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Carol's writing just brings everything to life. She certainly knows how to put a good story together. Mother-of-the-bride Philippa is stunned by the arrival of a lover from her past. Can her marriage survive?
Hollywood starlet Edie is the dazzling bridesmaid. She’s hiding something that could destroy her best friend. Hollywood starlet Edie is the dazzling bridesmaid, but she is hiding something that could destroy her best friend. 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 Having read Ms Kirkwood’s two previous novels I was anxious to read her latest book. I love the style and setting of this book and the dream-like characters. Ms Kirkwood has an excellent eye for the necessary detail, without any overkill of descriptive writing - little is more. Another love story, but with a few twists and turns, set in the Amalfi area of Italy which in itself is a perfect setting for a romantic, easy reading novel. This novel is light, enjoyable and absorbing with a predictable ending, which doesn’t in any way detract from the pleasures of reading, jus giving encouragement to go and experience all that Italy has to offer. A great success, thank you Carol. Loved this one as much as Carol’s previous books!! No disappointment here!! Great holiday reading, gorgeous comfort reading through English rainy days!
Summary
This was an enjoyable light read - it would be the perfect novel to take on holiday! The novel is largely set in sunny Amalfi (Italy) and the surroundings are beautifully described - it was the perfect antidote to the torrential rain outside whilst I was reading it! 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 book is set in beautiful Italy and it makes you want to visit there. I think the "villans" in this piece didn't get their comeuppance and I think that was the only mistake. 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 writing style is easy, almost too easy, and highly simplified. While this adds to the pace, it doesn’t evoke enough emotions to connect with the characters. Still, I wanted Giorgio to get his due for being an absolute douchebag, so one character did inspire strong emotions in me. The constant name dropping in the previous books was thankfully absent in this book which for me was a definite bonus. 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.
The children of neighbouring wine producers, it’s a match made in heaven and the wedding celebrations, set to last for days will certainly make this the wedding of the year. 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. Well, a family drama thrives on drama and interesting characters. You gotta have secret keepers, victims, collateral damage, heroes, villains, grey characters, et al. While the book has them all, none of them except that scum Giorgio makes an impact (at least for me). Friends since childhood, Carina and Giorgio are due to be married on the Amalfi Coast and have their wedding reception at Carinas family Villa, the Villa Amore, which has been on the family for generations. Mother of the bride, Philippa is stunned by the arrival of a former lover, who could destroy her marriage.
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