Will the search for precious metals result in finding something more important and lasting?

Synopsis

Her work has got in the way of relationships before – but never like this

Anna’s job as a geologist takes her all over the world, including to the beautiful island of Elba, where she’s sent to look for precious metals. And the island isn’t the only thing that’s gorgeous – she can’t believe her luck when she meets windsurfer Marco and sparks fly.

But Anna must keep her role on Elba a secret to avoid upsetting the locals, which means lying to Marco even as they grow closer. When her old friend Toby visits, Anna suddenly finds herself torn between the attentions of the two men. However, Anna’s not the only one keeping secrets.

Is Marco being entirely honest with her? And why did Toby really come to visit?

A fun and escapist romance, perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

My review

Anna has travelled all over the world for her job as a geologist. The company she works for, is now sending her to the island of Elba, trying to find also there a hidden treasure.
But the people from Elba aren’t eager to for company that want to spoil their precious land, and windsurfer Marco is one of them.
So while Anna is keeping the purpose of being on the island a secret, the attraction she feels for Marco is only growing.
But Marco has a certain reputation, even if she hasn’t seen any proof of it herself.
And what about Toby, an old friend that reappeared in her life? Is his visit to Elba purely so that e can see her again? Or is there another reason?

Steps I took before starting to read this story:

1.       Find a comfy seat on the coach

2.       Make sure that there are drinks and (junk) food nearby so I don’t have to get up when I get thirsty or hungry

3.       Put my phone on ‘mute’ to avoid getting disturbed

4.       Put my legs up

5.       Forget all the rest

And again this author managed to write a story about the beauties in Italy, but also a story that left me wondering where it all would go.

Anna has a real passion for being a geologist, but she also realistically acknowledges that her job is also the reason that she hasn’t found someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with.
That fact and realization that she cannot keep doing what she is doing now, makes her wonder where her future lays, without losing herself.

She quickly falls in love with Elba, and also its inhabitants are all being very kind to her, even they don’t know the real reason why she is here.
I loved reading how she befriended Jack and his dog George. Becoming friends with the elder man shows us already what a kind person Anna really is. She truly cares about Jack and she enjoys the long walks with George, and playing with him.

It was funny to read how our main character went from being alone, suddenly having the attention of two men! 

Toby and Marco are very different people, and just like Anna, I wouldn’t know what to do!
I’m not going to give anything away, but there were moments where some actions made my preferences go to one man, and then later on shift to the other man.

The story swept me away, like the author always manages to do with his books. I could nearly feel the sand between my toes, the fresh air in my lungs and fall in love with the island. There were moments I longed to be with Anna, or even being Anna!
Each time I read a new book, I have a small fear that this will be the story that won’t meet the high expectations. However after reaching the end, I had to admit that now my expectations are even higher than before!