Lexa Dudley
Hello and welcome to my website, I am a freelance writer and try to be a poet.
You will probably know from my books that I am a passionate lover of Sardinia. Ever since we first went there in 1972 it has been the home of my soul.
Reviews for Love in Another Time
I have been working on this book for a number of years now. Illness in the family and work together with all the family activities, have put it on the back burner.
But I am happy to say I am at the proofreading stage and working on the cover, which is all rather exciting.
Below are some reviews for Love in Another Time. I hope you will enjoy it too.
Reviewed By: K.C. Finn
Review Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed By K.C. Finn
Love In Another Time: A Sardinian Saga is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama genre and was penned by author Lexa Dudley. Written for adults due to the presence of some moderate sex scenes, this novel spans the romance, family saga and drama genres to give an overview of the life story of central character Ellie Montford. Attending school in the 1940s, Ellie’s life changes when she is sent to reside with the family of a close friend, Polly. From here, Ellie blossoms into a confident woman who finds love in a foreign land, but it is cut short all too soon. What results is the tale of a grandmother looking back on her life and a granddaughter who uncovers secrets that she may come to regret.
Author Lexa Dudley puts great commitment into her character development for this novel, delivering authentic emotional prose with true depth and motivation behind every word and gesture. The work is relatively short and desires more detail in certain areas of the fast-moving plot, but the twists and turns are well planned out to deliver many intriguing and different experiences along the way. One of the most striking features is the presence of Sardinia in the tale, which is beautifully described and brought to life through excellent immersive language and cultural detail. Each character and relationship blossoms and develops on a strong arc throughout, and, overall, I think readers who enjoy a light but emotive family saga will highly rate Love In Another Time.
Review Rating: 5 Stars –
Reviewed By Lesley Jones
In Love in Another Time by Lexa Dudley, the year is 1947 and Ellie di Montford returns to the country after the war. She is reunited with her best friend Polly and stays with them while her parents are away. Ellie enjoys being part of a loving family, something she has rarely experienced. Polly’s elder brother Simon promises Ellie that when they are older, he will marry her. As Ellie reaches young adulthood in the 1960’s she travels to Sardina to spend a holiday with her parents before her father’s retirement as a diplomat in the Foreign Office. Ellie meets a young professor, Gino, and it is not long before they fall in love and are planning their future together. Ellie is not prepared for the events that follow which change the entire direction of her life. Years later, Ellie’s granddaughter, Sara, travels to Sardina on a business trip and discovers an old newspaper clipping of her beloved grandmother Ellie. Sara makes a shocking discovery about her grandmother’s past that could not only shatter their loving relationship but her entire family.
Love in Another Time by Lexa Dudley is a good, old-fashioned historical saga set across four generations. The plot is amazing, so detailed, engaging and interesting. Ellie’s character jumps off the page, she is so likable and is someone you would want to meet. Even when her ghastly social-climbing mother was abusive to her, Ellie dealt with it with such grace and forgiveness. I truly wanted her to find happiness with the charming Gino. I loved learning about Sardina, a place I have never been but the descriptive narrative brings the beautiful country to life. There are interesting references to the different cultures and customs of the country which are cleverly weaved into the story. Simon was a wonderful character too, such a rock to Ellie and a man with amazing morals. The revelation at the end was a huge shock and so tragic. If you love novels that completely sweep you into the world of the characters, then I highly recommend you read Love In Another Time.
Review Rating: 5 Stars –
Reviewed By Christian Sia
Love in Another Time: A Sardinian Saga by Lexa Dudley is a brilliantly plotted story that follows a grandmother’s adventure and the story of her granddaughter. It begins with Ellie Montford’s early years. Her parents are diplomats who are scarcely home, and when her school shuts down, she is sent to live with Polly’s family, a family who accepts her as their own child. When she turns twenty, Ellie is asked by her parents, who are looking forward to retiring from active service, to join them on a vacation in Sardinia. It is here she falls in love with Gino, a professor, but the experience is short-lived. Sara is Ellie’s granddaughter and she has a strong bond with her. When Sara travels to Sardinia, she uncovers a disturbing story about her grandmother, and this might stand in the way of her own happiness.
