Image showing three of the best books set in Spain: Retreat to the Spanish Sun, Sleeping Arrangements and Origin

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Reading lists

9 of the best books set in Spain

An interview with Taggie and Lucy from The Place We Met

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Features

Take the romantic trip of a lifetime

One Thousand Stars and You

Escape to the glistening sands of Sri Lanka in this romantic and heartwarming read about how one woman's life changed forever . . . 
 
 'An irresistible love story' Daily Express 
 ____________ 
 
 One spark will light up both their lives. 
 
 Alice is ready to settle down. It might not be the adventurous life she once imagined, but more than anything she wants to make everyone happy - her steady boyfriend, her over-protective mother – but first . . . A once in a lifetime trip to Sri Lanka. 
 Max is shaking things up. After a devastating injury, he is determined to prove himself. To find the man beyond the disability, to escape his smothering family and go on an adventure. 
 
 This trip to Sri Lanka is Alice's last hurrah - her chance to throw herself into the heat, chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from home. 
 
 It's also the moment she meets Max. 
 
 Alice doesn't know it yet, but her whole life is about to change. 
 
 Max doesn't know it yet, but he's the one who's going to change it. 
 ____________ 
 
 
 'Left us with tears in our eyes and a smile on our face' Heat 
 
 'We devoured it in one sitting' Closer 
 
 'The ultimate will-they-won't-they. Be sure to have tissues ready' Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't Call 
 
 'This wonderfully uplifting story takes you on a journey in every sense' Catherine Isaac, author of You, Me, Everything 
 
 'Pack your passport, because Isabelle Broom is about to take you on a beautiful emotional journey' Adele Parks, author of The Image of You 
 
 'Goregously romantic. This book will pick you up and sweep you into its pages' Milly Johnson, author of The Perfectly Imperfect Woman

Fun yet thought-provoking and emotional, this is Isabelle Broom's best book yet

An irresistible love story with an eclectic and lovable cast of characters. Unashamedly romantic and touching

This left us with tears in our eyes and a smile on our face

You can always expect an exotic location, some heart-melting romance and maybe even a few tears from an Isabelle Broom novel

A beautiful, romantic read. We devoured it in one sitting

This atmospheric romance will sweep you away

An irresistible love story full of will-they-won't-they moments. As romantic as the setting itself, this wonderfully uplifting story takes you on a journey in every sense

Pack your passport because Isabelle Broom is about to take you on a beautiful emotional journey

A romance full of Eastern promise . . . Isabelle Broom's atmospheric writing brings the sights and sounds, colours and flavours of Sri Lanka in such vivid detail that you almost feel you're there with the five friends. Step under the stars with them and enjoy their wonderful story

Gorgeously romantic. This book will pick you up and sweep you into its pages

Romantic perfection! The ultimate will-they-won't-they with two moving journeys at its heart. Nobody does irresistible love stories and stunning destinations quite like Isabelle Broom. Be sure to have tissues ready

Her beautiful writing is romantic and evocative and totally transported me to paradise

An exquisitely evoked, enveloping, warm, romantic story which reminds us to grasp life - and love - at every opportunity. A beautiful read

A beautiful story of heartbreak and forgiveness

Fresh, intelligent romantic fiction with a sparklingly escapist setting

Combines a wonderful setting with the poignancy of self-discovery and a touching romance

Brilliant, warm and beautifully judged - I raced through it

A lovely, absorbing novel, full of the beauty and mystery of the Mojacar

Beautiful, life-affirming stories that whisk you away and make you fall in love

Isabelle Broom was born in Cambridge nine days before the 1980s began and studied Media Arts in London before joining the ranks at Heat magazine, where she remains the Book Reviews editor. Always happiest when she is off on an adventure, Isabelle now travels all over the world seeking out settings for her novels, as well as making the annual pilgrimage to her true home - the Greek island of Zakynthos. Currently based in Suffolk, where she shares a cottage with her dog Max and approximately 467 spiders, Isabelle fits her writing around a busy freelance career and tries her best not to be crushed to oblivion under her ever-growing pile of to-be-read books.

Alice is settling down. It might not be the adventurous life she once imagined, but more than anything she wants to make everyone happy - her steady boyfriend, her over-protective mother - even if it means a little part of her will always feel stifled. 
 
