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emmacr2024's review against another edition
4.0
Alex Brown is back with the third book in her Postcard series, A Postcard from Capri. All the books are standalone stories, the common link being the discovery of a postcard which sets the character on a journey of discovery. This book was a joy to read from start to finish and a perfect holiday read as it whisks you away to the famous island of Capri off the coast of Italy. This is a gorgeous story that evokes summer in spades and the reader feels as if they are on the island exploring and discovering secrets with Maddie. Told in dual timeline format the story moves back and forth between the 1950’s and the present day and this format works seamlessly throughout the book and only enhanced my enjoyment of the story. Packed full of wonderful, vivid, rich and evocative descriptions as well as romance, heartbreak and emotion this is a book that you will find difficult to leave when the story ends.
Capri, 1953 and a young woman has left behind Tindledale, the little English village where she grew up. She is following her dreams but yet on occasion she still longs for the simple and easy way of life that she left behind. The woman has entered the glamorous and ambitious world of stage and screen as her ambitions are fast becoming a reality. Whilst enjoying a summer break before filming commences on her new movie she hopes for rest and relaxation, but the holiday will throw up some surprises and twists and turns that will deeply affect her for the rest of her life. This was a very intriguing opening to the book as I wanted to know who the woman was and what was her backstory and just what was ahead for her that would ultimately change things so dramatically? I loved the reference back to Tindledale which has featured strongly in several of the authors previous books and which still long after reading said books the village has a firm place in my heart. So, it’s great to see it not forgotten but the star of the show here is Capri. It provides a brilliant backdrop to the story, both in the past and the present, and thanks to such glorious and rich writing I felt transported from my sofa to a sun soaked island overlooking blue Mediterranean seas with stunning vistas, small cobbled streets, lemon groves and amazing food. I felt I was on holiday and that’s what a good summer read should do.
In the present we follow Maddie who is at a crossroads in her life. Recently made redundant from her job and dumped by her boyfriend she feels like she is swimming against the tide and lost in her life. But she is a big believer in things happening for a reason and now she just has to figure out her next move. She has always had a deep yearning and wanderlust about her and would love to be travelling the world taking pictures for a living instead of remaining in London. She is primed and ready to kickstart a new stage in her life and just go for the career that she has hankered after for so long. When she finds a suitcase on top of her Granny’s wardrobe at Honeysuckle Cottage, which has laid empty since her Granny went to live in a home, inspiration strikes when she uncovers some letters, postcards and memorabilia. Her Granny had always been quite reticent about her past life and Maddie views this as an opportunity to find out more about her. Especially as Granny has been getting very forgetful and saying and asking for someone repeatedly whom Maddie had never heard mentioned before. Of course, Maddie’s interest is piqued and when an opportunity presents itself to travel to Italy for a fashion shoot she grasps it with open arms and ventures to Capri also which was in the front of the postcard in the suitcase.
I loved the sections of the book set in the present, it was as if Maddie was on her own personal journey of discovery gaining confidence in her own abilities both professionally and personally. She was increasing her self-esteem and putting herself back together piece by piece whilst at the same time slowly uncovering a secret that had laid dormant for so many years but which was ready to come out into the open at last. The reader sees Capri through Maddie’s eyes. Breath-taking sights, the rugged beauty and charm of the island, the smells, the sounds, the food just everything was so perfectly captured and only serves to enhance your enjoyment of this really lovely and engaging story. Maddie meets Gio who has his own boat and plans parties for tourists. She feels a strong physical attraction to him and the chemistry between them just leapt off the pages. But Maddie can’t forget she is there to find answers for her Granny and to find the person whom she constantly asks for. Will the island hold all the answers? How will Maddie react when she edges ever closer to the truth? Will Maddie herself find the happiness she so desperately needs and deserves?
Being honest, I wish there had been more of the story in the past. I thought the execution of moving between the past and present was perfect, but I wanted to read more of what went on in the past. Well, that’s how I felt whilst reading but having had time to reflect on the book if we had had this it would have ruined the book and given too much away far too soon. Instead there were tantalising glimpses into things and the reader is left guessing and trying to join the dots and make connections. I could guess as to the basis of the secret but not the reasons for it and how things changed so dramatically and I was glad in the end to not discover until the final moment of reveal when things came full circle so magically and heart-warmingly.
In the 1950’s Kelly Sinclair, is enjoying her newfound fame in Hollywood. She is on the cusp of big things and taking some time out. She is meant to have this untarnished image, someone who is the conventional girl next door- classy, wholesome and unencumbered. There are strict rules and regulations attached to her contract and she to do anything outside of these limits would lead to disaster for her career which has she longed for for many years. But Kelly is caught between her head and her heart and of course loyalty to her family. But when love comes calling can it be ignored? She is trapped in a bubble of fame which she did want but home still calls her too. She knows she has to pay a price for her career but how much is she willing to pay? There are lots of twists and turns to Kelly’s story which feed effortlessly into the main plot and I enjoyed trying to identify some sort of connection between the two main strands. Both of the female characters are trying to find a balance and a perspective in their lives but can this be achievable when so much is thrown in their path to try and derail them?
A Postcard from Capri is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a worthy addition to the Postcard series. I love this style of writing from Alex Brown and the fact that she also continues to write different series as well. The story has a fabulous cast of characters, the setting I still can’t get over it, it was just outstanding for the images it conjured up for me and how it added to the story as a whole. The plot was well developed with plenty of mystery to keep the reader guessing and it was also emotional and romantic at the same time. If you find yourself seeking a god holiday read then you won’t go far wrong with A Postcard from Capri.
Capri, 1953 and a young woman has left behind Tindledale, the little English village where she grew up. She is following her dreams but yet on occasion she still longs for the simple and easy way of life that she left behind. The woman has entered the glamorous and ambitious world of stage and screen as her ambitions are fast becoming a reality. Whilst enjoying a summer break before filming commences on her new movie she hopes for rest and relaxation, but the holiday will throw up some surprises and twists and turns that will deeply affect her for the rest of her life. This was a very intriguing opening to the book as I wanted to know who the woman was and what was her backstory and just what was ahead for her that would ultimately change things so dramatically? I loved the reference back to Tindledale which has featured strongly in several of the authors previous books and which still long after reading said books the village has a firm place in my heart. So, it’s great to see it not forgotten but the star of the show here is Capri. It provides a brilliant backdrop to the story, both in the past and the present, and thanks to such glorious and rich writing I felt transported from my sofa to a sun soaked island overlooking blue Mediterranean seas with stunning vistas, small cobbled streets, lemon groves and amazing food. I felt I was on holiday and that’s what a good summer read should do.
In the present we follow Maddie who is at a crossroads in her life. Recently made redundant from her job and dumped by her boyfriend she feels like she is swimming against the tide and lost in her life. But she is a big believer in things happening for a reason and now she just has to figure out her next move. She has always had a deep yearning and wanderlust about her and would love to be travelling the world taking pictures for a living instead of remaining in London. She is primed and ready to kickstart a new stage in her life and just go for the career that she has hankered after for so long. When she finds a suitcase on top of her Granny’s wardrobe at Honeysuckle Cottage, which has laid empty since her Granny went to live in a home, inspiration strikes when she uncovers some letters, postcards and memorabilia. Her Granny had always been quite reticent about her past life and Maddie views this as an opportunity to find out more about her. Especially as Granny has been getting very forgetful and saying and asking for someone repeatedly whom Maddie had never heard mentioned before. Of course, Maddie’s interest is piqued and when an opportunity presents itself to travel to Italy for a fashion shoot she grasps it with open arms and ventures to Capri also which was in the front of the postcard in the suitcase.
I loved the sections of the book set in the present, it was as if Maddie was on her own personal journey of discovery gaining confidence in her own abilities both professionally and personally. She was increasing her self-esteem and putting herself back together piece by piece whilst at the same time slowly uncovering a secret that had laid dormant for so many years but which was ready to come out into the open at last. The reader sees Capri through Maddie’s eyes. Breath-taking sights, the rugged beauty and charm of the island, the smells, the sounds, the food just everything was so perfectly captured and only serves to enhance your enjoyment of this really lovely and engaging story. Maddie meets Gio who has his own boat and plans parties for tourists. She feels a strong physical attraction to him and the chemistry between them just leapt off the pages. But Maddie can’t forget she is there to find answers for her Granny and to find the person whom she constantly asks for. Will the island hold all the answers? How will Maddie react when she edges ever closer to the truth? Will Maddie herself find the happiness she so desperately needs and deserves?
Being honest, I wish there had been more of the story in the past. I thought the execution of moving between the past and present was perfect, but I wanted to read more of what went on in the past. Well, that’s how I felt whilst reading but having had time to reflect on the book if we had had this it would have ruined the book and given too much away far too soon. Instead there were tantalising glimpses into things and the reader is left guessing and trying to join the dots and make connections. I could guess as to the basis of the secret but not the reasons for it and how things changed so dramatically and I was glad in the end to not discover until the final moment of reveal when things came full circle so magically and heart-warmingly.
In the 1950’s Kelly Sinclair, is enjoying her newfound fame in Hollywood. She is on the cusp of big things and taking some time out. She is meant to have this untarnished image, someone who is the conventional girl next door- classy, wholesome and unencumbered. There are strict rules and regulations attached to her contract and she to do anything outside of these limits would lead to disaster for her career which has she longed for for many years. But Kelly is caught between her head and her heart and of course loyalty to her family. But when love comes calling can it be ignored? She is trapped in a bubble of fame which she did want but home still calls her too. She knows she has to pay a price for her career but how much is she willing to pay? There are lots of twists and turns to Kelly’s story which feed effortlessly into the main plot and I enjoyed trying to identify some sort of connection between the two main strands. Both of the female characters are trying to find a balance and a perspective in their lives but can this be achievable when so much is thrown in their path to try and derail them?
A Postcard from Capri is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a worthy addition to the Postcard series. I love this style of writing from Alex Brown and the fact that she also continues to write different series as well. The story has a fabulous cast of characters, the setting I still can’t get over it, it was just outstanding for the images it conjured up for me and how it added to the story as a whole. The plot was well developed with plenty of mystery to keep the reader guessing and it was also emotional and romantic at the same time. If you find yourself seeking a god holiday read then you won’t go far wrong with A Postcard from Capri.
jo_bookworm's review
4.0
This book is the perfect holiday read at an time of the year. If you need some warm sunshine, glamour and mystery then this book will tick all those boxes.
It is 1953 and a young girl from a small English village finds herself in Capri. The glamour of stardom and Hollywood has come with her to Capri. But not everything is as it seems and what is meant to be a break and chance to recharge, it turns into something else. Alex Brown transports you to an island where the warmth of the sun, blue skies and seas, the smell of the lemons growing, the taste of the food all come alive from the page.
Back in that English village, in the present day is Maddie. Rather lost at the moment after losing her job and her relationship. With the strong desire to do something for herself and pursue her own dreams, Maddie discovers photos of a glamourous woman and a postcard from Capri in her grandmothers belongings. Sadly her grandmother memory is failing and it seems that Maddie is the one to piece all the clues together.
By taking a trip to Capri.
With any dual timeline, there are cross overs and links between the past and the present, but there is also the future which is starting to pan out for Maddie when she meets Gio. Will she be captured by the island of Capri as well?
A lovely tale of friendships, secrets and sunshine. Will cheer even the greyest of days.
It is 1953 and a young girl from a small English village finds herself in Capri. The glamour of stardom and Hollywood has come with her to Capri. But not everything is as it seems and what is meant to be a break and chance to recharge, it turns into something else. Alex Brown transports you to an island where the warmth of the sun, blue skies and seas, the smell of the lemons growing, the taste of the food all come alive from the page.
Back in that English village, in the present day is Maddie. Rather lost at the moment after losing her job and her relationship. With the strong desire to do something for herself and pursue her own dreams, Maddie discovers photos of a glamourous woman and a postcard from Capri in her grandmothers belongings. Sadly her grandmother memory is failing and it seems that Maddie is the one to piece all the clues together.
By taking a trip to Capri.
With any dual timeline, there are cross overs and links between the past and the present, but there is also the future which is starting to pan out for Maddie when she meets Gio. Will she be captured by the island of Capri as well?
A lovely tale of friendships, secrets and sunshine. Will cheer even the greyest of days.
kypn's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
ar1's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Is it the finest literature? No.
Is it a fun beach read? Absolutely!
I found this book fun, light-hearted, and easy to fit in my luggage. I’d recommend it as a holiday read.
Is it a fun beach read? Absolutely!
I found this book fun, light-hearted, and easy to fit in my luggage. I’d recommend it as a holiday read.
b_harrington's review against another edition
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
1.0
There’s great potential in the idea of a grand-daughter discovering her grandmother’s glamorous, sad past but the writing isn’t good enough to fulfil it.
The FMC travels to Italy to uncover her family secrets- most of which are found in a suitcase on a wardrobe in her family home.
Plot holes aplenty- she had time to scan/ photograph/ upload her grandmother’s letters to her laptop but not read them? She somehow read them in Italy?
The dad knew about the secret child all along and just didn’t mention it? Lucia knew the story and just didn’t tell anyone, “because it wasn’t her business”?
She’s a 31-year- old self-taught photographer who just happens to get a fashion shoot in Italy?
I really can’t get over her huge crisis of confidence when offered the job- I wish we had a confident, assured, role model.
I cannot understand why a 31- year- old single woman would be so (for want of a better word) frigid with a man she’s attracted to. They both like each other? She keeps saying how hot he is? And yet she’s constantly running away from him and all they do is *hold hands*. She was engaged before and lived with her fiancé? Hardly a mousy virgin?
Gio’s a drip- constantly just asking her if she’s ok.
The biggest, biggest problem is the dialogue. No one speaks the way this author has written these characters. It jarred me out of the story every time one of them spoke.
I found my eyes constantly scanning over huge chunks of description and seriously contemplating giving up on it.
The FMC travels to Italy to uncover her family secrets- most of which are found in a suitcase on a wardrobe in her family home.
Plot holes aplenty- she had time to scan/ photograph/ upload her grandmother’s letters to her laptop but not read them? She somehow read them in Italy?
The dad knew about the secret child all along and just didn’t mention it? Lucia knew the story and just didn’t tell anyone, “because it wasn’t her business”?
She’s a 31-year- old self-taught photographer who just happens to get a fashion shoot in Italy?
I really can’t get over her huge crisis of confidence when offered the job- I wish we had a confident, assured, role model.
I cannot understand why a 31- year- old single woman would be so (for want of a better word) frigid with a man she’s attracted to. They both like each other? She keeps saying how hot he is? And yet she’s constantly running away from him and all they do is *hold hands*. She was engaged before and lived with her fiancé? Hardly a mousy virgin?
Gio’s a drip- constantly just asking her if she’s ok.
The biggest, biggest problem is the dialogue. No one speaks the way this author has written these characters. It jarred me out of the story every time one of them spoke.
I found my eyes constantly scanning over huge chunks of description and seriously contemplating giving up on it.
glindette's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
Capri is one of my fav places in the world and I wanted to read a story featuring strong characters, emotions, secrets and glamour.
This was the perfect book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author is a talented storyteller and the story kept me hooked and entertained.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This was the perfect book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author is a talented storyteller and the story kept me hooked and entertained.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
thebooktrail88's review against another edition
4.0
Visit the locations in A Postcard from Capri
A novel to transport you to the magical island of Capri
These postcard books really should be on your travel list and reading list. I’ve been to Paris and Italy and now Alex Brown is taking me to Capri. I do love a well-travelled author and I’ve never been to Capri so I was really excited to go here. She’d be taking me back in time to 1953 as well……I am in!
With a timeline set between 1953 and the present day, this is a lovely story with depth and mystery. First of all, I found myself in Tindledale, England, a fictional village from Alex’s other books which I found to be a nice touch. There are some nice heartwarming scenes here but it was Capri that I was excited to travel to…
That timeline took me back to 1953. What a time to be on this magical island! TI met the grandmother in the story and was party to her early life, her glamourous life of stage and screen. She’s on holiday and filming is about to begin. However, this holiday is not going to be one of rest and relaxation!Mystery abounds at this point and I was captivated to be there and to witness the backstory to what I knew was going to be a reall good story later on.
The settings are key features of these postcard books and Capri here is definately the star of the show. I was soon flat out on a sun soaked island overlooking the blue Mediterranean sea.That’s before I witnessed some of the most amazingn views and wandered down small and twisty alleyways. Mind the cobble stones though and wear sensible shoes for the time here.
In the present day, I got to meet Maddie who finds a suitcase with letters inside that leads her to Capri and the mystery of the past. I’d to Capri anyway as would she, but when a work opportunity takes her there, she is set for an adventure of her own. Maddie goes on a journey of discovery and I was fascinated to go along with her. She is curious about Capri and its charms so she gives you a brilliantly evocative tour and insight into the island and its history. Oh and she meets a nice guy by the name of Gio. Don’t get distracted Maddie! Oh well, not much anyway
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