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The Guernsey Novels #3
Guernsey Retreat
The latest page-turner offering mystery and romance from the Award-Winning Author of Dangerous Waters Two violent deaths. Separated by time, but with a fatal connection... A man loses his father. A young woman loses her mother. Both in tragic circumstances that lead, when they meet, to surprising revelations from the past. Louisa needs to find the father she has never known, to warn him of possible danger - for them both. Her search takes her from England to Guernsey. Malcolm's journey is more tortuous: conceived in Guernsey, he travels to Canada as a baby with his bereaved mother. Many years later he arrives in India, and from here he is led back to Guernsey to open a health centre at La Folie. This was his father's home, where Malcolm was conceived, but never lived and where his father was killed at the start of the Second World War. At the heart of the two deaths lie stolen jewels. Valuable enough to kill for. Twice. Finding her father brings Louisa more than she bargains for, and her life is transformed, while Malcolm learns that life is, after all, for sharing...
284 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2014
24 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Anne Allen
12 books302 followersAnne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. She was born in Rugby, to an English mother and Welsh father. As a result she spent many summers with her Welsh grandparents in Anglesey and learnt to love the sea. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns.
By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.
By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 20, 2015
I absolutely loved the first two books by Anne Allen and this one is no exception. The author manages to convey her love for Guernsey through the vivid landscapes, making you feel that you know the island by the end. This is a tale of murder, greed and loneliness and I loved the way the characters developed, warts and all. The only thing missing for me was that I couldn’t actually be on Guernsey to read it – that would have been just perfect. A great summer read, a touch of romance and two murders begging to be read over a cream tea.
November 19, 2014
Malcolm Roget was born in Canada to where his mother fled after her fiancé, Malcolm’s father, was murdered just before the start of WW2. He has been a successful hotelier and now wants a change of direction. Having spent a considerable time in India exploring the concept of making life style changes though meditation and relaxation, he travels to Guernsey, his mother’s birthplace, to open a spa hotel and sanctuary at what was his father’s beautiful island home. While renovation works are in progress, human bones are discovered buried in the grounds. The remains prove to be those of Roland Blake, Malcolm’s father, and Malcolm’s search begins to see if his father’s killer is still alive and so bring him to justice.
Louisa Canning, recovering after a botched attempted burglary caused her mother’s untimely death, decides she must honour her mother’s dying wish and try to find the father she has never known. Her search takes her to La Folie, a health spa in Guernsey and brings her much more than she would ever have imagined. She and Malcolm both learn valuable lessons about life, love and family.
Louisa and Malcolm are both troubled by buried secrets and past events and, as their relationship grows, they begin to discover, not only their warmth and affection for each other but also the threads of the mystery and intrigue that binds their pasts together.
The blossoming relationship between Malcolm and Louisa is realistically drawn and, although I did find some of the dialogue a little unconvincing at times, the hopes and fears expressed are just as I would imagine. The vividly scenic descriptions of Guernsey paint a beautiful picture and bring the island to life, the beaches, the countryside and the fabulous sounding restaurants, evoking fond memories from my visit to the island many years ago and making me long for a return visit.
http://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpr...
Louisa Canning, recovering after a botched attempted burglary caused her mother’s untimely death, decides she must honour her mother’s dying wish and try to find the father she has never known. Her search takes her to La Folie, a health spa in Guernsey and brings her much more than she would ever have imagined. She and Malcolm both learn valuable lessons about life, love and family.
Louisa and Malcolm are both troubled by buried secrets and past events and, as their relationship grows, they begin to discover, not only their warmth and affection for each other but also the threads of the mystery and intrigue that binds their pasts together.
The blossoming relationship between Malcolm and Louisa is realistically drawn and, although I did find some of the dialogue a little unconvincing at times, the hopes and fears expressed are just as I would imagine. The vividly scenic descriptions of Guernsey paint a beautiful picture and bring the island to life, the beaches, the countryside and the fabulous sounding restaurants, evoking fond memories from my visit to the island many years ago and making me long for a return visit.
http://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpr...
August 10, 2014
Another look at beautiful Guernsey, murder, and a heartwarming reunion. A delightful read.