Max is shaking things up. After a devastating injury, he is determined to prove himself. To find the man beyond the disability, to escape his smothering family and go on an adventure. 
 
A trip to Sri Lanka is Alice's last hurrah - her chance to throw herself into the heat, chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from home. 
 
It's also the moment she meets Max. 
 
Alice doesn't know it yet, but her whole life is about to change. 
 
Max doesn't know it yet, but he's the one who's going to change it.

The Place We Met

Fall in love with the romantic shores of Lake Como, Italy in this dazzling story about new beginnings 
 
'Fresh, intelligent, sparklingly escapist' Sunday Mirror 
 
Lake Como, Italy, New Year's Eve. The perfect place to fall in love? Or the perfect place for everything to fall apart? 
 
Lucy may have suffered her fair share of bad men, but now she has Pete. Finally, a man worth sharing her favourite place with, Lake Como. That's if she can put mysterious phone calls and glamorous ex-girlfriends out of her mind. 
 
Taggie is rushed off her feet, but distraction is exactly what she needs to forget why she fled England and the sadness she left behind. She certainly doesn't have time for infuriating stranger Marco. A man is the last thing she needs right now. 
 
Lucy and Taggie might not know it, but their lives are about to collide. 
 
The New Year might begin with fireworks - but how will it end? 
 
---- 
 
'A writing powerhouse' Carrie Hope Fletcher 
 
'Utterly romantic' Adele Parks 
 
'Heart-warming and wonderfully romantic' Rosanna Ley 
 
'The perfect getaway read' Red

Fresh, intelligent romantic fiction with a sparklingly escapist setting and a festive feel - a great read for winter

bestselling author of All That She Can See

Satisfying romance set in an exotic location . . . The perfect getaway read for when the rain and wind are lashing at the window

Prepare to be swept away to Lake Como for a NYE party you'll never forget with this brilliantly written novel

A sparkling read from a brilliant author

Heart-warming and wonderfully romantic. And as for Lake Como - that setting truly shimmers! Perfect for New Year in such a magical setting. I picked up the book and then found it almost impossible to put down

bestselling author of The Little Theatre by the Sea

A story that intrigues and surprises

A thoroughly indulgent escape from those chilly winter nights, The Place We Met is guaranteed to transport you to a wonderland of hidden secrets, shocking pasts and surprising romance. I devoured this smart, enthralling story of two women whose fates are entwined in the most incredible way. Isabelle Broom is the queen of heartfelt fiction. She just gets better and better

I experienced sheer joy in reading The Place We Met . . . I was swept away in the romance, the emotions and the gorgeousness of the writing

Warning: you will shed tears and end up booking a trip!

A lovely, absorbing novel, full of beauty and mystery

So evocative you can practically smell the paella and sangria

Taggie is only a few months into her job as an events manager in Lake Como. She's rushed off her feet, but distraction is what she needs to forget why she left England. 
 
Lucy arrives at Lake Como with her perfect new boyfriend, Pete. Falling fast in love, she's sure that life is about to start for her, it feels so right with him. 
 
But as New Year's Eve approaches and the women meet by chance, it becomes clear this isn't the perfect place of new beginnings. While Lucy is willing to do anything to keep hold of Pete, the past Taggie so desperately wanted to escape is catching up with her . . .

Then. Now. Always.

Prepare to be whisked away to the Spanish sun in this completely absorbing page-turner 
 
'So evocative you can practically smell the paella and sangria' Closer 
 
Hannah Hodges can't believe her luck when she's offered a trip to sunny Spain with her best friend and dreamy boss . . . but what's the catch? 
 
When twenty-eight year old Hannah and her colleagues travel to Spain for a month to film a documentary, it's a dream come true. Not least because Hannah will get to spend long summer days with Theo, her (gorgeous) boss (and crush). It couldn't be a more perfect setting to fall in love . . . 
 
If only Tom (Hannah's best friend and cameramen) and Claudette (the presenter) would stop getting in the way. 
 
Then things become even more complicated when Nancy, Hannah's half-sister, arrives. What on earth is she doing here? 
 
For just once in her life, can't Hannah have one perfect summer, free of any drama? 
 
*** 
 
'Brilliant - I raced through it' Cathy Kelly, author of Secrets of a Happy Marriage 
 
'Beautiful life-affirming stories that whisk you away and make you fall in love' Miranda Dickinson, author of Searching for a Silver Lining 
 
'A lovely, absorbing novel, full of the beauty and mystery of Mojacar' Kate Eberlen, author of Miss You 
 
'Fresh, fun and full of sexual tension . . . a perfect spring read' Heat 
 
'Chick fic at its best!' Take a Break

The witty romance is top sun-lounger material

A lovely, sunny book full of sharp wit and smiles. Perfect for summer or beating winter blues

Fresh, fun and full of sexual tension . . . a perfect spring read

An evocative and enchanting story, a celebration of love in all its forms

Fun, romantic . . . you'll want to book your summer hols now!

Read this book and you'll 100 per cent want to move to Spain (either that or you'll be booking a holiday ASAP)

Beautiful life-affirming stories that whisk you away and make you fall in love

When Hannah is offered the opportunity to help film a documentary on the south-east coast of Spain, she grabs it. She spent a large part of her youth here; made so many memories, and mistakes. 
But this time it is going to be perfect. Because she is not only going with her best friend Tom but also with her gorgeous boss, Theo. And this unforgettable place is the perfect location to make Theo fall under her spell. 
Hannah has a month in paradise to secure the happy future she knows is waiting for her. But will that future look exactly as she always thought it would?

The unforgettable story of love and new beginnings, perfect to curl up with this winter

A Year and a Day

Take a wintery trip to Prague in this utterly heart-warming and uplifting story of love and new beginnings 
 
'One of the most captivating stories I have read this year' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'What a joy of a novel . . . I've not read a book in a while that's made me feel so good inside' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'Evocative, will clutch at your heart. Perfect escapism on a winter evening' Sunday Mirror 
____________ 
 
Welcome to a city where wishes are everywhere. 
 
For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again . . . 
 
For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault . . . 
 
For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . . 
 
Three different women. 
 
Three intertwining love stories. 
 
One unforgettable, timeless city. 
____________ 
 
'The city is evoked in wonderful detail. An unashamedly romantic tale. There is plenty of love, laughter and tragedy to get the pages turning' Sunday Express 
 
'Think love, laughter and tears all shaken up in a Prague snowglobe. Just fab' Fabulous 
 
'A real escapist read' My Weekly

The city is evoked in wonderful detail. An unashamedly romantic tale. There is plenty of love, laughter and tragedy to get the pages turning

If you're looking for top-notch romantic fiction, look no further . . . We loved it!

Warning: you will shed tears . . . and end up booking a trip!

Set in Prague, this story of heartbreak and self-discovery takes you on a journey, even if you're curled up on the sofa

Think love, laughter and tears all shaken up in a Prague snowglobe. Just fab

Gorgeous descriptions and heart-stopping storytelling

Utterly magical - moving, funny and deeply romantic, with the snowy spires of Prague a deliciously atmospheric backdrop

Moving, funny and deeply romantic, A year and a Day by Isabelle Broom weaves the love stories of three women against the deliciously atmospheric backdrop of the snowy spires of Prague.

Think love, laughter and tears all shaken up in a Prague snowglobe. Just fab.

Well-written and perfect for a lazy afternoon on the sofa

Gloriously escapist, unashamedly romantic, witty and hugely enjoyable

A gorgeous story of heartbreak, forgiveness and self-discovery

Three women. Three love stories. One city. 
 
For Megan, visiting Prague with her friend Ollie is just business. Nothing more. Because if she admits the truth she might lose everything. 
 
For Hope, this trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the city when she knows how angry her daughter is. And that it's all her fault. 
 
For Sophie, Prague has always been magical. And now she's counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her in the city that holds so many of their memories . . .

My Map of You

Allow yourself to be transported to the stunning Greek island of Zakynthos in this heart-warming and poignant novel 
 
'A beautiful story of heartbreak and forgiveness' Giovanna Fletcher 
 
With its perfect blue skies, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, Zakynthos should be a dream. 
 
But for Holly it feels more like a nightmare. 
 
Arriving on the island to clear out a house she's just inherited, Holly has no idea what to expect. And she's certainly not prepared for the family secrets she uncovers inside. 
 
With the help of Aidan, her handsome neighbour, Holly sets out to explore the island, hoping to piece together her own lost story. Yet all too soon real life, including the boyfriend she left behind, threatens to catch up with her. 
 
Holly thinks she's following the secrets of the past . . . 
 
But might it turn out to be a map to her future? 
 
