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Secrets Mothers Keep
A brutal murder occurs on an isolated farm in the 1920's in Western Australia and the victim's wife and children are violently abused, scandalizing the whole country. The killer has no apparent motivation but admits his guilt and the abused wife has to rebuild her shattered life.
Secrets Mothers Keep traces how three lives are entwined. A young English boy with learning difficulties and the precursors of mental illness, learns to cope with his 'black moods' and poor social skills. He faces numerous challenges and finds support and strategies that enable him to survive. Finally an event makes him crack.
Lilly is a feminist with a strong social conscience; the novel follows her life and her loves until she marries her eminently capable partner Harold. Harold is murdered and Lilly and her children are subject to rape and horrific abuse. The resultant infamy of the case threatens her reputation and her core values. Her strong convictions lead her to respond in a most unlikely manner. The interplay of characters, combine to create a story reflecting the values of their time in history but with themes which still resonate today.
Secrets Mothers Keep traces how three lives are entwined. A young English boy with learning difficulties and the precursors of mental illness, learns to cope with his 'black moods' and poor social skills. He faces numerous challenges and finds support and strategies that enable him to survive. Finally an event makes him crack.
Lilly is a feminist with a strong social conscience; the novel follows her life and her loves until she marries her eminently capable partner Harold. Harold is murdered and Lilly and her children are subject to rape and horrific abuse. The resultant infamy of the case threatens her reputation and her core values. Her strong convictions lead her to respond in a most unlikely manner. The interplay of characters, combine to create a story reflecting the values of their time in history but with themes which still resonate today.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Linda J. Bettenay
2 books4 followersLinda J Bettenay has now published two books in her Secrets Series - fictional novels set in Western Australia. Linda was born in Roleystone, into a pioneering orcharding family who have farmed the land since 1901 and lived in the area since 1895.
Linda’s current occupation is editor of a community magazine, The Roleystone Courier. This monthly publication has existed in Roleystone since 1977 and, along with her husband Mike, has owned and operated this business since January, 2008. This is a labour of love, providing a much loved magazine for this delightful rural community.
Linda and Mike have two sons, Joe and Brett, two daughters-in-law Bethany and Rebecca and three very cherished grandchildren Leigh, Violet and Mirabelle.
Linda’s stimulus to write her first novel ‘Secrets Mothers Keep’ came from the discovery of an amazing true story, from her husband’s family’s past. This story was kept secret since 1928 and was only recently uncovered. Her second novel, based on her father’s stories, ‘Wishes For Starlight’ is set largely in the Perth Hills area - a location Linda is very passionate about.
These form part of Linda’s ‘Secrets Series’ - fictionalised stories based in the rich history of Western Australia.
Linda’s current occupation is editor of a community magazine, The Roleystone Courier. This monthly publication has existed in Roleystone since 1977 and, along with her husband Mike, has owned and operated this business since January, 2008. This is a labour of love, providing a much loved magazine for this delightful rural community.
Linda and Mike have two sons, Joe and Brett, two daughters-in-law Bethany and Rebecca and three very cherished grandchildren Leigh, Violet and Mirabelle.
Linda’s stimulus to write her first novel ‘Secrets Mothers Keep’ came from the discovery of an amazing true story, from her husband’s family’s past. This story was kept secret since 1928 and was only recently uncovered. Her second novel, based on her father’s stories, ‘Wishes For Starlight’ is set largely in the Perth Hills area - a location Linda is very passionate about.
These form part of Linda’s ‘Secrets Series’ - fictionalised stories based in the rich history of Western Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 2, 2014
I especially enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel and the mystery surrounding the murder set in Western Australia around the early 1900's. I found the characters and circumstances believable. The weaving of intrigue into the narrative was highly entertaining.
November 27, 2014
a beautifully written story. it only increased the deep respect I have for our Anzacs and the people who went out and created homes in the tough unforgiving areas away from the city. the pure hard work and sweat put in by our early farmers who left a legacy that is still feeding us all to this day. these stories should not be lost.
the story of the paths which led to one fateful day of death, pain and anguish for one of these pioneering families is a story I will not forget. thank you Linda (and Mike) for sharing it with us. I shall also remember Harold E Smith.
the story of the paths which led to one fateful day of death, pain and anguish for one of these pioneering families is a story I will not forget. thank you Linda (and Mike) for sharing it with us. I shall also remember Harold E Smith.
May 5, 2023
Powerful novel beautifully written. It's a complex story full of anguish and heartbreak but it's holds the course and works well as a portrayal of human frailty and human strength and dignity.
August 28, 2024
An amazing story, based on true events in Western Australia's wheat belt. The writing is a little stilted and awkward but I really enjoyed the plot.
October 17, 2024
Excellent read! Well thought out story. Excellent prose. Heartbreaking and heartwarming!!
March 10, 2016
It took a while for me to get involved with this book, mainly because I had a background knowledge of the story. I was hesitant to read about it in detail but i persevered and was swept along in an amazing heart wrenching saga which incorporated many aspects of our West Autralian heritage and history. Linda Bettenay has cleverly woven fact and fiction to creat a very interesting tale of a family tragedy that altered the lives of so many. Well worth reading...i recommend this book!
September 28, 2014
Amazing true local WA story, very thought provoking for the time it happened & the attitudes to mental health. I think it was good to have some background info before reading after meeting the author at a local launch. Altho this did mean that I approached the depiction of the actual crime with some trepidation but it was handled as well as it could be under such dreadful circumstances.
April 9, 2014
Such a compelling read, I could not put it down! I was fortunate enough to meet the author tonight & it made me love the book even more! I just had to keep reading til the end - highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews