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Портокаловата горичка
„Портокаловата горичка“ е очарователна история, обвита в тайни, подправена с щипка любов и с вкус на сладкиш със севилски портокали и бадеми.
Холи обожава да прави мармалад. Когато ѝ се отваря невероятната възможност да зареже стресиращата си работа в града и да последва мечтата си – тя приема, без да се поколебае. Живописната природа край Дорсет ѝ припомня детството и я вдъхновява да отвори магазин, който кръщава „Горчивият портокал“ в чест на любимия си плод.
Майката на Холи – Ела, винаги е била влюбена в Севиля. Ето защо е, меко казано, изненадващо, че тя с нежелание се съгласява да придружи дъщеря си в пътешествието до Испания, където трябва заедно да подберат продукти за магазина. От какво се страхува? Или от кого? Да не би причината да е старата семейна рецепта за сладкиш със севилски портокали и бадеми, която Ела пази в тайна от семейството си?
В Севиля, където някога е била принудена да вземе най-трудното решение в живота си, Ела най-сетне се изправя срещу миналото си, докато Холи се сблъсква с човек, който е заплаха за всичките ѝ планове. Севиля е слънчевият град на портокалите, ала понякога е не само сладък, но и горчив. Ще успее ли любовта да надмогне тайните на портокаловата горичка?
Холи обожава да прави мармалад. Когато ѝ се отваря невероятната възможност да зареже стресиращата си работа в града и да последва мечтата си – тя приема, без да се поколебае. Живописната природа край Дорсет ѝ припомня детството и я вдъхновява да отвори магазин, който кръщава „Горчивият портокал“ в чест на любимия си плод.
Майката на Холи – Ела, винаги е била влюбена в Севиля. Ето защо е, меко казано, изненадващо, че тя с нежелание се съгласява да придружи дъщеря си в пътешествието до Испания, където трябва заедно да подберат продукти за магазина. От какво се страхува? Или от кого? Да не би причината да е старата семейна рецепта за сладкиш със севилски портокали и бадеми, която Ела пази в тайна от семейството си?
В Севиля, където някога е била принудена да вземе най-трудното решение в живота си, Ела най-сетне се изправя срещу миналото си, докато Холи се сблъсква с човек, който е заплаха за всичките ѝ планове. Севиля е слънчевият град на портокалите, ала понякога е не само сладък, но и горчив. Ще успее ли любовта да надмогне тайните на портокаловата горичка?
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2021
133 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Rosanna Ley
19 books222 followersRosanna Ley has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 15 years. Affiliated to several colleges and universities in England, she also runs her own writing courses in the UK and abroad. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. Her writing holidays and retreats take place in stunning locations in Italy and Spain and whilst not teaching or writing she mentors and appraises the work of new writers. Rosanna has had numerous articles and short stories published in UK magazines, and 12 novels of contemporary fiction published in the U.K, Germany, Greece and the U.S.A under a pseudonym. Her books are inspired by the culture and landscapes of Italy, Sicily and the Canary Islands and feature strong female voices from the past and present, along with an intense undercurrent of mystery and romance. Rosanna spends some time every year travelling around Europe looking for writing inspiration and more tranquil settings for writing holidays. She loves cliff walking and her favourite writing place is somewhere with a sea view. When she is not travelling, Rosanna lives with her artist husband in a Victorian cottage in West Dorset by the sea.
(From the author's website)
(From the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 21, 2022
Very cleverly written this is the dual stories Ella and Holly's trips to Seville, around 30 years apart.
They are mother and daughter and throughout there are uncanny parallels between their experiences of Seville.
I loved learning all about Seville Oranges and also seeing the wide variety of products that can be made from oranges.
I was utterly enchanted by this story and there was no better place for me to read this Spanish set book, then in a swimming pool in Spain myself.
Definitely a great holiday read and another story from Rosanna Ley that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
They are mother and daughter and throughout there are uncanny parallels between their experiences of Seville.
I loved learning all about Seville Oranges and also seeing the wide variety of products that can be made from oranges.
I was utterly enchanted by this story and there was no better place for me to read this Spanish set book, then in a swimming pool in Spain myself.
Definitely a great holiday read and another story from Rosanna Ley that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 3, 2021
Discover the locations of The Orange Grove
Meet Rosanna Ley and travel around Seville in the novel
A glorious novel as always from Rosanna. Seville is one of my favourite Spanish cities and I have spent many happy times here especially when I lived in Granada. I became obsessed with these oranges which grow everywhere so I was especially keen to go back with Rosanna, Holly and Ella.
The story flows along with a family drama at its heart, a mother and daughter relationship which was especially poignant. The history and culture infused along with the orange scented goodness was just a delight to read. You really do get the full package with Rosanna’s novels!
Holly is at a crossroads in her life and wants to find out more about her mother’s beloved Seville. The city reveals its secrets and opens her heart and it’s a lovely, romantic and poignant story.
It’s an expensive reading experience however. I’ve since bought lemons, an orange cordial, an orange scented candle and I am currently on the look out for a shop not unlike Bitter Orange…
June 27, 2021
Very descriptive book from the scents,to the colors and the feel of the excitement in the air, of the oranges and secrets locked away.
A family saga we see unfurling as each page flips and we become further involved in the story.
Seville really sounds lovely and it would be a dream to visit here someday.
Pub date 04 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A family saga we see unfurling as each page flips and we become further involved in the story.
Seville really sounds lovely and it would be a dream to visit here someday.
Pub date 04 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 24, 2021
I really loved this story. I have read most of the author's books and enjoyed them all. But this one checked all the boxes. Travel, culture, history, food, art, and of course love! Different kinds of love, sacrifices and choices made, both good and not so good. Will definitely be reading this one again; can almost smell those oranges....
July 8, 2021
I loved the setting in Seville it was nice revisiting the city via Ella and Holly's story. The reason why I am just rating it 3 stars is that I found the book way too repetitive and too detaillistic in the descriptions. I can't even count the number of times I've read 'the scent of (bitter) oranges', 'orange blossom' and 'azulejo tiles'. In the end the book just felt too long and I struggled to finish it. It's a nice story and if you love detaillistic descriptions then you'll love this book.
June 26, 2021
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The Orange Grove is a such a sensory read, from the aromas and settings to the food and culture, this story made my senses come alive! I had a compulsion to dig out my orange aromatherapy oil!
The format works well. Ella, Felix and Holly’s narrations in 2018 and Ella in 1988 tangle and intertwine giving suspense, mystery and intrigue. Some things I thought might be clues to what I was trying to work out but turned out not to be 🙂
The characters are complex and we get to ‘walk’ with them as they figure out and come to terms with the choices they made in the past or are about to make. I had conflicting emotions about Ella because I wasn’t ever sure what I wanted for her, wavering one way then another. And then I felt disloyal …
The three generations are relatable and I couldn’t help but feel for each of them. Their relationships reflect the realities of life (the highs, the lows, the duties and responsibilities) that come from caring about and loving others. They each have their secrets that make an impact.
I loved Holly’s ideas for Bitter Orange. The sourcing of products adds another layer I wasn’t expecting to the trip to Seville. I loved how one of the characters steps up.
I love how Rosanna Ley draws me in to the settings and cultures of her stories. It’s not just how she weaves a story about the facts but how alive the places and the people feel. The flamenco – I had goosebumps. Such a skill to be able to use words to get such an emotional reaction. I feel like I’ve spent time in Seville and Triana and it’s a destination on my bucket list now.
The Orange Grove shows us that no matter how complex and broken a situation might seem there is always hope and understanding. And that sometimes sacrifices have to be made that might be painful but turn out to be the best action we could have taken.
The Orange Grove is a such a sensory read, from the aromas and settings to the food and culture, this story made my senses come alive! I had a compulsion to dig out my orange aromatherapy oil!
The format works well. Ella, Felix and Holly’s narrations in 2018 and Ella in 1988 tangle and intertwine giving suspense, mystery and intrigue. Some things I thought might be clues to what I was trying to work out but turned out not to be 🙂
The characters are complex and we get to ‘walk’ with them as they figure out and come to terms with the choices they made in the past or are about to make. I had conflicting emotions about Ella because I wasn’t ever sure what I wanted for her, wavering one way then another. And then I felt disloyal …
The three generations are relatable and I couldn’t help but feel for each of them. Their relationships reflect the realities of life (the highs, the lows, the duties and responsibilities) that come from caring about and loving others. They each have their secrets that make an impact.
