Having read Ms Kirkwood’s two previous novels I was anxious to read her latest book. I love the style and setting of this book and the dream-like characters. Ms Kirkwood has an excellent eye for the necessary detail, without any overkill of descriptive writing - little is more. Another love story, but with a few twists and turns, set in the Amalfi area of Italy which in itself is a perfect setting for a romantic, easy reading novel. This novel is light, enjoyable and absorbing with a predictable ending, which doesn’t in any way detract from the pleasures of reading, jus giving encouragement to go and experience all that Italy has to offer. A great success, thank you Carol. Thank you for allowing me to review this book. A love story set on the Almafi coast, Italy. It has it all; romance, secrets, mafia, beautiful setting. Carina are childhood friends who grew up on a joining vineyards. Their wedding is just days away, but gradually secrets are revealed. This is an easy read that had me hooked from the beginning. Carol Kirkwood is a good author who researchs the setting well and uses it to good affect.

The writing style is easy, almost too easy, and highly simplified. While this adds to the pace, it doesn’t evoke enough emotions to connect with the characters. Still, I wanted Giorgio to get his due for being an absolute douchebag, so one character did inspire strong emotions in me. Similar to her previous books with a lovely setting with famous names thrown in which I thought was unnecessary to the story. The children of neighbouring wine producers, it’s a match made in heaven and the wedding celebrations, set to last for days will certainly make this the wedding of the year. The story starts with the lead up to a wedding between the son and the daughter of neighbouring winemakers, destined to be together since childhood. We see the main players interact and also see the people they spend time with and a different story emerges. Carina beloved daughter of Salvatore and Philippa is set to marry her childhood friend and neighbour she has known all her life Giorgio, but all is not roses on the days leading up to their beautifully planned wedding day.

Summary

The actual story is set in 2005. While books set in the past only recreate a similar setting, this one feels like it was written at the same time but dusted and edited for publishing in 2023. Not sure I can explain it right, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the book is an old manuscript.

The parallels between Phillipa and Carina’s lives are interesting. Though it doesn’t do justice to their ‘intelligence’, it offers a little something to ponder about in a mother-daughter relationship. (Not sure if this was intended, but anyhoo). Carol explained: "I have just finished one. I was reading a trilogy by Heather Norris which is really good. The last one was called Three Sisters. A very good book - I'd recommend it." This is the second book I've read by Carol Kirkwood, and it was just as enjoyable as the first. This book is set on the luxuriant Amalfi coast, and is filled with glorious descriptions of the location. In short, it’s the story of two Italian neighbouring estate families and an imminent wedding which will join their families together, however, there is a deep rooted secret from the past to be revealed!

Carina and Giorgio are due to be married. The marriage will unite two families in a valley of winemakers. The Scots presenter was getting on with her usual day job when she let slip to viewers she's got another exciting project on the go.

I have read a couple of Carol's books before and I really enjoyed this one. There were bits that I found a bit disappointing but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. PDF / EPUB File Name: Secrets_of_the_Villa_Amore_-_Carol_Kirkwood.pdf, Secrets_of_the_Villa_Amore_-_Carol_Kirkwood.epubCarina is marrying her childhood sweetheart, Giorgio, who has secrets of his own and isn’t who he appears to be. Edie is Carina’s friend and bridesmaid. This emerging Hwood actress has secrets she cannot reveal. Phillipa, Carina’s mother, has a happy life but finds things drifting apart. Complications arise when her former lover enters the scene. Mother of the bride, Philippa is stunned by the arrival of a former lover, who could destroy her marriage. Hollywood starlet Edie is the dazzling bridesmaid. She’s hiding something that could destroy her best friend. Yes it’s predictable, yes it’s been done before, yes it’s full of skinny beautiful rich people but it’s a concept that works and Carol does it well. Well, a family drama thrives on drama and interesting characters. You gotta have secret keepers, victims, collateral damage, heroes, villains, grey characters, et al. While the book has them all, none of them except that scum Giorgio makes an impact (at least for me).