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The Winter Secret
The Winter Secret is a thrilling mystery from Lulu Taylor, top ten bestselling author of The Snow Rose and Her Frozen Heart.
‘My dear boy, the place is cursed. It always has been and it always will be . . .’
Buttercup Redmain has a life of pampered luxury, living in beautiful Charcombe Park. Her older husband, Charles Redmain, is wealthy and successful, and proud of the house he has painstakingly restored, once owned by a famous ancestor. Buttercup is surrounded by people who make her life delightfully easy. But the one thing she really wants seems impossible.
There are other discomforting realities: her husband’s ex-wife Ingrid still lives nearby although Buttercup has never met her. And it soon becomes clear that all the people who make Buttercup’s life so carefree are also watching her every move. Does she actually live in a comfortable but inescapable cage? And what is the real story of her husband’s previous marriage?
In the late 1940s, Xenia Arkadyoff lived in Charcombe Park with her father, a Russian prince, and her mother, a famous film star. Life seemed charmed, full of glamour and beauty. But behind the glittering facade lay pain, betrayal, and the truth about the woman Xenia spent her life protecting.
Now Charcombe Park is calling back people who were once part of its story, and the secrets that have stayed long hidden are bubbling inexorably to the surface . . .
‘My dear boy, the place is cursed. It always has been and it always will be . . .’
Buttercup Redmain has a life of pampered luxury, living in beautiful Charcombe Park. Her older husband, Charles Redmain, is wealthy and successful, and proud of the house he has painstakingly restored, once owned by a famous ancestor. Buttercup is surrounded by people who make her life delightfully easy. But the one thing she really wants seems impossible.
There are other discomforting realities: her husband’s ex-wife Ingrid still lives nearby although Buttercup has never met her. And it soon becomes clear that all the people who make Buttercup’s life so carefree are also watching her every move. Does she actually live in a comfortable but inescapable cage? And what is the real story of her husband’s previous marriage?
In the late 1940s, Xenia Arkadyoff lived in Charcombe Park with her father, a Russian prince, and her mother, a famous film star. Life seemed charmed, full of glamour and beauty. But behind the glittering facade lay pain, betrayal, and the truth about the woman Xenia spent her life protecting.
Now Charcombe Park is calling back people who were once part of its story, and the secrets that have stayed long hidden are bubbling inexorably to the surface . . .
544 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2020
51 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Lulu Taylor
28 books206 followersLulu was brought up in the Oxfordshire countryside, attended a girls’ school and then went to Oxford University, where she read English Literature. After university, she worked in publishing for several years, before becoming a novelist.
Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.
‘Sex, love, beauty and money have always entranced us, and one way or another are the basis for just about every story ever written. There’s plenty of all of that in my novels, along with high fashion, which I love. What’s more, writing about fashion means I can go virtual shopping, dressing my heroines in all the wonderful clothes I adore – the racks of Marchesa ball gowns, the shelves of Louboutins, mountains of Chanel bags and acres of Dior dresses... it’s lots of fun. The stories can also get quite racy at times. It’s all about entertaining and amusing the reader, and enjoying being inside my characters’ glamorous, rarefied existence. ‘I’m always thrilled when someone enjoys reading my book as much I enjoyed writing it.’
Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.
Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.
‘Sex, love, beauty and money have always entranced us, and one way or another are the basis for just about every story ever written. There’s plenty of all of that in my novels, along with high fashion, which I love. What’s more, writing about fashion means I can go virtual shopping, dressing my heroines in all the wonderful clothes I adore – the racks of Marchesa ball gowns, the shelves of Louboutins, mountains of Chanel bags and acres of Dior dresses... it’s lots of fun. The stories can also get quite racy at times. It’s all about entertaining and amusing the reader, and enjoying being inside my characters’ glamorous, rarefied existence. ‘I’m always thrilled when someone enjoys reading my book as much I enjoyed writing it.’
Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 12, 2018
The Winter Secret by Lulu Taylor is a story about past and present occupants of a house called Charcombe Park. The present occupants Charles Redmain and his wife Buttercup, and former residents Xenia Arkadyoff and her mother a famous actress.
Buttercup has almost everything that she could wish for but its beginning to feel unhappy that her every move is being monitored and that she is being controlled by her husband.
This is a book is full of secrets and lies and some unforgettable characters.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Buttercup has almost everything that she could wish for but its beginning to feel unhappy that her every move is being monitored and that she is being controlled by her husband.
This is a book is full of secrets and lies and some unforgettable characters.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2019
I have read all of Lulu Taylor’s books up to this current one and I’ve loved them for their different stories and the way she writes. Unfortunately this one wasn’t one of them. I found the main character Buttercup,(the name irritated me at the start), she was always moaning about her life and seemed incapable of standing up to her controlling husband. This really irritated me which spoilt the story.
The idea was good unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. I know she has another book coming out soon and I will be interested in seeing what that one is like, hopefully better than this one was.
The idea was good unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. I know she has another book coming out soon and I will be interested in seeing what that one is like, hopefully better than this one was.
November 2, 2020
Gripping, menacing, and addictive!
The Winter Secret is an unsettling, pacey, atmospheric novel about love, life, loss, secrets, power, control, friendship, family, jealousy, and tragedy.
There are two main memorable characters, Xenia, a young girl in the late 1940s whose life is anything but glamourous when her mother’s starlet lifestyle leads to a neverending rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows. And Buttercup, the present-day Mrs. Redmain whose life is pristine and wonderful until the cracks begin to appear and everything is not quite as perfect as it originally seemed.
