What do you think?
Rate this book
The Villa
One perfect family. Two weeks in the sun. A secret that will tear them apart.
Nora just wanted some time with her daughters, away from everything, in the stunning stone villa under the heat of the French sun. Lazy days by the pool, freckles appearing on tanned cheeks, laughter over cocktails on the terrace. She’s so proud of her girls. They might have their differences, but they’ve grown into confident, independent young women, with their own way of seeing things.
But when Nora gathers everyone around the table on that first night, she realises it’s time to tell them. And as she tops up her wine, her hand shakes. She knows nothing could have prepared them for what she’s about to say. But what she doesn’t know, is that hers is not the only secret…
A heartbreaking and totally addictive page-turner about motherhood at its best, and its worst, and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love. Anyone who adores Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher will stay up all night reading.
Nora just wanted some time with her daughters, away from everything, in the stunning stone villa under the heat of the French sun. Lazy days by the pool, freckles appearing on tanned cheeks, laughter over cocktails on the terrace. She’s so proud of her girls. They might have their differences, but they’ve grown into confident, independent young women, with their own way of seeing things.
But when Nora gathers everyone around the table on that first night, she realises it’s time to tell them. And as she tops up her wine, her hand shakes. She knows nothing could have prepared them for what she’s about to say. But what she doesn’t know, is that hers is not the only secret…
A heartbreaking and totally addictive page-turner about motherhood at its best, and its worst, and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love. Anyone who adores Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher will stay up all night reading.
- GenresFamily DramaThriller
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2022
241 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Clare Boyd
10 books138 followersClare Boyd lives with her husband and their two daughters in Surrey, where her little green shed at the bottom of the garden provides a haven for her writing life.
Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold.
Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 12, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
Two weeks in a fabulous villa in the south of France for mother Nora Fitz, her two daughters Emma and Libby and their various children sounds an idyllic prospect. However, Nora has some news to give her daughters which she isn’t finding easy to impart. What follows is a turbulent time for all as some of them learn things they almost wish they hadn’t.
This is a good exploration of motherhood and family dynamics. Right from the start, even before they’ve left the airport, the atmosphere is strained. These dynamics between mother and daughters constantly change as it does between the siblings and their partners. This keeps things interesting! Nora is the most compelling of the characters partly because she is flawed. You do feel the love she has for her daughters and grandchildren but you realise she’s not been the best of mothers. Some of the reactions between the siblings are a bit odd but maybe true to life. As the novel progresses it does become extremely sad and the author conveys this well. The biggest secret of all that Nora withholds is one initially I puzzle over but I think the author gets this spot-on as it’s totally in keeping with her character.
However, much as this is a book that’s easy to read and does make you think, it’s a bit slow to get anywhere at the start and some dialogue is a bit every day and mundane. Perhaps this is intentional as it provides a stark contrast to what the siblings learn.
Overall, this is a thoughtful novel and more of a psychological domestic drama than a mystery thriller.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Two weeks in a fabulous villa in the south of France for mother Nora Fitz, her two daughters Emma and Libby and their various children sounds an idyllic prospect. However, Nora has some news to give her daughters which she isn’t finding easy to impart. What follows is a turbulent time for all as some of them learn things they almost wish they hadn’t.
This is a good exploration of motherhood and family dynamics. Right from the start, even before they’ve left the airport, the atmosphere is strained. These dynamics between mother and daughters constantly change as it does between the siblings and their partners. This keeps things interesting! Nora is the most compelling of the characters partly because she is flawed. You do feel the love she has for her daughters and grandchildren but you realise she’s not been the best of mothers. Some of the reactions between the siblings are a bit odd but maybe true to life. As the novel progresses it does become extremely sad and the author conveys this well. The biggest secret of all that Nora withholds is one initially I puzzle over but I think the author gets this spot-on as it’s totally in keeping with her character.
However, much as this is a book that’s easy to read and does make you think, it’s a bit slow to get anywhere at the start and some dialogue is a bit every day and mundane. Perhaps this is intentional as it provides a stark contrast to what the siblings learn.
Overall, this is a thoughtful novel and more of a psychological domestic drama than a mystery thriller.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2022
I was in the wrong headspace for this book.
It's being marketed as a thriller, but it's very much not that. This is contemporary family drama in the vein of Celeste Ng.
That being said, this is a heartbreaking and emotional story that explores how our experiences shape us and how the secrets we keep can not only destroy us but the relationships with those we love most.
This really is a beautiful and powerful story that's perfect for anyone who enjoys the exploration of family dynamics. But if you want a thriller, look elsewhere.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's being marketed as a thriller, but it's very much not that. This is contemporary family drama in the vein of Celeste Ng.
That being said, this is a heartbreaking and emotional story that explores how our experiences shape us and how the secrets we keep can not only destroy us but the relationships with those we love most.
This really is a beautiful and powerful story that's perfect for anyone who enjoys the exploration of family dynamics. But if you want a thriller, look elsewhere.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
Ever wanted a do-over? Go back in time and fix your mistakes?
Nora Fitz certainly does. She wants to go back in time and ask people to love her for who she really is, not who they want her to be. Sure, she has regrets and secrets - that’s why she wants to smooth things over with her two adult daughters and their families by inviting them on holidays on her tab. The two weeks in the south of France at a luxurious villa turns into “a holiday from hell” for the Fitz girls and their loved ones. Can it be rectified before it’s too late? Do things have to get worse before they get better?
