THE LADY WITH THE PURPLE HAT

post-thumb

BOOK REVIEW

A melodrama features a scorned wife and her dire desire to end up a grieving widow rather than an embittered ex-spouse

Swiss writer Greco delivers a novel of deceit and comeuppance starring Daisy While, a woman on a mission. The briskly narrated opening chapter finds Daisy dashing through a hospital ward elegantly disguised in an oversized purple hat, carrying a designer purse, and brandishing a perfume bottle filled with poison. Beguiling yet with deadly intentions and “fully loaded with hate,” she heads toward her estranged husband Bernard’s room, where he lies dying. The couple has been estranged for nearly a decade, and Daisy has determined that becoming a widow rather than a divorcée would better suit her high-society reputation, so she’s meticulously plotted her husband’s demise. Not one for surprises, however, Daisy is completely flummoxed upon discovering an unknown woman at Bernard’s bedside. A heated confrontation with the stranger has Daisy on the run. Meanwhile, upon realizing the visitor was his estranged wife, Bernard reflects on his marriage to Daisy, a selfish woman who’d enjoyed a clandestine affair with one of his wealthy business partners. Greco dedicates a good portion of her delightfully devilish book to Daisy and Bernard’s bittersweet back story: he was a rugged, honorable military lieutenant in World War II who’d enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Daisy, a British nanny who grew up poor. Bernard had whisked her away to his Swiss village in 1950, and they promptly married and relocated to England, where he spoiled her and their children. Daisy soon developed a fetish for extravagance, manipulation, and the rush of hunting animals, but it was her indiscretion that cost her Bernard’s love. Meanwhile, Bernard’s old schoolmate Graziella is more than happy to replace her. When Daisy’s plan goes even more awry, she becomes embroiled in another problematic scheme. The author, a clever storyteller, wastes no time with exposition or extraneous dialogue; this is a swift, bracing tale stocked with a minimum of characters. Yet those players are addictive personalities who are well-developed and believable. The initially confusing conclusion is wrapped up as quickly as Daisy and Bernard’s tumultuous situation is presented in the opening pages. But their journey and the heroine’s epiphany make the tale entertaining, enjoyable, and easily devoured in one sitting for fast readers. A breezy, soap opera–style story frothed with equal parts jealousy, vengeance, greed, and glamour.

Thrilling New Novel Details Wife's Plot to Poison Husband for Money

post-thumb
  • Benzinga
  • ZURICH (PRWEB)

BOOK REVIEW

Author Otilia Greco paints a picture of one woman's plan to capitalize on her dying husband's riches
Greed, divorce, widowhood and identity all intermingle in Otilia Greco's newest novel, "The Lady in the Purple Hat," when the main character Daisy leaves her husband, Bernard, to make a new life for herself.
As their divorce proceedings drag on and Bernard learns he has terminal cancer, Daisy decides it would be more profitable to become his widow, rather than his ex-wife.
Daisy then dons an ostentatious large purple hat to disguise her face, and glides through the hospital corridors with the intent of poisoning her husband to accelerate his death and collect her inheritance.
"I grew up near a lavish resort, full of people who led ostentatious lives and were ultimately bad influences," the author said. "It left an impression on me as a child, and gave me plenty of inspiration to write the book."
Kirkus Reviews describes Greco's book as "a breezy, soap opera-style story frothed with equal parts jealousy, vengeance, greed, and glamour."
"Ultimately, I think the takeaway from my book is that greed and money can't buy happiness, love or health," Greco said. "We should learn to be happy with what we have."
"The Lady in the Purple Hat" will take readers on a thrilling rollercoaster with a satisfying resolve.
About the author Otilia Greco was born in the Swiss Alps, was educated in Switzerland, England, and France, and is fluent in six different languages. Greco and her husband currently reside in Switzerland. "The Lady with the Purple Hat is her third book. To learn more about Greco, please visit her website at

http://www.otiliagrecobooks.com

post-thumb
  • Title: Angelica’s Discoveries: Romance and Journey to the New World

  • Author: Otilia Greco

  • Publisher: Westwood Publishing

  • ISBN: 9781462073535

  • Pages: 176

  • Genre: Contemporary, Romance

  • Reviewed by: Rae C. Bernard

post-thumb

Hollywood Book Reviews

The advantage of life exploration can be something many people are jealous of, which is solely up to each individual to consider what could become of their future. Life in and of itself is a journey that is meant to get acquainted with – and what better way of that than taking the opportunity to experience travel. In Angelica’s Discoveries: Romance and Journey to the New World, author Otilia Greco introduces her readers to Angelica, a young girl with aspirations to explore this great big world and learn all that she can in the process. The instant encouragement you will feel would make you want to pack your luggage, to see just what’s out there beyond your confinement of your small town or large city. Learning about young Angelica would spark curiosity because she’s so full of life and from her perspective, you wish to live vicariously through her. Even though it seemed as though her parents weren’t too happy about her traveling out of the country to the United States, it is great to witness her travel to other countries as stepping stones. The use of education and exploration went hand in hand in terms of gaining knowledge about other cultures and learning new languages.

With her graduating in the art field, traveling and having the fluency of other languages in her repertoire, she had the ability to land such an amazing opportunity as a travel tour guide. As her opportunity blossomed, it taught her plenty of life lessons that can only be learned through traveling. As we read, we discover along with Angelica all the special things about various countries and cities because she’s a humble soul that embraces the positive and unique. She and her young family have found the best of “luck” as emigrants to the United States through her remaining positive yet open-minded. Applause for her bravery and knack to connect with others is a genuine win for her. Family means everything to her and it’s only right that she mends the bridge that kept them separate for all this time.

Reading this book has opened my eyes to the wonders of the world that I’m missing out on and should take advantage of it while I can. The author shares the main character’s experience as a way to provide an ideal for what traveling to a new country would feel like. One thing that stood out to me was the family heirloom, the charm that was created from Angelica’s grandfather’s tie clip, as a way to bring the family together. Sometimes, having something as priceless as that can mend all wounds and build an even stronger family knit bond. It’s suggested via witnessing Angelica on her mission to reach out to other members of the family, to not give up as determination always prevail.

I’ve enjoyed reading this book and wished that I could explore the world just as much as Angelica did, as it seems she was truly happy wherever she went. It’s a real eye opener that if there is a will, there is a way and discovering the world should be another greatest gift to life. I highly recommend everyone to consider reading this book and gain the understanding that you must venture beyond your bubble if you want an experience. Life’s lessons are readily available and it’s up to us to conquer experiences that are once of a lifetime. Friendships and the bonding with people from all over gives you an advantage to being assisted when things might not seem in your favor. Those special beings you could consider your “good luck” charms.