Shadows of the Past

Shadows of the Past

<h2>To many eyes, Alva has the perfect life. Young, beautiful and married to the handsome and enigmatic Count Luca Mazareeze, she has the world at her feet.</h2><br /><br />However, in truth Alva has been forced back to her husband and their palatial home. Having suffered a hit-and-run accident in London, she has completely lost her memory and has nowhere else to go.<br /><br />Returning to Italy she meets her husband – who is now a stranger to her – and realises that he loathes her. As does his wilful teenaged daughter. Both of them seem to hate the returning English woman, but she does not remember why – and nobody seems willing to tell her.<br /><br />As time passes, Alva comes to remember more about her surroundings, her husband, her step-daughter and even herself. <br /><br />She also learns that her husband blames her for the death of their son. <br /><br />Alva begins to wonder; is Luca’s anger over the death of their child, the reason why they separated in the first place? <br /><br />Is that why she was in London when she fell victim to the hit and run driver? <br /><br />Or are there more sinister forces at work on their idyllic Italian island?<br /><br />As Alva’s memory slowly returns, so does her love for Luca, and his love for her. <br /><br />But somebody clearly wants to force Alva off the island before she remembers too much – even if they have to kill her to do it.<br /><br />What do the beautiful, peaceful island’s inhabitants have to hide?<br /><br />As events unfold, Alva finds herself battling dangerous criminals, dealing with her angry and confused step-daughter and fending off ‘friends’ who wish to steal her husband.<br /><br />But beneath it all, the re-kindled love between Alva and Luca burns bright and strong.<br /><br />Or does it? How well does Alva actually know the man she is married to? As events hurtle to a thrilling conclusion, it seems she may be about to find out … <br /><br /><b>Margaret Blake</b> has a love of history, which drew her to writing historical romances. Her first novel, <em>A Sprig of Broom</em>, was published in 1979. She is married and has one son and three grandchildren. For more information visit www.margaretblake.co.uk.