☼Summer Reading ~ The Summer Holiday by S E Lynes

Destination  .... SPAIN ☼

Bookouture
9 May 2023

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

One loving couple. One surprise guest. One week to destroy everything…

When the doorbell rings, I take one last look round the villa. The nuts and olives are in bowls; the white wine is chilling in the fridge; everything is ready for my old college friend, the guest I’m dying to impress.

When I open the door, Coco steps from the dusty street into the cool tiled hall, as effortlessly beautiful as ever. But then her face freezes in horror, her mouth falling open. I turn to see my husband Jeff behind me, his eyes wide, his cheeks pale.

After a moment, they both smile, pretending nothing happened at all. But I know what I saw.

This holiday was meant to rescue my marriage, not ruin it.

But the connection between my friend and my husband isn’t what I thought.

All three of us have something to lose, and something to fight for.

And when the truth comes out, not all of us will survive...

☼ My Review

Kate and Jeff are spending time at their holiday villa on the Costa Blanca. From the outset you get the impression that Kate and Jeff are not really comfortable with the idea of spending time with each other as Jeff is work obsessed which leaves Kate no option but to wander aimlessly with no real focus. When Kate spots Coco Moss, a familiar face from their college days, she decides to surprise Jeff by arranging a surprise visit from Coco, which, as it turns out, opens up a whole can of worms which would have been so much better if left undisturbed.

This is a really clever psychological thriller which turns the minutiae of a marriage inside out and which opens up the past to vicious scrutiny. It was so meticulously plotted that I really couldn't put the book down without wanting to know a little bit more. It is so cleverly plotted that I can well imagine this translating to a compelling TV drama as not only is it set against the backdrop of a beautifully described Spanish coastal resort but it also has an element of suspense which is present from the very start and the twists and turns don't lose pace, or momentum, until this compellingly, addictive story is told. I’m deliberately being vague about the ins and outs of the plot as this really is a story which is better read with no idea of where the plot is heading, that way you will be just as surprised as I was when the whole thing has played out in really vivid detail.

Absolutely fabulous from start to finish, The Summer Holiday is the ultimate holiday read and  just perfect escapism either poolside or relaxing in the garden ☼

About the Author

Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, S. E. Lynes became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing.

Twitter @SELynesAuthor #ThatSummerHoliday

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