Book Review and Giveaway: Lake Como

When I first heard of Anita Hughes she had just published her first book, Monarch Beach.  Being the type of person who is always looking for a new author's book to enjoy, I decided to grab a copy.  Let me tell you that I couldn't put the book down.  I devoured the whole thing in less than a day.  I knew from that point that I had to read every book that Anita publishes.  Her second book, Market Street, didn't disappoint either.  There is just something about the characters she creates and her style of writing that makes you feel like you're a part of the story.  When I heard her third book, Lake Como, was available for pre-order, I made sure to order my copy.  I wanted to make sure that the book would be at my door the day it's released.  To my surprise, I was told about an auction that Brenda Novak was hosting for Diabetes Research.  One of the items up for bid was a signed ARC (advance reading copy) of Lake Como.  I knew that I had to have that book.  Not only would I be able to read it before it hits the shelves, it would be a signed copy.  I ended up winning the auction which I looked at as a double positive.  Not only did I score this book, but the money that I paid was going to help others suffering from such a debilitating disease.  That's when I thought ... this would be the perfect book to choose for my first review on Book Mama.

Hallie and Peter have been dating for a while now.  Hallie has been less than subtle about her desire to get engaged to Peter.  One day, Hallie finds Peter and her boss in a compromising position.  In an attempt to prove to Hallie that what she saw was innocent, Peter proposes to Hallie.  But Hallie isn’t ready to forgive nor forget what she saw that night.  She decides to go to Lake Como to visit with her half-sister, Portia, who is having relationship issues of her own.  Separated from her cheating husband and living back home in her family’s prestigious villa, Portia and Hallie spend quality sister time together.  But when Hallie discovers her mother’s hidden diaries of when she was younger, family secrets come out.  Secrets that Hallie’s mother, Francesca, didn’t intend for anyone to find out.

While in Lake Como, Hallie falls in the love with the beauty and culture of Italy.  She takes a job doing interior design at the Villa Luce, which reminds her of castles she’s read about in fairytales.  She becomes intrigued by the mystery surrounding the villa’s owner who she was told was an American billionaire and recluse.  While working at the villa, Hallie becomes close with the villa’s estate manager, Angus.  She’s starting to develop strong feelings for him until she discovers he is keeping a secret from her as well.

Can Hallie get past all the secrets that she’s discovering?  Or will she find it too hard to forgive the very people she thought she could trust the most?  Come along with Hallie as she explores Lake Como and discovers herself in the process.

 

Lake Como is a wonderful book about self-discovery, family ties and new beginnings.  I felt like I was a part of the book as I read each page.  The way that Anita Hughes describes every detail made me feel like I was living the adventure along with Hallie.  I enjoyed each character and the struggles and triumphs they faced.  I also enjoyed how relatable they each were.  I very much enjoyed this book.  It is the perfect book to take with you on vacation … or to take you away to make you feel like you are on a vacation.  I would definitely recommend this book to others.  Once again, Anita Hughes produced a book worthy of five stars. 

I am giving away a signed copy of both Monarch Beach and Market Street to one lucky winner!!! (There will be a giveaway for a copy of Lake Como closer to the release date, so stay tuned for that!)  Eligible to U.S residents only and remember you have to be a member of this blog to be eligible to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Janine R for winning the two signed/personalized books by Anita Hughes!