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Charlotte Fairfax is vermogensadviseur en moet voor een belangrijke klus naar Madrid. Mateo Mendoza, erfgenaam van een enorm Spaans landgoed, heeft gevraagd of ze hem wil helpen een kwestie met zijn vaders testament op te lossen. De timing is niet perfect: Charlottes bruiloft staat gepland voor de week erna. Ze is ervan overtuigd dat ze het probleem snel en efficiënt zal oplossen, zodat ze snel terug kan naar Londen, waar haar verloofde ongeduldig op haar wacht.
Zoals bij de meeste families met geld, macht en privileges is niet alles altijd wat het lijkt, en achter de merkkleding en prachtige huizen van de Mendoza's schuilt een overvloed aan geheimen, verraad, schandalen, rivaliteit en liefdesverdriet. Tijdens haar zoektocht wordt Charlotte ingehaald door haar eigen verleden, en staat alles waar ze zo hard voor heeft gewerkt op het spel, zelfs haar aanstaande huwelijk.
Zoals bij de meeste families met geld, macht en privileges is niet alles altijd wat het lijkt, en achter de merkkleding en prachtige huizen van de Mendoza's schuilt een overvloed aan geheimen, verraad, schandalen, rivaliteit en liefdesverdriet. Tijdens haar zoektocht wordt Charlotte ingehaald door haar eigen verleden, en staat alles waar ze zo hard voor heeft gewerkt op het spel, zelfs haar aanstaande huwelijk.
395 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
367 people are currently reading
2740 people want to read
About the author
Karen Swan
61 books2,381 followersKaren Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
October 19, 2020
A light easy read with a beautiful Spanish setting, two time lines and a lot of romance.
The story set in the past was interesting and informative but for a large part of the book I could not attach it to the current day story and was therefore never involved in any of the characters. The current day story started well but then the intelligent, talented main character turned into a bundle of mush when a lover from her past turned up and I lost interest in her too. Things improved when the timelines came together, and the two lovers managed a fairly convincing ending.
Recommended for lovers of romance. Not really for me.
The story set in the past was interesting and informative but for a large part of the book I could not attach it to the current day story and was therefore never involved in any of the characters. The current day story started well but then the intelligent, talented main character turned into a bundle of mush when a lover from her past turned up and I lost interest in her too. Things improved when the timelines came together, and the two lovers managed a fairly convincing ending.
Recommended for lovers of romance. Not really for me.
April 6, 2019
Flying to Madrid to meet with Mateo Mendoza couldn’t have come at a worse time for Charlotte whose wedding was the following week. But she was sure she could do what had to be done and be back to London and her fiancé in time for the nuptials. But soon she was drawn into the Mendoza family’s dark and secretive past – a past with ties to the Spanish Civil War and the atrocities and bloodshed that filled those days.
Charlotte came to like and respect Marina Quincy, the recipient of an unexpected bequest from a man she had seemingly never met; had only heard of – as he was a wealthy man – but didn’t actually know. Her confusion seemed genuine – Charlotte was confounded. There was obviously more to this than she and her client, Mateo Mendoza, suspected.
Would secrets be unraveled – would Charlotte return in time for her wedding? She only knew nothing was going right for her – once again…
The Spanish Promise by Karen Swan is an intriguing look into a dark time in Spain’s past, and the ongoing affects on families long after the event. Set in two time frames, with the Mendoza family in Ronda, Andalusia and Madrid in the 1930s, and Charlotte as she searched for answers in 2018. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as her previous – The Christmas Lights – but it was still a good read. Recommended.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte came to like and respect Marina Quincy, the recipient of an unexpected bequest from a man she had seemingly never met; had only heard of – as he was a wealthy man – but didn’t actually know. Her confusion seemed genuine – Charlotte was confounded. There was obviously more to this than she and her client, Mateo Mendoza, suspected.
Would secrets be unraveled – would Charlotte return in time for her wedding? She only knew nothing was going right for her – once again…
The Spanish Promise by Karen Swan is an intriguing look into a dark time in Spain’s past, and the ongoing affects on families long after the event. Set in two time frames, with the Mendoza family in Ronda, Andalusia and Madrid in the 1930s, and Charlotte as she searched for answers in 2018. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as her previous – The Christmas Lights – but it was still a good read. Recommended.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2019
I haven't read anything by this author before so I wasn't really sure what to expect.
This is another one of those books that has split timelines -the past, and the present. In the latter, Charlotte is sent to Spain to find out a little more about the woman who is at the centre of a Rich Family Scandal - she's the intendee for the entire fortune of a family who knows nothing about her. In the former - 1930s Spain - Nene is the rebellious daughter of a Rich Family trying to live life on her own terms instead of her family's. Naturally the timelines intertwine, but the mystery is unravelling how.
I enjoyed the beginning, and all the questions surrounding the mystery. There's also the question mark of Charlotte's past which makes her an intriguing protagonist who is hard to get a read on. To be honest, I never felt particularly attached to her. She's the prim and proper lady with a secret past but she seemed like a pretty generic lead to me. That made it harder to get into the story, and when we did found out more about her it still didn't really help me connect. Same with Nathan - I never really got a clear picture of him so I wasn't really fussed about their relationship.
Nene is a much more interesting character, particularly in the first half of the book. I really enjoyed the way this novel explores the theme of wealth, and how having it doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. How, in fact, having great wealth can come with great responsibilities. It was quite fascinating to see things through Nene's eyes. The book also touches on events from the Spanish Civil War which sets an interesting backdrop for history lovers. I personally could have done without the war talk but I imagine there will be plenty who really enjoy this aspect.
There was a lot involved in the story, so to me it felt a little messy and stilted, with the split timelines never seeming to fit quite right to me. It was also a shame that some of the exciting moments from the past were ruined by the blunt delivery of facts in the present.
I never felt attached to the characters, so the love story angle was a bit disappointing for me. It just felt like more effort went into describing the burdens of wealth so not much was left over to convey a proper sense of who these people were and why they made the choices they did. I kept forgetting that Marina was 40-something and it took me half the book to remember that Mateo was the son of the dying man. It's very hard to connect to a story when you don't have a clear idea of who the characters are.
The writing was decent and painted a beautiful picture of Spain, but failed to really connect emotionally. There were some beautiful descriptions and great ideas but it just felt a little flat to me. I enjoyed the mystery but it seemed to be solved rather quickly so I wondered a bit about what more there was to explain.
I enjoyed the story overall but never really felt emotionally attached. All the same, I'll probably pick up more from this author in the future.
This is another one of those books that has split timelines -the past, and the present. In the latter, Charlotte is sent to Spain to find out a little more about the woman who is at the centre of a Rich Family Scandal - she's the intendee for the entire fortune of a family who knows nothing about her. In the former - 1930s Spain - Nene is the rebellious daughter of a Rich Family trying to live life on her own terms instead of her family's. Naturally the timelines intertwine, but the mystery is unravelling how.
I enjoyed the beginning, and all the questions surrounding the mystery. There's also the question mark of Charlotte's past which makes her an intriguing protagonist who is hard to get a read on. To be honest, I never felt particularly attached to her. She's the prim and proper lady with a secret past but she seemed like a pretty generic lead to me. That made it harder to get into the story, and when we did found out more about her it still didn't really help me connect. Same with Nathan - I never really got a clear picture of him so I wasn't really fussed about their relationship.
Nene is a much more interesting character, particularly in the first half of the book. I really enjoyed the way this novel explores the theme of wealth, and how having it doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. How, in fact, having great wealth can come with great responsibilities. It was quite fascinating to see things through Nene's eyes. The book also touches on events from the Spanish Civil War which sets an interesting backdrop for history lovers. I personally could have done without the war talk but I imagine there will be plenty who really enjoy this aspect.
There was a lot involved in the story, so to me it felt a little messy and stilted, with the split timelines never seeming to fit quite right to me. It was also a shame that some of the exciting moments from the past were ruined by the blunt delivery of facts in the present.
I never felt attached to the characters, so the love story angle was a bit disappointing for me. It just felt like more effort went into describing the burdens of wealth so not much was left over to convey a proper sense of who these people were and why they made the choices they did. I kept forgetting that Marina was 40-something and it took me half the book to remember that Mateo was the son of the dying man. It's very hard to connect to a story when you don't have a clear idea of who the characters are.
The writing was decent and painted a beautiful picture of Spain, but failed to really connect emotionally. There were some beautiful descriptions and great ideas but it just felt a little flat to me. I enjoyed the mystery but it seemed to be solved rather quickly so I wondered a bit about what more there was to explain.
I enjoyed the story overall but never really felt emotionally attached. All the same, I'll probably pick up more from this author in the future.
May 16, 2019
The Spanish Promise by Karen Swan is a mystery, a family drama and a Spanish history lesson. Charlotte, a wealth advisor, is summoned to Madrid by Mateo Mendoza to sort out a problem with his father Carlos' estate. She plans to then quickly return to London for her wedding to Stephen. However, upon her arrival, she discovers that a resolution to the wealthy Mendoza issues will involve more than a few days of work. She will be required to investigate the Mendoza family history all the way back to the Spanish Civil War. While digging into their past, Charlotte stirs up an important and tragic segment of her own past, which complicates her stay in Madrid and threatens to delay her return to London at a crucial time. This novel, while addressing wealth and family troubles, also has secondary plots that keep the reader interested and focused. The final chapters are satisfying and unexpected. This will make a great summertime read. Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2019
Evocative, mysterious, and incredibly enchanting!
The Spanish Promise is an alluring, mesmerizing tale predominantly set in Spain during the late 1930s, as well as present day, that takes you into the lives of both the prosperous, successful, multi-generational Fairfax and Mendoza families. But like most families with money, power, and privilege everything is not always as it seems, and behind the designer clothes and beautiful houses hides an abundance of secrets, betrayals, scandals, rivalry, conflict, and heartbreak.
The prose is seamless and eloquent. The characters are perceptive, intriguing, and scarred. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel effortlessly into a vividly satisfying tale of life, loss, family, friendship, self-discovery, regret, deception, love, duty, honor, and the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War.
The Spanish Promise is another magical, heartwarming tale by Swan that does a beautiful job of highlighting her exceptional ability to portray memorable characters, idyllic places, and historically troubling times that stay with you long after you finish the final page.
Thank you to Karen Swan and PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Spanish Promise is an alluring, mesmerizing tale predominantly set in Spain during the late 1930s, as well as present day, that takes you into the lives of both the prosperous, successful, multi-generational Fairfax and Mendoza families. But like most families with money, power, and privilege everything is not always as it seems, and behind the designer clothes and beautiful houses hides an abundance of secrets, betrayals, scandals, rivalry, conflict, and heartbreak.
The prose is seamless and eloquent. The characters are perceptive, intriguing, and scarred. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel effortlessly into a vividly satisfying tale of life, loss, family, friendship, self-discovery, regret, deception, love, duty, honor, and the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War.
The Spanish Promise is another magical, heartwarming tale by Swan that does a beautiful job of highlighting her exceptional ability to portray memorable characters, idyllic places, and historically troubling times that stay with you long after you finish the final page.
Thank you to Karen Swan and PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2022
*Family Battles*
When one of the richest men in Spain is in his final days his family are shocked to discover he is about to sign away a huge bulk of his estate to a mystery woman. On investigating the family find out she is a waitress more than two decades his junior.
They ask Charlotte Fairfax a wealth counsellor to step in and dig deep into what the woman has over the family. This was supposed to be a straightforward case and a job that Charlotte could fit around her forthcoming nuptials.
Upon meeting the woman in question she denies knowing the man in question and why he would want to give her such a huge gift. Charlotte then enlists the help of a historian professor who is equipped to find out about family histories etc. Charlotte’s past comes back to haunt her when there is a change of professor.
The story flip flops between the past and present mainly dealing with the Spanish civil war in the past. I found at times it was easy to miss little nuggets so I had to go back a bit. It’s a book that I found the present easier to read and connect with but past required a little concentration. The ending for me ramped up a little.
As Charlotte picks through the evidence and they find out the truth she begins to question her upcoming nuptials against her past who is close by. As the results of this case unfolds it means lives will change including her own
When one of the richest men in Spain is in his final days his family are shocked to discover he is about to sign away a huge bulk of his estate to a mystery woman. On investigating the family find out she is a waitress more than two decades his junior.
They ask Charlotte Fairfax a wealth counsellor to step in and dig deep into what the woman has over the family. This was supposed to be a straightforward case and a job that Charlotte could fit around her forthcoming nuptials.
Upon meeting the woman in question she denies knowing the man in question and why he would want to give her such a huge gift. Charlotte then enlists the help of a historian professor who is equipped to find out about family histories etc. Charlotte’s past comes back to haunt her when there is a change of professor.
The story flip flops between the past and present mainly dealing with the Spanish civil war in the past. I found at times it was easy to miss little nuggets so I had to go back a bit. It’s a book that I found the present easier to read and connect with but past required a little concentration. The ending for me ramped up a little.
As Charlotte picks through the evidence and they find out the truth she begins to question her upcoming nuptials against her past who is close by. As the results of this case unfolds it means lives will change including her own
April 8, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
With books set in some of the world’s best locations, from Italy to Greece, France and now Spain, there is always a strong cosmopolitan feel to Karen Swan’s books. Swan’s latest offering titled, The Spanish Promise, is a dual timeline narrative set in 2018 and back in the past, in 1930s Spain. It is an involving story of family, love, heartbreak, wealth, war, rivalry, secrets, conflict and mystery.
In Spain, an old man lays dying. He is a wealthy man with a substantial estate. When his family learn that his final wish is to pass on his wealth to an unknown woman, they make it their mission to find out her connection to their family. To help solve this unusual case is Charlotte Fairfax, a wealth specialist. Charlotte’s arrival in Spain just shy of a week before her wedding and the timing of the Mendoza estate crisis sees her determined to solve this case before her big day. However, the mysterious woman who has been issued with the large inheritance does not know anything about it. Although the woman is in denial, it is up to Charlotte to delve further into the family history books. A shocking family secret is revealed in the process, and a suggestion of a long standing estrangement. It is life lesson that all involved take on board, including Charlotte. Can the past become a bridge to the future? Can past hurts be repaired?
Karen Swan’s latest book, The Spanish Promise, offers a window into another exotic European locale. By the simple turn of a page, the reader finds that they are transported to Spain, by the able assistance of Swan’s descriptive prose. Spain is on my travel bucket list, so The Spanish Promise proved to be the perfect escapist style read for me. It one of those novels that could be the perfect beach bag accessory, or a winter warmer, it is pure indulgence. The Spanish Promise definitely quenched my thirst for some travel with a distinct Spanish flavour. I also raced through this novel it in record time, which for me is an indication of my enjoyment of this novel.
Split into Swan’s distinctive past present style of narration, the dual timeline structure works well in The Spanish Promise. Swan maintains a healthy balance between the two time periods. She alternates between a fascinating historical background, and a strong contemporary tale. Swan also ensures that she provides an essential bridge in the present to the past. The contemporary narrative is focussed on Charlotte, a wealth counsellor. This was a fascinating career in itself and Swan fleshes out the logistics of Charlotte’s job very well. Alongside Charlotte’s work is her personal life, which is up in the air with the upcoming nuptials. I liked the way Swan presented Charlotte and her contemporary cast. The present day thread was both absorbing and readable, with a nice touch of romance.
The historical aspect of The Spanish Promise is where the book truly comes into its own. There is a fascinating and insightful look into the Spanish Civil War. I really appreciated this thread, as I know very little about this point in Spain’s history. Nene, the past based protagonist, was a strong character to follow and I enjoyed her story very much. In fact, Swan keeps us guessing until the final hour with her historical narrative. Fans of historical fiction will be sure to connect with the past narrative, which offers an excellent window in a period of great turmoil.
With themes of wealth, privilege, class, fulfilment, secrets, heartache, sacrifice and family defining The Spanish Promise, there is plenty to keep the reader enthused in this story from the first, through to the final word. A few surprises along the way, one coming in during the parting moments of the novel, makes The Spanish Promise a piece of high quality women’s fiction.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
With books set in some of the world’s best locations, from Italy to Greece, France and now Spain, there is always a strong cosmopolitan feel to Karen Swan’s books. Swan’s latest offering titled, The Spanish Promise, is a dual timeline narrative set in 2018 and back in the past, in 1930s Spain. It is an involving story of family, love, heartbreak, wealth, war, rivalry, secrets, conflict and mystery.
In Spain, an old man lays dying. He is a wealthy man with a substantial estate. When his family learn that his final wish is to pass on his wealth to an unknown woman, they make it their mission to find out her connection to their family. To help solve this unusual case is Charlotte Fairfax, a wealth specialist. Charlotte’s arrival in Spain just shy of a week before her wedding and the timing of the Mendoza estate crisis sees her determined to solve this case before her big day. However, the mysterious woman who has been issued with the large inheritance does not know anything about it. Although the woman is in denial, it is up to Charlotte to delve further into the family history books. A shocking family secret is revealed in the process, and a suggestion of a long standing estrangement. It is life lesson that all involved take on board, including Charlotte. Can the past become a bridge to the future? Can past hurts be repaired?
Karen Swan’s latest book, The Spanish Promise, offers a window into another exotic European locale. By the simple turn of a page, the reader finds that they are transported to Spain, by the able assistance of Swan’s descriptive prose. Spain is on my travel bucket list, so The Spanish Promise proved to be the perfect escapist style read for me. It one of those novels that could be the perfect beach bag accessory, or a winter warmer, it is pure indulgence. The Spanish Promise definitely quenched my thirst for some travel with a distinct Spanish flavour. I also raced through this novel it in record time, which for me is an indication of my enjoyment of this novel.
Split into Swan’s distinctive past present style of narration, the dual timeline structure works well in The Spanish Promise. Swan maintains a healthy balance between the two time periods. She alternates between a fascinating historical background, and a strong contemporary tale. Swan also ensures that she provides an essential bridge in the present to the past. The contemporary narrative is focussed on Charlotte, a wealth counsellor. This was a fascinating career in itself and Swan fleshes out the logistics of Charlotte’s job very well. Alongside Charlotte’s work is her personal life, which is up in the air with the upcoming nuptials. I liked the way Swan presented Charlotte and her contemporary cast. The present day thread was both absorbing and readable, with a nice touch of romance.
The historical aspect of The Spanish Promise is where the book truly comes into its own. There is a fascinating and insightful look into the Spanish Civil War. I really appreciated this thread, as I know very little about this point in Spain’s history. Nene, the past based protagonist, was a strong character to follow and I enjoyed her story very much. In fact, Swan keeps us guessing until the final hour with her historical narrative. Fans of historical fiction will be sure to connect with the past narrative, which offers an excellent window in a period of great turmoil.
With themes of wealth, privilege, class, fulfilment, secrets, heartache, sacrifice and family defining The Spanish Promise, there is plenty to keep the reader enthused in this story from the first, through to the final word. A few surprises along the way, one coming in during the parting moments of the novel, makes The Spanish Promise a piece of high quality women’s fiction.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
September 29, 2021
Knyga, kuri nukeliantis ne tik į šiandieninę Ispaniją, bet ir pilietinio karo laikus, tai pasakojimas apie dramatiškai susipynusias dabartį ir praeitį, apie meilę, kerštą, pilietinį karą ir atleidimą. Man labai patiko👏♥️
April 30, 2023
Šįkart K. Swan iš jaukaus Kalėdinio laikotarpio persikėlė į karščiu alsuojančią vasarą. Kaip visada viršelis labai gražus ir traukiantis akį, na, o istorija šiek tiek blankesnė.
Man labai patinka knygos, kuriose yra dvi laiko linijos. O ypač jei jos abi lygiaverčiai įdomios. Gaila šįkart mane labiau įtikino dabarties linija. Praeitimi praplaukta labai paviršiumi, kai kuriose vietose manęs neįtikino veikėjų pasirinkimai.
Kas ta Marina Kvinsi, kuriai vienas iš turtingiausių Ispanijos žmonių nori palikti savo turtą? Už kokius nuopelnus niekam nežinoma padavėja nusipelnė milijonų? Tai tenka išsiaiškinti turto konsultantei Šarlotei. Juk visiems ir taip aišku kas gali sieti turtingą vyriškį su perpus jausnesne moterimi, lengvesnės užduoties negali būti. Tik reikalai pakrypsta visai kita linkme.
Praeitis glaudžiai susijusi su dabartimi, palaipsniui žingsnelis po žingsnelio dėliojasi visas paveikslas. Besikapstydama po klientų praeitį Šarlotė netikėtai pažadina ir savo pačios senokai palaidotus jausmus. Pamirštos paslaptys, užsilikusios nuoskaudos, slepiami prisiminimai pradeda sugrįžti.
Vasariška nuotaika dvelkianti dramatiška istorija apie meilę, kerštą, gyvenimo pamokas ir klaidas, pasirinkimus ir žinoma apie atleidimą.
Man labai patinka knygos, kuriose yra dvi laiko linijos. O ypač jei jos abi lygiaverčiai įdomios. Gaila šįkart mane labiau įtikino dabarties linija. Praeitimi praplaukta labai paviršiumi, kai kuriose vietose manęs neįtikino veikėjų pasirinkimai.
Kas ta Marina Kvinsi, kuriai vienas iš turtingiausių Ispanijos žmonių nori palikti savo turtą? Už kokius nuopelnus niekam nežinoma padavėja nusipelnė milijonų? Tai tenka išsiaiškinti turto konsultantei Šarlotei. Juk visiems ir taip aišku kas gali sieti turtingą vyriškį su perpus jausnesne moterimi, lengvesnės užduoties negali būti. Tik reikalai pakrypsta visai kita linkme.
Praeitis glaudžiai susijusi su dabartimi, palaipsniui žingsnelis po žingsnelio dėliojasi visas paveikslas. Besikapstydama po klientų praeitį Šarlotė netikėtai pažadina ir savo pačios senokai palaidotus jausmus. Pamirštos paslaptys, užsilikusios nuoskaudos, slepiami prisiminimai pradeda sugrįžti.
Vasariška nuotaika dvelkianti dramatiška istorija apie meilę, kerštą, gyvenimo pamokas ir klaidas, pasirinkimus ir žinoma apie atleidimą.
November 25, 2023
Waar ik de Griekse ontsnapping meer in het genre chicklit vindt passen neigt dit boek meer naar een roman. Het verhaal is sterker, er zitten soms in eens zinnen in die zo sterk iets vatten. Ik heb er van genoten.
August 11, 2019
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
2018
Multi millionaire Carlos Mendoza is gravely ill and requests all his money and property goes to Marina Quincy. The family haven't heard of this woman and assume she is a mistress.
With only a week to her wedding Charlotte, a wealth councillor, is sent by the Mendoza family’s bank to Spain to find Marina Quincy and offer her a settlement.
1836
Nene Mendoza runs away from her high profile family to join the revolutionists, the people fighting against her family.
The Spanish Promise is a dual time-line story moving from 2018 to 1937.
I loved the historical part of the novel which encompasses the Spanish Civil War. Nene is from a well to do family and being a female her life is very restricted. Nene has a social conscience but she is pushed aside, told to be quiet and ridiculed. She eventually escapes her family to fight for what she feels is right.
The modern day side of the story held me with its mystery. Who was Marina Quincy and how did she connect with the ageing Carlos Mendoza? The story had some great twists that I hadn’t seen coming.
I didn’t particularly like Charlotte or her love interest Nathan. She was a grown woman, and engaged to someone else, mooning over Nathan like a love-sick teenager. Nathan was also unlikeable and the way he treated Charlotte was unforgiveable. That aside, I enjoyed the story it pulled me in, the continuing mystery kept me reading and the twists had me shocked.
The Spanish Promise is an epic tale of love, war, forgiveness and reconciliation.
I am eagerly looking forward to Karen Swan’s next release.
*I received my copy from the publisher
2018
Multi millionaire Carlos Mendoza is gravely ill and requests all his money and property goes to Marina Quincy. The family haven't heard of this woman and assume she is a mistress.
With only a week to her wedding Charlotte, a wealth councillor, is sent by the Mendoza family’s bank to Spain to find Marina Quincy and offer her a settlement.
1836
Nene Mendoza runs away from her high profile family to join the revolutionists, the people fighting against her family.
The Spanish Promise is a dual time-line story moving from 2018 to 1937.
I loved the historical part of the novel which encompasses the Spanish Civil War. Nene is from a well to do family and being a female her life is very restricted. Nene has a social conscience but she is pushed aside, told to be quiet and ridiculed. She eventually escapes her family to fight for what she feels is right.
The modern day side of the story held me with its mystery. Who was Marina Quincy and how did she connect with the ageing Carlos Mendoza? The story had some great twists that I hadn’t seen coming.
I didn’t particularly like Charlotte or her love interest Nathan. She was a grown woman, and engaged to someone else, mooning over Nathan like a love-sick teenager. Nathan was also unlikeable and the way he treated Charlotte was unforgiveable. That aside, I enjoyed the story it pulled me in, the continuing mystery kept me reading and the twists had me shocked.
The Spanish Promise is an epic tale of love, war, forgiveness and reconciliation.
I am eagerly looking forward to Karen Swan’s next release.
*I received my copy from the publisher
July 25, 2022
Nur noch eine Woche, dann will Charlotte Fairfax ihren Verlobten Stephen heiraten. Doch zuvor soll sie im Auftrag einer Londoner Bank noch rasch nach Madrid fliegen und einen Erbschaftsstreit regeln: Der Multimillionär Carlos Mendoza liegt im Sterben und will sein gesamtes Vermögen einer fremden jungen Frau vermachen – zum Entsetzen seiner Familie. Die Angelegenheit erweist sich als deutlich komplizierter, als Charlotte angenommen hat. Schon bald stößt sie auf eine tragische Liebesgeschichte, die bis in die 1930er-Jahre zurückreicht. Und auch ihr eigenes Leben wird in diesem Sommer in Madrid gehörig auf den Kopf gestellt …
Das war mal eine spannende Geschichte, die überhaupt nicht kitschig ist. Hier steht viel mehr die Auflösung eines emotionalen Familiengeheimnisses im Vordergrund.
Das Setting (Spanien) war so perfekt rübergebracht und das Buch eignet sich als ideale Urlaubslektüre.
Das war mal eine spannende Geschichte, die überhaupt nicht kitschig ist. Hier steht viel mehr die Auflösung eines emotionalen Familiengeheimnisses im Vordergrund.
Das Setting (Spanien) war so perfekt rübergebracht und das Buch eignet sich als ideale Urlaubslektüre.
June 21, 2024
4.5/5. Dar viena maloniai nustebinusi knyga. Prie nuostabos labai prisidėjo ir tai, kad iš šios knygos daug nesitikėjau.
Knyga paprastai ir logiškai parašyta, ji lengvai skaitoma ir neištempta. Siužetas vingiuotas ir nenuspėjamas, todėl labai įtraukė. Ji ne saldus romanas, o labai dramatiška, nagrinėjanti įdomias temas. Knygoje gausu istorinių elementų ir ,,detektyvinių prieskonių", kalbama apie pasiaukojimą, išdavystes, ryžtą, atleidimą, detaliai analizuojami šeimos narių ir draugų santykiai.
Beveik iki pat knygos pabaigos buvau įsitikinusi, kad jai skirsiu 5 žvaigždutes, bet pabaiga man pasirodė labai perkrauta. Pabaigoje per labai trumpą laiką paaiškėjo labai daug informacijos, staigiai pasikeitė ir knygos nuotaika.
Knyga paprastai ir logiškai parašyta, ji lengvai skaitoma ir neištempta. Siužetas vingiuotas ir nenuspėjamas, todėl labai įtraukė. Ji ne saldus romanas, o labai dramatiška, nagrinėjanti įdomias temas. Knygoje gausu istorinių elementų ir ,,detektyvinių prieskonių", kalbama apie pasiaukojimą, išdavystes, ryžtą, atleidimą, detaliai analizuojami šeimos narių ir draugų santykiai.
Beveik iki pat knygos pabaigos buvau įsitikinusi, kad jai skirsiu 5 žvaigždutes, bet pabaiga man pasirodė labai perkrauta. Pabaigoje per labai trumpą laiką paaiškėjo labai daug informacijos, staigiai pasikeitė ir knygos nuotaika.
February 26, 2024
Labai patiko. Įdomi istorija. ❤️
September 1, 2023
Op aanraden van dit boek in handen genomen. Hoewel ik het eerst niet gedacht zou hebben, heeft het verhaal me absoluut weten te boeien. Voornamelijk door de Spaanse, historische achtergrond. Heerlijk om op de zomerdagen ter hande te nemen.
April 9, 2020
Review to come.
July 11, 2019
Visit the locations in the novel
You might think that Karen Swan novels are all about the luscious covers and the stunning locations within. That is true to some degree as you can always rely on her for both. What you can also trust is the story within with its many layers, romance and a little bit of glamour too.
Take the job title of the main character for instance: Charlotte is a wealth counsellor. She advises people who have come into great fortune and explains to them the good points and the bad points of suddenly having a huge sum of money at your disposal. Here, one of Spain’s richest men is dying and he’s going to leave his legacy to a strange woman no one has ever heard of. Charlotte is tasked with finding her. The family are hostile towards her, and as you can imagine this is a sensitive search.
It’s also a search for the truth and the novel takes us back in time to the Spanish civil war and how the violence ripped apart not just the country but the rural communities and family alliances too.
The story switches between timelines but I found the historical one more interesting as I got into the book. That’s not to say the modern one was slow – Charlotte is a lot more complex that you first think, but her upcoming marriage was the weak part of the story for me and I just wanted to get back to Nene in the past. Charlotte changes and develops a lot during the novel though and meeting her at the end…you can see the difference, how she’s grown and how this case has affected her personally.
Of course the two stories link and when you see just how at the end, all those loose threads weave together and create a complex web of lies, intrigue and closure. The sections examining the pain and suffering during the Spanish Civil war were fascinating to read. Compelling and raw. You learn a lot and feel for the characters in a short time.
As with the author’s surname, she writes books that appear one thing on the surface but look underneath and it’s quite a different story. Together, they’re swimmingly good.
May 3, 2019
I quite enjoyed this book, it was an easy read. The store of Nene and the Mendoza's family was captivating and interesting, especially for those that like a bit of history as there are chapters of the book that talk and describe the Civil War in Spain, however, I feel that Charlottes story was more of a filler, it was like a parallel story that didn't have much depth.
Overall I think is a good book to read while you are on holidays.
Overall I think is a good book to read while you are on holidays.
July 13, 2024
Wat een geweldig boek weer van Karen Swan! Pas helemaal op het einde vallen alle complexe puzzelstukjes écht in elkaar. Wat een parel vol liefde, goed/kwaad in tijden van oorlog, zelfopoffering en moed.
Ik heb expres alle zomerse boeken van Karen Swan bewaard tot de zomer (al kun je het nog niet echt zomer noemen hè!?). Nog een aantal boeken van Karen liggen nog op de plank. Ik kan niet wachten die ook te lezen! Alle winterse boeken van haar heb ik in de wintermaanden al gelezen.
Dit boek verdient voor mij 5 sterren ⭐️
Ik heb expres alle zomerse boeken van Karen Swan bewaard tot de zomer (al kun je het nog niet echt zomer noemen hè!?). Nog een aantal boeken van Karen liggen nog op de plank. Ik kan niet wachten die ook te lezen! Alle winterse boeken van haar heb ik in de wintermaanden al gelezen.
Dit boek verdient voor mij 5 sterren ⭐️
April 19, 2020
“No one ever gets to know the whole story. Lives are broken all the time by the things that go unsaid and remain unknown. The full truth lies down in the cracks where we cannot see.”
The perfect kind of book to lose yourself in for a weekend - Swan never disappoints me. I’ll be sad when I run out of her books. A compelling plot, likeable characters, an international setting, meaningful themes and an overall easy read that you don’t want to put down!
The perfect kind of book to lose yourself in for a weekend - Swan never disappoints me. I’ll be sad when I run out of her books. A compelling plot, likeable characters, an international setting, meaningful themes and an overall easy read that you don’t want to put down!
September 2, 2024
Dviejų laiko linijų istoriniai romanai man visada patiko. Vienu metu, gal jau buvau jų "prisivalgiusi", ir dabar darau didesnes pertraukas, tačiau Karen Swan į mano rankas papuolė tinkamiausiu metu. Karšta Ispanijos saulė, intriguojanti istorija, nukelianti ir į Ispanijos pilietinio karo laikus ir į dabartį, susipynę gyvenimai ir likimai, šeimos paslaptys.. buvo labai įdomu ir itin smagiai perskaičiau atostogų metu!
Su šia autore tai mano pirmoji pažintis, nesu jos knygų skaičiusi, tačiau po šios tikrai nusprendžiau, kad noriu dažniau autorės knygas paimti į rankas! Ši istorija pasirodė pakankamai intriguojanti ir įtraukianti, tačiau per daug neapkraunanti nereikalingomis detalėmis. Labai įdomu buvo sužinoti daugiau apie turto konsultanto specialybę, daugiau pajausti ir pilietinio karo atmosferą. Na, o šeimos intrigos, melas, paslaptys ir kaip viskas paaiškėjo... buvo super!
Su šia autore tai mano pirmoji pažintis, nesu jos knygų skaičiusi, tačiau po šios tikrai nusprendžiau, kad noriu dažniau autorės knygas paimti į rankas! Ši istorija pasirodė pakankamai intriguojanti ir įtraukianti, tačiau per daug neapkraunanti nereikalingomis detalėmis. Labai įdomu buvo sužinoti daugiau apie turto konsultanto specialybę, daugiau pajausti ir pilietinio karo atmosferą. Na, o šeimos intrigos, melas, paslaptys ir kaip viskas paaiškėjo... buvo super!
September 23, 2019
Dual time line story set between the Spanish Civil War (just before WW2), and the present day.
Karen Swan is one of the few authors that I will read these dual time line type books from, since she manages to tell a wonderful story without too much in depth historical detail.
I was hooked from the prologue and needed to know how it all fitted together, and there are surprises especially in the historical time line all the way to the last few pages.
I enjoyed Charlotte's character and have never come across a wealth counsellor before, so learning about her professional life was really interesting, as was the mystery of just what Marina's connection to the Mendoza family was.
Charlotte's private life on the other hand was messy, and I'm not necessarily convinced by how that portion of the story resolved itself.
I certainly know more about the Spanish Civil war than i did before, and I really was drawn into the story.
Very well written, I was spellbound to know more at all times as the pages kept on turning.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Karen Swan is one of the few authors that I will read these dual time line type books from, since she manages to tell a wonderful story without too much in depth historical detail.
I was hooked from the prologue and needed to know how it all fitted together, and there are surprises especially in the historical time line all the way to the last few pages.
I enjoyed Charlotte's character and have never come across a wealth counsellor before, so learning about her professional life was really interesting, as was the mystery of just what Marina's connection to the Mendoza family was.
Charlotte's private life on the other hand was messy, and I'm not necessarily convinced by how that portion of the story resolved itself.
I certainly know more about the Spanish Civil war than i did before, and I really was drawn into the story.
Very well written, I was spellbound to know more at all times as the pages kept on turning.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 28, 2021
Rasytoja islaiko savo stiliu, dabartis persipina su praeitimi, bet sikart man knyga pasirode tokia kazkokia ne iki galo, kiek skaicius, tai man silpniausia sios rasytojos. Pradzia skaites taip sunkokai, sudetingai ten buvo suprast kas, su kuo ir prie ko, knygai ipusejus jau viskas buvo gerai, antra puse knygos jau itrauke, bet tada pabaiga kazkokia suskubinta🥴
Bet istorija grazi, apie meile viso gyvenimo, seimos paslaptis, kurias vaikai ir anukai suzino tik po 82 metu, apie issiskyrimus ir susitikimus, apie is naujo atrastus artimiausius giminaicius, apie vaikystes pazadus istesetus mirstant ir zinoma apie turtus ir nepritekliu.
Lengvas, atpalaiduojantis galva skaitinys, man labai tiko vakarais pries miega👌
Bet istorija grazi, apie meile viso gyvenimo, seimos paslaptis, kurias vaikai ir anukai suzino tik po 82 metu, apie issiskyrimus ir susitikimus, apie is naujo atrastus artimiausius giminaicius, apie vaikystes pazadus istesetus mirstant ir zinoma apie turtus ir nepritekliu.
Lengvas, atpalaiduojantis galva skaitinys, man labai tiko vakarais pries miega👌
October 4, 2022
While conducting business in sunny and beautiful Spain, Charlotte crosses paths with her first love. Although their happy encounter is short-lived, the two decide to put their personal feeling aside for the sake of their mutual work project. The Mendoza family has a secret, that goes way back to the civil war. And in order to complete their mission, Charlotte and Nathan dig deep into the family's history, uncovering the gruesome truth.
The Spanish Promise is a great feel-good novel. I loved the dual timeline and the suspense behind the Mendoza family. A great read that includes a bit of Spanish civil war history facts. Karen Swan always does thorough research about the locations where her novels are placed. One of the reasons I enjoy her books.
The Spanish Promise is a great feel-good novel. I loved the dual timeline and the suspense behind the Mendoza family. A great read that includes a bit of Spanish civil war history facts. Karen Swan always does thorough research about the locations where her novels are placed. One of the reasons I enjoy her books.
November 15, 2022
Norint nuo visų darbų, problemų pabėgti, man K.Swan pasidarė tobulas sprendimas.
Lengvas, bet ne per lengvas romanas su rimtomis problemomis, su dviem laiko juostomis.
Šį kartą labai patiko abi istorijos, buvo įdomu skaityti ir sužinoti kaip viskas išsispręs, kas yra kas ir dėl ko viskas taip susiklostė. 😊 ir aišku abiejų istorijų pabaigos, viena tragiškai laiminga, kita tiesiog laiminga. Bet man to ir reikėjo, laimingos pabaigos bent knygoje🙏
O šiaip, ar aš per jautri šiom dienom ar kas, bet oi išleidau ašarų nemažai šioje knygoje 🙈
Lengvas, bet ne per lengvas romanas su rimtomis problemomis, su dviem laiko juostomis.
Šį kartą labai patiko abi istorijos, buvo įdomu skaityti ir sužinoti kaip viskas išsispręs, kas yra kas ir dėl ko viskas taip susiklostė. 😊 ir aišku abiejų istorijų pabaigos, viena tragiškai laiminga, kita tiesiog laiminga. Bet man to ir reikėjo, laimingos pabaigos bent knygoje🙏
O šiaip, ar aš per jautri šiom dienom ar kas, bet oi išleidau ašarų nemažai šioje knygoje 🙈
June 3, 2019
I would give this 3.5/5 stars.
I found the beginning very slow and the back and forth between past and present challenging at times. I was missing that strong romance thread throughout the past and present day storylines.
The themes of family and friendship were beautiful though. Swan created a wonderfully complex, multigenerational family storyline that I found engaging and powerful. It was the highlight of this book for sure.
I found the beginning very slow and the back and forth between past and present challenging at times. I was missing that strong romance thread throughout the past and present day storylines.
The themes of family and friendship were beautiful though. Swan created a wonderfully complex, multigenerational family storyline that I found engaging and powerful. It was the highlight of this book for sure.
July 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to read and it was nice the way the author helps you understand the way the characters relate to each other. I found the parts that talked about Spain’s Civil War interesting and informative. It also sad to realize how difference in opinion can create a big rift in families. It’s interesting to see how Charlotte and Nene had a lot in common even with the difference in age and country of birth.
March 22, 2022
Skirtingai nuo kitų autorės kūrinių šioje knygoje Ispanijos buvo išties nemažai, ne vien tik pavadinimas. Net ir pats pasakojimas buvo kitokios, sunkesnės stilistikos nei iki šiol skaitytos K. Swan knygos. Gavau dar negirdėtos istorijos pamoką apie Ispanijos pilietinį karą. Karą, kuris žaloja likimus, išskiria šeimas ir mylimus žmones. Pradžioje skaitėsi sunkokai, po to veiksmas įsivažiavo. Šiuolaikinė linija gerokai silpnesnė. Bet visumoj vis tiek neblogai. Rekomenduoju kaip atostogų knygą.
May 13, 2019
The story was a good one although I could have done without so much of the war parts of it. I admit to having skimmed for most of them. The main character, Charlotte, was not someone I liked but I did like Marina. It would be a good book for someone who enjoys reading about history as well as a love story or two within.
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