Review of 'The House at Angel's Beach' by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Review of 'The House at Angel's Beach' by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Release date: May 31st, 2024
Publisher: Storm Publishing
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REVIEW
The House at Angel’s Beach is a heart-breaking riveting read. I was deeply moved by this unforgettable story. Phillipa Nefri Clark is an accomplished novelist. I have loved every book in the series and this one is the best yet! It’s a wonderful blend of intriguing elements. There are secret letters, a forbidden romance, family drama, a mystery-crime plot and a compelling complex set of characters— all of which kept me pinned to the pages.
When two separated sisters Ivy and Jody come together at Fairview House in River’s End after a decade of self-imposed exile to sort out their share of the family legacy, they discover within the walls of their childhood home many hidden secrets. These nuggets of truth will expose much of their father’s unknown past. A past well disguised by the fabric of time and false façades. These shocking revelations will leave the sisters reeling with mixed emotions. As they seek out the clues, they are met with many unexpected twists, roadblocks and surprises. Soon the girls discover that things are not as they first appear. What they learn, they never dreamed imaginable.
The girls’ father, Gabe, has been in jail the past ten years on a drunk driving offence that caused a death. This tragedy resulted not only in copious personal upheaval in his daughters’ lives but also in the lives of others affected by the accident: such as Leo who lost his beloved aunt.
When Ivy, who has been living in London, is called upon by her sister Jody (married and living in Melbourne) to return home to Australia and sort out the empty property’s future, they soon discover there have been intruders on the premises.What are they looking for?
Part of the plot from the past is carried along through the letters Ivy discovers in the home library. Are the break-ins connected to these old love letters? Is someone searching for them? And if so, who? We not only learn about a fated romance from these letters written between Gabe and his Angel lover (who is not named) but possible evidence comes to light that could change the course of justice already served.
More than one romance is at the core of this novel, and a crime but family relationships are tested and shaken down to be restored. There are a number of spiritual references, too, with the Beach’s name, the romance between Gabe/Gabriel and his ‘Angel’ love. But how ‘heavenly’ is the relationship and will there be a rude ‘earthly’ awakening?
This third instalment of the wonderful Temple River series kept me intrigued, guessing and transported to an inspiring setting. It was great to see the development and healing between the sisters, restoration for their father and a very happy ending that brought all the loose ends and mysterious threads together in a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this moving novel – a great addition to a colourful heart-warming collection. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.
