In a small village, set among the wild mountains of Cyprus, two families of different faiths share a seemingly unbreakable friendship based on mutual respect and deep affection. Mothers and daughters share their daily secrets, fathers and sons support each other as they live their lives between the fragrant pine trees and orange groves. It’s here that two boys, Lambros and Orhan, grow up side by side, as close as brothers. Their lives are inextricably linked, but as their fortunes shift and time passes, an unforgivable act of betrayal takes place, setting in motion a chain of events that tears the two friends and their entire families apart…
Many decades later and now an old man living in London, Lambros decides to share his painful memories with his daughter Stella; transporting her back to an island brimming with passion and at its heart a scandal that still haunts those involved. Is it too late for forgiveness? Or can the next generation embark on a journey of their own to help mend the damage done all those years ago?
From Nadia Marks, the bestselling author of Among the Lemon Trees and Secrets Under the Sun, comes Between the Orange Groves, a moving tale of desire, burning secrets and forbidden love.

Out May 2019

352 Pages

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Family secrets and revelations at its best. I’ve read a few books like this one in the past and all were okay reads, enjoyable for the time spent engaging with the characters. What I liked about this book the most was how the past and present flip flop kept the story propelling forward to its conclusion. With each flip more tidbits were revealed. The author also provides a historical reference at the back of the book, that I recommend readers read before beginning the story. Knowing of religious/political tensions of the time is important to the flow of the story for the reader since there’s a continuous underlying strain between the Turks/Greeks that affect the setting, the relationships of the characters and the pacing.

It was nice to read about Cyprus. I had no idea how the dynamics of the island were so unique yet divided. Religion differences are outlined between Christian and Muslim beliefs and with all this knowledge the story begins.  You have to wonder how the two families managed to remain so close for the time they had. It gives you hope that maybe, just maybe… Anyway, I enjoyed the story and I’m glad I requested it for review purposes.

For me, the one true problem that stood out were the characters. Although interesting, at times they seemed a bit flat, just not enough zip to them. Since for the majority of the story being character-driven, having flat characters can be problematic. This could also affect the reality of the situations between characters and make their interactions far-fetched and non-relatable…. and inadvertently put off readers.

Overall, it was an interesting read for me and there are other books by this author of similar nature that I may look into to see if the writing improves as the author’s talent continues to grow and develop.

I gave this book: