In 2019 Grace’s memories from childhood are stirred by the sound of a melody. Her home in 1950’s England was a Spanish House. A house with secrets.
1920’s England…loveable, likeable Simon receives a letter on the eve of his twenty-first birthday. A letter that will change the course of his life.
Dainty, demure Olivia has so much to be thankful for: a doting husband, a beautiful house and a thriving business…but a nagging doubt. In the last years of the Roaring Twenties this doubt is compounded by the discovery of a discarded item.
Elise has known many harsh blows in her young life. Returning to her home in Madrid in 1922, she knows she must pick herself up and move on. Can she continue to live in this Spanish House? The arrival of a visitor creates a new dimension for her.
Spanish House Secrets is a story of love, life, loss, jealousy and forgiveness set in the twentieth century.
Purchase Links: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915338875 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/1915338875
Author Bio
Susan Gray lives with her husband in northeast England. She has a son and daughter, both married, two granddaughters and a grand dog. After a career in primary teaching, she embraced retirement fulfilling her ambition to travel, attend Wimbledon and write a novel. She enjoys reading, walking, crafting, doing puzzles, catching up with friends over a coffee and being a gran. She has written several novels – Spanish House Secrets is the first to be published.
Why Should You Read This?
“Spanish House Secrets” by Susan Gray is a delightful novel that seamlessly weaves together mystery, romance, and hidden secrets. The narrative unfolds across two countries and multiple timelines, creating a captivating story that spans four decades.
Set in England in 2019, the novel introduces Grace, whose childhood memories are stirred by a familiar melody. As she explores her 1950s childhood home, a Spanish house with intriguing secrets, she becomes determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding its construction and its builders.
The story takes us back to England in 1921, where Simon, a loveable and likeable character, receives a life-altering letter on the eve of his twenty-first birthday. The unexpected inheritance he discovers unravels secrets about his birth, leading to sibling jealousy. Simon’s decision to build a replica of his Spanish property in England sets the stage for a dual life, as he becomes both English Simon and Spanish Simon. The narrative beautifully explores the complexities of love, business, and family ties as Simon navigates his way through two different worlds.
The novel also transports us to Spain in 1922, where Elise, having experienced hardship, returns to her home near Madrid. The arrival of a visitor introduces a new dimension to her life, adding layers to the overall storyline.
Gray expertly crafts the characters, each with their unique struggles and desires. Olivia, in 1920s England, faces the challenges of love and doubt against the backdrop of a thriving business and a beautiful house. The author’s attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of each era bring the settings to life.
“Spanish House Secrets” is a tale of enduring love, painful loss, and surprising secrets. The narrative is richly textured, and the interplay of characters over the years adds depth to the story. Gray’s writing style is engaging, making the book a heartwarming and enjoyable read. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery and romance will find this novel to be a satisfying and immersive experience, earning it a well-deserved four stars.