The writing is eloquent and descriptive. The characterization is well done with a cast of characters that are distressed, vulnerable, and sympathetic, and a setting, Charcombe Park, that is a character itself with its history, grandeur, isolation, and multitude of secrets. And the plot uses a past/present, back-and-forth style to create tension and suspense as it quickly unravels all the personalities, relationships, behaviours, and motivations within it.
Overall, The Winter Secret is a clever, haunting, absorbing novel that swept me away to a country estate marred by both cruelty and love and immersed me in a story rife with deception and obsession.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Winter Secret is an unsettling, pacey, atmospheric novel about love, life, loss, secrets, power, control, friendship, family, jealousy, and tragedy.
There are two main memorable characters, Xenia, a young girl in the late 1940s whose life is anything but glamourous when her mother’s starlet lifestyle leads to a neverending rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows. And Buttercup, the present-day Mrs. Redmain whose life is pristine and wonderful until the cracks begin to appear and everything is not quite as perfect as it originally seemed.
The writing is eloquent and descriptive. The characterization is well done with a cast of characters that are distressed, vulnerable, and sympathetic, and a setting, Charcombe Park, that is a character itself with its history, grandeur, isolation, and multitude of secrets. And the plot uses a past/present, back-and-forth style to create tension and suspense as it quickly unravels all the personalities, relationships, behaviours, and motivations within it.
Overall, The Winter Secret is a clever, haunting, absorbing novel that swept me away to a country estate marred by both cruelty and love and immersed me in a story rife with deception and obsession.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2018
My head is reeling, from that completely addictive conclusion to a wonderful book.
This is easily Lulu Taylor back to her best, and one of my favourite books by this author for a few years at least.
No idea where to start this review - there are quite a few threads to this story, but separated enough by chapters and where necessary year headings to make it very easy to follow and not be confused. In fact despite the length of the book, I found it to be a very fast story to read, and was gutted any time I had to put it down to get on with my real life.
The book all centres around Charcombe Park, a massive house which although magnificent to the outsiders eye, has had a chequered history. We learn about a few of the generations of people living in it and the two smaller properties either side of it.
There is Buttercup Redmain, wife of Charles Redmain who currently owns the house. She lives to the untrained eye a wonderful life full of great riches, and the freedom to not work, and just do as she wishes. However as the reader starts to delve beneath the surface, you soon see the truth of the situation.
She however is not the first Mrs Redmain, and she doesn't know much about Ingrid who was, only what she has been told, but she is highly curious, but unsure who she can trust. Ingrid lives in one of the two smaller properties, despite being divorced from Charles.
Then there is Xenia, she also used to live in Charcombe Park, with her famous actress mother and father. We get to learn about life in the late 1940s, and 1950s from Xenia's perspective and there is definitely an interesting story line about her mother in that. We also get to see her as an old lady now, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
Actually I had a great deal of sympathy for all three of the key ladies in this story, as the truth starts to emerge.
This is a book that definitely crept under my skin as I was reading it, and when I wasn't I was thinking about it, wondering just what direction the story would take.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novel, and already looking forward to seeing that this author writes next.
Thank you to Pan McMillan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is easily Lulu Taylor back to her best, and one of my favourite books by this author for a few years at least.
No idea where to start this review - there are quite a few threads to this story, but separated enough by chapters and where necessary year headings to make it very easy to follow and not be confused. In fact despite the length of the book, I found it to be a very fast story to read, and was gutted any time I had to put it down to get on with my real life.
The book all centres around Charcombe Park, a massive house which although magnificent to the outsiders eye, has had a chequered history. We learn about a few of the generations of people living in it and the two smaller properties either side of it.
There is Buttercup Redmain, wife of Charles Redmain who currently owns the house. She lives to the untrained eye a wonderful life full of great riches, and the freedom to not work, and just do as she wishes. However as the reader starts to delve beneath the surface, you soon see the truth of the situation.
She however is not the first Mrs Redmain, and she doesn't know much about Ingrid who was, only what she has been told, but she is highly curious, but unsure who she can trust. Ingrid lives in one of the two smaller properties, despite being divorced from Charles.
Then there is Xenia, she also used to live in Charcombe Park, with her famous actress mother and father. We get to learn about life in the late 1940s, and 1950s from Xenia's perspective and there is definitely an interesting story line about her mother in that. We also get to see her as an old lady now, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
Actually I had a great deal of sympathy for all three of the key ladies in this story, as the truth starts to emerge.
This is a book that definitely crept under my skin as I was reading it, and when I wasn't I was thinking about it, wondering just what direction the story would take.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this novel, and already looking forward to seeing that this author writes next.
Thank you to Pan McMillan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 25, 2019
3.9 *
I always enjoy a Lulu Taylor story. She writes good,solid escapism books that whisk the reader away to a different time and era. The stories usually have a historical element to them and drift between the past and the present weaving the timelines together deftly.
The Story.
Buttercup (what a name) has married a rich older man who she adores but he comes with baggage - an ex-wife and two children.
Bettercup is desperate for a baby but after a miscarriage nothing else happens and Buttercup gets more and more despondent.
Meanwhile we begin to see how controlling Charles is with his staff, his home, his possessions and even his wife.
Interwoven into Buttercup's story is Xenia Arkadyoff, the elderly daughter of a Russian Prince and a famous film star Natalie Rowe. We learn about Xenia and how the past has impacted on to her present life.
