They aren’t afraid of no ghost…

Synopsis

Rumors of a ghostly presence haunt Julianne’s Cornish autumn in the series’ charming fourth installment.

What began as a bit of teenage mischief in the village quickly became stories of spooky lights and ghost sightings in the wood. Being sensible, Julianne is more worried about whether she can finish her kids’ costumes in time for the annual Halloween contest—and whether husband Matt and his eager assistants will be selected for the exclusive Brookshire Garden Design Competition. So when everyone in town begins flocking to the local ‘ghost walk’ tours Julianne assures her wide-eyed children it’s just a case of imagination run wild…until she experiences her own brush with the supernatural, that is.

Real or imagined, Julianne can’t shrug off what she saw, or even bring herself to confide in sympathetic Matt for advice. Best friend Kitty is on hand to help, despite her usual family battles, including that of her cousins’ shady new scheme to profit from the town’s ghost mania. But even Julianne’s friends can’t fully understand her need to find a solution this time, one that leads her on a quirky quest from local lore, to meetings with the village’s ragtag paranormal club, and even a creepy abandoned cottage hiding secrets in the woods.

Join Julianne for suspense, surprises, and (of course) heartfelt moments as book four in the series brings an autumn like no other to sleepy Ceffylgwyn.

My review

It’s nearly Halloween, and that means busy times for our beloved family. Julianne is making the kids’ Halloween costumes, even if she isn’t that very accomplished as a sewer. And Matt and his assistants are hoping their entry will be selected in the exclusive Brookshire Garden Design Competition.
But when in the village there is beside a bit of teenage mischief, stories of unexplainable lights and actual ghosts, even the most sensible person begins to doubt… And when Julianne is also confronted with the supernatural, she doesn’t know if what she saw was a prank of really something ghostly…
There is surely something strange in the neighbourhood, but will the truth come out?

Of course returning to Cornwall with this beautiful couple, is always a joy!
But this story surely got all mysterious!!!

Julianne and Matt are their usual amazing selves, and their kids are even if sometimes annoying just adorable!
This family is the perfect imagine of a normal family, everyone is doing their utterly best, finding that perfect balance between work and family.
Julianne and Matt still adore each other, even if some private couple time is something they both want, but cannot gather to find.

I have to admit, I don’t believe in ghosts or in the supernatural myself, but sometimes I wonder if there is *something* out there…
And this story didn’t absolutely put my faith back in science! All the time it made me wonder if it were really a ghost, especially because Julianne, down to earth like me, starts doubting her scientific approach too!

When the truth is exposed, it was both a ‘I KNEW IT’ moment, because my suspicions were confirmed, but also heart – breaking. Because the cottage’s secret was just horrible… I felt so much pity and sorry and my admiration for Julianne and Matt only grew towards to end!
This couple surely has their hearts at the right place and even if their decision would surely complicate their lives even more, they don’t doubt about doing the right thing!
And even if it’s obvious that there are people who shouldn’t deserve to be walking around, Julianne and Matt and the whole community managed to restore my faith in mankind…

This was a different story compared with the other tales of Julianne and Matt, but their kind hearts, friendships and love is standing like a rock in the sea…
Even if sometimes a bit afraid, I loved this next installment!

Never just trust anyone…

Synopsis

An invitation you can’t refuse. You should . . .

When shy, lonely Ivy meets a woman who claims to be her long-lost sister, she knows it’s too good to be true. She decides to trust Kate anyway. She wants a family. She wants someone to love.

She’s making a mistake.

Ivy enters Kate’s fairytale cottage, deep in the heart of Scotland . . . and she doesn’t come out.

She’s the first to go missing.

She won’t be the last.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Tash’s journey is just beginning . . .

My review

Women who apparently have nothing in common have gone missing. How is it possible that these women haven’t left any trace? That’s because the woman who took them, Kate, made sure that it looked like the women left on their own decision. But Kate has a plan with these women, and it isn’t one with a happy end for all the women…
Meanwhile we have Tash, on her own journey, trying to make success on her own. Will this young woman be the answer to the missing women prayers?

