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Secrets and Love #3
Finding Secrets
Alex Hart loves her dream job as manager of Mallow Court, a historic Elizabethan house, even if her friends think she needs to get out more. But a discovery in the pocket of an old coat – a jewelled mechanical locket shaped like a bird – changes everything, and Alex discovers that things are not as they seem.
From an old diary, to a handsome barrister, a mysterious clockmaker, and the darkest hours of the London Blitz, Alex must follow the trail of the jewelled bird to uncover the truth about the things she holds dearest – and someone is determined not to let sleeping dogs lie!
Only by finding the secrets of the past can Alex find the keys to her future – and her heart.
From an old diary, to a handsome barrister, a mysterious clockmaker, and the darkest hours of the London Blitz, Alex must follow the trail of the jewelled bird to uncover the truth about the things she holds dearest – and someone is determined not to let sleeping dogs lie!
Only by finding the secrets of the past can Alex find the keys to her future – and her heart.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
408 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Westwood
21 books122 followersLauren Westwood is my pen name for writing women's fiction. Thanks for taking the time to look me up and I hope you enjoy my books, which are a blend of romance, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 12, 2017
And there were MANY secrets to be found!
This was a highly enjoyable read, I loved how the chapters alternated between present day and short diary entries from the time of the London Blitz. And family secrets within a historic, restored manor house sets up the perfect place for the plot to unfold.
The cons: There were several inconceivable plot points, but all in all, if you just suspend disbelief a bit, it's a really enjoyable story. I didn't sense a ton of chemistry between the two main characters. And at 460 pages, it was a bit long winded, but I never felt that it became slow or redundant.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy old manor homes (like I do) and the mystery of family secrets.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a highly enjoyable read, I loved how the chapters alternated between present day and short diary entries from the time of the London Blitz. And family secrets within a historic, restored manor house sets up the perfect place for the plot to unfold.
The cons: There were several inconceivable plot points, but all in all, if you just suspend disbelief a bit, it's a really enjoyable story. I didn't sense a ton of chemistry between the two main characters. And at 460 pages, it was a bit long winded, but I never felt that it became slow or redundant.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy old manor homes (like I do) and the mystery of family secrets.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2017
Thank you, again, to Melisa for making me want to request this after I read her review:)
I love secrets and putting that with old English manors, well then, you have yourself a great combination. So there were a lot of secrets for our protagonist, Alex, to find the answers to. The story started off with chuckles with a wedding fiasco and from there things took a dramatic turn. We had an intruder, mysterious diary entries being left, attentions from a possible culprit, family issues......There was a lot going on! I enjoyed it though because I really liked the characters. Alex, I was rooting for her and hoping that she got her HEA, Mrs. Farichild, Alex's dad, Chris....I liked them all. I liked that there were chapters broken up by diary entries from WWII that held secrets of their own. It was just a story to read, relax, and enjoy.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love secrets and putting that with old English manors, well then, you have yourself a great combination. So there were a lot of secrets for our protagonist, Alex, to find the answers to. The story started off with chuckles with a wedding fiasco and from there things took a dramatic turn. We had an intruder, mysterious diary entries being left, attentions from a possible culprit, family issues......There was a lot going on! I enjoyed it though because I really liked the characters. Alex, I was rooting for her and hoping that she got her HEA, Mrs. Farichild, Alex's dad, Chris....I liked them all. I liked that there were chapters broken up by diary entries from WWII that held secrets of their own. It was just a story to read, relax, and enjoy.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2017
A wonderful unpredictable read. Which I am finding is a rarity these days. It has love and romance and mystery interwoven so wonderfully to make a fantastic read.
It had characters you want to root for. And that you feel that you know. I loved all of the journal parts in the book. As I felt that they added another dimension to it. Which made it even better.
It really is a great read. Which will have you gripped from the very first page until the very last. It will leave you guessing all the way through about what is going to happen. But reveals snippets in every chapter. Which just leave you wanting more.
I really liked this book and hope you will too. Happy reading everyone
It had characters you want to root for. And that you feel that you know. I loved all of the journal parts in the book. As I felt that they added another dimension to it. Which made it even better.
It really is a great read. Which will have you gripped from the very first page until the very last. It will leave you guessing all the way through about what is going to happen. But reveals snippets in every chapter. Which just leave you wanting more.
I really liked this book and hope you will too. Happy reading everyone
March 15, 2017
The Blurb :
Alex Hart loves her dream job as manager of Mallow Court, a historic Elizabethan house, even if her friends think she needs to get out more. But a discovery in the pocket of an old coat – a jewelled mechanical locket shaped like a bird – changes everything, and Alex discovers that things are not as they seem.
From an old diary, to a handsome barrister, a mysterious clockmaker, and the darkest hours of the London Blitz, Alex must follow the trail of the jewelled bird to uncover the truth about the things she holds dearest – and someone is determined not to let sleeping dogs lie!
Only by finding the secrets of the past can Alex find the keys to her future – and her heart.
My Thoughts :
Firstly I was drawn to the beautiful cover of this book. And after reading the blurb it sounded intriguing.
Personally I am not a fan of Historical fiction or olden day books but I wanted to give this ago. I am so pleased that I did as ive given it 5 stars and is so far one of my top reads of 2017.
I found myself easily drawn into the story, and taking an instant liking to Alex. As we learn more about her life and what brought her to Mallow Court, we are taken on a magical mystery tour to get some answers from the past.
I loved trying to piece all the clues together and got excited at Alex's findings along the way. I have fallen in love with the Singing bird locket and was transfixed finding out its story.
I love Lauren Westwood's style of writing and you can see a lot of time and effort has gone into the research and writing of the story.
It worked well written from a dual POV with one telling the story from 1940 in the London Blitz, and the other was present day. There was so much to this story and I recommend anyone to read this, you will not be disappointed.
Alex Hart loves her dream job as manager of Mallow Court, a historic Elizabethan house, even if her friends think she needs to get out more. But a discovery in the pocket of an old coat – a jewelled mechanical locket shaped like a bird – changes everything, and Alex discovers that things are not as they seem.
From an old diary, to a handsome barrister, a mysterious clockmaker, and the darkest hours of the London Blitz, Alex must follow the trail of the jewelled bird to uncover the truth about the things she holds dearest – and someone is determined not to let sleeping dogs lie!
Only by finding the secrets of the past can Alex find the keys to her future – and her heart.
My Thoughts :
Firstly I was drawn to the beautiful cover of this book. And after reading the blurb it sounded intriguing.
Personally I am not a fan of Historical fiction or olden day books but I wanted to give this ago. I am so pleased that I did as ive given it 5 stars and is so far one of my top reads of 2017.
I found myself easily drawn into the story, and taking an instant liking to Alex. As we learn more about her life and what brought her to Mallow Court, we are taken on a magical mystery tour to get some answers from the past.
I loved trying to piece all the clues together and got excited at Alex's findings along the way. I have fallen in love with the Singing bird locket and was transfixed finding out its story.
I love Lauren Westwood's style of writing and you can see a lot of time and effort has gone into the research and writing of the story.
It worked well written from a dual POV with one telling the story from 1940 in the London Blitz, and the other was present day. There was so much to this story and I recommend anyone to read this, you will not be disappointed.
March 12, 2017
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Some days, my humble origins feel less like a chip on my shoulder and more like a steel girder.
But when you get to be my age, you don’t have to drive to Lover’s Lane for a fumble in the back of daddy’s car.
It was over almost before it began. And later on, as I write these words, the memory seems like a bubble frozen in amber. I replay his words in my head, try to remember every second. But it’s no use. I’m struck not by the things the great man said – but what he didn’t say. He never said ‘thank you.’
No problem. God forgives a multitude of sins. But for everyone else, I find that free-flowing champagne helps a lot.
My Review:
Finding Secrets contained several ripping good mysteries spanning over six decades. Written from my favorite dual POV, one narrator was speaking from 1940 in the midst of the London Blitz, and the other was more current and in the year 2000. Ms. Westwood consistently and deftly handled the transitions and built the tension with highly intriguing threads within each timeline. There were ample quirky characters to keep straight in each era as well as many deviously and craftily dropped clues and misdirections in this clever and complex plot that kept my head spinning. I reveled in it, although I began to suspect nearly everyone and held my breath hoping that someone was finally going to come through for the beleaguered Alex. The plot was entertaining and well constructed while Ms. Westwood’s writing was insightful, richly detailed, keenly observant, and frequently amusing. I also picked up a few new vocabulary words to add to my Brit word list, I just love when that happens.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Some days, my humble origins feel less like a chip on my shoulder and more like a steel girder.
But when you get to be my age, you don’t have to drive to Lover’s Lane for a fumble in the back of daddy’s car.
It was over almost before it began. And later on, as I write these words, the memory seems like a bubble frozen in amber. I replay his words in my head, try to remember every second. But it’s no use. I’m struck not by the things the great man said – but what he didn’t say. He never said ‘thank you.’
No problem. God forgives a multitude of sins. But for everyone else, I find that free-flowing champagne helps a lot.
My Review:
Finding Secrets contained several ripping good mysteries spanning over six decades. Written from my favorite dual POV, one narrator was speaking from 1940 in the midst of the London Blitz, and the other was more current and in the year 2000. Ms. Westwood consistently and deftly handled the transitions and built the tension with highly intriguing threads within each timeline. There were ample quirky characters to keep straight in each era as well as many deviously and craftily dropped clues and misdirections in this clever and complex plot that kept my head spinning. I reveled in it, although I began to suspect nearly everyone and held my breath hoping that someone was finally going to come through for the beleaguered Alex. The plot was entertaining and well constructed while Ms. Westwood’s writing was insightful, richly detailed, keenly observant, and frequently amusing. I also picked up a few new vocabulary words to add to my Brit word list, I just love when that happens.
June 10, 2017
This was a really entertaining story that combined a traditional romance story with a fabulous pinch of history and mystery thrown in for good measure!
Alex Hart is the main character and she is a friendly, shy woman who loves her role in life as helping to manage the tourist side of Mallow Court that she has helped establish for the owner, Mrs Fairchild. The wedding business they embark on doesn't get off to the greatest start, but it does allow a mystery to be revealed in the shape of a locket that has Alex determined to investigate with the help of those around her although not all of those can be trusted!
There are also glimpses of life in 1940 through the pages of a diary telling of a young girl orphaned in the war but clutching a locket that may contain some answers.
Really enjoyed the pace of this book as it had plenty to keep you guessing - from whether Alex could find out more about her birth mother, to which suitor was right for her and even delving into Russian history courtesy of the Romanovs. There were plenty of secrets revealed throughout and some of those secrets had caused huge distress for some.
Some really fun characters really lifted this book out of the norm and I thoroughly enjoyed every page!
Alex Hart is the main character and she is a friendly, shy woman who loves her role in life as helping to manage the tourist side of Mallow Court that she has helped establish for the owner, Mrs Fairchild. The wedding business they embark on doesn't get off to the greatest start, but it does allow a mystery to be revealed in the shape of a locket that has Alex determined to investigate with the help of those around her although not all of those can be trusted!
There are also glimpses of life in 1940 through the pages of a diary telling of a young girl orphaned in the war but clutching a locket that may contain some answers.
Really enjoyed the pace of this book as it had plenty to keep you guessing - from whether Alex could find out more about her birth mother, to which suitor was right for her and even delving into Russian history courtesy of the Romanovs. There were plenty of secrets revealed throughout and some of those secrets had caused huge distress for some.
Some really fun characters really lifted this book out of the norm and I thoroughly enjoyed every page!
February 24, 2017
After reading Finding Home by Lauren Westwood and really enjoying it, I was really Eager to read her new book Finding Secrets and was not disappointed.
I pretty much loved everything about this book. It was unpredictable and had the right balance you expect from a book of this genre. The Characters were all lovable and charming and realistic. It is the perfect weekend book to read curled up with a cuppa!
I am in love with Lauren Westwood's writing style it just has me feeling all the feels. One of my favorite books so far of 2017.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I pretty much loved everything about this book. It was unpredictable and had the right balance you expect from a book of this genre. The Characters were all lovable and charming and realistic. It is the perfect weekend book to read curled up with a cuppa!
I am in love with Lauren Westwood's writing style it just has me feeling all the feels. One of my favorite books so far of 2017.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2020
Interesting story but the heroine is soooooo whiney!
March 10, 2019
Really enjoyed this read, though sometimes I did want to strangle the protagonist for being so dense. For once I actually picked up on the clues before they were fully revealed.
January 14, 2017
When Alex Hart takes a manager position at Mallow Court, she was content with her time being spent tucked away, drinking wine and reading. But when her employer Mrs. Fairchild finds herself in the midst of trouble, Alex's quiet world gets tipped upside down. Can Alex figure out the mystery? And maybe get the guy she has fallen for too?
I love a little mystery and adding in some romance too? Bingo! It's hard to find a good romantic mystery though. It's either an obvious mystery and was just thrown in to add something to the romantic bit or else the romance falls flat and the mystery is overpowering.
That is not Finding Secrets. Westwood found the perfect balance and seamlessly weaved love and mystery together in this book.
I loved that nothing was predictable. Even when you got an inkling of it, the book would take a new twist and you were back to square one. The end was a bit of a shock.
There's some English family-name class clash, true Russian history that's been entertainingly expounded upon, even if it is just fictional, and some Blitz history too. These were never things I'd ever imagine being meshed together, but in Finding Secrets, it works.
I loved the way the journal entries tied the past to the present. Throughout the book you were able to read snippets that pertained to the next chapter and it was a nice way of the author bringing the reader along and not leaving them totally in the dark until the very end.
This book is a great read. I couldn't wait to read just a couple more chapters after all the daily shenanigans I have to battle through. Like chasing the dog through the yard for a half an hour to get her inside.
As of right now, this book is only in ereader format which is a bummer because it would be a great addition to any women's lit shelf. This is my first Westwood book, but I'm for sure going to be ordering 'Finding Home' now. And that's in paperback!
Thank you Netgalley and Aria for the review copy!
I love a little mystery and adding in some romance too? Bingo! It's hard to find a good romantic mystery though. It's either an obvious mystery and was just thrown in to add something to the romantic bit or else the romance falls flat and the mystery is overpowering.
That is not Finding Secrets. Westwood found the perfect balance and seamlessly weaved love and mystery together in this book.
I loved that nothing was predictable. Even when you got an inkling of it, the book would take a new twist and you were back to square one. The end was a bit of a shock.
There's some English family-name class clash, true Russian history that's been entertainingly expounded upon, even if it is just fictional, and some Blitz history too. These were never things I'd ever imagine being meshed together, but in Finding Secrets, it works.
I loved the way the journal entries tied the past to the present. Throughout the book you were able to read snippets that pertained to the next chapter and it was a nice way of the author bringing the reader along and not leaving them totally in the dark until the very end.
This book is a great read. I couldn't wait to read just a couple more chapters after all the daily shenanigans I have to battle through. Like chasing the dog through the yard for a half an hour to get her inside.
As of right now, this book is only in ereader format which is a bummer because it would be a great addition to any women's lit shelf. This is my first Westwood book, but I'm for sure going to be ordering 'Finding Home' now. And that's in paperback!
Thank you Netgalley and Aria for the review copy!
February 3, 2017
When Alex Hart accepts a job at Mallow Court, a stately Elizabethan home, she is perfectly happy to spend her days working and her nights relaxing with a good book. Things begin to change when she comes across a jeweled locket in the pocket of an old coat. Before she knows it, Alex is swept up in a mystery that brings to life the violence of the Russian Revolution and the horrors of the Blitz. She also finds herself on a journey of self-discovery that brings into question everything she ever held dear.
Finding Secrets is the latest novel by Finding Home author Lauren Westwood. Finding Secrets has something for everyone: likable, realistic characters, a touch of romance, a heroine on a path of self-discovery, and a compelling mystery. History fans will also enjoy this book because of the many historical references. This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a favorite blanket and a cup of tea. Make sure to read this book where you won’t be disturbed because once it gets going, you won’t want to put it down.
Luckily, you can't always judge a book by the first few chapters. I found the heavy-drinking nymphomaniac vicar in the beginning of the book rather hard to take. I just did not find this character to be funny, and for me she did not seem to not fit in with the rest of the story. Maybe I am being prudish, but there you are. I will admit that the vicar did tone down as the story went on, but at first I was not sure that I wanted to keep reading the book. Happily though, I did keep on reading and ended up loving the book and the rest of the characters.
Finding Secrets is the latest novel by Finding Home author Lauren Westwood. Finding Secrets has something for everyone: likable, realistic characters, a touch of romance, a heroine on a path of self-discovery, and a compelling mystery. History fans will also enjoy this book because of the many historical references. This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a favorite blanket and a cup of tea. Make sure to read this book where you won’t be disturbed because once it gets going, you won’t want to put it down.
Luckily, you can't always judge a book by the first few chapters. I found the heavy-drinking nymphomaniac vicar in the beginning of the book rather hard to take. I just did not find this character to be funny, and for me she did not seem to not fit in with the rest of the story. Maybe I am being prudish, but there you are. I will admit that the vicar did tone down as the story went on, but at first I was not sure that I wanted to keep reading the book. Happily though, I did keep on reading and ended up loving the book and the rest of the characters.
April 22, 2017
Full review and more can be found at my blog:
https://chicklituncovered.blogspot.co...
When Alex Hart left university, she didn't think she'd see herself as the manager of an Elizabethan country manor. Getting the job at Mallow Court wasn't part of the medieval history graduate's plan, but things worked out just nicely. Maybe too nicely - Alex has spent so much time in the grounds of the house, hosting weddings and giving tours that she's seemingly forgotten to have fun.
When a mysterious, attractive stranger turns up at Mallow Court, Alex is suddenly swept up by feelings and the realisation that maybe she's missing something in her life. However, things immediately change when she finds a beautiful and unique silver locket in the old coat belonging to Mrs Fairchild, the owner of Mallow Court.
Before she knows it, Alex finds herself in the middle of in a mystery - one that she has to get to the bottom of. A mystery that involves the London Blitz and the Russian Revolution, and a diary. Can Alex help Mrs Fairchild, and also find her own path to happiness along the way?
I haven't read Finding Home, so this was the first novel by Lauren Westwood I'd picked up. And I was so happy I did. Finding Secrets is the perfect mix of romance and mystery, with an intelligent, compelling heroine that I was rooting for since the beginning. Alex is relatable, smart and fun, and it's hard not to want her to find the answers - and the life - that she's been looking for.
Finding Secrets is a wonderful read with great characters, plenty of intrigue and a generous helping of romance.
https://chicklituncovered.blogspot.co...
When Alex Hart left university, she didn't think she'd see herself as the manager of an Elizabethan country manor. Getting the job at Mallow Court wasn't part of the medieval history graduate's plan, but things worked out just nicely. Maybe too nicely - Alex has spent so much time in the grounds of the house, hosting weddings and giving tours that she's seemingly forgotten to have fun.
When a mysterious, attractive stranger turns up at Mallow Court, Alex is suddenly swept up by feelings and the realisation that maybe she's missing something in her life. However, things immediately change when she finds a beautiful and unique silver locket in the old coat belonging to Mrs Fairchild, the owner of Mallow Court.
Before she knows it, Alex finds herself in the middle of in a mystery - one that she has to get to the bottom of. A mystery that involves the London Blitz and the Russian Revolution, and a diary. Can Alex help Mrs Fairchild, and also find her own path to happiness along the way?
I haven't read Finding Home, so this was the first novel by Lauren Westwood I'd picked up. And I was so happy I did. Finding Secrets is the perfect mix of romance and mystery, with an intelligent, compelling heroine that I was rooting for since the beginning. Alex is relatable, smart and fun, and it's hard not to want her to find the answers - and the life - that she's been looking for.
Finding Secrets is a wonderful read with great characters, plenty of intrigue and a generous helping of romance.
April 10, 2017
Alex loves her job as manager of the Elizabethan stately home - Mallow Court - from day one she felt that she belonged there and has made great inroads into making it into a profitable organisation - until the first wedding that fails to happen - how could it be her fault that the vicar got together with the groom the night before the wedding!
When she is given a beautiful pendant by Catherine, the owner of Mallow Court, however things start to change - she starts to ask questions and also to question her own heritage - what is the link between herself and Mallow Court and why is Catherine behaving so strangely and what is the Russian connection?
After no men her life since uni Alex also has two exciting men in her life - Tim the barrister who has a powerful affect on her and seems to good to be true - but why is he so keen for her to meet his grandmother and is he everything he seems to be and then there is Chris the clockmaker who she instantly feels at ease with but he is the step sister of the bride from the wedding that never happened and how could she ever face his father again!
Fully of intrigue and a story going back to the war told by diary entries of an ambulance driver the story twists and turns so that you are never quite sure who to trust but very compelling reading with the right mix of mystery and romance and some great characters - loved the naughty vicar!
When she is given a beautiful pendant by Catherine, the owner of Mallow Court, however things start to change - she starts to ask questions and also to question her own heritage - what is the link between herself and Mallow Court and why is Catherine behaving so strangely and what is the Russian connection?
After no men her life since uni Alex also has two exciting men in her life - Tim the barrister who has a powerful affect on her and seems to good to be true - but why is he so keen for her to meet his grandmother and is he everything he seems to be and then there is Chris the clockmaker who she instantly feels at ease with but he is the step sister of the bride from the wedding that never happened and how could she ever face his father again!
Fully of intrigue and a story going back to the war told by diary entries of an ambulance driver the story twists and turns so that you are never quite sure who to trust but very compelling reading with the right mix of mystery and romance and some great characters - loved the naughty vicar!
July 17, 2023
I loved this story.
I am a big fan of historical fiction, secrets, family history and mysteries to solve so my friend chose wisely when she gave me this for my birthday this year. How I would love Alex’s job! She is the manager of Mallow Court, a Tudor manor house featuring guided tours, gardens, and weddings being the most lucrative source of income. When we meet Alex, she is dealing with the Wedding from Hell, and as for the vicar, well ……….
Alex has always known that her birth mother died young, and this has been kept a secret from her, or rather, glossed over by her father, which has consequences further down the line. When she starts to delve into her past, all kinds of things come tumbling out of the woodwork and gives us a somewhat elaborate story, full of fascination, history and suspenseful surprises.
Although I did find Alex a little aloof at times, I loved Mrs Fairchild and Chris and the developing relationships were handled so well. Karen, not so much.
Though the “finding family secrets” theme has been written about countless times in novels, this is a unique take on it featuring a famous family that I’d certainly paid no attention to in my history lessons and added a bit of a twist. I haven’t read Lauren Westwood before but she knows how to write a good story and so I will be reading more!
I am a big fan of historical fiction, secrets, family history and mysteries to solve so my friend chose wisely when she gave me this for my birthday this year. How I would love Alex’s job! She is the manager of Mallow Court, a Tudor manor house featuring guided tours, gardens, and weddings being the most lucrative source of income. When we meet Alex, she is dealing with the Wedding from Hell, and as for the vicar, well ……….
Alex has always known that her birth mother died young, and this has been kept a secret from her, or rather, glossed over by her father, which has consequences further down the line. When she starts to delve into her past, all kinds of things come tumbling out of the woodwork and gives us a somewhat elaborate story, full of fascination, history and suspenseful surprises.
Although I did find Alex a little aloof at times, I loved Mrs Fairchild and Chris and the developing relationships were handled so well. Karen, not so much.
Though the “finding family secrets” theme has been written about countless times in novels, this is a unique take on it featuring a famous family that I’d certainly paid no attention to in my history lessons and added a bit of a twist. I haven’t read Lauren Westwood before but she knows how to write a good story and so I will be reading more!
May 29, 2017
Seemingly straight forward but uncovering secrets by the score. One lead to another and Alex's world was turned upside down. What was a normal occupation - manageress of a country home and expanding the business, being the adopted daughter of a very nice set of middle class parents and then you sort of ending up having royalty ancestry, lots of money and a very complicated background.
It was a bit difficult for me to follow the various strands of the story as it was very involved but they all came together very well. The mystery and the ancestry was one section, the romance was another and they blended well.
The setting of the old English manor, the bits of history adding to the interest in the story were good and kept me going throughout the book.
It was a bit difficult for me to follow the various strands of the story as it was very involved but they all came together very well. The mystery and the ancestry was one section, the romance was another and they blended well.
The setting of the old English manor, the bits of history adding to the interest in the story were good and kept me going throughout the book.
March 13, 2017
This is a fascinating mystery - both intricate and absorbing.
I thought this would be a lighthearted romance but it was actually an extremely well woven mystery with great characters, both past and present, and the outcome was both satisfying and extremely plausible.
A thoroughly enjoyable novel which worked it's way into my mind so that I was thinking of it even when my kindle wasn't in my hand - well, I have to put it down occasionally! I have no hesitation in recommending this one to aficionados of a really good involved mystery.
I received an arc via Net Galley for my honest and unbiased review.
I thought this would be a lighthearted romance but it was actually an extremely well woven mystery with great characters, both past and present, and the outcome was both satisfying and extremely plausible.
A thoroughly enjoyable novel which worked it's way into my mind so that I was thinking of it even when my kindle wasn't in my hand - well, I have to put it down occasionally! I have no hesitation in recommending this one to aficionados of a really good involved mystery.
I received an arc via Net Galley for my honest and unbiased review.
April 4, 2017
Perfect for everyone who likes to read chick-lit,romance,mystery or light reads. Check out the full review and more amazing books at
http://readdayandnight.blogspot.com/2...
http://readdayandnight.blogspot.com/2...
September 27, 2017
I loved this book, couldn't put it down! The kind of book I'd normally think had too many far fetched coincidences, but didn't feel like that with this one! As I said, absolutely loved it.
December 20, 2017
I liked this story and could picture the house, grounds and its occupants - a lovely story.
July 12, 2022
Nachdem Alex Hart entdeckt, dass ihr Freund heimlich Ehefrau und Kinder hat, stürzt für sie die Welt ein. Sie bricht ihre Doktorarbeit ab und findet eine Stelle als Geschäftsführerin des Herrenhauses „Mallow Court“. Bei der Vorbereitung einer Ausstellung entdeckt Alex ein altes Vogelmedaillon. Nichts ahnend, wohin sie diese Entdeckung führen wird, beschließt sie dem Geheimnis des Schmuckstücks auf den Grund zu gehen und spürt dabei nach und nach die dramatische Geschichte von Mallow Court und seiner Besitzerin auf. Doch diese Suche bringt Alex in ernste Gefahr ...
Unterstützung findet sie bei einem charmanten Uhrenmacher, der ihr nicht nur bei der Reparatur des Medaillons hilft, sondern auch bei der Suche nach den Geheimnissen der Vergangenheit. Doch sind diese Wahrheiten wirklich der Schlüssel zum Glück?
Meinung
Der lockere und leichte schreibstil machte es mir leicht in die Geschichte zu kommen.
Mallow Court ein herrschaftliches Anwesen in England ist ein gelungenes Setting.
Die Protagonisten wahren authentisch.
Die Story fand ich wunderbar spannend und emotional. Eine Familiengeschichte mit Herz und Geheimnissen.
Unvorhersehbar und mit viel Gefühl.
Große Lese Empfehlung
Unterstützung findet sie bei einem charmanten Uhrenmacher, der ihr nicht nur bei der Reparatur des Medaillons hilft, sondern auch bei der Suche nach den Geheimnissen der Vergangenheit. Doch sind diese Wahrheiten wirklich der Schlüssel zum Glück?
Meinung
Der lockere und leichte schreibstil machte es mir leicht in die Geschichte zu kommen.
Mallow Court ein herrschaftliches Anwesen in England ist ein gelungenes Setting.
Die Protagonisten wahren authentisch.
Die Story fand ich wunderbar spannend und emotional. Eine Familiengeschichte mit Herz und Geheimnissen.
Unvorhersehbar und mit viel Gefühl.
Große Lese Empfehlung
March 24, 2025
Enjoyable read
Light enjoyable read the story was a bit beyond belief in some bits ,even though I'm sure looting went on
Light enjoyable read the story was a bit beyond belief in some bits ,even though I'm sure looting went on
March 7, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
First of all, the cover of this book completely threw me off the scent so to speak. Whilst it is pretty to look at, it really doesn’t match the storyline at all! Whilst completely unexpected, the way in which the storyline unfolded, compared to my initial expectations due to the cover, it was a very welcome surprise.
Alex Hart is the manager of Mallow Court, a country house which gives visitors a taste of Elizabethan history every single time the door is open. Alex has been involved in the running of Mallow Court for many years, yet the day-to-day routines have been quite simplistic and calm…until now. Alex knew a little bit of information about her blood relatives, but it wasn’t quite enough to complete the puzzle. Life at Mallow Court is about to get very intense, lets just hope that Alex is up for Finding Secrets.
I’d be lying if Alex and I became bosom buddies straight away as I found her character to be a quite unattached and cold about her past. For me, something didn’t quite add up with her the way she was reacting to the knowledge, it was as though she didn’t care about it. I really did find her a tough personality to warm up to, I must admit. After several chapters had passed and the storyline began to unfold in an ‘oooo intriguing’ kind of way, Alex’s personality seemed to suit her better. Well, I think it was that! More characters emerged as the storyline progressed, each one coming with their own skeletons and personal secrets. That was when I truly knew that I was going to enjoy this novel.
If you step back and focus on the shell of the novel, you might find that it is purely a book about a country house that does guided tours, has a gift shop and has a man who takes yoga classes. However, whilst those facts may be true, there is a lot more to ‘Finding Secrets’ that meets the eye. I loved how the book took me on a rollercoaster ride! There were so many twisty corners to the entire storyline, I’m surprised I didn’t end up with travel sickness!
Lauren Westwood has incorporated a lot of fascinating, historic information within ‘Finding Secrets’, and, despite being unaware of the intensity to that particular history, I loved finding out more. I have only really read historical novels which centre the UK around its findings whilst including other countries and events as extras; I hadn’t read a novel which features monarchy from another country which THEN links with the UK. Incredibly fascinating! So much so, I had google open whilst I was reading it so that I could find out more. The author has embedded those facts deep within the storyline so it’s as though you, the reader, are the one uncovering that history for the very first time. Does that make sense? It wasn’t the focal point of the story, yet it wasn’t overshadowed by the individual characters and their own lives.
Overall, I found ‘Finding Secrets’ to be a storyline with a multitude of layers, some were expected yet most of them caught me off guard in such a positive way. Whilst I had reservations about the storyline to begin with, Lauren Westwood managed to win me round with her cosy and descriptive writing style, whilst teasing me (as a reader) with one or two red herrings. Lets just say the author kept my curiosity in check, and then some.
‘Finding Secrets’ is an unexpected, intense and highly fascinating read which highlights the importance of not judging a book (situation) by its cover. Not only that, ‘Finding Secrets’ teaches us readers that a wrongly kept secret and not learning the truth, can make a person’s individual walls come crashing down with no warning whatsoever. An eye-opener in more ways than one, ‘Finding Secrets’ kept me on my toes and is definitely a book which kept on giving.
Thank you Aria.
First of all, the cover of this book completely threw me off the scent so to speak. Whilst it is pretty to look at, it really doesn’t match the storyline at all! Whilst completely unexpected, the way in which the storyline unfolded, compared to my initial expectations due to the cover, it was a very welcome surprise.
Alex Hart is the manager of Mallow Court, a country house which gives visitors a taste of Elizabethan history every single time the door is open. Alex has been involved in the running of Mallow Court for many years, yet the day-to-day routines have been quite simplistic and calm…until now. Alex knew a little bit of information about her blood relatives, but it wasn’t quite enough to complete the puzzle. Life at Mallow Court is about to get very intense, lets just hope that Alex is up for Finding Secrets.
I’d be lying if Alex and I became bosom buddies straight away as I found her character to be a quite unattached and cold about her past. For me, something didn’t quite add up with her the way she was reacting to the knowledge, it was as though she didn’t care about it. I really did find her a tough personality to warm up to, I must admit. After several chapters had passed and the storyline began to unfold in an ‘oooo intriguing’ kind of way, Alex’s personality seemed to suit her better. Well, I think it was that! More characters emerged as the storyline progressed, each one coming with their own skeletons and personal secrets. That was when I truly knew that I was going to enjoy this novel.
If you step back and focus on the shell of the novel, you might find that it is purely a book about a country house that does guided tours, has a gift shop and has a man who takes yoga classes. However, whilst those facts may be true, there is a lot more to ‘Finding Secrets’ that meets the eye. I loved how the book took me on a rollercoaster ride! There were so many twisty corners to the entire storyline, I’m surprised I didn’t end up with travel sickness!
Lauren Westwood has incorporated a lot of fascinating, historic information within ‘Finding Secrets’, and, despite being unaware of the intensity to that particular history, I loved finding out more. I have only really read historical novels which centre the UK around its findings whilst including other countries and events as extras; I hadn’t read a novel which features monarchy from another country which THEN links with the UK. Incredibly fascinating! So much so, I had google open whilst I was reading it so that I could find out more. The author has embedded those facts deep within the storyline so it’s as though you, the reader, are the one uncovering that history for the very first time. Does that make sense? It wasn’t the focal point of the story, yet it wasn’t overshadowed by the individual characters and their own lives.
Overall, I found ‘Finding Secrets’ to be a storyline with a multitude of layers, some were expected yet most of them caught me off guard in such a positive way. Whilst I had reservations about the storyline to begin with, Lauren Westwood managed to win me round with her cosy and descriptive writing style, whilst teasing me (as a reader) with one or two red herrings. Lets just say the author kept my curiosity in check, and then some.
‘Finding Secrets’ is an unexpected, intense and highly fascinating read which highlights the importance of not judging a book (situation) by its cover. Not only that, ‘Finding Secrets’ teaches us readers that a wrongly kept secret and not learning the truth, can make a person’s individual walls come crashing down with no warning whatsoever. An eye-opener in more ways than one, ‘Finding Secrets’ kept me on my toes and is definitely a book which kept on giving.
Thank you Aria.
March 1, 2017
Within the first couple of chapters you get to know Alex pretty well and by the end I can easily say that I was attached to her character. I was definitely hoping there would be a happy ending along with the answers she was looking for. The romance running throughout was a delight and it really is a lovely addition to the mystery that Alex sets out to solve. I think Alex's job sounds wonderful although maybe not dealing with the irate bride part! The lovely descriptions of the house and gardens really made everything come to life.
The diary entries were such a great way of revealing the past every time I finished an entry I needed to know more. I loved reading them just as much as the story with Alex. I've always been interested in history so this part of the story really appealed to me. The mystery running throughout the book was brilliant and captured my attention perfectly. I loved trying to put the clues together to try and work things out. With information being slowly revealed my interest was kept completely. I had to know how everything would turn out and if the mystery would be solved.
I have to admit that I ended up reading late one night as I just didn't want to stop reading! That was how invested I became in the story and I loved that there were a few twists that kept me on my toes. If you are looking for a uplifting story but with a little depth due to the history aspect than Finding Secrets is a great choice.
Finding Secrets has the perfect combination of mystery, romance and history!
Four and a half stars from me!
Thank you to Aria & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The diary entries were such a great way of revealing the past every time I finished an entry I needed to know more. I loved reading them just as much as the story with Alex. I've always been interested in history so this part of the story really appealed to me. The mystery running throughout the book was brilliant and captured my attention perfectly. I loved trying to put the clues together to try and work things out. With information being slowly revealed my interest was kept completely. I had to know how everything would turn out and if the mystery would be solved.
I have to admit that I ended up reading late one night as I just didn't want to stop reading! That was how invested I became in the story and I loved that there were a few twists that kept me on my toes. If you are looking for a uplifting story but with a little depth due to the history aspect than Finding Secrets is a great choice.
Finding Secrets has the perfect combination of mystery, romance and history!
Four and a half stars from me!
Thank you to Aria & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 24, 2017
What a spellbinding story! Finding Secrets is another truly fantastic book by Lauren Westwood. I've read the previous authors book, and this brand new story is no exception.
Alex Hart ( the leading character) has a fantastic job as a manager of Mallow Court, a historic Elizabethan house that is oozing magic and mystery and it is the epitome of Alex's life.
When Alex's discovers a jewelled locket, she is propelled on an intriguing and magical journey to find out its mysterious history and finds its true origin.
I loved following Alex throughout this story and meeting some fascinating characters along the way like the dishy barrister and the mysterious clock-maker and also stumbling upon the sad time of The London Blitz.
Finding Secrets is a captivating book with many twists and turns to the story that will have you hooked from the first page to the last one. The magic of this story is, even more, enhance by the two storylines that weaved together beautiful and giving us two POV, one that is told in the times of the cruel London Blitz and the other one is created at present.
It ticked all my boxes of a phenomenal read. There is romance mixed with mystery and intrigue.
Alex Hart ( the leading character) has a fantastic job as a manager of Mallow Court, a historic Elizabethan house that is oozing magic and mystery and it is the epitome of Alex's life.
When Alex's discovers a jewelled locket, she is propelled on an intriguing and magical journey to find out its mysterious history and finds its true origin.
I loved following Alex throughout this story and meeting some fascinating characters along the way like the dishy barrister and the mysterious clock-maker and also stumbling upon the sad time of The London Blitz.
Finding Secrets is a captivating book with many twists and turns to the story that will have you hooked from the first page to the last one. The magic of this story is, even more, enhance by the two storylines that weaved together beautiful and giving us two POV, one that is told in the times of the cruel London Blitz and the other one is created at present.
It ticked all my boxes of a phenomenal read. There is romance mixed with mystery and intrigue.
May 20, 2017
Not sure if I have read of this author before as the name did not ring a bell when I bought it. Having said that it is so good that I have bought another book by her. I loved the intrigue and mystery around the characters as well as the romance that was simmering in the background. I always love it when authors also write some interesting historical facts into their books and in this one the goings on in World War II in the Blitz was a surprise to me considering the camaraderie that did go on whilst London was being bombed. So would highly recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery romance.
January 18, 2020
Finding Secrets is by Lauren Westwood. This is s novel about things not seeming like they are. It changes people, even those you love.
Lizzie Green was a housewife and mother of two darling children. She love them and tried to do the best she could for them. However, she also wanted to go back to work; but Dave, her husband, said they would talk about it later and put her off. When she got a phone call from him that fateful day, his assistant was on the line and that made Liz angry. As soon as she could get through Lizzie’s tirade, she was told that Dave had died. Shocked, Liz had problems understanding her. Later, she was to find our that David had an apartment in London, had created on her, had taken a second mortgage on their house, had not paid bills, and had overextended many credit cards. He had used all their retirement and savings. He left her destitute. Lux was crushed; but resilient.
She sat down and thought about what she could do. None of the ads were for people with her qualifications. She finally got a job at her old company but it was only part time. The rest of the time, she spent at home or with the kids. She accepted a request to film a movie at her house. With her ex-mother-in=law and her husband drove up in their caravan and stayed to help her.
Can she weather the storm the movie brings? Who is the good guy and who is the bad? Would Kate and Jack come out of this safely? What is the full story behind the manor?
Lizzie Green was a housewife and mother of two darling children. She love them and tried to do the best she could for them. However, she also wanted to go back to work; but Dave, her husband, said they would talk about it later and put her off. When she got a phone call from him that fateful day, his assistant was on the line and that made Liz angry. As soon as she could get through Lizzie’s tirade, she was told that Dave had died. Shocked, Liz had problems understanding her. Later, she was to find our that David had an apartment in London, had created on her, had taken a second mortgage on their house, had not paid bills, and had overextended many credit cards. He had used all their retirement and savings. He left her destitute. Lux was crushed; but resilient.
She sat down and thought about what she could do. None of the ads were for people with her qualifications. She finally got a job at her old company but it was only part time. The rest of the time, she spent at home or with the kids. She accepted a request to film a movie at her house. With her ex-mother-in=law and her husband drove up in their caravan and stayed to help her.
Can she weather the storm the movie brings? Who is the good guy and who is the bad? Would Kate and Jack come out of this safely? What is the full story behind the manor?
January 25, 2025
Jeg var skuffet i starten af romanen og syntes ikke helt den levede op til mine forventninger. Jeg var da også klar til at give skuffende 3 stjerner. Men så skiftede bogen lige gear. Den blev spændende og interessant og ændrede sig til lidt af en pageturner.
Hovedpersonen er den unge kvinde Alex, der arbejder som leder på herregården Mallow Court. Hun arrangere guidede ture, udstillinger, leder butikken og cafeen. Alt det, der kan få sådan et sted til at dreje rundt økonomisk.
Alex er glad for sit job og sin chef - en ældre kvinde der går meget op i haven og ikke ret meget i huset. Hun kan da også godt fornemme, at tingene går rigtig godt imellem dem.
Så begynder sære ting at ske. Der er indbrud - intet er umiddelbart stjålet. Ejeren begynder at få breve med hints til fortiden. Alex bliver låst inde på et toilet og efterfølgende anholdt af politiet. Et billede dukker op i Alex lejlighed - ja ovenikøbet i hendes seng. Mærkelige, uholdbare ting, der ikke rigtig giver mening, men skaber utryghed.
Alex begynder at grave i historien og pludselig sker der ting og sager.
Sød, sjov og spændende. Og bedre end starten gav udtryk for - så 4 stjerner til god underholdning.
Hovedpersonen er den unge kvinde Alex, der arbejder som leder på herregården Mallow Court. Hun arrangere guidede ture, udstillinger, leder butikken og cafeen. Alt det, der kan få sådan et sted til at dreje rundt økonomisk.
Alex er glad for sit job og sin chef - en ældre kvinde der går meget op i haven og ikke ret meget i huset. Hun kan da også godt fornemme, at tingene går rigtig godt imellem dem.
Så begynder sære ting at ske. Der er indbrud - intet er umiddelbart stjålet. Ejeren begynder at få breve med hints til fortiden. Alex bliver låst inde på et toilet og efterfølgende anholdt af politiet. Et billede dukker op i Alex lejlighed - ja ovenikøbet i hendes seng. Mærkelige, uholdbare ting, der ikke rigtig giver mening, men skaber utryghed.
Alex begynder at grave i historien og pludselig sker der ting og sager.
Sød, sjov og spændende. Og bedre end starten gav udtryk for - så 4 stjerner til god underholdning.
March 10, 2025
Nice story
I was disappointed to discover that I bought this book in 2017 when it was originally published as Finding Secrets.
I found this book easy to read and very hard to put down.
Alex loves her job as manager of an historic Elizabethan house, though it doesn't leave time for a social life, but she is happy without one, her heart was broken at university and she is not ready to trust anyone yet. One day she finds a pretty locket in the pocket of a vintage coat which piques her interest and leads to finding out about her family secret, a war time mystery and what links them. A couple of eligible men cross her path only she can't decide who should be trusted.
There were lots of hidden secrets and occasionally I heaved a few sighs of impatience because the author chose to reveal them more slowly than I wanted, but it was worth the wait.
I was disappointed to discover that I bought this book in 2017 when it was originally published as Finding Secrets.
I found this book easy to read and very hard to put down.
Alex loves her job as manager of an historic Elizabethan house, though it doesn't leave time for a social life, but she is happy without one, her heart was broken at university and she is not ready to trust anyone yet. One day she finds a pretty locket in the pocket of a vintage coat which piques her interest and leads to finding out about her family secret, a war time mystery and what links them. A couple of eligible men cross her path only she can't decide who should be trusted.
There were lots of hidden secrets and occasionally I heaved a few sighs of impatience because the author chose to reveal them more slowly than I wanted, but it was worth the wait.
January 15, 2022
This book was a surprise! I was expecting just a romance story but got a lot more. I was far more interested in the mystery around the protagonist, Alex’s, family and Mallow Court. The setting, characters, and plot were very enjoyable. Other reviews do say the plot is far-fetched, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
Only 4 stars and not 5 because although it’s described as a romance book, I found myself not really caring about the romance element of it. I found the plot surrounding the protagonist’s life and family far more interesting than her relationships.
I would recommend this book to others as a ‘cosy read’.
Only 4 stars and not 5 because although it’s described as a romance book, I found myself not really caring about the romance element of it. I found the plot surrounding the protagonist’s life and family far more interesting than her relationships.
I would recommend this book to others as a ‘cosy read’.
June 19, 2025
A Little Bird
A captivating mystery with a very surprising result! Alex is reveling in her job as a manager of a very old mansion house that has been turned into a type of museum. She manages venues and tours for the owner. When things start to happen you are drawn into the action and some hold-your-breath and unbelievable events. This is a dual timeline story. It is fascinating to see the history in some ways not realized or talked about. Disclaimer: the sex scenes and swearing weren’t really needed for the plot. A little scrubbing would be a good thing for a clean read.
A captivating mystery with a very surprising result! Alex is reveling in her job as a manager of a very old mansion house that has been turned into a type of museum. She manages venues and tours for the owner. When things start to happen you are drawn into the action and some hold-your-breath and unbelievable events. This is a dual timeline story. It is fascinating to see the history in some ways not realized or talked about. Disclaimer: the sex scenes and swearing weren’t really needed for the plot. A little scrubbing would be a good thing for a clean read.
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