotions. Are her feelings toward Gunnar real? Or like her sister’s wedding day, has this connection been doomed from the start?
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About the Author
Audrey Wick is a full-time English professor at Blinn College and author of women’s fiction/romance. Her writing has also appeared in college textbooks, and she is a guest blog columnist with Writer’s Digest. Wick believes the secret to happiness includes lifelong learning and good stories. But travel and coffee help. She has journeyed to over twenty countries—and sipped coffee at every one. See photos on her website audreywick.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @WickWrites.
More from Audrey
“The Importance of Setting in Fiction Writing”
My favorite element in writing a novel is setting. Making places come alive through storytelling brings special joy, and I’m fortunate to be able to do that in the pages of Island Charm.
Island Charm is my first beach-read, a standalone contemporary novel set in Key West. Key West is a small island in the Florida Keys, an archipelago that stretches west from the southern peninsula of Florida. The Keys dangle into the Gulf of Mexico like a string of island pearls. Key West is the last on the strand.
I first experienced Key West in the summer, but years later, I traveled back in winter. Whether its July or January, Key West is beautiful anytime of year. What I like best about the island is its walkability. It’s roughly four miles long and one mile across, making it easy to explore on foot. The boardwalk, docks, piers, and public beaches means there is plenty to experience. Fantastic views stretch in all directions.
Additionally, the island has an impressive literary history. Authors including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Shel Silverstein, Philip Burton, Judy Blume, and Meg Cabot have all called the island their home at one time or another. It’s easy to see why my heroine, Anna, is so taken with the scenery, just like these writers. I hope readers will be as well!
Follow Anna as she explores Key West in Island Charm. Thanks for traveling with me through the pages, and I hope readers enjoy their time on the island.
My Thoughts
If you are looking for an ideal summer escape, Island Charm is an ideal choice. When Anna's twin sister's wedding falls through, Anna finds herself on what was supposed to be her sister's honeymoon to Key West. Alone. What follows is a charming story that really just has all the summer vibes. I very much enjoyed the easy chemistry between Anna and Gunnar. They were both great characters who I really enjoyed learning about.
While it's certainly a light hearted beach read, there are also some really fantastic messages about finding yourself. I think the addition of Gunnar's friend Jack-- an older gentleman dealing with dementia really adding a depth to the story as well. I cannot say that visiting Florida has ever been something I desired... but this book actually had me thinking a nice beach vacay sounded nice.
Overall, I thought this was truly an ideal summer read and one that I really enjoyed. If you're looking for a sweet romance that will take you away, this is definitely one to check out.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, June 19
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 20
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, June 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 22
Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 22
The Write Escape, June 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 24
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 24
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 25
Inklings and notions, June 26
Blogging With Carol, June 26
For Him and My Family, June 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28
Simple Harvest Reads, June 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
deb’s Book Review, June 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30
Kayem Reads , June 30
CarpeDiem, July 1
Genesis 5020, July 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 2
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Audrey is giving away the grand prize package of a CD that includes a digital copy of Island Charm as well as multiple full-length novels also published by Pelican Book Group!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10db6/island-charm-celebration-tour-giveaway
Randi, thank you for featuring Island Charm. I am so glad you found it to be an ideal summer read and that you especially enjoyed the sweet character of Jack. I appreciate you reading and sharing this!
ReplyDeleteKey West is an exotic and romantic setting for a novel. As a rule, vacation romances are short-lived, but this one has staying power.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a good read.
ReplyDelete