I find it always a bit terrifying how easy it apparently can be to just take a person, even an adult one, without anyone having a clue.
Of course this book is fiction, but I always kept in mind that there are such evil people around…

The author managed to pinpoint also how the culprits prepare on their job.
Because Kate in this case, did her homework.
She searched for lonely women, women who wouldn’t be immediately missed, and knew what to say to lure them in her home.

The women held in captivity are despite their general likeness, alone, working from home etc., very different in character.
And I found it very interesting reading how the dynamic between these three victims shifted. When each woman was taken, initially they were all trying to find a way to escape. But time made their mind-set change into one of acceptance. However finally they joined forces and tried all together to find a way to just get out, before it was too late.

I didn’t see how Tash and her journey would somehow fit into the story of the missing women, and it took a while before the it all came together.
Because Tash is in a whole different situation. Her family isn’t one working through legal ways, and when she discovers a secrets, she wants to change her own course and take matter in own hands.
Not only does she show her strength and independence while fighting her own family, but also when she makes it her own mission on finding the missing women.
No matter what her background was, she wants to do the right thing, and that made me like her. She is ready to take risks and is ready to accept the consequences.

This was a disturbing story, seeing how easily people can just take someone else captive. And even if sometimes I found the victims too easy to lure into a totally made up story and make them disappear, I also understood that sometimes the desire of belonging somewhere makes you blind to all signals showing that it’s just a scam…
But also in the end there was a twist I didn’t see coming, and changed my whole view of the story. 

This was a dark story, showing the evil and craziness of some people, but also it showed us that sometimes in the darkest places you can find the thing you longed the most for… And that sometimes sharing the most terrible journey together is an unbreakable bond.

A getaway to realize what to cherish at home

Synopsis

‘Delightful and witty with a heroine you’ll be rooting for . . . joyful escapism’ Milly Johnson

‘Spirited, adventurous and full of heart!’ Heidi Swain

Although thirty-three-year-old Kara Moon loves her hometown of Hartmouth in Cornwall, she has always wondered if she should have followed her dream of going off to study floristry. But she couldn’t bring herself to abandon her emotionally delicate single father, and has worked on Ferry Lane Market’s flower stall ever since leaving school.

When her good-for-nothing boyfriend cheats on her and steals her life savings, she finally dumps him and rents out her spare room as an Airbnb. Gossip flies around the town as Kara welcomes a series of foreign guests to her flat overlooking the estuary.

Then an anonymous postcard arrives, along with a plane ticket to New York. And there begins the first of three trips of a lifetime, during which she will learn important lessons about herself, her life and what she wants from it – and perhaps find love along the way.

More praise for Nicola May!

‘This book will twang your funny bone & your heartstrings’ – Milly Johnson
‘A fun and flighty read’ – Sun
‘A funny and fast-paced romp – thoroughly enjoyable!’ WOMAN Magazine
‘One of those books that I can’t stop thinking about way after I’ve read it! – Kim The Bookworm
‘This book is so addictive that you will literally lose 3 hours of your life, and you won’t care!’ – Cara’s Book Boudoir

Readers love Nicola May, too!

‘A FABULOUS must-read’ – 5 STARS
‘An excellent book of friendship – with a little wickedness!’ – 5 STARS
‘Good for the soul’ – 5 STARS
‘I loved it and devoured it in a matter of days’ – 5 STARS
‘A wonderful, feel-good novel with some grit thrown in’ – 5 STARS
‘Marvellous, beautiful and heart-warming’ – 5 STARS
‘Sea, sand and sex – a soppy delight’ – 5 STARS
‘A truly lovely book’ – 5 STARS
‘Fun and whimsy, plus a dog!’ – 5 STARS
‘Nicola May is a brilliant, relevant writer for today, exposing today’s issues with tenderness, and always demonstrating a warm, human, heartfelt response’ – 5 STARS

My review

Kara Moon loves her life in Hartmouth in Cornwall, and even if her potential is bigger than her current work on the Ferry Lane Market’s flower stall, she wouldn’t dare to dream to leave it all behind, especially her father.
But when she finds out that her boyfriend is not only cheating on her, but also been stealing her life savings, it’s time to change her life course.
So renting out her spare room as an Airbnb, she meets a series of guests having all an impact on her life.
And when suddenly a postcard arrives, together with a ticket to New York, Kara embarks on an adventure not knowing where it will bring her. On this trip she will learn more about herself and her dreams than imagined and maybe even what she truly feels about a certain person…

After finishing reading this book, I was thinking that Kara was just a too kind of person. Not only did she give up her dreams of studying floristry, she also keeps up with her boyfriend I surely would have kicked out sooner!
But of course that makes her also so recognizable. Even in real life we keep sitting in the situation we are in because it’s an easy option. Changing something means more change and being afraid of the unknown holds us back.

But her kind heart sparks from the pages, whenever she is with the beloved granddad, or her father or her best friend. They all appreciate Kara and her sacrifices and love her just the way she is, and they all help her out however they can, not like her lousy boyfriend Jago.

The end of her relationship with that scumbag is the start of a whole new adventure. Not only does she meet new people thanks to her renting out her spare room, but she also learns somehow a lesson from each guest. And when she embarks on her biggest adventure on her own, it somehow all comes together.

I loved reading how Kara goes from one place to another, not knowing who planned this whole trip for her. Even for us as a reader it was a mystery and when the truth came out, I was honestly surprised, as I didn’t see that coming!

There is some sweet romance in the story, but that it not the main subject. This book is all about
self – discovery, daring to chase your dreams again and turn something bad that happened to you in something good.

This story was just beautiful, because seeing how Kara trying to figure out where her future lays, and even with whom, are struggles every one of us has.
But having so many people supporting you, and even literally cheering for you, is just heart-warming. Sometimes what we all need, is a time away from our comfort zone to truly appreciate what we already have and see even more clearer what we have in front of us.

The inheritance of a lifetime

Synopsis

Welcome to the Hummingbird Hotel!

When florist-to-the-stars Abbie Coleman catches a glimpse of her boyfriend through the window of Tiffany’s, she couldn’t be more excited. Keen to share her happiness, she organises a huge surprise party for all their family and friends… except things don’t quite work out as she expected, and instead of planning a flower-filled wedding, she finds herself single, and fired from a job she loves.

Desperate to escape her heartbreak, she jets off to her aunt’s quirky Hummingbird Hotel on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Little did she know that instead of spending her time lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, and soaking up the sun, she’d be stepping into the role of the island’s newest hotelier.

The arrival of unexpected guests sends Abbie into a tailspin of panic, and she’s forced to turn to snippy, but charismatic, vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos, for help. Why does the kitchen fill with smoke whenever she makes coffee? Why is there a naked man swimming in the pool? And why do the hotel’s toiletries turn their guests’ hair pink?

Despite all the chaos, the Hummingbird Hotel works its magic on Abbie, and she finds herself with a decision to make. Will she return home to the drizzly grey skies of London? Or will she take a leap of faith and embrace the new opportunities that little corner of paradise has to offer, and maybe, just maybe, discover a sprinkle of romance along the way?

My review

When florist Abbie Coleman inherits Hummingbird Hotel on the island of Corfu, it’s the perfect escape for her. Because what she thought would be a marriage proposal, ended up in disaster. Not only didn’t her boyfriend think about marrying her, but now Abbie has also lost her job. Perks of having a relationship with your boss, right?
Unfortunately, Hummingbird Hotel will not be the relaxing holiday she expected to be, because guests are being expected and Abbie has to pretend to be hotelier, even if she is in a state of pure panic.
Luckily she can count on the unexpected help of neighbour/ vineyard owner/ former chef Nikos Angelopoulos.
While fighting with coffee machines, wondering why there is a naked man in her pool and other mysteries, Abbie discovers the paradise that Corfu and Hummingbird Hotel is. But what will her final decision be? Going back to London and sell the hotel? Or take a leap of faith and stay in Corfu where her dreams may be realized, and even having a chance for romance?

