One Kiss in Havana - Michelle Jackson (2010)

This explores the themes of sibling rivalry, family feuds and finding hope and redemption in adverse circumstances. Emma, Louise and Sophie are sisters who share a lot more than family problems. When Emma surprisingly receives two tickets to Cuba in the post from her late husband Paul, she decides to take Sophie along in his place - completely oblivious to the fact that Paul and Sophie were lovers, and the holiday was always intended for the pair of them! Hard-necked troublemaker Sophie has no qualms about going on holiday with the sister she's betrayed, but feels bitter about Emma being able to grieve openly for her lost love while she has to keep her feelings hidden. Meanwhile, Louise is stuck at home in a marriage rut. When a random encounter with her former lover Jack reawakens her old feelings for him, she's left more confused about her marriage than ever - particularly when Jack seems interested in meeting her. Back in Cuba, Emma feels alive again for the first time since Paul's death when she meets Felipe, a Che Guevara lookalike, while Sophie spends her time with Greg, a Canadian art dealer. But will One Kiss in Havana lead to a lot more, and could the holiday be the beginning of a life-changing experience for everyone? The descriptions of Cuba are so skilfully woven into this book that not only will you feel as if you're there but you'll absorb a lot of information about Cuba and its way of life while enjoying the story. It is a perfect holiday read, and if you're not on holidays, you'll want to be after reading it. (SBB)

Dublin author Michelle Jackson follows up Two Days in Biarritz and Three Nights in New York with One Kiss in Havana. The summary says: "Emma, Louise and Sophie are sisters. Talented, artistic and creative, they have a lot in common - especially when it comes to men. When Emma receives two tickets to Cuba in the post from her late husband she is more than surprised. She decides to take her sister Sophie along - not realising this was his exact intention. Louise hankers for lost love - Jack Duggan. She trudges through her suburban life with husband Donal while her sisters soak up the Caribbean sunshine. But a chance encounter with the love from her past means that she will have plenty to deal with back in Dublin. Meanwhile, in Cuba, Emma meets Che Guevara lookalike Felipe and Sophie meets Greg - a Canadian art dealer. Set against the backdrop of salsa music, rum cocktails and balmy tropical nights -the girls have no idea what one kiss in Havana will lead to." It's out in June. Jackson's next novel is heading to Las Vegas. She has also co-written with Juliet Bressan a book of wisdom for women called What Women Know.

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