Lexa Dudley – Freelance Writer and Poet

Lexa Dudley is a freelance writer and a poet. She fell in love with the island of Sardinia in 1972 when visiting with her family; and became intrigued with the island’s unique culture. Her books give us a glimpse into the closed world of the Sardinians and reflects her love for the island and its people.

"Never Give Up"

Lexa has returned to Sardinia every year since her first visit and travelled extensively over the island to see the many interesting sites and monuments. She gave an interview on Radio Sardegna in 1978 about her love for the island and enjoyed a close friendship with the late notable author Marcello Serra and his family.

She came to writing in her late sixties and published her first book at the age of 72. As she says ‘Never give up’

Lexa lives in Suffolk with her husband, two dogs and two horses and enjoys her four sons and eight grandchildren.

Lexa has 3 books, The Whispering Winds (2013), Children of the Mists (2016) and her latest work Love in Another Time (2022).

Left: A selection of images from the Spring Festival in Sardinia ‘Sagra di Sant Efisio’ View post

Latest Book 'Love in Another Time: A Sardinian Saga'

Publisher: ‎ Matador (3 April 2022)

England, 1947. Ellie Montford is sent to boarding school by her cold and distant parents, joining her best friend’s family on their farm for the holidays. She forges a bond with her friend’s brother, Simon, who promises to marry her – but childhood promises may not last…

Sardinia, 1961. Ellie, now a young woman, joins her parents in Cagliari, where her father works for the Foreign Office. Attending classes at the local university she meets Gino, a young professor. Is he really everything he claims? Or is their love doomed to fail?

Sardinia, 2006. Ellie’s granddaughter Sara is sent by her company to Cagliari. On a night out, she meets Luca, an archaeologist and professor. Their love affair mirrors that of her grandmother and Gino’s from over forty years before.

Their happiness is short lived as Sara finds hints of a long-buried secret which could separate them. Who is Luca, and what is his connection to Gino? Sara must find the answers before she can find happiness and make her family whole again.

BOOK REVIEWS

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.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is a beautiful book the author has created such a detailed account of relationships and beautiful Sardinia. Children of the Mists is a beautiful story consisting of an interesting plot with lovely characters in love in 19th Century Sardinia. I think that this book would be a great sunbed read or, like today, sitting by the fire warmed by some hot chocolate. I cannot believe I have never come across this author before and I am now seeking her out.

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.

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.

When Lexa approached me to enquire whether I may be interested in reviewing her novel, my answer was an easy ‘yes’. Romance set on Sardinia? Right up my street, especially given the fact that my own latest novel, The Echoes of Love, is a romance set in Venice, Tuscany and… Sardinia! I love the setting – Sardinia is quite one of my favourite places for its unspoilt beauty – and so I was very keen to read this novel. I knew from the first paragraph that the book would not disappoint.

"Never Give Up"

Latest Book 'Love in Another Time: A Sardinian Saga'

Publisher: ‎ Matador (3 April 2022)

BOOK REVIEWS

Read all reviews

Copyright © Lexa Dudley 2022