The Spanish House

One bizarre to-do list to earn her inheritance. One Spanish summer. One huge family secret.

Juliana makes a modest living as an ''ethnic'' TV/film extra – even though the only connections with her Spanish heritage are her cacti, Spanish classes, and some confused memories of a Spanish mother she hasn''t seen since she was seven.

When her beloved Uncle Arturo offers her the chance to discover her roots while housesitting his coastal home in a quiet corner of Andalusia, Juliana can''t believe her luck. Especially when he reveals that the house will be hers if she fulfills ten life-enhancing ''Conditions'' within 90 days.

Redecoration of the house and a visit to the old film studio where her mother used to sew costumes seem ridiculously simple tasks for such a wonderful reward. But little does Juliana realize that there are family secrets and inherited rivalries awaiting her in sunny Spain, and the condition that she has to ''get on with the neighbors'' – who include a ruggedly handsome but moody artist – may be harder than she thinks.

The perfect escapist read for fans of Rosanna Ley, Jo Thomas, and Sue Moorcroft.