An enjoyable light read, it transports you to a lovely island setting and had the set up of a good beach read. The historical aspect of the book was more interesting to me than the current day story. I did feel however that both stories ended rather abruptly.

I really enjoyed this story. A grieving widow is gifted a house on an island in Spain by her deceased husband. Turns out it was part of her family’s long history. On the island, she learns her grandmothers’s sister is still alive. And her aunt has a story to tell about a set of sisters in the early 1700’s.

I loved both stories. I couldn’t put the book down.

As a pleasant holiday read this book ticks all the boxes - it an easy & warm story. Unfortunately I didn't find anything unique or particularly engaging about it, and its not been particularly memorable unfortunately. I would recommend it as a beach book, but it felt a little more middle of the road to be a top pick.

When we first meet Charlotte, she's just experienced one of the worst things imaginable: she's lost her husband, the love of her life. Heartbreaking and raw, those first few chapters almost feel like you're intruding on her grief. It actually hurt to read, at times. Beautifully written.
Slowly but surely, life - and the book - gets lighter, sunnier, once she starts finding her place on the island. I loved discovering her family's history along with Charlotte. It's set in a time and place I'm not particularly familiar with, which made it all the more intriguing and surprising. I would say though that there was a bit of a missed opportunity here in not elaborating more on her grandmother's story, as well as the ancestors some generations before. There could have been a story about love, loss, hope, family and tradition in three different generations, whereas now I felt like the connection between the earlier ancestors and her grandmother Alba's history wasn't explored enough. Both the story and I, as a reader, could have done with a couple of more chapters!
The scents, flavours and views of Marisal are described wonderfully and I could easily imagine myself sitting on the island, enjoying the sun and seeing these amazing characters' stories unfold. With lots of drama and hardship in the characters' lives and incredible attention to detail when it comes to their characteristics and personalities, 'The Island Villa' draws you in and keeps you glued to the page until the very last paragraph.

The Island Villa is a story of a women who has lost her husband but finds peace as she explores the town where her family history was built. As the story progresses from modern day back to the 1700s weaving the tale of the family and Charlotte changing life from married Mom to Widow. It is well written and has the perfect mix of old and new to let you enjoy this lovely tale .

A truly moving story about a history of a family and island secrets long ago, about love affairs and healing a grieving heart, this book is both moving and beguiling, you won’t want to put it down

Travel fiction is fast becoming one of my favourite genres; being transported to an unusual/undiscovered part of the world and learning the customs and history during a gripping story is pure escapism. This book is up there with my favourites.

It instantly takes you right in to the midst of a very difficult time for Charlotte, and you immediately bond with her trying to do her best whilst in the depths of grief and being handed a surprise letter that opens up all manner of emotions.

As Charlotte is lured to an island (Formentera in the Balearics) that holds many secrets from her family’s past, you, as the reader, are equally as drawn in to the mystery of Marisal villa and the island. It is a wild, natural retreat that is much quieter than it’s neighbour Ibiza, and the descriptions of the rambling paths, streets, coves and markets are wanderlust igniting.

The past secrets that Charlotte gradually uncovers takes you back to 18th century history on the island: the Spanish Inquisition, piracy, the salt trade and the secret plight of many from the mainland. This part was so wonderfully written, quite clearly researched in-depth and therefore informative and so interesting. You are introduced to another set of characters that are endearing and feel like family.

This book is about the mistakes of youth, history, regrets, rejuvenation, family and love and how a family’s legacy can pass through the generations.

It was gripping, dramatic and uplifting, perfect for a holiday/beach read. My only criticism is that it ended too quickly, I’d have loved to have read more about what came of the characters in both timelines and the outcomes of the decisions made, but it’s a sign of a great book when you are left wanting more.

Beautiful and moving! This is a stunning tapestry of a book, the various strands beautifully and expertly woven into a tantalising, absolutely perfect, masterpiece of a story. I loved it from start to finish. Brilliantly researched, this story takes us to a time in history that I knew very little about and the author made the time and place come alive for me with her beguiling, vivid and vibrant prose. This story is one that will stay with me and I will definitely be re-reading this book if only to immerse myself in the beautiful world the author expertly creates for us with her perfectly chosen words.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest opinion.

This was a lovely summer read. I enjoyed this book, it was the perfect weekend read for me. Charlotte, still reeling from her husband's death, finds he bought her a house on the Island of Formentera, she is stunned and then realizes, it was her grandmother's rarely but fondly spoken of, family home. Charlotte eventually goes to the Island and the story of finding her past, takes us on a wonderful tale, full of intrigue and secrets. She finds the history of not only her grandmother, but her great grandmother, and it changes everything. The story of the past is weaved with the story of Charlotte in the present, trying to figure out not really how to move on, but how to continue on after losing the love of her life. Lovely story and satisfying ending.

I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

The book starts with Charlotte grieving her husband's death and finding out that she has inherited a villa in the beautiful Spanish island of Formentera. The first part of the book started out slow and I thought the story was going to revolve around her grieving until she finds out that her grandmother Alba had some secrets Charlotte was about to discover. What attracted me to this book was the cover and the idea of reading a "feel-good summer read" and although the book was quite enjoyable, at times the narrative felt repetitive and stereotypical of what one thinks a Mediterranean island should look and smell like. Having lived in the Balearic Islands I thought a book about Formentera was going to transport me back to that time in my life, but it really didn't. The historical part was very interesting, but overall I felt that the characters landed a bit flat on the pages and the middle of the story dragged a bit.

I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Island Villa is a well written book with a touch of mystery. I enjoyed the plot, setting and the author’s writing. I anticipate reading more of her books. Highly recommend this book.

A story of two sisters, living in a time of fear and betrayal, and rumours of a stranger on the island. If you loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Island by Victoria Hislop, you’ll devour this dramatic book-club read set in a beautiful Spanish villa where the walls whisper with secrets.

When Charlotte’s husband James tragically dies, he leaves her an unexpected gift – her grandmother’s beautiful villa, Marisal, on the Spanish island of Formentera.

As she begins to explore her new home, and heal her broken heart in the warm golden sunshine, Charlotte discovers that her grandmother Alba has been keeping secrets about her life on the island. Intrigued by her family’s hidden history, Charlotte uncovers a devastating love affair that put many lives at risk and two sisters torn apart by loss.

Can the heartbreaking truth of the island’s dark history finally be laid to rest? Or will the secrets of the past shake the new life and love that Charlotte is close to finding?

--My thoughts. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but after the first page, I was hooked! Charlotte's husband has passed away with cancer, and surprise, he purchased a villa that used to be in her family. Charlotte can't even function, just carrying James' urn from room to room, not wanting to participate in life. But when she arrives on the island and finds a big surprise about her family, James just might have known what Charlotte needed to properly grieve him and say goodbye.

I loved the chapters going from past to present. This has family relationships, love and just beautiful imagery in it, you will enjoy every single second! I highly recommend this book, great book to take to the beach this summer!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As with some of the other books I was given by NetGalley, I have not had the pleasure of reading the author's works. However it was quickly obvious that Lily Graham is thoroughly good at what she does.

The books starts with the aftermath of Charlotte's husband's death and how Charlotte and her daughter, Sage, are dealing with that loss. We can see that Sage might be able to be distracted by her college, and studies but Charlotte doesn't have that luxury. However upon learning that her late husband James had purchased Marisal, her maternal grandmother's villa, she decides to go and check the villa. A part of her had always longed to see the villa since she grew up hearing stories of it. Short and almost curt stories but they were stories that Charlotte loved with all her heart.

It is in Spain, on the island of Formentera, that she finds the much needed peace and quiet she needed to start dealing with her husband's death. However she gets to know something shocking just as she's starting to wonder if she should go home. It turns out there's still some family on the island. Her maternal grandmother's sister, it is through her, Charlotte comes to know about her family's turbulent history.

The book actually tells us two stories, one that happened in the 1700s and the one happening in the present times. It's full of vibrant and truly wonderful characters, their stories will draw you in.

The jumps between the 1700s and the present seem fluid and there is a lot going for this novel if you ask me. In the present, you can see a woman's journey through grief of her husband's death, her connecting with her long lost family and making new friends. Turning the new page, as it were. In the past, there are tales of two sisters, pirates, 'Secret Jews', forbidden love! All sorts of drama, really.

A thoroughly engrossing and atmospheric book, you can see the research the author put in. The imagery and the lovely writing from the author made it very easy to remain engaged. Overall, a perfect summer read or even a rainy day read if you wanna be reminded of summer or be transported away to sunny weather. I would recommend it to everyone who just wants something lovely to read.

Excellent summer read I could not put the book down a real page turner,Liked the way it changed from the past to the present kept the
story interesting,as if you were living the part.Nice if there will be a sequel to the book.

I simply adored The Island Villa. I’ve always been a fan of Victoria Hislop’s books that are set between present day and the past and when I read the premise of this book I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.

Set on the island of Formentera, two sisters live in a time of fear and betrayal. There’s a stranger on the island and everyone fears the worst.

In present day, Charlotte has just buried her husband James. With her daughter Sage heading back to medical school she feels alone. That is until she received a letter from James with an unexpected gift, her grandmother’s villa Marisal in Formentera. As Charlotte begins to explore her new home she uncovers family secrets, love affairs and the heartbreaking truth of the island’s history.

This book is beautifully written and I devoured it in a couple of days. A fantastic plot line with strong characters, I can highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

Charlotte's husband has died not unexpectedly and when he was getting his estate in order, he purchased a villa in Formentera, one of the Balearic Islands.

It was most unexpected for Charlotte and as she is struggling to deal with the death of her husband, she now finds she has this villa.

But the villa is special.

The villa used to belong to Charlotte's grandmother. Her wonderful husband has left her a piece of the past so perhaps she can heal in the future.

This book has a dual narrative and I was taken back to 1718 where two sisters on the island of Formentera have to take in a wounded man. No one must know that he is there and if they do they must lie about who he is.

Of course the two narratives have a connection and as Charlotte learns so much about her own family background and makes new friends she can see a future forming ahead of her.

For the two sisters, some three hundred years ago. Secrets are the cause of so much pain and anguish and secret love is going to tear apart a family. I felt so much for these characters and it was an interesting part of history that i knew nothing about and has meant I have now read more. I admit to not even knowing the island existed.

I think this is a very different book from the others I have read by this author and I am not sure if this is a one-off or a change in direction permanently. It would matter neither way as all her books and great reads.

I rarely say a book should be longer but bizarrely it would have worked for this particular storyline, I simply wanted to know more. Think of the dual narrative works of Kate Morton or Lucinda Riley, books you can lose yourself in. I did lose myself in this book because I was transported to the island and the sun, the sea, the heat what more could you ask for in a summer read?

Two stories, one family, hundreds of years apart - both narratives interweave beautifully to create an engaging tale of love, heartbreak and secrets through the ages. The perfect summer read that will transport you to a gorgeous Spanish island.

Charlotte Woolf and her daughter Sage are shocked and devastated to lose their husband and father James to an aggressive form of cancer when only in his mid forties. They cannot imagine their world without him. But more shocks are in store for her with a letter given to her by her brother Allan from her husband that had been written before his death. James had secretly bought an old farmhouse for her that had been the family home of her distant relatives generations ago on the small Balearic Island of Formentera. With the letter was an ancient looking picture of the old finca which was called Marisal.
Hardly able to believe that James could have bought the ancient house unseen and from his hospital bed when he was so very ill, but never-the-less touched at the thoughtfulness of his last gift to her, she eventually decides to fly out to Ibiza then catch the ferry over to Formentera. Her grandmother Alba had never spoken much to her about the family history and this piqued her interest. As an author alone she wanted to find out more about her ancestors let alone discover more about her own roots. So this is what she does. She is charmed by the house which has stood empty and needs much love, renovation and care to restore it to a family home. She extends her ‘holiday’ time and time again, caught up in island life and with caring friends to help her get settled and make new beginnings.
The story is told in dual narrative and the two stories merge seamlessly at the end of the novel. The modern story is interspersed with the historic story from the early 1700’s when Charlotte meets her relative Maria de Palma now in her nineties but still very active and with all of her faculties. She is the well loved matriarch of the family the keeper of family secrets. She is shocked to meet Charlotte and learn her maiden name is Alvarez, happily agreeing to share the secrets of her ancestors. She reiterates her family history, including sensitive information from the past that drives the story forward. Charlotte is shocked to discover her family were secret Sephardi Jews who had fled from Mallorca, living in dread of discovery.
This was an engrossing and beautifully told story, meticulously researched and full of interesting facts. I drank in the gorgeous lyrical descriptions of the settings and loved the wonderfully crafted and vibrant characters, both Spanish and English. I loved both of the story threads equally because Charlotte, Allan and Sage’s ‘new beginnings were poignant and involving whereas the story of the ‘Secret Jews’ who were hunted down and hounded and had to worship in a secret underground church on Formentera, was swashbuckling and very exciting. Tales of piracy, spies and the daily grind to scrape a poor living were very evocative and the two romances of sisters added warmth and intrigue.
Thank you for my complimentary copy of 'The Island Villa’ received through my membership of NetGalley and from publisher Bookouture, all in return for an honest unbiased review. I had never read any of Lily Graham’s novels before this one and I was pleased that, after the story reached its breathtaking climax, there was synopses of Lily Graham’s other novels, all of which I would love to read. I found this story really came alive when Charlotte first saw Marisal and from the moment that the Estate Agent Escobar de Riba handed Charlotte James’s second letter I was truly hooked. It’s a 4.5* review from me.

The Island Villa by Lily Graham is a bit of a contemporary story mixed with a historical read. The book begins with Charlotte in the present time but as she is learning of her ancestry the chapters switch to what happened hundreds of years ago on the island.

Charlotte had just lost her husband, James, to cancer and is in the process of trying to figure out how to go on in life without him. With her daughter busy with college Charlotte finds herself struggling just to get up each day but that’s when her husband surprises her even in death.

James had known just how important is was to Charlotte to trace down her family roots so before he passed he had purchased her grandmother’s villa on the island of Formentera. But not only had James found the property he also had found that she still had family left on the island and when Charlotte makes contact she begins to learn of her roots and a past she had never known existed.

With a wonderful small town vibe on this tiny island the setting in this story won me over immediately. Then to mix the elements in this story giving it many layers to uncover while reading I found myself quite engaged with this one. Adding in the mystery of the past with overcoming grief and finding new beginnings made for a beautiful read with lovely characters making for a lovely summer read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

A lovely story set on a magical island. Formentera is not an island I’d read or even thought about much to be honest but it’s a lovely place if this book is anything to go by!

I want to live in Marisal. It sounds gorgeous and what a story that house has. There’s something very nice about seeing a house over two time periods with different inhabitants and stories swirling about it. The story in the past was so much more appealing to me but the overall effect is very nicely done.

Light in some places, more layered in others, I enjoyed my time in Formentera. I hoped it would bring out the sun for real and it did! See, books really are portable magic.