Bookalicious Travel Addict

Book Review - The Hotel on the Riviera - Carol Kirkwood - #FamilyDrama

2022-07-21T20:00:00.001+01:00

TITLE - The Hotel on The Riviera

AUTHOR - Carol Kirkwood

GENRE - Family Drama / Romance

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SYNOPSIS

By the sapphire blue waters of the French Riviera, a decades-long secret is about to be revealed…

Wayward Greek heiress, Ariana Theodosis, inherits the Hotel du Soleil as part of a mysterious legacy. Captivated by its faded glamour, she hopes it offers her the chance to start again.

Hotelier Gabriel du Lac’s family have owned the hotel for decades – and he has no intention of giving it up for a beautiful stranger.

Madame du Lac has watched the rich and famous pass through the doors of the hotel for almost half a century, and she has kept its secrets too.

As the past finally catches up with them all, will this summer reveal a forgotten secret, and change their lives forever…?

I loved the authors last book which transported me to beautiful sunny climes. This book was no different. The story centres around Ariana and her wealthy family. Through an inheritance it brings Ariana into contact with Gabriel Du Lac and his family. What happens next is a tale of secrets and lies, with the truth needing to be uncovered.

I love how the author describes her character so vividly, that you almost feel as if you know them.

The story weaves seamlessly between the past and the present. It is based in the South of France and also the beautiful Ithos in Greece, transporting you to stunning places, making it a perfect summer read.

Book Review - The Peoples Princess by Flora Harding

2022-07-18T11:00:00.001+01:00

TITLE - The People's Princess

AUTHOR - Flora Harding

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SYNOPSIS -

Buckingham Palace, 1981

Her engagement to Prince Charles is a dream come true for Lady Diana Spencer but marrying the heir to the throne is not all that it seems. Alone and bored in the palace, she resents the stuffy courtiers who are intent on instructing her about her new role as Princess of Wales…

But when she discovers a diary written in the 1800s by Princess Charlotte of Wales, a young woman born into a gilded cage so like herself, Diana is drawn into the story of Charlotte’s reckless love affairs and fraught relationship with her father, the Prince Regent.

As she reads the diary, Diana can see many parallels with her own life and future as Princess of Wales.

The story allows a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life in the palace, the tensions in Diana’s relationship with the royal family during the engagement, and the wedding itself.

I hadn't read the synopsis before I read this book, so when I started reading it I thought it was just another book about Princess Diana, and I have read many before, but how wrong I was.

There is obviously some poetic licence taken with this book but a lot is based on fact, having read some of the discussions in a book by Andrew Morton.

Princess Diana, before she married Prince Charles, was intrigued by a painting in Buckingham Palace of Princess Charlotte; The Queen that never was. She was given a journal written by Princess Charlotte and began to read it page by page.

So much has been written about Princess Diana and I felt I knew a lot of it, but I knew nothing about Princess Charlotte. I fell in love with her and was mesmerised by her story. So much so that I am going to research her and read more books about her.

This book didn't always paint Princess Diana in a favourable light, sometimes making her seem like a spoilt teenager, but then at the end of the day, she was a teenager. However the book was very well written and I love how the author blended the stories of the two Royal Princesses.

Book Review - Summer at The French Cafe - Sue Moorcroft - Feel good family drama/chic lit

2022-05-12T19:36:00.001+01:00

TITLE - Summer at the French Cafe

AUTHOR - Sue Moorcroft

GENRE - Family Drama/Chic Lit

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SYNOPSIS -

Sparkling sun, strolls in the gorgeous French countryside, that first sip of cool, crisp wine – Summer is Kat’s favourite season. And this year should be no exception…

‘Fun, emotional and packed with French sunshine. I adored it!’ – Sunday Times bestselling author Milly Johnson

As soon as Kat Jenson set foot in the idyllic French village of Kirchhoffen, she knew she’d found her home. Now she has a dreamy boyfriend, a delightful dog and the perfect job managing a bustling book café in the vibrant Parc Lemmel. ‘

But when she learns her boyfriend isn’t all he seems, it’s the start of a difficult summer for Kat. Vindictive troublemakers, work woes and family heartache follow, and the clear blue sky that was her life suddenly seems full of clouds.

Then she gets to know the mysterious Noah, and her sun begins to shine brighter than ever. But Noah has problems of his own – ones that could scupper their new-found happiness. Together, can they overcome their many obstacles, and find love again?

I may have said this before with Sue Moorcroft books, but she has the amazing ability to whisk you to some of the most amazing picturesque locations, making you want to go there right now.

I couldn't wait to read this on holiday. I always love a Sue Moorcroft summer chic lit read, and this was no exception. I was mesmerised with the wonderful destination I had been transported to. This location was the pretty French countryside.

The main character Kat, lands a job managing a book store, for an older couple. The way the bookstore with cafe was described, it made we want Kat's job!

This book subjects you to a fabulous tale of romance (and a little heartbreak too). I loved the well constructed storyline and all the characters, even the hateful ones.

To me, this is another Sue Moorcroft triumph.