Coming Home to Winter Island by Jo Thomas

Wrap up warm and prepare to explore the breath-taking beauty of a remote Scottish island and an old house waiting to unlock enchanting family secrets.
Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover. But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met. City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor. But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought. There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ...

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My Review:

Another of my absolute favourites, Jo Thomas always delivers a fantastic read that will transport you to amazing places with wonderful characters and brilliant story lines.

Ruby, unable to do what she loves and sing, finds herself on a journey of discovery – of how to make a very special gin but also in discovering who she really is, where she came from and importantly what she is capable of.

I adored the picturesque sounding Winter Island, described so well by Jo, I could really picture every aspect of the close-knit community. Yet another fantastic location for this book, which has become synonymous with every Jo Thomas book.

Aside from Ruby, who is a fantastic character and her rollercoaster relationship with Lachlan, I adored Hector and thought the inclusion of how he was suffering from Alzheimer’s but had periods of lucidity through music was absolutely breath taking and so emotional. As someone who has watched loved ones suffer, this hit home hard but thought it was written in the most tender, touching ways plus Hector is quite the mischievous character and added some extra heart to the story.

Such an eclectic bunch of characters within the community, moments of hilarity and then a rollercoaster of emotions. There are some interesting surprises and little twists that I didn’t expect, I think Jo Thomas is an absolute diamond for telling a story with such heart and soul, always with something delicious to tempt us with.

I couldn’t put this book down, as with every one I read from Jo. I couldn’t recommend this one any more to everyone that loves a great story with lovable characters, perfect to cosy up with.