Reading something from this author is always wonderful. You know somehow what to expect, fun, romance with a twist of mystery, but you know you will enjoy every bit of it.
And with the start of this new series, she managed again to write about characters that you will love.

In the first chapters, I felt truly sorry for Abby. Her hopes and dreams all get crushed at once, and that makes her think about her future and what she truly wants.
And is there a better way to overthink everything by taking off to Corfu?
I admired how Abbie managed to remain calm in certain situations and even at moments where I would throw the towel in the ring myself, she never gave up.
She won’t allow a grumpy neighbour to burst her bubble, she keeps her calm when a naked man appears, and even when she nearly manages to burn the whole place down, she just never gives up.

Nikos may give you the wrong first impression, but the way he offers his help to Abbie, even if he is facing his own struggles, made me truly like him.

The mysterious sabotage elevated this story even more, because when the truth came out, it was not what I expected and the whole coming out, warmed my heart.
Even discovering the past between Abbie’s mother and aunt was bittersweet, but added again that extra layer to make this even a more beautiful story!

I have never been to Corfu myself, but the way the author managed to grasp the beauty of the place, but also the wonderful inhabitants, makes me dream of going there myself.
This was again a wonderful escape to a place offering new opportunities and left me longing for more reading material about Abbie and Nikos! Because it’s obvious that their story has just begun!

After ten years, feelings change, right?

Synopsis

Can one week in paradise…
…heal ten years of heartache?

When the elite M dating agency sends wealthy Freddie Highgrove to the Seychelles for a weeklong “date,” the last person he’s expecting to be matched with is Jasmine Walker, his first love and ex-fiancée! Ten years ago, his family’s expectations for a high-society marriage sent housekeeper’s daughter Jasmine running. Can one week in paradise bring them back together?

My review

Now that her business has really taken off, Jasmine Walker has put matters of the heart in the hands of the elite M dating agency.
A weeklong date on the Seychelles would have been the perfect start of something new, except that her match is not a total stranger, on the contrary… it’s her first love Freddie Highgrove. Even if being engaged for a short while, Jasmine ran away as she thought that the wealthy family wouldn’t accept a marriage with the housekeeper’s daughter.
And even now Freddie’s parents are hoping for a high – society marriage. So one week in paradise surely wouldn’t bring these two ex – lovers together again?

There are some authors you just know that will make sure you’ll have a blast reading their books. And Rachael Stewart is absolutely one of those authors for me!

Jasmine is the kind of woman who mad her own success, without relying on a man to help her out. As a young girl, she was a housekeeper’s daughter, but now she has her own business.
But as a reader it’s obvious that she is missing that one special thing, and it’s also obvious that she still has a soft spot for her first love, no matter how hard she tries to ignore it.
So when on the Seychelles she sees that Freddie was her date, it wasn’t only her heart that skipped a beat!

Even if Freddie may seem like being afraid of a commitment, his pain goes much deeper than thought. He has so much to fight against, not only his feelings for Jasmine, but his parents have wishes for his future he doesn’t share…
And the moment he dares to have a hope, it got crushed rather quickly, which broke my heart all over again!

Whenever Jasmine and Freddie are together, it’s clear that they both had their heart broken when their relationship ended, but they still hold a torch for each other. However, they are also afraid that the past will repeat itself and that their current situation wouldn’t allow them to be in a relationship.

This story is not only about second chances, but also about daring to trust each other again. Understanding each other is important in any kind of a relationship, because only if you understand the actions of the person next to you, you can comprehend how deep their love for you is.

Again a book that ticked all the boxes and fulfilled all my already high expectations and even surpassed them!
I loved reading this story about an initially impossible love, second chances and daring to stand your ground and fight for your loved ones.

And can it get any better than adding also an amazing Giveaway to Win Prize bundle of 2 Rachael Stewart paperbacks plus assorted goodies (Open INT)

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A life changing break from everything

Synopsis

Tess Simpson needs a break!

Under appreciated at home, overlooked at work and now her beloved dog Bella has died. Tess has simply had enough!

So in a spur of the moment act, Tess books a holiday of a lifetime for her, her two grown up kids and useless husband Dave. Maybe they can use the break to reconnect with each other?

