These are my favourite reads from April:
Lucy Coleman - The Villa of Dreams
Seren is determined to break free from her overbearing father. She's been working for him for several years, but has now taken a dream job working for an art gallery in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. She finds herself in charge of a daring project involving art, fashion, and the local historic landmarks. But sometimes it's difficult to contain her insecurities in striking out on her own. Making new friends, immersing herself in new culture, exploring the vibrant city and its fascinating history bring her excitement. But two different men, both of whom have their own problems, now desire her, which brings her joy, heartbreak and anxiety. The writer immerses us in the Portuguese city, plunging the reader into the culture and the cuisine, bringing the novel to life in scintillating detail. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Mansi Shah - The Direction of the Wind
Twenty-eight year old Sophie has grown up in India with a French name, given to her by her mother Nita who dreamed of being an artist in Paris. Now Sophie is mourning her father Rajiv who has raised her single-handedly since Nita died when Sophie was six. Her aunts have quickly arranged a marriage for her, but she is reluctant to embark on this. While clearing her father's possessions, she makes the astounding discovery of letters from her mother in Paris after the date of her supposed death. Desperate to find Nita, Sophie runs away to France to find her. As she searches fo her mother, she encounters many difficulties, and uncovers past secrets about her family while she also discovers herself. I found this novel fascinating, a story of two young women from a sheltered Indian background being flung into the fast life of the west, and how each reacts to a world so different from their own. The plot had many twists and turns and kept my interest right up to the end.
Liz Eeles - Secrets of the Last House before the Sea
Rosie returns to Heaven's Cove in Devon, following the unexpected death of her mother, Sofia. She couldn't wait to leave this place when she was growing up, and now lives and works in Spain where she has a new boyfriend, Matt. But her mother's death has shocked her, and stepping into Driftwood House stirs up many memories and regrets. It's not long before she bumps into former school friends, and encounters the village gossips. Growing up she always felt on the outside, but the longer she stays in the area, she realises that she has unfinished business there. A series of shocking discoveries mean that she can't escape back to Spain yet - and why is former heartthrob Liam being so helpful and kind? A picturesque setting, past secrets to uncover, romance - a recipe for a satisfying read.
