Secrets at Meadowbrook Manor

Meadowbrook Manor #2

by Faith Bleasdale

When Gemma Matthews is hired to transform Meadowbrook Manor into a boutique hotel, she can’t believe her luck. She packs her bags and moves to Meadowbrook to start her dream job, but her life is quickly turned upside down. From dealing with the petty squabbles of the dramatic Singer
siblings to cleaning up donkey poo, Gemma soon realises she has her work cut out for her. Neverthless, she’s
determined to make the hotel a success, especially when she starts falling for the dangerously attractive Freddie Singer. But Gemma has a secret she’s desperate to protect, and she knows the truth could jeopardise everything… PRAISE FOR MEADOWBROOK MANOR ‘Wish the animal sanctuary and Manor House were real as I would book a holiday there for real asap. It sounds and feels idyllic.’ Netgalley Reviewer ‘A lovely heart-warming hug of a book about family and following your heart.’ Zara Stoneley ‘A well written, light, warm hearted read.’ Netgalley Reviewer

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful story, that was incredibly enjoyable and really transported me away from the heatwave and back into the lives of the Singer family.

This could be read as a standalone as plenty of back story is included, but having read the first book, I will say this is a lovely sequel, and I was delighted to be back among familiar characters.

We are introduced from the start to Gemma who has been hired to help the family convert Meadowbrook into a hotel - just one snag, all the siblings have greatly different visions for the place, and it takes a while for Gemma to get used to the infighting of the family, their fierce loyalty and general zaniness of all the local villagers too.

I loved every moment of this story, it is written in such a warm loving way and I was really fond of all the characters - although I did have to wonder if the romance I was predicting would ever happen - as I could see it a mile off even if the characters couldn't

This is s book that made me both laugh, smile and also in places feel rawer emotion, with Gemma's storyline with her nan. As I got to know Gemma the more I tended to kiek he but I did wonder just what she was hiding from time to time.

I am really hoping that this isn't the last we have seen of Meadowbrook and the Singers, I would love to be reunited with them again, especially with the developments in the epilogue!

It is great to see Faith Bleasdale back to her best, and whatever she writes next I am looking forward to reading it.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book due to the cute cover and blurb which caught my eye with the secrets hidden in it. My first book by Faith Bleasdale, and the book made a fairly enjoyable read.

The story goes thus, Gemma is hired to convert Meadowbrook Manor into a hotel. Gemma not only has to work at converting the Manor, she also has to win the hearts of the Singer family.

My first book by Faith, and the story is written in a fluid manner. The characters are eclectic. Gemma starts as a painfully shy woman who soon grows into herself, both in her poise and confidence. Gemma has seen her share of problems so it is nice to see her get her share of happiness. She blossoms over the pages!!

The book on the whole reads well, is enjoyable but is slow at certain points for me and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. But it still works as a light fleeting read which makes the heart happy.

I read this book in between my thrillers, hence enjoyed it well!!

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and will not be the last as so brilliant from the first page I was hooked such an easy read with great characters and set in beautful countryside. It's all about trying to move forward after a difficult past but having a secret you don't want people to find out as it will change everything. Also has friendship and romance and heartbreak am deathly mystery Simply fantastic to read and really didn't want it to end and would love to see a follow on.
Gemma lives with her grandma but she sadly gets dementia and has to move into a home and to afford it gemma has to sell the bungalow they live in and her boyfriend isn't happy as he thought they could move in together so he leaves her. She sees a job at meadowbrook manor to start up a hotel with in the manor and decides to apply and she gets the job to which she didn't think she would. She starts her job and it comes with accommodation so she's happy and she wants to make everyone happy and show she can do it but she has to be careful as she's carrying a secret and she doesn't want anyone to find out what it is as will effect everything. She gets stuck into her job and makes great new friends and loves her job so much she does try and visit her grandmother when she can. She really doesn't want handsome Freddie to find out her secret and can they both fall for each other or not. Her secret is let out and it changes everything but whatvis the secret and then she looses her grandmother as well so her world falls apart but can she pull it back together or has she damaged her life for ever.
Great read and worth more than five stars for sure.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book from Faith Bleasdale that I read. I really really enjoyed the first 50 / 60 % of the book but then I started to be a bit bored. In my opinion this book is way too long. There was not enough actions and at some point I just wanted to be finished with the book as fast as possible. It's a shame. But as I enjoyed the first half of the book I will keep quite a good memory of this book. If you like books about family and brother/sisterhood, this book is made for you! If you are looking for a book full of romance, this book is not the best.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma has her dream job lined up to transform the Meadowbrook Manor into a boutique hotel. Hired almost on the spot with a skype interview by Pippa, one of the four Singer siblings that now own the house. Their father’s will requested the four live together on site and maintain the house and animal sanctuary that have been a mainstay for the little village it overlooks. Not without her own issues personally, Gemma is grieving the loss of the grandmother she knew and was raised by – the one person who always believed in her as she is now battling dementia and living in care. Their little cottage has been sold, and should this job not work out Gemma will truly be homeless and alone – as her nan doesn’ t know her anymore and her own struggles believing that ‘everyone leaves’ mean that Gemma hasn’t really made friends.

But not all is smooth at the manor: Gemma feels outclassed and outsmarted by the family – the eldest sister is scary, the youngest brother is the most handsome man she’s ever met and appears to take nothing seriously, the oldest brother is the kind, if distracted one and Pippa – the woman from her interview seems to not be willing to be the boss – but wants to be friends as well. There are a ton of growing pains, many from Gemma, as she tries to maintain a separation and professional distance from the family – the first ‘large’ family that she’s ever seen up close – and something she always dreamed of. Yet – her ideas are solid, she’s facing new challenges and things are moving along well – until they aren’t.

Big secrets come out, even as Gemma has fit into the routine and family at the manor. Plenty of characters to interact with, Gemma’s own struggles with her confidence and insecurities, and a confusion about being attracted to, or enamored with one of the family. Add in some animals that terrify her, a gay cow that brought laughs on twitter, some serious forgiveness and the loss of her grandmother and that story just wraps around you like a big hug – welcoming you to stay in the newly opened Meadowbrook Manor.

I received a copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippa Singer is one of four siblings who has been left Meadowbrook Manor following their father’s death. The Singer family plan to turn this lovely old country house into a luxury hotel but have lots of conflicting ideas about how it should be run, so Pippa hires Gemma to pull it all together.

There are lots of extended family members at the initial meeting which can be a bit overwhelming not only for Gemma but for the reader too. However, their character traits are introduced gradually so you are not confused as to who is who.

As the ideas start to flow, she finds she not only has to work ways around their thoughts and ideas, but has to make it work with the local community and the family’s charity run animal shelter too.

I loved to see the development of Gemma’s character as she became more confident but still wobbled from time to time. It made her real. I think we all have it in us to do great things if people give us a chance. The Singers were her chance. What a great family network they are and in fact the whole village had that feel good factor. I wonder if places like that really do exist.

Secrets at Meadowbrook Manor has an air of eccentricity almost like a book version of The Vicar of Dibley. As I was reading about the fete I could picture ‘Reg Dwight’ on the tv show and as I read about the character traits of the animals I was imagining the Dibley Christmas nativity. Having a visual comparison in my head just made me enjoy it more.

Faith Bleasdale has such a lovely style of writing with a hint of anticipation as to what might happen next. Secrets at Meadowbrook Manor is extremely emotive in places which added an extra dimension to the story. It’s a lovely story about friendship, family, a little bit of romance, a great deal of determination, and a happy ending. I loved it and thoroughly recommend this heartwarming story.

Once again I find there is a previous book “A Year in Meadowbrook Manor” by the author to check out, but they can be read in any order.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Singer family have managed to live together at Meadowbrook Manor for a year as their father's will stipulated and have now decided to run it as a hotel. Pippa decides to employ Gemma to help set it up and for Gemma it is a dream come true.... but is she all it seems. The rest of the family are not too sure about the appointment but one by one she wins them round... even scary Harriet...... and soon becomes one of the family, something she had sorely been missing since her beloved nan got dementia and had to go into a home. Is this life really going to be her dream come true or can it all still go pear shaped.... and what about the gorgeous Freddie will he ever look at her in a different light?

A lovely book with great characters.... all of them seem to be slightly mad, especially the villagers, but the book draws you in from the beginning and leaves you with a lovely warm feeling

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read, reviewed and absolutely loved Faith’s first book ‘A Year At Meadowbrook Manor’ at the start of this year. It was one of those books that I just couldn’t put down. I was (im)patiently waiting for Faith’s next book ‘Secrets At Meadowbrook Manor’. As soon as I got my hands on a copy, I couldn’t wait to sit down, get comfy and dive into the book. Blimey it’s just as good as the first book. I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
Gemma Matthews is one of those characters that you can’t help but take to from the start of the book. I found myself empathising and sympathising with her too. Gemma is a young lady, who was brought up by her Nan. Gemma and her Nan were one tight team. Gemma’s parents both left the family home and so Nan picked up the reins. Sadly Nan is in the grips of that horrible disease dementia. I felt so sorry for Gemma because Nan was literally the only family she had and she was gradually losing her. Of course her Nan was there in body but her soul and her spirit have disappeared. Gemma is heartbroken by the decline in her Nan’s health and a little piece of her is destroyed each time she goes to see her Nan at the nursing home and her Nan doesn’t recognise her. Some days Nan is more lucid than others and some days Nan knows who Gemma is. I empathised with her to a degree as I have had relatives of my own, who suffered with dementia and seeing their decline was truly heart breaking. Gemma applies for and gets a job helping to get the hotel side of Meadowbrook Manor up and running. This new job is the start of a new chapter in Gemma’s life. Gemma doesn’t seem to have many friends or anybody (bar Nan of course) to fight her corner. She did have a relationship with an absolute tosspot, who did nothing for Gemma’s self esteem and seemed to excel in putting her down. What little self esteem Gemma had left was destroyed by the absolute arse of a boss that she used to work for. Gemma is very shy, she is isolated, she doesn’t like huge crowds and I don’t think that she likes to socialise much. I could empathise with her in that sense because I have few friends, I have little self esteem and my idea of hell is to go out in a huge crowd to somewhere busy. Anyway back to Gemma. Her luck certainly seems to change once she gets her new job, although it gets off to a bit of a stuttering start. Pippa, a member of the family who run Meadowbrook Manor, hires her without consulting or discussing it with the rest of the family. Gemma knows that she has to work extra hard to win over the other members of the family as well as proving herself. Will Gemma win over the other members of the family? Will the hotel at Meadowbrook Manor be a huge success or will it be a flop? What is the secret that Gemma is trying to keep hidden? Will Gemma find the happiness that she so deserves? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Blimey oh riley it didn’t take long at all for me to get into this book. As soon as I read the first paragraph I just knew that I would become addicted to reading ‘Secrets At Meadowbrook Manor’ and so it proved. I identified with Gemma to a degree and I really felt for her so I just had to keep reading. The pages turned over at speed and the more I read, the more I got into the book and the more I had to keep reading. I binge read the book in a couple of days. For me ‘Secrets At Meadowbrook Manor’ is really well written. The story flows really well and as a result reading this book felt like I was reuniting with old friends. The characters are so well described that I began to think that they were just as real as you and I. Before anybody says anything, I know this is a fictional book but if I get into a really well written book, then I tend to think of the characters and their situations as being ‘real’. I find myself interacting with the book by talking as if the characters can hear me or tutting at something I had read. Reading this book was at times emotional as it made me think of my own experiences or those of people I know but most of all this was a fun read with humour and romance in abundance. Perfect holiday reading.
‘Secrets At Meadowbrook Manor’ can be read as a standalone, but because I am a bit OCD and like reading series in order then I would advise that you read the first book in the series called ‘A Year At Meadowbrook Manor’, as it will fill you in on some of the background to the family who own and run Meadowbrook Manor.
To conclude, it’s definitely true to say that I 100% loved no make that adored reading ‘Secrets At Meadowbrook Manor’ and I highly recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Faith Bleasdale. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by the cover. I then read the description and felt that I would love the story. I received the book through Netgalley.com and then saw that this was the second book in the series. I wanted to begin with the first book, so I purchased it and read it before “Secrets At Meadowbrook Manor”. I enjoyed the first book in this series so much! I think I have found my newest favorite author. I think I received much more enjoyment reading the two books in the series in order, however, I do believe the second book could be read independently.

