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The Summer of Secrets
Sydney journalist Chloe Brown is painfully aware that her biological clock isn't just ticking, it's booming. When her long term boyfriend finally admits he never wants children, Chloe is devastated. Impulsively, she moves as far from disappointment as she can – to a job on a small country newspaper in Queensland's far north.
The little town seems idyllic, a cosy nest, and Chloe plans to regroup and, possibly, to embark on single motherhood via IVF. But she soon realises that no place is free from trouble or heartache. The grouchy news editor, Finn Latimer, is a former foreign correspondent who has retreated after a family tragedy. Emily, the paper's elegant, sixty-something owner, is battling with her husband's desertion. Meanwhile, the whole town is worried when their popular young baker disappears.
As lives across generations become more deeply entwined, the lessons are clear. Secrets and silence harbour pain, while honesty and openness bring healing and hope. And love. All that's needed now is courage...
The little town seems idyllic, a cosy nest, and Chloe plans to regroup and, possibly, to embark on single motherhood via IVF. But she soon realises that no place is free from trouble or heartache. The grouchy news editor, Finn Latimer, is a former foreign correspondent who has retreated after a family tragedy. Emily, the paper's elegant, sixty-something owner, is battling with her husband's desertion. Meanwhile, the whole town is worried when their popular young baker disappears.
As lives across generations become more deeply entwined, the lessons are clear. Secrets and silence harbour pain, while honesty and openness bring healing and hope. And love. All that's needed now is courage...
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2018
32 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hannay
410 books294 followersMulti award winning author, Barbara Hannay, is a city bred girl with a yen for country life. Most of her 50 plus books are set in rural and outback Australia and they've been enjoyed by readers around the world.
Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.
In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.
Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter
Barbara has been nominated five times for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award which she won in 2007 and she has twice won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award.
In her own version of life imitating art, Barbara and her husband currently live on a misty hillside in beautiful Far North Queensland where they keep heritage pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and an untidy but productive garden.
Visit Barbara's website at www.barbarahannay.com
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 23, 2018
When Chloe Brown’s boyfriend of seven and a half years told her in no uncertain terms what he thought of having children, Chloe was shattered. After all their time together, and her continually mentioning her love of children, he must have known her thoughts. How dare he not tell her earlier in their relationship! Chloe left Sydney after applying for and being accepted as a journalist at a small country town newspaper, Burralea Bugle, in far north Queensland. Chloe needed to re-think her life.
Everyone in Burralea was friendly, although the editor of the paper, Finn Latimer needed a few lessons. When Chloe learned of his past though, she knew the ex-foreign correspondent was allowed some leeway. And their boss Emily was also going through her own troubles with her husband. But it was when Burralea’s young baker disappeared while out on a morning jog that the town began to really worry.
Was Chloe going to be able to settle into her new life, or were the hidden secrets going to drive her away? She was enjoying her job and responsibility at the newspaper – would she have to start again somewhere else?
The Summer of Secrets by Aussie author Barbara Hannay is a deeply poignant look at lives, loves and heartache. Drifting between both Emily and her mother, Izzie’s pasts and current day, plus the current day of our main characters, The Summer of Secrets, with its mix of historical, mystery and intrigue, is a beautifully written novel that I loved. An exceptional author, Hannay never disappoints. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read and review.
Everyone in Burralea was friendly, although the editor of the paper, Finn Latimer needed a few lessons. When Chloe learned of his past though, she knew the ex-foreign correspondent was allowed some leeway. And their boss Emily was also going through her own troubles with her husband. But it was when Burralea’s young baker disappeared while out on a morning jog that the town began to really worry.
Was Chloe going to be able to settle into her new life, or were the hidden secrets going to drive her away? She was enjoying her job and responsibility at the newspaper – would she have to start again somewhere else?
The Summer of Secrets by Aussie author Barbara Hannay is a deeply poignant look at lives, loves and heartache. Drifting between both Emily and her mother, Izzie’s pasts and current day, plus the current day of our main characters, The Summer of Secrets, with its mix of historical, mystery and intrigue, is a beautifully written novel that I loved. An exceptional author, Hannay never disappoints. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read and review.
January 21, 2019
Journalist Chloe Brown wants a baby and time is running out. Her biological clock has gone into overdrive. When she raises the topic with the guy she has been involved with for 7 and a half years, he confesses he never wants children. Devastated, Chloe decides she needs a complete change of pace. She takes on a job in a small country newspaper in Queensland far north. Once she has settled into Burralea and her job at the Burralea Bugle, then she will investigate IVF. She is unprepared for the sight that greets her when she first lobs at the newspaper office.
Editor, Finn Latimer is attempting to move on from his own tragedy and, at times, not doing a very good job of it. Emily, the owner of the newspaper has her own heartache, as well as issues in her marriage. Then there is single mum, Jess, who has recently moved to Burralea with her daughter Willow. Add to this the local baker who has gone missing and there are plenty of secrets to be uncovered in this little town.
The story moves around a bit in time, right back to World War 2 and Emily’s mother’s experiences. It moves around in place as well from Queensland to England and Thailand, but since it is all clearly marked there is no confusion. The story winds around all these different strands and then seamlessly draws them together.
Barbara Hannay is fast becoming a favourite author who can be relied upon to tell a good story of rural Australia with memorable characters that span over various generations. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these complex yet down to earth characters in Burralea. Setting is particularly well described and I liked the added intrigue of what happened to the baker. Everything ties together to make a great read which I never wanted to put down.