Full review on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com
Full review on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com
April 2, 2020
I'm really liking this Guernsey series. I love how the characters from the previous books are in some way connected to the newer main character. Again the descriptions lull the reader into the place with sights, sounds and scents.
A good read. However it's kind of uncanny how both generations, young adult and the parent in this story are the product of parents that didn't make it to the altar.
A good read. However it's kind of uncanny how both generations, young adult and the parent in this story are the product of parents that didn't make it to the altar.
September 23, 2014
Hotelier, Malcolm has returned to Guernsey to open a health centre in the beautiful sanctuary of La Folie, plagued by the secrets of his past, he hopes to uncover the truth about what really happened to his father at the start of WW2. Louisa, suffering from the trauma of devastating loss, is determined to track down the father she never knew. In the peace and tranquillity of La Folie, Malcolm’s and Louisa’s story start to intertwine and a story of long buried family secrets starts to be uncovered.
The story is strong, slightly darker in places than previous stories but no less absorbing and from the very start of the book I was taken into a very believable world. The characters completely enchant me, so much so, they soon become as familiar as friends and I really start to care about what happens to them. I loved the burgeoning relationship between Malcolm and Louisa and their tentative steps to finding out more about their past gives the book its heart and soul. The author writes with a lovely light touch, really emphasising the bond between friends, and the hesitant, yet beguiling nature of new relationships, is explored with complete understanding and sensitivity.
There is no doubt that in this series of novels the author has captured the essence of Guernsey to perfection. The glory of the island, its places and its people really comes alive and as beauty of Guernsey starts to beguile the reader, there is a real sense of belonging, not just in the glorious descriptions of island life, but in the way the minutiae of relationships is examined and controlled.
I really can’t wait to read more Guernsey novels from this talented writer.
The story is strong, slightly darker in places than previous stories but no less absorbing and from the very start of the book I was taken into a very believable world. The characters completely enchant me, so much so, they soon become as familiar as friends and I really start to care about what happens to them. I loved the burgeoning relationship between Malcolm and Louisa and their tentative steps to finding out more about their past gives the book its heart and soul. The author writes with a lovely light touch, really emphasising the bond between friends, and the hesitant, yet beguiling nature of new relationships, is explored with complete understanding and sensitivity.
There is no doubt that in this series of novels the author has captured the essence of Guernsey to perfection. The glory of the island, its places and its people really comes alive and as beauty of Guernsey starts to beguile the reader, there is a real sense of belonging, not just in the glorious descriptions of island life, but in the way the minutiae of relationships is examined and controlled.
I really can’t wait to read more Guernsey novels from this talented writer.
October 9, 2014
Malcolm returns to Guernsey and opens up a health retreat in the old house his family used to own before his uncle killed his father. As the workmen dig up the grounds for a swimming pool they find his father’s remains and the investigation into his death is once again reopened. But where is his uncle now? Is it possible he is still alive? His mother was forced to leave with his uncle when he convinced her she would be an accessory to murder but she fled with Malcolm when his uncle was called up for military service and they haven’t seen him since.
Louisa needs to find her father after her mother dies when a man breaks into her house looking for stolen jewels he believes her mother has. She knows the father she has never seen in the flesh is connected with this but how does she find a man whose name is all she has? A chance flick through a magazine gives her a lead she must follow.
Again Anne Allen has made me want to visit Guernsey. She really does describe the beauty of the place so vividly it makes you want to book a ticket and leave immediately. I loved this second Guernsey story I have read by her, it has it all; mystery, murder, love and intrigue. The story flows along and develops at a satisfyingly pace too making it a nice easy read. This is going straight in to my ‘Feel Good’ books section!
A page turner of a book which is ideal for a weekend comfort read.
Louisa needs to find her father after her mother dies when a man breaks into her house looking for stolen jewels he believes her mother has. She knows the father she has never seen in the flesh is connected with this but how does she find a man whose name is all she has? A chance flick through a magazine gives her a lead she must follow.
Again Anne Allen has made me want to visit Guernsey. She really does describe the beauty of the place so vividly it makes you want to book a ticket and leave immediately. I loved this second Guernsey story I have read by her, it has it all; mystery, murder, love and intrigue. The story flows along and develops at a satisfyingly pace too making it a nice easy read. This is going straight in to my ‘Feel Good’ books section!
