One of Trollope's more compelling and entertaining novels, A SPANISH LOVER delves into the bond between twins and the far-reaching consequences that stem from that particularly unique relationship. Lizzie is used to being the successful, practical, mothering twin. She has had a long and happy marriage to Robert and together they have built an art gallery, as well as a family of four distinctly individualistic children. Lizzie is also used to Frances being the aimless and unlucky-in-love twin. So, it comes as quite a shock to Lizzie when Frances not only decides to start her own travel business, but ends up making a success of it.

The novel opens with the whirlwind of impending Christmas, made more chaotic by an announcement that Frances will be spending the holiday in Seville inspecting the suitability of the hotels of one Luis Gomez Moreno. Although this trip goes badly, Frances is intrigued enough to return to Seville, where she finds herself falling in love with Luis, an unapologetically married man who will never leave his wife. While their passionate relationship opens up whole new worlds for Frances, Lizzie's world is collapsing as the business falters and her marriage to Robert hits shaky ground. Worst of all, Lizzie finds that her life's foundation --- her relationship with Frances --- is cracking under the strain of envy and change. This is a complex novel about relationships, both familial and sexual, and nobody explores those subjects as deftly as Joanna Trollope.

   --- Reviewed by Jami Edwards

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