For the most part, I enjoyed this novel. The premise is intriguing, as most family-secrets/dual-timeline stories are. But I did have some “cons” that out-balanced the “pros”. For me, the “cons” were:
A) The use of “smelt” for “smelled”. First of all, it was just used too much. I get that it was used in a descriptive nature since there were lots of fruit trees on the island, but it was just too much. And that spelling was just awkward. Is it common in British books? I just couldn’t get over that when I see “smelt” I think of ore or fish.
B) I couldn’t understand why the author chose the name Jim for Big Jim when the main character’s newly deceased husband was named James. Couldn’t the author have called him Big John or any other name that isn’t a version of James. Isn’t that something an editor should suggest?
C) Continuity. At one point, when referring to her mother’s relationship with her husband, Charlotte says her mother “loved her mother-in-law” when she meant son-in-law. Also, her grandmother’s last name is Alvarez and I believe Charlotte says it is her maiden name; however it is said mid-way thru the book that her grandmother married an English man. My guess is that his last name wouldn’t have been Alvarez.
D) Whenever the doctor was mentioned, it was ALWAYS “the doctor, Senor Garcia.” We get it, we know who he is; no need to clarify it EVERY time.
E) It ended too abruptly. Cesca’s and Esperanza’s stories just ended and we never really heard much about Maria and Alba. It was just all wrapped up in a few paragraphs and just slammed to an end.

I don’t know about you but I do love a good dual time story about families and secrets, and this is one fabulous read full of them.

Set on the Spanish island of Formentera, near to Ibiza this book tells two stories. Charlotte’s in the present day and Cesca’s and Esperanza’s her ancestors, set three hundred years earlier.
This was such a lovely read just perfect for this time of year. I really liked Charlotte and could identify with her all the way through the book, she felt so real . I loved the way her character developed from a grief stricken widow, to acceptance to learning to live with again without her husband. I enjoyed her story the most as I loved reading about her new life on the island, meeting long lost relatives and making new friends.

The second story set in 1718 was fascinating, truly drawing me into life back then on the island. The two sisters Cesca and Esperanza came alive on the page with their completely different outlooks on life and you could feel that something ominous was sure to happen.

I won’t say anything else as it will spoil this wonderful story. I definitely recommend it as the perfect dual time read this summer.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a really interesting and intriguing read. I like the way history is woven into the present day. This is an obviously well researched and put together book. I really liked the descriptions of the scenery and the people. I would definitely read more books by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

4 Exquisite Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

What a heartbreaking story set in such a beautiful place... another book that seamlessly blended the past with the present... this book was about hope, heartbreak, healing,and Hidden family secrets... set on this beautiful small Spanish island making this the perfect summer read....Lily Graham has written a beautifully compelling story that at its very heart is all about love💕

Charlotte has lost her husband, but he has left behind a gift.... The gift of her grandmother’s childhood house and really so much more.... when Charlotte ventures to this small island she learns many Long held family secrets.... and I learned about a part of history I had no idea about... I found the historical part of this book extremely interesting, and I was impressed with the amount of research the author put into it....

The past story was all about two sisters, a secret, and a heartbreaking love story... don’t want to say too much about the storyline, because this story added a dose of mystery to the book... this book really was the perfect mixture of the past, the present, a mystery, and a love story... A little something for everyone...

Recommend when you are in the mood for a compelling story set in a beautiful setting...

*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

Oh my ‘The Island Villa’ was certainly a read and a half. In the end I did absolutely love reading it but more about that in a bit.
I really took to the character of Charlotte and I empathised with her a lot. Charlotte was happily married with a daughter but her happy life was soon to be shattered with the devastating news that her husband James has cancer and it is at as serious a level as it can get. In other words he is terminally ill. Sadly he dies and Charlotte is left behind. She has all sorts of conflicting feelings. At times she is cross with her husband for dying, she is cross with the world because it took her husband away, she is cross with how everybody else can carry on with their daily lives but she can’t because she is struggling to make sense of what has happened, she is mad at the cancer and initially she wants to find solace in the bottom of a glass of vodka. I say that I empathise with her because this perfectly sums up how I felt when my own father died of leukaemia, which wasn’t diagnosed until he was literally on his death bed. I know that Charlotte lost a husband and I lost a father, but some of the feelings that she goes through were similar to how I felt. James has one last surprise for his wife though and all is revealed when she is handed an envelope with her name on it. It turns out that he bought her a house and not just any house but a house which has great meaning for Charlotte’s family. It was her grandmother’s house, which her grandmother had to leave behind. Charlotte is encouraged to go out there and to try to find out more about her family history. She uncovers more than she bargained for. Whilst Charlotte is there on the island, I was crossing my fingers that she would manage to piece her life back together and who knows she might find happiness. Does she find happiness? Well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you.
Initially I found this book rather hard to read. I don’t mean that it is badly written as that couldn’t be further from the truth. I found it hard to read because of the death of Charlotte’s husband and the fact it was from cancer. This brought back memories of my father’s passing and I relived those dark days. I persevered with the book and I am so glad that I did because the story really is a feel good story. I soon became addicted to reading this book and the pages flew past in a blur. I simply had to read on to see what fate had in store for Charlotte and if she managed to discover the story behind the house and what happened in her family that made her grandmother leave the island. Oh my I was so disappointed when I finished reading this book because I was enjoying the writing style, the characters, the story and the setting of the book so much that I just wanted it to continue. ‘The Island Villa’ was one of those books that really put me through the emotional wringer somewhat. I felt everything that the characters were going through. I also found myself envious of Charlotte owning a house on a small island and the possibility of living away from other people. In fact if I could have packed my bags to go and join her then I would have. Overall this really is a feel good book and does what it says on the tin as the saying goes.
After a difficult start, I really enjoyed reading ‘The Island Villa’ and I would certainly recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Lily Graham. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

Widowed at the young age of forty-five, Charlotte would like nothing else but to hide under her duvet and sleep the days away. But her husband has left her a surprise in the form of a villa on the Spanish Island of Formentera that used to belong to Charlotte’s grandmother. Arriving on the island, Charlotte soon discovers her grandmother has kept a large part of her life secret.

I do so adore a dual timeline in an historical fiction story and this one is done brilliantly. Parts of the story are set in the present day with Charlotte trying to put the pieces of her shattered life together, while discovering things about her family she never knew. Other parts of the story are set in the late 1700’s. These are centred around two sisters, Cesca and Esperanza. Sometimes I find myself being more engrossed by one of the timelines but in this case, both held my attention throughout.

I don’t want to give too much away about the plot but it deals with a part of history I knew nothing about and the author does a fabulous job of combining fact and fiction, turning it into a moving, evocative and thought-provoking story. Combine that with tales of the hardship that is island life, the struggles the sisters faced back in the day and Charlotte trying to find her feet after such a devastating loss and I soon found myself completely engrossed.

With vivid descriptions, the island of Formentara soon captured my heart, as did the characters. Charlotte is most definitely someone to sympathise with and root for and the characters she meets on the island are equally likeable in their own ways. This is a truly wonderfully immersive and enchanting story about family, love, loss and secrets and its idyllic setting makes this the perfect summer read.

What a beautifully written book ❤

➡Beautiful coastal Spanish villa
➡long secret history

I am in love with Lily Graham's writing . Important thing is it is bases on facts . All these things might have happened in the past. I hope to read lily Graham's other books too .

Happy reading ❤❤

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gave an Under the Tuscan Sun vibe with a historical fiction story tucked nicely within. It progresses quickly, (if not a little too quickly near the end). It is a perfect summer read to throw in your beach bag or carry on as you head on vacation.

Don't be fooled into thinking The Island Villa is just another one of those very easy to read, summer romance stories that will while away a few hours on sun lounger whilst on holiday and then is instantly forgettable. I wouldn't blame you for thinking that given both the title and cover but instead Lily Graham has provided her readers with a dual timeline story that deftly moves between the past and the present as Charlotte attempts to come to terms with the recent loss of her husband. The story proved to be intriguing and eye opening. In venturing on this journey, Charlotte discovers a fascinating family history that she had no idea about.

On first judgement of this book I would never have thought that historical fiction would very much form the main crux of the story. Fans of this genre might let this one pass them by if they saw the title and it would be a shame if they were to do so. I had only read one book by this author before and that was the book she published last Christmas. It was good but hadn't blown me away and there was an element of magic to it that I found hard to believe. So perhaps I was ever so slightly wary of starting this read but my fears were soon quashed as awaiting me between the pages was an intriguing and detailed story of romance set amidst a time of great persecution and unrest for a section of society that has been kept hidden for many years and is about to some to light.

Charlotte Woolf is putting on a brave face but inside she is slowly crumbling away due to the overwhelming feelings of grief, loss, loneliness and abandonment that threaten to drown her on a daily basis. It is not that long since she buried her husband James. She is angry at her loss but also depressed and turning to the bottle for answers that are just not forthcoming. She knows she can't go on like this and with daughter Sage back at university attempting to get back to some sort of normality Charlotte knows she to has to do the same but how can she with the love of her life now permanently absent? Lily Graham wrote about dealing with loss and attempting to move on very well. I felt every bit of Charlotte's pain and anger and as she says death is not something you get over rather you cope with it some days better than others. I couldn't agree more with this sentiment. But James had one last surprise in store for Charlotte and through a letter he left her she discovers he had bought Marisal, a villa on the small island of Formentera near to Ibiza.

Marisal had been the old family home of her grandmother and grandfather but it had fallen out of the families hands many years ago. James knew this had occurred and that one day in the future Charlotte had wanted to venture to the island to uncover the family secrets that surely must be hidden there. Even though James was gone I thought this was the ultimate act of love for the woman he held so dear to his heart. It was like he was reaching from beyond the grave to express this. He knew that Charlotte would be lost once he was gone and could venture down a path that might be very difficult to come back from. In buying the villa he has given her a second chance, an opportunity to uncover some truths but also the chance to find herself again before she looses herself forever.

Once Charlotte reaches the island I felt transported to a place that doesn't get as many mentions as its neighbouring island Ibiza. It seemed like a hidden gem away from all the night-life that Ibiza is famous for. The descriptions of the island were stunning and it seemed to have such a relaxed and carefree pace of life that maybe this was what Charlotte really did need. Although it would take her some time to realise this, to come to some form of acceptance and to find a way in moving forward in the grieving and healing process. Marisal was not in the best of shape but both the reader and Charlotte could sense it was steeped in history and had quite a story to tell. How said story developed was very well done.

Each chapter alternated between Charlotte in the present as she discovers Maria, a sister to her grandmother. A sister that she never knew existed. Maria recounts the past to Charlotte through stories, the heritage and secrets of the island are brought to life. Although the author does mention in an after note at the conclusion of the story that there is no definitive evidence to suggest what occurred to Maria's ancestors did happen in real life on island. I myself, would like to think this secret community did exist on the island and that there were so many selfless people willing to put their faith above all else and protect it to the core.

Initially I did enjoy Charlotte's story and could very much identify with it but the more the book developed I found myself rushing through the chapters featuring Charlotte as I was eager to return to Formentera during 1718. Charlotte's story seemed in my mind to peter out once we focused more on Cesca and Esperanza, yes the island did begin to work some magic on Charlotte and inspired her in more ways than she thought possible and she was also able to delve into the past but it didn’t hold my attention throughout and became slightly routine and with not much happening in the chapters that did feature her in the later half of the story. What did hold my attention though was Maria's retelling of her ancestors past and I found this really interesting as I had never heard any mention of any aspect of this storyline before.

On Formentera in 1718, the arrival of a stranger to the isolated island which has a very small population causes suspicion to arise. As it is many of the islanders are hiding a huge secret and they all work together to keep it that way. To all intents and purposes the islanders are Catholic but look beneath the surface things are hidden and behind closed doors the Jewish faith is practiced. This was very very dangerous during the time of the Inquisition and the bravery of the people was to be admired. Lily Graham brought the island alive during this time of danger, apprehension and mistrust. Formentera was a different world to the one Charlotte experiences in the present but the author made it feel real and authentic. A complicated love story develops as Antoni, a salt merchant brings home a chuetas ( a faith breaker, a traitor, a secret Jew) to the island to be cared for by his mother and sisters Cesca and Esperanza. So sets in motions a chain of events that will affect the lives of the family forever.

Cesca was a nurse on the island promised to the much older doctor where as to me Esperanza seemed much more of a free spirit reluctant to be chained by the shackles of domesticity. She much preferred to be out in the open not doing the chores as required by her mother. She was willing to do anything for her brother and with the arrival of the chuetas the different more wild life that Esperanza craved may just have been in store for her. Cesca was orderly and very much a person who liked logic. She was someone to be trusted and although she may have though Antoni was putting his families lives in peril she would always do what ever was required of her. I though Cesca and Esperanza put so much on the line, for if the cheutas had been discovered then the fate that awaited all of them would be unmentionable. But over the course of the second half of the book a subtle change of feeling began to occur for all the characters and the stranger as mentioned before now is makes himself known as Don Santiago Martinez. He will have a crucial role to play and there are many twists and turns to follow as the story makes its way to its conclusion.

Love, forbidden and complicated due to the nature of the time, very much features in the lives of Cesca and Esperanza. Jealousy and betrayal make an appearance too but it's how the story all panned out that made me enjoy the sections that were set in 1718. It brought to light the many sacrifices the characters made and I know some fact was blended with mostly fiction but as previously mentioned I would love to think that this did happen at the time as it shows the kindness of human nature. By Maria telling the story to Charlotte in modern day Formentera it allowed the theme of never forgetting who you are and where you come from to shine through. That the past undoubtedly impacts on the present and even when we are at our lowest times it can give us the boost and lift we need to go just that little bit further day by day. Charlotte found inspiration, solace and comfort on the island just like the many secret Jews did and Lily Graham has woven a beautiful and sentimental connection between the two. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The Island Villa and think many other readers will be too should they choose to pick up this engaging book.

I do love this author’s books so I was delighted to see that she had a new book coming out – and I have to say that this book is a completely gorgeous book to read!!

The writing style in this book is excellent, the words just flow so well you are captivated. The characters are lovely and at times I really just wanted to give them a big hug! The story is one that will stay with you. Very well developed and a lovely setting.

Five stars from me and really looking to see what she releases next – a fabulous summer read – very, very highly recommended by me!

I could not put this book down. I stayed up way past my bedtime, desperate to find out more about Alba, Charlotte, and their beautiful villa, Marisal. I loved the alternating POV from 1718 to today.

Recently widowed Charlotte takes refuge at her family's villa, Marisal, on a tiny Spanish island. Once there, she discovers much more about her grandmother than she ever suspected. I couldn't wait to find out what happened--and you will be on the edge of your beach chair too!

I highly recommend The Island Villa!

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness me! I LOVE the change in direction that Lily Graham has taken  with her latest release!

At first I thought that 'The Island Villa' was just going to be about the villa that Charlotte's husband bought her, but after reading several chapters I came to the conclusion that there was going to be a lot more to this storyline than I originally thought. Complaining? Hell no!

Charlotte knew that the villa was part of heritage, she just didn't know why or how it got there. With James, her husband, sitting in an urn that follows Charlotte everywhere, she knows that he would have wanted her to move forward in life without him, however hard that may be.

Split between the past and present, 'The Island Villa' tells a story about a life once lived, and a life that needs to learn to live again, allowing Charlotte to realise that unearthing the truth to her heritage is the only way she is going to move forward without her husband.

I have been a huge fan of Lily Graham's novels from the word go, with her majestic story telling taking me on journeys which filled me with love, joy, and belief. I had no concerns about 'The Island Villa' before I read it, because I knew that the author would deliver the story in her flawless, soulful and magnetic manner. What I didn't expect, however, was the storyline to make me feel as though I was playing pass the parcel with myself, unwrapping multiple layers whilst reading such intensely thought-provoking chapters. My only question about the entire novel is; why on Earth did Lily Graham not change direction and include historical elements in her storylines with such strength as this one?

I thought that 'The Island Villa' was a beautiful, beautiful representation of finding life after loss, and being able to find the right key to unlock a part of you that you never knew existed until that moment. Every character in this book had their own story to tell, yet when they were all together they became a force to be reckoned with. I am in awe at how many finer, intimate details the author included in her references to the past, combining them with the truth in the present in such a seamless way.

'The Island Villa' allowed me to feel excitement from the tips of my toes, to the top of my head, and I cannot recommend this book enough. Full of beautiful descriptions and characters who will no doubt take your breath away, 'The Island Villa' is both heart-breaking and thought-provoking, whilst also filling me to the brim with joy. If this is the direction that Lily Graham has now chosen to go in with her future stories, I cannot wait to get my hands on her next book if this read is anything to go by. Outstanding.

I loved that the beautiful sounding villa conneted the stories of a grandmother and her grandaughter. The setting sounds so blissful that you can imagine the sights and smells. Secrets abound and Charlotte learns more about her family history, as her husband bought the villa for her before he died. I enjoyed both sides of the story and it really was beautifully written. I am keen to read more by Lily Graham

Very quick easy read. I like the idea of this book, but feels like a story i have read before. Nice writing style though

This is a captivating story of loss, love and family secrets. Centered around the tiny island of Formentera, off the coast of Spain, Charlotte Wolfe a widow, from the English countryside tries to recover from her grief. She is shocked after receiving a letter written by her husband before his death. He had bought a house that had been in her family, but abandoned years ago. It is a villa on Formentera called Marisol. She decides to see it to determine what had made her husband give it to her. At the same time she is learning of her families history and secrets, she has come to love Marisol, her new friends and slowly her healing begins. The story takes us back to a terrifying time in Jewish history, 1718 and the Inquisition, and the family that came before. I enjoyed the back and forth of present and past, but at one point, the historical dialogue seemed to drag for me.
The ending of both present and past was very satisfying and felt perfect.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fascinating story.
Pat Fordyce

4.5 Stars

Charlotte's beloved husband James has died, and on the day of his funeral, learns that he purchased a villa for her on the tiny island of Formentera, off the coast of Spain. It is called Marisal, and it is her grandmother's home. Charlotte is about to embark upon the journey of her lifetime. This is at a time of incredible grief and pain for her.

Her husband, before he died, not only secretly bought the villa, but had hired someone to investigate the history of it. Her grandmother's ancestry was traced back, and Charlotte learns something shocking -not only did her grandmother have a sister, but she is still alive. Her name is Maria de Palma and she has an amazing story of fear and betrayal to share with Charlotte. The story goes back to the early eighteenth century and what Charlotte learns is nothing short of astounding.

From the very first sentence, I could tell that this was going to take place in a beautiful setting. I was not disappointed. Aside from that, I was drawn to the alternating stories with both the past and present as they unfolded. The sisters from centuries ago and their trials were heart-wrenching. Charlotte's grief was palpable. I loved Charlotte's relationship with her great-aunt, daughter and her brother, as well as with her new friends. This added much warmth to the story. Also, when it came to the past, it was quite touching to see how the it was rife with secrets that cost many their lives, but how this delicate family held on.

Although there was so much sadness to the stories as they were told, there was a beautiful romance in this story as well. I was almost heartbroken at times wondering how it would work out, especially during the time in which they lived. The Island Villa was an engaging page-turner that kept me reading until dawn. I simply could not put it down. I would have loved to learn a bit more about the lives of the two sisters and Charlotte's future.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love this author’s writing style; she has an almost lyrical way of telling a story. I also enjoyed the small details that made the book came to life in unexpected ways: Charlotte, the main character carrying the urn, that contains her husband’s ashes, around her home and talking to it; the way her mom visits even though their relationship is a bit strained and they don’t say much of importance to each other; her daughter’s concern that mom isn’t doing well and she consider taking time off school; and Charlotte’s drinking because she isn’t coping well. All these details are so carefully shown through words and actions that I could feel what the characters felt .

Moreover, I liked how the author introduced a second story in alternating chapters about Charlotte’s ancestors who lived during a time when Jewish people hid their religion, pretending to be Catholic. I Googled information about this and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was based on history.

In the beginning of the book, the f word comes into play; however, as the book goes on her use of this word mysteriously disappears. Since cursing appears to be a bad habit, people who do it don’t usually stop without awareness that they have a problem. It’s always disappointing to see this word in books, especially when the author is as talented as this one, and could certainly find other ways to show that a character is upset.

Really wonderful story about a woman discovering her past- in a time and place I was not familiar with so that made this all the more special. Charlotte is grieving her husband when she inherits a family villa on Formentera, an island in the Balaerics. This does fall in the genre of a woman who uncovers family secrets but it's so well done (and informative) that it pulls you along. Alba had secrets, the whole family had secrets, some of which date back to the 18th century. The biggest one- that the family was Jewish, is not the danger it was in earlier days. I enjoyed the back and forth, the characters and the timeline. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This could have been longer!

When you loose someone you love very much, you feel like the world has come to an end. It's hard to cope and then you receive his gift ...
This story takes you on a journey to a Spanish island. No, it's not a tale about sun, sand and beach. There is a lot more to it. You are taken back in time and brought back to the present. Little by little you fall back on your feet enveloped by the history of your ancestors and new friends. You realize you have a lot to live for and it's your turn to keep the past alive. Even though you miss that one person you would like to share it with, he will always be with you, having secured that big part of your heart.
I liked the set up of the book and I was fascinated by the historical part. Although it happend several years ago, it is the base of who and what you are now. I truely enjoyed it.
Thank you, Lily Graham, Bookouture and Netgalley.

Charlotte’s husband, James, has just died from cancer. Before James died he set about buying Charlotte a house. This house, called Marisal, was where her late grandmother lived on the island of Formentera in Spain. Charlotte never knew much about her grandmother’s family as her grandmother had refused to speak about her past. James knew how important it would be for Charlotte to have something to focus on after he had gone, and arranges for a letter to be given to her explaining it all after his funeral. Charlotte is initially reluctant to go, but eventually agrees to go for a week, just to see the house. When she gets to Formentera, she finds another letter waiting for her from James. He had found that her grandmother’s sister, Maria was still alive and living on the island. As Charlotte begins to discover the family’s secrets, can she find that Marisal can also heal a broken heart?

I wouldn’t have usually chosen this book to read, but I saw a space needed filling on its blog tour and I had a space available also! I’m not usually a lover of books set abroad – I like to know the places that I read about, or at least have heard of them. So I have to admit, despite being told by a certain Publicity Manager from a certain Publisher that I would love it, I went into the book with some trepidation.

The first chapter describes Charlotte and James and how James has died. I’m also not very good with books about loved ones dying so again felt that ‘I’m not going to enjoy this one’ feeling. I needn’t have worried though. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. Yes, there was lots of tears (I’m very soft and will cry over anything!) but it began a beautiful story of finding happiness after such heartbreak.

The first thing to say is that the location of this book sounds absolutely amazing! As I was reading it, I could feel the heat from sun (in the book, not the actual sun as that seems to have disappeared again!) and also smell the wondrous food that was being cooked. It was highly descriptive and transported me instantly to the little island of Formentera.

The plot, although very sad, bought some truth to the old saying of ‘there is life after death’. For those left behind when a loved one dies, it does make you want to retreat into a protective shell, but thankfully for Charlotte she took that step of doing what James had wanted her to do. I loved Charlotte’s character and was so happy for her when she begins to meet new friends and family and do new things. The story in the present day is also interspersed with the story of Charlotte’s ancestors, told by her Great Aunt Maria. A clever switch between past and present to explain the secrets of the family.

A truly beautiful read (even though I did spend most of the time blubbering into my tissues!), and I’m so very glad I read it.