A Postcard from Capri

Postcard #3

by Alex Brown

The International No.1 Bestseller


‘Evocative and engaging … a story to fall in love with.’ Cathy Bramley

Her summer escape will awaken the past
 
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, Kelly Sinclair is on the cusp of becoming the next big movie star. Until then, she’s spending the summer of 1953 on the magical island of Capri… 
 
Sixty years later, on a visit to her elderly grandmother’s cottage, photographer Maddie Williams unearths a box of old film memorabilia featuring a glamorous and beautiful young woman with platinum blonde hair. She also finds a postcard from the island of Capri, detailing the heart-breaking end of a passionate love affair.
 
Her grandmother now has trouble remembering anything from all those years ago. So when Maddie is commissioned for a photoshoot in Italy, she visits Capri to see if she can find out the truth. Can she unravel the mystery and discover what really happened in the summer of 1953, and will her magical island escape hold some surprises for Maddie, too?



Praise for Alex Brown:


‘An intriguing story you will love’ Jill Mansell




‘The cleverly entwined stories kept me turning the pages’ Trisha Ashley




‘I adored it’ Lesley Pearse




‘A warm, emotional tale of love, friendship and following your heart.’ Milly Johnson

Genres: Romance, Italy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks, Contemporary, Historical Romance

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2022

About the author

Alex Brown is an International No.1 bestselling author of fourteen books including A Postcard from Italy, the Carrington’s series, The Secret of Orchard Cottage, The Great Christmas Knit Off, The Wish, A Postcard from Paris and the Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery series. Her books are loved worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages.

Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.

Reviews

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

קלי סינקלר היא שחקנית קולנוע צעירה בשנות החמישים של המאה העשרים. היא מבלה באי קאפרי עם כל המי-ומי של התקופה, ונמצאת על סף הפריצה הגדולה שלה בהוליווד
מאדי ויליאמס גרה בכפר קטן באנגליה (טינדלדייל, שהוזכר גם בספרים הקודמים של "גלויה מ..."), לאחר פרידה קשה מהחבר שלה, עובדת בכל מיני עבודות ושואפת להיות צלמת. סבתה הדמנטית מזכירה את "התינוקת אודרי" ומאדי מסתקרנת ומנסה לגלות במה מדובר. היא מוצאת מזוודה ישנה מלאה במכתבים ובגלויות בבית של סבתה, שמפנה אותה לכיוון האי קאפרי ואישה בשם קלי סינקלר, עליה מעולם לא שמעה. לאחר שסיימה עבודת צילום באיטליה, היא מחליטה לנסוע לקאפרי לכמה ימים כדי לנסות להתחקות אחר זהותה של קלי סינקלר וכך אולי גם לגלות מי זו אודרי.
ספר מאוד נחמד ונעים לקריאה, ובהחלט עושה חשק לבקר בקאפרי, אבל הוא גם ממש ממש צפוי. הוא הכי חלש בסדרה לדעתי. בספרים הקודמים היה יותר מתח והעלילה שלהם הייתה הרבה יותר מסקרנת. אז היה נחמד לקרוא, אבל לא חובה בעיניי.

[Katey Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book! Dual timeframe 1950s and present day Capri with family mystery and a lovely romance 😍 Read this immediately after getting back from Capri and my heart is now longing to return. Bravo, Alex Brown! This is such a charming read.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capri is brought to life in this new read from the lovely Alex Brown. A Postcard From Capri is a gorgeous story full of love and memories of a time almost forgotten. I visited Capri years ago and reading this has brought back such beautiful memories of a beautiful island - Alex has captured it brilliantly.
I loved the mystery of the memory box found by Maddie in her grandmother’s cottage and how it led Maddie on a voyage of discovery both of her grandmother’s life and her own choices for the future. Such a fabulous story and one that will stay with me for a long while.

[Emma Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful summer read . Always love a dual time line. I really enjoyed this and read it in a couple of days . It did however leave me wanting more and to know what happens after the ending. In essence a lovely light summer story

[Cindy Feigert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a little bit of everything. Romance, a family mystery and a beautiful setting. If you have ever visited Capri this story will take you right back to the beautiful isle. If you haven't been this read will make you want to go there

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit the locations in A Postcard from Capri


A novel to transport you to the magical island of Capri

These postcard books really should be on your travel list and reading list. I’ve been to Paris and Italy and now Alex Brown is taking me to Capri. I do love a well-travelled author and I’ve never been to Capri so I was really excited to go here. She’d be taking me back in time to 1953 as well……I am in!

With a timeline set between 1953 and the present day, this is a lovely story with depth and mystery. First of all, I found myself in Tindledale, England, a fictional village from Alex’s other books which I found to be a nice touch. There are some nice heartwarming scenes here but it was Capri that I was excited to travel to…

That timeline took me back to 1953. What a time to be on this magical island! TI met the grandmother in the story and was party to her early life, her glamourous life of stage and screen. She’s on holiday and filming is about to begin. However, this holiday is not going to be one of rest and relaxation!Mystery abounds at this point and I was captivated to be there and to witness the backstory to what I knew was going to be a reall good story later on.

The settings are key features of these postcard books and Capri here is definately the star of the show. I was soon flat out on a sun soaked island overlooking the blue Mediterranean sea.That’s before I witnessed some of the most amazingn views and wandered down small and twisty alleyways. Mind the cobble stones though and wear sensible shoes for the time here.

In the present day, I got to meet Maddie who finds a suitcase with letters inside that leads her to Capri and the mystery of the past. I’d to Capri anyway as would she, but when a work opportunity takes her there, she is set for an adventure of her own. Maddie goes on a journey of discovery and I was fascinated to go along with her. She is curious about Capri and its charms so she gives you a brilliantly evocative tour and insight into the island and its history. Oh and she meets a nice guy by the name of Gio. Don’t get distracted Maddie! Oh well, not much anyway 😉

There was so much I loved about being in Capri with Maddie. Would we find out about the mystery in that suitcase? There was a good mix of past and present and tantalising glimpses into that past to really shape the present. Just wonderfully done and when the secret is revealed, it was a lovely suprise.

There’s a lot to love about this novel and I was captivated by Capri and its allure for this mystery.

[Megan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is pure escapsim and I loved my time reading this. I loved getting to know Maddie and her story and following her as she goes on a literal journey and uncovers long buried family secrets. Brown sets this in the present day and flashbacks to 1953 and I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines. This book has a lot of heart and love in it as well as a lot of heartbreak and pain. One bonus of this book is the reader gets to travel to Capri and this offered pure escapism and was joyful to read. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Uk for an advance copy.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Brown is back with the third book in her Postcard series, A Postcard from Capri. All the books are standalone stories, the common link being the discovery of a postcard which sets the character on a journey of discovery. This book was a joy to read from start to finish and a perfect holiday read as it whisks you away to the famous island of Capri off the coast of Italy. This is a gorgeous story that evokes summer in spades and the reader feels as if they are on the island exploring and discovering secrets with Maddie. Told in dual timeline format the story moves back and forth between the 1950’s and the present day and this format works seamlessly throughout the book and only enhanced my enjoyment of the story. Packed full of wonderful, vivid, rich and evocative descriptions as well as romance, heartbreak and emotion this is a book that you will find difficult to leave when the story ends.

Capri, 1953 and a young woman has left behind Tindledale, the little English village where she grew up. She is following her dreams but yet on occasion she still longs for the simple and easy way of life that she left behind. The woman has entered the glamorous and ambitious world of stage and screen as her ambitions are fast becoming a reality. Whilst enjoying a summer break before filming commences on her new movie she hopes for rest and relaxation, but the holiday will throw up some surprises and twists and turns that will deeply affect her for the rest of her life. This was a very intriguing opening to the book as I wanted to know who the woman was and what was her backstory and just what was ahead for her that would ultimately change things so dramatically? I loved the reference back to Tindledale which has featured strongly in several of the authors previous books and which still long after reading said books the village has a firm place in my heart. So, it’s great to see it not forgotten but the star of the show here is Capri. It provides a brilliant backdrop to the story, both in the past and the present, and thanks to such glorious and rich writing I felt transported from my sofa to a sun soaked island overlooking blue Mediterranean seas with stunning vistas, small cobbled streets, lemon groves and amazing food. I felt I was on holiday and that’s what a good summer read should do.

In the present we follow Maddie who is at a crossroads in her life. Recently made redundant from her job and dumped by her boyfriend she feels like she is swimming against the tide and lost in her life. But she is a big believer in things happening for a reason and now she just has to figure out her next move. She has always had a deep yearning and wanderlust about her and would love to be travelling the world taking pictures for a living instead of remaining in London. She is primed and ready to kickstart a new stage in her life and just go for the career that she has hankered after for so long. When she finds a suitcase on top of her Granny’s wardrobe at Honeysuckle Cottage, which has laid empty since her Granny went to live in a home, inspiration strikes when she uncovers some letters, postcards and memorabilia. Her Granny had always been quite reticent about her past life and Maddie views this as an opportunity to find out more about her. Especially as Granny has been getting very forgetful and saying and asking for someone repeatedly whom Maddie had never heard mentioned before. Of course, Maddie’s interest is piqued and when an opportunity presents itself to travel to Italy for a fashion shoot she grasps it with open arms and ventures to Capri also which was in the front of the postcard in the suitcase.

I loved the sections of the book set in the present, it was as if Maddie was on her own personal journey of discovery gaining confidence in her own abilities both professionally and personally. She was increasing her self-esteem and putting herself back together piece by piece whilst at the same time slowly uncovering a secret that had laid dormant for so many years but which was ready to come out into the open at last. The reader sees Capri through Maddie’s eyes. Breath-taking sights, the rugged beauty and charm of the island, the smells, the sounds, the food just everything was so perfectly captured and only serves to enhance your enjoyment of this really lovely and engaging story. Maddie meets Gio who has his own boat and plans parties for tourists. She feels a strong physical attraction to him and the chemistry between them just leapt off the pages. But Maddie can’t forget she is there to find answers for her Granny and to find the person whom she constantly asks for. Will the island hold all the answers? How will Maddie react when she edges ever closer to the truth? Will Maddie herself find the happiness she so desperately needs and deserves?

Being honest, I wish there had been more of the story in the past. I thought the execution of moving between the past and present was perfect, but I wanted to read more of what went on in the past. Well, that’s how I felt whilst reading but having had time to reflect on the book if we had had this it would have ruined the book and given too much away far too soon. Instead there were tantalising glimpses into things and the reader is left guessing and trying to join the dots and make connections. I could guess as to the basis of the secret but not the reasons for it and how things changed so dramatically and I was glad in the end to not discover until the final moment of reveal when things came full circle so magically and heart-warmingly.

In the 1950’s Kelly Sinclair, is enjoying her newfound fame in Hollywood. She is on the cusp of big things and taking some time out. She is meant to have this untarnished image, someone who is the conventional girl next door- classy, wholesome and unencumbered. There are strict rules and regulations attached to her contract and she to do anything outside of these limits would lead to disaster for her career which has she longed for for many years. But Kelly is caught between her head and her heart and of course loyalty to her family. But when love comes calling can it be ignored? She is trapped in a bubble of fame which she did want but home still calls her too. She knows she has to pay a price for her career but how much is she willing to pay? There are lots of twists and turns to Kelly’s story which feed effortlessly into the main plot and I enjoyed trying to identify some sort of connection between the two main strands. Both of the female characters are trying to find a balance and a perspective in their lives but can this be achievable when so much is thrown in their path to try and derail them?

A Postcard from Capri is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a worthy addition to the Postcard series. I love this style of writing from Alex Brown and the fact that she also continues to write different series as well. The story has a fabulous cast of characters, the setting I still can’t get over it, it was just outstanding for the images it conjured up for me and how it added to the story as a whole. The plot was well developed with plenty of mystery to keep the reader guessing and it was also emotional and romantic at the same time. If you find yourself seeking a god holiday read then you won’t go far wrong with A Postcard from Capri.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much.

From the descriptions of Capri, to finding out the big secret, to the depth of writing that at points had me on the verge of tears, this was brilliant.

It follows back in the 1950s the story of Kelly Sinclair in the summer before she is likely to become a Hollywood star, having a summer in Capri, and living it up with her secret leading actor boyfriend.

And Maddie who in the present day, has been asked by her gran, who is starting to have memory issues, to see if she can find Audrey The only snag is no one in the family has ever heard of Audrey but the only lead she has to go on is Capri.

I loved both stories equally, and especially loved being transported to sunny Capri, which is as beautiful and captivating as I remember it to be.

But there is more to it than just the search, and Maddie really does grow and develop while she is in Capri, and so do the bonds she has with the rest of her family.

It's an enchanting story that I couldn't get enough of.

Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a truly intriguing love story. I was guessing all the time and predicitng what has happened and I've never been right! Alex Brown has truly took me on a great journey, full of surprises and twists and many thanks for that!

It is another book in the Postcard series, although each pne can be read as a stand - alone. The only thing they have in common is the little town of Tindledale and characters discovering a postcard, which is a beginning of a brilliant and interesting journey to discovery. This time we are taken to Capri and to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The dualtime storyline works really well, taking us to the past in the 1950s and back to the present.

It was a gorgeous, vivid and evocative love story, rich in descriptions (sometimes too much of those for me, to be honest), a story about self - discovery, about heart - break and uncoditional love. I think I'd love more sections about the past and Kelly's life then. Nevertheless, there was a great cast of characters, intriguing storyline, it was not predictable, so what's more to wish?

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Brown has been a must read author for me for many years now, and I love her Postcard series. So naturally, I grabbed A Postcard from Capri as soon as I could.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the mystery solving element of this series, and this story in particular. The two different timeframes were written very skilfully, and gradually reveal the solution. I was never confused as to which time I was in.

I really liked Maddie, and enjoyed seeing her gain more confidence over the course of the story. I connected with both the main characters very quickly, and found reading about how it all went wrong for Rose really pulled on the heartstrings. The romance with Gio was fun, and added a more lighthearted note.

Overall, this was emotional and uplifting story, with a lovely romance too. I can’t wait to read Alex Brown’s next book.

TW: death (in historical parts), giving up baby (also historical).

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bliss!!! The latest heartfelt book from Alex Brown!! Brilliant, gorgeous and perfect summer reading!!
In two timelines spanning the early 1950's to the present day. Granny Rose is in sheltered housing with her friends from the knitting circle in Tindledale, but she is losing her memory and forgetting who is who in her life. When her granddaughter Maddie visits, Rose is distressed and asking for Audrey who no-one has heard of! When Maddie is sent to Italy for a work assignment, she has a holiday in Capri and discovers so much more about her beloved Granny.
Full of romance, heartbreak, love, glamour, family secrets and more.
The descriptions of Capri were amazing, I could feel the heat and smell the citrus and herbs!!
Read this one way too quickly as I was so hooked into the story!!!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read early. Loved it, and highly recommended!!

[Caroline O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another corker of a book from Alex Brown if you want a summery read combining romance and complicated family dynamics.

This is the third in the Postcard series but can be read as a standalone book without spoiling anything at all.

The story follows Maddie who is trying to unravel a mystery in her Grannie's past which unveils that she had a glamorous life and ultimately leads to major turns of events in her Maddie's own life with many of her exploits taking place in Capri.

You can feel the sun coming from the pages and the smell of lemons is almost real too - a must read for fans of Alex Brown and if you haven't tried her books yet give this one a whirl!

[Tintsic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ajaviiteromaan- on kolmas jutustus „Postkaardi“ sarjas, millest Eesti lugejani on seni jõudnud „Postkaart Itaaliast“ ja „Postkaart Pariisist“.
Maddie Williams hakkab eaka vanaema palvel otsima tema minevikust pärit saladuslikku Audreyt. Vanaema asjade seast satub Maddie kätte Caprilt saadetud postkaart, mida lugedes selgub, et selle kirjutajal oli seal kirglik armulugu. Eakal vanaemal on aga mineviku meenutamisega suuri raskusi, mistõttu ei suuda too Maddies tärganud küsimustele vastata. Juhuse tahtel viib Maddie tööreis Itaaliasse, mille lõppedes siirdub ta kõhklemata Caprile, südames lootus välja selgitada, mis 1953. aasta suvel juhtus.

[Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book vividly evokes the sights, scents and style of Capri through its rich descriptions. It really took me back to my own time on the island. The dual time line style of writing allows use to get to gradually know Rose / Kelly and her granddaughter. There is a common theme between them, of trying to find balance and be true to themselves, after having perhaps gone a little off course. The mystery of who Audrey is and what happened to Rose / Kelly back in the 50’s is absolutely gripping and I found myself quickly caught up in the story. A really wonderful Summer read!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Postcard from Capri is the latest novel from Alex Brown and it’s simply wonderful. Set between 1950’s and present day it follows the story of Maddie and her grandmother Rose. The whole novel is engaging, beautifully written and with gorgeous characters who will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and the author for the chance to review.

[Deanne Townsend · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because of the illustration on the cover. I have a very similar photo taken on a trip to Capri years ago. I wanted to read a story that took place in a spot that was so beautiful and brought back lovely memories. I think the setting was my favorite part of the book. The characters did not seem very real and I got a bit bored with the predictable story. I skimmed the last 20 or so pages to find out how it ended.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book follows Maddie in the present day as she travels to Italy for work and then takes a side trip to Capri to investigate secrets about her grandmother, who is now in the early stages of dementia. The descriptions of Capri were wonderful but about a third of the way into this audio-book, unwanted and offensive sex scenes started and so, I abandoned it. I could guess where it was going anyway. On to something where the author doesn't need to resort to that sort of writing.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this novel okay. There was definitely holiday vibes to it.
This novel involves relationships from both the past and present so it can be annoying having to go back and forth all the time. It pulls on your emotions and the characters were very well built in this read.
Thank you to publishers for sending me this for my honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capri is one of my fav places in the world and I wanted to read a story featuring strong characters, emotions, secrets and glamour.
This was the perfect book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author is a talented storyteller and the story kept me hooked and entertained.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these stand alone set of books, which tell two stories at the same time - one from years ago, and the present day
This was no exception, it had Mr gripped from the very beginning with tales of film stars from years gone by, loss and finding happiness again.
A captivating read from start to finish, I couldn't put it down.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an evocative read, beautiful sights and smells within the narrative to draw you into the story. Lovely read with heartwarming and romantic moments. The dual timeline story telling was easy to follow and the individual tales entwined and wove into each other beautifully. Definitely recommended to post yourself in for a few hours.

Thank you Netgalley

[Amanda Winrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy beach novel, choosen for this reason. Predictions as usual for this type of genre, but pleasantly suprised that after the reveal, the story continues and more twists and chapters are ahead, where I would have expected the typical beach easy read to end. Throughly enjoyed, helped my relaxing weekend immensely!

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden life

An exciting story of old Hollywood in the 1950's and spectacular Summer on the island of Capri.
Many years later, a family discover a secret about their ageing grandmother and a life they knew nothing about.

[Piret Loorits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nii mahe ja mõnusalt voolav raamat. Muidugi põnev ja kaasahaarav temaatika samuti. Capri saare ilu on raamatus kirjeldatud nii vingelt, et tahaks ise seal kindlasti ära käia! 🤍
Neelasin raamatu kahe päevaga endasse. Mis siis muud teha kui nohuga kodus oled. 😄

[Eileen Vernor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful escape to Capri!

What a wonderful read, weaving in stories across generations to discover one’s family history! I loved the characters and the author’s vivid descriptions of the sights and fragrances of Capri, bringing back fond memories of my visit there.

[Wendy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly enough, I disliked the first book, postcard from Italy, so much that it is the only book this summer I did not finish. However, I went to Capri this summer and so decided to give this one a try and loved it to my surprise.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed the story and learning about Capri, the book was predictable. If I had to hear one more time about hot Gio was, I was going to toss the book - so I skimmed over those parts which were way too plentiful. Perhaps this was because I just read book 2 in the series.

[Joyce Noll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

From the time I found out there was a secret to be discovered I was with Maddie all the way. Loved the whole storyline and the flashbacks needed to tell the story properly. How times have changed! Absolutely love this book, and I will be reading more from this author.

[Jill Povey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading.Enjoyed reading about Capri.