Lives Entwined

 The Summer Villa by Melissa Hill is a most delightful contemporary novel that will have your pulse racing as you read towards the conclusion, anticipating what is to come.

The novel has two time periods – ‘then’ (five years earlier) and ‘now.’ The action alternates between the two.

Three strangers meet at crossroads in their lives – all have needs to be met and their own destinies to fulfil. Their lives entwine down the years.

There is the theme of family. Our families are all different – some stifling, some resentful, some loving – our upbringing helps to shape the adults we become. But we are not our mothers and history does not have to repeat itself.

We all have dreams. We should pursue our dreams. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and we need a helping hand.

The novel is set on the Amalfi coast in summer. Due to Melissa Hill’s artistry with words, the reader can picture the scenes as we journey through the sunshine and the heat, sampling the food along the way.

All the characters were well drawn. I particularly loved the three leading ladies. I did have a favourite, with whom I really connected to. See if you have one too.

Melissa Hill is a ‘new’ author to me. I absolutely loved The Summer Villa and will be hunting out much more by Melissa Hill.

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

JULIA WILSON