Living the Dream - in the Algarve, Portugal is available to purchase worldwide on Amazon.
The book is available in Paperback, Large Print Edition, and e-Book version.
Could you leave everything behind and start a new life in the sun?
Have you ever been on holiday abroad and wondered what it would be like to live there?
Alyson and Dave Sheldrake did. They fell in love with a little fishing village in the Algarve, Portugal, and were determined to realise their dream of living abroad. They bought a house there, ended their jobs, packed up everything they owned and moved to the Algarve to start a new life.
Follow them as they battle with Portuguese bureaucracy, set up their own businesses, adopt a rescue dog and learn to adapt to a slower pace of life. Laugh with them as Alyson propositions a builder, they try to master the Portuguese language, and successfully navigate the 'expat' world.
Part guidebook, mostly memoir; this is a refreshingly honest and often hilarious account of life abroad.
1 / 12
"This truly is a page-turning read and an inspiration to anybody who has had a dream - in Dave and Aly's case they have actually made it come true. The book has a lot of information in it and tells their story of living in Portugal with sensitivity, intelligence and humour.
Can't wait for the next one!"
1 / 12
2 / 12
"It was wonderful to read how one couple made the bold decision to turn their dream into a reality and move there. We know the Algarve a bit, and I loved the fact that I'd visited some of the places described in this book, and could picture them, as I read the humorous stories.
A lovely, heart-warming read, that will remind you to dream."
2 / 12
3 / 12
"I really enjoyed reading Alyson’s book. It is well written and easy to read. It’s a well organised book, much like how Alyson comes across. It’s a lovely story to read of a couple making a move to live in Portugal as well as being really useful for anyone considering the same thing. My partner and I have bought a place on the Algarve and lots of Alyson’s stories rang so true. My partner is Portuguese so I think that helps us navigate the systems a little easier! Looking forward to the next book."
3 / 12
4 / 12
"I really enjoyed reading Alyson Sheldrake’s book about her and her husband’s move to Portugal. A great read for anyone thinking about moving to Portugal, already there or for anyone who visits there a lot. Having done the move myself last year I can relate to many of theIr funny stories. I can’t wait to read her sequel once written."
4 / 12
5 / 12
"Ever wondered what it’s like to up sticks and move to a country you’ve fallen in love with? If so, read this book...
The book is a fun travel memoir with bags of appeal for anyone who enjoys an informative read, and especially those interested in moving to Portugal. The author’s love for their adopted country shines through her writing. So much so, it has inspired the couple to discover new talents and new careers. I look forward to reading about their continued adventures."
5 / 12
6 / 12
"I loved this book. Although we did this ourselves in 2008 it was still a very interesting read and a must read for those thinking of moving to Portugal. I loved the easy style of writing, particularly enjoyed her observations on the categories that expats tend to fall into! Oh boy did this ring bells for me!
I borrowed it through kindle Unlimited yesterday mid morning, downloaded it and read it in one sitting!
I shall definitely be reading her next book!"
6 / 12
7 / 12
"Smiled all the way through reading this fantastic little book. Not only is it informative for anyone considering a move to this beautiful place, but you feel the frustrations and the delights of living the dream. Aly draws you into their journey and you can picture the trying times and you can see the beautiful fun filled times. Beautifully written, very informative and just pure indulgence."
7 / 12
8 / 12
"What a fab read! Informative, honest, funny and a must for anyone thinking of moving to the Algarve. Alyson takes you on their journey, warts and all and by the end of the book you feel as though you’ve been by their side all the way. A practical guide to making that journey intercepted with personal funny stories makes this a most enjoyable read."
8 / 12
9 / 12
"Absolutely delightful! Part travel guide, part bucket list adventure story, told from a British perspective with humor and love. The reader is guided through navigating a new culture; from language, customs, friendly people and challenging bureaucracies to beautiful beaches, charming walks and quaint cafes. It's a lovely tale of how one happy couple finds their way to slow down and enjoy the ride!"
9 / 12
10 / 12
"I loved this book. I've visited the Algarve as a tourist, and it brought back happy memories of the places I visited ... Her description of the many places and people, and the way they wanted to integrate into the community is so well written that it made me want to get on a plane to Faro airport right away. And the links to her husband's photos, and her paintings heightened the experience for me."
10 / 12
11 / 12
"I read this very descriptive memoir during mid Winter in Australia, and all I wanted to do was pack my bags and head to the Algarve.
After regular holidays in Portugal, Alyson and her husband Dave take early retirement to move there permanently. No hurdle is insurmountable for them, as they adjust to the change in lifestyle, the local community, customs, food and language.
The wonderful photo album accessed from the memoir would certainly tempt any person considering a holiday in that region."
11 / 12
12 / 12
"I read this book because I had been researching a trip to Portugal and always thought about Lisbon & Porto but her book gave us such a new appreciation for the Algarve and it’s now definitely being put on our itinerary. A lovely memoir of an adventurous couple, the trials tribulations and sometimes humorous Portuguese bureaucracy. This book gives you a feel for the weather, the food, the people and their traditions, the beaches, the language, a little of everything. Well written and funny!"
12 / 12
Please enjoy the free photo album that accompanies this book, which is full of photographs, art, and more information about us and our life here in the Algarve.
Click the image below to view online:
The Sequel - Now Available to Purchase
e-Book, Paperback and Large Print Edition Available