Today’s review is on the fourth and final in the Island Secrets series, called When Skies Are Grey, written by Fran Clark. I’ve read all the books in this series, and each one is as good as the others. I was looking forward to reading this book, although I felt a little sad knowing this was the last in the series. Maybe Fran will decide to write more? Let’s hope so! Here’s a little background information about Fran Clark and her book, When Skies Are Grey, followed by my honest review.
AUTHOR BIO
Fran Clark writes Women’s Fiction, both contemporary and historical. Her first novel was published by Indigo Dreams in 2014. In the same year, she earned a Distinction in her MA in Creative Writing from Brunel University. In 2016, she was shortlisted for the SI Leeds Literary Prize. In February 2024, her Island Secrets Book Series will be published, starting with Holding Paradise Book 1.
Originally from London, Fran moved to the English countryside with her musician husband. Fran, a musician herself, teaches vocals and leads a local choir. She has two sons.
Fran also writes contemporary fiction under the pseudonym Rosa Temple, which is published by HQ Digital and Simon & Schuster UK.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.franclarkauthor.co.uk
Intstagram: https://www.instagram.com/franclarkauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/franclarkauthor
BOOK BLURB
Behind the glitter of fame and fortune is a past that threatens to expose Rayna’s darkest secrets.
In the 1950s, a young West Indian girl arrives in London, eager to start a new life and quickly finds herself entangled with two powerful men. It is when she reveals her talent as a singer that the balance of power shifts, and her fresh start can begin. Her success grows but so does the weight of her past.
Haunted by the promises she broke and the consequences of a day she will never forget, Rayna must make a difficult decision: continue hiding the truth or risk losing everything she has gained.
Will her life as a young girl destroy the world of the woman she has become, or will those she loves find it in their hearts to forgive her?
For fans of historical fiction with a touch of drama and mystery, When Skies Are Grey is a captivating tale of a woman’s struggle to make a new beginning.
MY REVIEW
What a fantastic read! As with all of Fran’s books, I was instantly immersed in the characters and the setting. This sweeping tale has the perfect balance from beginning to middle to end. There were so many highs and staggering lows. There really isn’t a slow moment—definitely not a book that the reader will be tempted to flick through a page or two. When Skies Are Grey follows the life of Rayna, a remarkably strong woman who faces some of life’s toughest choices. From a difficult beginning in Dominica, Rayna moves to London in the hope of finding a new beginning. Her journey is one of pain, love, temptation and guilt. This is a woman burdened with secrets from the past which haunt her. Yet, no matter what challenges she faces, her love for music remains, and it isn’t long before her magnificent voice throws her into a glittering new world. This is a gripping read and one I would hugely recommend. Thank you, Fran Clark, for inviting me to review your latest book. I hope you decide to write more in this series because I’m hooked!
NEXT REVIEW
06/08/2024 Something More, by Jackie Khalileh
Diagnosed as autistic just before joining a new school, 90s-obsessed
Jessie is determined to make a fresh start. She plans to keep her
diagnosis a secret and creates a list of goals to keep her on track– from
acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss. But when
two very different boys steal her heart, Jessie finds herself re-writing her
plans.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Gill x
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