Follow the story as old secrets threaten to burst to the surface and surprise everyone.
My Thoughts.
Such an enjoyable story that draws you right in. You can curl up with this book and read until you are pulled back to reality!
Once I had finished this story it would not let me go,at all. Some of the events played over and over in my mind. Mainly Xenia and her mum and the issue of mental illness and how it was dealt with in an earlier age. I was quite shocked to read about some of the treatments used and horrified at the results. I know this is only a story but I bet things like this did happen, with such devastating affects.
Charcombe Park, how it seemed to attract a certain type of person and trap sadness in its walls. Do you think building can soak up feelings? Or be built on grounds that make them susceptible to melancholy or evil? What do you think?
I always enjoy a Lulu Taylor story. She writes good,solid escapism books that whisk the reader away to a different time and era. The stories usually have a historical element to them and drift between the past and the present weaving the timelines together deftly.
The Story.
Buttercup (what a name) has married a rich older man who she adores but he comes with baggage - an ex-wife and two children.
Bettercup is desperate for a baby but after a miscarriage nothing else happens and Buttercup gets more and more despondent.
Meanwhile we begin to see how controlling Charles is with his staff, his home, his possessions and even his wife.
Interwoven into Buttercup's story is Xenia Arkadyoff, the elderly daughter of a Russian Prince and a famous film star Natalie Rowe. We learn about Xenia and how the past has impacted on to her present life.
Follow the story as old secrets threaten to burst to the surface and surprise everyone.
My Thoughts.
Such an enjoyable story that draws you right in. You can curl up with this book and read until you are pulled back to reality!
Once I had finished this story it would not let me go,at all. Some of the events played over and over in my mind. Mainly Xenia and her mum and the issue of mental illness and how it was dealt with in an earlier age. I was quite shocked to read about some of the treatments used and horrified at the results. I know this is only a story but I bet things like this did happen, with such devastating affects.
Charcombe Park, how it seemed to attract a certain type of person and trap sadness in its walls. Do you think building can soak up feelings? Or be built on grounds that make them susceptible to melancholy or evil? What do you think?
December 31, 2018
An ok read, but one I think that I’ll promptly forget all the details about. Not that it was in any way bad, it just wasn’t memorable.
March 6, 2019
A good read , with some intriguing characters. A little slow with the plot though.
December 2, 2018
I love, now and again, to have a change of reading from my normal psychological and mystery thrillers. This book ticked all the boxes. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. The story is told in the past and present, and centres on a country house and it’s previous and current owners. Xenia Arkadayoff, whose father was a Russian prince and her mother was a famous actress, once lived in the house before it was sold to the present owners, and she tells the story of the house and her family in the past. Buttercup (yes, I know!) is residing in Charcombe Park at present and is married to a very controlling husband, Charles Redmain, but she is not happy that his first wife still lives close by. Buttercup discovers just how controlling Charles is and how he is keeping secrets from her and she wants to escape. Both the present and past timelines had me gripped and everything comes together well. A recommended read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 7, 2024
‘Winterhuis’ begint met een mooie proloog over Xenia die naar haar mama op de filmset kijkt. Daarna leren we het tweede hoofdpersonage kennen, Daisy. In het eerste hoofdstuk krijgen we een rondleiding in Charcombe Park, het huis dat in de levens van Daisy en Xenia een grote rol speelt. Tussendoor lezen we iets meer over de relatie van Charles en Daisy. Daarna maakt Taylor een tijdsprong van 22 maanden. Het koppel is ondertussen gesetteld in het oude huis. Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit Daisy’s perspectief, afgewisseld met dat van Xenia uit het verleden én het heden.
De afwisseling van perspectieven zorgt ervoor dat je steeds verder wilt lezen, want je wilt weten hoe het met beide vrouwen afloopt. De cover belooft ons echter een thriller, maar échte bloedstollende spanning blijft uit. Het boek is vooral een psychologische thriller, want er gebeurt heel wat dat invloed heeft op de gevoelens van Daisy en Xenia. Dat maakt veel indruk op de lezer. Ook fijn is dat hun verhalen op het eerste gezicht totaal verschillend lijken, maar Taylor bouwt het verband langzaam op. Dat zorgt voor de nodige spanning. Zo komen we veel te weten over Xenia’s verleden. Daardoor begrijpen we haar gedrag en gevoelens in het heden beter.
Eén van de sterke punten van dit boek is dus dat de personages Daisy en Xenia nauwkeurig uitgewerkt zijn. Verschillende karaktertrekken zijn herkenbaar, ook al speelt Xenia’s verhaallijn zich deels af in het Hollywood van de jaren vijftig. Het is wel fijn om meer te lezen over hoe het leven toen was en hoeveel druk er lag op de filmsterren. Taylor gaat geen taboes uit de weg en durft het te hebben over een manische depressie. Ook Daisy heeft heel wat ellende achter de rug, zoals de dood van haar vader. Haar moeder herkent Daisy niet meer. Beide vrouwen zijn getekend door wat hen overkomen is en in ieder hoofdstuk geeft Taylor ons iets meer info. Omdat het verteltempo best traag is, dreigt het verhaal soms te kabbelen. Vaak hebben we geen houvast wat tijd betreft, dus we weten niet altijd wanneer precies de gebeurtenissen zich afspelen. Dat is vooral in de hoofdstukken van Daisy het geval.
