Laelia Wylde isn’t the easiest character to like. After a rough patch in her life including a failed marriage and losing her chef job in London, she heads to a remote lodge recently bought by her estranged father. What follows is a story layered with emotional tension, family secrets, and unexpected revelations.
At first, it seems like the perfect escape. The kids are happy, she’s starting to enjoy the slower pace of life, and there’s Aidrian, who brings some light back into her world. But things shift when her father suddenly collapses, possibly from a stroke. As Laelia adjusts to this new life, she begins to suspect that both her father and Aidrian might be hiding something. The peaceful paradise she thought she’d found becomes much more complicated.
Admittedly, I struggled with Laelia as a protagonist. Her denial, toxic relationship patterns, and self-destructive choices made it hard to root for her. But oddly enough, that frustration kept me turning the pages. Her flaws are raw and real, and while it was difficult to connect with her emotionally, it added a layer of complexity that made the story feel more authentic.
This isn’t a tale of perfect redemption or simple healing. It’s about messy growth, family tensions, and finding unexpected joy even when life is uncertain. Even without personally relating to Laelia, I was invested, if only to see whether she’d finally break the cycle or fall deeper into it. If you enjoy atmospheric stories with layered characters and slow-burning revelations, this book is definitely worth a try.