I am delighted to share with you a few reviews for my first book:A Kiss behind the Castanets, moving to Spain.
as shown on Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Amazon.es and Amazon.com.au First off a professional review from the blog writer and radio reviewer Hannah Read, taken from her website: Pages, Places, & PlatesA Kiss Behind The Castanets – Jean Roberts | Insightful & Humorous Travel Memoir Exploring Expat Life Jean Roberts is an author very local to me so I was really excited to review this A Kiss Behind The Castanets – you can also hear our special episode of Writer’s Block where I discuss her first travel memoir alongside her here. Title: A kiss behind the castanetsAuthor: Jean Roberts
Genre: Travel Memoir
Published: February 2019 SynopsisWhen Jean buys a house in Spain following a breakdown, she dreams of vibrant Spanish art, passionate flamenco, and cocktails at sunset. Her glorified image of life abroad is crushed as she battles rogue tradesmen and vicious local wildlife.
From stalking a neighbour to encountering trees with testicles, will she weather the storms of expat life or wish she had never left the UK?
A Kiss Behind the Castanets is the first instalment of Jean Roberts’s lighthearted and uplifting tale in her Moving to Spain series.
Perfect for fans of Victoria Twead, Chris Stewart, and Alan Parks.
(Taken from Goodreads) My Review I was so excited to read A Kiss Behind The Castanets, not only because Jean Roberts is local to me but also as I plan to move to a Spanish country in the near future. The book follows her journey from the reasons why she’d decided to move out there following negative experiences at work to getting settled in. We see her live in a few different properties throughout that journey, and a whole string of crazy events that take place, from dodgy builders to bizarre neighbours (and some particularly violent chickens – that chapter really made me laugh). Each chapter focuses on a different situation, so it makes for a nice read to dip in and out of. I loved the little icons featured at the start of the chapter – each slightly different and relevant to the content of that chapter, but it gave the book a really original feel. Some chapters explore some quite frustrating and disheartening events, however Jean’s sense of humour shines through and she wraps up each chapter with a win, keeping it quite a positive read. It’s fascinating to follow her on her journey and also discover the Spanish mainland culture from someone who has thrown themselves right into it with little knowledge or acquisition from the start. As a travel memoir it also makes a highly useful read for anyone looking to move out there themselves – Jean’s writing has illustrated to me several dangers of becoming an expat, but also how to resolve them if they happen or avoid them altogether. The book taught me a lot, not only about the cultural issues that one might encounter but also how the moving process actually works, and how different it is to here in the UK. I also loved the inclusion of recipes at the back – being a bit of a foodie myself, I’ve now got a whole collection of gorgeous-sounding Spanish recipes to try out. It’s a wonderful way to include even more culture in the book, and allows the reader to share Jean’s experiences through food. Final ThoughtsI can honestly say that I really enjoyed A Kiss Behind The Castanets – Jean Roberts has a lovely, easy to read writing style that brings her Spanish experiences to life. I’m looking forward to the next instalment, and think this is a great purchase not only for those looking to move to Spain but anyone else who enjoys travel memoirs and perhaps has an interest in Spanish culture. Reviewed in Spain on January 25, 2020 Verified Purchase This is a wonderful story of transition. All the first mistakes are laid bare. Instead of giving up, the author realizes her fellow countrymen are those taking her for a ride and once she entrusts things to the locals life begin to change. A new world opens its doors, bringing happiness. I can recommend this book. It kept my interest throughout. 10 April 2019 Such a heart warming story of your life Jean, and very informative, I enjoyed the nature in which this book was written, from the little hints of history to the comedy factor and hard times , a lovely little read, and I am so going to try those recepies ,
Thank you Jean for giving me some ‘me time’ to actually sit in peace and read your lovely book. I will look forward to the next one xxx
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2019 I love travel and moving abroad memoirs and was so pleased to read this first in a new series of Moving to Spain Memoirs by Jean Roberts. What an amazing cover too-it makes it an irresistible book! I really liked her ‘voice’ coming through the writing. A nice quick first chapter got the book moving easily. More of the same followed, again, very pleasant, short and to the point chapters. It was a lovely, easy read with great info about the local foods. It was also informative-eg. the bit telling about harvesting olives. Historical details too. I liked the funny mistakes with the lingo, very entertaining. I can’t wait to read more from this author and am so pleased to see that there will be a sequel! The book started out as some diary entries. What a lovely book has emerged from those. An excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed. 11 April 2019 I read this book on the strength of a recommendation from a friend of mine. It is funny to the point of laugh out loud which caused a few raised eyebrows around a very quiet and sedated hotel pool. This couple’s experiences in getting to grips with Inland Spain is amusing as they seem to leap from one adventure to another, although, not always taking it in their stride. It is a particularly heart warming book and generally shows how two different cultures can get along and thrive. It was difficult to put down, which cost me dearly as I got burned in the Florida sun! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 February 2020 Verified Purchase Don’t be put off by the beginning of the book, as it cheers up considerably further on! John &Shirley are not the best choice of companions for buying a property in Spain. Many tales of building woes and horrors. I was glad when it was finished. I loved the tales of Spanish life, friendships and love. It is interesting about the frightening pennitents. I enjoyed the humorous examples of language mistakes. Sad there were some mishaps with the second house as well, even though it seemed a dream home. I didn’t know chickens can be so horrible. Envious of the instantly fresh orange juice. Interesting viewpoints on bullfighting and also children. I didn’t use the recipes at the end, but I’m sure most will. Enjoy! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 March 2019 Verified Purchase Pre ordered this book as having lived in Spain for 16 years, I never get tired of reading about this country, this book lived up to expectations and surpassed them. An absolute must read whether you live in Spain or plan to live here or have no plan. hoping the author has more up her sleeve,it does say book 1!!!! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 June 2019 Verified Purchase I loved reading Jeans honest accounts of buying a house in Spain, with all its highs and lows. Reading it transported me to Spain.
I loved the sound of the Spanish villages, the vibrant cobbled streets, and I love how much Jean has fallen in love with the country. A very good read, especially on a wet rainy afternoon in England. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2019 Verified Purchase Thank you to Jean for this very readable account of buying and renovating properties in Spain. With a vision of what is possible your enthusiasm, love of Spanish life and (most of its) people shines through every enjoyable chapter. I look forward to the sequel. 5.0 out of 5 stars It’s Moving Time Reviewed in Australia on 14 June 2019 Verified Purchase One of my favourite memoir subjects has always been moving to another country and in this book, the author and her husband decide a house in Spain is on their horizon. Of course there are the pitfalls of dealing with locals, incompetent tradesman, shysters masquerading as friends, crazy chickens and the usual adjustments to foreign language and customs. The writing style is light and easy, in places more like a fascinating diary; the descriptions of country life in Andalusia are delightful and there are even recipes to highlight this move to Spain. 4.0 out of 5 stars A fun view of different cultures Reviewed in Spain on 26 January 2020 Verified Purchase This book was quite entertaining and very funny at times. I always like to read the occasional book about people moving to Spain and how they see this country. Having lived here for 45 years,since I graduated from Uni in 1975, I can’t really remember much about living anywhere else.
Good read 5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read! Reviewed in Canada on 27 October 2019 Verified Purchase I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an honest, and sometimes humorous, encounter of the struggles of moving to Spain. One day I would like to attempt the move and this book definitely gave me some useful insights. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2019 Verified Purchase This book is a great way to learn about a different culture to my own. Jean has managed to capture the essence of Spanish life, while offering her take on the pitfalls of moving to a different country. Throughout, Jean maintains a wonderful sense of humour, which makes the reader want to read & then turn the page to see how a particular catastrophe turned out. It’s an honest account of a Brit making the most of opportunities- can’t wait for the next instalment- and yes, she is right when she says I still, to this day blanche at the sight a of a cardboard box ! Although I have to admit, it was fun at the time! 4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best expat books! Reviewed in Spain on 27 November 2019 Verified Purchase Loved it, except for the pig killing. But overall, one of the best expat books I’ve read. Waiting for the sequel! Reviewed in Spain on May 13, 2020 What a wonderful story about transition to a new country and way of life. The ups and downs and the trials of once the property us yours finding all the faults that were so cleverly disguised when the viewing took place. Unfortunately they fall into the trap of the rogue builders and under-hand key holders. As is often the case our native countrymen are the worse, we are all guilty of falling into their traps trusting them as we all speak the same language. Well done Jean Roberts you had me laughing out loud on more than 1 occasion. Looking forward to book 2. 5.0 out of 5 stars From a character in the book! Reviewed in Spain on 12 April 2019 Verified Purchase This is a fantastic book, have really enjoyed reading it.
Well done Jean, looking forward to book 2! 4 April 2019 Format: Kindle Edition I enjoy reading about the lives of other people, but sometimes it can be a bore. This author has avoided that trap and her easy reading style pulls you into her story, the good and the bad. It is a very courageous thing to open your life up like that. Thank you for sharing it. 19 April 2019 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase This has been a fascinating read, the beginning sets the scene for the home in Spain. A captivating story, and as with books based on life, rings true in so many situations. Reviewed in Spain on April 27, 2019 Really enjoyed reading this book it made me laugh out loud. 5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read! Reviewed in Canada on 27 October 2019 Verified Purchase I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an honest, and sometimes humorous, encounter of the struggles of moving to Spain. One day I would like to attempt the move and this book definitely gave me some useful insights. Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019 Love Spain? Or, just want to see what it would be like to live there? Jean Roberts has a story to tell. This book opened my eyes to the real day to day life as an expat living part time in Spain. Her well written memoirs take us through daily life from home renovations to the cultural beauty of festivals, food, friends, and animals. She and her family share the ups and downs of buying not one, but two homes. I truly enjoyed this book. It made me smile and it gave me a new perspective of the Spanish people, their love of family, and the warmth they show when expats move into their small villages. Where to purchase A Kiss Behind the Castanets:EBOOK: UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PJDBRW2 US: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJDBRW2 Universal: smarturl.it/JRoberts1 AU: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJDBRW2 ES: www.amazon.es/dp/B07PJDBRW2 PAPERBACK: UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1790147034 US: www.amazon.com/dp/1790147034 ES: www.amazon.es/dp/1790147034 A Kiss Behind the Castanets, one of two easy to read books about living in Spain by Jean Roberts. |
