The Dark Side of the Sun

This novel is superbly plotted and a very satisfying read. Palmer delivers a delicious tale of money, sex, and class warfare set against the backdrop of World War II England. Nothing is left to chance in this story. Every plotline is carried to its conclusion, with plenty of surprises along the way. Secrets unfold, fortunes are made and lost, and ultimately, good triumphs over evil. Palmer is a master at juggling multiple points of view. She skillfully guides the reader in and out of the heads of numerous characters without a single misstep. We are privy to the private hopes, fears and dreams of a wide cast of characters. This is crucial to a successful romantic novel. A savvy author knows that the reader must understand and on some level relate to what motivates each character in order to care about what happens to that character. The author must then build tension gradually, laying a foundation of facts and ideas and adding to it bit by tantalizing bit, until the complete picture is finally revealed. These are the elements of an entertaining novel, regardless of the genre.