Karen Swan is one of my auto-buy authors. I will buy any book she comes out with, without looking at the synopsis or other reviews. Although The Spanish Promise was not my favourite, it did keep me engaged throughout. This book had all the usual elements I expect in a Karen Swan novel, jet setting, romance, and good plot twists. Overall I give The Spanish Promise a 3.5-star rating.
The story follows two timelines. The first is in present-day, centered around Charlotte, a wealth counselor for a private bank. One of her major clients, the multimillionaire Mendoza family, discovers their dying father intends to leave the entire family fortune to an unknown woman. Charlotte is tasked with finding this unknown woman, discovering how she is connected to the Mendozas, and saving the family estate.
The second timeline follows the Mendoza family narrative during the 1930s. During this time civil war broke out, and the Mendoza family was in the thick of it. This course of events directly impacted the future for their family, and the present day questions they are trying to answer.
One of the challenges I had with this book was the back and forth format between the past and present day. I have a few problems with this technique. For one, there is often one timeline that is stronger than the other. Or, one that the reader prefers over the other. I fell into this trap. I found myself always longing to read my preferred timeline, and rushing through the other. Another challenge is the disruption of flow when swapping between timelines. Often when one storyline starts to get good, it stops and switches, forcing the reader to shift mentalities.
In the beginning, I much preferred the present day timeline of Charlotte. It was easier to follow and get into than the 1930's Spain setting, of which I am wholly unfamiliar. As time progressed, I felt the stronger of the two storylines became the past Spain timeline, which held answers to the questions our future characters were seeking. In the end, the two separate stories become quite paralleled, asking and answering questions in rhythm.
One aspect I enjoyed was the way the story took on the topic of privilege and wealth. It showcased not only the positives and luxuries of being rich but also the emotional challenges and responsibility that comes with it too. Charlotte's entire job revolves around supporting individuals with the emotional side of wealth. The way it changes your relationships, lifestyle, and mental health. At one point or another, I thought the author made the 'grass look greener' on both sides. I think most importantly she showed how relationships and family were more important, and more powerful than money throughout the story.
One aspect that fell short for me was the romance factor. There was a love story in both the past and present timelines, but both felt rushed. Perhaps this was due to the back and forth between timelines. Trying to follow two stories means you have less time to thoroughly explore each one. I also felt some of the romantic development in both love stories was lacking. Unfortunately, I just wasn't able to get behind these couples as much as I wanted to. Which in turn, impacted the emotional payoff of the conclusion.
In the end, I am glad I picked up The Spanish Promise. I don't know if any of Karen Swan's books will compare to how much I LOVED Christmas at Tiffany's, but I have hope. That is what keeps me coming back to her work time and time again.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
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