Ailey of Skye By: Wendy Hewlett 4 out of 5 stars. This emotional story betrays the struggles of an addict on the road to recovery. This is done while being in a strange country while dealing with the loss of her grandmother. The story is well developed and very unique. I was surprised that the story didn’t go the way that I thought it would. This is an easy to read story that really holds the reader’s attention.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rhonda K Pulkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRhonda K Pulk2019-10-14 06:42:562019-10-14 07:47:54Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Rhonda Pulk
Aileen is traveling to Scotland, her grandmother left her money and her house. Aileen is looking to get away for awhile and possibly sell the house. Although, when she shows up at the house she is surprised to see a man already living there. When she finds out who the man is she is shocked, and that’s not the only shocking news that she will get.
Aileen is a recovering addict and has had a not so great experience in life. As she learns more about her family, she is going through many different emotions. As the story moves forward we find out that danger lurks in the shadows. Why did her father make the choices he did?
Can Aileen get past the demons and dangers and finally get the life she truly deserves? Can her family keep her safe?
There is so much more to this read. All of the characters were great. My emotions were all over the place, I had some teary eyed moments. There are some scenes that could be sensitive for some. Wendy does a great job with her writing and you can’t wait to see what’s coming next. The Scottish language in the book made me think of The Outlander. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2019-10-07 18:54:572019-10-07 21:09:09Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Michelle Austin
A great read about recovery. Aileen MacEwan heads to skye after her grandmother dies and leaves her a house there. But when she arrives, someone is already living in it. Annoyed, she tries to have him removed but discovers they have more in common than she thought. As time goes on and events unravel, she discovers both herself and new friends along the way. Will she return to Canada the same person or sleill she be changed by Scotland? A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Ailey standing up for herself but vulnerable underneath or Brodie as stubborn but caring underneath Great cast of supporting characters like the sweet mother figure Lianie or funny and charming Alec. I loved the visual detsil throughout the novel like with the house with blue door and stained glass panes and cream walls for a sense of comfort. Or the scenes in the fairy pools with the waterfalls in the sun with its blue waters and green trees as hidden kingdom full of magic wonderfully written. I also liked the use of Scottish culture throughout the novel with its language and customs given the respect they deserve and adding a sense of character to the novel. I also liked the use of suspense as detials about Ailey were revealed slowly to make you want to keep reading to find out what happened to her. I also liked how the book was Aileys journey as she grows and changes through the story emotive and powerful and moving.. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Oakeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah Oakes2019-10-07 12:42:462019-10-07 13:39:24Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Sarah Oakes
Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett grabbed my heart and twisted relentlessly. My heart exploded with hurt and sadness for Ailey and everything she experienced and survived in her short twenty three years. I suppose I should be happy she was able to make it through but good grief she was dealt a bad hand and it only continued to get worse for a long time.
Ailey is a hero, she took her second chance and did amazing things while only thinking of others, no matter the consequences for her. I absolutely loved this book, but there were parts that were very difficult for me to read and I had to walk away for a bit.
This is my first time reading anything by Ms. Hewlett and I have to say I’m throughly impressed and plan on reading her other books just as soon as possible.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2019-10-07 04:03:102019-10-07 09:13:04Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Robin Rankin
This book is a wonderful story about a girl called Ailey. Ailey grew up in Canada with her gambling addict of a father. When her father died she was left to fend for herself and the only way she was able to survive was to join a gang and become a drug addict.
Fact forward 13 years Ailey is a heavy drug user and is almost on the brink of dying when her grandmothers solicitor finds her. After going through rehab she decides to go the the Isle of Skye to claim what was left to her by her grandma. Little did she know she would find a brother and a mother who had been searching for her.
So starts an adventure where her dads old debts come to find her, along with the threat of her old life catching her up.
It is a heartwarming adventure dealing with loss, kidnap, drug abuse and learning to love all over again.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2019-10-06 12:26:262019-10-06 12:54:09Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Kerry Carr
Ailey of Skye is the first book by Wendy Hewlett I have read. It was a fantastic read and I once again fell in love with Scotland and the brogue … The writer tackles topics that are not easy to write about or read about – child trafficking, abuse, addiction … it also tells the story of the love of a family, self-acceptance and love itself … Ailey of Skye is Aileen MacEwan’s discovery of herself, her past, the secrets hidden in the past and at times she feels that she cannot simply continue… it is Aileen’s story of growth and fulfilling her dream… be prepared for a rollercoaster and plan some time as you will not be able to put the book down until you get to the end! It is a nail biting crime thriller that reaches beyond the limits of the genre and I think anyone can find something that speaks to them when reading it. I will be on a lookout for more from Wendy Hewlett and I am happy to have discovered another great writer!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Teppihhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Teppih2019-10-02 18:43:402019-10-02 19:43:23Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Jana Teppih
This is my first book by Wendy Hewlett so I did not know what to expect other than it was a self-discovery story with a possible love story. Little did I know that 2 chapters in and I would be “a blubbering fool” as well! Parent child relationships are so personal to me because I am both a parent and a child. My relationships with my parents/stepparents is rocky at best; however my relationship with my children is so much better. Whenever I read a story involving parents and their children I always get a little misty eyed. The way Hewlett has written the relationships with Ailey and her family had me sobbing. Then laughing, then angry, then smiling! You know: all the feels!
