About the Author

The Scottish novelist Joan Fallon, currently lives and works in the south of Spain. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, but has also written a work of non-fiction which has proved the inspiration for at least two of her subsequent novels. Two aspects of Joan's life particularly influence her writing. The first is being a woman who grew up during the sixties and seventies, at a time when it was harder for a woman to gain recognition in a man's world. Consequently almost all her books have a strong female protagonist. The second influence is the fact that she has lived in Spain for the last twenty years. Spanish history and culture fascinate her and have provided some of the most exotic settings in her historical novels.

Reviews

'Tragic, uplifting and beautiful, Spanish Lavender doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, but neither does it concentrate on them. It is vital to remember that Spanish Lavender is a story of love. A riveting read.'

HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY REVIEW January 2014

5.0 out of 5 stars

Five Stars

ByFlower danceron 10 June 2016

Great story-well worth a read - couldn't put it down.

Wonderfully observed places and people, a gripping story. A love story but much more than that. Set in the turbulent days of Franco's Spain this book draws you in to another world. I couldn't put it down, ending up after midnight with tears flowing. Just wonderful! Joan has provided us with recollections of how futile war really is.

Her knowledge of Southern Span is excellent and her research very sound.

Robin S, Amazon.co.uk

Set in the turbulent days of Franco's Spain this book draws you in to another world. I couldn't put it down, ending up after midnight with tears flowing. Just wonderful!

A vivid picture

ByAnn Victoria Robertson 14 September 2015

...Familiar place-names along the Costa del Sol bring home the reality of this civil war - opposing sides motivated by extreme ideals. The Fascist side aided by Nazi ships and planes while - incredible but true - British warships simply had to stand by as neutrals. As the long stream of refugees head towards a safer place further along the coast, they are bombed, shelled and strafed.

This part of the novel is so well-written it's heart-wrenching - and it brings home the reality of current civil wars in the Middle East...