Nancy Barone | Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’ve already enjoyed some of Nancy Barone’s books, so when this came up on Netgalley, I was excited to request a copy. I’m glad I did.

Blurb

Olivia swore she would never grow up to be like her mother, who fled to Sicily to be with her lover when Olivia was a teenager. But now in her thirties, the spark in Olivia’s marriage has been extinguished for years, she’s hopelessly pining over her attractive business partner, Markus, and her own teenage daughter barely speaks to her.

So when her estranged mother offers to pay for an eight-week trip to a luxurious wellness centre in Italy, Olivia reluctantly accepts. A break will be good for her. For everyone. There’s just one catch… Susan is staying in the adjoining room.

Fuelled by gorgeous weather, good food and even better wine, can the two women overcome their history and form the mother-daughter bond that Olivia always dreamed of? Or is it too late for second chances?

My mini review

I was intrigued to read Olivia’s story. I’m sure many people like me would dream of being offered a free eight-week holiday, but this doesn’t turn out quite how she expects. The story takes some unexpected turns when she is forced to face her mother after 22 years apart. There are some surprising revelations and deep soul searching moments for Olivia to contend with. There are plenty of emotional moments throughout the story as more of the past is revealed and both Olivia and her mother’s actions suddenly begin to make sense.

I really liked the relationship between Olivia and her business partner. I wanted them to get together and be the perfect couple they were meant to be if only she wasn’t trapped in a loveless marriage. Marcus is such a great guy and a best friend to Olivia and her children. I was rooting for them from the start. I also wanted Olivia to be able to mend her difficult relationships with her mother and her daughter before the past could repeat itself. At times the emotional moments made it a difficult read, but it was so rewarding and proves what a great author Nancy B is.

I recommend the book, especially if you fancy a getaway to Sicily.

My Review

Wow, the start of this book throws you straight in the deep end, and it doesn’t stop as Kate’s life is thrown upside down. I couldn’t stop reading, hoping desperately that Kate would get her happy ever after. The storyline keeps you guessing as she tries to settle into a new community without giving away her past. I loved how everyone came to help her – the sense of community in Starry Cove is strong and I loved the mystery around Piers her love interest. It was a story I would read again and recommend to any romance reader.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC copy.

Life doesn’t always go to plan . . .

After a messy breakup and a nightmare boss, Kate swaps the chaos of London for the calm of Starry Cove-the charming seaside village she loved as a child. She arrives hoping for peace and a fresh start. But life has other plans: Kate soon discovers she’s going to be a mother.

As she navigates small-town life (and morning sickness), Kate finds friendship in the ‘coastal girls’-a warm, welcoming group who help her land a job with Piers, the reclusive owner of the local manor. He’s guarded, grumpy and impossible to read… but there’s more to him than meets the eye.

As feelings grow and secrets slowly come to light, Kate must decide if she’s ready to open her heart again-and whether Starry Cove could be the home she’s been searching for all along.

Check out the Amazon book page