Synopsis
The fifth and final book in the Singles’ Series takes us to the Mediterranean island of Ibiza then back to the Caribbean island of Antigua, where it all began.
After making a hard decision two years earlier Eve Mitchell has moved on with the hand that life has dealt her and she finds herself on the White Island working a tennis holiday. While it isn’t a job she would have chosen, in her typical pragmatic way Eve gets on with it, working hard to ensure that her diverse group of singles, with their hopes, expectations, character flaws and baggage, have the best time possible. And as she binds together tennis sessions, social gatherings, meals and trips Eve hears some tragic personal news that brings her to another crossroads in her life. Will she and the love of her life Melv finally make a life together and live happily ever after?
My review
This may be the last in this five-set ‘match’ but you can come into the series at this late stage and still enjoy this novel. It works perfectly well as a standalone, but it does whet your appetite to discover what has gone on previously. I shall certainly be reading the four preceding books.
This is a thoroughly absorbing story. Eve is a likeable and interesting heroine, and we really care what happens to her. We admire her strength of character when having to deal with her rather wearing clients. She remains patient and smiling, at least on the outside. There’s quite a turmoil of emotions going on beneath the surface.
The author creates a holiday atmosphere very effectively. It’s not a holiday for Eve, of course, but she’s there to facilitate things for the singletons she’s looking after.
The tennis element adds an unusual touch and makes the book more memorable. I particularly like the candid but sympathetic portrayal of people’s flaws and foibles. As someone who works in the tourist industry, like Eve, I know from experience that you have to expect the unexpected, but somehow you can never foresee every quirk and eventuality. It certainly makes for challenges.
The main concern of the story is Eve, and the second chance at happiness that unexpectedly comes her way. It’s uplifting, but not without its moments of tension and of the reader wanting to shake a bit of sense into one of the protagonists now and again! Beautifully written, this is a super summer read.
Purchase links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Singles-Set-Match-Book-ebook/dp/B07S3WGLX2
US – https://www.amazon.com/Singles-Set-Match-Book-ebook/dp/B07S3WGLX2
Author bio
Elaine Spires is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter and actress. Extensive travelling and a background in education and tourism perfected Elaine’s keen eye for the quirky characteristics of people, captivating the humorous observations she now affectionately shares with the readers of her novels. Elaine has written two books of short stories, two novellas and seven novels, four of which form the Singles Series – Singles’ Holiday, Singles and Spice, Single All The Way and Singles At Sea. Her latest book, Singles, Set and Match is the fifth and final book in the series. Her play Stanley Grimshaw Has Left The Building is being staged at the Bridewell Theatre, London in May 2019. Her short film Only the Lonely, co-written with Veronique Christie and featuring Anna Calder Marshall is currently being in shown in film festivals worldwide and she is currently working on a full length feature film script. Only the Lonely won the Groucho Club Short Film Festival 2019! Elaine recently returned to UK after living in Antigua W.I. She lives in East London.
Social media links
Facebook: Elaine Spires Author
Twitter: @ElaineSWriter
Instagram: elainespiresauthor