Editor, Finn Latimer is attempting to move on from his own tragedy and, at times, not doing a very good job of it. Emily, the owner of the newspaper has her own heartache, as well as issues in her marriage. Then there is single mum, Jess, who has recently moved to Burralea with her daughter Willow. Add to this the local baker who has gone missing and there are plenty of secrets to be uncovered in this little town.
The story moves around a bit in time, right back to World War 2 and Emily’s mother’s experiences. It moves around in place as well from Queensland to England and Thailand, but since it is all clearly marked there is no confusion. The story winds around all these different strands and then seamlessly draws them together.
Barbara Hannay is fast becoming a favourite author who can be relied upon to tell a good story of rural Australia with memorable characters that span over various generations. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these complex yet down to earth characters in Burralea. Setting is particularly well described and I liked the added intrigue of what happened to the baker. Everything ties together to make a great read which I never wanted to put down.
August 25, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Mystery, history, town secrets and romance all feature in The Summer of Secrets, the latest novel from Barbara Hannay. Hannay is a consistent author, who can be relied upon to produce well written, perfectly situated and intriguing novels. The Summer of Secrets is no exception and this book was a welcome reading companion this past week.
At the core of The Summer of Secrets is Chloe Brown, a journalist and a woman who yearns for a child of her own. Chloe is in a committed and long-term relationship, but when she introduces the subject of starting a family with her boyfriend, he promptly decides that their relationship is not headed in the same direction. Naturally, Chloe is shocked and in order to try to come to terms with this devastating turn of events, Chloe takes a new job in the country. The little country town of Burralea, located in far north Queensland, is the just the tonic Chloe needs. Burralea is secluded and picturesque. It also offers Chloe time to think about her next course of action in her desire to have a family. No sooner has Chloe settled into the way of things when more trouble and drama comes her way. She immediately clashes with Finn, the local newspaper editor, who has secrets of his own. While Emily, the owner of the newspaper is suffering from the after effects of her husband’s abandonment. Everyone in the town is placed on high alert when the local baker vanishes. Hannay is the master of Australian sagas and this new offering links different people across an expanse of time and place. Burralea emerges as a place of sanctuary, where those can come to regroup, overcome pain and make plans for the future.
I feel confident in claiming that I am up to date with Barbara Hannay’s novels. Earlier this year I read her previous release, The Country Wedding and I adored it. It brought a smile to my face when I realised one of the back characters featured in this novel, Finn Latimer, is placed in the spotlight in The Summer of Secrets. I do need to make it clear though that there is no prerequisite to read The Country Wedding in order to enjoy The Summer of Secrets. This novel definitely has the power to stand on its own two feet.
Barbara Hannay has plenty on offer in her new release. The Summer of Secrets is an involving novel that moves between the past and the present, with a sense of ease. The pages are filled with secrets, emotion, drama, full lives and heart stopping moments. Flashbacks provide an insight into the life of one of the pillars of the community of Burralea, Izzie. The history of Izzie’s past has to be the highlight of The Summer of Secrets. I’m sending much praise and appreciation to Barbara Hannay for her work in this area. It is well researched and fascinating to read. Anyone with a passing interest in the role of pilots, especially female based pilots during World War II will love this narrative segment.
In terms of the current day contemporary characters, these are a well chosen set. Chloe had a great girl next door feel and this presentation of character enabled me to connect every easily with Chloe. I felt her pain, confusion and swirling emotions. I also desperately wanted Chloe to be happy in all aspects of her life, especially in fulfilling her desire to have a family. Chloe is paired against Finn, Hannay’s returning character from The Country Wedding. Finn is a fairly normal Aussie bloke. At first he appears quite ill-tempered, but there are reasons for this, which Hannay takes the time to outline during the course of her novel. Finn’s character study was one of the enjoyable aspects of this novel. Backing up Hannay’s two present day leads are a collection of secondary characters that vary in age and circumstance. Burralea is a small town, but it is full of colourful personalities that I enjoyed reading about.
Barbara Hannay always takes romance in her stride, she seems to effortlessly conjure up situations her characters must face in the love department with a sense of ease. I enjoyed all the romance sequences contained in The Summer of Secrets. I especially liked the hint of second chance love. It offers the reader plenty of hope and guarantees that we leave The Summer of Secrets with warmth in our heart.
As a keen follower of the author of The Summer of Secrets, Barbara Hannay, I have read a couple of author interviews on this book. If you have an interest in the stunning and authentic Aussie setting base of this novel, I encourage you to do a search of the real life town of Yungaburra, which was the inspiration for The Summer of Secrets. It will help build a clear picture in your mind of this fascinating site, in which the action of The Summer of Secrets plays out. Although I know Hannay was challenged by the process this novel, she did have fun with it and the end product is well worth her efforts. The Summer of Secrets is a warm novel that is the ideal accompaniment on these still cool nights.
The Summer of Secrets, is book #105 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
Mystery, history, town secrets and romance all feature in The Summer of Secrets, the latest novel from Barbara Hannay. Hannay is a consistent author, who can be relied upon to produce well written, perfectly situated and intriguing novels. The Summer of Secrets is no exception and this book was a welcome reading companion this past week.
At the core of The Summer of Secrets is Chloe Brown, a journalist and a woman who yearns for a child of her own. Chloe is in a committed and long-term relationship, but when she introduces the subject of starting a family with her boyfriend, he promptly decides that their relationship is not headed in the same direction. Naturally, Chloe is shocked and in order to try to come to terms with this devastating turn of events, Chloe takes a new job in the country. The little country town of Burralea, located in far north Queensland, is the just the tonic Chloe needs. Burralea is secluded and picturesque. It also offers Chloe time to think about her next course of action in her desire to have a family. No sooner has Chloe settled into the way of things when more trouble and drama comes her way. She immediately clashes with Finn, the local newspaper editor, who has secrets of his own. While Emily, the owner of the newspaper is suffering from the after effects of her husband’s abandonment. Everyone in the town is placed on high alert when the local baker vanishes. Hannay is the master of Australian sagas and this new offering links different people across an expanse of time and place. Burralea emerges as a place of sanctuary, where those can come to regroup, overcome pain and make plans for the future.
I feel confident in claiming that I am up to date with Barbara Hannay’s novels. Earlier this year I read her previous release, The Country Wedding and I adored it. It brought a smile to my face when I realised one of the back characters featured in this novel, Finn Latimer, is placed in the spotlight in The Summer of Secrets. I do need to make it clear though that there is no prerequisite to read The Country Wedding in order to enjoy The Summer of Secrets. This novel definitely has the power to stand on its own two feet.
Barbara Hannay has plenty on offer in her new release. The Summer of Secrets is an involving novel that moves between the past and the present, with a sense of ease. The pages are filled with secrets, emotion, drama, full lives and heart stopping moments. Flashbacks provide an insight into the life of one of the pillars of the community of Burralea, Izzie. The history of Izzie’s past has to be the highlight of The Summer of Secrets. I’m sending much praise and appreciation to Barbara Hannay for her work in this area. It is well researched and fascinating to read. Anyone with a passing interest in the role of pilots, especially female based pilots during World War II will love this narrative segment.
In terms of the current day contemporary characters, these are a well chosen set. Chloe had a great girl next door feel and this presentation of character enabled me to connect every easily with Chloe. I felt her pain, confusion and swirling emotions. I also desperately wanted Chloe to be happy in all aspects of her life, especially in fulfilling her desire to have a family. Chloe is paired against Finn, Hannay’s returning character from The Country Wedding. Finn is a fairly normal Aussie bloke. At first he appears quite ill-tempered, but there are reasons for this, which Hannay takes the time to outline during the course of her novel. Finn’s character study was one of the enjoyable aspects of this novel. Backing up Hannay’s two present day leads are a collection of secondary characters that vary in age and circumstance. Burralea is a small town, but it is full of colourful personalities that I enjoyed reading about.
Barbara Hannay always takes romance in her stride, she seems to effortlessly conjure up situations her characters must face in the love department with a sense of ease. I enjoyed all the romance sequences contained in The Summer of Secrets. I especially liked the hint of second chance love. It offers the reader plenty of hope and guarantees that we leave The Summer of Secrets with warmth in our heart.
As a keen follower of the author of The Summer of Secrets, Barbara Hannay, I have read a couple of author interviews on this book. If you have an interest in the stunning and authentic Aussie setting base of this novel, I encourage you to do a search of the real life town of Yungaburra, which was the inspiration for The Summer of Secrets. It will help build a clear picture in your mind of this fascinating site, in which the action of The Summer of Secrets plays out. Although I know Hannay was challenged by the process this novel, she did have fun with it and the end product is well worth her efforts. The Summer of Secrets is a warm novel that is the ideal accompaniment on these still cool nights.
The Summer of Secrets, is book #105 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 23, 2018
Going back to Burralea was like going home on a visit with family and friends, and MS Hannay knows how to write a story rich in emotions, with characters that are strong and so very lovable, people who have normal problems, people who jump in and help and share their strength with each other and show love, this is another story that drew me in from page one and left me sighing with such happiness at the end.
Chloe Brown works for a woman’s magazine in Sydney, she has been living very happily with her partner for seven years, but knows that her biological clock is ticking away and Chloe desperately wants to be a mother, but in the blink of any eye that changes and Chloe moves on and away to far North Queensland, she takes a job in a small country newspaper with plans to do IVF and become a single mum, it doesn’t take long before Chloe has made lots of friends and feels so very at home in Burralea and feels a definite pull towards her boss Finn Latimer, things are going to change for Chloe.
Finn Latimer is a former foreign correspondent, but after a dreadful tragedy Finn has made a life for himself at the Burralea Bugle as editor, it is a quiet life just what he needs while still grieving, but when the paper’s owner hires a woman journalist from Sydney, Finn looks like he may start to live again.
This story takes in the lives of many of the town folk Emily the owner of the paper and her husband Alex are also going through tough times, then there is newcomer Jess and her daughter Willow and with Ben the fabulous baker of the town missing after a run and his girlfriend Tammy the hairdresser trying to cope and of course there is Izzy in the nursing home, and MS Hannay has bought all of these people together in an amazing story filled with heart-felt emotion, yes there were tears but there were lots of smiles and again tears of pure joy at the ending of this story, thank you MS Hannay for another awesome story, one that filled me with such pleasure. The people of Burralea have become family and such a beautiful dedication. This is a story that I highly recommend.
Chloe Brown works for a woman’s magazine in Sydney, she has been living very happily with her partner for seven years, but knows that her biological clock is ticking away and Chloe desperately wants to be a mother, but in the blink of any eye that changes and Chloe moves on and away to far North Queensland, she takes a job in a small country newspaper with plans to do IVF and become a single mum, it doesn’t take long before Chloe has made lots of friends and feels so very at home in Burralea and feels a definite pull towards her boss Finn Latimer, things are going to change for Chloe.
Finn Latimer is a former foreign correspondent, but after a dreadful tragedy Finn has made a life for himself at the Burralea Bugle as editor, it is a quiet life just what he needs while still grieving, but when the paper’s owner hires a woman journalist from Sydney, Finn looks like he may start to live again.
This story takes in the lives of many of the town folk Emily the owner of the paper and her husband Alex are also going through tough times, then there is newcomer Jess and her daughter Willow and with Ben the fabulous baker of the town missing after a run and his girlfriend Tammy the hairdresser trying to cope and of course there is Izzy in the nursing home, and MS Hannay has bought all of these people together in an amazing story filled with heart-felt emotion, yes there were tears but there were lots of smiles and again tears of pure joy at the ending of this story, thank you MS Hannay for another awesome story, one that filled me with such pleasure. The people of Burralea have become family and such a beautiful dedication. This is a story that I highly recommend.
November 15, 2018
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The Summer of Secrets by Barbara Hannay. (2018).
Sydney journalist Chloe is desperate to have children when her long term boyfriend finally admits that he doesn't want kids. Devastated, Chloe takes a job on a small country newspaper and plans to start IVF. The town seems perfect but there is always heartache no matter where you are. The news editor Finn is a former foreign correspondent living there after a family tragedy. The newspaper's owner Emily is struggling with her husband's desertion. Meanwhile, the town's popular young baker has disappeared...
Barbara Hannay is a well respected author of over forty books but this is the first one I've read. I found it to be a light hearted novel that had some very touching moments throughout. There are quite a few different storylines involved but surprisingly there's no point where it gets confusing, it's all quite easy to keep track of. The main theme is the potential budding romance between Chloe and Finn with the other storylines of the baker's disappearance, Emily's marriage issues and Finn's previous tragedy which still affects him and his daughter all combining together to keep the reader interested in how it's going to end for everyone.
I think this book would make a fabulous holiday read - or like it was for me, a great read in between more intense and heavy books.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Summer of Secrets by Barbara Hannay. (2018).
Sydney journalist Chloe is desperate to have children when her long term boyfriend finally admits that he doesn't want kids. Devastated, Chloe takes a job on a small country newspaper and plans to start IVF. The town seems perfect but there is always heartache no matter where you are. The news editor Finn is a former foreign correspondent living there after a family tragedy. The newspaper's owner Emily is struggling with her husband's desertion. Meanwhile, the town's popular young baker has disappeared...
Barbara Hannay is a well respected author of over forty books but this is the first one I've read. I found it to be a light hearted novel that had some very touching moments throughout. There are quite a few different storylines involved but surprisingly there's no point where it gets confusing, it's all quite easy to keep track of. The main theme is the potential budding romance between Chloe and Finn with the other storylines of the baker's disappearance, Emily's marriage issues and Finn's previous tragedy which still affects him and his daughter all combining together to keep the reader interested in how it's going to end for everyone.
I think this book would make a fabulous holiday read - or like it was for me, a great read in between more intense and heavy books.
October 29, 2018
The Summer of Secrets is about love, family and healing. When Chloe Brown realised that her boyfriend of seven years did not want children, she decided on a change and excepted a job in a regional newspaper in far north Queensland called the Burralea Bugle. However, Chloe's first meeting with her new boss the editor of the Burralea Bugle Finn Latimer did not go well. The readers of The Summer of Secrets will continue to follow Chloe and Finn to find out what happens.
I was recommended to read Barbara Hannay books, and I have not regretted. The Summer of Secrets continues my love affair with Barbara Hannay books. I love Barbara Hannay portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. The Summer of Secrets is well written and researched by Barbara Hannay. I like the way Barbara Hannay describes her settings that ensure that I engaged with the plot and the characters.
The readers will learn about working in a rural newspaper. Also, the readers will see the consequences and the problems when families do not communicate with each other. The Summer of Secrets highlights that grief can effects people differently and how they learn to cope.
I recommend this book.
I was recommended to read Barbara Hannay books, and I have not regretted. The Summer of Secrets continues my love affair with Barbara Hannay books. I love Barbara Hannay portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. The Summer of Secrets is well written and researched by Barbara Hannay. I like the way Barbara Hannay describes her settings that ensure that I engaged with the plot and the characters.
The readers will learn about working in a rural newspaper. Also, the readers will see the consequences and the problems when families do not communicate with each other. The Summer of Secrets highlights that grief can effects people differently and how they learn to cope.
I recommend this book.
August 28, 2018
I'm moving to Far North Queensland as it sounds divine.
I have loved watching this author grow as a storyteller, its been a fantastic journey and I feel that Barbara just gets better with each book that she writes and she does the duel story line really well.
What I like most about her writing is that she gets straight into the story no faffying about, just in and on with it, her backstory is always good as well and doesn't waste the readers time.
I love the characters in this one, they really were people we could know and it felt like I was in the town and meeting them every day. I love not being bogged down with angst and drama, Barbara adds just enough of both for the story but doesn't leave you feeling drained and her attention to research is well done too. This book was just so satisfying to read, and it just one of those books you could pick up and just keep going which is what I did. I can't wait to read what comes next. Enjoy
I have loved watching this author grow as a storyteller, its been a fantastic journey and I feel that Barbara just gets better with each book that she writes and she does the duel story line really well.
What I like most about her writing is that she gets straight into the story no faffying about, just in and on with it, her backstory is always good as well and doesn't waste the readers time.
I love the characters in this one, they really were people we could know and it felt like I was in the town and meeting them every day. I love not being bogged down with angst and drama, Barbara adds just enough of both for the story but doesn't leave you feeling drained and her attention to research is well done too. This book was just so satisfying to read, and it just one of those books you could pick up and just keep going which is what I did. I can't wait to read what comes next. Enjoy
July 20, 2018
The Summer of Secrets by Barbara Hannay is a special gift to all of Barbara's readers, new and from the past.
We are taken back to the fictional town of Burralea which is modelled on the real life town of Yungaburra on The Atherton Tablelands in Queensland's far north.
This new story is a slightly different one filled with mysteries and secrets with many village characters to keep you interested.
A local resident baker, a journalist with a family tragedy, his assistant and all the characters intertwined to make up the story of The Summer of Secrets set around a country newspaper.
Hear all about the Burralea Bugle; the township of Burralea and its characters, their mysteries and secrets which will keep you guessing right up until the end.
Full of surprises and Queensland country themes - this story, The Summer of Secrets by Barbara Hannay is sure to delight all readers.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for an Advanced Review Copy and especially to Barbara Hannay, the writer for another exceptional country romance.
We are taken back to the fictional town of Burralea which is modelled on the real life town of Yungaburra on The Atherton Tablelands in Queensland's far north.
This new story is a slightly different one filled with mysteries and secrets with many village characters to keep you interested.
A local resident baker, a journalist with a family tragedy, his assistant and all the characters intertwined to make up the story of The Summer of Secrets set around a country newspaper.
Hear all about the Burralea Bugle; the township of Burralea and its characters, their mysteries and secrets which will keep you guessing right up until the end.
Full of surprises and Queensland country themes - this story, The Summer of Secrets by Barbara Hannay is sure to delight all readers.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for an Advanced Review Copy and especially to Barbara Hannay, the writer for another exceptional country romance.
August 6, 2018
I loved this book by Barbara Hannay. Though this author deals with some difficult subjects I always love her characters and the settings of the stories. There is always a sweet gentleness about the people within the pages of her books.
August 12, 2018
It’s kind of painful to be shivering under a mountain of blankets while you read about a lovely warm town where the sun is nearly always shining. But the trade-off of a lovely read takes the edge off somewhat. Barbara Hannay’s latest novel, The Summer of Secrets, is draped in all kinds of warmth from friendship to romance and good old Queensland weather. It’s a great story of second chances with some fascinating historical insights to top things off.
The story begins as Chloe, a journalist at Girl Talk magazine, broaches children with her partner. Previous discussions have been fobbed off with excuses but this time Chloe gets to the heart of the matter and realises her future is not with him. She’s decided to be a single mother and to get far away from Sydney. That’s how she ends up as the second journalist on small town Queensland paper, the Burralea Bugle. Things don’t get off to a good start after her editor, Finn, forgets to pick her up from the airport. Then Chloe discovers him in the middle of a bottle of whiskey. It’s not what she signed up for, but the rest of Burralea is a delight and she begins to make friends. But Finn isn’t who she assumed he was and the pair fall into a friendship. But all of Chloe’s new friends have secrets – Jess at the café, Emily the newspaper owner, Tammy the hairdresser and Finn himself. Over the course of the summer, the secrets will be revealed, along with the case of the missing baker.
There is a lot going on in The Summer of Secrets but Barbara Hannay takes it all in her stride, never once losing the pace or the plot threads. It’s a pleasure to read and watch as the story unfolds with critical information coming to light at just the right moments. I also enjoyed the flashbacks into town stalwart Izzie’s childhood and time as an ATA pilot in World War II. I think Izzie’s story could make an excellent book of its own (yes, that’s a hint). I thought a plot twist using something every day and seemingly innocuous in the modern world was very clever.
Barbara Hannay’s books are always so welcoming, as a reader I feel enveloped in the small town of Burralea. I think it’s because the characters are realistic and relatable, but also have the touch of the exotic about them (such as Finn’s previous life overseas). Glimpses of characters from previous books were also delightful to catch up on too. Chloe is an everyday heroine – there’s nothing overly remarkable about her appearance (which was quite refreshing – not all women have auburn or raven shiny locks unless they’ve just been to the hairdresser). She’s intelligent, but not a genius. She’s simply a good person which is what Finn sees in her. Likewise, he isn’t a buff ex-model but a clever man bogged down by the past. The approachability of all the characters (with perhaps the exception of Izzie because she just shines awesome) was a major highlight for me. The Summer of Secrets is enticing, well written and a lovely respite from a cold winter.
Thank you to Penguin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The story begins as Chloe, a journalist at Girl Talk magazine, broaches children with her partner. Previous discussions have been fobbed off with excuses but this time Chloe gets to the heart of the matter and realises her future is not with him. She’s decided to be a single mother and to get far away from Sydney. That’s how she ends up as the second journalist on small town Queensland paper, the Burralea Bugle. Things don’t get off to a good start after her editor, Finn, forgets to pick her up from the airport. Then Chloe discovers him in the middle of a bottle of whiskey. It’s not what she signed up for, but the rest of Burralea is a delight and she begins to make friends. But Finn isn’t who she assumed he was and the pair fall into a friendship. But all of Chloe’s new friends have secrets – Jess at the café, Emily the newspaper owner, Tammy the hairdresser and Finn himself. Over the course of the summer, the secrets will be revealed, along with the case of the missing baker.
There is a lot going on in The Summer of Secrets but Barbara Hannay takes it all in her stride, never once losing the pace or the plot threads. It’s a pleasure to read and watch as the story unfolds with critical information coming to light at just the right moments. I also enjoyed the flashbacks into town stalwart Izzie’s childhood and time as an ATA pilot in World War II. I think Izzie’s story could make an excellent book of its own (yes, that’s a hint). I thought a plot twist using something every day and seemingly innocuous in the modern world was very clever.
Barbara Hannay’s books are always so welcoming, as a reader I feel enveloped in the small town of Burralea. I think it’s because the characters are realistic and relatable, but also have the touch of the exotic about them (such as Finn’s previous life overseas). Glimpses of characters from previous books were also delightful to catch up on too. Chloe is an everyday heroine – there’s nothing overly remarkable about her appearance (which was quite refreshing – not all women have auburn or raven shiny locks unless they’ve just been to the hairdresser). She’s intelligent, but not a genius. She’s simply a good person which is what Finn sees in her. Likewise, he isn’t a buff ex-model but a clever man bogged down by the past. The approachability of all the characters (with perhaps the exception of Izzie because she just shines awesome) was a major highlight for me. The Summer of Secrets is enticing, well written and a lovely respite from a cold winter.
Thank you to Penguin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
September 17, 2018
The sort of book my Mum would love. It’s lacking in depth or excitement for me.
August 18, 2018
This was a lovely story.
December 16, 2018
this was ok i wouldnt rave about it. normally love her books
January 18, 2019
Martin Kerr
Drugs, Babies, Romance
January 18, 2019
The Summer of Secrets
By Barbara Hannay
Penguin Random House Australia 2018 (Kindle version) 43 chapters plus Epilogue.
Childless Chloe Brown decides to leave her boyfriend and try her luck in the Far North of Queensland, having obtained a position on the Burralea Bugle owned by Emily Hargraves and edited by experienced international journalist, Finn Latimer.
But there is more to this than an inevitable stormy romance between Chloe and her boss. Much is going on in Burralea. The local baker goes missing. Drugs are involved. The police are not helpful.
The newspaper’s owner has problems with her husband. Her mother is aging but with a history of wartime flying exploits and romance which indirectly led to the death of her husband and also her grandson.
Jess, a single mother with a young baby is also a recent arrival in town. Chloe is running out of time to become a mother.
People have their secrets. Will they be shared among the various generations?
Finn faces his demons, returning to Thailand where his wife and son were killed in a terrorist bomb blast. He has a surviving near-teenage daughter. Chloe plans for IVF and offers to look after her while Finn is away investigating the whereabouts of the missing baker. Their romance is steamy, physical but genuine. Character and maturity are important, as are domesticity, dress and discourse.
“And yet, Chloe had not only proved to be a valuable work colleague, but a beguiling temptress who’d unwittingly lifted a corner of the blanket of grief that had shrouded [Finn] for the past three years. And now, it seemed, she’d also rescued his daughter from the hugest of disappointments.” (Chap. 32)
The tropical highlands town of Burralea has its secrets. But there’s a genuine decency among its folk, town dwellers and farmers, where gossip is tolerated but not to the extent it wounds or is malicious. Sensible women help each other. Their menfolk are more than tolerated. They cook wonderful meals, they work for the community.
Hannay writes with conviction and knowledge. Her research and writing style matches her characters and their usually conservative environments whether it be in England during World War II, Burralea during the 1970s or contemporary 21st century. Her geographic locations breathe lives of their own. No one is stranded. There are reasons for living and taking risks. And when the characters interact there is genuine dialogue and action right down to the food they prepare and share. One is at home with the author and her story. She sets up an intergenerational challenge and successfully resolves a plot of mysteries and personal complications.
This book is for readers of all ages including latte lovers. The Summer of Secrets offers genuine romance and excitement with a human touch. It is about food, culture and people who care. This is country where small things; especially support and friendship matter.
Martin Kerr’s New Guinea Patrol was first published in 1973. His cult memoir, short stories and seven novels are available on Kindle.
December 2, 2018
Chloe is 37 and after devoting the past 7 years of her life to a man who is never going to be on the same page as her, she finds herself leaving Sydney and her job at a girl’s magazine for a post in far North Queensland at a rural newspaper. Before Chloe arrived there was basically a staff of one – former foreign correspondent Finn Latimer, who is used to doing things his way and not having anyone else around. He’s a Serious Journalist and not particularly interested in having someone that he thinks probably wrote quizzes for Dolly magazine helping him out.
Chloe finds herself settling into the small town almost immediately, which is preoccupied by the disappearance of the young man who owns the local bakery. Ben went out for a jog one morning and never came home and the fear is that he stumbled on a meth lab. There’s not much to go on and Chloe befriends his girlfriend Tammy as she gets to know the locals for a series of articles she’s preparing for the local paper. She finds herself accepted into this community, enjoying the change of pace and beauty of the local area. It’s a far cry from inner Sydney and it’s growing on her. As is Finn himself.
I loved the small town feel. I’ve never been to far North Queensland so I appreciated the descriptions of the local farms and the forests, as well as the brightness of the stars at night and even a little cameo by some of the (perhaps not so palatable) wildlife. Chloe is at that stage of her life where she has to make a decision – she’s already late-30s, which is considered advanced maternal age, especially for someone who will be undertaking having their first child, even though more and more women are having children later. She has recently ended a long-term relationship and if she wants to have a baby before she’s 40, she’s probably going to have to go it alone. I think being somewhere small and quiet gives her time to think, reassess and gain some clarity. It will also give her more freedom to be a working mother as well. However…..now there’s also Finn in her life and the two of them definitely have a lot of chemistry and I really enjoyed the way she and Finn interacted – it was a bit of a rocky start, with Finn not really buying into her credentials, but Chloe brings a breath of fresh air and colour to the local paper and Finn doesn’t take long to see that she’s really quite valuable. And very helpful when they get a strange clue about Ben, the vanished baker, that leaves Finn free to pursue that line of enquiry. A future together requires both of them taking a strong leap of faith and for Finn, letting go of the past and his guilt over it.
There’s a few other local characters populating this story. Emily is the owner of the paper, who took over from her mother a very formidable woman who is almost 100 and still going strong. Emily and her husband are going through something quite traumatic and they’re both dealing with it in different ways – or trying to. Jess, a young woman Chloe met in the airport after her flight landed, was also leaving to find a new life and I really enjoyed the way her story played out. It was nicely done – I only really started to suspect her true reasons for being in the area shortly before it was revealed. I also liked the inclusion of Emily’s mother’s early life as a pilot in WWII for Britain. This also made me realise that somewhere along the way I’ve missed a book from Barbara Hannay so I’m definitely going to have to rectify that.
Also? I’d kind of like to see Hawk in a future book….
Chloe finds herself settling into the small town almost immediately, which is preoccupied by the disappearance of the young man who owns the local bakery. Ben went out for a jog one morning and never came home and the fear is that he stumbled on a meth lab. There’s not much to go on and Chloe befriends his girlfriend Tammy as she gets to know the locals for a series of articles she’s preparing for the local paper. She finds herself accepted into this community, enjoying the change of pace and beauty of the local area. It’s a far cry from inner Sydney and it’s growing on her. As is Finn himself.
I loved the small town feel. I’ve never been to far North Queensland so I appreciated the descriptions of the local farms and the forests, as well as the brightness of the stars at night and even a little cameo by some of the (perhaps not so palatable) wildlife. Chloe is at that stage of her life where she has to make a decision – she’s already late-30s, which is considered advanced maternal age, especially for someone who will be undertaking having their first child, even though more and more women are having children later. She has recently ended a long-term relationship and if she wants to have a baby before she’s 40, she’s probably going to have to go it alone. I think being somewhere small and quiet gives her time to think, reassess and gain some clarity. It will also give her more freedom to be a working mother as well. However…..now there’s also Finn in her life and the two of them definitely have a lot of chemistry and I really enjoyed the way she and Finn interacted – it was a bit of a rocky start, with Finn not really buying into her credentials, but Chloe brings a breath of fresh air and colour to the local paper and Finn doesn’t take long to see that she’s really quite valuable. And very helpful when they get a strange clue about Ben, the vanished baker, that leaves Finn free to pursue that line of enquiry. A future together requires both of them taking a strong leap of faith and for Finn, letting go of the past and his guilt over it.
There’s a few other local characters populating this story. Emily is the owner of the paper, who took over from her mother a very formidable woman who is almost 100 and still going strong. Emily and her husband are going through something quite traumatic and they’re both dealing with it in different ways – or trying to. Jess, a young woman Chloe met in the airport after her flight landed, was also leaving to find a new life and I really enjoyed the way her story played out. It was nicely done – I only really started to suspect her true reasons for being in the area shortly before it was revealed. I also liked the inclusion of Emily’s mother’s early life as a pilot in WWII for Britain. This also made me realise that somewhere along the way I’ve missed a book from Barbara Hannay so I’m definitely going to have to rectify that.
Also? I’d kind of like to see Hawk in a future book….
September 27, 2018
4 Stars
I was eager to dive into The Summer of Secrets, as I hadn’t previously read any of Barbara’s work.
The Summer of Secrets is a well written, poignant and heart-warming story featuring the community of Burralea, a town in far north Queensland.
Although the Summer of Secrets has a strong focus on the budding friendship and relationship between colleagues Chloe and Finn, it also features chapters told from a variety of other points of view.
The characters are strong, endearing and likeable, but they are also very relatable. Even with the multiple points of view, and flashbacks of the past I found the characters to be well developed, flawed and realistic.
This title is a charming romance, full of emotion and drama. The twists and turns, intrigue, suspense and mystery kept me completely enthralled. For readers who love a title with lots of heat and steam, this title may not be for them, but overall it’s a really lovely Australian story.
I was eager to dive into The Summer of Secrets, as I hadn’t previously read any of Barbara’s work.
The Summer of Secrets is a well written, poignant and heart-warming story featuring the community of Burralea, a town in far north Queensland.
Although the Summer of Secrets has a strong focus on the budding friendship and relationship between colleagues Chloe and Finn, it also features chapters told from a variety of other points of view.
The characters are strong, endearing and likeable, but they are also very relatable. Even with the multiple points of view, and flashbacks of the past I found the characters to be well developed, flawed and realistic.
This title is a charming romance, full of emotion and drama. The twists and turns, intrigue, suspense and mystery kept me completely enthralled. For readers who love a title with lots of heat and steam, this title may not be for them, but overall it’s a really lovely Australian story.
October 30, 2018
I have adored every Barbara Hannay book I have read, and although I didn't not like this one, it fell a little flat for me.
Chloe flees from an unsuitable relationship that was going nowhere and decides to take up a position in a country town out of Cairns at a small newspaper. There she meets Finn, who is the senior editor of the newspaper. After a rocky start their relationship grows. The town is in the midst of the disappearance of one of their own, plus a long standing family discovers some secets in the wake of the loss of their son.
There were quite a few things happening in this book, but I felt that some of the storylines went nowhere for me. It definitely doesn't deter me from reading the author's novels though.
Chloe flees from an unsuitable relationship that was going nowhere and decides to take up a position in a country town out of Cairns at a small newspaper. There she meets Finn, who is the senior editor of the newspaper. After a rocky start their relationship grows. The town is in the midst of the disappearance of one of their own, plus a long standing family discovers some secets in the wake of the loss of their son.
There were quite a few things happening in this book, but I felt that some of the storylines went nowhere for me. It definitely doesn't deter me from reading the author's novels though.
May 22, 2019
I loved the descriptions of the locations, that is exactly what Lake Tinaroo is like. I enjoyed the story however I was underwhelmed by Ben's disappearance, there were hints from Tammy that could have made the whole disappearance more interesting and believable. There were a few good strong characters but some of the characters were too weak. Finn and Chloe didn't seem to have any chemistry. Jess and Willow's story could have been much more interesting than it was. Emily just forgave Alex for disappearing, no questions asked.
Overall it was a good light read but I would have liked more depths to the stories and people's lives.
Overall it was a good light read but I would have liked more depths to the stories and people's lives.
October 18, 2022
Tegelasi, kelle vaatepunktidest lugu edasi anti, oli minu maitse jaoks küll pisut liiga palju ning ei saaks öelda, et ma kellelegi neist just väga tulihingeliselt kaasa oleksin elanud. Muidugi oli mul hea meel, kui neil hästi läks, kuid see oli üsna ükskõiksusega segatud. Need niinimetatud saladused, nii palju, kui neid seal üldse muidugi oli, olid ka üsna ettearvatavad.
Tore oli aga lugeda armsast ning imekaunist väiksest külast, kus hoolimata pisikesest klatšihimust kõik üksteist hoidsid ja toetasid ning ka uusi inimesi kiiresti omaks võtsid
Ühesõnaga suudab see raamat lugedes kindlasti tekitada sooja ja mõnusa tunde, kuid midagi enamat pakkuda ei suuda.
Tore oli aga lugeda armsast ning imekaunist väiksest külast, kus hoolimata pisikesest klatšihimust kõik üksteist hoidsid ja toetasid ning ka uusi inimesi kiiresti omaks võtsid
Ühesõnaga suudab see raamat lugedes kindlasti tekitada sooja ja mõnusa tunde, kuid midagi enamat pakkuda ei suuda.
September 8, 2018
Biological clock ticking and boyfriend cheats on main character, it's time to get out of town before one goes crazy. Shifting to the far north to a job removed from the glamour and glitz of the big town is the only option.
The town has it's own charm, character and class not to mention further trouble and potential heartache.
The town has it's own charm, character and class not to mention further trouble and potential heartache.
January 24, 2019
Chloe Brown a journalist travels to a small town in Queensland to put distance between herself and her long-term boyfriend. She joins the team-of-two in a small town newspaper so this is the story of the people she meets including the relationship with the editor of the newspaper.
It's a lovely happy-ever-after story.
It's a lovely happy-ever-after story.
April 16, 2019
I always enjoy Barbara Hannay’s books, and this was no exception. So many secrets, and yet everyone managed to find a happy ending in the end.
I loved the setting of this small country town in Far North Queensland. Finn and Chloe were just what each other needed to both heal. Definitely worth reading!
I loved the setting of this small country town in Far North Queensland. Finn and Chloe were just what each other needed to both heal. Definitely worth reading!
June 1, 2019
Another enjoyable book by Barbara Hannay! She encapsulates the Australian manner very well and depicts beautiful settings with relatively realistic characters who are endearing. Plenty of backstory to deal with in understanding the main characters and why they're facing their own challenges that they are to overcome. As expected, deserving set of outcomes for all involved.
May 10, 2020
My first book of Barbara’s and I was so impressed. Loved the plot, loved the characters and the emotions that were so beautifully interwoven throughout the story. I would truly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of romance set amongst a tropical backdrop that just adds that special imagery.
November 2, 2018
Loved it as usual. This one was a bit nostalgic for me after being away from "Burralea" (a.k.a. Yungaburra) for almost a year. It made me feel things but mostly made me smile. Which, given some of the topics the book tackles, is quite impressive!
April 21, 2020
This book was pleasant enough to read but the 'wow' factor wasn't there and none of the character's storylines had any real depth or mystery about them to keep me interested. It reminded me of a fairytale; predictible and the boy falls in love with the girl as you would expect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
Chloe Brown is the least interesting character in this book and unfortunately also the central one. Beyond her ticking biological clock there’s little else of focus. Luckily the rest of Burralea is filled with more depth, would have loved to have seen their stories fleshed out.
August 21, 2018
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