This story was filled with so many twists and surprises all because one man was a selfish liar. I loved watching Ailey discover herself, her family’s secrets and her new found friends. Everyone needs true friends, ones you can trust, ones you can laugh and cry with, ones that just get you. Friends that are really your tribe!
I don’t want to give away any more of this story but I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see what else Hewlett has up her sleeve!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2019-10-01 06:58:432019-10-01 08:48:37Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Shannon Fowler
I must start with the fact that this book’s main character bears a special name, and one that is my middle name. I love this! It is so rare to see Aileen spelled with an A. I suppose I was already invested in Aileen before I really even began the book. This is what attracted me to it when I read the blurb. I have never had the pleasure of ready Wendy Hewlett prior to this so I had no idea what to expect. I was extremely happy that I loved this book as much as I did.
Ailey of Skye will take you on an emotional and suspenseful roller-coaster literally from the very beginning straight up until the end. If its got a label the emotion was felt, and a few others I probably can’t name were felt too. Aileen is still new at sobriety and she is running from her past right from the get go when she discovers that she has family in Skye Scotland. Problem is she has no clue who these people are and what the trip will entail. I sincerely felt as if I was right with her as she tackled the dangerous and scary parts in Toronto. I also felt the impact of the gorgeous place that Scotland is. The world building is phenomenal. I will definitely be awaiting whatever may come next from Wendy Hewlett.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2019-09-27 11:19:092019-09-27 12:00:56Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Liz Vrchota
So this being my first read by this author I was super excited about it. Lets just say I can’t wait to read another.
This story was so unique and grabbed me right from the start. I went in blind, only seeing the beautiful cover so had no idea besides Ailey who this book was about. I was shocked when I learned who Brodie was and that’s about the time I was totally invested..There were a lot of moving parts to this story and there were times I was worried that things would become predictable, well no reason to worry, there was nothing predictable about this story.
I loved everything about it, the location, the characters, the other characters coming to life within the story with their own stories and the awesome twists and turns and ah ha moments I had. This book flowed so nicely and I loved the flawed main character and her fight in life to find out who she is after battling some pretty tough issues only to find herself battling ones she never even knew about.
I experienced many emotions while reading this and have already recommended it to another, I seriously can’t wait to read more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2019-09-25 17:10:202019-09-25 17:10:20Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Debi Kircher
This was another great new author find. I really enjoyed this quaint little romance. The author has a refreshing style. I found that the characters were realistic. I found myself lost in this book as I would love to visit that part of Scotland featured in the book.
Ailey and Alec are such a good couple. I found myself really interested in Ailey’s character as I have known a few people with alcohol addiction. I like how the author balanced the drama in the book with the romance. It kept me glued to the book and at the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. I really liked how the book was not predictable. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2019-09-22 15:24:112019-09-22 19:06:02Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Caralee Loonat
I was hooked from the very beginning! Wendy Hewlett jumped right in with some difficult topics but has pulled it off in such an amazing and humanizing way. Ailey is one of the most believable characters I’ve read. She hasn’t had an easy time of it, but she doesn’t let that stop her from rediscovering herself. Such a good story of redemption and family. Solid work. 4 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kari Horstmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKari Horstman2019-09-20 18:40:542019-09-20 19:08:42Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Kari Anne Horstman
AILEY OF SKYE is the type of book that I thought I knew what was going to happen and settled in for some predictability only to discover, within the first few pages, how wrong I was.
A story of discovering one’s true self and the whole nature vs nurture theory of life (there was very little nurture). Watching the growth of each character as the story evolves held my attention.
This is a well developed story with a realism and honesty about recovery and the tenuous hold we have on it sometimes. Emotionally gripping at times, with twists and unexpected situations, I read this in one sitting.
