"An Ocean Apart" by Robin Pilcher is an extremely interesting novel. Characters are described well, and I felt as if I knew them personally. The settings in this book are portrayed well, also. There are parts of the book where the author will be very detailed with the settings. However, I enjoyed this because it helped me understand exactly what was going on. In contrast, the plot seemed to get off tract sometimes. Even though it was interesting to read, the quickly changing scenes got a little confusing at times. Compared to other books, it had vivid explanations of characters. I did enjoy this novel, but could've done without some of the more boring parts of the book.

I really enjoyed the book! I got into it more after the first few chapters. Pilcher sets his the stage for the story before really taking off with the main theme, so you need to be little bit patient as he sets the tone. Emotions are expressed VERY well as you move through the story, and you can feel for the characters and their happenings throughout the book. As I read, I could form pictures in my mind of the background scenes and the characters which were written with wonderful descriptions and scenes.

I was personally reluctant to purchase this book, because I felt as though Mr. Pilcher might be capitalizing on his mother's very good name. However, a friend and fellow Rosamund Pilcher fan insisted that I give it a try. I was delighted to find that Robin has talent in his own right. It was in fact difficult at times to differentiate his writing with his mother's but, the gift obviously runs in the family. The book was a comforting read, with pleasant characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to Robin's next book. Mr. Pilcher, well done.

I agree with the writer of the review "Who wrote the ending?" Having read 99% of Rosamunde Pilcher's books, I found Robin's story similar to some of her novelettes;i.e., a decent read...until the end. The Liz who decides she may attempt a reconciliation with a not well-drawn character of an ex-husband for the sake of a mature 18-yr old son was not the Liz who left Spain! Very irritating ending; left me with the feeling "Why did I waste my time reading this book".

This book was just okay. It could have been better and more well developed in some areas.

Liz Dewhurst's happy marriage ended when she dicovered her husband Gregor having an affair with another local woman for two years. To add more problems, Liz and Gregor's family businesses were intertwined. Growing up on neighboring farms on the east coast of Fife, an area blessed with rich soil, and beautiful unspoiled landscapes, they decided to merge the farms upon their marriage. The separation however, came at a really bad time, when these farms were struggling to survive.

Then when an opportunity arises to sell the land, and make it into a golf course, Liz is torn. The money is tempting, and she knows that by turning the scheme down she will face the wrath of the local community. On the other hand, the farm has passed through five generations of her family.

At the same time, Liz's son, Alex, a student at nearby St. Andrews University, suggests renting a room out to raise some money. And the person he suggests, is his German tutor, Arthur Kempler. Arthur turns out to be the man to change everything.

Liz Dewhurst feels as if her world is falling apart. Her husband has left her for another woman, her mother has died, and the farm which has been in her family for 150 years is being threatened with foreclosure. Her son Alex is estranged from his father and feels a keen responsibility for his mother and widowed grandfather. A developer appears and proposes to create a golf course on the property belonging to Liz and her ex-husband. Liz is opposed to this, but financially it seems to be the only solution to her problems. Alex tries to help by bringing his German teacher, Arthur, home as a boarder. Although Liz and her father are not too pleased by this arrangement at first, they soon grow fond of their new boarder.
Arthur is estranged from his son due to past indiscretions
and needs a travel companion to replace the son who refuses to go with his wayward father. Liz is persuaded to go, and she embarks on a voyage of self-discovery as well as investigating a new culture. Pilcher makes some statements about love and loyalty which are important although some may disagree with him. This is a pleasant read with a gentle message.