Title: Never a Cloud
Author: Jo Brunini
Publisher: Idle Ridge Press
ISBN: 979-8986120508
Pages: 386
Genre: Literary Fiction
Reviewed by: Alyssa Avina

Read Book Review

One question which has plagued mankind for years, at least since the dawn of civilization, has been the true definition of family. For so many, family is simply the individuals for whom we share a genetic marker and blood with, whereas others look towards more lofty definitions, such as the emotional bonds we share with others and the morality for which we define our lives. The goal for each of us is to live our lives and find our own meaning of family as time goes on, for that definition is unique for everyone in this world.

In author Jo Brunini’s Never a Cloud, the author explores a fictional tale in which three women not only find themselves connected, but learn how to define family for themselves. Set against the backdrop of rural Scotland, a woman named Violet serves as the narrator of the tale, writing from Maine as the narrative jumps from New York, Scotland, and Venice. In the Scottish estate known as Otyrburn, a young woman named Ava arrives and meets the estate’s owners, George Gardner and Margot Reid. Unbeknownst to them, Ava is not only Violet’s daughter, but Margot’s half-sister. As George falls under suspicion from the authorities, Margot must grapple not only with the revelation of Ava’s identity, but the reemergence of an old flame who works to restore the manor. In the end, secrets hidden long ago will emerge, and these three women will grapple with the revelations as they present themselves.

The author really did an amazing job of bringing these characters to life. In a narrative that was very character driven, each and every person felt well-represented and had the depth to carry the emotional toll of this story. The world-building and engaging way the author crafted the backstory of each character’s connection to the others really kept readers invested in this developing story. Yet it was the story’s setting that really set it apart, as the globe-trotting adventure through memories and the story’s natural progression really felt vivid, and painted an image in the reader’s mind of these locations so perfectly.

This is truly the best read for those who enjoy diving head-first into a fictional tale of family drama, emotional depth, and drama as a whole. As a fan of these types of stories, I found myself engrossed in the developing connections and emotional journey each of these characters found themselves on. The wellspring of honesty and realness these situations presented to the characters made the narrative feel alive on each page.

Heartfelt, entertaining, and hauntingly beautiful, author Jo Brunini’s Never A Cloud is a must-read novel. The detailed and heart-filled journey each of these women found themselves on, and the evolution to build a family none of them could have imagined, made this narrative soar through the reader’s mind. The untold truths waiting to be delivered, the shocking revelations, and the gripping emotional journey made this a worthwhile read, so be sure to grab your copy today!