I always like featuring an author whose latest book I have read and enjoyed and today is one of those times as I welcome Eva Glyn to talk about the dog, Obi in The Croatian Island Library. Over to Eva …
As Morton would tell you, I love small dogs. I absolutely adored her beautiful little lady, Lily, who was such a big character. Because that’s what I always find; the tinier the pooch, the bigger their personalities.
Obi, the miniature Yorkshire terrier in The Croatian Island Library is no exception. She wasn’t going to be a Yorkie at first – in the first draft she was more a Pomeranian-poodle-chihuahua mash up. But then I went to Croatia to research the catamaran on which the story takes place.
It would have been a shame to take the trip alone so I went along with some girlfriends – thankfully all dog lovers – and much to our surprise when we reached the harbour our captain asked if we minded if he brought his dogs along. Three rather wonderful miniature terriers; Beth, who definitely thought she was the captain, Phoebe whose job was to graciously accept cuddles from the guests, and Mary Jane who gave every impression of not being sure about this sailing lark, only tolerating it because her master asked it of her.
Now Obi is a dog who follows her mistress, Natali, anywhere too, but I’m not sure she particularly liked being under sail either. Happy enough when the boat’s at anchor, but even in the generally calm waters around the Dalmatian islands she far prefers to stay in her basket.
On shore, she definitely likes the attention her good looks attract, and is as sociable as Natali is shy. In fact, on their very first island, she makes a very good friend, an elderly lady called Baka:
The aromas of the quayside were far too tempting for the dog, who kept stopping to look around her and sniffing the air. Natali had almost persuaded her as far as the bench in front of the ticket office, when the elderly woman sitting there clicked her fingers and Obi leapt up, scrabbling her front paws on her skirt and gazing at her adoringly.
“I am s-so s-sorry,” Natali stammered.
The woman looked up at her and smiled from beneath her wide-brimmed straw hat, her face deeply tanned and covered in a patchwork of fine lines. “It’s not your fault. I did try to attract your dog’s attention, and it’s nice he’s friendly. What’s his name?”
“It’s Obi … and she’s a her.”
The woman fondled Obi’s ears. “Then I apologise, young ladies.”
Obi needed no further invitation to jump onto the woman’s lap, winding herself into the floral fabric of her skirt. Natali was about to apologise again when Obi’s new friend gestured to the empty end of the bench.
“Given Obi has decided she needs a rest, may I suggest you join us?”
A number of early readers have told me that Natali and Baka’s story is their favourite part of the book, but I can’t help wondering how much is due to a certain little dog.
About Eva Glyn
Eva Glyn writes escapist relationship-driven fiction to whisk you away to fascinating destinations with their own stories to tell.
Set mainly in Croatia, her contemporary novels are more about friendship than romance, the coming together of people through shared interests – especially a love of books – and the opportunity to make fresh starts in their lives.
She has written seven novels for One More Chapter, the most recent being the best-selling The Dubrovnik Book Club, The Santorini Writing Retreat, and The Croatian Island Library which is published in January 2026.
Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with more than thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.
Follow Eva on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvaGlynAuthor), Instagram (@EvaglynAuthor) and Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Eva-Glyn/author/B08WH28BPV).
About The Croatian Island Library
Where books are borrowed, friendships are forged and secrets uncovered…
As a beautiful summer unfolds in the Croatian islands, Ana Meštrović embarks on a new venture – transforming her beloved catamaran into a floating library.
Joined by crew members Lloyd, a widower whose past threatens to overshadow everything, and Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, the newly formed trio all have their own powerful reasons for needing the travelling library to be a success.
As they explore stunning coastlines and visit picturesque harbours, they learn that, sometimes, the most profound changes happen not just in the pages of a book, but in the bonds formed along the way…
Buying link: here
Morton’s five star review:-
A captivating story with many strands to keep the reader engaged.
I loved the three main characters with their complex back stories. Lloyd, Ana and Natali are three strangers thrown together by a project which means they need to work as a team and overcome their differences. Obi, the dog plays a starring role and Baka captures your heart. I will admit a slight worry about library books going missing.
Enjoyed reading the author’s notes too to gain an insight into the development of the book.
Didn’t want the story to end and think readers need a sequel to see what happens next please.
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