Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Emily is rich. Well her husband Mark is, working for an investment bank and Emily is very happy spending his money. That is, until something happens and Mark has to admit that their lifestyle has to change and Emily isn’t going to like it.
The story picks up their move to The Algarve, with frequent visits from their son Alex and several unintended adventures along the way. We see how both Mark and Emily have to adjust as well as how their social lives, bank balances, family dynamics and even Mark’s tennis game changes over time, and all because of a tiny tax problem Mark didn’t foresee.
With little hints about how the economy in the UK has been affected in the last 2 years (remember all the Prime Minister changes last year?) this light hearted holiday read really takes you out of rainy Britain and into the heart of The Algarve and the ex-pat community. Although it might be described as ‘chick lit’, the characters are well defined, the storyline flows and there’s a lovely style about it which makes each of the characters likeable; even Mark!
Throughout the novel there are some merry moments and thankfully, for a holiday read, there are no maudlin or heavy plots which get you down. Towards the end there are some great plot twists which are hinted at very subtly earlier in the book, but not obvious until the end. I found myself liking all of the characters, based on Emily and her family and friends, and the story was fun to watch unfold. If you live in London, especially in any of the Chelsea squares or work in City finance, you’ll recognise some of the characters and especially some of the tax legalities! You may well have friends or acquaintances who are in the same position as Emily and Mark and can empathise with. How will it end though? And I bet you didn’t think it would end in that way, did you?
Emily’s Algarve Escape is just that – the escape from Britain’s dreary summer this year and an adventure to sunnier climes with Emily and Mark making the mistakes for you along the way.
The Review Studio 
Hi Emma, It’s Debbie (DCR Bond) contacting you to say a huge thank you for taking the time to read my novel, Emily’s Algarve Escape and for penning such a comprehensive review. I really think you have nailed it! Brilliant. I love it!. Also particularly glad that you saw the positive elements of key characters, Emily, Mark and Alex and how they adapted during their move to The Algarve. Emily’s Algarve Escape is the first book in a duology. The second book has the same inciting incident, Mark getting fired, but his and the family’s reactions are very different, they stay in London and fight for their lifestyle. The POV’s change and it’s seen principally from Svetlana’s POV, I’m writing it now and it’s showing promise. So: I really am very, very appreciative and grateful for your very kind review. I do how we will stay in touch. All the best Debbie (DCR Bond)
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Oh this is excellent news Debbie! I’d be interested to read the second one especially as it’s based in Chelsea and I love that area and know it very well. Congratulations on the book and I hope it’s a success for you! -Emma
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