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Book Review: Valentina by Cristina Hodgson




ISBN: 978-1980932628

 Publisher: Independent Publishing

Genre: Romance/ Cozy mystery

 Price: Rs. 198/- 
(I got the book for review from Neverland Blog Tours)

 ***

 Behind the Book

Chantelle Rose is back. She has lived a fairytale. But will she ever get her Happy Ever After?

To find true happiness, she must discover who Robbie and Lionel really are. Their past holds the key to her future. Her quest follows a trail that takes her to the depths of the Pampas lands of Argentina. There, the beautiful Valentina awaits – and holds the key.

But who is Valentina? What is the mystery surrounding her? And why is she so important to both Robbie and Lionel? Will Chantelle discover the truth?  And, more importantly, will she discover her destiny and the fidelity in her own heart?
                                                    ***
About the Author



Cristina Hodgson, mother of two, born in Wimbledon, London, currently lives in southern Spain. Cristina had a long career in sport, reaching national and international level and still actively participates in Triathlon races and enjoys outdoor activities. In her spare time she also enjoys reading and writing. She won a sports scholarship to Boston College. After a period in Boston, she returned to the UK and graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in PE and Sports Science.

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With a cover that is mysterious and a blurb that is intriguing , author Cristina Hodgson sets a tone for her readers. Though I have not read the previous book in this series of Chantelle Rose, I didn't find anything amiss with the narrative. In my opinion, the book goes well even as a stand alone read. However, I would like to add here, that it did make me want to read the previous book in the series as the writing style of the author is refreshingly different. 

The story is about Chantelle Rose who has found her 'Happily Ever After' or so, she likes to believe. She is living a dream in Hollywood, till she discovers that she is pregnant and a nagging doubt takes away her joy. She is confused about the father of her child, and to make matters worse they both seem to be too identical to be true. The more she digs into their background, the more murkier it keeps getting for her. To resolve the mystery she decides to travel to UK to find out the truth only to have a bunch of letters left behind for her. The letters hold they key to both, the past of these men and her future. 


Reading this book has been like being on a roller-coaster ride, there are so many funny moments, some really laugh out loud ones, some beautiful cozy moments full tender and loving while some that make you want to bawl your heart out. Though there are elements of mystery and suspense in the plot, the author doesn't try to push them too much on your face, rather she plays with your imagination making you curious about the story. Full of twists and turns, there is not a single dull moment in the book and boy! the ending totally blew my mind. I wasn't expecting that, it was such a bolt from the blue that long after I had finished reading the book I was smiling thinking of the ending.

The characters are well etched, ones that you can easily warm up to and want to know their story.  I like how the women characters are so strong and have a mind of their own. Reading their stories is a treat as they reveal their characteristics slowly in the story and it makes you go wow! The descriptions in the novel have an important to play in the narrative and the author scores a brownie point for imbibing them so well in the story.

Overall, a wonderful read I would strongly recommend it to both romance and mystery lovers.

Foodie Verdict

This book is like Carrot Walnut Cake - a unique combination of flavours, one that leave you asking for more. 
Source: Tastes of Lizzy T
***

Giveaway (International)

Participate to win a signed copy of Simply Anna by Cristina Hodgson- a Rafflecopter giveaway
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