Lexa Dudley is a great storyteller who uses an evocative style of writing to grab the attention of the reader. The prose itself has a beauty and a music of its own. The childhood of the characters is beautifully painted, and the images will fill some readers with nostalgia for the children they once were. Character development is wonderful and readers can easily feel these characters, especially in moments of their sadness and human frailty. They are as human as they are realistic, and this makes the story feel real to readers.
Love in Another Time: A Sardinian Saga has a well-crafted setting, with places that are skillfully described and a timeline that lets readers know when the actions took place. It is gripping and delightful.
Review Rating:5 Stars –
Reviewed By Deborah Lloyd
Ellie Montford’s parents, Ian and Isabel, spent most of their time traveling, as Ian worked in the diplomatic corps. Ellie’s best friend, Polly Smythe, and she attended the same boarding school. Ellie was always welcomed in the Smythe home, and she also became a close friend to Polly’s brother, Simon. In 1961, when Ellie was twenty years old, she joined her parents at their last assignment before her father’s retirement; Sardinia. Ellie became enchanted with the unique beauty of the island and its fascinating people. She also fell in love with Gino, a professor at the local university. Several decades later, when Ellie’s granddaughter Sara travels to Sardinia for her job, she learns some family secrets. In Love in Another Time: A Sardinian Saga, written by Lexa Dudley, a story of family and friendship connections between England and Sardinia unfold.
This novel is intriguing in many ways – the after-effects of World War II in Europe; the archaeological treasures in Sardinia; societal norms of the 1960s compared to the present time. Also explored are family relationships. Ellie created a close-knit family although she had been raised by a mother who was distant and more concerned with the status she and her husband could achieve. There is much joy and pain in the story. The author’s storytelling flows well, and she describes the landscape and the eras with clarity. Although many characters are introduced and developed, the reader can easily grasp the personality of each one. Author Lexa Dudley has written a lovely novel in Love in Another Time: A Sardinian Saga. An enjoyable read!
Review Rating:
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed By Josephine Strano D’Urso
Lexa Dudley’s Love in Another Time. A Sardinian Saga is a moving tale of loss and redemption, weaved into a picturesque and captivating setting. It’s the early sixties and Ellie, fresh out of school, moves to Sardinia with her parents, where her father has been assigned by the British Foreign Office. Ellie’s free spirit and generosity are hampered by her parents’ extreme ambition and rigid ways. That doesn’t stop her from satisfying her curiosity about her new surroundings and her desire to explore and mix with the locals, making new friends along the way. Her wish to improve her Italian leads her to meet the man of her dreams. But fate isn’t kind to Ellie, dealing her a terrible blow. Many years later her granddaughter Sara’s career brings her to retrace Ellie’s footsteps in Sardinia and, in finding her own true love, Sara unlocks a secret that shatters her world.
If with this novel Lexa Dudley’s intent was to entice readers into falling in love with Sardinia, she has succeeded! Love in Another Time is an engaging story, the sort that grabs readers and draws them in from the first pages, eager to know more. Ms. Dudley portrays places, people and local folklore with such precision and clarity it’s easy to be drawn into the intricate tapestry she weaves. The abundance of historical and cultural anecdotes and true-to-life characters bring the landscape to life. Just when I thought the ending was a foregone conclusion, a clever twist took me completely by surprise. Love in Another Time is an excellent read and I’ll most certainly recommend it to my friends.
The cover isn’t ready yest, but thought you might like a small preview.
“A delightful, romantic novel – with a twist. This is a love story that starts out gently, and raises the drama as it goes along”.
“Whilst romantic stories would not be my usual choice, this book captivated me from the start. The wonderful description of Sardinia, from it’s people and culture through to the beautifully crafted love story. I couldn’t put the book down and didn’t want it to end”.
