Caroline Montague - Shadows over the Spanish Sun
While I was reading this novel that I realised that I was also watching Michael Portillo's television series on Andalucia, where the novel is set! It was very helpful to picture the scenes better in my mind, as this is a region I've never visited. However, television backup is not required to enjoy this dual-time novel. In the year 2000, Mia travels to Spain to look after her eighty-five year old grandfather Leonardo, who has been severely injured by a riding accident. Mia has grown up in England, as her mother Rafaela ran away to marry there. But Mia has always had a strong connection to Leonardo, and feels dissatisfied with her life. Caring for him brings her new insights into her own situation and what she needs to leave behind, although her way ahead is still unclear. As the weeks go by, long-buried secrets of the past and the shadows of the Spanish Civil War begin to emerge. Leonardo's story is revealed, as well as that of his adopted sister, Valeria, a woman who broke the boundaries of the time with her talent and bravery. A fascinating insight into this history, brutal and honest at times, but filled with tenderness and respect for those who tried to fight for their freedom. A book that drew in my attention and kept it until the last word.
Kimberley Adams - Love Lindisfarne
A bright and engaging Christmas novel about a magical, historic island in my region of the country. Ellie has a disastrous ending to her relationship with her boyfriend, who's also her work colleague. Longing to escape her dull job in London, she takes a short-term post as an animal-sitter in Lindisfarne in Northumberland. When she arrives there, she discovers that it's actually a tidal island. Rescued from the incoming tide by gorgeous islander Zen, she finds herself living in a castle and caring for a motley group of animals at the shelter, including two alpacas! To her surprise, the other islanders take her to their hearts. Ellie learns how to trust again while experiencing the wonder of the beautiful skies, the history of Holy Island, the wild beaches and the tranquility of being far from the city. Although she's smitten by Zen, his sister has told her that he's still getting over a brokwn heart. Ellie wonders if she should instead have a fling with Aidan, the devastatingly attractive younger son of the local Lord, who owns the castle. As Christmas approaches and they have to deal with the vicissitudes of nature, Ellie realises that she's come to love Lindisfarne, and all the islanders too. What choices must she make for the future? Warm and enticing, a Christmas novel with a difference.
Sue Watson - The Sister-in-Law
Clare and Dan and their three young children join his parents for an Italian villa summer holiday. It's what Clare has longed for - she and Dan are trying to rebuild their marriage after his second affair. He's contrite, not wanting to lose her, but Clare longs for the peace of the villa to give them time to rediscover their love for each other. She's also looking forward to spending time with Dan's adventurous younger brother, Jamie, who always brings fun to the holidays. But when Jamie arrives, he's not alone. There's a beautiful young woman with him, and he introduces Ella as his wife. Suddenly the atmosphere of the holiday changes. Clare feels belittled by Ella's constant remarks that make her feel unattractive and over-the-hill. She also seems to have usurped Clare's warm relationship with her mother-in-law, Joy, has attracted attention from the errant Dan, and has become a subject of hero-worship for Clare's nine-year-old daughter, Violet. The reader feels Clare's despair as her hopes of mending her marriage begin to crumble. But it's clear from her narrative that everything is heading for a dreadful conclusion. As we're kept guessing, this is a real edge-of-the-seat novel, full of emotional suspense as it forges forward towards its conclusion.
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