Book Synopsis:
Set in the exotic city of Havana on the cusp of revolution, an English woman discovers mystery, romance and scandal in the atmospheric new novel by Rachel Rhys for fans of DINAH JEFFRIES, LUCINDA RILEY and SANTA MONTEFIORE
1957: Iris Bailey is bored to death of working in the typing pool and living with her parents in Hemel Hempstead. A gifted portraitist with a talent for sketching party guests, she dreams of becoming an artist. So she can’t believe her luck when socialite Nell Hardman invites her to Havana to draw at the wedding of her Hollywood director father.
Far from home, she quickly realizes the cocktails, tropical scents and azure skies mask a darker reality. As Cuba teeters on the edge of revolution and Iris’s heart melts for troubled photographer Joe, she discovers someone in the charismatic Hardman family is hiding a terrible secret. Can she uncover the ugly truth behind the glamour and the dazzle before all their lives are torn apart?
Island Of Secrets is available in ebook now and will be published in paperback on the 25th June 2020. You can purchase or pre-order your copy using the link below.
My Review:
Island Of Secrets is an atmospheric and captivating historical read which I absolutely adored.
This author has an amazing ability to perfectly capture a setting so that the reader feels fully transported there so its like they are experiencing everything alongside the characters. Havana has always held some intrigue for me as it’s such a secretive country with a fascinating history so I really enjoyed learning more about the country and what it was really like, especially the huge divide between the rich and poor, the American influence that helped run the country and of course the revolution which changed things for country.
I wasn’t completely sure I liked Iris the main character as she frustrated me with her naivety and some of the dubious decisions she makes. It’s very obvious that she’s in over her head but instead of feeling sympathy for her I felt frustrated and wished she just wise up! The rest of the characters were interesting ones who all managed to bring a different element to the story. I really liked how the author let’s the reader slowly get to know them so that you are given time to make up your own opinions. I think that helped make the story seem more realistic and ensured that I kept reading as I was very intrigued about where the story was going.
The tension and intrigue in this book slowly increases as it becomes more obvious that there are lots of secrets and history lurking beneath the surface. Danger seems to be everywhere and I found myself completely gripped watching the various storylines unfold. The Island setting helps create an almost claustrophobic feel to the story which along with the heat and the brewing revolution helps give the impression that Iris and the other characters are hemmed in and trapped. The ending was very well executed and a very satisfying way to end everything.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Transworld for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
About The Author:
RACHEL RHYS is the pen-name of a much-loved psychological suspense author. She is the author of the Richard and Judy bookclub pick, Dangerous Crossing and the bestselling A Fatal Inheritance. Her latest novel is the immersive Island of Secrets. Rachel Rhys lives in North London with her family.
Over The Rainbow Blog 
Thanks so much for the blog tour support xx
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