I’ve heard it mentioned before that one of the secrets of happiness is not to have too many expectations. In light of the past two years and in finishing this book, I’ve contemplated that pearl of wisdom (that I don’t completely agree with) and decided I needed to add to it…you can’t expect much and you can control even less. The matriarch of this family is a melodramatic mother whose need to control everything has lasting impacts on her family, who sadly discover that they can’t expect much and can control even less.
The significance of the Villa - Villa Papillon - was not lost on me! Papillon is the French word for butterfly and evokes a picture of metamorphosis. Did you know that inside the chrysalis the caterpillar dissolves into organic goop? The dormant cells, imaginal cells, with the future potential of a beautiful flying creature, are actually regarded as threats and are attacked by the caterpillar’s immune system. It’s in the persisting and connecting that clusters form and begin passing genetic information back and forth; they essentially become a multi-cell organism and a butterfly is born. As you read this family drama, watch for the family members' desire for change and the persisting and camaraderie that forms in an effort to become a united family. Is the tension merely the family ‘immune system’ fighting change? Can Nora, the leader, transition from ‘organic goop’ to a beautiful butterfly?
This family drama is centered around secrets and it transitions to a psychological thriller when the unthinkable happens. It highlights the bookends of motherhood and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love. Be prepared. It’s sad. It’s shocking. You’ll hurt for this family.
Boyd’s signature theme is lost innocence and secrets. Both are showcased in this novel. When secrets were revealed, life for the Fitz girls will never be the same again. You’ll have to read to discover if, like the caterpillar, heartbreaking change is considered positive.
I was gifted this advance copy by Clare Boyd, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Nora Fitz certainly does. She wants to go back in time and ask people to love her for who she really is, not who they want her to be. Sure, she has regrets and secrets - that’s why she wants to smooth things over with her two adult daughters and their families by inviting them on holidays on her tab. The two weeks in the south of France at a luxurious villa turns into “a holiday from hell” for the Fitz girls and their loved ones. Can it be rectified before it’s too late? Do things have to get worse before they get better?
I’ve heard it mentioned before that one of the secrets of happiness is not to have too many expectations. In light of the past two years and in finishing this book, I’ve contemplated that pearl of wisdom (that I don’t completely agree with) and decided I needed to add to it…you can’t expect much and you can control even less. The matriarch of this family is a melodramatic mother whose need to control everything has lasting impacts on her family, who sadly discover that they can’t expect much and can control even less.
The significance of the Villa - Villa Papillon - was not lost on me! Papillon is the French word for butterfly and evokes a picture of metamorphosis. Did you know that inside the chrysalis the caterpillar dissolves into organic goop? The dormant cells, imaginal cells, with the future potential of a beautiful flying creature, are actually regarded as threats and are attacked by the caterpillar’s immune system. It’s in the persisting and connecting that clusters form and begin passing genetic information back and forth; they essentially become a multi-cell organism and a butterfly is born. As you read this family drama, watch for the family members' desire for change and the persisting and camaraderie that forms in an effort to become a united family. Is the tension merely the family ‘immune system’ fighting change? Can Nora, the leader, transition from ‘organic goop’ to a beautiful butterfly?
This family drama is centered around secrets and it transitions to a psychological thriller when the unthinkable happens. It highlights the bookends of motherhood and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love. Be prepared. It’s sad. It’s shocking. You’ll hurt for this family.
Boyd’s signature theme is lost innocence and secrets. Both are showcased in this novel. When secrets were revealed, life for the Fitz girls will never be the same again. You’ll have to read to discover if, like the caterpillar, heartbreaking change is considered positive.
I was gifted this advance copy by Clare Boyd, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 5, 2022
I really liked the opening of this book and it’s started strong for me. I love a good British suspense type of read. However, it wasn’t before long that I sadly found my attention wavering. The build up to the flights and arriving at ‘the villa’ became a little dull and it just didn’t quite gain momentum for me again or materialize into the type of book I was expecting from the cover.
February 2, 2022
Nora asks her daughters, Libby and Emma to vacation with her in a Villa in France. Nora has plans to share some secrets on this trip that she has kept hidden from her daughters. The story is told in alternating points of view from Nora and her daughters. This is a family drama that will keep you glued to the pages. The secrets were quite shocking and also very sad. If you're looking for a quick and entertaining read, then you have found your book! Check out THE VILLA by Clare Boyd, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
March 22, 2022
It’s not just another family vacation, at least to Nora. No, she pulls her family together and they spend two weeks in a gorgeous setting. While this family vacation might be a time to pull everybody together, instead it tears them all apart.
Nora has something to tell her two daughters and she knows that once she tells them her secret that she has been hiding that it is only the beginning of the end. Emma and Libby love their mother and these two weeks and plan on spending together should be idyllic. Instead, it proves to be nothing like they had imagined. Instead, they hear news that totally destroys them and other news that Nora has in mind is even more devastating.
Meanwhile, there are some deeper and broken facets within their family structure that could really destroy them. This devastating story takes more than one turn, showing that life can truly be a game of delicate balances. Will Nora, Emma and Libby be able to navigate these difficult waters and come out of this even stronger than they were before?
They were parts of this book that were difficult to read and assimilate. As a reader who has the tendency to try to fit into a book, I could not imagine being in the place of any of these women. With sadness and regret I continued on hoping to find that they would all come to peace with the secrets, lies and decisions each of them had to face. With a lovely setting, interesting points of view and intense family drama, The Villa proved to be a captivating read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Nora has something to tell her two daughters and she knows that once she tells them her secret that she has been hiding that it is only the beginning of the end. Emma and Libby love their mother and these two weeks and plan on spending together should be idyllic. Instead, it proves to be nothing like they had imagined. Instead, they hear news that totally destroys them and other news that Nora has in mind is even more devastating.
