I absolutely found myself immersed in Patricia Wilson’s writing in her novel Island of Secrets and I was eager for a new release so I could get lost in her wonderful descriptive writing again. When I read the synopsis for her new release Villa of Secrets it sounded so promising and I couldn’t wait to begin.

Sisters Naomi and Rebecca have been estranged for years after a family dispute lead to Rebecca leaving Rhodes to live in Bromley in England. The women now live very different lives but both face their own struggles but this must be put aside when their Grandma Bubba has a stroke and important information has come to light that requires the family to come together and it is time to truly get to know their dear Bubba through her diaries.

This storyline was told from the past and the present and I have to say although I loved both telling's. the present was told from Dora’s personal diaries and it was these memoires that I enjoyed the most. The author has such a skilled way of weaving the past and present together to create such a compelling storyline that flows perfectly. I am not a great fan of storylines told from dual time zones but this book is definitely an exception.

I loved the comforting and communal feel I got from the setting in Rhodes where Naomi and Bubba live, with friends passing by whereas when we meet Rebecca in Bromley which in itself was a shock to see somewhere so close to where I live appear in a novel it felt so cold and lonely a complete contrast to what I loved from Rhodes.

Through Dora’s diary we get to see great insight into what devastation she faced during her fight for survival and desperation to do her part to end the war so she could be reunited with her family. Dora was a remarkable young woman who had to grown up hard and fast. She was a selfless and courageous young woman who suffered through so much loss and her honesty and at times confusing emotions that she shares within her pages really touched my heart. How someone can face so much heartache through their lives and manage to conceal this from those around them is such a selfless act.

The ending of this book was such a poignant part and really brought a lump to my throat. I love this authors descriptive writing style and her storylines are so captivating I can not wait to see what her third novel will bring.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and hard to put down. I liked how it linked the two different eras and how the 'secret' was woven into both. I was not aware of how Crete was affected by WW2 and would now really want to visit even more as really do love Greece and exploring. Recommend this book, especially if you enjoy 'sagas' with a little mystery.

Great holiday read
It grips you from the very first page.
What I loved about it is that to many who were born in the later half of the twenty first century and the beginning of this century this is a history lesson in the horrors of the World War Two and it’s far reaching effect of the plight of Jews all around the world . It demonstrates how even today the current generation are still effected by the atrocities inflicted on their family.
It is a love story that has crossed generations and the bravery of people when faced with evil and desperate odds.
Loved it just could not put it down.

Given that Island of Secrets, the incredible début novel from Patricia Wilson, was one of my favourite books of 2017, to say I was eager for the publication of Villa of Secrets would be a massive understatement. Writing in the historical fiction genre, Patricia, seamlessly blends the past with the present helping her characters to bring long held secrets to the fore and in doing so creates a story that is increasingly difficult to put down. Admittedly I did read this book in two halves, I was enjoying the story but then life and other commitments got in the way and I am afraid this book was left to one side for several weeks. Up until the point at which I stopped I did think this was a good story but I was still waiting for that moment that I experienced while reading book one, that pivotal point that sets this book apart from anything I have recently read, that makes me want to shout about it from the rooftops.

I was slightly worried that I hadn't got that vibe yet so I did return to finish Villa of Secrets with some slight trepidation. I needn't have had any as once again the author really ramped up the pace in what I am calling part two even though the book was not divided into sections. Once I picked the book up for the second time it wasn't left out off my hands until I had finished it. I think the time I took away from the book only enhanced my enjoyment once I got stuck back into Dora and her granddaughter's lives. There were plenty of twists and turns, surprises and heartache and one major twist I didn't see coming. In fact said twist left me frustrated as it left me with one big question on my lips which I would love to know the author's viewpoint on and why she left things the way she did?

The setting this time for Villa of Secrets is the island of Rhodes, in the present day, and during World War Two under Italian and then German occupation. Throughout the story there is fantastic, glorious imagery of the island and also much detail regarding the history and how actions of people in the past play an important role on those living in the present. It felt like I was almost there on the island especially during the wars years as Dora takes on a vital, dangerous and courageous role. The island became her workplace of sorts and hiding in an old shepherds hut on the mountain was the centre from which so much happened in her life. In the present day Naomi is caring for her grandmother Bubba, it soon becomes apparent as Naomi reads through her grandmother's diaries that Bubba was Dora.

Bubba although recovering slowly from a stroke is still as sharp as ever. Yet the memories and pain of the past still deeply affect her today. Her experiences during the war and what she witnessed and endured have always had a forbearing on the way she reacts to people, particularly to Fritz, the husband of her granddaughter Rebecca now living in London. Rebecca has not seen or spoken to her family in many years. Harsh words were said which were aimed to hurt and are very difficult to retract. But times are changing and as a court case is about to be heard in relation to property stolen from people during the war, maybe now is the time for the family to reunite. A time to put the past to rest and to bed for once and for all but to do this we must go back and read Bubba's story through her diaries, to allow both Rebecca and Naomi to make sense of everything.

As we are taken back to July 1944, we are told Bubba's story in her own words. At all times she had a diary and would write in it, to keep memories fresh be they good or bad. Dora is like any other girl living in Paradissi village, well she should be except for the war that has changed all of her family and friends lives forever. When she couldn't think that things would get any worse her family are brutally torn apart, all because of their religion and heritage. Suffice to say Dora and her sister Evangelisa are the only ones left on the island. One through fate and Dora through sheer courage and bravery putting herself in the utmost of danger.

From this point on the innocence of youth is forever gone for Dora and she grew up very very quickly. I couldn't imagine the youth of today taking on such a challenge. For a quest is what it was, a challenge to be reunited with her family and relatives, Dora would not rest until they were together again. She wanted to play her part in winning the war, no matter how big or small that role was to be. In doing so she encounters many things which were shocking but definitely needed to be included in the story to show just how courageous this girl was in the face of so much danger and adversity.

Dora was taken on a journey, one which she would not have planned for herself but, in trying to stop the Germans exerting further control and in a bid to save the people she loves so dearly, Dora will make many sacrifices. To say much more regarding Dora's experiences during the war would take away from the story. Patricia Wilson did such an amazing job of bringing that time to life and I felt every bit of the fear, pain, anger, nervousness and at times passion that Dora goes through. She is helped by people who can see the strong traits she possesses. Of course there has to be an element of romance and to say the least it was very bittersweet and heartbreaking, it felt so real, so passionate and the ultimate surprise that tied everything together made me go ah that was lovely but god I wanted things to work out differently.

In the present day Bubba is very much moulded by the secrets of the past she holds within herself but still that feisty, strong nature is still evident. She has been through an awful lot in her life, yes during the war but also in the years that followed it. At all times she was selfless and put others needs very much before her own. Taking in and raising her granddaughters after tragedy struck was just one example of such an act. I think the strand of the story set during the war years slightly edged out the present day timeline for me but I did enjoy how one was necessary to bring the other full circle in an attempt to bring about resolution and a deeper understanding on all sides.

Naomi was so tender and caring towards Bubba whilst at the same time balancing many things in her life. I felt she struggled with her husband working away and at times felt under pressure. Her sister Rebecca is conspicuous in her absence but has Bubba something up her sleeve that will make Rebecca return to the island? I understood Naomi was there as a support and anchor for Bubba but I did think she didn't have as vital a role to play as other characters. I did like her but she wasn't always at the forefront of my thinking when it came to slotting pieces of the puzzle together or understanding subtle hints dropped throughout the story. Many of which I missed considering I never saw the biggest surprise of all coming from a mile away.

Rebecca in London is tormented by the fact her struggles to have a child are only ever increasing. She loves Fritz and that love is reciprocated but it is under immense strain and pressure. When strange parcels start arriving in the post, is this just another thing to put more worry on Rebecca or will she give in to the calling card in the packages? Rebecca needed time away from her situation and to reconnect with her family, to push the water under the bridge and accept forgiveness. To understand how the actions of one warrior in the past led the family to the point they are at today. Can resolution be found for all involved? Will everyone change their opinions once the truth finally emerges? Will the property lost to the family be returned to them?

So many questions, so many twists and turns and things you would never have thought possible. All these combine to make for another excellent read from Patricia Wilson, she has proven what writing talent she has. She is no one hit wonder as the 'difficult' second book didn't come across as being challenging more so as if it was an exciting, thrilling writing journey, yes tinged with bitterness and sadness for what happened to the people of Rhodes and the neighbouring islands during the war but still the author has turned the spotlight on a time in history that many need to read and understand about. Villa of Secrets had the perfect blend of fiction with historical fact and the story was told with tact and sensitivity. Definitely a highly recommended read, now when is Patricia's next book out?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this fantastic book.

After saying that Island of Secrets was my favourite book of 2017 I was excited and a little apprehensive about reading Villa of Secrets, just in case it didn’t live up to the previous book. There was absolutely no reason to worry as I was gripped from the first chapter.

It’s a powerful captivating love story about a young Jewish girl’s bravery during WW2. A story of unbelievable atrocities, courage and the struggle to survive and of friendship and devotion, love, loss, and tragedy. Literally breath-taking in parts, it's a book you'll get lost in and certainly one you won't forget.