I loved Holly’s ideas for Bitter Orange. The sourcing of products adds another layer I wasn’t expecting to the trip to Seville. I loved how one of the characters steps up.
I love how Rosanna Ley draws me in to the settings and cultures of her stories. It’s not just how she weaves a story about the facts but how alive the places and the people feel. The flamenco – I had goosebumps. Such a skill to be able to use words to get such an emotional reaction. I feel like I’ve spent time in Seville and Triana and it’s a destination on my bucket list now.
The Orange Grove shows us that no matter how complex and broken a situation might seem there is always hope and understanding. And that sometimes sacrifices have to be made that might be painful but turn out to be the best action we could have taken.
January 28, 2022
I don't like being too critical of author's books given the obvious time spent in their creation, but this was so boring. It was enjoyable in a very few places, but it was incredibly predictable from the beginning, unnecessarily wordy and painfully drawn out, I skipped a lot and was determined to 'finish' it, but when the inevitable conclusion was finally reached! I DNF the last few pages because I'd finally had enough!
March 29, 2021
This was an absolutely wonderfully, atmospheric read set in 2 time lines in Seville.
Holly takes her mum back to Seville to search for some orange themed items to stock the new store she's planning. She knows her mum is holding secrets and wants to find out why she's so cagey about her previous visit.
You can just smell the orange blossom in the air, taste the wine, imagine the marmalade being made with the oranges. The scenery and history of the area are explored and you have such vivid imagery that you are transported right into the magical evenings full of dance and music.
The Italian men provide the love interest and there is also the darker element of the area.
I just loved everything about it and now really want to visit Seville.
Holly takes her mum back to Seville to search for some orange themed items to stock the new store she's planning. She knows her mum is holding secrets and wants to find out why she's so cagey about her previous visit.
You can just smell the orange blossom in the air, taste the wine, imagine the marmalade being made with the oranges. The scenery and history of the area are explored and you have such vivid imagery that you are transported right into the magical evenings full of dance and music.
The Italian men provide the love interest and there is also the darker element of the area.
I just loved everything about it and now really want to visit Seville.
September 5, 2022
As usual with Rosanna Ley's books the setting is the central character and I enjoyed a "virtual" visit to Seville. in fact I resolved to make a live visit in future to see all of the buildings and orange trees.
The story of mother and daughter was fairly predictable but there was enough happening for me to keep on reading. The characters were likeable and believable, (even the mother-in -law !)
The time and character shifts were smooth and did not interrupt the flow of the story, this writer knows how to do this with ease.
The story of mother and daughter was fairly predictable but there was enough happening for me to keep on reading. The characters were likeable and believable, (even the mother-in -law !)
The time and character shifts were smooth and did not interrupt the flow of the story, this writer knows how to do this with ease.
August 14, 2022
3-4 stars, pure escapism and my enjoyment was helped by the sunny weather whilst reading. I felt transported to Seville at times, so well researched- very descriptive which added another element. Very nicely tied up at the end as it flip flopped between then and now.
I'd love an all-things-orange shop, surely that'd be a hit!
I'd love an all-things-orange shop, surely that'd be a hit!
August 30, 2021
Take yourself off to SEVILLE
You Tube review: https://youtu.be/wmgj1ElW030
4.5*
Seville: “It’s a beautiful city. It’s warm , sunny and has a wonderful sense of history”
I have pretty much ‘been’ to Seville these last couple of days, enjoying a short trip with Holly and her mum, Ella, as they travel around the city looking for goods to stock in Holly’s new shop “Bitter Orange”.
Oranges have always been a delight for Holly and now she is determined to make a go of her shop. How inspired is that? A shop that stocks all things oranges in Bridport in West Dorset from marmalade to cake, and cosmetics to wine and liqueurs; I can only imagine what a treat for the eyes and the olfactory senses that such a shop would be (has anyone actually done it, is there such a shop in the UK?)
As the novel opens, Holly is baking an Orange and Almond cake, a family recipe it seems but how it came to be part of her family’s traditions, she doesn’t know. Yet. Now in 2018 mother and daughter head off to beautiful Seville and take in the sights and the detail of description and atmosphere is wonderfully transportive. The neroli oil (the essential oil produced from the bitter oranges which grow in Seville) just seeps and flows through the pages of the novel..
Mum Ella is clearly anxious and it becomes apparent that she has secrets from a trip she took with her husband (and Holly’s father) back in 1988. Secrets both at home and in Seville start to unfurl and tensions start to ride high.
There are so many wonderful elements and lovely layers sewn and into this novel, but of course one of the real stars is the city. The experience of seeing flamenco is summed up in the feeling of ‘duende’, a heightened sense of emotion (very simply put) that goes hand in hand with this dance form. Ella, in fact, is described as recently having read a novel that was set in Seville and it had contained a passage about flamenco that had given her goosebumps (that’s a fabulous example of #literarytourism, isn’t it?)!
The orange and its blossom assault the senses as the two women negotiate their business terms with various enterprises dotted around the city. They pass Papelería Ferrer in Calle Serpies (definitely worth a visit for anyone descending on the city) and with a great history as it dates from 1856. This is a novel you need to read if you are heading to Seville, it’s a great way to feel inspired by the city through the eyes of this creative author.
You Tube review: https://youtu.be/wmgj1ElW030
4.5*
Seville: “It’s a beautiful city. It’s warm , sunny and has a wonderful sense of history”
I have pretty much ‘been’ to Seville these last couple of days, enjoying a short trip with Holly and her mum, Ella, as they travel around the city looking for goods to stock in Holly’s new shop “Bitter Orange”.
Oranges have always been a delight for Holly and now she is determined to make a go of her shop. How inspired is that? A shop that stocks all things oranges in Bridport in West Dorset from marmalade to cake, and cosmetics to wine and liqueurs; I can only imagine what a treat for the eyes and the olfactory senses that such a shop would be (has anyone actually done it, is there such a shop in the UK?)
As the novel opens, Holly is baking an Orange and Almond cake, a family recipe it seems but how it came to be part of her family’s traditions, she doesn’t know. Yet. Now in 2018 mother and daughter head off to beautiful Seville and take in the sights and the detail of description and atmosphere is wonderfully transportive. The neroli oil (the essential oil produced from the bitter oranges which grow in Seville) just seeps and flows through the pages of the novel..
Mum Ella is clearly anxious and it becomes apparent that she has secrets from a trip she took with her husband (and Holly’s father) back in 1988. Secrets both at home and in Seville start to unfurl and tensions start to ride high.
There are so many wonderful elements and lovely layers sewn and into this novel, but of course one of the real stars is the city. The experience of seeing flamenco is summed up in the feeling of ‘duende’, a heightened sense of emotion (very simply put) that goes hand in hand with this dance form. Ella, in fact, is described as recently having read a novel that was set in Seville and it had contained a passage about flamenco that had given her goosebumps (that’s a fabulous example of #literarytourism, isn’t it?)!
The orange and its blossom assault the senses as the two women negotiate their business terms with various enterprises dotted around the city. They pass Papelería Ferrer in Calle Serpies (definitely worth a visit for anyone descending on the city) and with a great history as it dates from 1856. This is a novel you need to read if you are heading to Seville, it’s a great way to feel inspired by the city through the eyes of this creative author.
May 9, 2021
I have read this in a day, that’s how much I’ve enjoyed it.
We have all been stuck at home for so long I absolutely loved being transported to Seville by Rosanna Ley. She’s done a fabulous job of bringing the sights, sounds and traditions of Seville, and particularly the area of Triana, to life.
Holly is our heroine. She’s given up a dull job in Brighton to return to Dorset to start up a shop selling all things orange in Bridport. She celebrates by making an orange and almond cake from a recipe she finds, but this seems to have a weird effect on her mum Ella, who went to Seville in the 1980s with Holly’s dad. Clearly there are some family secrets to uncover.
Holly sets off to Seville with her mum, Ella, for a buying trip and we see what happened to Ella and what happens in the present day.
Obviously we need a handsome Spanish love interest or two. No disappointments on that score. I’d happily hang out with Rafael myself. There’s a fairly obvious parallel storyline going on in the 1980s but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I would recommend this to previous readers of Rosanna Ley, plus anyone who would really love a Spanish holiday right now. If it were possible, I’d be off as soon as I could to enjoy all the delicious things described in this book. It’s definitely brought a little sunshine to my life today.
We have all been stuck at home for so long I absolutely loved being transported to Seville by Rosanna Ley. She’s done a fabulous job of bringing the sights, sounds and traditions of Seville, and particularly the area of Triana, to life.
Holly is our heroine. She’s given up a dull job in Brighton to return to Dorset to start up a shop selling all things orange in Bridport. She celebrates by making an orange and almond cake from a recipe she finds, but this seems to have a weird effect on her mum Ella, who went to Seville in the 1980s with Holly’s dad. Clearly there are some family secrets to uncover.
Holly sets off to Seville with her mum, Ella, for a buying trip and we see what happened to Ella and what happens in the present day.
Obviously we need a handsome Spanish love interest or two. No disappointments on that score. I’d happily hang out with Rafael myself. There’s a fairly obvious parallel storyline going on in the 1980s but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I would recommend this to previous readers of Rosanna Ley, plus anyone who would really love a Spanish holiday right now. If it were possible, I’d be off as soon as I could to enjoy all the delicious things described in this book. It’s definitely brought a little sunshine to my life today.
June 24, 2021
I was drawn into this book by the luscious descriptions of Seville and by the stories of Holly and her mother. Most people will associate Seville with the oranges grown there and they are the perfect symbol of the bitter-sweet theme that runs through the book. Rosanna Ley goes beneath the surface of Seville to areas that tourists are usually unfamiliar with such as the 'gypsy' quarter and the story is enhanced as a result.
It is a romantic setting yet not far beneath the surface lay secrets and threats. I could really imagine the gypsy music of this close-set community and loved the parallels between Holly and her mother. Holly's grandmother is a fabulous multi-dimensional character; her love for Holly shows through and now perhaps she is trying to make amends for her past behaviour that has led to a lifetime of secrets.
If travel were possible, I'd be booking a flight to Seville right now.
It is a romantic setting yet not far beneath the surface lay secrets and threats. I could really imagine the gypsy music of this close-set community and loved the parallels between Holly and her mother. Holly's grandmother is a fabulous multi-dimensional character; her love for Holly shows through and now perhaps she is trying to make amends for her past behaviour that has led to a lifetime of secrets.
If travel were possible, I'd be booking a flight to Seville right now.
May 30, 2022
When Holly decides to set up a shop selling everything you can make with oranges she doesn't realise what secrets will be exposed when she goes to Seville to find produce to sell. She knows her mother has been before so asks her to go with her. The way Rosanna Ley describes the city you can imagine the wonderful scents of orange blossom, the Spanish music and the flamenco dancing.
April 11, 2025
Brings the sites, smells and sounds of Seville to life. You can almost smell the oranges whilst following the stories of Ella and Holly and their connection to Seville past and present.
Perfect book to read ahead of a girls weekend trip to Seville. Off to make Seville orange and almond cake and drink Orange wine whilst listening to Spanish guitar music.
Perfect book to read ahead of a girls weekend trip to Seville. Off to make Seville orange and almond cake and drink Orange wine whilst listening to Spanish guitar music.
November 2, 2021
A really delightful and descriptive story of a mother and daughter's experiences whilst on a business trip to Seville.
July 3, 2024
Very nice read, makes me want to visit serville. Thankyou
December 8, 2022
This book made for a gorgeous read and I enjoyed every word. I particularly liked the dual timeline, being told from the perspective of mother and daughter, Ella and Holly. Seeing Ella's secretive past unfurl beside the contemporaneous experience of Holly in a city which meant so much to them both was engaging and thoroughly gripping.
For my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
For my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
June 18, 2021
Hi ForeverBookers,
How are you all? Hope you’re enjoying the hot weather if you’re in the northern hemisphere like I am. It feels like we get so little of it!
I’ve just finished “The Orange Grove” by Rosanna Ley, which I absolutely loved! The story is set in the UK and Seville, Spain. I loved learning more about Spain, a place that I haven’t ever really wanted to go. This review will be pretty basic because “The Orange Grove” doesn’t have any magical aspects.
I read “The Orange Grove” for a couple of readathons. They were:
Reading Rivalry - A book with a colour in the title - the title is “The Orange Grove,” which refers to the fruit but it’s still a colour too!
Popsugar Challenge 2021 - A book set somewhere you want to visit in 2021 - If I could I’d LOVE to visit Seville, where “The Orange Grove” is set primarily because the author just makes it sound perfect and magical, even though this is very much a contemporary story.
We follow Holly, a girl in her early thirties who wants to start a business to do with oranges, hence the title “The Orange Grove.” She wants to call said business “Bitter Orange.” Her love of oranges started with a recipe she found in her mother’s recipe book, which is key to this story. This leads her to Seville in Spain. She invites her mother to go with her. Ella, her mother is hesitant to go. Why? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
“The Orange Grove” is told in a dual timeline format. The first timeline we read from is present day and follows Holly. Our second timeline is from 1988 and follows Ella.
Flamenco plays a big part in “The Orange Grove” as well. It’s how our main characters meet in both the past and present timelines.
Spoilers Below
Holly starts the novel by making the orange and almond cake. “But the colour . . . it was so vibrant, so bright. The first time she had seen a box of Seville bitter oranges in the farm shop just outside Bridport, she’d been smitten.” This explains Holly’s love for Seville oranges.
“Holly had found the recipe, studied it, been fascinated by it, but had never baked the cake – never dared, after the way her mother had reacted to the suggestion.”
Ella hid the recipe of the Seville orange and almond cake for a reason that I don’t really want to spoil as it’s what the story hinges on. If you think about it enough while you’re reading “The Orange Grove,” you might be able to work it out. I did.
“Of course I’ve been to Spain,” her mother said breezily. Too breezily? Holly wondered. “I went with your father.”
Was that when someone had given her the recipe for the Spanish orange and almond cake? Holly decided that it was wiser not to ask.
“When did you go?” she asked her mother instead.
Her mother’s expression changed. “Oh, I don’t know exactly, Holly. Does it matter? Back in the 1980’s, I can’t remember the exact year.”
Was that suspicious? Holly supposed not.”
This is Ella avoiding telling Holly about what happened in Spain when she went with Holly’s father, Felix years before in 1988. The present timeline is set in 2018. Ella doesn’t want to go back to Seville, though. as is seen below. Why does she want to avoid it? What secrets is she keeping? You’ll need to read to find out!
“Where are we going then?” She felt a warm dart of excitement. A holiday with her daughter. What could be nicer? Well, not a holiday exactly, but . . . She reached over to put the tray of glasses on the counter.
“Seville.”
There was a crash as the tray and four champagne flutes fell to the floor. Ella stared at the hundreds of tiny shards of glass. No one spoke.”
When Holly gets to Seville with her mother they are staying in a hotel, by an Orange Grove, where oranges grow. This is where the title comes from and why the cover has the hotel with orange trees on it.
The past story was my favourite part of the book. It tells of Ella and Felix’s past and what happened between them.
“I want to live, Felix. I want to have fun. I need to get away — just for a week, that’s all.”
Here, Ella is telling Felix that she wants to have fun, to live. Felix came across as an old spinster to me, throughout the novel. He didn’t want to try anything new. He was fine just being boring. Ella, on the other hand, wanted to live! This was the main difference between them and why I hated Felix.
Felix receives a phone call from his mother telling him that she’s fallen and injured herself. He feels like he has to go back to England to look after her. Of course, Ella doesn’t want to go back! This was another reason why I hated Felix. He just seemed to keep Ella from doing the things she wanted to. He’s not even in the novel too much but was still really annoying. After he leaves the Spain, we only get two or three chapters from his third person POV back in the UK. Ingrid, Felix’s mother was horrible to Ella. Why? You’ll need to read to find out...
The rest of the story is focused around Ella and Holly’s relationship, as well as Ella and Caleb’s story who I’ll get onto next.
Caleb was my favourite character, I think to learn about. He is a guitarist who plays the flamenco. In the past timeline, Ella is going along by herself when she sees a pottery shop. That’s where she meets Caleb, who is behind the potter’s wheel.
“Suddenly, he was just as ordinary man. But a rather attractive one, Ella thought. What was she thinking?”
This is Ella’s reaction to Caleb when she first meets him. I predicted where this relationship would go and I don’t want to spoil it because again, it’s really central to the story. What happens between Ella and Caleb? You’ll need to pick up the book to find out!
Holly, in the present timeline is learning all she can about the products that will feature in her shop. She goes to watch the Flamenco one night like her mother did. While there she meets Rafael, who becomes important to her. There’s relationship drama here too, in that Raphael has apparently been promised to Valentina, the daughter of Sofía, the woman who will provide Holly with some of the orange products for “Bitter Orange.” What happens? You’ll need to read to find out!
Overall then, I really, really enjoyed “The Orange Grove.” I’m giving it five stars because it had everything I love in a good book, great, well fleshed out romances, a great setting, high stakes. It’s perfect for this time of year too, when it’s hot. I’ve been very vague and haven’t gone into great depth above about the plot because I think it’s better to go into the book almost blind and learn for yourself what’s so special about it. I loved reading the cultural aspects of Spain that the author put in to the book. It made the reading experience really authentic. I FELT like I was actually in Triana, Seville in Spain! It was a little predictable but I didn’t mind that. It’s a contemporary so there aren’t any huge plot twists. Although, you might find one thing surprising if you don’t put it together, like I did. I loved the characters. They were fleshed out well, especially Holly, Ella, Caleb and Rafael, who are the main characters. I believe I gave Rosanna Ley’s previous book, “From Venice With Love” 3 stars, so I much preferred this one, even though I generally prefer Italy to Spain.
My next review will be for a middle-grade book so I hope to have it up soon for you...
How are you all? Hope you’re enjoying the hot weather if you’re in the northern hemisphere like I am. It feels like we get so little of it!
I’ve just finished “The Orange Grove” by Rosanna Ley, which I absolutely loved! The story is set in the UK and Seville, Spain. I loved learning more about Spain, a place that I haven’t ever really wanted to go. This review will be pretty basic because “The Orange Grove” doesn’t have any magical aspects.
I read “The Orange Grove” for a couple of readathons. They were:
Reading Rivalry - A book with a colour in the title - the title is “The Orange Grove,” which refers to the fruit but it’s still a colour too!
Popsugar Challenge 2021 - A book set somewhere you want to visit in 2021 - If I could I’d LOVE to visit Seville, where “The Orange Grove” is set primarily because the author just makes it sound perfect and magical, even though this is very much a contemporary story.
We follow Holly, a girl in her early thirties who wants to start a business to do with oranges, hence the title “The Orange Grove.” She wants to call said business “Bitter Orange.” Her love of oranges started with a recipe she found in her mother’s recipe book, which is key to this story. This leads her to Seville in Spain. She invites her mother to go with her. Ella, her mother is hesitant to go. Why? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
“The Orange Grove” is told in a dual timeline format. The first timeline we read from is present day and follows Holly. Our second timeline is from 1988 and follows Ella.
Flamenco plays a big part in “The Orange Grove” as well. It’s how our main characters meet in both the past and present timelines.
Spoilers Below
Holly starts the novel by making the orange and almond cake. “But the colour . . . it was so vibrant, so bright. The first time she had seen a box of Seville bitter oranges in the farm shop just outside Bridport, she’d been smitten.” This explains Holly’s love for Seville oranges.
“Holly had found the recipe, studied it, been fascinated by it, but had never baked the cake – never dared, after the way her mother had reacted to the suggestion.”
Ella hid the recipe of the Seville orange and almond cake for a reason that I don’t really want to spoil as it’s what the story hinges on. If you think about it enough while you’re reading “The Orange Grove,” you might be able to work it out. I did.
“Of course I’ve been to Spain,” her mother said breezily. Too breezily? Holly wondered. “I went with your father.”
Was that when someone had given her the recipe for the Spanish orange and almond cake? Holly decided that it was wiser not to ask.
“When did you go?” she asked her mother instead.
Her mother’s expression changed. “Oh, I don’t know exactly, Holly. Does it matter? Back in the 1980’s, I can’t remember the exact year.”
Was that suspicious? Holly supposed not.”
This is Ella avoiding telling Holly about what happened in Spain when she went with Holly’s father, Felix years before in 1988. The present timeline is set in 2018. Ella doesn’t want to go back to Seville, though. as is seen below. Why does she want to avoid it? What secrets is she keeping? You’ll need to read to find out!
“Where are we going then?” She felt a warm dart of excitement. A holiday with her daughter. What could be nicer? Well, not a holiday exactly, but . . . She reached over to put the tray of glasses on the counter.
“Seville.”
There was a crash as the tray and four champagne flutes fell to the floor. Ella stared at the hundreds of tiny shards of glass. No one spoke.”
When Holly gets to Seville with her mother they are staying in a hotel, by an Orange Grove, where oranges grow. This is where the title comes from and why the cover has the hotel with orange trees on it.
The past story was my favourite part of the book. It tells of Ella and Felix’s past and what happened between them.
“I want to live, Felix. I want to have fun. I need to get away — just for a week, that’s all.”
Here, Ella is telling Felix that she wants to have fun, to live. Felix came across as an old spinster to me, throughout the novel. He didn’t want to try anything new. He was fine just being boring. Ella, on the other hand, wanted to live! This was the main difference between them and why I hated Felix.
Felix receives a phone call from his mother telling him that she’s fallen and injured herself. He feels like he has to go back to England to look after her. Of course, Ella doesn’t want to go back! This was another reason why I hated Felix. He just seemed to keep Ella from doing the things she wanted to. He’s not even in the novel too much but was still really annoying. After he leaves the Spain, we only get two or three chapters from his third person POV back in the UK. Ingrid, Felix’s mother was horrible to Ella. Why? You’ll need to read to find out...
The rest of the story is focused around Ella and Holly’s relationship, as well as Ella and Caleb’s story who I’ll get onto next.
Caleb was my favourite character, I think to learn about. He is a guitarist who plays the flamenco. In the past timeline, Ella is going along by herself when she sees a pottery shop. That’s where she meets Caleb, who is behind the potter’s wheel.
“Suddenly, he was just as ordinary man. But a rather attractive one, Ella thought. What was she thinking?”
This is Ella’s reaction to Caleb when she first meets him. I predicted where this relationship would go and I don’t want to spoil it because again, it’s really central to the story. What happens between Ella and Caleb? You’ll need to pick up the book to find out!
Holly, in the present timeline is learning all she can about the products that will feature in her shop. She goes to watch the Flamenco one night like her mother did. While there she meets Rafael, who becomes important to her. There’s relationship drama here too, in that Raphael has apparently been promised to Valentina, the daughter of Sofía, the woman who will provide Holly with some of the orange products for “Bitter Orange.” What happens? You’ll need to read to find out!
Overall then, I really, really enjoyed “The Orange Grove.” I’m giving it five stars because it had everything I love in a good book, great, well fleshed out romances, a great setting, high stakes. It’s perfect for this time of year too, when it’s hot. I’ve been very vague and haven’t gone into great depth above about the plot because I think it’s better to go into the book almost blind and learn for yourself what’s so special about it. I loved reading the cultural aspects of Spain that the author put in to the book. It made the reading experience really authentic. I FELT like I was actually in Triana, Seville in Spain! It was a little predictable but I didn’t mind that. It’s a contemporary so there aren’t any huge plot twists. Although, you might find one thing surprising if you don’t put it together, like I did. I loved the characters. They were fleshed out well, especially Holly, Ella, Caleb and Rafael, who are the main characters. I believe I gave Rosanna Ley’s previous book, “From Venice With Love” 3 stars, so I much preferred this one, even though I generally prefer Italy to Spain.
My next review will be for a middle-grade book so I hope to have it up soon for you...
September 24, 2021
I’ve just finished “The Orange Grove” by Rosanna Ley, which I absolutely loved! The story is set in the UK and Seville, Spain. I loved learning more about Spain, a place that I haven’t ever really wanted to go. This review will be pretty basic because “The Orange Grove” doesn’t have any magical aspects.
I read “The Orange Grove” for a couple of readathons. They were:
Reading Rivalry - A book with a colour in the title - the title is “The Orange Grove,” which refers to the fruit but it’s still a colour too!
Popsugar Challenge 2021 - A book set somewhere you want to visit in 2021 - If I could I’d LOVE to visit Seville, where “The Orange Grove” is set primarily because the author just makes it sound perfect and magical, even though this is very much a contemporary story.
We follow Holly, a girl in her early thirties who wants to start a business to do with oranges, hence the title “The Orange Grove.” She wants to call said business “Bitter Orange.” Her love of oranges started with a recipe she found in her mother’s recipe book, which is key to this story. This leads her to Seville in Spain. She invites her mother to go with her. Ella, her mother is hesitant to go. Why? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
“The Orange Grove” is told in a dual timeline format. The first timeline we read from is present day and follows Holly. Our second timeline is from 1988 and follows Ella.
Flamenco plays a big part in “The Orange Grove” as well. It’s how our main characters meet in both the past and present timelines.
Spoilers Below
Holly starts the novel by making the orange and almond cake. “But the colour . . . it was so vibrant, so bright. The first time she had seen a box of Seville bitter oranges in the farm shop just outside Bridport, she’d been smitten.” This explains Holly’s love for Seville oranges.
“Holly had found the recipe, studied it, been fascinated by it, but had never baked the cake – never dared, after the way her mother had reacted to the suggestion.”
Ella hid the recipe of the Seville orange and almond cake for a reason that I don’t really want to spoil as it’s what the story hinges on. If you think about it enough while you’re reading “The Orange Grove,” you might be able to work it out. I did.
“Of course I’ve been to Spain,” her mother said breezily. Too breezily? Holly wondered. “I went with your father.”
Was that when someone had given her the recipe for the Spanish orange and almond cake? Holly decided that it was wiser not to ask.
“When did you go?” she asked her mother instead.
Her mother’s expression changed. “Oh, I don’t know exactly, Holly. Does it matter? Back in the 1980’s, I can’t remember the exact year.”
Was that suspicious? Holly supposed not.”
This is Ella avoiding telling Holly about what happened in Spain when she went with Holly’s father, Felix years before in 1988. The present timeline is set in 2018. Ella doesn’t want to go back to Seville, though. as is seen below. Why does she want to avoid it? What secrets is she keeping? You’ll need to read to find out!
“Where are we going then?” She felt a warm dart of excitement. A holiday with her daughter. What could be nicer? Well, not a holiday exactly, but . . . She reached over to put the tray of glasses on the counter.
“Seville.”
There was a crash as the tray and four champagne flutes fell to the floor. Ella stared at the hundreds of tiny shards of glass. No one spoke.”
When Holly gets to Seville with her mother they are staying in a hotel, by an Orange Grove, where oranges grow. This is where the title comes from and why the cover has the hotel with orange trees on it.
The past story was my favourite part of the book. It tells of Ella and Felix’s past and what happened between them.
“I want to live, Felix. I want to have fun. I need to get away — just for a week, that’s all.”
Here, Ella is telling Felix that she wants to have fun, to live. Felix came across as an old spinster to me, throughout the novel. He didn’t want to try anything new. He was fine just being boring. Ella, on the other hand, wanted to live! This was the main difference between them and why I hated Felix.
Felix receives a phone call from his mother telling him that she’s fallen and injured herself. He feels like he has to go back to England to look after her. Of course, Ella doesn’t want to go back! This was another reason why I hated Felix. He just seemed to keep Ella from doing the things she wanted to. He’s not even in the novel too much but was still really annoying. After he leaves the Spain, we only get two or three chapters from his third person POV back in the UK. Ingrid, Felix’s mother was horrible to Ella. Why? You’ll need to read to find out...
The rest of the story is focused around Ella and Holly’s relationship, as well as Ella and Caleb’s story who I’ll get onto next.
Caleb was my favourite character, I think to learn about. He is a guitarist who plays the flamenco. In the past timeline, Ella is going along by herself when she sees a pottery shop. That’s where she meets Caleb, who is behind the potter’s wheel.
“Suddenly, he was just an ordinary man. But a rather attractive one, Ella thought. What was she thinking?”
This is Ella’s reaction to Caleb when she first meets him. I predicted where this relationship would go and I don’t want to spoil it because again, it’s really central to the story. What happens between Ella and Caleb? You’ll need to pick up the book to find out!
Holly, in the present timeline is learning all she can about the products that will feature in her shop. She goes to watch the Flamenco one night like her mother did. While there she meets Rafael, who becomes important to her. There’s relationship drama here too, in that Raphael has apparently been promised to Valentina, the daughter of Sofía, the woman who will provide Holly with some of the orange products for “Bitter Orange.” What happens? You’ll need to read to find out!
Overall then, I really, really enjoyed “The Orange Grove.” I’m giving it five stars because it had everything I love in a good book, great, well fleshed out romances, a great setting, high stakes. It’s perfect for this time of year too, when it’s hot. I’ve been very vague and haven’t gone into great depth above about the plot because I think it’s better to go into the book almost blind and learn for yourself what’s so special about it. I loved reading the cultural aspects of Spain that the author put in to the book. It made the reading experience really authentic. I FELT like I was actually in Triana, Seville in Spain! It was a little predictable but I didn’t mind that. It’s a contemporary so there aren’t any huge plot twists. Although, you might find one thing surprising if you don’t put it together, like I did. I loved the characters. They were fleshed out well, especially Holly, Ella, Caleb and Rafael, who are the main characters. I believe I gave Rosanna Ley’s previous book, “From Venice With Love” 3 stars, so I much preferred this one, even though I generally prefer Italy to Spain.
My next review will be for a middle-grade book so I hope to have it up soon for you...
I read “The Orange Grove” for a couple of readathons. They were:
Reading Rivalry - A book with a colour in the title - the title is “The Orange Grove,” which refers to the fruit but it’s still a colour too!
Popsugar Challenge 2021 - A book set somewhere you want to visit in 2021 - If I could I’d LOVE to visit Seville, where “The Orange Grove” is set primarily because the author just makes it sound perfect and magical, even though this is very much a contemporary story.
We follow Holly, a girl in her early thirties who wants to start a business to do with oranges, hence the title “The Orange Grove.” She wants to call said business “Bitter Orange.” Her love of oranges started with a recipe she found in her mother’s recipe book, which is key to this story. This leads her to Seville in Spain. She invites her mother to go with her. Ella, her mother is hesitant to go. Why? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
“The Orange Grove” is told in a dual timeline format. The first timeline we read from is present day and follows Holly. Our second timeline is from 1988 and follows Ella.
Flamenco plays a big part in “The Orange Grove” as well. It’s how our main characters meet in both the past and present timelines.
Spoilers Below
Holly starts the novel by making the orange and almond cake. “But the colour . . . it was so vibrant, so bright. The first time she had seen a box of Seville bitter oranges in the farm shop just outside Bridport, she’d been smitten.” This explains Holly’s love for Seville oranges.
“Holly had found the recipe, studied it, been fascinated by it, but had never baked the cake – never dared, after the way her mother had reacted to the suggestion.”
Ella hid the recipe of the Seville orange and almond cake for a reason that I don’t really want to spoil as it’s what the story hinges on. If you think about it enough while you’re reading “The Orange Grove,” you might be able to work it out. I did.
“Of course I’ve been to Spain,” her mother said breezily. Too breezily? Holly wondered. “I went with your father.”
Was that when someone had given her the recipe for the Spanish orange and almond cake? Holly decided that it was wiser not to ask.
“When did you go?” she asked her mother instead.
Her mother’s expression changed. “Oh, I don’t know exactly, Holly. Does it matter? Back in the 1980’s, I can’t remember the exact year.”
Was that suspicious? Holly supposed not.”
This is Ella avoiding telling Holly about what happened in Spain when she went with Holly’s father, Felix years before in 1988. The present timeline is set in 2018. Ella doesn’t want to go back to Seville, though. as is seen below. Why does she want to avoid it? What secrets is she keeping? You’ll need to read to find out!
“Where are we going then?” She felt a warm dart of excitement. A holiday with her daughter. What could be nicer? Well, not a holiday exactly, but . . . She reached over to put the tray of glasses on the counter.
“Seville.”
There was a crash as the tray and four champagne flutes fell to the floor. Ella stared at the hundreds of tiny shards of glass. No one spoke.”
When Holly gets to Seville with her mother they are staying in a hotel, by an Orange Grove, where oranges grow. This is where the title comes from and why the cover has the hotel with orange trees on it.
The past story was my favourite part of the book. It tells of Ella and Felix’s past and what happened between them.
“I want to live, Felix. I want to have fun. I need to get away — just for a week, that’s all.”
Here, Ella is telling Felix that she wants to have fun, to live. Felix came across as an old spinster to me, throughout the novel. He didn’t want to try anything new. He was fine just being boring. Ella, on the other hand, wanted to live! This was the main difference between them and why I hated Felix.
Felix receives a phone call from his mother telling him that she’s fallen and injured herself. He feels like he has to go back to England to look after her. Of course, Ella doesn’t want to go back! This was another reason why I hated Felix. He just seemed to keep Ella from doing the things she wanted to. He’s not even in the novel too much but was still really annoying. After he leaves the Spain, we only get two or three chapters from his third person POV back in the UK. Ingrid, Felix’s mother was horrible to Ella. Why? You’ll need to read to find out...