Meanwhile, there are some deeper and broken facets within their family structure that could really destroy them. This devastating story takes more than one turn, showing that life can truly be a game of delicate balances. Will Nora, Emma and Libby be able to navigate these difficult waters and come out of this even stronger than they were before?
They were parts of this book that were difficult to read and assimilate. As a reader who has the tendency to try to fit into a book, I could not imagine being in the place of any of these women. With sadness and regret I continued on hoping to find that they would all come to peace with the secrets, lies and decisions each of them had to face. With a lovely setting, interesting points of view and intense family drama, The Villa proved to be a captivating read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 23, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Villa' by Clare Boyd.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Clare Boyd, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture Anonymous.
Publication date 17th March 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have also read 'The Pretty One' which I would definitely recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I am a huge fan of Clare and if this is half as good as 'The Pretty One' was it is bound to be a page turner. The synopsis also stated that 'Anyone who adores Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher will stay up all night reading'. I am a huge fan of both Jodi and Kerry so am looking forward to see if this lives up to that statement! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 38 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
'The Villa' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Clare discusses/includes a terminal illness.
This book is based in France 🇫🇷.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Nora, Libby and Emma. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is very well written with the power to completely draw you in. The vivid descriptions leave you feeling the sun on your skin, the sea on your feet and leave you longind for more. The synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.
Pack your bags ready to go on holiday to a stunning villa in France and not return until you reach the very last page!!
Well done Clare on yet another addictive page turner!!!
The storyline is extremely powerful, addictive and eye opening. It was very fast paced and many times I wanted to scream at both Nora and Conner. I couldn't read the book fast enough and was flipping the 'pages' until early in the morning. I was not expecting the explosive secret and was absolutely shocked and disgusted!! I won't say any more than that as don't want to spoil it for future readers but I was absolutely shocked!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me so a huge congratulations Clare!! Clare uses French vocabulary throughout which meant I had to use Google to translate a few parts but I love that she has done this as it makes it more authentic. The atmosphere and villa was absolutely stunning and I was gutted when I came to the end and realised I had to unpack my bags as I had genuinely set off to the stunning villa in France. This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions from sadness to joy, devastation to shock. It is filled with suspense, family, love, loss, secrets, mystery, deceit and everything you could want in a psychological thriller.
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
The characters are absolutely solid, realistic and compelling. I had such mixed feelings about Nora from frustration and anger to concern and some empathy. My feelings for her were extremely mixed but sadly by the end I did find her to be quite selfish and definitely narcissistic. I won't say anymore as not to spoil it for future readers. I liked both Emma and Libby for different reasons. Emma seemed to be very head strong whereas Libby seemed to wear her heart on her sleeve and I could see myself in both of them. My heart really went out to Libby who was deeply betrayed as were Amber, Hazel and Eliot. I could not stand Connor immediately and that feeling remained the same, in fact it increased throughout the book. I absolutely adored Patrick who was such a loving genuine person and I also felt sorry for him when I found out a certain something. It can be hard to portray your feelings for characters without giving too much away and spoiling it for future readers but I have done my best. Each of the characters had very different personalities which worked perfectly for the storyline.
Congratulations Clare on another fantastic page turner and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an unputdownable, rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you turning the pages until the end
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Family Drama and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Kerry Fisher and anyone looking for a page turner with a bombshell surprise!!
348 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheVilla #Bookouture #ClareBoyd #NetGalley #BookReview
@ClareBoyd @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Villa' by Clare Boyd.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Clare Boyd, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture Anonymous.
Publication date 17th March 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have also read 'The Pretty One' which I would definitely recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I am a huge fan of Clare and if this is half as good as 'The Pretty One' was it is bound to be a page turner. The synopsis also stated that 'Anyone who adores Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher will stay up all night reading'. I am a huge fan of both Jodi and Kerry so am looking forward to see if this lives up to that statement! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 38 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
'The Villa' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Clare discusses/includes a terminal illness.
This book is based in France 🇫🇷.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Nora, Libby and Emma. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is very well written with the power to completely draw you in. The vivid descriptions leave you feeling the sun on your skin, the sea on your feet and leave you longind for more. The synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.
Pack your bags ready to go on holiday to a stunning villa in France and not return until you reach the very last page!!
Well done Clare on yet another addictive page turner!!!
The storyline is extremely powerful, addictive and eye opening. It was very fast paced and many times I wanted to scream at both Nora and Conner. I couldn't read the book fast enough and was flipping the 'pages' until early in the morning. I was not expecting the explosive secret and was absolutely shocked and disgusted!! I won't say any more than that as don't want to spoil it for future readers but I was absolutely shocked!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me so a huge congratulations Clare!! Clare uses French vocabulary throughout which meant I had to use Google to translate a few parts but I love that she has done this as it makes it more authentic. The atmosphere and villa was absolutely stunning and I was gutted when I came to the end and realised I had to unpack my bags as I had genuinely set off to the stunning villa in France. This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions from sadness to joy, devastation to shock. It is filled with suspense, family, love, loss, secrets, mystery, deceit and everything you could want in a psychological thriller.
