Book Review – Villa of Sun and Secrets by Jennifer Bohnet

Hi everyone! I interrupt my holiday preparations to jet off to Antibes. The beach may be a little rocky, but the scenery and climate are just what I need right now. (Sigh!). While I can’t travel there right now, it’s a great place to visit in this book that celebrates new beginnings.

As she approaches her fiftieth birthday, Carla Sullivan’s life undergoes a lot of change. Her mother passes away, and she learns her husband is having yet another affair. After finding an envelope containing a letter from her mother, as well as the need to get away, Carla escapes to the South of France to the home of her Tante Josette to hand deliver the letter.

Carla barely remembers her Tante Josette and has not seen her in many years. As the two women get to know one another, many secrets from the past are revealed including why Carla has not seen Josette for many years. Carla becomes enamoured with Antibes and soon has made plans to return to begin a new life.

The book not only explores the relationship between Carla and Josette, but it is also a story of personal growth, forgiveness and moving on. To say Carla is thrown more than enough change for a lifetime is an understatement. She is a survivor and adapts better than most to what challenges lay ahead.

I enjoyed this book and the character development of Carla and Josette. I felt the story moved a little slow at times, but it maintained my engagement throughout. I loved the setting for this book-perfect for reading as we head into winter. There is one relationship from Josette’s past which felt a little distasteful to me. Having said that, I felt compassion for both of these women and appreciated the growing bond between them as the book progressed. I am a big fan of strong women and these two have it in spades.

I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Julia Franklin who gives a good performance. I enjoyed her performance of Carla, but did find it a little challenging at times to understand the French accent of Josette. I appreciated the fact that the narrator had an age appropriate voice for these characters and was expressive throughout the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books UK Audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.

My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.

I hope you have a great day, and the sun is shining wherever you are! ?