I've been looking forward to yet another book from Tif Marcelo. I first discovered this author when I read The Key to Happily Ever After.
Once Upon a Sunset is a story revolving around a mother, Margo, and her grown daughter, Diana. Though their relationship is close, yet it becomes strained when they accidentally discover family secrets. Both deal with the aftermath of this newfound in their own way, and the differing views create a fallout between them.
As in Tif Marcelo's first book, this one brilliantly portrays the Filipino culture. Though the story revolves around self-understanding and growth, there's a romantic vein to the book. I enjoyed both storylines.
I connected with the mother, Margo, and her free-spirited was of handling what life threw at her. However, I still empathized with the daughter, Diana. Both characters delve deep into the pas, in in that process discover a lot about themselves. Their relationship gradually repairs, and deepens their understanding about each other's views. Their self-growth is gradual, believable, and touching.
I received an ARC from Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
4 stars