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
The characters are absolutely solid, realistic and compelling. I had such mixed feelings about Nora from frustration and anger to concern and some empathy. My feelings for her were extremely mixed but sadly by the end I did find her to be quite selfish and definitely narcissistic. I won't say anymore as not to spoil it for future readers. I liked both Emma and Libby for different reasons. Emma seemed to be very head strong whereas Libby seemed to wear her heart on her sleeve and I could see myself in both of them. My heart really went out to Libby who was deeply betrayed as were Amber, Hazel and Eliot. I could not stand Connor immediately and that feeling remained the same, in fact it increased throughout the book. I absolutely adored Patrick who was such a loving genuine person and I also felt sorry for him when I found out a certain something. It can be hard to portray your feelings for characters without giving too much away and spoiling it for future readers but I have done my best. Each of the characters had very different personalities which worked perfectly for the storyline.
Congratulations Clare on another fantastic page turner and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an unputdownable, rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you turning the pages until the end
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Family Drama and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Kerry Fisher and anyone looking for a page turner with a bombshell surprise!!
348 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheVilla #Bookouture #ClareBoyd #NetGalley #BookReview
@ClareBoyd @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
March 4, 2022
Fluff & Buff! 😳🥺
First, I need to say that even though this has claimed to be a thriller, it really isn't. I'd say this is more family drama / contemporary. While that did disappoint me for the book not being the genre it claimed, I still thoroughly enjoyed it, surprisingly!
Nora is a mother to her two daughters, Emma & Libby, with her grandchildren. She decides to plan, pay & invite them to a villa in France for two whole weeks. However, she has ulterior motives for this vacationing indulgent trip of good food, great views, & succulent atmosphere. There's something she has to tell her daughters. But soon Emma finds out there's another secret that Nora didn't intend for any of them to know. How far does a mother go to protect her children regardless the pain & repercussions? This family will be brought together, pulled apart, knitted together again all in the sake of love.
Be prepared for tears, the heartbreak and emotions galore with this one! Motherhood is never easy & sometimes being selfish in certain circumstances, is perhaps best. Get ready for ALLLL the feels with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Release date: March 17, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
First, I need to say that even though this has claimed to be a thriller, it really isn't. I'd say this is more family drama / contemporary. While that did disappoint me for the book not being the genre it claimed, I still thoroughly enjoyed it, surprisingly!
Nora is a mother to her two daughters, Emma & Libby, with her grandchildren. She decides to plan, pay & invite them to a villa in France for two whole weeks. However, she has ulterior motives for this vacationing indulgent trip of good food, great views, & succulent atmosphere. There's something she has to tell her daughters. But soon Emma finds out there's another secret that Nora didn't intend for any of them to know. How far does a mother go to protect her children regardless the pain & repercussions? This family will be brought together, pulled apart, knitted together again all in the sake of love.
Be prepared for tears, the heartbreak and emotions galore with this one! Motherhood is never easy & sometimes being selfish in certain circumstances, is perhaps best. Get ready for ALLLL the feels with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Release date: March 17, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
February 14, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. I found this to be a very sad story and I have to be honest I found the whole book quite depressing. Nora takes her daughters Emma and Libby off on holiday to France supposedly for a wonderful family trip. After they arrive Nora informs the girls she has something she needs to tell them, that she has she has a terminal illness . I really struggled with this book, I am an ex-oncology nurse so it was not the main theme of the story I found difficult, it was more that I found the whole book very slow and the secrets held just really didn't hold my attention. I am sure many others loved this book going by the other reviews I read, but in this instance it just did not work for me.
February 14, 2022
I’m not sure what I was expecting from The Villa based on the synopsis and cover but it wasn’t what I got. The synopsis alluded to an addictive page turner, with motherhood at its best and worst, and the lies we tell to protect the ones we love. However o felt the whole book fell flat. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, the overall book was unbearably slow and it just lacked any kind of essence for me. I know others have loved this book but for me it was a disappointing 2.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
April 1, 2022
I was really looking forward to reading “The Villa” by Clare Boyd. The cover had a summery, good feel look about it with a touch of sinister goings on.
In reality the book was undoubtedly depressing. None of the characters were likeable - the only empathy I had was for the three children who were dragged into the adults lies and secrets.
I believe the book should come with trigger warnings for cancer and suicide.
As for the mother having unsolicited relations with her own daughter’s husband. Showing absolutely no remorse from either character. A dull and depressing read.
In reality the book was undoubtedly depressing. None of the characters were likeable - the only empathy I had was for the three children who were dragged into the adults lies and secrets.
I believe the book should come with trigger warnings for cancer and suicide.
As for the mother having unsolicited relations with her own daughter’s husband. Showing absolutely no remorse from either character. A dull and depressing read.
February 15, 2022
I found The Villa very different from the writer's other books I've read. While the book is categorized as a thriller, it's more of a family drama and a really twisted one at that. I like dark and twisty, but this one was too sad and twisty for my taste. And does childhood trauma give you an excuse to inflict that damage on others? No - there's a choice, there's always a choice.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
December 30, 2024
When you get married, you hope this love you feel for each other never ends. The reality often takes another path and it happens you stay behind with the kids. Your focus has to be on those kids and giving them the best life you possibly can and of course you have to work in order to do that. Nora's focus is too many times on other things and she is allowed to have space for herself too, but she takes a bit too much of that.
Nora is rather selfish in my opinion. I can understand her on the one hand, but on the other one she is no very kind. She takes what she wants for herself and uses the lamest excuses to justify it all.
A promise is a promise, right, but clearly not in Nora's books. She is not the only despicable character in the book though.
I loved the evolution Emma and Patrick went through and even though Emma and her sister went through an ordeal, their relationship also evolved for the best.
Maybe Nora thought this was a great idea. I certainly don't agree with that. Once again she did what she wanted to do and did not take in consideration which effect it would have on the others...
I felt deeply for Libby and her darling daughters. She did not deserve this behaviour. Not at all!
