I am delighted to share my review today for The Secret Path by Karen Swan. This was a book I requested to read via NetGalley from Pan MacMillan Publishers. A fabulous story that had me hooked from the first few pages.

In Costa Rica, amid startling white beaches and hot, dense rainforests, the luxurious world of the super-rich butts up against something darker, something sinister. . .

Tara Tremain has worked hard to leave the controlling grasp of her extremely affluent family far behind. With her own career in medicine, she doesn’t need the Tremains’ expectations weighing her down anymore. But pulled back into the family’s orbit one last time for an unmissable party in the jungles of Costa Rica, she finds herself flung into action: a local boy is desperately ill and she must trek for days into the jungle to save his life.

What Tara could never have predicted is that the one person who can help her in this impossible journey is Alex Carter, the man who destroyed her life ten years ago . . .

MY REVIEW

Tara Tremain struggled so much after she realised that Alex had used her that she threw herself into work and only went through the motions of being in a relationship. Working hard as a consultant rather than taking the easy route and living off her parent’s fortune. Her life is a series of long hours, headaches and not much else.

Her family used to vacation in Costa Rica, but since Alex now lives and works there she has not visited for many years. A conservation project to protect an area of rainforest is now due to be handed over to the Costa Rican government, a ceremony that means Tara will return to the area. She is hoping she won’t bump into her ex.

This is a fabulous story and one that had me hooked. The story of Tara and Alex and their time together sounded idyllic, and the author managed to put a wonderful twist into their relationship, one that left Tara reeling. The author then fast forwards a few years, Tara her current boyfriend and others make the journey for a few relaxing days before the all-important ceremony. The author gave some wonderful descriptions of the area, the basic huts and I love the sound of being in an area with no phone signal.

While many believe that the conservation project is for the good of the country, there are some tensions surrounding it. The author gives a view of both sides of the fence and the problems that exist. While it may sound like paradise, the jungle is not safe. It’s not just the animals you have to keep an eye out for the plants are just as dangerous. I loved the descriptions of the jungle areas and the author gave a wonderful image of being surrounded by the greenery and the non-stop sounds.

While this is a romance and contemporary fiction story, there is also a twist of mystery that emerges and this leads to some heart in the mouth moments for a couple of the characters. I loved the pacing of this book and also the various threads that had been woven into it.

A wonderful story that has romance, love, loss and hope. I would definitely recommend it.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx