This novel is set in Portugal, where journalist Jo is taking a Portuguese language class and is asked by a fellow classmate to help him investigate his possible adoption from the area which he had never known about, drawing them both into a mystery, during which Jo is given a book within the book which we also read parts of, set in Portugal during World War II. I loved the setting, and though the book was a little slow moving at times for a book that was kind of a mystery, there was something about the languid pace and the writing that I really loved. This one has been languishing in my Netgalley to-read collection for years and I'm so glad I finally tackled it, and look forward to reading her other books that are available in the US as well.

A great summer read ! This is a very exciting mesmerizing story of two women in two different times. It is the story of how their stories and history intersect as the suspense grows chapter by chapter. I was unable to put it down. It captivates you from page one . A excellent read.

Journalist Joanna Millard, having just lost her job and needing separation from her boyfriend Marc, travels from Brussels to Faro, Portugal. She spends her days taking language lessons and lazily exploring the history and natural beauty of this seaside town. She soon befriends fellow classmate Nathan Emberlin, who enlists Joanna to investigate a number of child kidnappings that have occurred in the area. As Joanna reaches out to the locals, she uncovers 'The Alliance', a novel written by Esta Hartford, which recounts an American couple's experiences in Portugal during WWII. Although written as fiction, Joanna begins to suspect that the story of 'The Alliance' and the mysterious kidnappings are somehow connected. 

So, I have to admit that when I first started reading this back in 2016, I gave up on it after only 100 pages. At the time I just wasn't in the right frame of mind, and honestly found the writing to be slow and dry, and I just couldn't get interested in the premise of the story. Fast forward to present day, I decided to give 300 Days of Sun a second chance when I found it would fit one of the Goodreads Seasonal Challenge tasks.

I'm so happy to have restarted it again. While the writing is still slow, and I didn't really find it very thrilling, the descriptions of Faro, and the Algarve coast are so wonderfully vivid. I found myself engaged with the characters, almost imagining myself following in their footsteps, lazily enjoying the sun's heat or exploring the historical beauty of Portugal. 

The use of the two timelines, with Joanna and Nathan in present day Faro and the Faro of WWII depicted in 'The Alliance', works really well and adds a certain historical depth to the mystery. Both stories eventually converge, providing a satisfying tying up of loose ends.

300 Days of Sun has almost all you could hope for; mystery, espionage, history and romance and is really the perfect read for the lazy days of summer ahead of us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lawsome Books for providing a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

300 days in the Sun is a beautifully written book, with characters that captivate you from the start. It has something to please most readers as it was a mix of romance, mystery and thriller. Like Evil Under the Sun, the mystery seems more intense under the glare of the sun. It was fast paced, and a real page turner that did leave me guessing to the end. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Faro and the costal landscapes of Portugal, it transported you there from the comfort of your hope. A compelling read that engages the readers attention.