Rose Alexander

I have to admit that the cover for Garden of Stars by Rose Alexander was probably a large reason for me to accept and read this book. That and my weakness for dual storylines. I just love books with two different timelines.

Garden of Stars is about two women, not related through blood, but they share a deep bond through love. Sarah Lacey is at a crossroad in life, she has for the last twenty years never gotten over the man she met in Portugal when she was young. Now, she is for the first time going back to Portugal and there he will be. But what about her marriage? She doesn't even know if she loves her husband anymore, but they have built a life together and have two daughters. Sarah's great-aunt Inês gives Sarah her diary and through it, she learns more about Inês, but she also learns that Inês has kept a secret for decades...

Sarah and Inê's life stories may be quite different, but they both faced difficult decisions in life and I loved how some things felt parallel, how they both have to make sacrifices and that sometimes you have to stop looking backward and look forward instead. Garden of Stars is a book that stayed with me after I turned the last page. I felt enriched after finishing the book. Like Inê's last piece of advice in the book not only was for Sarah but me as a reader as well.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!… (mais)

A wonderful historical family drama, spanning 20 years, set in Brazil and London. In 1890 Katharine and her husband, Anselmo, set off for the Amazon to build their rubber plantation business. Meanwhile Katharine’s sister, Mabel, is growing up in London and then becomes a ladies’ maid to the daughter of a rubber baron. As in all great stories, things don’t always go smoothly and there is quite the bumpy ride for them both!

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and book. The author brought the Amazon and the characters to life for me. It’s vividly described and it was all so easy to visualise in my mind. I loved Katharine, she’s a strong and resourceful woman. It’s well researched and the era is depicted superbly. I almost felt like I was there! A fabulous tale and easy to read, it will effortlessly transport you to another time and another place. It’s just right for reading in these uncertain times. Highly recommended.… (mais)

A poignant and heart-warming story set in Montenegro about the loss of a loved one, the many stages of grief and new beginnings.

This is an enjoyable and pleasant tale, although I did find the plot a little contrived at times. I wasn't too sure about how the five main characters came to meet up and live in the same house together. It seemed a little too good to be true! I did like all the individual personalities, however, especially Sophie and Ton and am glad there was a sense of light at the end of the tunnel for them.

It's well written and the imagery is beautifully vivid. The descriptions of Montenegro are very colourful and evocative. It sounds such a picturesque place and just from reading this book, it gives me a clear impression of what it would be like to visit. I could visualise the landscape easily in my mind.

It's a gentle tale with a touch of sadness threaded through it. The process of grief with its aftermath is excellently portrayed and is very realistic.

I would recommend Under an Amber Sky to those who enjoy a touching 'slice of life' drama set on sunny and scenic shores. An easy and engaging read.

Reviewed for TBC on Facebook.… (mais)

Garden of Stars is a beautifully written novel, set in London and Portugal. It tells the tale of Sarah Lacey, who returns to Portugal in 2010 wondering whether she will be able to discover the love she had lost 20 years earlier. She has been given a journal by her great aunt, Inês Bretão, who though born in the Alentejo, had married an Englishman in 1934. At first Sarah thinks that the life story of Inês is meant to guide her own actions but she begins to realise that there is a mystery to solve.

But Sarah’s story is also one of love and loss. There is passion and romance and also the quandary of modern family life, of too much work, not enough money and lack of communication. At home, her husband Hugo is looking after her beloved daughters Honor and Rose. In Portugal she has the chance of rediscovering Scott, her first love.

For me, the delight of this book is the description of places in Portugal, both in the 1930s and the 21st century. We visit a cork farm, a vineyard, Lisbon, Estoril and Porto. Both Inês and Sarah love the light, the beauty and the people of Portugal and when Sarah is reunited with Scott, he sums up his feelings in this way.

He had managed to get hold of tickets to see one of Portugal’s most famous fado singers, knowing that Sarah shared his love of this traditional music that sang of saudade, of nostalgia, loss and longing.
“Memories are what make us hurt – we all have our own saudade. My saudade is about you, what I shared with you and lost. When you left without telling me why, you stole my life and my soul.
This is fado. There are no happy endings.”

I found the journal of Inês rather strange. At first she writes in intimate detail, expressing feelings not written for an audience, she writes of things she would not want her husband to read but later she explains little of her life. Only towards the end of the book do we understand why she has given this book to Sarah. Sarah is an easier character to identify with as she deals with everyday life we can recognise. Scott said, “There are no happy endings.” I recommend that you read the book to discover whether he was right or wrong.… (mais)