I think I am going to struggle to find another book that beats this to being my favourite book of 2018.

Wow. This book has everything I love... World War 2 historical fiction, relationships, a great setting, a good flow between present and past chapters, excitement, tragedy and struggles, and yet at the same time a sense of hope for the characters’ futures and moments of happiness between trials too. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this and am very grateful to NetGalley and publisher for the read in exchange for an honest review.

Villa of Secrets is far more than just a good read. It's a journey, an adventure and an epic love story.

In Paradissi, a village in Rhodes, Naomi looks after her grandmother who is recovering after a recent stroke. She is given some old diaries to read and so discovers the truth about the horrors endured by the Jews living on the island during the war.

Meanwhile, in London, Naomi's estranged sister, Rebecca, receives several strange packages from Rhodes. Her future in turmoil, she returns to the island ten years after the terrible fight that had caused her to leave. Reunited, the sisters begin to uncover their grandmother's incredible past.

This book encompasses it all. Tales of unbelievable atrocities, courage and the struggle to survive and of friendship and devotion, love, loss, and tragedy. It's a history lesson - a real eye-opener but it's also a truly exceptional love story. Literally breath-taking in parts, it's a book you'll get lost in and certainly one you won't forget.

This is the second book I have read by this author, I have previously read Island of Secrets. When Netgalley and the publisher kindly gave me the chance to read Patricia's latest story for an honest review I was really excited.

The story is set mainly in Rhodes in present day but also through diaries in 1944, it tells the story of Bubba, Noami and Rebecca. Bubba gives her grand daughter Naomi her diaries to read. Bubba was a Jew living in Rhodes when the Nazis sent her family away to concentration camps and how Bubba became a freedom fighter.

Although this is fiction the Jews in Rhodes were sent to concentration camps and their property taken away.

This book is a page Turner, at times I found it hard to put down. I would highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction.

A book depicting the deportation of Jews during the war is not where you would first go when thinking of a summer holiday read, but while Villa of Secrets deals with some horrific things and is inspired by real events, it also gives some beautiful and evocative descriptions of modern-day Rhodes.

I consider myself to be fairly well-informed when it comes to history, but every day is a school day, and I was interested to learn more about Rhodes and the experiences of its citizens during the war. For instance, did you know that between the wars, Rhodes belonged to Italy? I had no idea… Alongside these new bits of information, is an epic family story in which two grand-daughters learn about the incredibly courageous deeds done by their grandmother under German occupation.

The novel was structured really well, with the modern-day sections interspersed with diary entries made by Pandora Cohen who was able to escape the mass deportation of Jewish Rhodians and survive in the mountains as a member of the Greek resistance. Although Pandora is not real, her story is modelled on a real-life woman who had similar experiences. There are also some interesting notes and further links at the back of the book to allow readers to explore the inspirations for the novel further.

It struck me that the novel was obviously impeccably researched, but it did not try to cram all that research into the narrative. Real historical fact and indicators of the time were included, but worked well alongside the original characters and situations. I love it when this is done well and it was a big plus on this novel for me.

What’s obvious in this novel is the very strong women at its core; strong-willed Rebecca, Naomi who is looking after everyone at the expense of her own interests and Pandora, who lost so much during the war and sacrificed herself again to raise her grand-daughters, form a tight and formidable family unit and their relationships are complex, infuriating and very true to life!

So in summary, if you’re planning your summer reading, Villa of Secrets would be a great addition to your list.

A fascinating read and when I knew it was inspired by a true story of resistance, then I was sold. I really think stories like this are clever, weaving fact and fiction into the mix. The words were very nicely chosen and used to evoke both the stunning landscape of Greece and Rhodes with the ugly stain on its soul.

The real strength of this novel lies in its past story of Bubba. Her resistance work, her character, her strength and sheer determination. This was where the story of the war and the chaos and dangers of that time were gripping. The author has clearly done her research and the novel drew me in.

The present day story wasn’t as interesting as I personally didn’t feel that Rebecca’s story of IVF, heartbreaking and challenging as it was, didn’t really fit with the overall story. Having said that, the war sections and the story overall is very strong so I concentrated more on those.

Villa of Secrets was a very rich tapestry of truth and fiction, of fear and fascination about a period of history that we don't always get to hear about. Remarkable that it was inspired by real life events. The author has really woven a rich, immersive picture!

I’ve read both Patricia’s novels now and am already looking forward to her next one. I learn a lot and have a really good escape from reality when doing it!