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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. 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.
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. I liked this book as it had an element of danger which hasn't been present in the previous books - although I did like them too.
The dialogue is nice, but I didn’t like it. The conversations sound off in many places. It’s like the characters are acting their part in a play rather than being themselves on paper. The wedding will take place in Villa Amore, where family and friends will gather but there are so many secrets that will blow up around this union. Why has Carina's dad hired a bodyguard for her and how will she feel with Tom following her everywhere ? What secrets are Salvador keeping from his wife and Carina, and will their marriage crumble when she leaves. What has the groom been up to and why has he gone to America a week before the wedding? What a setting. The vineyard, the Almalfi coast, and the villa sound an absolute dream that I want to visit. And stay forever! 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? Carina and Giorgio are due to be married. The marriage will unite two families in a valley of winemakers.
The parallels between Phillipa and Carina’s lives are interesting. Though it doesn’t do justice to their ‘intelligence’, it offers a little something to ponder about in a mother-daughter relationship. (Not sure if this was intended, but anyhoo).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. A bodyguard is hired for Carina much to her disgust, until she realises that actually she needs to feel safe. Really great modern day romance and plenty of action and suspense woven into this beautifully written book, set over dual timelines and narrated by women from two generations of Italian winemakers. I kindof guessed how some of the strands would turn out, and was pleased with the eventual outcome! Carol Kirkwood has this very positive style which makes her books so full of good vibes, even when she sprinkles them with some dark undertones like this one. Her style is very pleasant to read and her characters colourful and attractive.
Carol Kirkwood told to 'speak the Queen's English' by grumpy caller who couldn't understand Scottish accentYou might be writing a book, are you?" Carol replied: "I am, yes. My third one." Carol giggled as Jon said: "Are you writing through the weekend? Are you still writing?"
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