But when the kids refuse to go, and Dave breaks his leg, Tess’s dream holiday looks seriously in doubt. And then there’s River Romero, the glamourous LA screen writer who is supposed to be house-sitting for Tess whilst she’s away….

Everything about River sounds so much more exciting than Tess’s boring life in Stratford Upon Avon. From her beautiful LA condo and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tess wonders whether a bit of River’s LA life might be exactly what she needs? So when River suggests a house swap, Tess jumps at the chance!

With Dave happily ensconced in the summer house at the bottom of the garden, the kids not needing mum anymore, Tess packs her bags and heads off for the adventure of a lifetime.

But real life isn’t like the movies, and when Tess arrives in LA, things aren’t exactly as they seem. 

Will Tess find what’s she’s looking for or is getting away from it all isn’t all perhaps not all it’s cracked up to be?

My review

When Tess Simpson is not having the promotion she has been hoping to have, she needs a break, especially when also her beloved dog dies.
But when every family member is withdrawing from the planned family holiday, she decides to take the break on her own.
So swapping houses with River Romero, living in L.A. seems the perfect solution. River herself is looking for inspiration for her latest task as a screenwriter and living the English country life seems the perfect solution!
Both women are experiencing a different lifestyle, which makes them think about their own lives… But is turning your whole life upside down the answer?

Who doesn’t dream of just packing everything and leave for a while the hectic life we are all accustomed to?
So I loved reading about all the plans Tess was making after missing out her promotion.
I also understood why she wanted to make a family holiday of it, and even if it was written in the stars, I felt utterly sad when each member somehow managed to get out of this wonderful holiday.

And I was cheering when Tess decided to change her plans and just swap houses with River and spend some time in L.A. instead.

I think there are many families that have a feeling that they are just stuck and don’t feel very appreciated.
And for Tess, this holiday on her own was the perfect get out to overthink just everything.
When in L.A., I admired her determination, because if I would enter a condo like River’s, you would find me running straight back home! I surely wouldn’t do what she did!

I also admired how she just starts doing things she wouldn’t dream of. And even if sometimes it’s a  case of trial and error, she makes new friends, finds herself again and discovers a whole different world.

I have to admit, River was not the kind of character I immediately liked. Her being artistic often came to me as an excuse to be just disorganized and chaotic. But slowly her character is becoming clearer and I started to like this woman who will not accept any bullshit from other people.
She opens Dave’s eyes and shows him that his behaviour and contribution in running the household with Tess is practically non – existing.

I have to mention also Alex… because if there was something that broke my heart in this story, it’s Alex’ tale…
The author managed to tell us his feeling in a very respectful yet also eye – opening way. The feelings Alex is having and yet manages to hide it from everyone, shows us that sometimes it’s nearly impossible to see someone’s real feelings. And that we should never forget that we can take everything and everyone for granted.

I found this a beautiful, yet strong story, because sometimes stepping away is what someone needs to realize what is worth getting back to.
I loved reading how strong characters found themselves in a whole different world, and after the initial hesitation make the best of their current situation.
And even if I didn’t have a clue how our main characters would end up, I enjoyed reading this book and loved every bit of it!

When a new start full of hope changes in a chase for clearing your name

Synopsis

When Ruby Watkiss lands a job at the True Loaf Bakery, she feels as if the sun has finally come out. Having been through a traumatic time that wrecked her confidence levels, it’s a joy to be working for Ellie, and now all Ruby wants is to lead a quiet life and support her mum in getting the help she needs.

But life, it seems, has other plans for Ruby.

Working alongside the bafflingly rude Hudson Holmes would be bad enough – but then odd things start happening. It seems that someone is out to sabotage the café and bakery, and to her horror, Ruby finds the finger pointing at her.

Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with the most unlikely person in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Tailing suspects and hiding in bushes isn’t something she ever imagined she’d be doing, although her partner in mystery-solving seems the perfect man for the job. Can they clear Ruby’s name by discovering the real culprit?

