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The Hidden Beach: A Page-Turning Summer Story of Romance, Secrets and Betrayal

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I wasn’t sure initially I would keep reading this book as I didn’t like Bells’ friends and flatmates but once it moved away from them and got into the heart of the story it improved and got me in. Like in so many stories with fractured families, the children are the poor ones caught in the middle and yet the ones who really have no say in events and how they turn out. Poor Linus in particular is put in an impossible situation. My heart went out to him.

Through The Hidden Beach Karen Swan explores the theme of family, what makes a family, the loss of family and a parent’s right to see their child. Bell feels the Mogerts are like family, she loves the children. But does she go above her nanny status when thinking there is making bad decisions regarding the children. In the 1960s, scientist Jacques Cousteau led a protest against harmful human activity on the islands. In 2005, the islands were finally named a national park, Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, making swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and other forms of recreation the only activity, and prohibiting hunting and fishing around the islands. Also, later on, the park was designated as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve. Extensive military testing damaged flora and fauna on the island for decades, but many years of peace have replenished the islands’ pristine waters and marine life. Bell is a lovely character, very likeable and her friends Kris, Tove and Mark all fit together nicely with her, you can see why they are all friends. I changed my opinion throughout the book of Hanna, Emil and even Max but I liked how they were written. All the characters are well written and realistic. Discover this hidden beach on the dramatic Jurassic Coast, in south-west England. Man O’War Beach rests within an outstanding natural beauty and is rich in geological history, so promises a scenic spot for you to hide away from the crowds. The striking views are sure to spur you on and once you have arrived at this hidden beach, you will feel as if you had reached your own private island. Enjoy an afternoon lazing on the isolated beach with pebbles and fine sands, as you admire the views of the iconic Durdle Door arch.

Bell is the nanny to Hanna and Max’s three children, Linus and twins Elise and Tilde. She loves her job often to the detriment to her personal life and loves the children, especially Linus, like they were her own. On a hectic morning trying to get the kids out to school Bell takes a phone call for Hanna that changes all their lives. I loved that throughout the story we also had a good look at Bell’s personal life, outside her nanny job. Her friends were a fun lot and really cared about her.

Your canine companions are also welcome to enjoy this secret beach, however swimming is not recommended here due to its ever-changing currents. I didn’t know what to think about Hanna, she was like enigma to the end of the story. She seemed deceitful, don’t you think? Almost her every move and decision took me by surprise and no, I didn’t warm to her but I fell for her, just wait till the end with judging her. After a major life event, England native Bell settles down in Sweden. The job as a nanny was dropped into her hands... After meeting Hanna, a mom of three in the cafe, ad giving her a little hand of help, Belle found herself with a well-paying and purposeful job. One of the perks of working for the family was a summer getaway on the beautiful island, outside of the civilization. This year the summer holiday is very different. The family that she loves and works for keeps a very major secret hidden from Bell, and their children. Bell's job got a lot more difficult, especially since her own feelings got involved in the family's affair.Mentre lo stile della prosa è semplice e diretto, il ritmo della narrazione, secondo me, risulta piuttosto altalenante. Dopo una prima parte incalzante, si appiattisce notevolmente per tornare a essere incalzante nel finale, di conseguenza a rimetterci, a mio parere, è il coinvolgimento emotivo da parte del lettore che attraversa una fase di stasi. When she gets hold of her employer, the truth is revealed: Hanna’s first husband fell into a coma seven years earlier, following a terrible accident. He has been in a Persistent Minimally Conscious State since and there was very little hope of further improvement. But now he’s awake. And life is going to change for them all. Overall, it’s a good summer read and a piece of escapism especially if you would love to be transported abroad to a wonderful setting especially as it’s become all too likely we’ll only be able to visit places like the Swedish archipelago in our imaginations!

The only reason why this stunning spot could possibly be one of the best-kept secrets in the UK is due to the no road access and its position, just a stone’s throw away from the popular seaside resort of Newquay. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. The only trouble was I didn't really like many of the main characters in the book, especially Hanna, although I did really like Bell's friends, and even Emil's snarky sister, Nina. As a clothing optional hotel, Hidden Beach Resort -- Au Naturel Club attracts a very specific crowd. Though clothing is optional, most guests choose to go au natural throughout the entirety of their stay -- meaning almost everyone in the pool, on the beach, at the restaurant, or dancing the night away at the Moonlight Lounge, is naked. Anyone new to the au natural lifestyle, however, shouldn’t fret; the hotel prides itself on its judgement-free atmosphere and high standards of professionalism. Considering the nature of Hidden Beach, the resort is obviously adults-only, and most guests are older couples, though singles are also welcome. Most guests are also friendly and looking to mingle, though not in a sexually aggressive way.Descriptive writing styles are not my favourite, but undoubtedly, the most substantial element of this novel is the imagery. The author does an excellent job at thoroughly describing places, which alleviates the reader's imaginative effort. Look forward to getting away from the crowds on the popular and award-winning beach situated nearby, whilst also being within walking distance of a selection of cafés, bars and restaurants. If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to visit this hidden beach’s café to sample its famous curry, to be enjoyed on the pristine sands. This quiet beach is the ideal respite from the usual crowds that you find at pretty UK beaches. Because of its steep downhill access and plenty of neighbouring beaches with easier entry, it is easy to see why this is one of the less-crowded beaches on the Dorset coast. This was a captivating read exploring family dynamics, loss and grief, thought – provoking and evocative and you’ll be asking yourself all the time what would you do in the same situation and will be happy that you don’t have to decide. This is what I like in Karen Swan’s novel, that she’s not shy of writing about difficult and taboo things without judging them herself.

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