The Holiday [Paperback]

Erica James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2009

Bogged down under the desire to be a modern woman and the aftershocks of a repressed upbringing, Izzy Jordan is the first to admit that it’s time to take stock of her life. At 31 she has a teaching career that has given her a strong desire to lock her pupils in the art room and throw away the key. She also has a manipulative mother and an ex-boyfriend whose parting shot was to tell her she was boring in bed. When Izzy is invited to spend the summer on Corfu and is offered the chance of a no-strings-attached vacation romance with the irresistible Theo, what should she do? Just as she thinks she’s made up her mind, along comes Mark, whose turbulent past sets in motion a series of dramatic events that will bring near tragedy, profound change, and—ultimately—happiness for Izzy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The novels of Erica James—twice shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year award—appear regularly on Britain’s best–seller lists. Witty and sharply observed, they are the perfect books for those in the mood for romance. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Erica James is the author of numerous novels, including Gardens of Delight, the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year; Love and Devotion; and Tell it to the Skies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Orion Publishing; Reissue edition (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752883488
• ISBN-13: 978-0752883489
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,366,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and Deep, September 19, 2009

By 

Ryana Whitney "Education = Opportunies" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Holiday (Paperback)

Reading The Holiday by Erica James was quite simply wonderful. It is an funny but realistic tail of a developing group of friends away on holiday in Greece. This book had the heart of romance with the characterization of classic literature. It will remain a keeper on my book shelf. In fact I rarely buy the same book for multiple people but I have ordered it for my mother, aunt, best friend, and younger sister.

The story mainly follows five central characters. Getting away from England, Max and Laura are happily married and have talked there single friend Izzy into joining them on vacation on the island of Corfu. When they arrive they introduce her to their handsome and flirtatious neighbor Theo. Later they are joined by Theo's lifelong friend Mark a writer.

The book is full of rich and well-rounded supporting characters (Laura and Max's daughter and her friend, the obnoxious British couple who stalk the famous writer, an elderly gentleman, and so much more.) James description of the island of Corfu made me want to return to Greece and laze in the sun. She expertly executes a superb-paced story with everything from the thrill of first love to the soul wrenching fear of death.

As the story unfolds we discover serious issues and emotional torments. Without giving to much away, what I found incredible about Ms. James' writing was her ability to write a serious compelling story while still keeping it fun and light. Rarely lately have I come across an author who delivers great character development without letting the story suffer.

Bravo Ms. James.
Bravo.

3.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Summer Read, February 9, 2011

By 

Jessica Chambers - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Holiday (Paperback)

This sweet and compelling tale, told with such humour and sensitivity, must surely appeal to the romantic in all of us. It's predictability makes it a safe choice for anyone seeking a happy ending, and yet there are enough twists and turns throughout the plot to keep even the most hardened of readers enthralled to the final page.

What really makes this book are the vivid and believable characters. Shy art teacher Izzy, bruised from a relationship break-up, goes to stay with her happily married friends, Laura and Max, in their beautiful villa in Corfu. There she meets two immensely different men, self-assured but good-natured philanderer Theo, and reclusive crime writer Mark. Here the fun begins, as the reader wonders which of these men will ultimately win Izzy's heart.

However, the novel is not all sweetness and light. Beneath the laughter and the restful surroundings of sea and sand, darkness looms. No one knows that Mark has really come to the island to escape a mysterious stalker, who may be planning to kill him. The tension builds steadily throughout the story, before coming to a head in a dramatic climax.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, January 10, 2010

By 

Lorinda Frank - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Holiday (Audio Cassette)

What I missed and really did look for was if the book on cd was abridged or not. I thought it wasn't but to my disappointment it was. So a waste. Hate abridged books.