With all the drama afoot, at least there’s no time for romance. Because that’s the very last thing on Ruby’s mind these days. Or is it…?

My review

Ruby Watkiss hopes that starting her new job at the True Loaf Bakery will be the start of many happy and joyful moments. Her mother being sick and not finding a match for a much needed transplant, made Ruby feeling sad and helpless.
Already during her first day, she enjoys working for Ellie. But not everyone is who Ruby thought. Her aunt trying to blackmail her, someone sabotaging the café and bakery, fingers are pointed towards Ruby rather quickly.
Determined to clear her name and find the real culprit, she joins forces with rude Hudson Holmes. Hudson seems to be the perfect partner for tailing suspects and why not, hiding in bushes. But could it be that Hudson could be more than just an investigating partner?

This was the first book I’ve ever read of the Little Duck Pond Café series, so I was a bit afraid I wouldn’t be able to catch up.
But my fears were unfounded, because this story can be perfectly be read as a standalone. Although I have to admit, I totally fell in love with each characters, I now have the actual need to catch up and read every previous book and every future book!

Most of the times, I just wanted to jump into the book, and give Ruby the biggest hug possible. The situation she finds herself in is just terrible. She wants to do whatever she can to help her mother, even if that would mean to do the unthinkable.
And Ruby being ready to do that to help her mother, shows just how far she would go for the people she loves.
She accepts the consequences, because she knows that she betrayed Ellie in the worst way possible and Ellie surely didn’t deserve it.

But when she is accused of sabotaging Ellie in the café and the bakery, she shows her inner strength. She will not let someone drag her through dirt while in these cases she was innocent! She shows also her investigating skills, because instead of just pointing fingers towards her suspects, she starts to search the truth with the necessary proof. She shows us that she doesn’t want another innocent being dragged through dirt!

And how wrong can first impressions be! Hudson was totally not what I expected. And of course, if he would be a real asshole as it would seem, he wouldn’t be taking this big part in the story. But when the truth about his past is revealed, my heart early broke, because his pain was so palpable from the pages!

The search for the real vandal was both intriguing as funny. There were several suspects, and I was looking myself for clues all over the place to find the culprit. However the situations Ruby found herself in, were sometimes hilarious.

The author wrote a captivating story, even for people who haven’t read the previous parts. The book has some sadder bits in it, even a few twists, which I didn’t see coming, that could have let the story take a whole different turn. But Rosie Green found a way to fill even the darker moments with a lightness, showing that nothing is unsurmountable.
All the character (with the exception of the villain of course) were so lovable, recognizable and just normal, making reading this book a real joy, making the reader wishing to be staying with them!

Now all I need is extra time because I have some serious catching up to do with the other parts!!!

Can playing pretend change into the real thing?

Synopsis

A pretend proposal

For the unconventional heiress

When American heiress Violet Wilkins crosses paths with William, Duke of Charteris, she has extremely low expectations of the “Duke of Bore.” But when this seemingly stuffy aristocrat offers her escape from a dreadful arranged marriage, she leaps at the chance! To her surprise, the arresting Charles whisks Vi into an exhilarating make-believe romance. And as she gets to know the man behind the title, she can’t help wanting more…

My review

American heiress Violet Wilkins is shocked when her parents have arranged to get her married to her father’s business partner Harold Rogers. Not only is Mr. Rogers a business partner, but he is also thirty years older than Violet, and not really appealing.
When she meets William, the Duke Of Charteris, a strange alliance is being made. Even if he is better known as ‘The Duke Of Bore’, they will pretend to be engaged, avoiding an arranged marriage for Violet, and for William avoiding being chased like a hunted animal by women who only care about his title.
However while they are pretending to be in love, Violet gets to know William better and learns that there is much more to him than thought. And could she dream that their fake romance could change into a real one?

So here we are, the next chapter in the ‘Dollar Duchesses’ Series…
And this time it’s Violet who is searching for that true love. She knows what true love looks like, she just needs to look at her sisters.

