Blurb:
1973. Cecilia “CiCi” Freemont has a restless soul and the voice of an angel. Leaving her privileged upbringing behind, she chases her dreams to the sandy beaches of an unspoiled Hawaiian paradise, Harbor Island. But life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for the island’s young heir-apparent and her newfound adventure becomes too much to bear…
2017. Investigative journalist Tina Templeton has dedicated herself to the pursuit of truth. But when she inherits Harbor Island, her career plans take a confusing twist. Managing the sprawling island estate is tough business even with the help of aging cabaret singer, CiCi Freemont. Especially when a massive ecological disaster threatens to destroy her beautiful beaches—and the responding coast guard captain steals her heart.
As the investigation into the disaster reveals a 40-year-old mystery that could change their lives forever, will Tina find love among the secrets, or will CiCi’s painful past dash her dreams on the rocks?
Island of Secrets is an epic love story. If you like generations-spanning drama, characters with hidden pasts, heart-warming romance and intrigue, then you’ll love Diane Demetre’s powerful romantic mystery in paradise.
Links :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J5CSHPS
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07J5CSHPS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07J5CSHPS
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07J5CSHPS
https://luminositypublishing.com/book/island-of-secrets/
https://www.bookstrand.com/island-of-secrets
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/899908
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Diane_Demetre_Island_of_Secrets?id=tIhxDwAAQBAJ
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/island-of-secrets-16
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/island-of-secrets-diane-demetre/1129715424?ean=2940155837329
https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/island-of-secrets/id1438526411?mt=11
Paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/1999306619
My Musings :
Source : Review copy from Rachel's Random Resources
Date read : January 12, 2019
Rating : 4/5
Reread factor : 3/5
When I came across the blurb and saw that it was tagged as a romantic mystery, I was really interested in it. I was in the mood for something which would appeal to my mind. Frankly I was expecting a present day scenario with a look into solving a past mystery.But what I got was a book with a tale of love with bits and pieces of mystery interspersed among the chapters.
When I started it, I actually didn't like CiCi - a carefree and passionate woman, estranged from her family and on an adventure of seeking her life. None of what I have listed above made me dislike her. But her naivety had me questioning her worldliness and her character. But as the story progressed, I pitied and felt sorry for her. I could relate to her heart ache. And towards the end, I envied her for her long lasting love.
Dickie evoked a lot of emotions in me. I quite liked him. But his confusion had me heart broken and that extended in part to CiCi. Vickie,though playing an important part, was kept in the background whereas I felt she could have been used in a more prominent role. She became the focal point in the latter part of the book. Tina, though seeming like a protagonist, is yet another part of the supporting cast. The main protagonist is the Island and the love which blossomed there. All the characters, even CiCi and Dickie are secondary to it.
I know I said this isn't a full mystery but as for the first part of the book, the days CiCi spent on the Island as a young woman, has an air of secrecy. And that compelled me to continue reading and when it was revealed, it left me a bit deflated. But the overall effect achieved by the author's writing was perfect to keep me in suspense. The second part of the book is more in tune with the romantic vibe though this period too has a couple of secrets to keep me going. Now this part I really didn't expect and was a pleasant surprise near the end. Overall, the author has permeated an enigmatic feel into the story which works quite well to keep a reader immersed and turning the pages.
The way the author has used words to get the imagery right when describing the setting and the way she has pulled on the heart strings with her language makes for a well written book. I felt various emotions while reading, from disappointment to poignant joy. There is a keen sense of loss throughout the book in addition to the love. The final chapter had me smiling in spite of the pain in my heart. It was touching and had me in a melancholic hold. All the elements together gave me a few hours of good entertainment.
If I had a chance to read the author's works in the future I would definitely take it up because of her writing style. If you like poignant love stories with a mysterious feel, this book is for you!
My one line review : A poignant love story with a mysterious feel!
Meet the Author :
Diane began her career as a school teacher before moving into the entertainment industry as a choreographer, director, event manager, dancer and actress, working in television and live theatre, and managing multi-million dollar productions.
Following her onstage career, she spent many years as a stress & life skills therapist, keynote speaker and presenter, appearing on national radio and television.
When she launched into a writing career, Diane’s debut erotic romance series, the Dance of Love was voted Luminosity Publishing Readers’ Choice Best Books and Best Covers for 2015 and 2016.
Her romantic suspense, Retribution won the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Pro Award 2017 for Best Unpublished Manuscript. Diane loves to write genre-busting stories with a twist. Her works are packed with emotional punch and feature empowered heroines who live life to the fullest, much like the author herself.
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I really enjoyed this one too.
ReplyDeleteYes! I am eyeing one of her other books..
DeleteSounds like an interesting read thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGemma @ www.gemmasbooknook.blogspot.com
It definitely is..
DeleteShucks, I'm kicking myself for passing this one by!
ReplyDeleteIt happens.. I have felt that way too!
DeleteSounds good, maybe off the cut of what I usually read, but maybe I'll try it
ReplyDeleteIf you do, I am sure you will enjoy it..
DeleteSounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it!
DeleteGreat review, there aren't many romantic mysteries out there - Well not that I've come across many.
ReplyDeleteme neither.. This is one of those..
DeleteGreat review, this is actually the first time I have heard about this book and it looks and sounds really great and very intriguing. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book that I could get into :) I've only read a couple romantic mysteries so it would be nice to add another to the list! Great review.
ReplyDelete