Ten slotte blijft de titel van het boek wat vaag tot het einde, al begrijp je die door de laatste pagina’s wel beter. Het echte wintergevoel is dus niet zo duidelijk aanwezig. Verder wordt het laatste hoofdstuk helaas iets te snel afgerond, zeker als je dat in verhouding met de rest van het boek bekijkt. De levens van Daisy en Xenia worden hier samen besproken, wat vreemd aanvoelt nu je de structuur van het boek gewend bent. Desondanks weet Taylor je nog te verrassen op de twee laatste pagina’s, heel knap!
Conclusie
4 sterren
‘Winterhuis’ is een prima boek voor iedereen die houdt van een flinke portie psychologische spanning. Je voelt heel erg mee met de hoofdpersonages en waant je zo in hun leefwereld.
De afwisseling van perspectieven zorgt ervoor dat je steeds verder wilt lezen, want je wilt weten hoe het met beide vrouwen afloopt. De cover belooft ons echter een thriller, maar échte bloedstollende spanning blijft uit. Het boek is vooral een psychologische thriller, want er gebeurt heel wat dat invloed heeft op de gevoelens van Daisy en Xenia. Dat maakt veel indruk op de lezer. Ook fijn is dat hun verhalen op het eerste gezicht totaal verschillend lijken, maar Taylor bouwt het verband langzaam op. Dat zorgt voor de nodige spanning. Zo komen we veel te weten over Xenia’s verleden. Daardoor begrijpen we haar gedrag en gevoelens in het heden beter.
Eén van de sterke punten van dit boek is dus dat de personages Daisy en Xenia nauwkeurig uitgewerkt zijn. Verschillende karaktertrekken zijn herkenbaar, ook al speelt Xenia’s verhaallijn zich deels af in het Hollywood van de jaren vijftig. Het is wel fijn om meer te lezen over hoe het leven toen was en hoeveel druk er lag op de filmsterren. Taylor gaat geen taboes uit de weg en durft het te hebben over een manische depressie. Ook Daisy heeft heel wat ellende achter de rug, zoals de dood van haar vader. Haar moeder herkent Daisy niet meer. Beide vrouwen zijn getekend door wat hen overkomen is en in ieder hoofdstuk geeft Taylor ons iets meer info. Omdat het verteltempo best traag is, dreigt het verhaal soms te kabbelen. Vaak hebben we geen houvast wat tijd betreft, dus we weten niet altijd wanneer precies de gebeurtenissen zich afspelen. Dat is vooral in de hoofdstukken van Daisy het geval.
Ten slotte blijft de titel van het boek wat vaag tot het einde, al begrijp je die door de laatste pagina’s wel beter. Het echte wintergevoel is dus niet zo duidelijk aanwezig. Verder wordt het laatste hoofdstuk helaas iets te snel afgerond, zeker als je dat in verhouding met de rest van het boek bekijkt. De levens van Daisy en Xenia worden hier samen besproken, wat vreemd aanvoelt nu je de structuur van het boek gewend bent. Desondanks weet Taylor je nog te verrassen op de twee laatste pagina’s, heel knap!
Conclusie
4 sterren
‘Winterhuis’ is een prima boek voor iedereen die houdt van een flinke portie psychologische spanning. Je voelt heel erg mee met de hoofdpersonages en waant je zo in hun leefwereld.
April 8, 2024
In my opinion on the low side of 4* (I need to rethink my rating system as too much ends up being 4 😂🤦🏻♀️). It was better than the last book I read.
Read for my book club. It was an enjoyable easy read which I read quickly. Not sure about the plot as a whole. The current day chapters seemed unrealistic. Charles was a controlling creep and Buttercup seemed a bit repetitive in her thoughts. It was very intriguing though and kept you reading even when not a lot was happening.
The chapters containing the young Xenia were interesting and her watching the fall of her Mother into illness particularly relatable.
I’m not sure I particularly enjoyed the ending though and thought there may have been more of a link between the main characters.
Read for my book club. It was an enjoyable easy read which I read quickly. Not sure about the plot as a whole. The current day chapters seemed unrealistic. Charles was a controlling creep and Buttercup seemed a bit repetitive in her thoughts. It was very intriguing though and kept you reading even when not a lot was happening.
The chapters containing the young Xenia were interesting and her watching the fall of her Mother into illness particularly relatable.
I’m not sure I particularly enjoyed the ending though and thought there may have been more of a link between the main characters.
September 25, 2019
Fantastic book. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2024
Leuk dat het is over volwassen mensen ging en niet over 16 jarigen haha, ben blij dat ik hem gelezen heb 🙂🙃
December 8, 2019
I wasnt sure about reading this as it looked a little wishy washy, how wrong was I. Gripping story, I've just spent the last 3 hours demolishing the last half as I couldn't not know what was going to happen. Absolutely brilliant. Give it a go and you wont be disappointed.
February 2, 2020
Good action packed story
This is the third lulu Taylor book I've read and am becoming quite a fan of her books. I must admit I raced through this one wanting to know how it would all end. There is two stories to this book like her other two I've read, I found Xenia story fascinating but I didn't care for her I found her very bitter although probably understandable under the circumstances. The one in the present centered around Buttercup was at first looking as though it would be quite predictable, also I guessed straight away what the secret was but it didn't spoil it for me and as the book went on I didn't guess how it was going to end.
This is the third lulu Taylor book I've read and am becoming quite a fan of her books. I must admit I raced through this one wanting to know how it would all end. There is two stories to this book like her other two I've read, I found Xenia story fascinating but I didn't care for her I found her very bitter although probably understandable under the circumstances. The one in the present centered around Buttercup was at first looking as though it would be quite predictable, also I guessed straight away what the secret was but it didn't spoil it for me and as the book went on I didn't guess how it was going to end.
January 9, 2020
THis is a lovely escapist read, something to delve into and enjoy. It has a little bit of a glitzy, glamour feel to it with a country house and characters who have lived a life, but there are twists and turns and a satisfying ending. As per usual I felt a little bit of pruning wouldn't have gone amiss but a good read.
November 9, 2019
It felt like Daphne du Maurer had been plundered which made it seem dated with similar tropes- naive, slightly vulnerable heroine marries wealthy, controlling man and moves into large old house with secrets. Sounds familiar? Not to mention the denouement which I won’t give away. I require a little more originality in my mystery novels.
October 13, 2018
Another wonderful winters night read by Lulu Taylor, so grab a blanket, your mug of hot chocolate and get comfy as you won’t want to leave Buttercup’s tale anytime soon!
Having read all of Lulu Taylor’s other books, The Snow Angel is still my favourite by a mile but this one was still a great read. A bit of a slow burner that took me a while to full get drawn into but once it had me hooked, that was it, held captive until the last page.
The characters were all wonderfully portrayed, some more likeable than others, but be prepared to have your opinions turned come the end, I know I certainly did! And every good story has to have at least one person, place or situation we all love to hate doesn’t it?
And without anything away, there are several plot twists at the end that you honestly won’t see coming (unless you read to may spoilers which you won’t get from me!) One of which had me swearing out loud, “No f**king way” 🤯 Luckily I was tucked up warm and cozy under my blanket at home so just a warning incase you’re in a public place when you’re reading the latter parts of this book 😂
I’m not going to write a summary of the plot as the book blurb gives you more than enough information, the rest you need to read and discover for yourselves, and it really is worth doing just that!
I will say however that some aspects of this story will give you pause for thought on your own online presence and how much of our own lives we put up online for others to see giving them their own window into our activities and even our thoughts!
I can’t recommend this book highly enough, especially if you are a fan of her previous work or a newcomer. If you have never read any of her other books they are all equally as good and a few that are even better!
The Winter Secret is due to be published on 29 Nov 2018 in the UK and can be preordered now
A big thank you to the author Lulu Taylor, publishers Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Having read all of Lulu Taylor’s other books, The Snow Angel is still my favourite by a mile but this one was still a great read. A bit of a slow burner that took me a while to full get drawn into but once it had me hooked, that was it, held captive until the last page.
The characters were all wonderfully portrayed, some more likeable than others, but be prepared to have your opinions turned come the end, I know I certainly did! And every good story has to have at least one person, place or situation we all love to hate doesn’t it?
And without anything away, there are several plot twists at the end that you honestly won’t see coming (unless you read to may spoilers which you won’t get from me!) One of which had me swearing out loud, “No f**king way” 🤯 Luckily I was tucked up warm and cozy under my blanket at home so just a warning incase you’re in a public place when you’re reading the latter parts of this book 😂
I’m not going to write a summary of the plot as the book blurb gives you more than enough information, the rest you need to read and discover for yourselves, and it really is worth doing just that!
I will say however that some aspects of this story will give you pause for thought on your own online presence and how much of our own lives we put up online for others to see giving them their own window into our activities and even our thoughts!
I can’t recommend this book highly enough, especially if you are a fan of her previous work or a newcomer. If you have never read any of her other books they are all equally as good and a few that are even better!
The Winter Secret is due to be published on 29 Nov 2018 in the UK and can be preordered now
A big thank you to the author Lulu Taylor, publishers Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest and independent review.
October 18, 2018
Buttercup Redmain has every thing. She is living a luxury life at the expense of her older, wealthy husband, successful business man Charles. Living in Charcombe Park, the Redmain country estate, built by one of Charles' ancestors and lovingly restored, she has housekeepers and assistants and spends her days riding horses and lunching with friends in London. But things are not quite all they seem on the surface. Charles' ex-wife Ingrid is living too close for comfort and Buttercup is dealing with her own heartache.
Xenia Arkadyoff is the daughter of a Russian Prince and a famous movie star mother. She once lived at Charcombe Park before being forced to sell to the Redmains. She now lives in the gatehouse on the estate.
The story switches between the present day of the Redmains and Xenia's past in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
It's hard to review this book without giving anything away. Needless to say the secrets contained in the house by it's different owners past and present gradually emerge and the luxury façade slowly unravels to a thrilling climax.
If I'm being honest you can probably see some of the twists coming, although I definitely didn't predict them all. And this doesn't make the novel any less enjoyable. The characters are interesting particularly Xenia and Arkadyoff family and it was their story that I was most drawn to. Xenia emerging relationship with Polish cleaner Agnieska is especially endearing.
The ending, while certainly dramatic, seemed a little contrived and some of the relationship at the end of the book were too convenient for my taste.
This was an enjoyable winter read and I would definitely read other titles by Lulu Taylor as there were some aspects of this story that I really liked.
The Winter Secret is published on 29th November and would be a great stocking filler for the reader in your family. Pre-order from your local bookshop now.
Thank you Lulu Taylor, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Xenia Arkadyoff is the daughter of a Russian Prince and a famous movie star mother. She once lived at Charcombe Park before being forced to sell to the Redmains. She now lives in the gatehouse on the estate.
