Title: The Summer Job

Author: Lizzy Dent

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: 15th April 2021

Rating: 4/5

Cover:

Summary:

Have you ever imagined running away from your life?

Well Birdy Finch didn’t just imagine it. She did it. Which might’ve been an error. And the life she’s run into? Her best friend, Heather’s.

The only problem is, she hasn’t told Heather. Actually there are a few other problems…

Can Birdy carry off a summer at a luxury Scottish hotel pretending to be her best friend (who incidentally is a world-class wine expert)?

And can she stop herself from falling for the first man she’s ever actually liked (but who thinks she’s someone else).

Review:

I was really in the mood for a fun and uplifting read and The Summer Job totally delivered! The story follows Birdy Finch, a young woman who has drifted through a variety of jobs and whose life lacks purpose. When her best friend, who is a renowned sommelier in an ill advised relationship, follows a boyfriend to Italy and ditches her summer job at a luxury hotel in Scotland – Birdy decides to take her place with the hope she can blag her way through it! Once there, Birdy meets a colourful cast of characters who begin to have a real impact on her life.

I really enjoyed this book! Birdy is such a great character to follow, she is funny and engaging in a way that makes it easy to forgive her deception. Her flighty and irreverent demeanour however does cover a troubled childhood which gives the story a real depth and meaning whilst never detracting from the humour present throughout as she desperately tries to fake a knowledge of fine wine and cuisine. I liked that Birdy valued friendship as highly, if not more so, than romance and I loved her developing relationship with the shy yet passionate chef, James. Being Scottish myself, I absolutely adored the setting which brings Scotland to life beautifully and gives The Summer Job a fabulous sense of atmosphere. Overall, a funny and infinitely addictive read with fantastic characters that I fell a little bit in love with. The Summer Job really is the perfect summer read!

Thank you so much to Ellie Hudson for the invitation to join this blog tour and for the gifted copy of the book! My views are entirely my own honest opinion.