The Love Island Bookshop by Kate Frost (ebook reader with internet browser .TXT) 📕

He stood on the deck that overlooked the guests in the sunken seating area and raised his glass.

‘Evening, all,’ he said as a hush descended over the clearing. ‘I’m absolutely thrilled that you’re all here for the opening of Loabi Fushi’s very own bookshop. This island has always been fondly referred to as the ‘Love Island’ – partly to do with the beautiful heart-shaped sand bank on the edge of the lagoon that I’m sure many of you have enjoyed a romantic picnic on, and also because it’s a place honeymooners love and couples come to celebrate their anniversary. For me, I fell in love with the island before I’d even set eyes on it, and when I did get to see it, I knew it was a place where I could make people’s dreams come true. I’ve achieved my own dream here, and this bookshop is a part of that; it’s been my passion project for a few years now and I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to finally be able to share it with you all.’

Freya suddenly saw a different side to him; what she’d thought was his controlling nature was his desire to get everything right for his guests. He seemed more thoughtful and less showy than the articles she’d read, which had unashamedly painted him in an unattractive light. He was no longer the floppy-haired, overly sexualised teen heartthrob, but a man who had grown into his good looks. As he continued, she realised he was talking about books in the same way as she felt about them – as an escape, particularly as a child when she’d happily disappear into a story for hours on end. Stories had been her refuge more recently too, taking her mind away from heartache and loss for a few precious hours.

‘Now,’ Zander said, casting his eyes across the guests before focusing on her. ‘Without me rambling on any longer, and I know most of you have already met her, I’d like to officially introduce our wonderful love island bookseller, Freya.’

Applause rang around the clearing as Freya stepped up on to the deck to join Zander. His smile and obvious enthusiasm for the bookshop he’d created was infectious, and Freya felt a surge of pride at being the person to run it and help bring his dream to life. She turned to the glowing faces of the guests looking up at her.

‘To say running the bookshop is a dream come true is an understatement. Like Zander, books have been my passion since I was a child. I knew I wanted to work in the industry. Publishing was the route I took. Unlike this evening’s special guest,’ she said, glancing at Mia. ‘It wasn’t writing them that I was passionate about, but discovering new voices and great talents who can work magic with their words. Bookshops are my happy place and I’ve spent many an hour in them browsing and spending a small fortune on books which I’ve run out of space for, so getting to work in one is the perfect answer. And getting to work in a bookshop on the most beautiful island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, well, it can’t get much better. Today is a special day and I’m delighted to introduce our very special guest, award-winning and bestselling author, Mia Jacobsen.’

It was Mia’s turn to join them on the deck, her long dress swishing against her legs as she took the steps two at a time. She kissed Zander’s cheek, then Freya’s, and turned to face everyone.

‘Thank you, Freya, for the introduction, and thank you, Zander, for inviting me to your incredible island.’ She looked down over the sea of tanned faces. ‘I have to say I’m incredibly jealous of all of you getting to enjoy what I can only assume must be a holiday of a lifetime. Loabi Fushi – the love island. It certainly lives up to its name, not least because of the amount of passion and love that has been put into this bookshop from the craftsmanship of the building to the carefully curated books. A dream come true for any book lover. Yet if I’m honest, when Zander contacted me to ask if I’d officially open his brand new bookshop in the Maldives, my initial reaction was that he’d muddled me up with someone else. I figured he wanted someone who wrote uplifting escapist fiction with a good dash of romance fitting for the beach setting, but then, when he insisted he meant me, I realised on Loabi Fushi, you’re already in paradise so no escapism is needed.’ She picked up a copy of her book, raised an eyebrow and held it to her chest. ‘So actually, a gritty fast-paced thriller might be the perfect complement to candlelit dinners, romantic strolls along the beach and infinity pools – my goodness those villas are incredible, aren’t they?’

Laughter echoed around the clearing and Freya had a surge of pride at being a part of the bookshop’s journey and helping to create such a magical evening.

‘So, beneath a starlit sky, with the ocean soundtrack and plenty of champagne and cocktails to relax us into the evening, I’m going to read a short extract from The Other Son to counteract all the lovey-dovey-ness,’ she continued, laughing. ‘But first, let’s please all raise our glasses. I’m delighted to announce that the bookshop is officially open!’

Cries of ‘the bookshop!’ echoed around the clearing. Zander caught Freya’s eye and they smiled at each other.

Mia read the first chapter of her book to an enraptured audience who hung on every word. She was the perfect choice, Freya realised, as her silky voice filled the clearing and she effortlessly held everyone’s attention. Her red lips complemented the bold print of her dress and her chin-length blonde hair was tousled and natural from drying in the sun.

Guests came and went all evening. Some stayed a while and settled in the sunken seating area