The House by the Sea (by Louise Douglas)
I don’t remember how The House by the Sea, by Louise Douglas ended up in my Audible library, but I’m grateful it did! While scrolling through my Audible library, I noticed this book with an “Included until…” notation. Did I add this book? Did Audible know how much I needed this book in my life, and added it to my library as part of my membership? I’m grateful the universe provided me an opportunity to read an incredibly good book, and introduced me to a new-to-me author.
The House by the Sea is set in Sicily, in an idyllic seaside village with excellent food and old, dreamy villas. A setting so easy for me to imagine and mentally escape for a little while. Edie’s former mother-in-law, Anna, has died and left her property in her will. Edie and her former husband, Joe, divorced 10 years earlier following a tragedy. Edie, living in London, has to travel to Sicily where she and Joe will meet with an attorney to resolve the will. Anna left Joe and Edie the family villa.
Anna is understandably annoyed with having to see Joe again, and having to navigate what to do with Joe’s family’s summer vacation villa. Talk about awkward! As the story progresses, Edie’s attitude begins to soften and it turns out traveling to Sicily isn’t a terrible experience. I love how the story evolved. Edie grows as a woman and has the opportunity to heal and gain peace. There’s a hint of ghosts or remnants of a long family history. The local community and neighbors are colorful and present with moments of tension and suspense.
This is a great story with absolutely wonderful characters. It was just the story I needed! The audiobook narrator is Emma Powell and she did an excellent job. I have already add Louise Douglas’ other books to my TBR.
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