Where books are borrowed, friendships are forged and secrets uncovered…

As a beautiful summer unfolds in the Croatian islands, Ana Meštrović embarks on a new venture – transforming her beloved catamaran into a floating library.

Joined by crew members Lloyd, a widower whose past threatens to overshadow everything, and Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, the newly formed trio all have their own powerful reasons for needing the travelling library to be a success.

As they explore stunning coastlines and visit picturesque harbours, they learn that, sometimes, the most profound changes happen not just in the pages of a book, but in the bonds formed along the way…

My Review

As with Eva’s other novels, of which I have read and reviewed two, The Croatian Island Library is a delight. Our three main protagonists are likeable, particularly shy, withdrawn Natali. I have to admit that Ana got on my nerves at times, with her indecision about virtually everything and her ‘what would others think’. She’s not a teenager, she’s in her mid-thirties, time to find herself I think.

Widower Lloyd is an inspiration and seems more capable of running the library than Ana. He has amazing ideas which probably saves the venture, but he does have his own secrets, which could also derail the project altogether.

Then we have my two favourite characters – Obi, a terrier of indeterminate breed, who provides the most heart-stopping moment in the book (and yes I flipped to the end to make sure the dog is OK). And Baka, the old lady who befriends Natali and changes both their lives.

The Croatian Island Library is filled with emotion, and characters who are beautifully written. We are rooting for all three, in spite of their flaws, which simply makes them human. I look forwartd to Eva’s next book.

Many thanks to the author and to NetGalley for a review copy.

About the Author in her own words

“I love to write emotional women’s fiction inspired by beautiful places and the stories they hide. My passion is to travel (when possible, of course), but luckily I find inspiration can strike just as well at home or abroad.

“My last holiday before lockdown was a trip to Croatia, and the country’s haunting histories and gorgeous scenery have proved fertile ground, driven by my friendship with a tour guide I met there. His wartime story provided the inspiration for The Olive Grove and his help in creating a realistic portrayal of Croatian life has proved invaluable. My second and third novels set in the country, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter are dual timelines looking back to World War 2. My books are published by One More Chapter, a division of Harper Collins.

“I am also inspired by the work of my own favourite authors, who include Victoria Hislop, Rosanna Ley, Angela Petch, Jenny Ashcroft and Elizabeth Buchan.

“Although I am Welsh I am now happily settled in Cornwall, and I’m lucky enough to have been married to the love of my life for more than twenty-five years. I also write as Jane Cable.”