Long Time No Sea by Portia MacIntosh is a story about friendship and secrets. Itās the story of six high school friends who reunite for a trip to Italy.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
This book is part ofĀ My Summer 2023 Reading List.
My Overview
When Jas received an invitation to an all-expenses paid trip to Italy, it couldnāt have come at a better time. That same day, sheād been terminated from her job as a live-in nanny. Lucky for her, her friend Maxi is inviting her and their group of friends to a week-long stay at an Italian villa. Fifteen years before, the group of friends had planned to get together for annual trips, but theyāve yet to make it happen. Now, all six friends have the opportunity to finally gather and reconnect.
The friendship group consists of: Jas, Maxi, Mikey, Cam, DJ, and Clark. Itās been a long time since theyāve seen each other, and they have a lot to catch up about. Their week-long stay at the villa is the perfect opportunity for them to pick up from where they left off and reconnect. Suddenly, instead of enjoying their fun-filled vacation they find themselves trapped in a survival game, and then an adults-only resort š¤. Does that seem like a lot? It is.
The plot was great through the point where the friends (and an uninvited plus one) are gathered at the villa. Six friends trying to get to know (and like) each other again after fifteen years, was interesting and entertaining. That storyline was sufficient to garner the drama, awkward situations, and humor Iāve come to expect from this authorās stories. I wish it wouldāve continued along that path and maintained the villa setting. Instead, as the storyline unfurled into one OTT situation after another, the plot became convoluted and lacked humor. What saved this story for me were the toggling between THEN and NOW, and the build-up of an event from their last year of school that affected their lives. Overall, I enjoyed getting to know the group of friends along with their pasts and secrets.
My Recommendation
Although this story wasnāt quite Iād expected, I still found it enjoyable and a good fit for light summer reading. Planning to give this book a try? I highly recommend the audiobook. Itās read by Karen Cass, who as usual did a fantastic job of bringing Portia MacIntoshās characters to life.
Recent books Iāve enjoyed by Portia MacIntosh:
Are you planning to read this book?
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I usually enjoy stories about friend groups, but this indeed sounds like a lot. I’m sorry it wasn’t what you expected, but glad you enjoyed it overall!
Lucy
Thank you! The friendship aspect is what I was really looking forward to, but it didn’t quite pan out as I’d expected.
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
This DOES sound like a lot. I am sorry you didn’t enjoy it more.
Lucy
I’ve enjoyed quite a few books by this author, so hopefully the next one is more of her previous writing style.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Over the top situations can be hard to believe. Glad to hear you even though you had some issues you enjoyed the story somewhat.
Lucy
Thanks! Fortunately the friendship angle kept the storyline somewhat grounded.
Cindy's Book Corner
Sorry it wasn’t what you expected, but at least it was still somewhat enjoyable. I hope your next read is better š
Lucy
Thank you! Iāve enjoyed many books by this author, but the change in writing style didnāt work for me. Glad the friendship aspect was interesting enough.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I like my contemporaries rooted in reality and when situations are presented as over the top and strain believability, I tend to start checking out. Even with the shenanigans and the convoluted plot, it sounds like fun if you’re willing to just go with it. š
Lucy
Yes, the key to this one is to just go with it. I did, because I was interested in the outcome of the friendship group.