The story switches between the present day of the Redmains and Xenia's past in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
It's hard to review this book without giving anything away. Needless to say the secrets contained in the house by it's different owners past and present gradually emerge and the luxury façade slowly unravels to a thrilling climax.
If I'm being honest you can probably see some of the twists coming, although I definitely didn't predict them all. And this doesn't make the novel any less enjoyable. The characters are interesting particularly Xenia and Arkadyoff family and it was their story that I was most drawn to. Xenia emerging relationship with Polish cleaner Agnieska is especially endearing.
The ending, while certainly dramatic, seemed a little contrived and some of the relationship at the end of the book were too convenient for my taste.
This was an enjoyable winter read and I would definitely read other titles by Lulu Taylor as there were some aspects of this story that I really liked.
The Winter Secret is published on 29th November and would be a great stocking filler for the reader in your family. Pre-order from your local bookshop now.
Thank you Lulu Taylor, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2021
Weer een heerlijk boek van deze schrijfster! Alleen begrijp ik niet waarom de uitgever dit weer onder de categorie thrillers schaart...
Het verhaal draait om de huidige en vorige bewoners van een nu prachtig gerestaureerd landgoed, Charcombe Park in Dorset.
De jonge Anna (Daisy) Wilcox is nu zo'n twee jaar getrouwd met de 12 jaar oudere, rijke en succesvolle zakenman Charles Redmain en leidt een luxe leventje op Charcombe Park. Behalve het grote landhuis zelf staan op het landgoed, net buiten het hek, tegenover elkaar nog twee villa's - oorspronkelijk bedoeld voor de weduwe en ongetrouwde zusters van een van de vorige eigenaren van het landgoed, maar nu wordt één van deze villa's bewoond door Ingrid, Charles' eerste vrouw en hun twee tienerkinderen. In de andere villa woont de bejaarde Xenia Arkadyoff, dochter van Paul Arkadyoff (een Russische prins; diens moeder was een nicht van tsaar Nicolaas II) en Natalie Rowe, die in de jaren '50 van de vorige eeuw triomfen vierde als filmactrice. Paul kocht het landhuis op het hoogtepunt van Natalies roem en betrok het met zijn vrouw en dochter, maar tragische ontwikkelingen zorgden ervoor dat Xenia na verloop van vele jaren alleen in het inmiddels zwaar verwaarloosde landhuis achterbleef tot zij het verkocht aan Charles, die had ontdekt dat het huis oorspronkelijk van een van zijn voorvaderen was geweest en het in ere wilde herstellen...
Via flashbacks krijg je als lezer steeds meer inzicht in Xenia's verleden met haar labiele moeder en charismatische vader. En Daisy komt tot de ontdekking dat haar echtgenoot een aantal onaangename karaktereigenschappen blijkt te bezitten.
Boeiend! Vrijwel in één ruk uitgelezen.
Het verhaal draait om de huidige en vorige bewoners van een nu prachtig gerestaureerd landgoed, Charcombe Park in Dorset.
De jonge Anna (Daisy) Wilcox is nu zo'n twee jaar getrouwd met de 12 jaar oudere, rijke en succesvolle zakenman Charles Redmain en leidt een luxe leventje op Charcombe Park. Behalve het grote landhuis zelf staan op het landgoed, net buiten het hek, tegenover elkaar nog twee villa's - oorspronkelijk bedoeld voor de weduwe en ongetrouwde zusters van een van de vorige eigenaren van het landgoed, maar nu wordt één van deze villa's bewoond door Ingrid, Charles' eerste vrouw en hun twee tienerkinderen. In de andere villa woont de bejaarde Xenia Arkadyoff, dochter van Paul Arkadyoff (een Russische prins; diens moeder was een nicht van tsaar Nicolaas II) en Natalie Rowe, die in de jaren '50 van de vorige eeuw triomfen vierde als filmactrice. Paul kocht het landhuis op het hoogtepunt van Natalies roem en betrok het met zijn vrouw en dochter, maar tragische ontwikkelingen zorgden ervoor dat Xenia na verloop van vele jaren alleen in het inmiddels zwaar verwaarloosde landhuis achterbleef tot zij het verkocht aan Charles, die had ontdekt dat het huis oorspronkelijk van een van zijn voorvaderen was geweest en het in ere wilde herstellen...
Via flashbacks krijg je als lezer steeds meer inzicht in Xenia's verleden met haar labiele moeder en charismatische vader. En Daisy komt tot de ontdekking dat haar echtgenoot een aantal onaangename karaktereigenschappen blijkt te bezitten.
Boeiend! Vrijwel in één ruk uitgelezen.
November 2, 2023
The Winter Secret by Lulu Taylor was another charity shop find - it's one of those books that has multiple *secrets* and dripfeeds foreboding throughout, with a massive climactic speed-up of the pace towards the dramatic conclusion...
And, as one of those books - it was pretty good! Initially, it had very strong 'Rebecca' vibes, which made me wonder if the title was an homage. And certain aspects did align with that book, though the storyline also diverged quite a bit.
I felt the sense of foreboding regarding the central relationship was a bit heavy-handed, and both narrative threads got a bit repetitive in the middle, so it felt like the book could have been 100 pages shorter without really losing anything.
That said, I liked the main protagonist, Buttercup, and I was interested by both narratives enough to keep reading. There were some things about the ultimate conclusion that surprised me (in a good way - especially the eventual appearance of the ex-wife character) but a lot that didn't.
