‘THE SECRETS OF SAINTE MADELEINE’ BY TILLY BAGSHAWE

 

I think it’s about time that I review another one of Tilly Bagshawe’s amazing books. Ever since I picked up ADORED in 2005 during a port stop in the Galapagos, I have been following her career. Her tales of the rich and the rotten always make for some fine escapist read. I would delve into anything by this woman, even her grocery list if it came to that. So it gives me such a great pleasure to help her—via NetGalley and her publisher—launch her latest novel called THE SECRETS OF SAINTE MADELEINE which is now available from HarperCollins as you read this.

 

Starting in the 1920s and spanning over 50 years, THE SECRETS OF SAINTE MADELEINE sizzles with its tale of lost love and second chances. It introduces the Salignac clan who are proud owners of a rich vineyard in Burgundy, France. When the goings get tough early on into the story, the egotistic, irresponsible alcoholic patriarch has no choice but to sell off the many farms around the vineyard, a decision that does not bode well for the family, especially the middle son who ends up making a fast getaway to the States. Soon the younger daughter follows suit, landing up in Paris, eventually marrying a wealthy but domineering Greek playboy whom she comes to hate. That leaves the introverted and misunderstood older son who just happens to be gay and who finds himself having the hots for the local priest. All this is just a smidge of what awaits the reader. Add an impossible love affair between a French woman and a Nazi officer, the lost of a child from a fatal disease, the execution of a wannabe lover for high treason... and you got yourself one juicy family saga you won’t want to miss.

 

Tilly Bagshawe has certainly made a thorough research, since the novel is filled with many insightful historical moments (mostly of war and politics) which naturally add a touch of realism to the already engaging plot and subplots. As expected, the narrative is top notch, as are the characters who may be abundant in supply but always remain authentic and transparent. Even the chateau of Sainte Madeleine is a character on its own, with its magnificent splendor; the many acres of vineyard surrounding it and its in-book alliance to The Legend of the Butterfly allegory (beautifully told, I might add). Suffice to say the reader is in good hands with this epic, well-paced, fascinating novel. 

 

Oh yes, drop everything and go grab THE SECRETS OF SAINTE MADELEINE. Let’s make this one another best-seller for this talented lady. She sure deserves it. If you’re already a fan I doubt you will be left disappointed. If you are new to her work this is a great place to start. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.

 

 

Until next post—Martin 

 

'GOODNIGHT, VIENNA' BY MARIUS GABRIEL

 

Working on reviews for this blog is not always as cheery as I’d like it to be. Blame this primarily on the arrival of COVID which has made free time almost impossible for health care workers like I who, despite time restrictions, are still trying to make a go of it somehow at their daily lives. So forgive me if my craftsmanship is not as polished as it should be. The passion is still there however, as you’ll probably see while reading this next spotlighted review of GOODNIGHT, VIENNA (now available from Lake Union Publishing) taken from my Goodreads account.  So here it goes.

"Engaging historical romance set in Austria during the German invasion. As expected, this latest by prolific Marius Gabriel has a solid narrative and characterization. I especially enjoyed the character of the troubled child who in the hands of the governess/would-be doctor flourishes into a lovely human being.  Aside from the topic of the imminent arrival of WW2, Gabriel’s focus on behavioral issues in children, supported by real-life historical figures like Freud and Asperger who appear in the story, gives the novel an extra oomph to make the reading experience all the more worthwhile. The romance between the protagonist and her employer feels a bit hurried but the overall delivery is quite impressive. Definitely recommended, especially to those seeking emotionally-driven efforts. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC."

I still own many unread books by this author (excluding his Madeleine Ker pseudonym) and I am thrilled about that. I can't wait to delve into them. In the meantime I’ll do my very best to continue delivering reviews of books, movies or miniseries, whatever strikes my fancy. And you know it strikes often. And thanks for being there. It pleases me more than you know.

 

Until next post—Martin