A page turner of a book which is ideal for a weekend comfort read.
September 4, 2014
Guernsey Retreat (Guernsey Novels #3) by Anne Allen
3.5 Stars
With a successful hotel business behind him, Malcolm heads to his mother’s home in Guernsey hoping to turn the property into a health retreat. During the renovations workers unearth a body, which is quickly identified as Malcolm’s father who had died before his birth. Louisa has just lost her mother in a burglary gone wrong and her dying wish is for Louisa to find her father. After reading a newspaper article she races off to Guernsey eager to meet her father, Malcolm. Once they meet there is an instant connection and they set about seeking the man who brought on her mother’s heart attack. They enlist the help of a recently retired policeman and together they track him down. During all this time, Louisa begins to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the island. Could love be in the air?
As with the first two books the writing style is relaxed with plenty of description, but the story itself fell flat for me. There are no twists and turns, it is a simple story of a family and love that ambles along at a steady pace.
Perfect for an easy summer romantic read.
Copy supplied for review
3.5 Stars
With a successful hotel business behind him, Malcolm heads to his mother’s home in Guernsey hoping to turn the property into a health retreat. During the renovations workers unearth a body, which is quickly identified as Malcolm’s father who had died before his birth. Louisa has just lost her mother in a burglary gone wrong and her dying wish is for Louisa to find her father. After reading a newspaper article she races off to Guernsey eager to meet her father, Malcolm. Once they meet there is an instant connection and they set about seeking the man who brought on her mother’s heart attack. They enlist the help of a recently retired policeman and together they track him down. During all this time, Louisa begins to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the island. Could love be in the air?
As with the first two books the writing style is relaxed with plenty of description, but the story itself fell flat for me. There are no twists and turns, it is a simple story of a family and love that ambles along at a steady pace.
Perfect for an easy summer romantic read.
Copy supplied for review
September 2, 2014
Captivating Read!
After the death of her mother, Louisa Canning goes on a search to find her father. The father meets his daughter that he never knew existed. Deep, dark secrets are revealed. A murder is uncovered and romance is lost, found and lost again.
This beautifully written, intriguing story follows the heartbreaks and triumphs of three generations of a family from Guernsey. This book is emotional, gripping and simply wonderful. I found myself completely immersed, not only in the characters but also by the sight, sounds and smells of Guernsey which author Anne Allen so comfortable describes.
Such a captivating read!
Guernsey Retreat has sparked my interest in knowing more about my own family history. I think my next project will be tracing my family roots on ancestory.com. Who knows what I might find!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
After the death of her mother, Louisa Canning goes on a search to find her father. The father meets his daughter that he never knew existed. Deep, dark secrets are revealed. A murder is uncovered and romance is lost, found and lost again.
This beautifully written, intriguing story follows the heartbreaks and triumphs of three generations of a family from Guernsey. This book is emotional, gripping and simply wonderful. I found myself completely immersed, not only in the characters but also by the sight, sounds and smells of Guernsey which author Anne Allen so comfortable describes.
Such a captivating read!
Guernsey Retreat has sparked my interest in knowing more about my own family history. I think my next project will be tracing my family roots on ancestory.com. Who knows what I might find!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
August 7, 2014
Romance, intrigue, murder and a stunning location… all the elements of a perfect summer read.
If you’re planning on having a ‘staycation’ this year, Anne Allen’s latest novel in her Guernsey Series, could provide the break you need. But don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two – each is a complete novel in its own right. Guernsey Retreat leads us around the island, seeing it through the eyes of a first-timer. The reader is never left behind or excluded from any past events.
As I have read the series, I can recommend them all, if only so you experience the frisson of excitement as you recognise an element or character from the earlier novels.
The author writes in a confident and steady way – there’s no rush, she wants to set the scene and lead us into the plot so it remains credible. Good romance has to be credible!
I found this a very enjoyable read – perfect for a piece of romantic escapism.
If you’re planning on having a ‘staycation’ this year, Anne Allen’s latest novel in her Guernsey Series, could provide the break you need. But don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two – each is a complete novel in its own right. Guernsey Retreat leads us around the island, seeing it through the eyes of a first-timer. The reader is never left behind or excluded from any past events.
As I have read the series, I can recommend them all, if only so you experience the frisson of excitement as you recognise an element or character from the earlier novels.
The author writes in a confident and steady way – there’s no rush, she wants to set the scene and lead us into the plot so it remains credible. Good romance has to be credible!
I found this a very enjoyable read – perfect for a piece of romantic escapism.
September 15, 2014
Anne Allen did it again... This amazing writer can bring you directly into her novels, LIVE. This is not my first reading from this author and each time, I can feel so close to the personas... I am a part of the story. I feel that I know personally each of them... The description of the scenery was so beautiful and accurate that I was able to "see" all those places and even smell the gardens...
In the Guernsey Retreat, the story of the main character and her parents opened my eyes on the parenthood. Her friendship with Charlotte is priceless and later, her love story with Paul is to dream for.... I felt in love with all the characters in this novel! Thanks Anne for this great story! I can't wait to read more from you :)
In the Guernsey Retreat, the story of the main character and her parents opened my eyes on the parenthood. Her friendship with Charlotte is priceless and later, her love story with Paul is to dream for.... I felt in love with all the characters in this novel! Thanks Anne for this great story! I can't wait to read more from you :)
December 19, 2014
The third novel in Anne Allen's Guernsey series delivers what her fans have come to expect: the unraveling of a family secret, budding romance, and breathtaking scenery. I admittedly most enjoy her knack for capturing her beloved Guernsey and was delighted to see the characters tour the home where Victor Hugo was exiled on the island for fifteen years. I've also come to love the way the author includes food in her novels. It's apparent she has a knack for living the good life. The conflict of whether or not full romantic attraction will develop could have been a bit deeper, but overall, the author has once again brought Guernsey and its people to life. It's a pleasure to see characters from the other books make cameo appearances.
February 2, 2021
The first two in this series were ok. Charming setting, not well written but harmless fun. This one was dumb. The heroine was vapid and how many times can someone come to gurney and inherit everything they need to live on for the rest of their lives. Plus she was “in love” with a guy she barely knew but turned him down and didn’t know what to do, until he shows up at her door and it’s true love. I don’t mind a beach read with not a lot of plot, but this was truly bad.
July 31, 2019
Louisa is late arriving home but as she is opening the door, she is knocked over by a man fleeing. She finds her mother distraught and calls the police and ambulance. But before they arrive, her mother tells her the man was searching for some jewels and assures her she doesn't have them. She asks Louisa to warn her father, a man Louisa has never met. Her mother dies shortly after. She travels to Guernsey where her father, Malcolm has opened a health spa.
Malcolm was conceived in Guernsey but taken has an infant to Canada. His mother worked in a hotel slowly working her way up until she became the owner of a number of a small hotel chain. He had no idea who his father was but knew he was killed before his mother and his father could be married. The Health spa he has opened was the site of the estate his father once owned.
Louisa surprises Malcolm when she tells him she is his daughter. When he had travelled to England years before and met her mother, he had no idea she was pregnant when he had to suddenly return home to Canada as his mother was deathly ill. But she has detailed information only Louisa's mother would know and a DNA test soon confirms she is his daughter.
Now that Louisa has appeared in his life, he doesn't want to lose her. He is wealthy but she has inherited money too. Her mother owned a successful travel agency.
As the story unfolds, the secret behind the missing jewels comes to light and Malcolm and Louisa form a relationship as father and daughter.
I enjoyed reading the three stories in this series especially since I was visiting Guernsey a few days after I finished them. The information I gathered helped me understand more about this intriguing and delightful island.
Malcolm was conceived in Guernsey but taken has an infant to Canada. His mother worked in a hotel slowly working her way up until she became the owner of a number of a small hotel chain. He had no idea who his father was but knew he was killed before his mother and his father could be married. The Health spa he has opened was the site of the estate his father once owned.
Louisa surprises Malcolm when she tells him she is his daughter. When he had travelled to England years before and met her mother, he had no idea she was pregnant when he had to suddenly return home to Canada as his mother was deathly ill. But she has detailed information only Louisa's mother would know and a DNA test soon confirms she is his daughter.
