Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. I found this to be a very sad story and I have to be honest I found the whole book quite depressing. Nora takes her daughters Emma and Libby off on holiday to France supposedly for a wonderful family trip. After they arrive Nora informs the girls she has something she needs to tell them that she has she has a terminal illness . I really struggled with this book, I am an ex oncology nurse so it was not the main theme of the story I found difficult, it was more that I found the whole book very slow and the secrets held just really didn't hold my attention. I am sure many other loved this book going by the other reviews I read, but in this instance it just did not work for me.

A family gathers at a villa in the South of France. There, the mother plans to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from her two adult daughters. But, it turns out, it’s not the only secret that will be revealed in his somewhat soapy tale. We’re heavy on the melodrama as mother, Nora, does an absolutely terrible job as matriarch, making some truly questionable decisions that end up driving a wedge between her and her daughters. They also rob the character of some much-needed sympathy especially in the late goings as developments that should pull on the heart-strings feel more firmly unfortunate than sad. Clearly, I’m not the audience for "sentimental fiction” (although the genre has pleasantly surprised me in the past) but, on the other hand, I think that even this book’s target audience might find it a underwhelming.

This was a fast paced, suspense packed and unpredictable read that gripped me from start to finish, I couldnt put it down. Well written with a creppy and mysterious storyline and well developed characters. Definitely worth a read.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Bookouture and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Family secrets, drama, lies abound. The suspense will keep you reading.

A story of family, lies and secrets. I love a good thriller. Something to get the mind working, heart racing and having you on the edge of your seat. Great writing, great characters and a great storyline. Time to clear your schedule for the afternoon, coffee pot on and phone turned off - you won’t want to put this one down. This was a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish! I’ll look out for more by this author in the future.

Thank you to Net Galley, the publishers Bookouture and the author for allowing me to read this ebook advance review copy. From the cover and the description I was expecting a story that would appeal to those wanting an easy holiday read, and I feel this book will do well when published.
The first third of the book is scene setting and introducing the characters in an idyllic luxury villa in France which was booked by the matriarch of the family, Nora. However, despite hints of lies and intrigue, by 30% I was still waiting for something to happen and felt my attention wandering. Unfortunately, this was not helped by not really liking any of the main characters and guessing the family secrets fairly early on. I found this quite a dark book with sad undertones and found it a bit of a trial to finish.
I have rated this book 3 * as although not one for me, I recognise that it will appeal to readers who enjoy slow burn books with detailed characterisation and family dynamics.

I really enjoyed this book & want to take the opportunity to say thanks for letting me read & review it.
This was an interesting family story that keep me reading.
I was surprised at the ending! Not everything turns out the way you expect!

Poignant Familial Drama…
It was to be the perfect holiday, a villa in the South of France and lazy days by the pool, delicious food and an idyllic ambience. Secrets, however, have a way of causing unexpected chaos and causing unimaginable rifts that may never be healed. What secrets could this family be keeping that could be so utterly devastating? Poignant and emotional familial drama with some superior character development and a well controlled narrative. Compelling and heartbreaking in equal measure.

Nora asks her daughters, Libby and Emma to vacation with her in a Villa in France. Nora has plans to share some secrets on this trip that she has kept hidden from her daughters. The story is told in alternating points of view from Nora and her daughters. This is a family drama that will keep you glued to the pages. The secrets were quite shocking and also very sad. If you're looking for a quick and entertaining read, then you have found your book! Check out THE VILLA by Clare Boyd, you won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

Ahh this is a sad one. You will be thinking about it for days after.
Nora invites her daughters and families to a luxurious two week vacation in a villa in the South of France. This vacation is not free however, as Nora has some very large secrets that she needs to share.

There are some thrills throughout as secrets are divulged and family grievances are aired, as they tend to be when everyone is stuck together. But the end is quite poignant and a tear jerker, not my normal thrilling happy ending. Great writing however, and super characters - you will think about these people for some time. If you love your books with an undertone of sadness, family issues that seem to be unbridgeable, or maybe just want to bask in some Southern France Sun, read #thevilla #Bookouture #netgalley

i was really excited to read this book, but it wasn't quite what i expected. it was quite predictable from the start and i wasn't drawn in like i thought. an average thriller.

An enjoyable read, I finished this book in one sitting, I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for something to take your mind off the world as it stands right now. I give it five stars.

If you like suspense drama it’s up your street

#TheVilla #NetGalley
OMG ! I was gripped.
This book was really a surprise for me. A family drama turned into a psychological thriller when something terrible happened on a family holiday in the south of France.
With gripping characters and twisty plot it gripped me.
But I must warn you that this story doesn't have a happy ending. And be ready to be emotional at the end.
For me, i give it 4.5/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for a thought provoking, emotional read!!!! Wow sooooooo NOT what I was expecting. A total different genre by Clare Boyd, a FABULOUS book!!!! This will stay with me for a looooooong time. Also Patrick was the nicest character I have ever read. I cannot stop thinking of this novel. Thank you again.

I really enjoyed this book. I love a good thriller a particularly one with good characterization. I absolutely didn’t see the ending coming on this one! Highly recommend!

The Villa will hit readers in the heart. Two daughters, vacation with their mother, in France. Nora has secrets that she is ready to divulge to her daughters. The reaction of the daughters is mixed. I was puzzled by both of their reactions and also why Nora just didn’t reveal the biggest secret of all. It’s quite a sad story, one that proves not every story has a happy ending.
Keep tissues handy as you read this one