All For Love

Secrets Of Villa Eden by Amanda Lees is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just two sittings.

The action alternates between present day and Cairo in 1943 as a young woman seeks to uncover her aunt’s wartime secrets.

As with many who lived through the war, lips are sealed. We witness the bravery of men and women who were spies seeking to hunt down and eliminate Nazis, as well as looking for the Nazi gold.

In present day, the search for the Nazi gold continues. For some, they just want to lay the past to bed. For others, greed drives them to despicable actions.

Women in both time periods have lost the loves of their life. “She loved him until the day she died, and yet she would never talk about any of it.” The reader’s heart is wrenched as we read; “I see someone whose whole world was shattered but who’s still holding on, doing her best to live for the people she’s lost and to do the right thing.” Both revenge and love have motivated actions.

We see the damage that adults can inflict on children. “I saw the little boy who had spent his whole life trying to fight his way out from under the blanket of shame his parents had cast over him.” In contrast, there are those who love and cherish children.

Morals and actions were different in times of war. “We could end tomorrow – so why not live for today?” The future was uncertain. All they had was the moment.

I loved the inclusion of quotes from Shakespeare, particularly Romeo & Juliet. There were many instances of the lark and the nightingale motifs.

Amanda Lees has created not only a love story but a story full of suspense. As the action heated up, my heart rate rose.

I thoroughly enjoyed Secrets Of Villa Eden. We see the lengths that some people will go in order to save those they love.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON