Righting Wrongs And Healing Wounds

Summer In Tintagel by Amanda James is a wonderful contemporary romantic mystery which I loved.

Set mainly in Tintagel, the scenery comes alive with Amanda James vivid descriptions. The reader ‘walks’ through the action, fully involved rather than a passive participant.

Cornwall is a place ‘of mystery and magic.” The reader ‘experiences’ this air of mystery as they become immersed in the novel.

Skipton is another setting. As I am familiar with ‘the gateway to the dales,’ it was wonderful to ‘see’ the town.

The novel has the difficult topic of domestic abuse. This is sensitively and accurately portrayed, right down to the stiff upper lip attitude of 1968.

Two time periods occur in the novel as a mystery from the past needs to be unravelled.

Major themes are the need to be yourself and a search for identity. Forced to deny who you are, only works for so long. We all need to be who we were created to be.

Family is important. Family bonds are beautifully portrayed and the reader can ‘feel’ the bond between grandmother and granddaughter which is wonderful to witness.

There was a bedroom scene in the novel which I was uncomfortable with, so I skipped over it. This did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

A cleverly constructed story which I really enjoyed.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON