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Secrets of the Villa Amore
Mamma Mia meets Jackie Collins in a page-turning blockbuster – when a family gather together for a wedding on the Amalfi coast, it sets the scene for scandal, secrets and sizzle under an Italian sun.
The bride is marrying the love of her life, but is he really the person she thinks he is?
The chief bridesmaid is keeping a secret that could destroy her best friend.
The mother of the bride is surprised by the appearance of her first love…
Get swept away by Carol’s compelling page-turner, you won’t want to put it down.
The bride is marrying the love of her life, but is he really the person she thinks he is?
The chief bridesmaid is keeping a secret that could destroy her best friend.
The mother of the bride is surprised by the appearance of her first love…
Get swept away by Carol’s compelling page-turner, you won’t want to put it down.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2023
284 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 21, 2023
2.7 Stars (minority opinion)
One Liner: An easy read
Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart, Giorgio, who has secrets of his own and isn’t who he appears to be. Edie is Carina’s friend and bridesmaid. This emerging Hwood actress has secrets she cannot reveal. Phillipa, Carina’s mother, has a happy life but finds things drifting apart. Complications arise when her former lover enters the scene.
Tom arrives at the location, hired as Carina’s temporary bodyguard. With strange gifts and odd threats, it’s clear something sinister is happing behind the scenes. But what?
Set on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the book deals with how the lives of multiple people change over a few days.
The story comes in the third-person POV of several characters.
What I Like:
I mainly requested the book for the setting, and it does full justice to this. Be it Villa Amore, the Amalfi Coast, vineyards, or the Sicilian background, everything comes alive on the page. However, it’s not overly descriptive for the reader to lose interest.
The pace is amazing. This book has almost 400 pages (384-400), but it is easy to read in a couple of sitting. Even with so much happening, I could breeze through the content without any difficulty.
The writing style is easy, almost too easy, and highly simplified. While this adds to the pace, it doesn’t evoke enough emotions to connect with the characters. Still, I wanted Giorgio to get his due for being an absolute douchebag, so one character did inspire strong emotions in me.
A certain small yet highly influential character says, ‘No man is worth losing your self-respect…’ Indeed!
The parallels between Phillipa and Carina’s lives are interesting. Though it doesn’t do justice to their ‘intelligence’, it offers a little something to ponder about in a mother-daughter relationship. (Not sure if this was intended, but anyhoo).
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
Well, a family drama thrives on drama and interesting characters. You gotta have secret keepers, victims, collateral damage, heroes, villains, grey characters, et al. While the book has them all, none of them except that scum Giorgio makes an impact (at least for me).
The multiple third-person POV works to an extent in providing their thoughts, but the voice shifts repeatedly from one person to another. At the same time, it’s not omnipresent narration either. This makes it hard to connect with the characters.
The dialogue is nice, but I didn’t like it. The conversations sound off in many places. It’s like the characters are acting their part in a play rather than being themselves on paper.
The actual story is set in 2005. While books set in the past only recreate a similar setting, this one feels like it was written at the same time but dusted and edited for publishing in 2023. Not sure I can explain it right, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the book is an old manuscript.
I was hoping Giorgio would face the music for his actions. While he does to a minor extent, the book sadly sweeps a good portion of it under the carpet. Financial fraud is one thing, infidelity and mistreating women is another matter. He isn’t even questioned about it. That is NOT acceptable.
The main and side characters could have been much better but end up as cardboard cutouts. Also, a major development made me roll my eyes at the FMC. This could have been achieved in better ways.
To summarize, Secrets of the Villa Amore is an easy and light read despite the complex plot. It’s nothing great or memorable, though. A time pass read.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK (Fiction), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: An easy read
Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart, Giorgio, who has secrets of his own and isn’t who he appears to be. Edie is Carina’s friend and bridesmaid. This emerging Hwood actress has secrets she cannot reveal. Phillipa, Carina’s mother, has a happy life but finds things drifting apart. Complications arise when her former lover enters the scene.
Tom arrives at the location, hired as Carina’s temporary bodyguard. With strange gifts and odd threats, it’s clear something sinister is happing behind the scenes. But what?
Set on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, the book deals with how the lives of multiple people change over a few days.
The story comes in the third-person POV of several characters.
What I Like:
I mainly requested the book for the setting, and it does full justice to this. Be it Villa Amore, the Amalfi Coast, vineyards, or the Sicilian background, everything comes alive on the page. However, it’s not overly descriptive for the reader to lose interest.
The pace is amazing. This book has almost 400 pages (384-400), but it is easy to read in a couple of sitting. Even with so much happening, I could breeze through the content without any difficulty.
The writing style is easy, almost too easy, and highly simplified. While this adds to the pace, it doesn’t evoke enough emotions to connect with the characters. Still, I wanted Giorgio to get his due for being an absolute douchebag, so one character did inspire strong emotions in me.
A certain small yet highly influential character says, ‘No man is worth losing your self-respect…’ Indeed!
The parallels between Phillipa and Carina’s lives are interesting. Though it doesn’t do justice to their ‘intelligence’, it offers a little something to ponder about in a mother-daughter relationship. (Not sure if this was intended, but anyhoo).
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
Well, a family drama thrives on drama and interesting characters. You gotta have secret keepers, victims, collateral damage, heroes, villains, grey characters, et al. While the book has them all, none of them except that scum Giorgio makes an impact (at least for me).
The multiple third-person POV works to an extent in providing their thoughts, but the voice shifts repeatedly from one person to another. At the same time, it’s not omnipresent narration either. This makes it hard to connect with the characters.
The dialogue is nice, but I didn’t like it. The conversations sound off in many places. It’s like the characters are acting their part in a play rather than being themselves on paper.
The actual story is set in 2005. While books set in the past only recreate a similar setting, this one feels like it was written at the same time but dusted and edited for publishing in 2023. Not sure I can explain it right, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the book is an old manuscript.
I was hoping Giorgio would face the music for his actions. While he does to a minor extent, the book sadly sweeps a good portion of it under the carpet. Financial fraud is one thing, infidelity and mistreating women is another matter. He isn’t even questioned about it. That is NOT acceptable.
The main and side characters could have been much better but end up as cardboard cutouts. Also, a major development made me roll my eyes at the FMC. This could have been achieved in better ways.
To summarize, Secrets of the Villa Amore is an easy and light read despite the complex plot. It’s nothing great or memorable, though. A time pass read.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK (Fiction), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
July 13, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect from Carol but was pleasantly surprised. Beautifully written, believable characters and an entertaining storyline.
March 31, 2024
Honestly I am relieved to be done with Secrets of the Villa Amore. I had to postpone reading this book due to Hotel on the Riviera being delayed with the Irish post. I was honestly a bit let down by this book and Hotel on the Riviera. I was very hopeful after I read Under a Greek Moon which I really enjoyed but the following two novels weren't my cup of tea. Hats off to Carol Kirkwood for the time and effort she put into these three books. I would like to note I was floored by Philippa's response to Carina's disappearance/kidnapping. Tom was educating her on the importance of the first hours after the disappearance of someone and she INSISTED on being brought back to her home. I am not a mother but I cannot imagine a real mother would insist on being brought home when Tom was stressing how important it was to uncover the evidence/clues of her disappearance. Granted I know its just fiction but it really stuck with me throughout the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
Can’t beat a good love story. There were parts of the book I didn’t really know what to expect next but I suppose that’s what keeps the page turning. I really want to know what happens next. I want to read Carina and Tom and watch their relationship grow. Highly recommend reading. Good summer romance what we all need.
July 21, 2024
My first Carol Kirkwood book and definitely won't be my last, adored this from page 1.
Romance, family drama, glitz, glamour and a stunningly beautiful setting.
Secrets of the Villa Amore totally transported me to the Coast Of Amalfi and it was just a joy to read.
Would recommend 💕
Romance, family drama, glitz, glamour and a stunningly beautiful setting.
Secrets of the Villa Amore totally transported me to the Coast Of Amalfi and it was just a joy to read.
Would recommend 💕
September 10, 2024
It's a great book to read on holiday such a good story found it hard to put down
October 14, 2024
Another great book! Really enjoyed this, as with all her stories!
March 9, 2025
A very easy read
August 3, 2023
Loved this book fantastic read
July 29, 2023
Family Secrets, Mafia, Feuds, Stories not told & a huge Society Wedding all amid the stunning scenery of the Italian Amalfi Coast , which Carol Kirkwood brought right into the heart of my living room
enabling me to visit somewhere I know it's not physically possible for me to do . So a very enjoyable Book from start to finish & one I will recommend to friends #NetGalley,# GoodReads, #Amazon.co.uk, #FB, #Instaram, #
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enabling me to visit somewhere I know it's not physically possible for me to do . So a very enjoyable Book from start to finish & one I will recommend to friends #NetGalley,# GoodReads, #Amazon.co.uk, #FB, #Instaram, #
, #, #.November 2, 2023
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5 on my blog - Bookmarks and Stages
Carol Kirkwood "sent" readers to a Greek Island then to The English Riviera and this time around, let's join in the ride to the glitz and glam of the Villa Amore on the Amalfi Coast. Feel the heat radiating from the sun in azure skies and the rich atmosphere as you turn the pages and meet childhood sweethearts, Carina and Giorgio. It all sounds sweet and so perfect, except it isn't. It's full of drama as key people want to be elsewhere and secrets start to emerge and it all becomes rather messy and with it with scandal. Kirkwood knows how to twist things and knows people can't resist a scandal, so that's what she presents in this book, along with enough charm to ensure you're already hooked and then reels you in even more because of course you just have to find out what happens next, with the amount of intrigue created to see what other secrets and lies there are to emerge. It seems everyone has something to hide or thought not to come back into being in their lives. Suddenly, not all seems so perfect after all in the world of "how the other half live." There is also, at the heart of this, as well as secrets of course, is friendship and well-drawn characters and the setting is almost a character itself in a way, not overly descriptive, but enough to pull you there and keep you on the Amalfi Coast until what is a satisfying ending.
Carol Kirkwood "sent" readers to a Greek Island then to The English Riviera and this time around, let's join in the ride to the glitz and glam of the Villa Amore on the Amalfi Coast. Feel the heat radiating from the sun in azure skies and the rich atmosphere as you turn the pages and meet childhood sweethearts, Carina and Giorgio. It all sounds sweet and so perfect, except it isn't. It's full of drama as key people want to be elsewhere and secrets start to emerge and it all becomes rather messy and with it with scandal. Kirkwood knows how to twist things and knows people can't resist a scandal, so that's what she presents in this book, along with enough charm to ensure you're already hooked and then reels you in even more because of course you just have to find out what happens next, with the amount of intrigue created to see what other secrets and lies there are to emerge. It seems everyone has something to hide or thought not to come back into being in their lives. Suddenly, not all seems so perfect after all in the world of "how the other half live." There is also, at the heart of this, as well as secrets of course, is friendship and well-drawn characters and the setting is almost a character itself in a way, not overly descriptive, but enough to pull you there and keep you on the Amalfi Coast until what is a satisfying ending.
September 21, 2023
Free courtesy of Netgalley
I have read a couple of Carol's books before and I really enjoyed this one. There were bits that I found a bit disappointing but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book.
The book is set around Carina's wedding to Giogio, her childhood sweetheart. Carina knows in her heart that something is not right but feels that the two families are expecting this union to bring their vineyards together.
The wedding will take place in Villa Amore, where family and friends will gather but there are so many secrets that will blow up around this union. Why has Carina's dad hired a bodyguard for her and how will she feel with Tom following her everywhere ? What secrets are Salvador keeping from his wife and Carina, and will their marriage crumble when she leaves. What has the groom been up to and why has he gone to America a week before the wedding?
So many questions and the answers unfold slowly and past hurts and secrets come out.
The book is set in beautiful Italy and it makes you want to visit there. I think the "villans" in this piece didn't get their comeuppance and I think that was the only mistake.
I would recommend this book as it is beautiful, I hope there will be a sequel about Carina
I have read a couple of Carol's books before and I really enjoyed this one. There were bits that I found a bit disappointing but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book.
The book is set around Carina's wedding to Giogio, her childhood sweetheart. Carina knows in her heart that something is not right but feels that the two families are expecting this union to bring their vineyards together.
The wedding will take place in Villa Amore, where family and friends will gather but there are so many secrets that will blow up around this union. Why has Carina's dad hired a bodyguard for her and how will she feel with Tom following her everywhere ? What secrets are Salvador keeping from his wife and Carina, and will their marriage crumble when she leaves. What has the groom been up to and why has he gone to America a week before the wedding?
So many questions and the answers unfold slowly and past hurts and secrets come out.
The book is set in beautiful Italy and it makes you want to visit there. I think the "villans" in this piece didn't get their comeuppance and I think that was the only mistake.
I would recommend this book as it is beautiful, I hope there will be a sequel about Carina
July 31, 2024
BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood's third novel is set on the romantic Amalfi coast in Italy.
Carina is soon to marry Giorgio Bianchi. Concerned for his daughter's safety, Salvatore Russo hires an Englishman, Tom Ryan, to chaperone her until the wedding.
Giorgio is ambitious and thinks nothing of cheating on his bride-to-be. The women he is attracted to are beautiful but shallow and manipulative. Giorgio's behaviour hasn't gone unnoticed by Carina's bridesmaid, Edie Stone, who is holding onto a huge secret.
Salvatore's wife, Philippa, feels that her husband is becoming distant and the last thing she needs is for her first love, Harry Fanshawe, to turn up out of the blue.
As the wedding draws nearer, the threat to Carina becomes all too real as Edie's secret finally unravels, causing events to take a much more dramatic turn.
I enjoyed this story, particularly the location. Not all the characters are fully developed, but you definitely get a sense of the tension as events progress.
This book would make an ideal holiday read.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Carina is soon to marry Giorgio Bianchi. Concerned for his daughter's safety, Salvatore Russo hires an Englishman, Tom Ryan, to chaperone her until the wedding.
Giorgio is ambitious and thinks nothing of cheating on his bride-to-be. The women he is attracted to are beautiful but shallow and manipulative. Giorgio's behaviour hasn't gone unnoticed by Carina's bridesmaid, Edie Stone, who is holding onto a huge secret.
Salvatore's wife, Philippa, feels that her husband is becoming distant and the last thing she needs is for her first love, Harry Fanshawe, to turn up out of the blue.
As the wedding draws nearer, the threat to Carina becomes all too real as Edie's secret finally unravels, causing events to take a much more dramatic turn.
I enjoyed this story, particularly the location. Not all the characters are fully developed, but you definitely get a sense of the tension as events progress.
This book would make an ideal holiday read.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2023
Carol Kirkwood certainly knows how to weave a good story and connect with her readers. I thoroughly enjoyed Secrets of the Villa Amore from start to finish and I really liked the authors writing style. The writing is very good and engaging, the book flows really well and moves from past to present times so easily. I was drawn into the story from the very first page and found this a very entertaining and absorbing gem of a read. I loved the Amalfi coast being the setting for the main part of the story and I could picture the characters and areas in my mind when reading. I really liked the main character Carina who is about to get married and found myself rooting and caring for her. I enjoyed the family dramas, love, lies, deceit, secrets and friendships at the centre of the plot which certainly piqued my interest and held my attention making this such a good read. The ending is very fitting and gives the book good closure. I think this would be perfect as a holiday read and would recommend this.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 28, 2023
Another fabulous summer read from Carol Kirkwood, whether you are by the pool, on the beach or at home dreaming of warmer climates, let Carol transport you to the Amalfi Coast and the wedding of the year.
Friends since childhood, Carina and Giorgio are due to be married on the Amalfi Coast and have their wedding reception at Carinas family Villa, the Villa Amore, which has been on the family for generations.
The children of neighbouring wine producers, it’s a match made in heaven and the wedding celebrations, set to last for days will certainly make this the wedding of the year.
However in the background there’s trouble brewing, why is Carinas father Salvatore behaving so distant to his wife Philippa and why is the Groom to be more interested in being in LA and not Italy. The many secrets of the Villa Amore are about to be revealed.
A great summer read, well done again to Carol Kirkwood for a wonderful story. Highly recommended.
Friends since childhood, Carina and Giorgio are due to be married on the Amalfi Coast and have their wedding reception at Carinas family Villa, the Villa Amore, which has been on the family for generations.
The children of neighbouring wine producers, it’s a match made in heaven and the wedding celebrations, set to last for days will certainly make this the wedding of the year.
However in the background there’s trouble brewing, why is Carinas father Salvatore behaving so distant to his wife Philippa and why is the Groom to be more interested in being in LA and not Italy. The many secrets of the Villa Amore are about to be revealed.
A great summer read, well done again to Carol Kirkwood for a wonderful story. Highly recommended.
August 2, 2023
I had really enjoyed the two previous book by Carol Kirkwood and I was pleased and grateful to be offered an advance reader copy of this third one. This was the perfect book for a rainy summer week as it took me on a lovely trip to the Amalfi coast in Italy.
The story mixes to perfection elements of a family saga between two winemaking families, dark family memories with long lasting consequences, revenge, relationships going sour and others blooming, business deals and criminal activities with involvement of the Camorra, lots of nice foods and wines, and everywhere sun, sea, the scent of pine trees and of the Italian nature.
Carol Kirkwood has this very positive style which makes her books so full of good vibes, even when she sprinkles them with some dark undertones like this one. Her style is very pleasant to read and her characters colourful and attractive.
I really enjoyed this third book. Let's hope we don't have to wait too long for the next one.
The story mixes to perfection elements of a family saga between two winemaking families, dark family memories with long lasting consequences, revenge, relationships going sour and others blooming, business deals and criminal activities with involvement of the Camorra, lots of nice foods and wines, and everywhere sun, sea, the scent of pine trees and of the Italian nature.
Carol Kirkwood has this very positive style which makes her books so full of good vibes, even when she sprinkles them with some dark undertones like this one. Her style is very pleasant to read and her characters colourful and attractive.
I really enjoyed this third book. Let's hope we don't have to wait too long for the next one.
September 11, 2023
This is Carol's third book and I think her best so far. The continual references to designer labels have gone which means the reader is able to concentrate on the story. On this occasion, a wedding is imminent. Carina Di Russo and Georgio Bianchi's marriage will unite two famous family OF wine producers. However, when Carina is involved in a near miss with a car, her father Salvatore hires ex-soldier Tom Ryan to keep his daughter safe.
It's clear that Georgio is far from being the committed husband to be. Not only is he involved in a secret relationship with an American model in LA, he has plans to use her famous reality TV uncle in a business deal of his own. Add a jealous ex-Italian lover (Isabella) and you have all the ingredients to keep you turning the pages. Georgio thinks he's devious and clever, but life is about to catch up with him big time in a way he least expects it to.
A great holiday/beach read...
It's clear that Georgio is far from being the committed husband to be. Not only is he involved in a secret relationship with an American model in LA, he has plans to use her famous reality TV uncle in a business deal of his own. Add a jealous ex-Italian lover (Isabella) and you have all the ingredients to keep you turning the pages. Georgio thinks he's devious and clever, but life is about to catch up with him big time in a way he least expects it to.
A great holiday/beach read...
July 20, 2023
Carina and Giorgio are due to be married. The marriage will unite two families in a valley of winemakers.
However everything is not as rosy as it appears on the surface.
The groom is flying off to LA just before the wedding, allegedly for business, and there appears to be a threat to the life of the bride.
A bodyguard is hired for Carina much to her disgust, until she realises that actually she needs to feel safe.
Slowly the web of lies surrounding Giorgio's business interests begins to untangle and things begin to get dangerous with the involvement of the Camorra and the threat to Carina's life proves to be very real indeed.
I liked this book as it had an element of danger which hasn't been present in the previous books - although I did like them too.
This is very readable and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
However everything is not as rosy as it appears on the surface.
The groom is flying off to LA just before the wedding, allegedly for business, and there appears to be a threat to the life of the bride.
A bodyguard is hired for Carina much to her disgust, until she realises that actually she needs to feel safe.
Slowly the web of lies surrounding Giorgio's business interests begins to untangle and things begin to get dangerous with the involvement of the Camorra and the threat to Carina's life proves to be very real indeed.
I liked this book as it had an element of danger which hasn't been present in the previous books - although I did like them too.
This is very readable and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 21, 2023
Having read Ms Kirkwood’s two previous novels I was anxious to read her latest book. I love the style and setting of this book and the dream-like characters. Ms Kirkwood has an excellent eye for the necessary detail, without any overkill of descriptive writing - little is more. Another love story, but with a few twists and turns, set in the Amalfi area of Italy which in itself is a perfect setting for a romantic, easy reading novel. This novel is light, enjoyable and absorbing with a predictable ending, which doesn’t in any way detract from the pleasures of reading, jus giving encouragement to go and experience all that Italy has to offer. A great success, thank you Carol.
My thanks and appreciation to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this book.
My thanks and appreciation to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 22, 2023
I was excited to be given access to this book as I have read Carol's previous two.
This starts in the present with the build-up to Carina and Giorgio's wedding. With less than 2 weeks to the big day, Giorgio takes off to America, citing business. Their guests start arriving at Villa Amore in Almalfi for special wedding events.
Part 2 tells the story of how Phillipa and Salvatore meet, fall in love, and how she acquires Villa Amore.
What a setting. The vineyard, the Almalfi coast, and the villa sound an absolute dream that I want to visit. And stay forever!
There are some baddie characters, and then there is Tom. Dreamy Tom!
Carol's writing just brings everything to life. She certainly knows how to put a good story together.
A perfect summer read. Can't wait for the next book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This starts in the present with the build-up to Carina and Giorgio's wedding. With less than 2 weeks to the big day, Giorgio takes off to America, citing business. Their guests start arriving at Villa Amore in Almalfi for special wedding events.
Part 2 tells the story of how Phillipa and Salvatore meet, fall in love, and how she acquires Villa Amore.
What a setting. The vineyard, the Almalfi coast, and the villa sound an absolute dream that I want to visit. And stay forever!
There are some baddie characters, and then there is Tom. Dreamy Tom!
Carol's writing just brings everything to life. She certainly knows how to put a good story together.
A perfect summer read. Can't wait for the next book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot.
This is the first novel I've read by Carol Kirkwood - I hadn't realised she was an author as well as her more well-known role!
This was an enjoyable light read - it would be the perfect novel to take on holiday! The novel is largely set in sunny Amalfi (Italy) and the surroundings are beautifully described - it was the perfect antidote to the torrential rain outside whilst I was reading it!
The plot was well thought out, with various sections told from the viewpoint of different characters, and a couple of flashback chapters which rounded some of the backstories. There's a good range of characters - some nice, some not so much...
I kindof guessed how some of the strands would turn out, and was pleased with the eventual outcome!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This is the first novel I've read by Carol Kirkwood - I hadn't realised she was an author as well as her more well-known role!
This was an enjoyable light read - it would be the perfect novel to take on holiday! The novel is largely set in sunny Amalfi (Italy) and the surroundings are beautifully described - it was the perfect antidote to the torrential rain outside whilst I was reading it!
The plot was well thought out, with various sections told from the viewpoint of different characters, and a couple of flashback chapters which rounded some of the backstories. There's a good range of characters - some nice, some not so much...
I kindof guessed how some of the strands would turn out, and was pleased with the eventual outcome!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
August 1, 2023
Really great modern day romance and plenty of action and suspense woven into this beautifully written book, set over dual timelines and narrated by women from two generations of Italian winemakers.
The story starts with the lead up to a wedding between the son and the daughter of neighbouring winemakers, destined to be together since childhood. We see the main players interact and also see the people they spend time with and a different story emerges.
The scenery and beauty of the Italian Amalfi coast is so well described that the reader could be there with the characters. It has made me more determined to visit this gorgeous place.
Great writing and a suspenseful time for the happy couple during the lavish celebrations. Hoping that there will be a sequel.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with the lead up to a wedding between the son and the daughter of neighbouring winemakers, destined to be together since childhood. We see the main players interact and also see the people they spend time with and a different story emerges.
The scenery and beauty of the Italian Amalfi coast is so well described that the reader could be there with the characters. It has made me more determined to visit this gorgeous place.
Great writing and a suspenseful time for the happy couple during the lavish celebrations. Hoping that there will be a sequel.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2025
Not sure where to start. I read a range of authors and like a heavier read interspersed with something lighter that doesn’t require much thought. I pretty much knew what was going to happen not far into the book and almost stopped reading. As chic lit goes the story is a page turner but the writing isn’t good. The use of celebrity names sits badly in the narrative and it was descriptive to the point of having to skip paragraphs regularly as it was so superfluous to the story and felt like it was there to pad out the book. It’s a shame because the premise of the book isn’t bad. Wouldn’t recommend it unless you like romantic predictability with a bit of heartbreak and are able to suspend reality. Thrillers are best left to other authors.
July 25, 2023
This is my third Carol Kirkwood book and like the other 2, I really enjoyed it.
Yes it’s predictable, yes it’s been done before, yes it’s full of skinny beautiful rich people but it’s a concept that works and Carol does it well.
This time the setting was Italy, and yes of course you know who will end up with who, the baddies that will throw a spanner in the works and the hero that will fix it all. Alongside that though, there is the back story of Pippa, and the book even starts with a wartime murder.
Of the three Kirkwood books I would probably say this is my least favourite, but I have still given it 4 stars so that’s not bad going.
Yes it’s predictable, yes it’s been done before, yes it’s full of skinny beautiful rich people but it’s a concept that works and Carol does it well.
This time the setting was Italy, and yes of course you know who will end up with who, the baddies that will throw a spanner in the works and the hero that will fix it all. Alongside that though, there is the back story of Pippa, and the book even starts with a wartime murder.
Of the three Kirkwood books I would probably say this is my least favourite, but I have still given it 4 stars so that’s not bad going.
August 1, 2023
What a fabulous new book from Carol Kirkwood!! Another total classic!! Absolutely loved this story, the writing, the characters and the scenery from Los Angeles to the Italian Amalfi coast, brilliant!!
Carina beloved daughter of Salvatore and Philippa is set to marry her childhood friend and neighbour she has known all her life Giorgio, but all is not roses on the days leading up to their beautifully planned wedding day.
Gripping from the first page and full of surprises!!
Loved this one as much as Carol’s previous books!! No disappointment here!! Great holiday reading, gorgeous comfort reading through English rainy days!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the early read!!
Carina beloved daughter of Salvatore and Philippa is set to marry her childhood friend and neighbour she has known all her life Giorgio, but all is not roses on the days leading up to their beautifully planned wedding day.
Gripping from the first page and full of surprises!!
Loved this one as much as Carol’s previous books!! No disappointment here!! Great holiday reading, gorgeous comfort reading through English rainy days!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the early read!!
August 15, 2023
It starts with a wartime murder and then a marriage of two winemaker families.
Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart, Giorgio, but he isn’t the person she think he is.
Hollywood starlet Edie is the dazzling bridesmaid, but she is hiding something that could destroy her best friend.
Mother of the bride, Philippa is stunned by the arrival of a former lover, who could destroy her marriage.
Sun, sea and scandal on the Amalfi Coast.
There’s plenty of glamour and drama.
It’s very well written and the setting was magical.
A lovely summer read
Thanks @carolkirkwood, @harperfiction & @netgalley for the eARC
Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart, Giorgio, but he isn’t the person she think he is.
Hollywood starlet Edie is the dazzling bridesmaid, but she is hiding something that could destroy her best friend.
Mother of the bride, Philippa is stunned by the arrival of a former lover, who could destroy her marriage.
Sun, sea and scandal on the Amalfi Coast.
There’s plenty of glamour and drama.
It’s very well written and the setting was magical.
A lovely summer read
Thanks @carolkirkwood, @harperfiction & @netgalley for the eARC
October 1, 2023
The Secrets of Villa Amore is the third novel by Carol Kirkwood.
In short, it’s the story of two Italian neighbouring estate families and an imminent wedding which will join their families together, however, there is a deep rooted secret from the past to be revealed!
I’ve read and enjoyed every book by Carol, her novels are easy reading escapism all set in a glorious sunny countries which set the setting for the perfect holiday read. Always well written and glossy…a real page turner sizzling with secrets and passion.
Big thanks to Carol Kirkwood, HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, it’s the story of two Italian neighbouring estate families and an imminent wedding which will join their families together, however, there is a deep rooted secret from the past to be revealed!
I’ve read and enjoyed every book by Carol, her novels are easy reading escapism all set in a glorious sunny countries which set the setting for the perfect holiday read. Always well written and glossy…a real page turner sizzling with secrets and passion.
Big thanks to Carol Kirkwood, HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
July 19, 2023
Secrets of the Villa Amore is the third book by author Carol Kirkwood and in some ways they are starting to feel a tad same-y. Handsome heir to lucrative family business located in gloriously hot and glamourous locale – check. Beautiful heiress to rival lucrative family business – check. Still, they do say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…
I enjoyed this book. Engaging characters and a good storyline. All in all a perfect, escapist summer holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. Engaging characters and a good storyline. All in all a perfect, escapist summer holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2023
A beautiful love story set on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. When a family gather for a wedding on the Amalfi Coast it seems there’s more scandal and secrets than amore. Carina is marrying the love of her life but is he really the person she thinks he is. Her chief bridesmaid seems to have secrets of her own and the mother of the bride appears to be getting swept away by her first love. This book is certainly a page turner that will keep you entertained to the end. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction and the author for the chance to review.
July 23, 2023
A typical Mills and Boon romantic story set in Italy.
Similar to her previous books with a lovely setting with famous names thrown in which I thought was unnecessary to the story.
Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart Giorgio who`s father runs the adjoining vineyard, but things are not as happy as Corina thought it would be on Giorgio`s return from the US and her best friend and chief bridesmaid is hiding a secret
An easy summer romantic read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
Similar to her previous books with a lovely setting with famous names thrown in which I thought was unnecessary to the story.
Carina is marrying her childhood sweetheart Giorgio who`s father runs the adjoining vineyard, but things are not as happy as Corina thought it would be on Giorgio`s return from the US and her best friend and chief bridesmaid is hiding a secret
An easy summer romantic read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
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