Wednesday 15 April 2020

Book Review ~ Things We Choose to Hide by Jane Riddell



50544743. sy475
2019

My thanks to the author for my ecopy of this book


Rachel Grosvenor is staying with friends in Florence whilst recovering from a broken relationship. During a traumatic incident, she meets Tommaso Vitale, an attractive Sicilian businessman and is drawn to him. Within weeks, despite her friends’ concerns, they are married. By the end of their Italian honeymoon, however, Rachel discovers that her new husband has been less than honest with her. As time goes on, she stumbles upon more unpleasant secrets in his life and is faced with ethical dilemmas. Based in Scotland, Italy and India, this is the story of one woman’s experience of deception, jealousy and finding love in unexpected places.


What did I think about it..

Rachel Grosvenor meets a charismatic Italian man and is immediately swept away by his charm and consideration which is so unlike the English boyfriend she has just split from. This whirlwind romance is everything Rachel wants, and despite the reservations of her friends, she commits to living in Italy with Tommaso. What then follows is  complex story which spans several years and which will see Rachel and Tommaso's relationship change and develop over time.

I have enjoyed getting to know both Rachel and Tommaso and the author does a great job of keeping their complicated story line quite vivid. There is much to take in, both in terms of plot and action, and I particularly enjoyed the changing landscape, sometimes in Scotland, occasionally in India, but mostly set on the beautiful Amalfi coast in Italy. Filled with sunshine and shadows, Things We Choose to Hide looks at the minutiae of a marriage made in haste and of those secrets we hide which when exposed will cause such heartbreak.

Evocatively written, with a thoughtful way of describing people, places and relationships, this is one of those lovely stories which makes you feel as though you are actually travelling along the same journey as the characters, and which brings the emotion and drama to life in quite a meaningful and thought provoking way.





Jane Riddell


Jane Riddell grew up in Glasgow but defected to Edinburgh in her thirties, after living in Australia and New Zealand. For years she worked for the NHS as a dietitian and health promoter. In 2006 she impulsively moved to France, and during her three years there writing became a passion. Jane writes realistic contemporary novels, humorous novellas and has also published an editing guide.



Twitter @JaneRiddell









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