September 6, 2024 – My Sanctuary

Beneath The Lemon Trees By Emma Burstall

A magical villa. A life-changing summer…

Heartbroken after the loss of a friend and the collapse of her marriage, Stella hopes that this trip to the idyllic Greek island of Crete will give her and her family a chance to heal. And when she first steps into the breath-taking Villa Ariadne, with its views over the azure waters and intoxicating scent of lemons, Stella’s troubles seem to melt away.

Until the arrival of an old acquaintance, and an unwelcome revelation, threaten to undermine the peace at the villa, and Stella is forced to make a difficult decision.

But with the help of Crete’s beautiful scenery and the kindness of its locals, Stella is about to discover that Villa Ariadne can still offer an escape… and so much more. Can she open herself up to the possibility of love and find the strength to start again?

When your old life ceases to exist, it’s time to build a new one…

It’s early summer on the French Riviera when Vivienne Wilson arrives for a one-woman writers’ retreat after her philandering husband informs her that their 30-year marriage is over.

There to collect the shell-shocked Vivienne is recently widowed Maxine Zonszain, who is struggling to come to terms with her empty life following the sudden death of her husband.

Florist extraordinaire, Olivia Murray, shares the Villa that Vivienne is renting. She’s pretty content with life – but longs to meet ‘The One’.

Life under the summer sun in Antibes becomes a challenging time for all three women. Secrets are shared, problems are halved as they forge new and unexpected friendships and embark on new adventures.

Sometimes life’s surprises turn out to be unwanted but just sometimes the ‘new normal’ makes for a happier life than the one lost.

About The Author

My Review

Vivienne, a successful author, heads to the Riviera for solitude to finish her book, only to be blindsided by her husband’s announcement of ending their marriage for someone else. In Antibes, she finds solace in newfound friendships with Maxine, recently widowed, and Olivia, the florist downstairs. As Vivienne stands up to her husband’s demands, the story explores her emotional journey alongside her friends’ personal challenges. Set against the backdrop of the Riviera, the novel offers armchair travel with vibrant descriptions of the region’s allure. With themes of fresh starts and resilience, this beautifully written tale, complete with real characters and a satisfying conclusion, is a delightful summer read recommendation.

My Rating