The rest of the story is focused around Ella and Holly’s relationship, as well as Ella and Caleb’s story who I’ll get onto next.
Caleb was my favourite character, I think to learn about. He is a guitarist who plays the flamenco. In the past timeline, Ella is going along by herself when she sees a pottery shop. That’s where she meets Caleb, who is behind the potter’s wheel.
“Suddenly, he was just an ordinary man. But a rather attractive one, Ella thought. What was she thinking?”
This is Ella’s reaction to Caleb when she first meets him. I predicted where this relationship would go and I don’t want to spoil it because again, it’s really central to the story. What happens between Ella and Caleb? You’ll need to pick up the book to find out!
Holly, in the present timeline is learning all she can about the products that will feature in her shop. She goes to watch the Flamenco one night like her mother did. While there she meets Rafael, who becomes important to her. There’s relationship drama here too, in that Raphael has apparently been promised to Valentina, the daughter of Sofía, the woman who will provide Holly with some of the orange products for “Bitter Orange.” What happens? You’ll need to read to find out!
Overall then, I really, really enjoyed “The Orange Grove.” I’m giving it five stars because it had everything I love in a good book, great, well fleshed out romances, a great setting, high stakes. It’s perfect for this time of year too, when it’s hot. I’ve been very vague and haven’t gone into great depth above about the plot because I think it’s better to go into the book almost blind and learn for yourself what’s so special about it. I loved reading the cultural aspects of Spain that the author put in to the book. It made the reading experience really authentic. I FELT like I was actually in Triana, Seville in Spain! It was a little predictable but I didn’t mind that. It’s a contemporary so there aren’t any huge plot twists. Although, you might find one thing surprising if you don’t put it together, like I did. I loved the characters. They were fleshed out well, especially Holly, Ella, Caleb and Rafael, who are the main characters. I believe I gave Rosanna Ley’s previous book, “From Venice With Love” 3 stars, so I much preferred this one, even though I generally prefer Italy to Spain.
My next review will be for a middle-grade book so I hope to have it up soon for you...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2021
I LOVED this book.
I don’t normally like books like this but I absolutely loved it.
The way the story was written was really good and had me gripped all the way through. There was sections in the book where the author described the feeling of the flamenco and I felt it as the author wanted us to.
As someone who loves Spain and has a very special connection to the country this was the book for me :) it has made me want my next trip over to hurry up now and have some more lovely oranges :)
Thank you Rosanna ley for this amazing book
I don’t normally like books like this but I absolutely loved it.
The way the story was written was really good and had me gripped all the way through. There was sections in the book where the author described the feeling of the flamenco and I felt it as the author wanted us to.
As someone who loves Spain and has a very special connection to the country this was the book for me :) it has made me want my next trip over to hurry up now and have some more lovely oranges :)
Thank you Rosanna ley for this amazing book
August 20, 2022
I quite enjoyed this little paperback which whisked me off to Seville for Flamenco and tapas, especially as we were in the middle of a heatwave at the time. It was very readable, pacy, the characters realistic and the story flowed. It didn't tax my brain overmax either which was a huge advantage. Although some of the coincidenties where a bit to coincidential if you catch my drift. Overall, not a bad little read.
Toast
PS The passion for Flamenco was evident. I was hooked. I'd love to see it done properly.
Toast
PS The passion for Flamenco was evident. I was hooked. I'd love to see it done properly.
April 8, 2022
I probably would have enjoyed this one more if I'd been sitting on a beach, or simply on holiday. I struggled to really get into the story, it all felt over-the-surface in the sense that I wasn't feeling all the feels with the characters. The story was also quite predictable... Even the very end.
Not sure I recommend it, but not sure I don't either... I'm a bit confused!
Not sure I recommend it, but not sure I don't either... I'm a bit confused!
June 25, 2021
The Orange Grove is the fabulous new novel from Rosanna Ley. Whilst we may not to be able to fly away on holiday at the moment, Rosanna Ley is able to transport us to the beautiful city of Seville, Spain with Holly and her mother Ella. Holly, stressed from her job in Brighton, decides to change her life and follow her dream of opening a shop dedicated to Seville Oranges that feed her love of marmalalde and baking, in Dorset. To do so Holly has to make a trip to Seville, to meet business contacts who can supply her shop with all things orange. Holly wants her mother, Ella, to go with her, but Ella seems reluctant, even afraid to go to Seville, a city she visited thirty years ago. Just why is Ella so secretive about her recipe for a Seville orange and almond cake, and what is it that scares her about revisiting Seville? As Holly and Ella embark on their journey, one is starting on a new and exciting journey, whilst the other has to confront her past.
It is always a joy to pick up one of Rosanna Ley’s books, she perfectly combines warm and wonderful characters with some stunning locations. It is female characters that are at the centre of Rosanna Ley’s books, with their many relationships as mothers, daughters, sisters and wives, and in this book we have Holly, daughter to Ella and her husband Felix, and Felix’s mother, Ingrid. Holly is really excited about her new business venture, that she has kept secret from her parents until she is sure she can finance it. She has always had a love of making marmalade, baking wih the bitter sweet Seville oranges at it’s centre, a passion picked up from her mother. It is her grandmother, Ingrid, who offers to finance her new business, and help Holly out. In Seville, Holly blooms, gaining confidence in her business skills, seduced by the aromas of the orange trees, and by Rafael, a friend of one of her contacts. Whilst Holly is other wised engaged, Ella has time to reminisce about her holiday there in 1988, a holiday that was supposed to help her marriage to Felix, but thanks to his interfering mother Ingrid, sees Ella left alone in Seville to sample the delights alone. Like her daughter, Ella was under the spell of the sights and smells of the beautiful city, and also like Holly, was captivated by a young man, someone she hopes is no longer in Seville. As well as the story of Holly and Ella, there are also chapters from Felix’s point of view, as he reminisces about his marriage and that holiday where he came back from Seville to look after his mother. Felix is surrounded by strong women, but the, strongest and most controlling is his mother, who doesn’t seem to like Ella, she is the catalyst for many of their problems, something that Felix wishes he had dealt with differently. At the centre of all these relationships is love, family, secrets, and a mother and daughter on parallel journey’s thirty years apart.
Seville is not a city I have visited, but through her writing Rosanna Ley conjures up the essence of the city, it’s sights, smells and taste of the local cuisine. Neroli is one of my favourite essential oils, and it was fascinating to read about how it was made from the orange blossom, and the different ways the oranges could be used in bath and body products, candles, and even wine. The descriptive prose made me feel like I was in Seville with Holly and Ella, with the sun on my face, and looking around the city with it’s Moorish influence and stunning architecture. The vibrancy of the city really shines through, and I loved,learning more about it’s history, and the heritage from the Moors.
The Orange Grove is another stunning novel from Rosanna Ley. It has the perfect ingredients of warm characters, a beautiful setting, and a compelling plot line. I was totally immersed in this book, and loved the split timeline of Holly and Ella’s stories, the similarities in their experiences and the stunning setting of Seville, its culture and history. This is pure escapism, and the perfect summer read; simply stunning.
It is always a joy to pick up one of Rosanna Ley’s books, she perfectly combines warm and wonderful characters with some stunning locations. It is female characters that are at the centre of Rosanna Ley’s books, with their many relationships as mothers, daughters, sisters and wives, and in this book we have Holly, daughter to Ella and her husband Felix, and Felix’s mother, Ingrid. Holly is really excited about her new business venture, that she has kept secret from her parents until she is sure she can finance it. She has always had a love of making marmalade, baking wih the bitter sweet Seville oranges at it’s centre, a passion picked up from her mother. It is her grandmother, Ingrid, who offers to finance her new business, and help Holly out. In Seville, Holly blooms, gaining confidence in her business skills, seduced by the aromas of the orange trees, and by Rafael, a friend of one of her contacts. Whilst Holly is other wised engaged, Ella has time to reminisce about her holiday there in 1988, a holiday that was supposed to help her marriage to Felix, but thanks to his interfering mother Ingrid, sees Ella left alone in Seville to sample the delights alone. Like her daughter, Ella was under the spell of the sights and smells of the beautiful city, and also like Holly, was captivated by a young man, someone she hopes is no longer in Seville. As well as the story of Holly and Ella, there are also chapters from Felix’s point of view, as he reminisces about his marriage and that holiday where he came back from Seville to look after his mother. Felix is surrounded by strong women, but the, strongest and most controlling is his mother, who doesn’t seem to like Ella, she is the catalyst for many of their problems, something that Felix wishes he had dealt with differently. At the centre of all these relationships is love, family, secrets, and a mother and daughter on parallel journey’s thirty years apart.