I definitely had the urge to skim towards the end, just to find out what happened - which I guess is more a failing in me than in the book. But overall, this was a good read.
And, as one of those books - it was pretty good! Initially, it had very strong 'Rebecca' vibes, which made me wonder if the title was an homage. And certain aspects did align with that book, though the storyline also diverged quite a bit.
I felt the sense of foreboding regarding the central relationship was a bit heavy-handed, and both narrative threads got a bit repetitive in the middle, so it felt like the book could have been 100 pages shorter without really losing anything.
That said, I liked the main protagonist, Buttercup, and I was interested by both narratives enough to keep reading. There were some things about the ultimate conclusion that surprised me (in a good way - especially the eventual appearance of the ex-wife character) but a lot that didn't.
I definitely had the urge to skim towards the end, just to find out what happened - which I guess is more a failing in me than in the book. But overall, this was a good read.
January 1, 2019
I have read most of Lulu Taylor's books and this one did not disappoint. Buttercup Redmain lives in the large Charcombe Park house but she is unhappy because she wants a child and this is not happening for her and her husband. Her husband's wife lives in the gatehouse at the bottom of the drive but Buttercup is encouraged not to seek her out by her husband. As time goes on he seems more and more controlling n Buttercup gets the feeling that she is being watched all of the time and then reports sent to her husband. She feels that the house is not a happy place to be and holds secrets that she needs to investigate.
Xania Arkadyoff lived in the house with her father and her film star mother. She now lives close to the house and has her own story to tell. Her story runs alongside Buttercups tale.
This was an enjoyable read and one I wanted to finish quickly so I could see what both stories of the two women were. Another Lulu Taylor success.
Xania Arkadyoff lived in the house with her father and her film star mother. She now lives close to the house and has her own story to tell. Her story runs alongside Buttercups tale.
This was an enjoyable read and one I wanted to finish quickly so I could see what both stories of the two women were. Another Lulu Taylor success.
May 14, 2020
Yet another fantastic novel! Ever since picking up my first Lulu Taylor novel earlier this year, I have not been able to stop reading them! It has taken a while, wanting to savour each of them in their own right.
As with all of her novels, this story runs in two timelines - the past and the present. In the past we follow Xenia who lives at Charcome Park with her father and mother. Although life should be wonderful, but it isn't. Her mother is not well at all and Xenia finds herself having to be more grown up than what she should be. In the present, we folow Buttercup who marries Charles and moves into Charcome Park. Her life should be wonderful, but things aren't what they seem. Maybe she is not as free as she would like to think she is.
Such a great story about family drama, love and betrayal. Would highly recommend.
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
As with all of her novels, this story runs in two timelines - the past and the present. In the past we follow Xenia who lives at Charcome Park with her father and mother. Although life should be wonderful, but it isn't. Her mother is not well at all and Xenia finds herself having to be more grown up than what she should be. In the present, we folow Buttercup who marries Charles and moves into Charcome Park. Her life should be wonderful, but things aren't what they seem. Maybe she is not as free as she would like to think she is.
Such a great story about family drama, love and betrayal. Would highly recommend.
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
April 20, 2019
Charcombe Park, the house which links all the characters in this story, is grand and luxurious but to live there comes with a price. Xenia is an old lady now, descended from Russian royalty and through her we learn of life there in the 40’s and 50’s, with her film star mother who sadly suffered badly from depression. Buttercup is the latest incumbent with husband Charles. This is an excellent read (despite the gruesome treatments of yesteryear), but I did much prefer the modern parts of the story as Buttercup gets to grips with her not so perfect after all, husband. Bit of a slow burner, well at least Xenia’s parts were, but soon picked up speed when all the strands were woven together, to make an exciting novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2018
This story ambles along and I found the first two thirds of the book a little slow. This section of the book set the scene for the main characters, Buttercup a newly married 30 something who thinks she has met the man of her dreams and Xenia, an older lady, descended from Russian royalty.
The story floats between present day and the 1950’s but with little to link them aside from the grand house that Buttercup now lives in and was once owned by Xenia.
The main story centres around the controlling and dominating husband of Buttercup and the memories Xenia has of her mother, an actress whose mental health deteriorated as her fame grew.
I guessed how this story would play out and did not find the final twists all that believable. I did like the characters though and it was well written.
The story floats between present day and the 1950’s but with little to link them aside from the grand house that Buttercup now lives in and was once owned by Xenia.
The main story centres around the controlling and dominating husband of Buttercup and the memories Xenia has of her mother, an actress whose mental health deteriorated as her fame grew.
I guessed how this story would play out and did not find the final twists all that believable. I did like the characters though and it was well written.
January 18, 2019
I have really loved all of Lulu Taylor's previous books and highly recommend them all, so I was excited to start reading this one. I wasn't disappointed. A fantastic tale set in a large house called Charcombe Park, this is a dual timeline novel - Buttercup lives in the present day and Xenia in the late 1940s/50s. Wonderful characters in a wonderful setting, there is nothing to dislike about this book. I loved the twists in the plot which I didn't see coming. I couldn't put it down.
Very hightly recommended - perfect for an afternoon on the sofa on a cold winter day. Fabulous, I can't wait for Lulu's next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Very hightly recommended - perfect for an afternoon on the sofa on a cold winter day. Fabulous, I can't wait for Lulu's next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2018
I love Lulu Taylor's books so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of The Winter Secret. It has all my favourite ingredients: a dual timeline, an old house, a famous movie star - and a mystery to solve.
When a character in a book has a too-perfect life, you know everything is soon going to go horribly wrong! In the present day, sweet-natured Buttercup has been whisked off her feet by a handsome millionaire and now lives a glamorous but idle life at the beautiful Charlcome Park. While back in the 1940s, the mansion was home to Xenia Arkadyoff, who is the daughter of a movie star and a Russian Prince, and the envy of all her school-friends. But while Buttercup can have everything she wants, apart from the one thing she is desperate for, Xenia's life is a myriad of secrets no one can find out.
The reason I love Lulu Taylor's books is that they remind me a bit of those glitzy books that were popular in the 80s and 90s. The characters are glamorous and wealthy, but obviously not happy! The Winter Secret combines 1940s Hollywood and the lost world of the Russian tsars, with a touch of modern-day psychological thriller. I loved the mystery surrounding the old house and its sinister 'curse'. It wasn't hard to work out what was happening in Buttercup's life, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of her story, and I did like the way she tried to fight back. Whereas I wished Xenia had made more of her opportunities! There were also some twists I didn't work out, which I always enjoy!
This was a five-star read for me, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves dual-time line mysteries about big old houses, and for fans of authors such as Eve Chase and Kate Morton.
Thank you to Lulu Taylor and Pan Macmillan for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.
When a character in a book has a too-perfect life, you know everything is soon going to go horribly wrong! In the present day, sweet-natured Buttercup has been whisked off her feet by a handsome millionaire and now lives a glamorous but idle life at the beautiful Charlcome Park. While back in the 1940s, the mansion was home to Xenia Arkadyoff, who is the daughter of a movie star and a Russian Prince, and the envy of all her school-friends. But while Buttercup can have everything she wants, apart from the one thing she is desperate for, Xenia's life is a myriad of secrets no one can find out.
The reason I love Lulu Taylor's books is that they remind me a bit of those glitzy books that were popular in the 80s and 90s. The characters are glamorous and wealthy, but obviously not happy! The Winter Secret combines 1940s Hollywood and the lost world of the Russian tsars, with a touch of modern-day psychological thriller. I loved the mystery surrounding the old house and its sinister 'curse'. It wasn't hard to work out what was happening in Buttercup's life, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of her story, and I did like the way she tried to fight back. Whereas I wished Xenia had made more of her opportunities! There were also some twists I didn't work out, which I always enjoy!
This was a five-star read for me, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves dual-time line mysteries about big old houses, and for fans of authors such as Eve Chase and Kate Morton.
Thank you to Lulu Taylor and Pan Macmillan for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.
November 29, 2020
The Winter Secret was a great book about Charcombe Park and its occupants over a number of decades. Everyone who has had any ties to the house has suffered in some way.
The main 2 characters are Buttercup who marries and moves to the house, and Xenia who once lived there with her Mum and Dad. Xenia still lives close by and so the story is told when she was little and also as an old woman in present day.
I was hooked from the start and couldnt put it down, I loved all the characters, apart from Charles of course,and although predictable - i guessed his secret early on -I was still quite shocked at the couple of twists at the end, loved it, a great winter read.
The main 2 characters are Buttercup who marries and moves to the house, and Xenia who once lived there with her Mum and Dad. Xenia still lives close by and so the story is told when she was little and also as an old woman in present day.
I was hooked from the start and couldnt put it down, I loved all the characters, apart from Charles of course,and although predictable - i guessed his secret early on -I was still quite shocked at the couple of twists at the end, loved it, a great winter read.
December 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! I wasn't sure what to expect, but this story of two halves was fantastic. Xenia's story of fame, madness and loneliness was so sad but got it's closure, whilst Buttercup's story is plain creepy! So it took a while to get over the whole Buttercup thing but the story itself was well told and kept me going till the end (and I never saw the twist!). There are men who are like Charles, and this story shows how deceptive things can be in the hands of a manipulator. I did feel sorry for Xenia but was glad she found kinship with an unlikely person.
Definitely a winter tale, and one I recommend!
Definitely a winter tale, and one I recommend!
January 6, 2019
Buttercup Redmain has the perfect life; loving husband, the gorgeous Charcombe House, money etc
Xenia Arkadyoff, the previous owner keeps a watchful eye over Charcombe and the memories of her childhood with her actress mama and a papa she worshipped and adored!
However Charcombe holds dark secrets that affects the residence of this countryside mansion and no one who lives there is safe from its past, until the secrets of the past are revealed one winter to the detriment of everyone who lives and works there!
Xenia Arkadyoff, the previous owner keeps a watchful eye over Charcombe and the memories of her childhood with her actress mama and a papa she worshipped and adored!
However Charcombe holds dark secrets that affects the residence of this countryside mansion and no one who lives there is safe from its past, until the secrets of the past are revealed one winter to the detriment of everyone who lives and works there!
January 27, 2019
A mildly interesting story with well written characters. A little bit of escapism on a cold January day, but does not live up to the blurb on the front cover that “there are some things even the deepest snow cannot hide”. This sentence bears no relation to the story, although there is a Winter Secret of sorts.
Women’s fiction of a light kind that is perfect for an in between season and reading mood. Neither too light and fluffy to be worthwhile or too serious to depress in a cold month.
Despite the 3 stars, I do recommend this as escapism in the winter months.
Women’s fiction of a light kind that is perfect for an in between season and reading mood. Neither too light and fluffy to be worthwhile or too serious to depress in a cold month.
Despite the 3 stars, I do recommend this as escapism in the winter months.
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