—1.5 stars—

Welcome to another episode of Lyra Reads Terrible Audiobooks On Libby Because She’s Bored

Literally NOTHING HAPPENED.
And the narrator’s attempt at a Scottish accent made me want to cry.

Who wouldn't love a pleasant summer read set in gorgeous Corfu, Greece with quirky characters, a hair-dye mystery, and a lovely hotel that will change a young woman's life for the better?

Abbie always wanted a beautiful cottage with her own garden, but with the embarrassing and humiliating end of her romance with her selfish employer and the uncalled-for loss of her job, all that was put on hold. Until her new inheritance from her estranged aunt she never met gave her the chance she needed to get out of London.  Running The Hummingbird Hotel is a frightening task for a botanist, but her new and delightful friends in Corfu do not hesitate to help her. Especially, her handsome next-door neighbor and Cordon Bleu chef, Nikos, who feels a little out of his element running his family's struggling winery on his own. It will be difficult to sell the hotel and move back home to the UK, but isn't home where the heart is? 

Abbie's self-confidence builds as she gets her life on track in a new country with new friends. She slowly realizes that her dreams can be achieved in Corfu as she falls in love with the friendly community and the peaceful setting.  Not to mention the moody, yet supportive Nikos who comes to her rescue more than once as she learns the ropes in running a hotel. Nikos' sacrifices for his family is commendable since he knows nothing about vineyards and left his job as a great chef. He is generous with his time as he helps Abbie entertain her guests. They are destined to become so much more.

Supporting characters are abundant. Abbie's best friend, Emily, is direct and honest with her advice. There is the Australian, horoscope-touting, colorful lycra-wearing, muscular yoga master Felix with whom Abbie is greeted with the "Greek version of the Full Monty" as he steps out of the hotel pool. Sofia is the taverna owner who gives Abbie motherly advice and reveals why Abbie's aunt was estranged from her and her mother for so many years. Then of course there is the hen party with sabotage afoot when the bride-to-be appears with bright pink hair from a conditioner provided by Abbie.

With Ms. James' knack for adding mystery to her charming stories along with lovable characters and beautiful scenery, I highly recommend this refreshing beach read to while away the summer.

Thank you to Ms. James for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

When you feel disappointed and at a loose end, life often surprises you with new possibilities.

Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James

Blurb

Welcome to the Hummingbird Hotel!

When florist-to-the-stars Abbie Coleman catches a glimpse of her boyfriend through the window of Tiffany’s, she couldn’t be more excited. Keen to share her happiness, she organises a huge surprise party for all their family and friends… except things don’t quite work out as she expected, and instead of planning a flower-filled wedding, she finds herself single, and fired from a job she loves.

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, she jets off to her aunt’s quirky Hummingbird Hotel on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Little did she know that instead of spending her time lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, and soaking up the sun, she’d be stepping into the role of the island’s newest hotelier.

The arrival of unexpected guests sends Abbie into a tailspin of panic, and she’s forced to turn to snippy, but charismatic, vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos, for help. Why does the kitchen fill with smoke whenever she makes coffee? Why is there a naked man swimming in the pool? And why do the hotel’s toiletries turn their guests’ hair pink?

Despite all the chaos, the Hummingbird Hotel works its magic on Abbie, and she finds herself with a decision to make. Will she return home to the drizzly grey skies of London? Or will she take a leap of faith and embrace the new opportunities that little corner of paradise has to offer, and maybe, just maybe, discover a sprinkle of romance along the way?

My Opinion

Abbie is shocked to learn that she has inherited a hotel following the death of her aunt, she has no idea how to run a hotel so she is planning on selling up. On arrival in Corfu, Abbie is made aware that selling the hotel is not in the best interest of the local residents - will she change her mind?

A brilliant start to a great series that takes the reader away from reality with some great descriptions. From the opening chapters I felt like I was already among friends and cannot wait for my next holiday at the Hummingbird Hotel.

Rating 4/5