Seville is not a city I have visited, but through her writing Rosanna Ley conjures up the essence of the city, it’s sights, smells and taste of the local cuisine. Neroli is one of my favourite essential oils, and it was fascinating to read about how it was made from the orange blossom, and the different ways the oranges could be used in bath and body products, candles, and even wine. The descriptive prose made me feel like I was in Seville with Holly and Ella, with the sun on my face, and looking around the city with it’s Moorish influence and stunning architecture. The vibrancy of the city really shines through, and I loved,learning more about it’s history, and the heritage from the Moors.
The Orange Grove is another stunning novel from Rosanna Ley. It has the perfect ingredients of warm characters, a beautiful setting, and a compelling plot line. I was totally immersed in this book, and loved the split timeline of Holly and Ella’s stories, the similarities in their experiences and the stunning setting of Seville, its culture and history. This is pure escapism, and the perfect summer read; simply stunning.
November 17, 2024
Ако не можем да скочим на самолета и да отлетим на почивка, то Розана Лей ще ни транспортира до красивия град Севиля, Испания с Холи и нейната майка Ела. Холи стресирана от работата си в Брайтън, решава да промени живота си и да последва мечтата си да отвори в Дорсет магазин, посветен на севилските портокали, които подхранват любовта ѝ към мармалада и печенето на сладкиши. За целта Холи трябва да отпътува за Севиля, за да се срещне с бизнес партньори, които ще снабдят магазина ѝ с натурални портокалови изкушения. Разбира се, Холи иска нейната майка Ела да я придружи, но изглежда тя не желае отново да се връща към Севиля и старите спомени, които този град ѝ носи. Защо Ела е толкова притеснена за това пътуване и какви спомени и тайни крие от семейството си? Докато Холи и Ела се отправят към своето бягство към Севиля ,едната ще опознае града и неговата култура, докато другата ще трябва да се изправи срещу миналото си.
Розана Лей не само ни потапя в красивата атмосфера на този ухаещ на портокали град, ами ни запознава и с неговата култура, традиции и местна кухня. За първи път чета книга от авторката, но това, което ми направи впечатление е, че именно женски герои са в центъра на сюжета ,както и отношенията помежду им. В тази книга имаме Холи (дъщеря) и Ела (майка на Холи) и на последно място ще се запознаем с бабата на Холи и свекърва на Ела, баба Ингрид, която често се оказва катализатор на отношенията между Ела и нейният съпруг Феликс. Феликс е заобиколен от силни жени с не по-малко силни характери, но най-силната и контролираща е майка му, която открай време публично показва неприязън към нейната снаха Ела. В центъра на всички тези отношения е неугасващата любов между героите, семейството, тайните от миналото и майка и дъщеря, отправили се на пътешествие.
Към средата на историята това, което ми направи впечатление е колко сияеше Холи. За тези 416 страници Холи израсна и се превърна в слънце, носещо се по севил��ките улички изпълнени с история, вкусна храна и портокаловото ухание, което пристрасти дори и мен. А пък Ела всячески се опитваше да се отърси от старите спомени ,които ѝ носеше Севиля, докато у дома нейната свекърва ковеше пироните, които можеха да сринат брака ѝ до основи.
С три отличителни гледни точки и времева линия „Портокаловата горичка“ ще ни пренесе на едно незабравимо пътуване с героите, изпълнено със смях, портокалови улички, вкусна храна, фламенко и разбира се, любов…. Историята е лека и приятна за четене, а стила на писане на Розана Лей е много увлекателен и историята се лееше с приятно темпо, което позволи да опознаем героите и този така пленяващ град Севиля.
Розана Лей не само ни потапя в красивата атмосфера на този ухаещ на портокали град, ами ни запознава и с неговата култура, традиции и местна кухня. За първи път чета книга от авторката, но това, което ми направи впечатление е, че именно женски герои са в центъра на сюжета ,както и отношенията помежду им. В тази книга имаме Холи (дъщеря) и Ела (майка на Холи) и на последно място ще се запознаем с бабата на Холи и свекърва на Ела, баба Ингрид, която често се оказва катализатор на отношенията между Ела и нейният съпруг Феликс. Феликс е заобиколен от силни жени с не по-малко силни характери, но най-силната и контролираща е майка му, която открай време публично показва неприязън към нейната снаха Ела. В центъра на всички тези отношения е неугасващата любов между героите, семейството, тайните от миналото и майка и дъщеря, отправили се на пътешествие.
Към средата на историята това, което ми направи впечатление е колко сияеше Холи. За тези 416 страници Холи израсна и се превърна в слънце, носещо се по севил��ките улички изпълнени с история, вкусна храна и портокаловото ухание, което пристрасти дори и мен. А пък Ела всячески се опитваше да се отърси от старите спомени ,които ѝ носеше Севиля, докато у дома нейната свекърва ковеше пироните, които можеха да сринат брака ѝ до основи.
С три отличителни гледни точки и времева линия „Портокаловата горичка“ ще ни пренесе на едно незабравимо пътуване с героите, изпълнено със смях, портокалови улички, вкусна храна, фламенко и разбира се, любов…. Историята е лека и приятна за четене, а стила на писане на Розана Лей е много увлекателен и историята се лееше с приятно темпо, което позволи да опознаем героите и този така пленяващ град Севиля.
June 29, 2021
Holly has a new plan.
The Orange Grove is the most perfect summer book. Rosanna Ley has woven a mesmerising tale of romance, history and travel that affords the reader the chance to escape into the passionate world of flamenco, Seville, food and love. I adored it as it is exactly the tonic we need in our lives right now. I didn’t just want to read about Holly and Ella’s activities, I wanted to BE Holly and Ella, so persuasive is Rosanna Ley’s writing.
The dual time lines of Holly and Ella’s experiences in Seville are perfectly balanced in The Orange Grove so that I was equally interested in, and captivated by, both aspects. I loved the way the two women’s stories were brought together as the narrative progressed with echoes of the past very firmly in the present. This was such skilful plotting.
What I found fascinating about the characters, was that Ella is actually quite flawed but I still cared about her just as much as I did Holly. However, it was the more secondary Felix who surprised me. Compared with the passionate Spanish men Felix is hardly present for much of the story, could, at times, be deemed to be weak and almost contemptible and is often frustrating, but he drives much of the action and I was absolutely invested in his part on The Orange Grove too. I wanted positive outcomes for him but you’ll need to read the book to see if I got them!
I think what I enjoy so much about Rosanna Ley’s writing is that she presents the reader with warm, vivid characters that she places in setting that are brilliantly described with full use of all the senses so that the reader is utterly transported. I was most definitely in Seville with Holly and Ella, smelling the orange blossom, hearing the flamenco beats and music, tasting tapas, seeing the vivid orange of the fruit and almost feeling the romantic kisses and caresses so that I experienced a full sensory delight in The Orange Grove. Much is often said about transporting writing, but The Orange Grove is just perfect in putting the reader at the heart of the story.
Aside from the wonderful characters, the evocative setting and the smooth and captivating writing style with naturalistic dialogue and carefully crafted sentence, The Orange Grove offers so much more than a romantic, escapist read. There are undercurrents of organised crime, a murkier world than tourists might believe in this vibrant Spanish city and an exploration of love, need, commitment, control and loyalty that give fabulous depth to the story too.
The Orange Grove is a magnificent story. It is Rosanna Ley writing at her most skilled and therefore becomes a simply outstanding narrative that made me smile, made me shed a tear or two and brought me complete summer joy. I loved it unreservedly.
The Orange Grove is the most perfect summer book. Rosanna Ley has woven a mesmerising tale of romance, history and travel that affords the reader the chance to escape into the passionate world of flamenco, Seville, food and love. I adored it as it is exactly the tonic we need in our lives right now. I didn’t just want to read about Holly and Ella’s activities, I wanted to BE Holly and Ella, so persuasive is Rosanna Ley’s writing.
The dual time lines of Holly and Ella’s experiences in Seville are perfectly balanced in The Orange Grove so that I was equally interested in, and captivated by, both aspects. I loved the way the two women’s stories were brought together as the narrative progressed with echoes of the past very firmly in the present. This was such skilful plotting.
What I found fascinating about the characters, was that Ella is actually quite flawed but I still cared about her just as much as I did Holly. However, it was the more secondary Felix who surprised me. Compared with the passionate Spanish men Felix is hardly present for much of the story, could, at times, be deemed to be weak and almost contemptible and is often frustrating, but he drives much of the action and I was absolutely invested in his part on The Orange Grove too. I wanted positive outcomes for him but you’ll need to read the book to see if I got them!
I think what I enjoy so much about Rosanna Ley’s writing is that she presents the reader with warm, vivid characters that she places in setting that are brilliantly described with full use of all the senses so that the reader is utterly transported. I was most definitely in Seville with Holly and Ella, smelling the orange blossom, hearing the flamenco beats and music, tasting tapas, seeing the vivid orange of the fruit and almost feeling the romantic kisses and caresses so that I experienced a full sensory delight in The Orange Grove. Much is often said about transporting writing, but The Orange Grove is just perfect in putting the reader at the heart of the story.
Aside from the wonderful characters, the evocative setting and the smooth and captivating writing style with naturalistic dialogue and carefully crafted sentence, The Orange Grove offers so much more than a romantic, escapist read. There are undercurrents of organised crime, a murkier world than tourists might believe in this vibrant Spanish city and an exploration of love, need, commitment, control and loyalty that give fabulous depth to the story too.
The Orange Grove is a magnificent story. It is Rosanna Ley writing at her most skilled and therefore becomes a simply outstanding narrative that made me smile, made me shed a tear or two and brought me complete summer joy. I loved it unreservedly.
May 14, 2021
A sweet and juicy read to remind you of hot summers days with Ella and her daughter Holly. Ella's journey from underrated wife to a woman introduced to passion by a man who is not her husband and Holly's journey to live her life doing what she loves doing best and finding family and love along the way. In dual timelines (2018 and 1988) and following the lives of mother and daughter, set both in Dorset, England and Seville, Spain. The Orange Grove is not just a book about mother and daughter, but also about secrets, ambitions and love.
Holly has decided to pack in her job, she is just so fed up with the day to day office work, fed up with awkward customers and after having a panic attack in the supermarket decides to have a change of scene and do what she has always dreamt of doing and that is opening a small shop in the town of Bridport in Dorset, selling all things orange and especially Seville orange marmalade which she adores. After coming across a recipe in her mother's recipe book for a orange and almond cake, she doesn't realise what finding this is going to do with changing not only her life but her mother's too. You are left wondering what is the secret that Ella is trying to keep from Holly, and what is the secret of the cake?
After being on a trip to Seville to source products for the shop (called Bitter Orange) the two women are enjoying their visit, but it does have memories that Ella just can't get out of her head, what happened here in 1988? But there is also a large divide between the two nationalities, both socially and culturally, will this prove to be a problem? There is definitely a connection between the two time lines and you just can't wait to find out what they are, as you rapidly read on into the early hours of the night.
As emotions run high both for Holly and Ella, you are always left wondering if the two women will find love or will they let it pass them by, maybe the magic of the Seville oranges will do their trick.
This is a lovely romantic story, well written and it will stay with me for a long time. I have never visited Seville but now I feel like I know it so well, a well deserved five star read.
Holly has decided to pack in her job, she is just so fed up with the day to day office work, fed up with awkward customers and after having a panic attack in the supermarket decides to have a change of scene and do what she has always dreamt of doing and that is opening a small shop in the town of Bridport in Dorset, selling all things orange and especially Seville orange marmalade which she adores. After coming across a recipe in her mother's recipe book for a orange and almond cake, she doesn't realise what finding this is going to do with changing not only her life but her mother's too. You are left wondering what is the secret that Ella is trying to keep from Holly, and what is the secret of the cake?
After being on a trip to Seville to source products for the shop (called Bitter Orange) the two women are enjoying their visit, but it does have memories that Ella just can't get out of her head, what happened here in 1988? But there is also a large divide between the two nationalities, both socially and culturally, will this prove to be a problem? There is definitely a connection between the two time lines and you just can't wait to find out what they are, as you rapidly read on into the early hours of the night.
As emotions run high both for Holly and Ella, you are always left wondering if the two women will find love or will they let it pass them by, maybe the magic of the Seville oranges will do their trick.
This is a lovely romantic story, well written and it will stay with me for a long time. I have never visited Seville but now I feel like I know it so well, a well deserved five star read.
May 4, 2021
I have never been entirely sure how I feel about oranges. One the one hand, they can be deliciously sweet; yet on the other they can be difficult to get into and may turn out to be sour. The Orange Grove is a book which almost mirrors the fruit in that regard. Having read the blurb, I expected this to be a sweet, chick-lit type story. Yet, what I actually found was a multi-layered tale with some tough-skinned characters and a story that was definitely bittersweet.
Holly has given up her hectic life and career in Brighton to move back to Dorset. Her plan is to open a shop celebrating all that is orange, and primarily products sourced from Seville. Holly recruits her mother, Ella, to accompany her to Seville, something which stirs up memories and secrets from Ella’s own past. Soon, both Holly and her mother have difficult decisions to make about their lives and loves. The book switches in time between Ella’s trip to Seville in the 1980s and the mother - daughter trip in 2018. The two parts of the story dovetail in a conclusion which, although I could see coming, was still satisfying.
So yes, this was not the frothy chick-lit that I expected; but I was not disappointed. Rosanna Ley has written a perfect piece of escapism to enjoy during a time when we cannot physically travel. Ley’s descriptions of Seville are evocative and appeal to all the senses, you can almost smell the orange blossom and taste the tapas as you read this book. There were moments when I felt the story was moving a tad slowly, however the book is not massively plot-driven and rather meanders along like the winding Seville streets. With that in mind, I would recommend reading this book when you have a day or two to spare, preferably whilst sitting in the sunshine!
Thanks to Quercus and Friends of Bookends for the advance copy.
May 16, 2021
A warm, uplifting, feelgood read.
Be prepared for your senses to be awakened from the very beginning of this story with the scent of oranges and orange blossom and the vivid description of tapas, wine and surroundings.
Making her marmalade is like therapy for Holly, relaxing her with a calming effect which has brought her to a point where she re-evaluates her life.
Holly tells her parents that she has given up her stressful job, has done a business course, carried out research and plans to open a shop selling orange-based products such as soaps, skin products, perfumes, wine, baking and her marmalade. Holly wants to use the best Seville oranges and has arranged to visit Seville and meet the contacts she has communicated with as a source for her products. Holly is aware of her mum’s love of Seville and asks her to accompany her on this business venture. Holly’s mum hesitates and is reluctant to go which Holly cannot understand but she talks her round and Holly anticipates that her mother may explain her hesitancy while in Seville.
This story is told in two timelines thirty years apart. It is a vibrant, vivid story of love and loss, of regrets and hope and awakening and happiness. The beautiful city of Seville comes alive through the imagination of this amazing author as the story unfolds in a realistic and believable way. The description of the Flamenco dancing with its mournful guitar playing and singing, is haunting, yet beautiful and wonderfully described. Seville touches Holly in a way which she could never have imagined. Her journey to Seville influences her mother and her family changing their lives and their future.
A beautifully written novel with a real sunshine feel. On turning the last page of this beautiful, immersing story, I felt as if I had just been to Seville.
Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Be prepared for your senses to be awakened from the very beginning of this story with the scent of oranges and orange blossom and the vivid description of tapas, wine and surroundings.
Making her marmalade is like therapy for Holly, relaxing her with a calming effect which has brought her to a point where she re-evaluates her life.
Holly tells her parents that she has given up her stressful job, has done a business course, carried out research and plans to open a shop selling orange-based products such as soaps, skin products, perfumes, wine, baking and her marmalade. Holly wants to use the best Seville oranges and has arranged to visit Seville and meet the contacts she has communicated with as a source for her products. Holly is aware of her mum’s love of Seville and asks her to accompany her on this business venture. Holly’s mum hesitates and is reluctant to go which Holly cannot understand but she talks her round and Holly anticipates that her mother may explain her hesitancy while in Seville.
This story is told in two timelines thirty years apart. It is a vibrant, vivid story of love and loss, of regrets and hope and awakening and happiness. The beautiful city of Seville comes alive through the imagination of this amazing author as the story unfolds in a realistic and believable way. The description of the Flamenco dancing with its mournful guitar playing and singing, is haunting, yet beautiful and wonderfully described. Seville touches Holly in a way which she could never have imagined. Her journey to Seville influences her mother and her family changing their lives and their future.
A beautifully written novel with a real sunshine feel. On turning the last page of this beautiful, immersing story, I felt as if I had just been to Seville.
Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
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