Villa of Sun and Secrets by Jennifer Bohnet is a 2019 Boldwood Books publication.

A lovely and light beach read!

When Carla’s mother dies, the hope of a reconciliation with her estranged sister, Josette, dies with her. Then Carla discovers that her husband, David, is having another affair, and this one might be more serious than the others, prompting her to make a spontaneous decision-

Packing up on the spur of the moment, with her mother’s ashes in tow, Carla takes off to France to visit Josette. Carla’s arrival in France, shakes up the life Josette has carved out for herself, brining difficult memories to the surface and prompting her to consider revealing a deeply buried family secret to her niece.

Meanwhile, Carla begins to realize she has a chance for a new beginning, stepping out of her shell to embrace independence for the first time in her life. Will Josette’s secrets put a cog in the wheel for Carla?

I don’t know about you – but I’m ready for some summer reading! Great locations, drama, romance!! Sounds great!

This is a sweet story about family tragedies, mistakes, forgiveness, and healing. It’s also about quickening a dormant self- esteem and confidence, about fresh starts, taking charge of one's life, and hope for a brighter, happier future.

Josette’s story is poignant and sad, but ultimately fulfilling, as she finally makes peace with her past, and Carla’s story is inspirational and rewarding!!

Overall, this is an easy and light read, but also one with depth and emotion. While we may still need to avoid crowds, and travel, this book will whisk you away for a while and warm your heart in the process.

3.5 stars ( )

A woman whose mother has just died also learns that her husband is having yet another affair and finally decides not to be a doormat, but to go to France and visit her aunt who has been estranged from the family. And isn't it convenient that there's always s relative in France in these kinds of novels. Once there, she decides to stay because the family also conveniently owns a villa that can be turned into a bed &{ breakfast.

From there, the plot gets more and more sudsy with each page until all the family secrets are revealed and everyone lives happily ever after. Pretty much trash. ( )