I was disgusted by Nora and her side kick.
A slow paced but very emotional story. 5 stars
Thank you
Nora is rather selfish in my opinion. I can understand her on the one hand, but on the other one she is no very kind. She takes what she wants for herself and uses the lamest excuses to justify it all.
A promise is a promise, right, but clearly not in Nora's books. She is not the only despicable character in the book though.
I loved the evolution Emma and Patrick went through and even though Emma and her sister went through an ordeal, their relationship also evolved for the best.
Maybe Nora thought this was a great idea. I certainly don't agree with that. Once again she did what she wanted to do and did not take in consideration which effect it would have on the others...
I felt deeply for Libby and her darling daughters. She did not deserve this behaviour. Not at all!
I was disgusted by Nora and her side kick.
A slow paced but very emotional story. 5 stars
Thank you
March 17, 2022
THE VILLA by CLARE BOYD.
On the surface it all looks so perfect. Nora and her daughters, Libby and Emma plus their families, are spending two weeks in a luxurious French villa.
As Nora gathers her girls around the table, there are secrets to be divulged that will effect them all and change their lives forever.
This is a story of family dynamics, deep rooted secrets, heartache and consequences.
I was gripped to this story. I didn’t particularly like Nora, but I was desperate to read her story and to find out her secrets.
Overall, The Villa is an absorbing family drama, full of twists and turns and set in the opulence and beauty of France.
The reader is hauled through a range of emotions and this is definitely a book that will stay with you long after the last page has been read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to #Netgalley and #Bookouture for a digital ARC of #TheVilla by #ClareBoyd
Out now in Paperback, Ebook and Audio.
January 24, 2024
More of a family drama than a thriller. It was a sad story, well written. I've read other books by this author, which I've really enjoyed, but I found this one different. Overall I enjoyed it.
March 18, 2022
The Villa by Clare Boyd was a great read. It wasn’t exactly what I expected when I started reading it and I was a bit concerned I may not enjoy it.However I had nothing to fear as I soon settled into the book and totally loved it. This book I would class as a family drama where some people are keeping secrets. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 25, 2022
First off, I wouldn't agree that this book is a thriller. The first few chapters were really frustrating for me because I was waiting for the thriller aspect to kick in and it just never did. Once I realized it was more of a contemporary drama, reminiscent of Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, I was finally able to start enjoying the story.
The story begins with Nora having booked a fabulous French holiday away with her daughters, their partners, and her grandchildren. Nora has previously hinted that she has something to tell them during the trip and will do so over dinner. Upon arriving at the Villa and seeing how luxurious the building and their location are, the daughters realize that their mother has spent a fortune on this vacation. It's really unfortunate that the rest of the vacation turns into the vacation from Hell.
Wow! There was a huge shocking twist that I didn't expect at all. I still wouldn't call it a thriller though because that twist was alllllllll about the family drama. The author illustrated the differing perspectives of the main characters very well, which is something that I always appreciate. I hated Nora's character, but I still enjoyed reading her chapters! The characters were all very complex, but I wish the author had expanded on some of the backstories a little more. This story was also quite long and at times I found myself wishing that the characters weren't so reflective and that the story would progress a little faster.
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the advance electronic copy of The Villa in exchange for my honest review!
The story begins with Nora having booked a fabulous French holiday away with her daughters, their partners, and her grandchildren. Nora has previously hinted that she has something to tell them during the trip and will do so over dinner. Upon arriving at the Villa and seeing how luxurious the building and their location are, the daughters realize that their mother has spent a fortune on this vacation. It's really unfortunate that the rest of the vacation turns into the vacation from Hell.
Wow! There was a huge shocking twist that I didn't expect at all. I still wouldn't call it a thriller though because that twist was alllllllll about the family drama. The author illustrated the differing perspectives of the main characters very well, which is something that I always appreciate. I hated Nora's character, but I still enjoyed reading her chapters! The characters were all very complex, but I wish the author had expanded on some of the backstories a little more. This story was also quite long and at times I found myself wishing that the characters weren't so reflective and that the story would progress a little faster.
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the advance electronic copy of The Villa in exchange for my honest review!
February 26, 2022
The front cover looked appealing, and this was initially labeled as mystery/thriller. But this was more a family drama between a mother and two daughters.
Nora invites her daughters, Libby and Emma and their families to spend the vacation at a villa in France. During their stay in the villa, a secret is soon revealed that threaten to ruin the relationships between each of the family members.
OK, initially, I thought this was a mystery/thriller but I realized this book was more of a family drama book. The story is told from the perspectives of Nora the mother, and the two daughters, Libby and Emma. I hate to say this but I found this book boring to me. Too much of mindless senseless dialogues and I was slightly confused to the story...but maybe, it was just me. The ending though predictable was slightly emotional but nonetheless, I felt like this was more like a family drama soap opera.
Overall, if you like a book based on family drama, this book maybe one for you. I do like the books based on family drama but this was not my cup of tea. Worth 2.5 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Nora invites her daughters, Libby and Emma and their families to spend the vacation at a villa in France. During their stay in the villa, a secret is soon revealed that threaten to ruin the relationships between each of the family members.
OK, initially, I thought this was a mystery/thriller but I realized this book was more of a family drama book. The story is told from the perspectives of Nora the mother, and the two daughters, Libby and Emma. I hate to say this but I found this book boring to me. Too much of mindless senseless dialogues and I was slightly confused to the story...but maybe, it was just me. The ending though predictable was slightly emotional but nonetheless, I felt like this was more like a family drama soap opera.
Overall, if you like a book based on family drama, this book maybe one for you. I do like the books based on family drama but this was not my cup of tea. Worth 2.5 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
March 25, 2022
The Villa
I really tried to like this book but finishing it took all my will power. A French villa, a family with secrets, it sounded like everything I wanted in a book. I couldn’t relate or feel any sympathy for any of the characters. The daughters were awful to their mother, the mother was a narcissistic mess. The grandchildren were merely props to the whole messed up family. There was no sense of the atmosphere or location beyond it was a big French villa. I didn’t even care that someone was dying. The writing was good, no grammatical mistakes but the story just left me cold.
I really tried to like this book but finishing it took all my will power. A French villa, a family with secrets, it sounded like everything I wanted in a book. I couldn’t relate or feel any sympathy for any of the characters. The daughters were awful to their mother, the mother was a narcissistic mess. The grandchildren were merely props to the whole messed up family. There was no sense of the atmosphere or location beyond it was a big French villa. I didn’t even care that someone was dying. The writing was good, no grammatical mistakes but the story just left me cold.
March 17, 2022
First of all, let me just say: this book is not what was promised to me! The blurb suggested that this novel was a family-orientated thriller with many secrets to be revealed on a group holiday! What it actually is, is more of a family-based drama with serious terminal illness trigger warnings that definitely need to be more explicitly stated. I'm not usually one for spoilers of any kind, but early on we learn that one of the characters has cancer and is planning to commit suicide rather than die in pain or discomfort. Interesting premise, and somewhat accounts for the incredibly vivid imagery of cancer-related death, but I really feel the publisher and the writer should be more upfront about this for potential readers as this was quite disturbing to read at times.
To be fair to Boyd, the writing itself - for the most part - is thoughtful and emotive, and the narrative is shown from three different perspectives (the mother and her two adult daughters) which was a nice, relatable touch. When there was not so much focus on the deadly disease side of things, I enjoyed exploring the family dynamics and Boyd really did delve into the different ways our upbringings affect our behaviour. It's always particularly interesting when there are no truly likeable characters to latch onto, as I find myself reading in a completely unbiased way, and Boyd's multiple narrative lent itself perfectly to that.
Unfortunately, this won't be something I recommend to many of my friends as the content didn’t match the genre for me, but fans of more emotional tear-jerkers may find it enjoyable!
To be fair to Boyd, the writing itself - for the most part - is thoughtful and emotive, and the narrative is shown from three different perspectives (the mother and her two adult daughters) which was a nice, relatable touch. When there was not so much focus on the deadly disease side of things, I enjoyed exploring the family dynamics and Boyd really did delve into the different ways our upbringings affect our behaviour. It's always particularly interesting when there are no truly likeable characters to latch onto, as I find myself reading in a completely unbiased way, and Boyd's multiple narrative lent itself perfectly to that.
Unfortunately, this won't be something I recommend to many of my friends as the content didn’t match the genre for me, but fans of more emotional tear-jerkers may find it enjoyable!
February 1, 2022
Ahh this is a sad one. You will be thinking about it for days after.
Nora invites her daughters and families to a luxurious two week vacation in a villa in the South of France. This vacation is not free however, as Nora has some very large secrets that she needs to share.
There are some thrills throughout as secrets are divulged and family grievances are aired, as they tend to be when everyone is stuck together. But the end is quite poignant and a tear jerker, not my normal thrilling happy ending. Great writing however, and super characters - you will think about these people for some time. If you love your books with an undertone of sadness, family issues that seem to be unbridgeable, or maybe just want to bask in some Southern France Sun, read #thevilla #Bookouture #netgalley
Nora invites her daughters and families to a luxurious two week vacation in a villa in the South of France. This vacation is not free however, as Nora has some very large secrets that she needs to share.
There are some thrills throughout as secrets are divulged and family grievances are aired, as they tend to be when everyone is stuck together. But the end is quite poignant and a tear jerker, not my normal thrilling happy ending. Great writing however, and super characters - you will think about these people for some time. If you love your books with an undertone of sadness, family issues that seem to be unbridgeable, or maybe just want to bask in some Southern France Sun, read #thevilla #Bookouture #netgalley
March 21, 2022
Norah Fitz takes her daughters, Emma and Libby, their partners and grandchildren to southern France and they are all to stay in a lovely villa. She has her reasons for the family holiday - she thinks it is time to tell them something that she has kept secret. But who else has been holding back?
The focus in The Villa is very much on family drama. The story is told from alternating points of view between Nora and her daughters. Themes include the potential impact of behaviour, the consequences for those involved and family dynamics. A very poignant, reflective read with sadness but certainly a page-turner for me. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
The focus in The Villa is very much on family drama. The story is told from alternating points of view between Nora and her daughters. Themes include the potential impact of behaviour, the consequences for those involved and family dynamics. A very poignant, reflective read with sadness but certainly a page-turner for me. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
March 13, 2022
I did enjoy it although the blurb markets it as something completely different and I was waiting for it to happen. But saying that I really did get absorbed into the story and it put me into a completely different frame of mind than I was expecting. I needed to know how it would end whilst being absorbed into the family dramas, some of the people involved I just wanted to shout at at times (a sign of a good story). I did find myself digressinig into how to Libby and Conner support themselves given his trips.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is completely my own.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is completely my own.
March 16, 2022
#NetGalley #TheVilla
This is the first book I have read by Clare Boyd and it was heartbreakingly good. Some reviews have argued that it isn’t a book of suspense, but I disagree — there are no car chases or mafia killings, but the suspense within the family, particularly with Nora, the matriarch, is riveting. I could not stop reading until I knew each family secret. Highly recommended if you enjoy mysteries with complicated characters, and family dynamics. I love the cover art, but the story is so much more than a two-week luxury trip to France. Boyd’s writing style is lyrical, complex, and authentic. I will be reading more by this author! This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Clare Boyd and it was heartbreakingly good. Some reviews have argued that it isn’t a book of suspense, but I disagree — there are no car chases or mafia killings, but the suspense within the family, particularly with Nora, the matriarch, is riveting. I could not stop reading until I knew each family secret. Highly recommended if you enjoy mysteries with complicated characters, and family dynamics. I love the cover art, but the story is so much more than a two-week luxury trip to France. Boyd’s writing style is lyrical, complex, and authentic. I will be reading more by this author! This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
If you love family sagas with lots of drama, you will probably like this book. I found it very slow going and since I was expecting a thriller, which this is not, I was disappointed. I just could not get into this story and I did not care for the majority of the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book.
March 17, 2022
A family holiday in a luxurious villa in the South of France – what could go wrong?
Nora takes her two daughters, Emma and Libby, and their families away for an all expenses paid holiday. Tensions begin to rise before they are even on the aeroplane and atmosphere becomes electric once Nora reveals her secret at the first night’s dinner.
Secrets and lies are a large part of this book. Nora has more than one secret and tells many lies, both deliberately and by omission. Emma too has her secret and lies to protect her sister and her own family. Libby’s secrets are one she hides from herself and she too lies to protect her children.
The novel also explores motherhood. Each of the siblings has a different parenting style and Nora’s parenting comes under the spotlight. The relationship between Emma and Libby is explored and the shifting nature of sibling love and competitiveness is captured well.
The book explores some big topics but they are dealt with deftly and thoroughly, expressing the dilemmas of those who suffer either directly or indirectly.
There is mystery but it is more a domestic drama with twists. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for my eARC of #TheVilla in exchange for an honest review.
Nora takes her two daughters, Emma and Libby, and their families away for an all expenses paid holiday. Tensions begin to rise before they are even on the aeroplane and atmosphere becomes electric once Nora reveals her secret at the first night’s dinner.
Secrets and lies are a large part of this book. Nora has more than one secret and tells many lies, both deliberately and by omission. Emma too has her secret and lies to protect her sister and her own family. Libby’s secrets are one she hides from herself and she too lies to protect her children.
The novel also explores motherhood. Each of the siblings has a different parenting style and Nora’s parenting comes under the spotlight. The relationship between Emma and Libby is explored and the shifting nature of sibling love and competitiveness is captured well.
The book explores some big topics but they are dealt with deftly and thoroughly, expressing the dilemmas of those who suffer either directly or indirectly.
There is mystery but it is more a domestic drama with twists. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for my eARC of #TheVilla in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“The Villa” by Clare Boyd is a sad family drama set in France. In this book we follow three women - daughters Libby and Emma along with their mother, Nora. The story is told in alternating points of view.
Like other reviewers, from the description and the cover I was expecting something different than what this story told. The first third of this book sets up the characters and location. However, once the family arrives in France and the ‘big reveal’ is revealed, I kept waiting for more to happen. I didn’t really like any of the characters, though I guess Eliot stole my heart a bit with how he was processing Nora’s situation. This is not a book to read if you’ve recently suffered a loss or are dealing with someone with a terminal disease. I found this book moved slowly and, at times, I found myself skimming sections. While I understood Nora’s decision, I felt that it was a poor choice leaving her daughters to have to deal with the aftermath (by that I mean calling authorities, not speaking French fluently, paying for cleaning, etc.). I’m not a fond reader of pulling at the heart-strings books as I feel manipulated into feeling what the author wants me to feel, so this book just didn’t work for me. 2.5 stars rounded up, because I think others will like it.
“The Villa” by Clare Boyd is a sad family drama set in France. In this book we follow three women - daughters Libby and Emma along with their mother, Nora. The story is told in alternating points of view.
Like other reviewers, from the description and the cover I was expecting something different than what this story told. The first third of this book sets up the characters and location. However, once the family arrives in France and the ‘big reveal’ is revealed, I kept waiting for more to happen. I didn’t really like any of the characters, though I guess Eliot stole my heart a bit with how he was processing Nora’s situation. This is not a book to read if you’ve recently suffered a loss or are dealing with someone with a terminal disease. I found this book moved slowly and, at times, I found myself skimming sections. While I understood Nora’s decision, I felt that it was a poor choice leaving her daughters to have to deal with the aftermath (by that I mean calling authorities, not speaking French fluently, paying for cleaning, etc.). I’m not a fond reader of pulling at the heart-strings books as I feel manipulated into feeling what the author wants me to feel, so this book just didn’t work for me. 2.5 stars rounded up, because I think others will like it.
April 4, 2022
I receive an ARC of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Unfortunately, I was not really a fan. I think this is mainly because the book was advertised as suspense/ thriller, which it very much was not. This was a family drama - no thriller about it. There were many hints to a secret which was rather shocking, to be fair. The characterization was well-developed, though at the beginning I was a bit confused about which daughter, partner, and children were which. The location was also very well described - I was able to perfectly picture the south of France, the villa, the shops and characters speaking broken French/ accented English. I think the author did a great job capturing everyone's feelings about all the secrets. Despite the elements I enjoyed, overall, the book really dragged for me. It took me around 2 weeks to finish which is very long for me.
March 21, 2022
Wow, this book packs a punch of emotions that left my head reeling.
When Nora treats her daughters and grandchildren to a summer holiday to remember – a fortnight in a luxury villa in the south of France, none of them realise her reasons for doing so, or how her secret is going to change them and their relationships forever. This is a difficult book to review because I really don’t want to give anything away – it is one of those reads where it’s best you fall headfirst into the shocks and emotions as the story unfolds.
This extended family with their complex relationships gives us lots of lovely characters to get to know, all very different and all with their own issues and secrets. While Libby is dreamy, her older sister Emma is organised and controlling, and their partners Conner and Patrick are also equally different. The drama that is about to unfold will test both their relationships and sisterly bond, and not everything will survive. Nora thinks she is in control of the situation, but as always in life, we can never fully imagine how those around us are going to react, no matter how prepared we are in our heads.
I would describe them as a perfectly flawed family, and it was the intrigue around how and when things would come to a head that kept me turning the pages. Unusually, despite their secrets, lies and differences, I warmed to them all, flaws and all and found myself worrying about them, even those whose actions were meant to shock.
This book does deal with some sensitive emotional issues where decisions that are made, are those that some people won’t agree with. I surprised myself by not being as shocked as I imagined, probably because of the skilful way that Clare Boyd introduces the topics and lets them play out in the book. I found this gave me more of an understanding of their point of view, rather than just an initial shock reaction.
It might not be an uplifting summer holiday read, but it was one that I enjoyed and gave me lots to think about. If there was one thing that stuck in my mind at the end it was bravery, and although I can’t say too much more, I think all three of the women proved their bravery at some point during the book.
When Nora treats her daughters and grandchildren to a summer holiday to remember – a fortnight in a luxury villa in the south of France, none of them realise her reasons for doing so, or how her secret is going to change them and their relationships forever. This is a difficult book to review because I really don’t want to give anything away – it is one of those reads where it’s best you fall headfirst into the shocks and emotions as the story unfolds.
This extended family with their complex relationships gives us lots of lovely characters to get to know, all very different and all with their own issues and secrets. While Libby is dreamy, her older sister Emma is organised and controlling, and their partners Conner and Patrick are also equally different. The drama that is about to unfold will test both their relationships and sisterly bond, and not everything will survive. Nora thinks she is in control of the situation, but as always in life, we can never fully imagine how those around us are going to react, no matter how prepared we are in our heads.
I would describe them as a perfectly flawed family, and it was the intrigue around how and when things would come to a head that kept me turning the pages. Unusually, despite their secrets, lies and differences, I warmed to them all, flaws and all and found myself worrying about them, even those whose actions were meant to shock.
This book does deal with some sensitive emotional issues where decisions that are made, are those that some people won’t agree with. I surprised myself by not being as shocked as I imagined, probably because of the skilful way that Clare Boyd introduces the topics and lets them play out in the book. I found this gave me more of an understanding of their point of view, rather than just an initial shock reaction.
It might not be an uplifting summer holiday read, but it was one that I enjoyed and gave me lots to think about. If there was one thing that stuck in my mind at the end it was bravery, and although I can’t say too much more, I think all three of the women proved their bravery at some point during the book.
March 25, 2022
This is the third Clare Boyd book I've read and the second that has disappointed. Marketed as a thriller, THE VILLA is anything but. It's more like a family drama as most reviewers like me have found out. We are lead to believe we are getting a psychological thriller with some massive secret that will destroy lives and keep us on the edge of our seats, but what we actually get is a family that does nothing but squabble and lie to each other.
Honestly, at 30% in with no real sense of what the big secret is because what Nora revealed on their first night in the villa was hardly going to be the massive secret we have been lead to believe we're getting. By that point, I didn't care what the secret was...I just wanted to escape the toxicity of the villa because honestly...none of them could be honest with each other if their lives depended on it.
I really struggled with this book, not because of the emotional tale buried somewhere in there, but because it was so slow and uneventful. I kept waiting for the promised edge of your seat thrills with this huge secret that had the potential to tear them all apart. In the end, I skimmed through to the end to find out what it was. I got a vague idea but I don't think it was worth me investing any more time than I already had.
Sorry but this one failed. I can do some family dramas, but I was expecting a thriller and it sadly disappointed. I like dark and twisty but this wasn't it. And addictive it certainly wasn't. I didn't like any of the characters and the story itself was so slow and boring that I couldn't care less what happened to any of them.
I know others have enjoyed this book but for me it was hugely disappointing and not for me. Life's too short for books we don't enjoy...
I would like to thank #ClareBoyd, #Netgalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheVilla in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Honestly, at 30% in with no real sense of what the big secret is because what Nora revealed on their first night in the villa was hardly going to be the massive secret we have been lead to believe we're getting. By that point, I didn't care what the secret was...I just wanted to escape the toxicity of the villa because honestly...none of them could be honest with each other if their lives depended on it.
I really struggled with this book, not because of the emotional tale buried somewhere in there, but because it was so slow and uneventful. I kept waiting for the promised edge of your seat thrills with this huge secret that had the potential to tear them all apart. In the end, I skimmed through to the end to find out what it was. I got a vague idea but I don't think it was worth me investing any more time than I already had.
Sorry but this one failed. I can do some family dramas, but I was expecting a thriller and it sadly disappointed. I like dark and twisty but this wasn't it. And addictive it certainly wasn't. I didn't like any of the characters and the story itself was so slow and boring that I couldn't care less what happened to any of them.
I know others have enjoyed this book but for me it was hugely disappointing and not for me. Life's too short for books we don't enjoy...
I would like to thank #ClareBoyd, #Netgalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheVilla in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews