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Saturday 27 May 2017

One Endless Summer by Laurie Ellingham #bookreview

 

 

 About One Endless Summer

Three best friends.
Three continents.
Three months to live.

How long can you keep a secret?

Three best friends are embarking on an all-expenses paid trip of their dreams. The only catch? Every moment will be documented on film.

Lizzie’s battle with cancer is coming to an end, and now she’s ready to embrace adventure for the very first time. There are only three months, but it is Lizzie’s time to finally start living!

Jaddi is known for her stunning looks, flirtatious attitude and many conquests. But Jaddi has a secret and on this last trip together she needs to decide whether her best friends will ever know the real her.

Samantha has always been the ‘grown up’ of the group, the one with a five year plan. What Lizzie and Jaddi don’t know is that Sam is trapped, and her perfect life isn’t quite what it seems…

As they trek across the globe Lizzie, Jaddi and Samantha must come to terms with loss, love and trusting one another. But will it all be too late…

My review of One Endless Summer

I absolutely loved this innovative and truly original story about three friends travelling the world. Lizzie, Jaddi  and Samantha all have their own hidden secrets and reasons for embarking upon the holiday of a lifetime, even if they are going to be filmed 24/7 for a reality television show. I loved this story from beginning to end and was so sad when it ended.

From the book's blurb you might be fooled into thinking that this will be a depressing read about a young woman on holiday with her two best friends, making the most of things with only three months to live. But, don't be fooled into thinking that this is what the book is all about, because it isn't. This is a remarkable book, in that it is incredibly uplifting, not depressing in the least, in fact there are many funny moments,  and segments of the book that are particularly thoughtful in terms of its portrayal of a young woman with terminal cancer. The author has got the balance just right, in explaining what life is like for Lizzie, while at the same time not allowing the cancer to take over her unique character.

I loved all of the characters in this book. All different, all likeable in different ways and all with their own unique story to tell. The main story obviously revolves around Lizzie, as the reason they are on an all expenses paid holiday, curtsey of the television production company, is because she only has three months to live. This is her story. From the moment I met her on the page, I had an instant understanding of who she was and what she was about. I connected most with her. Jaddi, is the best friend who is opinionated, forthright and the organiser. She is the one that they all look to for guidance. But as the story unfolds, her true character is revealed, and when her true colours are revealed , I liked her even more. Lastly we have Samantha, and for me, it did take a lot longer for me to 'get her', but when I did, I also really liked her. For me, her secret was the hardest to swallow, and one that was hard to digest.

The plot of One Endless Summer is fast, twisty and at times it left me breathless, as I was swept along with the girls as they flew from one country to the next. I must admit that I also fell a little bit in love with Ben, the cameraman, who accompanied the girls on their travels. A gentle giant, whom I knew we would learn more about as the story unfolded. I think that we all need a Ben in our lives.

One Endless Summer is a story about loss, friendship, secrets but ultimately the root of this book is embedded in love. It truly is a fascinating read and one that I feel is the perfect summer read. I enjoyed this book immensely, it was such a treat to read, and I look forward to reading more by Laurie Ellingham.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy

One Endless Summer is published by HQ on April 20 and is available to buy from Amazon here




About the author

When I am not running around after my two children, my husband, our cockerpoo Rodney, or just plain running, I love nothing more than disappearing into the fictional world of my characters, preferably with a large coffee and a slab of chocolate cake to hand.

I have a First Class degree in Psychology and a background in Public relations, both of which help me in everything I do.

Thank you for your interest. You can follow me on Twitter - @laurieellingham - find me on Facebook - Laurie Ellingham Author - visit my website - www.laurie-ellingham.com - or email me at info@laurie-ellingham.com

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