The Getaway by Isabelle Broom published by Hodder & Stoughton

At her 30^th birthday party Kate decides to take the bull by the horns and pop the question to her long term boyfriend James, but when silence surrounds her proposal she realises she’s made a massive mistake. Overnight, the video of her popping the question has gone viral and she’s an internet hit for all the wrong reasons. So distraught Kate hops on a plane to getaway from the embarrassing situation she’s found herself in.

Seeking solace in Croatia with her brother Toby and his husband Fillipo who are renovating a hostel, Kate discovers a hidden talent for interior design. Working alongside dreadlocked, bearded handyman Alex, Kate discovers that his laid back attitude to life is not only refreshing but is also catching!

Kate was a lovely character, but felt so vulnerable that you just wanted to scoop her in your arms and hug her – I was so glad that she had a good friend in Robyn who had her back and looked after her. James on the other side was a real pantomime villain and every time his name appeared on a page, I just wanted to boo him!!

The wonderful thing about this book, and I think the thing that made it for me was the setting…Croatia. I found myself constantly googling walks that Kate took so I could see where she was, and I’m ashamed to say that I never knew that it was such a beautiful country, with so many islands. Isabelle describes the winding streets and the stunning views so well that you actually feel like you’re there. After this book, you will definitely put Croatia on your bucket list.

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