Book Review - Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions (Auntie Poldi, #1) by Mario Giordano

Photo credit -Amazon

Aunt Poldi decides to retire to Sicily on her sixtieth birthday after dealing with her fair share of pain and heartbreak. She wanted to relax the day few remaining days by drinking herself into a stupor while enjoying the view of the sea. However, life never goes as one expects it to.

When a friend and handyman goes missing and is eventually discovered murdered; Poldi takes matters in her own hands and try to solve the murder. After asking one too many questions, she finds herself stuck in the middle of the murder investigation. Will Poldi be able to figure out who the real murderer is?

I have read a many books that were written in a different language and then translated into English for US consumption. There a very few books translated books I find enjoyable because you miss maybe of the hidden meanings that are sometimes lost during translations and sometimes the jokes do not make much sense. I also found the amount of details a bit overwhelming and detract from the story. Along with their being a lot of chance coincidences and not any investigation really done from Poldi. I also don't understand why she rushes into things and then screams for "help" or thinks she is dying. It was an interesting novel but not one I would re-read again.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Hideaway By Lauren Denton

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sara Jenkins couldn't wait to move from hometown of Sweet Bay, Alabama. She moves to New Orleans to open her own antique shop, Bits and Pieces. However, Sara's last living relative, her grandmother passes away and Sara inherits her childhood home, The Hideaway.  When Sara arrives she hopes to finish the renovation of The Hideaway and quickly return back to her life in New Orleans. But she discovers a side of her grandmother she never knew before and she feels more at home at Sweet Bay than she ever did. Will Sara be able to see passed her grandmother's quirky persona? Will Sara find somewhere she belongs? What secrets are hidden away at the Hideaway?

The novel was a quick and interesting read. I like how the novel alternated between the past (the grandmother's past) and the present (Sara's present). It made the story multi-faceted and different. After reading this story I thought about all the stories the older generations of my family and how they always wanted to have someone to share their story with. Sometimes, it hard to appreciate what you have in life until it's gone. A touching novel and I can't wait to read other books from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**