GIFTED / I am so happy to present you my first #OwnVoices review (if you can call it that). This was my first time that I read a romance novel set in my own country, written by an foreign author. It was interesting to see how people outside Croatia look upon our little country.
I got this novel in an exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
The Secret Cove in Croatia was published on July 28th 2019 by HarperImpulse and it has 400 pages.
About the book:
FROM GOODREADS / Sail away to beautiful Croatia for summer sun, sparkling turquoise seas and a will-they-won’t-they romance you won’t be able to put down!
When no-nonsense, down-to-earth Maddie Wilcox is offered the chance to work on a luxury yacht for the summer, she can’t say no. Yes she’ll be waiting on the posh guests… But island-hopping around the Adriatic sea will more than make up for it – especially when Nick, her best friend Nina’s brother, is one of them.
Sparks fly when they meet on board and Maddie can’t believe self-entitled jerk Nick is really related to Nina. But in a secret, picture-perfect cove, away from the real world, Maddie and Nick discover they might have more in common than they realise…
Review:
When my friend Amanda (who has an amazing blog ChocolatePages and you should check her blog) told me about The Secret Cove in Croatia I knew I had to read this book.
You see, I love reading books set in different countries that talk about people, food and love, but I have never read that type of book set in my own country.
I wanted to see what perspective foreign author would have on Croatia and it’s residents, and critical side of me wanted to check if descriptions will be authentic.
I have to say, I was so impressed by the way Julie Caplin described Croatia and I truly believe this book will make you consider to take a trip to this country after you finish it.
It was obvious that the author loved places she visited while she was doing her research for this novel, and I applause her for the way she described everything.
There are plenty of places and food mentioned, and even some characteristics of Croatians.
I like how characters of the book drank Karlovačko, our national beer, or Cedevita (which, actually, you can find in more then three flavours and everyone drinks it, not only kids (I’m drinking lime-mint flavour as I’m writing this review)).
The story itself was pretty enjoyable, although I think I would like it more if it was little shorter.
The writing style was also really good and now I understand why so many readers are in love with Caplin’s work.
However, there are two things I didn’t particularly like:
1. The characters were unlikeable, and they were all black and white (even though I wasn’t a fan of the main character who was “white” (and here I talk about personalities)).
I wish they were more dimensional, especially the one character who is pictured as main villain.
2. I don’t like the way author handled a serious topic called eating disorder (bulimia).
This is the fifth book in the series, but it can be read as standalone.
I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for a relaxing summer read filled with sunshine, sea, food and romance.
Book Dust Magic 
Thank you for mentioning me here Irena. I am about 70% through this book at the moment. At first I wasn’t gripped by it, but within a few chapters I liked where it was going. A nice easy read with lots of reasons to visit Croatia. I was looking forward to seeing your thoughts on it. I’m glad they represented Croatia well. It does sound very beautiful.
You sent me that drink too. 😊.
I am nearly finished the book so my review will be up quite soon.
Amanda xx
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Ohh, I can’t wait to read your thoughts about this book!
How did you like Cedevita? I think I never asked you, even though I wanted to.
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I did enjoy the book. But like you say the characters were very annoying. Cedevita was the powder drink I think. You sent me orange and lemon. They were nice and felt healthy. I took one to work and had one at home. 😊
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Yes, it is a powder drink. They have vitamins. We really like it here in Croatia, I drink it almost every day.
I am glad I’m not the only one who found characters to be annoying. I feel like everyone else is giving it 5 stars, I gave it 4 but now wheb I think about it it’s more like 3,5 .
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