Now that Louisa has appeared in his life, he doesn't want to lose her. He is wealthy but she has inherited money too. Her mother owned a successful travel agency.
As the story unfolds, the secret behind the missing jewels comes to light and Malcolm and Louisa form a relationship as father and daughter.
I enjoyed reading the three stories in this series especially since I was visiting Guernsey a few days after I finished them. The information I gathered helped me understand more about this intriguing and delightful island.
June 8, 2018
The book is beautifully written, both in setting the scene and describing and getting to know the characters. You'll want to visit Guernsey and stay at the health centre at La Folie.
There is intrigue, mystery, friendship and romance
It was lovely seeing the relationships evolve and I am looking forward to reading more about them in the other books in the series. The mysteries are solved and much more besides, in this page turner. I finished the book in five days and am now ready to visit Guernsey!
Full review at http://simply-shine.co.uk/book/the-gu...
There is intrigue, mystery, friendship and romance
It was lovely seeing the relationships evolve and I am looking forward to reading more about them in the other books in the series. The mysteries are solved and much more besides, in this page turner. I finished the book in five days and am now ready to visit Guernsey!
Full review at http://simply-shine.co.uk/book/the-gu...
August 8, 2023
Louisa's mother has been murdered for the sake of a necklace that she was photographed wearing when she was young. Louisa caught a glimpse of the intruder as he rushed past her as she was about to enter the house but was too late to save her mother. She had already been tracking down the father she had never met and decided to meet him before revealing who she was so booked a flight to Guernsey and it turned out to be the best thing she ever did as the island itself and her father who never knew she existed were a healing balm on her grief as well as a love interest
May 5, 2020
Last of the three of the box set (Guernsey #1 to #3). Review covers them all. Plots are very predictable, easy to figure out what’s going to happen 100 pages before it happens. Stories had their imaginative points but writing is so dull. Narrative, narrative, narrative. The characters do not come alive, they are described as is scenery. The spark is missing.
A request to all who write reviews : Please do not describe what happens in the book. Tell us what you liked or did not like!!!
A request to all who write reviews : Please do not describe what happens in the book. Tell us what you liked or did not like!!!
December 9, 2021
We're back at La Folie, but with the new owner. However, the new owner was actually the rightful heir, but for a mishap before his birth.
Then to add to the mix, a young woman, losing her mother in a home invasion, seeks out her father, who up until now, didn't know of her existence.
Yeah, a can of worms alright. However, it makes for a wonderful read!
Then to add to the mix, a young woman, losing her mother in a home invasion, seeks out her father, who up until now, didn't know of her existence.
Yeah, a can of worms alright. However, it makes for a wonderful read!
April 13, 2023
A heartwarming story of love and loss, of losing a family member and finding one. Guernsey is again a major character in the story that introduces some new characters and brings back some familiar ones. I really love this series. Every book is filled with wonderful descriptions of the island and wonderfully endearing characters that I'd love to meet in real life. Read the entire series!!
May 30, 2019
Another daughter coming to Guernsey to find her family - in this book in the Guernsey series it's her father! This is an easy read with plenty of descriptions of Guernsey to make you wish you were there!
March 29, 2024
This was a good story. It connected casually with characters from the the first two books. I did feel the romance took too long to emerge and felt much like a girl pulling petals off a daisy; “He loves me, he loves me not…”
August 10, 2018
Gave up at chapter 11.
September 15, 2019
Another great book. Looking forward to the next one.
March 23, 2020
A bit of mystery, a bit of romance all set in beautiful Guernsey.
July 31, 2020
Full of improbably circumstances as the lives of these lovely people intersect.
March 4, 2021
Louise visits Guernsey to meet the man she believes to be her father, and finds far more than she expected. Another lovely tale set in a wonderful surrounding. A most enjoyable read.
August 14, 2021
If you are looking for a nice, light read with an interesting story, this is the book for you.
September 21, 2021
Clunky narrative with utterly mindless levels of detail, zero suspense and a resurrection of the word ‘menfolk’ which I found an interesting choice this side of 1892.
November 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. New author for me - loved the story and learned a lot about Guernsey - makes me want to visit it one day.
June 15, 2023
Painfully predictable
May 22, 2025
My first book written by Anne Allen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews