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The Crawley Family Saga #1
The House of Secrets and Lies
Previously published in paperback as Lovers and Sinners
The compelling first instalment in the Crawley Family Saga series, a family brimming with secrets from bestselling author Rosie Clarke 👀 Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane and Fenella J. Miller ❤️ One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?
Cambridgeshire, November 1945
Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.
As she settles in and begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew, and Eben’s ward, about whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward, years before.
As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music, and freedom, and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.
But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost when tragedy forces her to choose where her true allegiance with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind, where her dreams could become nothing but a memory.
For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning…
A story brimming with class tensions, coming of age issues, sacrifice, and secrecy from bestseller Rosie Clarke.
If you love this, try Rosie's other fabulous series - Harpers Emporium, Blackberry Farm, The Trenwith Series, Dressmakers Alley and Mulberry Lane.
The compelling first instalment in the Crawley Family Saga series, a family brimming with secrets from bestselling author Rosie Clarke 👀 Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane and Fenella J. Miller ❤️ One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?
Cambridgeshire, November 1945
Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.
As she settles in and begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew, and Eben’s ward, about whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward, years before.
As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music, and freedom, and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.
But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost when tragedy forces her to choose where her true allegiance with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind, where her dreams could become nothing but a memory.
For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning…
A story brimming with class tensions, coming of age issues, sacrifice, and secrecy from bestseller Rosie Clarke.
If you love this, try Rosie's other fabulous series - Harpers Emporium, Blackberry Farm, The Trenwith Series, Dressmakers Alley and Mulberry Lane.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 9, 2026
It's November 1945 and the war is now over but things are not easy for Betty and her mother living in the Cambridgeshire Fens countryside. Her mother wants her to be a companion to a semi invalid girl, named Frances, who often has to stay in bed all the time. She will desperately miss her sibling's though, but she reluctantly agrees to go. The Crawley's own a big farm in the Fenland area of Cambridgeshire, and her mother knew Mary, the mother of the daughter she is to be the companion to many years ago, and she is hoping that Betty will benefit from seeing a better way of life than she has now.
As time goes by with horrific floods to cope with, plus numerous family squabbles, eventually a friendship forms between Betty and Frances and when they go on a trip to London, they both discover a different world exists outside the farming community in Cambridgeshire. But there are lots of secrets and lies, both in Cambridgeshire and London making Betty question everything and wonder if she is doing the right thing and her family is still giving her trouble that she has to sort out.
Lose yourself in the Cambridgeshire Fens countryside and meet a great family of characters that you can't help but care about.
I'm a big fan of books by Rosie Clarke and this book is just wonderful.
A great read from start to finish and a well deserved five-star rating.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advance review copy.
#Netgalley
#RosieClarke
#TheHouseOfSecretsAndLies
#BoldwoodBooks
As time goes by with horrific floods to cope with, plus numerous family squabbles, eventually a friendship forms between Betty and Frances and when they go on a trip to London, they both discover a different world exists outside the farming community in Cambridgeshire. But there are lots of secrets and lies, both in Cambridgeshire and London making Betty question everything and wonder if she is doing the right thing and her family is still giving her trouble that she has to sort out.
Lose yourself in the Cambridgeshire Fens countryside and meet a great family of characters that you can't help but care about.
I'm a big fan of books by Rosie Clarke and this book is just wonderful.
A great read from start to finish and a well deserved five-star rating.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advance review copy.
#Netgalley
#RosieClarke
#TheHouseOfSecretsAndLies
#BoldwoodBooks
March 21, 2026
"Be sure your sins will find you out!"
I generally prefer to read stand-alone stories, so will always begin a book which I know is part of a series, with a little trepidation and a completely open mind!
The closer I got to finishing this book, the first in the series, the more I realised that I wasn't going to get answers to all the many questions the storyline raised, as it became obvious that I would need to read any sequels to achieve that.
However, that being said, I never felt cheated or short-changed, as many elements of the story were seamlessly brought together enough to offer me a rounded reading experience, should I not venture any further into the Crawley Family Saga.
