Orange Blossom Days

February 15, 2018
Irish best-seller Scanlan (Two for Joy, 2004) documents the goings-on among several couples living in an upscale apartment complex in southern Spain in this emotional tale. Wealthy young retirees Anna and Austen have purchased their dream propertya penthouse apartment in La Joya de Andaluciahoping to enjoy their retirement, but their daughters have different ideas. Texan Sally-Ann and her husband, Cal, are married in name only, and Cal's infidelity with a much-younger woman is the last straw. Eduardo, from Madrid, wants to control the complex as president of its management committee, and his wife, Consuela, is on a journey of self-discovery, while precise German businesswoman Jutta manages the complex's affairs with efficiency and dedication, ignoring her Spaniard husband's shady business dealings. The lives of the residents intertwine in a variety of ways, as friendships are made and relationships are tested. Some of Scanlan's characterizations are a little broad (like Sally-Ann and her southern accent), and the ending features a couple of abrupt twists, but fans of character-driven, relationship-based women's fiction will enjoy spending time in sunny Spain. Recommended for fans of Marian Keyes and Cathy Kelly.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)