Gemma Matthews is a character introduced in this book. She is hired to help four siblings open a hotel in Meadowbrook Manor. The author, Faith Bleasdale, is excellent in her character development, location settings and describing emotions. I was so deeply involved in the story that I was laughing out loud and then crying. I feel like I know each of the people in this book and also the village. I was especially drawn to Gemma. I could identify with her on so many levels. My heart broke for her and it also took wings and flew. The relationship between Gemma and her Nan is a special bond and I felt it deeply. I love stories with all age groups, especially the elderly, so I enjoyed all the quirky village people from young to old.

I don’t want to write any spoilers to the plot. I think the story should be savored as it is unfolded. I enjoyed the journey of this book so much! I love Parker’s Hollow and wish I could visit. I am hoping for a third book in this series.

I want to thank NetGalley.com, Avon, and HarperCollins Publishers for the advanced reader’s copy of this book and introducing me to a new author. I definitely will be reading the author’s previous books. I hope my review will help others find this great author.

[Chaz Thompson-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A welcome return.

Following on from the fabulous first book, A Year At Meadowbrook Manor, where we first met with the Singer family, I was very pleased to return to Meadowbrook and find out how the siblings were getting on.

We left off with all four siblings deciding that they really quite liked their lives as back together at the manor and had to find a way to turn it into a business to keep it all afloat. This time around we find them in the process of turning the manor into a hotel as to do so they hire Gemma as their hotel consultant. Much of this book focuses on Gemma, who she is and how she fits into the family and general community of Parkers Hollow.

I enjoyed this book every bit as much as I did the first and am very pleased to discover it won't be out last visit. I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment . Well worth a read but definitely don't miss out on the first book of you haven't already read it. I'm sure you'll enjoy this book without having read the first as it reads as a stand alone and gently mentions anything you may have missed, but why take that chance? Easy reading, heart-warming and delightful. Full of likeable, relatable characters you'll want to remain friends with.

[K is for Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

2nd in the Meadowbrook Manor series.

I would suggest reading the first book , “A Year at Meadowbrook Manor”. It will give you insight to the family. A story about 4 completely different but unique siblings. Rich with the love of their recently deceased father and forced to renew their relationship in book one. After inheriting the family home, Pippa the youngest wants to prove to herself and her siblings she is capable of turning the family home/manor into hotel and hires Gemma a consultant to assist with the transformation.
Gemma being a boring & insecure yet ends up being a asset.

I was disappointed a few ways. Gemma infatuation with Freddie one of the siblings who was too immature for her. The secrets are way at the end of the book. Who would care at that point. The book was drawn out too much. The characters were well defined yet boring. I would find something else to read.

[Louise Culmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Singer siblings decide they want to turn their posh home in the Cotswolds into a boutique hotel, and shy self effacing Gemma Matthews gets the job of turning their dreams into reality. Gemma is overwhelmed by the Singers - bossy Harriet, artistic Gus, bubbly Pippa and Freddie, who is gorgeous and drinks a lot. Gemma has no family except her old Nan who has dementia, and she envies the Singers for their close relationship with each other. And as if the Singers weren't beguiling enough, they also have an animal sanctuary full of cute animals, and run by Harriet's gentle husband, Connor. Unfortunately Gemma is not a very interesting character (you can have a sad life and still be boring, even in a novel) and the Singers don't really come alive, you're supposed to be charmed by them, like Gemma is, but sadly they failed to charm me.

[Stephanie Panach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very lukewarm about this book - the book has a unique cast of characters who are indeed very charmingly British. They seem to collect people as they go and join them into their family. The first 1/3 of the book - however - was very slow. I couldn't get into it at all. Perhaps if I had read the first book first this wouldn't have been an issue.

things I liked: quirky characters, cute animals, present pop-culture references
things I didn't like: that in order for Gemma to become interesting she had to start drinking, the lack of development in the relationships of the main characters (we're told Gemma and Pippa become best friends - but honestly I didn't really see it), the lack of good romance

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - a story of love, friendship, lies, saddness, happiness, humour and romance. Well written, well paced with excellent characterisation. I particularly empathised with Gemma and was rooting for her throughout the book. I loved the location of Meadowbrook Manor.

This book could be read as a standalone novel but I would recommend starting with ' A Year At Meadowbrook Manor’ first. Both are perfect for a cosy easy read. I look forward to reading more from Faith Bleasdale. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher foir the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book several weeks ago. Like Silas Marner holding onto his gold, I held on to it, the anticipation of reading another of Faith Bleasdale's book almost as good as actually reading it. Finally, unable to hold off any more, I read it and it was the wonderful entertainment that I knew it would be. This author writes wonderful books with characters so real they seem like people the reader knows personally. The stories are so touching they make you want to cry and yet they leave you with an ending that is so satisfying. I won't give any spoilers because I think everyone should read this for themselves and enter the lovely world of Faith Bleasdale's novels.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma might be a little over her head when she lands the job converting Meadowbrook Manor into a hotel. AND, the Singer siblings might be royal pains because they've all got different ideas. I had not read the first book so it was my first meeting with this group-and I was quickly able to understand who is who etc. Gemma's secret is not a dark one but it does exist for a reason. She's a sympathetic character and you'll root for her in her nascent romance with Freddie. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good quick relaxing read.

[T. Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to A Year at Meadowbrook Manor, but can certainly be read as a standalone book.

In order to land her dream job, Gemma gets a bit, shall we say, creative about her background. However, she has a real challenge ahead of her. The Singer siblings have turned their family home into a hotel, and each has a different idea as to how it should be run. Can Gemma get a consensus and move forward? What happens if they learn of her true past?

A quick and pleasurable read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma joins the siblings at Meadowbrook Manor to help them realise their hotel dream. Along the way she finds the family she’s been looking for but is Gemma all she seems?

Great follow up to the Year at Meadowbrook Manor but also can be read as a stand alone. This book has me laughing and crying. Revel in the family japes and get caught up in the web of intrigue dancing below the surface. Classic chick lit read. Great book.

[Anitajt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a very quick reader but some books I just don’t want to rush, book one was just brilliant and book two is just as good. The story has charm, decadence and is so engaging With it’s believable strong characters. Family relationships, romance and friendship in abundance - a must read - guaranteed unputdownable

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this delightful book. Good plot, characters and setting. My first book by this author and I enjoyed her writing. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my arc. This is my unbiased review.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from this author. Slow moving at the beginning, it turned out to be an enjoyable read. Needs more romance. Gemma is a tad boring. Not my favourite book, but a nice read on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
#SecretsAtMeadowbrookManor #NetGalley

[Trevor Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this sequel. Lovely to have Faith Bleasdale writing again and hope she continues with this series as their are a lot of characters to play with and delve into mysteries of their past etc.

[Jen P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this as much as the first book in the series. Can't wait for book three!

[Helen Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this! Hope theres another as I'd love to find out what happened next

[Karen wadey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very mediocre book, predictable in every way. I must have missed the bit where the main character lied about her CV as it was as much a surprriise to me as everyone else in the book. A bit dull.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light easy Summer read

[Mandy Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Hadn't realised there was a previous book until the very end so this is definitely a standalone story and would recommend

[Maria Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wholesome

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is an absolutely delightful story and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it!

I loved the characters, they are very well developed and their interaction is great, they work so well with the story it was a pleasure to read. The writing style was excellent and it had just the right amount of detail to keep me fully engaged and entertained.

I have read a few books by this author and one thing I will say is that she never disappoints – I cannot wait to see what she releases next! Five stars from me for this one, a very enjoyable story and very highly recommended!!