This book was really two stories in one. There's the story of Briony and her mother (Valerie) and their relationship which is intertwined with a story about Valerie's relationships as she was growing up. Briony finds out that Valerie has been keeping a secret from her and drama ensues from there. I found this book hard to read at times because I didn't like the characters but I still wanted to know how it ended. However, the author paints a gorgeous picture of the scenery and made me want to travel.

I received this book from Net Galley. ( )

On the anniversary of her father's death when she was a small child, Briony McAllister, young wife and mother, is helping her mother Valerie Harris settle into her new vacation home in southern Spain. In looking through an old photo album, she discovers a letter--to herself, from her paternal grandmother, Tessa Egan.

A letter Valerie never gave her.

A letter that reveals that Valerie has lied to her for years, about the real cause of the split between the Egan and Harris families after the death of Briony's father Jeffrey.

She never saw her paternal grandparents again after the death of her father, not because, as Valerie told her, they could not bear it, but because Valerie would not allow it.

Hurt, angry, and betrayed, Briony announces that she's going to take her daughter Katie, go home to Dublin, and cut Valerie out of their lives. She cannot forgive her for depriving her of the love of her fondly-remembered Gramma and Granddad Egan. But Katie loves her grandmother, Valerie. Can Briony do to Katie what Valerie did to her?

In a series of flashbacks, we discover what happened between Valerie and Tessa, and between Valerie and her own father, and the hurt, anger, and insecurity that have affected three generations of women. Valerie's friend and Briony's godmother, Lizzie, is steadfast throughout, and a lifeline to all involved.

The characters here are all complex and don't fit into neat little boxes. The best of them have some real and painful flaws that cause distress to their loved ones, and the worst of them have real love and concern, and the desire, if not always the ability, to do what's right for their loved ones.

Some of the most painful actions come from the best of intentions.

This is a rich and rewarding novel, and a great read, whether for a summer day on the beach, or a rainy afternoon at home.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley. ( )

On a crystal clear Mediterranean day, Briony McAllister sits playing with her four-year-old daughter, Katie, while she waits for her mother, Valerie, to join them. Valerie has recently moved to a picturesque town in southern Spain to finally leave behind her turbulent past and find a peace that has always eluded her. Briony has no idea that in a few moments' time her relationship with her mother will change irrevocably.

As Katie plays, Briony pulls from her bag an old photo album, found in a box in her mother's new home. As she begins to study the faded photos, a letter falls to the ground. It is addressed to her.

My Darling Briony, it begins …

Patricia Scanlan is a new author to me, and I was pleasantly surprised because from the cover I feared it might have been a bit too “Romantic” for me. The novel does have a romantic element as the central theme is the relationship between Valerie and Jeff. However just as important is the impact that their relationship has on their immediate family. When Valerie discovers she is pregnant it has far reaching consequences, in particular on her already failing relationship with her father and on her relationship with Jeff’s mother Tessa. This is complicated by the fact that this occurs in the 1980’s in a small, conservative and predominantly catholic village in the Republic of Ireland.

The novel explores the complex relationships between mothers, daughters and granddaughters, as well as mothers and sons. It exposes how the secrets and lies within both families have far reaching consequences across the generations. It serves to emphasise that often it is what is not spoken, that is as damaging as what is. The characters are not always likeable, but then that is what makes them more human and real, although at times I wanted to shout at them, I was drawn into what is an enjoyable read.

I received a copy of this book in return for a fair review.
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