Mia Ferris’s heart has always belonged in Spain. Every childhood summer was spent at her grandfather’s hacienda, riding together amongst the olive trees or listening to his stories of the past. So when she learns that he has fallen from his horse, she knows that she belongs by his bedside – even if it means leaving behind her life in London, and her new fiancé.

But as Leonardo fights for his life, secrets begin to emerge that tell a different story of the past – a terrible history that begins with a boy running for his life over the Andalusian hills, and ends with a forbidden love that only war can destroy…

As Mia untangles the passions and betrayals of the past, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Can she heal the wounds of the past, and face the truth of her own heart?

It is very rare to find a book that will stay with you for a long time, one that grips your heart and makes you feel the loss and heartache of the characters. Well, I have found that book, written by the sensational  Caroline Montague.

Montague reveals, or unravels is probably a better word, the family secrets steadily, effortlessly, fluently as we read on and learn about forbidden love in the days of the Spanish Civil War. Imbued with with historical detail, this family, and Mia’s journey of discovery  reflects the author’s clear love and admiration of Spain.

I was absorbed in this story from the first page to the last. It was my first encounter with Montague and I can not wait to discover her other works. She creates splendid characters who inhabit a believablepage turning world; a world and a time that is both heart-breaking and uplifting. When I finished the book I was left feeling stunned that someone could take me on such a emotional journey.

Available in paperback, ebook and audiobook.