Chris Penhall always delivers an uplifting read with vivid descriptions of picturesque places. This Algarvian setting will satisfy as an end-of-summer read.
Published by Ruby Fiction in June 2022 as part of the Portuguese Paradise series, this is Chris Penhall’s fourth book after winning, the Choc Lit Search for a Star competition (sponsored by Your Cat magazine) in 2019 for her debut novel The House That Alice Built. I interviewed Chris Penhall for Tomorrow in May 2020. This third book in her Portugal Paradise series, like the others, promises to deliver a great read, especially for those of us who reside here in the Algarve.
Layla, the main character, along with her Aunt Minnie, runs a yoga retreat in Lagos, full of mindfulness and meditation. Naturally, the opportunity for romance is heightened by the glorious summer sun, but “the course of true love never doth run smooth”.
Intruding the peace and tranquillity of the wellness retreat set up by her grandparents, Layla’s world is turned upside down by Luke, who needs to escape from his hot-shot career as a successful author. Luke moves into the villa next door in the hope of overcoming his writer’s block. And who better to restore his pen to paper than Layla, his neighbour and yoga guru? However, for her, he is a face from the past she would rather forget!
Chris Penhall’s characters are credible and well drawn by their differences. Arguably, the house itself, integral to the story/setting, is like a character, too, as it forms the epicentre of both family and choice and is central to what unfurls. Although romance is at the heart of the story, this is a novel about people’s passions, whether it’s dance for Aunt Minnie or health food for Layla. Equally, it’s about the importance of familial love and the relationships both aunt and niece have formed within their community. A testimony to family, love and friendship.
For those seeking a vacation, this is the book for you. Well-written and well-paced, it leaves you feeling fully satisfied and uplifted.
For the interview with Chris Penhall, go to tomorrowalgarve.com/may-2020