“If you know and love Sardinia or want to know about the island beyond the main tourist spots, read Lexa Dudley’s “Whispering Wind”. A must; – to take when you visit Sardinia, a good relaxing romance, and useful guide with a gripping conclusion. Would make a great film ! “
David Wilson
“There’s nothing I’d rather read when I’m on holiday than a novel set in the place I am visiting. Lexa Dudley’s ‘The Whispering Wind‘ is a heart-wrenching romance set on Sardinia and while I didn’t get to read it when I was there, it never-the-less brought back some wonderful memories of this lovely island that I, just like the author, have fallen in love with. “
Kathryn Burrington
..Read full review
THE ITALIAN VERSION OF CHILDREN OF THE MISTS IS OUT (FIGLI DELLA BRUMA)
Children of the mists
Grande Scrittrice Lexa Dudley, questo libro narra la storia della Sardegna, periodo della dominazione Piemontese, la ribellione dei Sardi contro la dominazione dei Piemontesi, storie d’amore, di gelosie, di tradimenti che riguardano quel periodo. Bellissimo da leggere, è per mè un Grande Romanzo appassionante che dà anche molte emozioni ..Grazie a tè Lexa Dudley per questi meravigliosi libri che narrano storie sulla nostra terra !!! 
<3<3
Great writer Lexa Dudley, this book tells the story of Sardinia, Piedmont period of domination, the rebellion of the Sardinians against the domination of the Piedmontese, stories of love, jealousy and betrayal that concern the period. Very nice to read, it gives me great exciting novel that gives a lot of emotions ..Grazie Lexa Dudley for these wonderful books that tell stories about our land !!! <3 <3
Thank you Maria Teresa Sideri
😊❤️
http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=4672
I am still amazed at how many people ask me where the island is. I know Sardinia is in the Mediterranean, but were exactly? It has been known as the ‘The Forgotten Island’, ‘The Unknown Island’ for many years. So I thought I would help a little.
If you don’t know, Sardinia is between Corsica and Sicily and is the second biggest island in the Med. How big is it? Well it is about the same size as Wales. What language do they speak? They speak Italian, but they also have there own languages, not dialects, but languages. Campidanese, Logudorese, are the two main ones, but there are Nuorese, Catalanese, Gallurese etc. These are not only different, but one village in the area will also speak a different version. Italian has enabled the islanders to talk to one another, but they have to be admired for holding on to their unique languages through all the years of occupation of the Phoenicians, Romans, Spanish and Piedmontese. Although there languages contain elements of all these languages, Sardu remains the language of the islanders.
This is the cover of my latest book which is set in Sardinia in 1855. Children of the Mists is a story of enduring love. Set in the 1800s, life on Sardinia had barely changed since the time of the Caesars. Two families, the Sannas and the Canus, are united by friendship and honour; love and laughter; joy and promises; omens and superstitions; youth and experience transcend generations. However, for Raeffella and Antonio, their passionate love becomes entangled with revenge. Death changes devotion. Promises are forgotten. Vendettas cannot be ignored. Ambition clouds judgments. Antonio and Raeffella were promised to each other, nothing would keep them apart, not even family. Committed to each other, they fight for their love against all odds…
WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER
THE BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD 2016
ISBN: 9781785891922
eISBN: 9781785897184
http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=3836
THE CHILDREN OF THE MISTS IS THE WINNER OF THE BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD 2016
FOR ROMANCE
I am happy to say that my second book, also set in Sardinia, but in 1855, will be ready for publication on 28th May 2016. This book has required a lot of research, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. People have been extremely generous with their time and help, and I have made many new friends from the work.
Praise for Children of the Mists: “A love story that will win the hearts of readers with its many dimensions. An entertaining love story that will captivate the readers with its romance, passion, revenge and honour…” – Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favourite
I hope that my wonderful fans and friends will enjoy this book as much as they did my first one.
Children of the Mists by Lexa Dudley
Updated on Jul 21, 2016 by Kathryn Burrington
Blog > Children of the Mists by Lexa Dudley
Having enjoyed Lexa Dudley’s first novel set in Sardinia so very much my expectations for her second were high. She didn’t disappoint.
Step back in time to the 1800s, when for many years the untamed island of Sardinia has been seen as an annex of Italy from which much is taken but nothing given. Life here has changed little for many centuries, especially in the rugged interior where sheep farming is prevalent and ancient superstitions and traditions are firmly upheld.
It is here in this setting, so vividly brought to life by author Lexa Dudley, that the lives of two families, the Sannas and the Canus become deeply intertwined.
“She ambled down the long path to the lower meadow, taking in the gold-green of the valley and sweet, heady scent of the drying wild flowers, intensified by the sun…”
Children of the Mists, Lexa’s second novel, is an intricate tale of steadfast love, ambition, loyalty and betrayal not forgetting vendetta, the strict Sardinian code of honour that demands revenge; the souls of the murdered will not rest until their deaths have been avenged. Most strikingly, however, this a love story or rather a number of beguiling interwoven love stories.
Throughout the novel the reader is treated to a wonderful glimpse of the world of the Sardinian people in days gone by. Their deeply held beliefs and ancient knowledge form a colourful and essential framework as the tale unfolds and the leading characters take shape.
“..from Gabriella they learned the secrets of the plants’ healing powers, and from Salvatore they learnt the ways of hunting, trapping and fishing.
Sergio saw to it that they knew about the bad sprites, and how to ward them off with the many superstitions which ruled life. The broom outside the back door to keep away evil spirits who would stop to count the bristles, but as they could only count to seven, it would occupy them all night until dawn, when they would run away.”
While it took a little longer to really grab my attention than Lexa’s first novel, The Whispering Windalso set in Sardinia, it really was not long at all before I was thoroughly hooked and eager to know more about the lives of the many characters Lexa so vividly portrays, each of whom I came to care about, even Orlando, but on that I’ll say no more least I give away too much. Suffice to say that throughout the book I was never quite certain where the plot would take me, whose hearts would be broken, which lives would be taken and whose hopes and fears would come true.
I’d thoroughly recommend Children of the Mists by Lexa Dudley to anyone who enjoys historic or romantic novels as well as for anyone who, like me, has a deep love for Sardinia.
Posted in Kathryn Burrington, News & Press | Tagged Books, Culture, History, Review
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REVIEW
Published By: Matador
Date Published: June 28, 2016
Pages: 352
Sometimes love breeds vengeance, vengeance breeds tragedy, and tragedy, in turn, breeds love again. Set in Sardinia between the years 1855 and 1860 and divided into two parts, everything comes full circle in Children of the Mists by Lexa Dudley. More than anything else, Dudley shows us exactly what transpires before one generation of Sards makes way for the next, and how it is that, no matter how terra incognita we might figure some culture to be, it is just as powerful, wonderful, and pulsating as every other.
Raffaella Canu had been sent to Itteri for a decent education. Gestinu, her father, had high hopes for her future. Whatever they were, Raffaella only wished for one thing: to be with Antonio, the shepherd boy she had loved since childhood. Orlando, her brother, however, doesn’t want Antonio in his sister’s future. To Orlando, his sister is still just as soft-witted as she was before she went to Itteri. She could have a wonderful life if she would just see reason and agree to marry Luigi, a prominent doctor who also happens to be his best friend. It might take more than a promise for Raffaella to finally be with the man of her dreams.
Change is a thing that dwells just between the realms of good and bad, unbiased and final. For some, change can mean a new, more wonderful life. For others, it can only mean more misery. For the Sardinians in this novel, change means abiding to laws that are not their own, but the laws of some king who is out to unite every single Italian state so that everyone “can prosper as one country”. The Sards have land, but there are those who would take it away from them within the blink of an eye. One misstep and a language known as legalese renders them fugitives, after which they are hunted by the Carabineri or doomed to the nullified life of a bandit.
The first part, starting at 1855, introduces us to the lifestyle and customs of the Sards. We are introduced to the Sannas and the Canus, and can easily see how the lives of these two families are connected. “Vitoria and Orlando were promised to each other in marriage; in a contract made between Gestinu and Salvatore, as Salvatore had saved his friend’s life when he first came to live in the mountains.” In the second part, three years after cholera made its way into their lives, the stage is set for a beautiful tale of love, vengeance, and redemption.
It doesn’t take much to imagine Sardinia and all of its beauty. “Although she couldn’t see the river, Raffaella could hear it in the valley below as it grumbled and chattered its way over a bed of shiny, cold, grey stones; as it bubbled in the ravine with the fullness of extra water from the melted snows of the distant, haze-green mountains.” We are taken to ravines, caves, small churches, and bedrooms in which the very light of dawn that enters it is graced by the author. Refined human life is faraway, neither important to the reader nor more desirable than Dudley’s craftily recreated setting.
There is more than one love story, the one towering over every other in the book of course being that of Raffaella and Antonio. They have loved each other since childhood, and a doctor with “clammy” hands can be seen as the hand that aims to snatch cupid’s arrow out of the air just before it strikes its target. Another love story is that of Marina, who is Antonio’s little sister, and a bandit named Gavinu. Dudley also throws in an unexpected romance that I found to be quite a surprise. Because of the alternating third person narrative, we get to follow each of them without much of a fuss.
Raffaella might be the main protagonist, but it is the characters around her, what with her just wanting to be with Antonio and all, that keeps things interesting. Even Sergio, an old shepherd, can make one burst out laughing when he works on the nerves of Orlando with his superstitious babbling. Small characters get to play pivotal roles to move the story along to its dreaded, and I mean this in a positive way, conclusion. Gabriella, Antonio’s mother, is the character through which we can get a lot of information about the Sard culture. She is important to the community, a healer who gets called upon many Sards when they fall ill.
Orlando is the personification of ambition, making decisions based purely on logic rather than love. While not the main antagonist, he is perhaps the main reason for all the conflict and heartache in this novel. He is not an evil human being, but for some reason, his destiny doesn’t seem to be one that is filled with happiness. “’You’re cursed, you’re cursed,’ repeated the shepherd, whimpering.” His decisions tend not to end up well. When one looks at his development in the book, it’s easy to see how the author took great care with him.
The theme of change and the different outcomes it has for different people was well explored. Raffaella was proud of her homeland and to her change didn’t involve a life away from her home and married to a doctor. Orlando was exactly the opposite. Change was his way of forgetting the past. Other themes like vengeance and redemption also played a big part. The Sards seems to have a particular notion when it comes to revenge. “As a fellow Sard, you must know the importance of revenge.” Orlando himself seemed to encompass almost every theme book.
I got a lot from this book. I got laughs and I got tears. I got to experience Sardinia from 1855 to 1860 and all its greatness. I could see greenery, mountains, and people in love. I felt that I was reading a wonderful romance novel set in a magical place.
I reviewed this book for Readers’ Favorite and extended the review for my blog.
My Rating: 5 out of 5.
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On Friday 13th March 2016 My dear friend and amazing artist died. He will be missed by all his friends and by everyone who lives he touched. Rest in Peace and may your voice always resound in your stones.
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THE WHISPERING WIND
I have written and published my first novel ‘The Whispering Wind’ and am now working on my second one. It is also set in Sardinia, but in 1855 and has taken quite a bit of research, which I love.
Sardinia is a magical island and I hope to impart some of its enchantment to the reader in my books.
Please feel free to comment as I love feedback from my readers.
Author of ‘The Whispering Wind’
‘The Whispering Wind’ is a moving story of two lovers, set on the beautiful island of Sardinia, where Elise goes on holiday to escape a loveless and violent marriage. Elise and Beppe embark on a passionate affair until fate suddenly intervenes…
Sussurri nel Vento I am happy to say that The Whispering Wind has been translated into Italian and is available on Amazon etc.
Book review from Hannah Fielding
“I adore the author’s writing style; her ability to evocatively convey the setting. There is so much colour and passion and feeling in her writing: she’s a romance writer par excellence.
The story drew me in from the beginning, so much so that I read the book in just two sittings – I couldn’t put it down. I love the characterisation, especially of the local Sardinian people. I love the depth to the character of Elise and her journey to find herself, and to heal her heart, after her abusive marriage. I love the hero of the book, Beppe, and find him so real as a person that he seems alive beyond the words on the page. I love the development of Beppe and Elise’s relationship, and the attention the author pays to exploring their feelings.
No doubt you’re spotting a theme: I love this book!”
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