Celebrate Our First Year in Andalusia with The Crinkle Crankle Wall

Marie Y: Lovely book, very enjoyable read about starting a new life in Andalusia and renovating an old house. The author Sabina and her husband are very down to earth, practical with a great sense of humor.

United States on Sep 28, 2023

Kindle Customer: The writer tells us they made stupid mistakes with their new life and were naïve, but to write it down and tell the world is a step too far. As a reader, I would like to think an author will deliver a satisfying read, but this account is unbelievably frustrating. It would also have benefited from an editor. Out of a sudden! What does that even mean, and there were other similar statements. There were some nice bits like the neighbours helping out in true Spanish tradition. If they hadn't, this pair might as well have sunk even lower.

United Kingdom on Aug 28, 2023

Catherine Angus: As I live in Andalusia a lot of what I read was true to life..

I throughly enjoyed this amusing book of what a hard year and a half's work.

Looking forward to the follow up now.

United Kingdom on Jul 24, 2023

Katherine: While many of us can only dream what it would be like to just throw caution to the wind and go chase our dream of living in the countryside, Sabina and her husband Robert actually did it. What hurdles and challenges they faced weave a true story that will make you laugh and cry for their journey to rebuild an old Andalusian cottage. I literally couldn't put the book down and honestly can't wait to read about their next adventures after their first agonizing year. I highly recommend this honest and colorful read.

United States on Jul 23, 2023

ITS GREAT: I read lots of books about expats buying dilapidated, non-livable properties in foreign countries who think they can make them into their dream homes. In this first book, I could not believe how two people with absolutely no knowledge of building, gardening, etc. dealt with all the horrendous things they endured trying to get most of the main part of the house and guest R&B room habitable. Although I question neither of them seriously trying to learn some Spanish before they moved, they somehow managed to communicate their needs. I love British dry humor, and she did not let me down. I am now starting her second book on finishing the house.

United States on Feb 25, 2023

Amazon Customer: If you're an empathetic sort of reader, you'll be virtually exhausted by the time you finish this book! I see that it's Book 1, which means there will be a follow-up story and we'll be able to read about the finishing touches to the little wart house!

United States on Feb 14, 2023

Reviewer: Can anyone be so disorganised?

Is it a strength or weakness to be totally unprepared for, what many would consider, obvious requirements in your move to a new country?

To be so financially illiterate to the point where you admit ignoring your dwindling bank account - isn’t a thing to broadcast.

I suspect the writer has gilded the lilly often in this story when recounting matters to us.

Padded-out in parts. Describing how they made the stairs was, to put it bluntly, very boring. I had to skip through parts like that.

I have to say though, it is very well written.

It’s a solid 6…no more. I’m glad I didn’t pay any more for it than I actually did.

United Kingdom on Dec 11, 2022

Serena: Most couples who change countries have vacationed in the chosen country and decide to live there full time. Sabina and Robert seem to have picked a country by throwing a dart at a map. They ended-up moving to the Andalusia area of Spain with no real plans other than finding a house in the country.

As in most of these books they dreamed too large, had trouble with contractors, and ran out of money. Neither of them could speak any Spanish which made life even more difficult. Silly mistakes were made every day. There was no plan B or even plan A-. At times, I had trouble handling the stress. Still, overall, I enjoyed it and have ordered the second book in the series.

I got a kick out of the author going off on essay type tangents she seemed to assume are agreed upon principles around the world. I could almost hear her say "It is well known" just as Mma Makutsi in the the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels often does.

These books wouldn't be interesting if the writers had plenty of money and planned wisely. Sometimes I wonder how many hopeful ex-pats give-up and go home. They don't write books.

United States on Nov 04, 2022

Julie Haigh: I just love this type of book: Searching for a property in foreign climes, knowing little of the language, the ensuing misunderstandings. Such fun.

The book starts where they are about to welcome their first paying guests. Then it goes back to when they first started searching for a property-and their long and hard journey making it into a home. Sabina and hubby Robert had lived and taught in the UAE for seven years before they moved to Spain. Besides this being an excellent book to read it is superbly presented, with a gorgeous cover, and absolutely beautiful pictures at chapter starts.

They first decided to start viewing properties in 2012-they were looking at Spain........ Yet they'd never actually been before!

The cost of the renovations had been way under-estimated. After only a fraction of it had been done, they had no option but to take over the job themselves, watching videos on YouTube for tips and instruction. Sabina tells of their adventures, escapades and disasters 'doing up' their new abode.

I really liked her humour. They had lots of mishaps, but were never moaning or complaining. Just fun remarks which made it an entertaining read. I...

United Kingdom on Jun 12, 2022

Sue Campbell: I stumbled across a free chapter on Facebook and was captivated by the fabulous illustrations first - so fresh and zingy. I zipped through the chapter and thought: "Hmm, this is better than most of the other 'sunshine memoirs' I have read", and bought the Kindle version. Sabina's honesty is refreshing. She is truthful about her life in the Al Ain and later admits feeling overwhelmed by the challenges she and her husband Robert face when they eventually arrive in Andalusia. Many of her readers (myself included) will be fellow immigrants to Spain and will identify with the couple's feelings and predicaments. But, unlike some other writers (and those who have moved to Spain and can't stop telling everyone how pleased with themselves they are) Sabina never resorts to smugness. One reviewer said they found the book miserable - it isn't miserable at all - it is full of fun, (with the odd disaster, maybe), friendship, and, most of all, optimism. Looking forward to the sequel.

Spain on May 21, 2021