'A brilliantly evocative debut' Paige Toon 
 
'A heart-warming, charming tale of love, family and gorgeous Greece. I adored it' Milly Johnson 
 
'Combines a wonderful setting with the poignancy of self-discovery and a touching romance' Katie Fforde

I totally lost myself in this heart-warming, charming tale of love, family and gorgeous Greece. I adored it

A brilliantly evocative debut that's left me longing for a Greek holiday!

A gorgeous story of heartbreak, forgiveness and self-discovery. I can't wait to read her future books!

Lose yourself in this impressive debut set on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Hot stuff!

Should be top of your holiday reading list

This gorgeous story has it all: a stunning setting, a secret that will break your heart and a romance that'll leave you weak at the knees. The perfect summer read

In need of escapism? This Greek island adventure is just the ticket

This debut novel hits all the right spots

A mysterious legacy, family secrets and slow-burning romance - My Map of You's the next best thing to a one-way ticket to Zakynthos, the Greek island that makes a perfect setting

That's it - I'm moving to Zakynthos immediately! A perfect summer read of intrigue and escapism. I absolutely loved every minute

I loved it. I'm an emotional wreck! Such an evocative book. An emotional rollercoaster of a ride with breathtaking scenery along the way. A real taste of Greece

An incredible debut novel, with a beautifully woven story about loss, hope, love, and finding where you belong. It is honestly one of the best books I have read in a long, long time - everything about it was captivating

A romantic and fulfilling story, beautifully told. Isabelle writes with a humorous eye, and the evocative poignancy of her writing brought Holly's story vividly to life. I was hooked from the first word until the final page and was left with tears on my face and an urgent need for a holiday!

I feel like I've had an amazing holiday on a Greek island with sun, sea, secrets and hot men. In real life, I've just read the ace My Map of You

Holly Wright has had a difficult few years. After her mother's death, she's become expert at keeping people at a distance - including her boyfriend, Rupert. 
 
But when Holly receives an unexpected letter explaining that an aunt she never met has left her a house on the Greek island of Zakynthos, the walls she has built begin to crumble. Arriving on the island, Holly meets the handsome Aidan and slowly begins to uncover the truth about the secret which tore her family apart. 
 
But is the island where Holly really belongs? Or will her real life catch up with her first?

Isabelle Broom

A breathtaking journey from loss to love and finding your happy place in the world - I adored every word

The perfect seasonal romance to settle down with at Christmas

You'll be swept away by this emotional story of love, both lost and found

Lose yourself in this irresistible, unashamedly romantic and touching novel, brimming with emotion from start to finish...One Winter Morning provides perfect escapism, ideal for the magical Christmas time ahead

Featuring a cast of characters and a dreamy backdrop that's sure to give you serious wanderlust, this is a treat from beginning to end

A beautiful tender story of love and family in an incredible setting

Takes us on an emotional journey of love, loss and identity. An accomplished and life-affirming story

A moving and beautifully written tale

By turns heartbreaking and joyous, this is one journey you'll want to make

Yet another brilliant story from one of our favourite authors

This emotional drama from Isabelle Broom will whisk you away from Britain to New Zealand, and into the centre of a heartwarming and tender family story. Be prepared to laugh, cry and feel uplifted

A heartbreaking romance, about family and love

A brilliant story from one of our favourite authors

Be prepared to laugh, cry and feel uplifted

Nobody does irresistible love stories and stunning destinations quite like Isabelle Broom

Irresistible, unashamedly romantic and touching

Lovely, absorbing, full of beauty and mystery

Tender. A beautiful festive tale of a girl in search of a family for Christmas

On a winter morning she lost a piece of her heart. Can she find it? 
 
Evangeline isn't feeling festive this December. 
The frost and fairy lights only remind her it's been a year since she lost the mother who took her in as a baby and raised her. 
She's never felt more alone - until she discovers her birth mother's identity. And where to find her. 
A lifetime and thousands of miles have separated Evangeline and Bonnie. Now, travelling to New Zealand could be Evangeline's chance to confront the woman who gave her up. 
But is she ready for what she'll find there? 
The answers she's been looking for, a new family to heal her . . . Or someone she could never have expected?

Isabelle Broom

Books by Isabelle Broom

Articles featuring Isabelle Broom

9 of the best books set in Spain

An interview with Taggie and Lucy from The Place We Met

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