One Night on the Island

A Novel

By: Josie Silver

Narrated by: Eleonor Tomlinson, Davis Brooks

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of One Day in December . . . When a double-booking at a remote one-room cabin accidentally throws two solace seekers together, it feels like a cruel twist of fate. But what if it’s fate of a different kind?

“A perfectly executed and quintessential romantic comedy.”—Christina Lauren, author of The Unhoneymooners

Spending her thirtieth birthday alone is not what dating columnist Cleo Wilder wanted, but she plans a solo retreat―at the insistence of her boss―in the name of re-energizing herself and adding a new perspective to her column. The remote Irish island she’s booked is a far cry from London, but at least it’s a chance to hunker down in a luxury cabin and indulge in some self-care while she figures out the next steps in her love life and her career.

Mack Sullivan is also looking forward to some time to himself. With his life in Boston deteriorating in ways he can’t bring himself to acknowledge, his soul-searching has brought him to the same Irish island to explore his roots and find some clarity. Unfortunately, a mix-up with the bookings means both have reserved the same one-room hideaway on exactly the same dates.

Instantly at odds, Cleo and Mack don’t know how they’re going to manage until the next weekly ferry arrives. But as the days go by, they no longer seem to mind each other’s company quite as much as they thought they would.

Written with Josie Silver’s signature charm, One Night on the Island explores the meaning of home, the joys of escape, and how the things we think we want are never the things we really need.

©2022 Josie Silver (P)2022 Random House Audio

Not my cup of tea

The book is interesting at first, but then the main characters (Cleo and Mack) both started to irritate me. The way how they are so opposite, I thought would be fun, but then it just started to become annoying. Mack constantly complains, Cleo constantly whines, it just got too much. I continued reading thinking it would get better, but truthfully have no patience. I get enough stress from certain people in life, this book was no escape for me.

P.S Mack’s voice does not seem to match the character’s voice. It’s too monotone, personally.

Oh Dear

Oh Dear! My heart was not prepared for this one.

1. Josie Silver should write every book
2. This book is so good I may not ever be able to love another.
3. I do not regret the hours I spent listening, not one bit.

Might Have Enjoyed it More if I read it Instead

The overall premise of the story was good and it was very well written. I think this book would work better read than listened to. I will admit, I am super picky with narrators. The male narrator seemed like he was reading from a manual with no emotion at all. I have listened to other books done by the female narrator and really enjoyed them. She was really good in this as well, but my pet peeve was when it switched POV's and she would do the male part and he would do the female part. She was British and he was American, but neither one of them made any attempt to change up their accent or even their tone for that matter to differentiate between the characters. Mac's character kind of got on my nerves as well with the way he went on and on about his marriage and telling us how his kids were the most important thing in the world to him in every chapter...we get it! It was a nice story about finding yourself, but one that is probably better read than listened to.

Not for everyone.

I love Josie Silver, but this book missed the mark for me for some reason and I just couldn't finish it. If affairs, cheating, and divorce are triggers for you, I wouldn't recommend reading. I didn't think it would bother me too much but the entire plot just didn't make any sense for a long time. Mack is still in love with his wife and misses his kids, and when he gets to the Island he's still not even sure if he wants a divorce. Cleo is a romance writer who is self-partnering, and the fight all the time to the point nothing feels like chemistry other than their late night chats when they tell each other three random things. I think this story is an acquired taste and while I wanted to know what happened with Mack and Cleo I just couldn't continue listening.

Additionally while Eleonor Tomlinson is a narrating goddess, Davis Brooks leaves something wanting during Mack's chapters causing it to feel disjointed.

Pleasantly surprised

I so enjoyed Ms. Silvers' last two books, and had a bit of apprehension when this one started a bit rocky. I decided to give it a couple hours of my time, and by that point, I was hooked.
I am closer in ago to the character Dolores, yet found many of the main character's observations and learnings to be ageless. The author has a way with words, and I found myself nodding with recognition of feelings numerous times throughout the story. Many of us have that brief romance that we file away in the back of our brains when we marry; and this book brought forth the sweetness of those long ago memories.

I loved this book.

I found myself going on a self-discovery journey along with Cleo. The storyline was romantic and all the characters were lovable, however, the best part of the book, was taking a closer look at myself esteem.

Exceptional

Exceptional is all that I can say. Makes you want to jump on a plane to Salvation Island.....

Just Perfect

All of Josie Silver’s books hold a special place in my heart. And, this is no exception. It made me laugh and made cry. Eleonor Tomlinson always delivers the most wonderful narrations. Truly loved this one.

Brilliant romance

I loved this novel & I love Josie Silver! The characters, messages of the importance of belonging & fantastic narration makes this a must read!

So Much More Than One Night

A lovely story of introspection, new friendships, new love, and deciding what is really important in life. Narrators we’re the best I’ve heard in a while.