The lives of the less than wholesome Cantrell family, who live from hand to mouth and are completely at the mercy of the drunken, ne'er-do-well patriarch of the house, are somehow inexplicably linked to that of the Crawley family, farmers who have elevated themselves up the social tree and are able to retain a small household staff.
Young Betty Cantrell is sent to be maid/companion to Frances, the fragile and very spoilt only child of the Crawley's, although her appointment is clearly the result of some very severe negotiations by both her own mother and Mary Crawley, Frances's mother.
Betty is clearly a good influence on her charge and the two form a tentative bond, albeit that she is at the whim of Frances's very volatile temper, which blows hot and cold in an instant. None more obviously so than when the two young girls form romantic attachments to the same men, which sees Betty getting ideas way above her station, causing jealousy between the girls and leaving the family to feel vindicated in their belief that any Cantrell is no better than they should be.
When Betty becomes party to more secrets and lies than she should be, which leaves her doubting any of the truths she has been told, either by her own family, or the Crawleys, her future place in a world she is aspiring to reach, is brought into doubt, although it is as a result of a disaster in the Cantrell family that their separate futures seem assured.
The east coast of England setting is beautifully captured and brought to life by the author, making my 'armchair journey' to a location I have never visited, more than satisfying.
The characters are well defined, with their relationships, although often difficult to assimilate, being wonderfully developed. So many of them are damaged both emotionally and physically by the constraints they have imposed on themselves in an effort to protect their lives from the truth and secrets of the past.
Historical fiction is threaded through with real social issues and themes of the times, as the New World order teeters on the verge of dramatic change, leaving many stuck with one foot in either camp and unsure of their future place in society.
I generally prefer to read stand-alone stories, so will always begin a book which I know is part of a series, with a little trepidation and a completely open mind!
The closer I got to finishing this book, the first in the series, the more I realised that I wasn't going to get answers to all the many questions the storyline raised, as it became obvious that I would need to read any sequels to achieve that.
However, that being said, I never felt cheated or short-changed, as many elements of the story were seamlessly brought together enough to offer me a rounded reading experience, should I not venture any further into the Crawley Family Saga.
The lives of the less than wholesome Cantrell family, who live from hand to mouth and are completely at the mercy of the drunken, ne'er-do-well patriarch of the house, are somehow inexplicably linked to that of the Crawley family, farmers who have elevated themselves up the social tree and are able to retain a small household staff.
Young Betty Cantrell is sent to be maid/companion to Frances, the fragile and very spoilt only child of the Crawley's, although her appointment is clearly the result of some very severe negotiations by both her own mother and Mary Crawley, Frances's mother.
Betty is clearly a good influence on her charge and the two form a tentative bond, albeit that she is at the whim of Frances's very volatile temper, which blows hot and cold in an instant. None more obviously so than when the two young girls form romantic attachments to the same men, which sees Betty getting ideas way above her station, causing jealousy between the girls and leaving the family to feel vindicated in their belief that any Cantrell is no better than they should be.
When Betty becomes party to more secrets and lies than she should be, which leaves her doubting any of the truths she has been told, either by her own family, or the Crawleys, her future place in a world she is aspiring to reach, is brought into doubt, although it is as a result of a disaster in the Cantrell family that their separate futures seem assured.
The east coast of England setting is beautifully captured and brought to life by the author, making my 'armchair journey' to a location I have never visited, more than satisfying.
The characters are well defined, with their relationships, although often difficult to assimilate, being wonderfully developed. So many of them are damaged both emotionally and physically by the constraints they have imposed on themselves in an effort to protect their lives from the truth and secrets of the past.
Historical fiction is threaded through with real social issues and themes of the times, as the New World order teeters on the verge of dramatic change, leaving many stuck with one foot in either camp and unsure of their future place in society.
March 13, 2026
📚The House of Secrets and Lies
✍🏻Rosie Clarke
Blurb:
Previously published in paperback as Lovers and Sinners
The compelling first instalment in the Crawley Family Saga series, a family brimming with secrets from bestselling author Rosie Clarke 👀 Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane and Fenella J. Miller ❤️ One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?
Cambridgeshire, November 1945
Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.
As she settles in and begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew, and Eben’s ward, about whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward, years before.
As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music, and freedom, and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.
But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost when tragedy forces her to choose where her true allegiance with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind, where her dreams could become nothing but a memory.
For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning…
A story brimming with class tensions, coming of age issues, sacrifice, and secrecy from bestseller Rosie Clarke.
If you love this, try Rosie's other fabulous series - Harpers Emporium, Blackberry Farm, The Trenwith Series, Dressmakers Alley and Mulberry Lane.
My Thoughts:
The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke begins The Crawley Family Saga. Betty, just fourteen, is sent away to work as a companion. She’s a sympathetic and friendly character. It will take Betty time to realize what a wonderful opportunity this position is for her. There will, though, be difficult decisions ahead for Betty. She had to grow up way too soon. It may be 1945, but the class system still exists in England. As we get to see, Betty is in a unique position. As a companion, Betty is not a servant, nor is she a member of the family (makes things tricky). I thought the author captured the time period and locale. I enjoyed going on the journey with Betty. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Thanks NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rosie Clarke for the complimentary copy of "The House of Secrets and Lies" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.I highly recommend this book.
#NetGalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#RosieClarke
#TheHouseofSecretsandLies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Rosie Clarke
Blurb:
Previously published in paperback as Lovers and Sinners
The compelling first instalment in the Crawley Family Saga series, a family brimming with secrets from bestselling author Rosie Clarke 👀 Perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane and Fenella J. Miller ❤️ One girl's chance of a new life, or a sacrifice too far?
Cambridgeshire, November 1945
Young Betty Cantrel is just 14-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley.
As she settles in and begins her new life at the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome, yet mysterious nephew, and Eben’s ward, about whom malicious whispers linger – whispers of a tragedy that claimed the Crawley’s’ young son Edward, years before.
As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world – a world full of art, music, and freedom, and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.
But her growing loyalty to both Mary and Frances comes at a cost when tragedy forces her to choose where her true allegiance with the family who opened her eyes to endless possibilities, or the one she left behind, where her dreams could become nothing but a memory.
For young Betty Cantrel, her story is only just beginning…
A story brimming with class tensions, coming of age issues, sacrifice, and secrecy from bestseller Rosie Clarke.
If you love this, try Rosie's other fabulous series - Harpers Emporium, Blackberry Farm, The Trenwith Series, Dressmakers Alley and Mulberry Lane.
My Thoughts:
The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke begins The Crawley Family Saga. Betty, just fourteen, is sent away to work as a companion. She’s a sympathetic and friendly character. It will take Betty time to realize what a wonderful opportunity this position is for her. There will, though, be difficult decisions ahead for Betty. She had to grow up way too soon. It may be 1945, but the class system still exists in England. As we get to see, Betty is in a unique position. As a companion, Betty is not a servant, nor is she a member of the family (makes things tricky). I thought the author captured the time period and locale. I enjoyed going on the journey with Betty. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Thanks NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rosie Clarke for the complimentary copy of "The House of Secrets and Lies" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.I highly recommend this book.
#NetGalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#RosieClarke
#TheHouseofSecretsandLies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 6, 2026
The Crawley Family Saga #1
Cambridgeshire, November 1945: Young Betty Cantrel is just fourteen-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley. As she settles in and begins her new life in the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome yet mysterious nephew, and Eben's ward, about whom malicious whispers linger - whispers of a tragedy that claimed the family's young son Edward, years before. As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world - a world full of art, music, and freedom, and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.
Previously published in paperback as Lovers and Sinners.
There were some great characters in this well-written book. Both families have secrets, and they are slowly revealed to us. We learn what it was like after WWII, and it's an easy read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this saga.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JillChilds for my ARC of #TheHouseOfSecretsAndLies in exchange for an honest review.
Cambridgeshire, November 1945: Young Betty Cantrel is just fourteen-years-old when she reluctantly leaves her troubled family home to take up a position as companion to Frances Crawley, the ailing daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley. As she settles in and begins her new life in the grand and imposing The Willows, she becomes drawn to Nathan Crawley, the handsome yet mysterious nephew, and Eben's ward, about whom malicious whispers linger - whispers of a tragedy that claimed the family's young son Edward, years before. As her friendship grows with Frances, Betty accompanies her to London, where she glimpses another world - a world full of art, music, and freedom, and she begins to dream of a different kind of life.
Previously published in paperback as Lovers and Sinners.
There were some great characters in this well-written book. Both families have secrets, and they are slowly revealed to us. We learn what it was like after WWII, and it's an easy read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this saga.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JillChilds for my ARC of #TheHouseOfSecretsAndLies in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2026
This is the first book in the Crawley Family saga and right from the very beginning I was hooked.
The 2nd world war is over but life is still tough from many people including 14 year old Betty Cantrel and her family who live in Cambridgeshire. The family are living hand to mouth so she is sent to live at The Willows home of the wealthy Crawley family. There she will be a companion to the delicate Frances Crawley, daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley. As Betty adjusts to her new life not all is as it seems in The Willows and there are plenty of secrets waiting to be revealed. I honestly loved this first book and the writing flowed so well and the characters were a great mix of personalities and I found them all to be so interesting. There was a bit of sadness at times and a hint of romance between certain characters. This is definitely one of those books that I’d highly recommend to fans of historical saga books.
The 2nd world war is over but life is still tough from many people including 14 year old Betty Cantrel and her family who live in Cambridgeshire. The family are living hand to mouth so she is sent to live at The Willows home of the wealthy Crawley family. There she will be a companion to the delicate Frances Crawley, daughter of Eben and Mary Crawley. As Betty adjusts to her new life not all is as it seems in The Willows and there are plenty of secrets waiting to be revealed. I honestly loved this first book and the writing flowed so well and the characters were a great mix of personalities and I found them all to be so interesting. There was a bit of sadness at times and a hint of romance between certain characters. This is definitely one of those books that I’d highly recommend to fans of historical saga books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s 1945 and 14 year old Betty is going to the Crawley house to be a companion to the daughter of the house, Frances. Coming from a poor family, Betty needs to work and her mother wants good things for her. It seems that Eben Crawley has his secrets, as does maid Polly and nephew Nathan. Betty is caught in the middle, is she a servant or a companion. The role opens her eyes to possibilities that she never dreamed of, but then class comes into it and maybe she can’t have these things. The place of women comes up often in this book. Betty is a likeable character who has to make hard decisions, and the book ends with a twist that makes me hope that the sequel is coming soon. I would like to revisit these characters to see what happens to them. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 14, 2026
I'm excited about a new series on the way, and this is the first book. Once again, Rosie Clarke has crafted a captivating story. I really enjoy the character of Betty, who is the main protagonist.
The story is set in 1945, during a time when rationing is still making life difficult for everyone. Money is tight, and Betty's mother wants her to secure a good position in a prominent household. Frances is a young girl who needs Betty's assistance. Life in this new environment is completely different from what Betty is accustomed to. As the story unfolds, secrets within the house gradually come to light, maintaining tension and intrigue for the reader.
It's a fantastic book, and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
The story is set in 1945, during a time when rationing is still making life difficult for everyone. Money is tight, and Betty's mother wants her to secure a good position in a prominent household. Frances is a young girl who needs Betty's assistance. Life in this new environment is completely different from what Betty is accustomed to. As the story unfolds, secrets within the house gradually come to light, maintaining tension and intrigue for the reader.
It's a fantastic book, and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The House of Secrets and Lies by Rosie Clarke begins The Crawley Family Saga. Betty, just fourteen, is sent away to work as a companion. She’s a sympathetic and friendly character. It will take Betty time to realize what a wonderful opportunity this position is for her. There will, though, be difficult decisions ahead for Betty. She had to grow up way too soon. It may be 1945, but the class system still exists in England. As we get to see, Betty is in a unique position. As a companion, Betty is not a servant, nor is she a member of the family (makes things tricky). I thought the author captured the time period and locale. I enjoyed going on the journey with Betty. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
March 16, 2026
This is the first book in the Crawley saga.
Betty Cantrel is found a position by her mother as companion and servant of the daughter of the Crawley family Frances. So she moves to The Willows. Where she finds a family constantly at war with one another. She finds that as she becomes closer to Frances she gets drawn into the family dramas with her own family to deal with life is difficult.
This is a story of class divisions and secret as life changes after the wars
I wasn't sure at the start but I did become very invested in the,story and look forward to reading more
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
Betty Cantrel is found a position by her mother as companion and servant of the daughter of the Crawley family Frances. So she moves to The Willows. Where she finds a family constantly at war with one another. She finds that as she becomes closer to Frances she gets drawn into the family dramas with her own family to deal with life is difficult.
This is a story of class divisions and secret as life changes after the wars
I wasn't sure at the start but I did become very invested in the,story and look forward to reading more
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rosie is one of my favourite authors and I was excited to read a new series. What a great start this first book was. Betty had to leave school and go to work as a companion to the sickly daughter of an old school friend of her mother. After not wanting to go Betty was pleasantly surprised that living at the. Willows wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. There are some great characters and lots of secrets in both families that start to come out. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next for Betty.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is brimming with detail and excellent quality capabilities. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and experiencing life with Betty. I feel for her being fourteen but not getting to be a child but having to be grown up and mature. I like how she treated Frances and how they developed a close friendship. The cliffhanger ending has me gasping to get the next book, I don't know how I am going to wait patiently!
March 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book it kept reeling me in.
The main character is strong and she liked to help everyone. There was a bit of romance and some sad bits. There was some intrigue in the book. There was still rationing so things were hard for people. The book showed the class difference between them. Things happened at the end of the book and you wonder what will happen in the next book.
It was well written and interesting.
The main character is strong and she liked to help everyone. There was a bit of romance and some sad bits. There was some intrigue in the book. There was still rationing so things were hard for people. The book showed the class difference between them. Things happened at the end of the book and you wonder what will happen in the next book.
It was well written and interesting.
April 3, 2026
Secrets and lies
Rosie Clarke has brought the story and characters to life, I could not put this book down. My family and friends have all enjoyed it and if I could give more than five stars I would. I am so looking forward to the next book.
Rosie Clarke has brought the story and characters to life, I could not put this book down. My family and friends have all enjoyed it and if I could give more than five stars I would. I am so looking forward to the next book.
May 11, 2026
fantastic
I have really enjoyed reading this book I love Rosie Clarke books, I find it difficult to put it down, so every day it’s as if you are there with her ,can’t wait for the next book
I have really enjoyed reading this book I love Rosie Clarke books, I find it difficult to put it down, so every day it’s as if you are there with her ,can’t wait for the next book
May 11, 2026
Fantastic re storyline.
Really gripping storyline. Couldn’t put it down. Well researched regarding the Fens. The 1947 winter was so true and the flooding of the Fens was truly drastic and dramatic.
Really gripping storyline. Couldn’t put it down. Well researched regarding the Fens. The 1947 winter was so true and the flooding of the Fens was truly drastic and dramatic.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this, loved the way the characters developed and the twists in the story. I hope there is more to come and it is not the last we see from them.
January 25, 2026
A wonderful opportunity for Betty and life changing in working at the Crawley’s. She learns so much about life and how things can be.
March 13, 2026
A new family saga by Rosi Clarke. She writes such great stories. They pull you in and tug at your heart. I highly recommend it.
May 14, 2026
Saga of how difficult live was back in the fortys
The author took me on a journey of how life was for the haves and the have nots and it is the same throughout the world.
The author took me on a journey of how life was for the haves and the have nots and it is the same throughout the world.
May 19, 2026
Always a good yarn from Rosie...just finished the bk.1. Now awaiting the bk 2 to finish the adventures of Betty. Hate when I h ave to do that. Forgotten the storyline by the time ir cones out
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an enjoyable read, it showed what life was like just after the Second World War for different families. Betty’s home life was one of poverty, mainly due to her father’s drinking. When she was sent to Willow House as a companion/maid for the daughter of the house, Frances, she saw how the other half lived. Betty was resourceful and hard worker and although only a child herself was in some ways old for her years. There are a number of secrets in this house and they are slowly revealed. Although as this is the first in the series there are some ongoing themes involving both families that are to be resolved. It was written in an easy to read way and it included some traditions connected to the area, which I found interesting. I would be interested in reading the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews