Reticence: Some secrets should never be kept

by Melanie Leeder

In a time and society where being reserved was considered polite, is it possible to keep secrets without consequences? 1937It’s the night of Fiona Beaumont’s opulent 21st birthday party at the Savoy Ballroom, London. With her whole life ahead of her, she has it wealth, beauty, and effortless elegance. But life isn’t going to go to plan. All the glitz and glamour fade as the world plunges into the depths of war. How will she navigate the heartbreak and loss she is to experience?2007Hazel Stevens had served as a housemaid to Fiona for nearly 20 years. In the end stages of cancer, she knows she must tell her story to her daughter Mary before it’s too late. But how will she begin to explain what she should've told her?

Two women from starkly different backgrounds would never have imagined how their lives would entwine so intricately. Their reticence creates consequences that will haunt them forever.

"It's thrilling, raw, and deeply romantic" – L Porter
"Excellent! What a lovely story" – C Ricketts
"This beautifully written debut novel is intriguing and captivating" – A Gibson

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2024

Reviews

[Cheryl Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against the backdrop of WWll two women from different ends of the social scale are about to share a secret which will have devastating consequences.

Fiona Beaumont has been born into the world of the upper classes, Hazel Stevens in search of a career in domestic service finds herself as housekeeper to Fiona.
With the war looming, circumstances which bring their worlds together will haunt them both forever.
Fear of an unforgiving judgmental society force both women to hold their tongues and keep their secret hidden.

Until 2007 that is.
Hazels’s daughter Mary is about to have her world shaken when her dying Mother reveals the secret she has been keeping for decades.

This was such a thrilling and beautiful read which pulled at the heartstrings and brought me to tears more than once.

Melanie Leeder has captured the elegance, spirit and tragedy of a bygone era, it truly is a beautiful debut novel.

[Kelly Leeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and captivating historical fiction novel. Transported back in time, with characters you invest in and a twist that makes you want to read into the early hours.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written characters with complex storylines. The author manages to change timelines seamlessly. Looking forward to future books from this author.

[Susanna Anglada Verges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and authentic: a story you won’t want to end!

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the settings and characters were incredibly detailed and precise. It’s the kind of story you never want to end, with every chapter holding your interest. The writing is excellent, and the historical context gives it a strong sense of authenticity, making it feel truly real. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book by this author!

[Sian Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I found it quite hard to engage with some of the characters, but I'm sure that's just me! However, it's a smashing story with lovely twists. Great 1st effort. Looking forward to your next one!

[Kate Gawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, wonderful read. It should be on your to read list!

[KATE READS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with intertwined stories, set in Brighton, England is a beautiful novel about love, betrayal and secrets. It is a wonderful story about two women from different backgrounds in a different social setting and the impact of their decisions on their inner circle of friends and family members.
The author’s thorough research about the era and events during WWII is evident throughout the book. The author's ability to interlink the stories between timelines from the 1930s to 2007 is exceptional and clever. I found myself having sympathy for the characters and engaging emotionally while reading the book, which requires excellent storytelling skills, which is evident in Leeder’s work.
“Reticence” is a beautiful and well-written book, a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction.
Without giving anything away - I wasn't expecting the end, it took me by surprise!
This book deserves a place among the greatest historical novels, it really is that good.
I look forward to reading more novels by this author as I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel.

[Nicola Delacoeur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reticence will keep you guessing at all of the secrets it has to reveal straight through to the very end. Not simply historical fiction, but a commentary on the social etiquette of the pre/during/post WWII eras and the lasting effects of keeping a stiff upper lip while also bottling up one’s emotions and feelings. Leeder does a wonderful job switching back and forth between the past and present timelines, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as more details emerge regarding the main characters’ life-altering back stories. The novel is filled with many touching and heartbreaking moments, but leaves one feeling quite satisfied and inspired by its end—and offers a moral lesson of which we all should take heed. Highly recommend this book as your next read.

[Ayşe Osmanoğlu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the emotional complexity of secrets, lies and their far-reaching consequences. Set in Brighton, the story begins just before the outbreak of war and runs parallel to a modern-day timeline. The author skillfully intertwines the lives of those living in the same house - both upstairs and below stairs - bound by hidden secrets. The twists and turns kept me hooked, with each revelation adding depth to the characters' journeys. As an indie author, the writer has delivered an impressive debut.

[what.rincy.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary just found out from her mother Hazel, who is in the hospice that there is another house that she is leaving her. Another house, that she had no idea about all her life. The house Hazel worked as a housemaid.
But how did it come to her, if she was there in service.
And that's not the only secret she is going to uncover.
What was her mum upto
Flashback to the 1930's we meet Fiona, the beautiful mistress of Ashdene Hall. Hazel and she were close and shared secrets that eventually blew up their lives.
But now is the time for the secrets to come out. et! | feel like if I mention anymore details, it would spoil the thrill of the book. You should just read it is all I would say. This was such a brilliant read. Drama, secrets, characters, tragedies, and an amazing storyline. I loved it so much.
This is a fast paced read, with two different timelines that read so easily. I loved, felt each and every character. I get why Hazel did what she did. Thanks to the author and her writing, you can feel literally everything. Such a brilliant writing style. So simple and convincing. Reticence is now one of my favourite reads.

[Camilla Galbiati · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that will keep you guessing until the end! Well done, Melanie!!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really lovely!

[Deb Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the characters My what a journey their lives
Throughly enjoyed Would love to see this book made into a film or series I was sad cross and happy at different points throughout