Island of Secrets: The perfect holiday read of love, loss and family

Island of Secrets: The perfect holiday read of love, loss and family

by PatriciaWilson (Author)

Synopsis

If you love Cartes Postales from Greece by Victoria Hislop and The Villa in Italy by Elizabeth Edmondson, you will love this perfect summer read. 'The story started at dawn on the fourteenth of September, 1943 . . .' All her life, London-born Angelika has been intrigued by her mother's secret past. Now planning her wedding, she feels she must visit the remote Crete village her mother grew up in. Angie's estranged elderly grandmother, Maria, is dying. She welcomes Angie with open arms - it's time to unburden herself, and tell the story she'll otherwise take to her grave. It's the story of the Nazi occupation of Crete during the Second World War, of horror, of courage and of the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children. And it's the story of bitter secrets that broke a family apart, and of three enchanting women who come together to heal wounds that have damaged two generations. What readers are saying about Island of Secrets: 'Island of Secrets is a book full of raw emotions, family vendettas, hidden secrets and three very strong women. It's a book I enjoyed very much and one which fans of Victoria Hislop and Debbie Rix are sure to enjoy' (NetGalley Reviewer) 'So well written and utterly heartbreaking . . . a story that needs to be told' (NetGalley Reviewer) 'Page-turning, enthralling and heartbreaking by turns' 'Made me laugh and cry, just couldn't put this book down' Ready for your next incredible read from Patricia Wilson? Villa of Secrets is available now. Search 9781785764387.

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Quantity

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 496
Publisher: Zaffre
Published: 18 May 2017

ISBN 10: 1785762788
ISBN 13: 9781785762789
Book Overview: A thrilling, dramatic and completely engaging tale of love, hope, intrigue and revenge on the island of Crete, as grandmother, mother and daughter unlock the secrets of tragic events during the Nazi occupation. A luxurious and intelligent summer escape.

Media Reviews
Day by day the story unfolds, and as it intertwines with Angelika's wedding preparations, the secrets are revealed, feuds revisited and three generations of women reunited. * People's Friend *
We race to the end with our hearts thumping. Full of local colour and tradition this is a little slow to start but certainly builds to unexpected conclusions. Terrific stuff. * Love Reading *
This is a beautiful, heartbreaking story of sacrifice and love in the face of evil * For The Love of Books *
Island of Secrets is a book full of raw emotions, family vendettas, hidden secrets and three very strong women. It's a book I enjoyed very much and one which fans of Victoria Hislop and Debbie Rix are sure to enjoy. * That Thing She Reads *
The real highlight for me was the events of WWII and the Greek culture in a small village . . . an eye opening story about the events that occurred during the war. It is yet one more piece of the puzzle for me as the reader to have the opportunity to learn about how it impacted others. I still feel haunted regarding this fact long after reading the last sentence. * Twin Spin *
Patricia Wilson deserves great praise for weaving such a fascinating, gripping story that left me gasping in horror at times with tears in my eyes but also a deep respect for the characters and their story. I'm sorry I read it so quickly because I know now I will never experience that feeling of reading such a wonderful book as this was for the first time again. Island of Secrets is a moving, emotional, engrossing story that was written with such intensity and honesty and I loved every minute of it. It's already one of my books of 2017 and I am so glad to have discovered the writing of Patricia Wilson and hope there is many more books to come in the future if they are anything of this calibre I really can't wait. * Shaz's Book Blog *
I couldn't believe that this was a debut novel, the writing is very descriptive and it almost feels like you are there in the thick of it, I loved it. Maria's story is heart-breaking and I was in tears it was sad but then it is uplifting too. * Echoes in an Empty Room *
I was engrossed and hanging on each and every word. This book will leave a lasting impression on me and will be one that I will find myself recommending to everyone I meet. * Rea's Book Reviews *
The author uses such powerful descriptions and language that I felt as though I was actually living the story and I was a silent observer. The descriptions of Crete made the place sound so beautiful that I really do want to visit there. If you haven't already guessed, I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book and I really would strongly recommend that you read this book. I can't wait to read more from this hugely talented author. * Ginger Book Geek *
The plot is unpredictable from start to finish so I was engrossed and hanging on each and every word. This book will leave a lasting impression on me and will be one that I will find myself recommending to everyone I meet. SO YES fans of Victoria Hislop you will love this book! This will easily be in my top 5 reads at the end of the year. * Rea Book Reviews *
Our July choice Island of Secrets by Patricia Wilson was a good summer read, with it's sunny Cretan location, and book club members loved the WWII historical detail and the evocative description of the Greek island. * Henpicked, Book of the Month *
The author did an amazing job with her research and her attention to detail is second to none... I cannot praise this book enough and just hope that the author writes another book soon * Boon's Bookcase *
It is a very dramatic novel, one you cannot put down and a hugely enjoyable read * South Wales Argus *
Author Bio
Patricia lived in the village of Amiras in Crete where the book is set. She was inspired to write when she unearthed a machine gun in her garden - one used in the events that unfolded in September 1943, and much of the novel is based on real stories told to her by the oldest women of Amiras. Women who've never spoken of their experiences before. Patricia still spends much of her time in Greece. This is her debut novel.