"The Peacock Summer" was a quick, enjoyable novel about forbidden love. While I wasn't a big fan of modern-day Maggie, although she did grow as a character, I enjoyed Lillian's role in the story. However, at times I thought she was weak the way she allowed Charles, her husband, to use her as a punching bag.

Cloudesley was a character in itself and I loved the descriptions of the estate, I was pleased that it was saved from demolition although I guessed fairly early how this would happen.

With a beautiful front cover, flawed characters, mystery, family secrets and tragedy, "The Peacock Summer" an uncomplicated holiday read. ( )

Loved this mystery with so many storylines...love, expectations, secrets. Brilliant writing. I'm a fan of this author now. ( )

Kanske inte riktigt min typ av bok. För mycket dravel. ( )

The Peacock Summer by Hannah Richell is a 2019 Harper Paperbacks publication.

Historical fiction with strong Gothic undertones- an irresistible combination

In the 1950s, Lillian Oberon is living on the fabulously opulent estate of Cloudesley, with her successful, wealthy husband. Although her marriage is not a happy one, Lillian has resigned herself to her fate. But then a young, handsome artist, hired by her husband, moves onto the estate...

Lillian finally finds the love and passion she’s been denied. But, responsibility, duty and fear, keep Lillian grounded, no matter how much she wants to escape the trap she’s ensnared in.

In the present, Maggie Oberon abruptly broke off her engagement and runs away to Australia, after making a horrible mess of her life. But, when she learns her grandmother, Lillian, has fallen ill, she rushes home to care for her, despite her epic fall from grace.

Upon her return, the disgraced Maggie is met with scorn by her former best friend and his family. But her priority is to Lillian, and she intends to step up and start taking responsibility. One enormous decision will be what to do with the crumbling estate she will inherit. Although she would love to see it restored, the future of the once grand estate looks dim.

In the meantime, Lillian’s story is revealed in alternate chapters, as Maggie works to put her life back in order, managing the estate and facing up to her past. In the process, Maggie makes some startling discoveries about her grandmother, giving her a fresh perspective on love and life.

This story has several of my favorite elements - such as the combination of historical fiction mingled with Gothic tones, and a bittersweet love story. So many things about the story worked for me. I loved the historical segments best of all, as it embodied the atmosphere I love and was the very soul of the story.

The weak spot in the book was Maggie. It's not that I'm passing judgment- because everyone makes mistakes in life. However, despite the way Maggie's character matures, in one instance, she was stubbornly indignant, refusing to acknowledge a pain far more serious than that which stems from a broken romance. Some decisions impact people in a more permanent way, which can’t be forgiven or forgotten so easily. This scenario shows two sides of a controversial issue and was a bit of an eye opener for me. Maggie’s terse insensitivity to the aggrieved party was hard for me to shake off.

However, Maggie did do a lot of growing up, and was instrumental in righting some wrongs, which opened the door to forgiveness and redemption.

Despite some of my misgivings, I enjoyed the book, especially Lillian’s part of the story. I loved the way everything wrapped up in the end. Although, the conclusion was heart-breakingly bittersweet, it was full of promise and hope for the future- which made reading the book worth my time.

3 stars ( )

This is a heartbreaking but beautiful story that takes place in England during two different time periods.
Maggie has just come home from Australia to care for her aging grandmother, Lillian and help maintain the crumbling estate that she lives in.
Maggie has always run away from love her whole life. She ran off to Australia after breaking off her engagement. When she returns to England, she attempts to explain her reasons and repair her relationship with the family. The book also flashes back to Lillian and her unhappy marriage. Despite the wealth and privilege she finds herself surrounded with, she is in a cruel and stifling marriage. However, her husband commissions an artist that she soon finds herself falling desperately in love with and offers her another chance at happiness. This was a book full of forbidden love and ruined lives. I received a complimentary book as part of the Early Reviewers Librarything. ( )