Violet is really easy to like. It’s not that she is doing something extraordinary, but her just being herself is enough to be extraordinary.
She has a passion for photography (the old fashioned way of course) and it just a kind, warm, caring and loving woman.
Her reaction when she learns about her arranged marriage is obviously making sense, because just imagine the horror, marrying someone so much older and someone who doesn’t inflict any kind of feelings except a bit of disgust.
So who of us wouldn’t agree to pretend to be engaged, just to escape that kind of marriage?

Of course, being pretend – engaged to William, The Duke Of Bore, doesn’t seem that very exciting, but I immediately liked him!
It’s no secret that it’s the quiet types are the most wonderful, swoon worthy characters! William may seem like an old soul, but while spending more and more time with Violet, we see this whole other side of him. Not only is he very caring and warm, but he also shows this passionate side. And the way he encourages Violet to keep pursuing her dreams of photography… not every man, especially a Duke, would like to see a woman being so independent!

I found this an entertaining second part of the series, showing us also glimpses of a past not that far away, full of wonder too and taking us even to Russia for a whole different experience and also laughter.

This story shows us that sometimes a forced arrangement can lead to much more, even exceed your dream. But all it takes is to believe in yourself and courage to come clean about your feelings. Sometimes a dive in the deep can be the most rewarding!

How one event can follow your whole life

Synopsis

Carlo Gesualdo, prince, composer and murderer has his wife and her lover killed in Naples in 1590. The wife’s maidservant,Laura Scala, witnesses the events and vowes to avenge her mistress.

The princess, Donna Maria d’Avalos, rescued Laura in Sicily after she had been raped at the age of thirteen. Laura devotes her life to her saviour and after the murders she spends years of her life trying to be revenged on the musical prince.

The scene moves from Sicily to Naples and Venice, back to Naples and finally to the New World. Laura believes she is carrying a curse. Everyone she becomes involved with appears to suffersmisfortune and death.

A Jewish girl in the Venetian ghetto is kidnapped and sold into the Sultan’s harem, Laura’s daughter is placed in an orphanage without her knowledge, the artist Caravaggio uses Laura as a model and meets a tragic end.

Three beautiful pearls given to Laura by her mistress play a part in the story. Is Laura really cursed – or is it her connection with the murderous prince who dabbles in the occult?

A gypsy woman is burned at the stake, a Venetian gondolier meets a mysterious fate and Laura becomes a skilled herbalist and poisoner by default before the story ends in the New World. The background to these events is the strange and compelling music of Gesualdo.

My review

Laura Scala is the maidservant of Donna Maria D’Avalos, wife of Prince and Composer Carlo Gesualdo. But when Maria is murdered together with her lover by her husband, Laura swears that revenge will be taken on Carlo Gesualdo.
No matter where life takes Laura, from Sicily, Naples, Venice, together with artists, gypsies and gondoliers, she always keeps an eye on the prize: Carlo Gesualdo.

While it may look like this is just a story about a woman seeking revenge, for me it was more the tale of an unfortunate woman.

From a very young age, it’s obvious that the cards Laura has been dealt by life, aren’t the best in the game.
However each time she tries to make the best of the current situation, how hard it is and no matter how many are against her.
Through the whole story, after several points that would break everyone, we keep seeing the strength Laura possesses.
She promises revenge when Donna Maria is murdered, and her determination is clear because even after the years passing by, she never forgets that made promise.

I found this a sad, dark story, because every new adventure Laura embarks (of free will of nearly being forced to escape her current situation), I was hoping that Laura could finally find some happiness.
But it saddened me that the bad luck kept following her, no matter what. Each time it would appear to be a happy period for Laura, something came along, crushing that little happiness she found.

I found it interesting how the author managed to write a story around real events, giving her own twist to it.
The fact that there were several people who truly existed, made it even more possible to submerge me in the right setting and mind-set.
The author managed also perfectly in capturing the way of living of each city. Because there is a difference in living in Sicily, or Naples, Rome, or Venice. All being in Italy, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a different way of life in each city. And there are many contrast comparing places.

Laura’s life is a tragic one, and that’s what kept me reading, it’s enthralling to see how she copes with every twist thrown at her. And of course, more important, will she succeed in keeping her promise?