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The new sun-drenched summer read from the bestselling author and TV presenter By the glittering shores of the Mediterranean, two families gather for the wedding of the year. Thank you for allowing me to review this book. A love story set on the Almafi coast, Italy. It has it all; romance, secrets, mafia, beautiful setting. Carina are childhood friends who grew up on a joining vineyards. Their wedding is just days away, but gradually secrets are revealed. This is an easy read that had me hooked from the beginning. Carol Kirkwood is a good author who researchs the setting well and uses it to good affect. Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart Giorgio who`s father runs the adjoining vineyard, but things are not as happy as Corina thought it would be on Giorgio`s return from the US and her best friend and chief bridesmaid is hiding a secret Similar to her previous books with a lovely setting with famous names thrown in which I thought was unnecessary to the story.
The main and side characters could have been much better but end up as cardboard cutouts. Also, a major development made me roll my eyes at the FMC. This could have been achieved in better ways. The scenery and beauty of the Italian Amalfi coast is so well described that the reader could be there with the characters. It has made me more determined to visit this gorgeous place. Carina beloved daughter of Salvatore and Philippa is set to marry her childhood friend and neighbour she has known all her life Giorgio, but all is not roses on the days leading up to their beautifully planned wedding day.Carol Kirkwood told to 'speak the Queen's English' by grumpy caller who couldn't understand Scottish accent Family Secrets, Mafia, Feuds, Stories not told & a huge Society Wedding all amid the stunning scenery of the Italian Amalfi Coast , which Carol Kirkwood brought right into the heart of my living room The story starts with the lead up to a wedding between the son and the daughter of neighbouring winemakers, destined to be together since childhood. We see the main players interact and also see the people they spend time with and a different story emerges. To summarize, Secrets of the Villa Amore is an easy and light read despite the complex plot. It’s nothing great or memorable, though. A time pass read.
I was hoping Giorgio would face the music for his actions. While he does to a minor extent, the book sadly sweeps a good portion of it under the carpet. Financial fraud is one thing, infidelity and mistreating women is another matter. He isn’t even questioned about it. That is NOT acceptable. Carina and Giorgio are due to be married. The marriage will unite two families in a valley of winemakers.This starts in the present with the build-up to Carina and Giorgio's wedding. With less than 2 weeks to the big day, Giorgio takes off to America, citing business. Their guests start arriving at Villa Amore in Almalfi for special wedding events. The Scots presenter was getting on with her usual day job when she let slip to viewers she's got another exciting project on the go. A bodyguard is hired for Carina much to her disgust, until she realises that actually she needs to feel safe. Tom arrives at the location, hired as Carina’s temporary bodyguard. With strange gifts and odd threats, it’s clear something sinister is happing behind the scenes. But what? I enjoyed this book. Engaging characters and a good storyline. All in all a perfect, escapist summer holiday read.
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