This suspenseful novel takes place in a isolated elegant villa located in the Italian Lake District. The mystery is based on theft and smuggling, surrounding a play, a compassionate employer and a promising young actress. The author weaves two stories, past and present together that draws you in. You will want to visit Italy after reading this book!
I have recently discovered this author; this is the second book I have read by her and she does a wonderful job writing a page-turning, involving, suspenseful book with characters you care about. Very enjoyable and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. While this book is classified as romantic suspense, the emphasis is on suspense with just a dash of romance and a touch of history and European locales.
Celia Sands, a 20-something actress, was named after another famous Celia Sands so she uses the name Celia Sullivan. The original Celia Sands' lover wrote a play for her but she vanished before the play was performed. And everytime the play has been attempted since then, something happens to prevent its being staged.
Celia is approached by the playwrite's grandson. He is putting up the money to have the play performed at the villa his grandfather owned in Italy. The only catch is that Celia must use her given name.
Celia was raised more by Rupert, a famous stage director and his partner Bryan, than she ever was by her selfish actress mother. Rupert is going to be the director of this play so she decides to go along with it.
What ensues is a mystery. What happened to the first Celia? Why can this play never be staged? When they get to Italy, Celia learns that another of the players is her mother's long time nemesis, someone Celia has always felt guilty towards.
This reads like a modern Gothic Novel. Young woman, "haunted" house, several men who appear to be vying for her attention.
Extremely well done, this was a captivating read.
Celia is approached by the playwrite's grandson. He is putting up the money to have the play performed at the villa his grandfather owned in Italy. The only catch is that Celia must use her given name.
Celia was raised more by Rupert, a famous stage director and his partner Bryan, than she ever was by her selfish actress mother. Rupert is going to be the director of this play so she decides to go along with it.
What ensues is a mystery. What happened to the first Celia? Why can this play never be staged? When they get to Italy, Celia learns that another of the players is her mother's long time nemesis, someone Celia has always felt guilty towards.
This reads like a modern Gothic Novel. Young woman, "haunted" house, several men who appear to be vying for her attention.
Extremely well done, this was a captivating read.
