Blog Tour: Love, Always

by:  Harriet Evans
published by:  Simon and Schuster
publish date:  June 21, 2011

When Natasha Kapoor returns to her grandparents’ idyllic coastal home for her beloved grandmother’s funeral, her life is at a turning point. She thought by now she’d be a successful jewelry designer in London with a perfect marriage. Instead, she’s got mounting bills and a soon-to-be ex.

After the funeral, Natasha’s grandfather gives her the long-lost diary of her aunt Cecily. No one in her large and complicated family has ever discussed the tragic accident that took Cecily’s life as a teenager, and within the diary’s pages, Natasha finds a gripping and shocking tale of forbidden love, rivalry, and heartbreak.

Nearly fifty years later, will Cecily’s diary finally explain her family’s dark past and the terrible secret her aunt left behind? Is it possible it’s just the inspiration Natasha needs to take a fresh look at her future, and maybe even give love a second chance?

This was a really lovely contemporary not really romance, not really mystery, but a little of both.  The first few pages of the book set the stage for the mystery aspect of the story.  It drew me right in wondering how that was going to play in to the rest of the story.  The writer did a superb job of weaving the story of the past in with what was going on in the present day.

I found myself much preferring the story that was set in the past.  I don't know if that was the intent of the writer, I doubt it.  I didn't particularly care for Natasha, I understand she was being a completely normal person but I felt like she was wishy-washy in her decisions.   The story of Cecily and Miranda 50 years ago was a lot more compelling to me.  I wanted to know more about Archie, was he really a pervert or was Louisa being overly dramatic?  What was Miranda and Archie's relationship like?  Why did everyone think they were weird?

The questions I had at the end were mostly irrelevent to the story, and in the end the big questions were answered, so I guess that's all that really matters.  I did enjoy the story.  This would be a great beach read...perfect timing!