More Than Words

I read this book because I really enjoyed her last book, The Light We Lost. Nina grew up in a world of wealth and privilege. She’s on track to marry the man her father has chosen for her. Her mom died when she was young. After her father dies, revaluations come to light about the circumstances of her mother’s death. Should she settle or should she choose the person she has just met who really “gets” her? Is life about what you should do, or about what you heart chooses?

What I enjoyed most about this book is the emotional depth of the characters. It’s a love story about conditional and unconditional love. I couldn’t put this one down until I finished it. 

After the Party

Phyllis, her husband and 2 children have just moved back to the English countryside after living abroad for several years. Where will they live?  Who will their friends be? Where will Hugh find meaningful work?  Fortunately, she has 2 sisters living in the area. It’s a time of unrest in England and Europe. Phyllis and Hugh go to meetings and associate with individuals following the resistance. This leads to them being imprisoned for years. They lose almost everything and find out how unforgiving society truly is.  This is a story of ordinary people who are influenced by political movements. Life is not always pretty. We have to remember what is truly important.

My Summer of Love and Limoncello

Maisie is having a rough patch in life.  Having discovered her husband is cheating on her, she loses her job, her home and so much. Her dad and friends are supportive, but it’s just not great. Then she wins a holiday in a village in Tuscany. Oh, the Tuscan sun and scenery of the villa/farm where she is staying is so delightful. Sitting here reading in the winter, it warms me. Her 2 best friends travel with her and what adventures they have. Having been to Italy and Tuscany several times, I love that dinners end with a shot of limoncello!  I might just break out that bottle sitting in my cupboard!  Will Maisie stay in Tuscany or will she return to England and re-create her life there?
This was such a delightful read. I loved the scenery, the characters and the sense of feeling you actually feel in Italy that life should be savored, not rushed.

* I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.  That did not influence my review; my review is an honest review

One Last Summer

What would you choose to do if you only had about 6 months to live?  One last glorious summer.  Harriet was dying of cancer.  She wanted to spend her last summer with her very best friends in the world, and occasionally her daughter.  She rented a historic priory in Somerset, England.  The description of the priory and the area, including the seaside, are mouth-watering beautiful.  It makes you want to be there yourself!  When you only have 6 months left to live, it's not a time for secrets.  It's a time to bare your soul, to share your deepest thoughts and feelings but with others.  But, can Harriet bring herself to do that?  No, she keeps the secret that she's dying from her friends for most of the summer.  Will they find out?  How will they find out?  This book is about friendship, love, the choices we make and discovering what is important in life.  That summer changed the lives of all.  The hours I spent reading this story were delightful.

* I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.  That did not influence my review; my review is an honest review.