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...

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A Book And A Dog ( )

This book kept my interest. I was not thrilled with the main character for quite a while, and I guessed much of it before it was revealed, but I enjoyed reading it. ( )

"The House by the Sea" was a compelling mystery and with its short chapters it was easy to read 'just one more!' I loved the setting of this novel; a beautiful old villa in Sicily. The author's wonderful descriptions transported me to rural Italy and I could easily imagine the beauty and neglect of the the villa and its gardens. The memories and secrets the villa held also shrouded it in suspense which kept me reading.

Throughout the novel, Edie's character growth was huge but my favourite character was her ex-husband, Joe. He was extremely likeable. At the start of the book both Joe and Edie were in deep pain as they continued to struggle with the death of their son ten years ago. However, as the book progressed, the reader sees the two of them beginning to rekindle the love the once shared as they learn to trust each other again.

Although I did have reservations about the ending; it was very rushed full of (too much) drama and suddenly everyone lived 'happily ever after', overall, I found "The House by the Sea" to be a very entertaining read. ( )