I will be checking out this author’s other books to add to my TBR.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2019-09-18 20:50:112019-09-18 22:38:03Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Maura Harper
I found the story Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett to be an amazing book to read. It pulls you in right from the beginning and didn’t let me go until I had read the final page. It is a story that will have you believing in the strength of the human spirit and of the will to survive. I loved reading about the main character of Aileen MacEwan. She is a young woman that has an inner strength that shows for all to see. She at times has to be reminded of it. Aileen is a recovering alcoholic/addict who has come to the Isle of Scotland to a house that her grandmother left her. She is trying to figure out what is next in her life. It is on the island that the past is revealed, and revelations are made. I found Aileen to be strong and independent. Read her journey as she develops a “friendly” relationship with a Scottish football legend and discovers her family ties. This is a book that had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading. It also had me hooked and turning pages to find out what happens next. I couldn’t help but find myself caring about Aileen with each chapter that I read. I don’t believe I can put into words how deeply I loved reading this story. I would highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-09-18 17:41:182019-09-18 18:55:51Ailey of Skye By Wendy Hewlett – Review by Laura Furuta
This extremely well written book transports the reader into this emotional journey of self discovery with some Scotland on the side. I dove right into these pages and devoured it. I felt transported to the Isle of Skye and felt each emotional tug in our main character’s journey. This is my first book from this author and certainly won’t be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading it again.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-09-18 14:43:072019-09-18 14:43:07Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Heather Lovelace
Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett is a highly emotional book that will easily have you invested in the characters. This book is the first one that I have read by this author so I really didn’t know what to expect. The blurb was intriguing. It hinted at mystery and drama with a great storyline. The book definitely lived up to that. I found it so easy to be drawn into the character of Ailey. She has such a depth and complexity about her. The way the author portrayed her really made her feel “normal”. She could have been anyone of us which made the whole story seem more real. I really engaged with the authors writing style. It was well paced and developed the story well. This was a great book and a brilliant way to be introduced to this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2019-09-18 14:17:152019-09-18 15:32:08Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Kerry Baker
Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett. This is the story of Aileen MacEwan from Toronto who is recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. When her grandmother passes away and leaves her a house on the Isle of Skye in Scotland she heads there to try to find herself and decide what to do with the house. Recently being released from Rehab she’s really in a precarious situation. She wants to do this on her own but she’s scared she may feel the need to drink. Once she arrives at her grandmother’s house there is a strange man living in it. The man in the house seems to be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things she didn’t know and it even becomes dangerous. Her past comes up and she’s not sure she can get thru this without the old crutch she always used. This is a wonderful story of family, love and addiction issues. Once you start you won’t want to put it down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2019-09-18 13:46:182019-09-18 15:30:17Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Tausha Treadway
“How was she supposed to deal with this alone in a strange country and stay sober? She swiped hot tears from her cheek and began the deep breathing exercises they taught her in rehab. By the fifth breath she was starting to feel a little calmer, but she still wanted a drink. She wondered if they had AA meetings on the Isle of Skye. She should probably check that out.”
Aileen MacEwan (Ailey) had just finished a stint in rehab in her hometown of Toronto, when she inherits her grandmother’s home on the Isle of Skye. She sets off to figure out what she wants to do, and re-discover herself in the process. But when she gets there, things don’t quite go according to her plans- for a start there’s a strange man ‘living’ in her grandmother’s house. She soon discovers that this is just the tip of the iceberg- uncovering much more than she ever could have imagined. With danger making itself known, and her past coming into play, did Ailey make the right decision coming to Skye? What does she discover? What happens when danger presents itself? Will she return to Canada defeated, or will she find the stability she’s been looking for in Skye? This book has quite a few emotional elements- and some difficult topics are depicted, such as addiction and substance abuse- but the author handled it all in a very realistic, informative, and sensitive way. Ailey has been through so much, and is a lot stronger than she gives herself credit for. Her sobriety is tested, and she has choices to make. There was a lot of character growth and development throughout the book- Ailey in particular learned and grew from her experiences and the Ailey we meet at the start of the book is quote different to who we see at the end. I really enjoyed this introduction to Ms. Hewlett’s work. This may have been my first read from her, but it definitely won’t be the last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2019-09-18 13:07:142019-09-18 15:24:26Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Angela Hayes
This is the first book I have read by this author, I enjoyed it. It is a well develped story that has characters that took me on an emotional ride in parts. The characters made the story feel realistic. Aileen’s grandmother left her a house now she is left with the decision on what to do with it. She is also in search of herself. She discovers some secrets but will she be able to hold it together long enough to find answers? I highly recommend this book, great friendship and family connections.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2019-09-17 22:32:082019-09-17 22:32:08Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you find it.
Recovering alcoholic/addict, Aileen MacEwan, travels from Toronto to the Isle of Skye in Scotland to spend a month deciding what to do with the house left to her by her paternal grandmother, discover who sober Ailey is, and figure out what to do with the rest of her life.
But, when she arrives, she finds a man already living in the house. As she learns the truth of who this man is and the real reason her father fled to Canada with her, will she be able to hold on to her sobriety and escape the dangers of not only her own past, but the ones her father evaded all those years ago?
Join Ailey on her journey of discovery as she explores the island of her birth, develops a ‘friendly’ relationship with a Scottish football legend, and deepens her familial connections.
Wendy writes mainly crime fiction with a hint of romance featuring strong female protagonists. She brings a vast array of life experience to her pages having held jobs on cruise ships in the Caribbean, addiction counselor at a private addictions treatment centre, and years of experience in the security field.
She enjoys learning and holds diplomas in creative writing, forensic sciences, and law & security, to name a few.
When Wendy’s not writing, you’ll find her engrossed in the pages of a good book, out riding her bike, or spending quality time with her family.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/AileyOfSkyeCover.jpg576360itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-09-17 00:01:292020-04-04 12:18:25Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett
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