Hello Friends!
This book is quite special and once you start reading my review, you will understand it.
“The Villa of Dreams“, written by Lucy Coleman, is a Women’s Fiction novel, published on 1st December 2020, by Boldwood Books.
I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lucy Coleman for the eCopy of this book, via Netgalley and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis
Seren Maddison left behind a rainy Britain to follow her dreams and live and work in Lisbon. The vibrancy, the beautiful scenery and the sunshine, made her fall in love and she knew, instantly, that it would be her forever home.
International artist Reid Henderson has homes in Lisbon and London. Following his painful divorce, his dream is to turn his luxurious home into an art school and gallery.
When Seren and Reid first meet there is an instant attraction, but they are both people who have been hurt, and each have dreams that are so far apart, they aren’t even on the same page.
Can they enjoy one summer of happiness together, as life bestows a gift of memories to cherish for the rest of their lives? Or is their destiny to chart a path into the future, in a home where dreams can come true?
Seren and Reid may be about to discover that love is as much about what you are prepared to give up, as what you are prepared to keep hold of.
Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to sun-drenched Portugal where true love really can conquer all, and home is where the heart is. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.
Purchase Link: Amazon
About the Author
Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Summer in Provence and Snowflakes over Holly Cove. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.
Social Media Links – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
My Review
If you don’t know me, let me tell you something first. I was born and raised in the central coast of Portugal, in the Leiria District. That been said, you may already understand why I would be excited for this book, if you read the synopsis.
It’s always quite exciting when I read a book, one written in English, and I find Portuguese words in the mix. It’s also quite funny to read “river Tagus” when it has always been “Tejo” for me. It all makes my polyglot brain excited and happy.
In the middle of all those words, we follow Seren Maddison and a group of artists – including Reid Henderson, the love interest in this romance. The artistic side of the story adds this interesting element to the plot. I loved that and I wished it was true and I could see all the artwork in real life.
Honestly the multicultural elements in the book was what truly got me. Portugal is a country of diversity, although people tend to forget about that. And nowadays with the globalization, the migration flow, the big cities, like Lisboa, tend to have more culture represented in the streets. It’s in the art, architecture, in the voices, in the thoughts and tradition, and in the food and drinks.
The book made me have multiple feelings, sometimes at the same time, others it was as the story went. Usually, books that happened in other countries transport me to that place and it’s like a trip without living my room. And I’m sure many people felt that while reading this story because it was quite beautifully done, that I’m sure some readers googled all of the places mentioned and all the Portuguese things talked about, like the wine and Pastéis de Belém.
Let’s be honest, this is my country. Although I haven’t visit all of it, I have been to Lisboa plenty of times. I was already at home, so it didn’t transport me per say to Lisboa. BUT! It had another effect. It made me feeling as if I was on a trip to Lisboa with my French family or with friends that have never been there. It had that excitement because other were excited as well about the city, the people, the history and gastronomy.
Reading a book set in my country by a non-Portuguese author, makes me wonder about the research the write has done and why Portugal. Why Lucy Coleman picked my lovely, imperfect, sunny and rainy, country to set her story in. Maybe every aspect of the book related to Portugal is the reason. Why I think that? Because the book had this hospitality quality to it. Something I quite loved. Something I hope any tourist experiences while visiting Portugal.
Overall, It was a beautiful book. We don’t just fall in love with the characters, we fall in love with the entirety of the book. From the art to the people behind it. From the streets of busy Lisboa area to the interactions between the characters. From the love, to family, to friends and to new adventures in a different country.
The Villa of Dreams. A Vila dos Sonhos. And that truly was the perfect title for this book. For me, sonhos is just the start. “E agora eu finalmente sei o que significa felicidade… para sempre.” To my English speaker friends, that have read the book, you may know what that sentence means, to those that haven’t, it’s a good opportunity to read it.
Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their reviews.
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Love,
Jess
Jess Bookish Life 