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Zomer vol gevaar
Augustus 1939
Op het vreedzame familielandgoed Summerhill probeert de zestienjarige Maddy zich afzijdig te houden van alle geruchten over oorlog. Dan keert haar flamboyante zus Georgiana terug van een lange reis, met in haar kielzog haar nieuwe vriend, Victor. Maddy heeft al snel het gevoel dat er iets niet klopt aan deze man, maar ze heeft geen idee welk gevaar hij met zich meebrengt.
Heden
Wanneer Chloe ontdekt dat ze zwanger is, zou ze eigenlijk dolblij moeten zijn. Maar dat is ze niet. Ze is bang voor de toekomst met een man die haar lijkt te adoreren, maar tegelijkertijd extreem bezitterig is. Wanneer het toeval haar naar Summerhill brengt, wordt ze meegezogen in een mysterie dat zijn oorsprong vindt in gebeurtenissen van decennia geleden.
Zomer vol geheimen is een mooie en spannende roman over de kracht van liefde die zowel troostend als vernietigend kan zijn.
Op het vreedzame familielandgoed Summerhill probeert de zestienjarige Maddy zich afzijdig te houden van alle geruchten over oorlog. Dan keert haar flamboyante zus Georgiana terug van een lange reis, met in haar kielzog haar nieuwe vriend, Victor. Maddy heeft al snel het gevoel dat er iets niet klopt aan deze man, maar ze heeft geen idee welk gevaar hij met zich meebrengt.
Heden
Wanneer Chloe ontdekt dat ze zwanger is, zou ze eigenlijk dolblij moeten zijn. Maar dat is ze niet. Ze is bang voor de toekomst met een man die haar lijkt te adoreren, maar tegelijkertijd extreem bezitterig is. Wanneer het toeval haar naar Summerhill brengt, wordt ze meegezogen in een mysterie dat zijn oorsprong vindt in gebeurtenissen van decennia geleden.
Zomer vol geheimen is een mooie en spannende roman over de kracht van liefde die zowel troostend als vernietigend kan zijn.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2018
418 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Nikola Scott
4 books128 followersNikola Scott started out in book publishing and worked as a crime fiction editor in America and England for many years. Turning her back on blood-spattered paperback covers and dead bodies found in woods, she sat down at her kitchen table one day to start her first novel — and hasn’t stopped writing since. Obsessed with history and family stories (‘How exactly did you feel when your parents gave the house to your brother?’) she is well-known – and feared – for digging up dark secrets and turning them into novels.
She is the author of the internationally bestselling MY MOTHER'S SHADOW, SUMMER OF SECRTS and THE ORCHARD GIRLS. Her fourth novel, THE LIFE I STOLE, about a young woman determined to become a doctor in 1950s England, is out now. All her novels have been translated widely around the world.
Nikola lives in Frankfurt with her husband and two boys (and a kitchen table).
Visit www.nikolascott.com for more information, or find Nikola on Instagram @nikolascottauthor, Twitter @nikola_scott and Facebook @NikolaScottAuthor.
Once a month, Nikola sends out a popular newsletter about writing, reading, book news, freebies and loads of therapeutic baking. Join in here if you’d love to be a part of it all: bit.ly/NikolaScottNews
She is the author of the internationally bestselling MY MOTHER'S SHADOW, SUMMER OF SECRTS and THE ORCHARD GIRLS. Her fourth novel, THE LIFE I STOLE, about a young woman determined to become a doctor in 1950s England, is out now. All her novels have been translated widely around the world.
Nikola lives in Frankfurt with her husband and two boys (and a kitchen table).
Visit www.nikolascott.com for more information, or find Nikola on Instagram @nikolascottauthor, Twitter @nikola_scott and Facebook @NikolaScottAuthor.
Once a month, Nikola sends out a popular newsletter about writing, reading, book news, freebies and loads of therapeutic baking. Join in here if you’d love to be a part of it all: bit.ly/NikolaScottNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 15, 2018
Absorbing! Unforgettable! Marvelous!
This is a beautiful duel timeline story that seamlessly weaves the past and the present... I am dipping my toe back into the historical fiction waters and this really is the best way to do that... it is always so interesting to see how much the present mirrors the past...
1939 the year before WWII breaks out and Maddie is excited for her sister to come home... but when Georgina arrives home she is not alone she has brought many friends including Victor... Victor is handsome and charismatic, but Victor is not what he seems... present day Chloe is expecting her first baby and should be elated, but she’s not... her husband is controlling and loves her to the point of suffocation.... The two women me when Maddie is 90 and Chloe is hired to photograph her... A beautiful friendship develops bringing back memories of Maddys past, and making both women realize human nature does not change with time...
I have to admit that Chloe’s story really resonated with me and as much as I enjoyed Maddie story I was always eagerly anticipating returning to Chloe... Chloe was very relatable to me and I completely understood what she was going through, and I so wanted everything to turn out for the best for her.... this book really is all about the ugly and dark side of love... both women truly found themselves in less than ideal relationships in this book... it was heartbreaking and yet it was hopeful... it was real and raw, love isn’t always the answer, sometimes it is the question....
A beautifully told story that captivated my heart and mind from start to finish... absolutely recommend to fans of historical fiction, complex relationships, and wonderful stories!
This is a beautiful duel timeline story that seamlessly weaves the past and the present... I am dipping my toe back into the historical fiction waters and this really is the best way to do that... it is always so interesting to see how much the present mirrors the past...
1939 the year before WWII breaks out and Maddie is excited for her sister to come home... but when Georgina arrives home she is not alone she has brought many friends including Victor... Victor is handsome and charismatic, but Victor is not what he seems... present day Chloe is expecting her first baby and should be elated, but she’s not... her husband is controlling and loves her to the point of suffocation.... The two women me when Maddie is 90 and Chloe is hired to photograph her... A beautiful friendship develops bringing back memories of Maddys past, and making both women realize human nature does not change with time...
I have to admit that Chloe’s story really resonated with me and as much as I enjoyed Maddie story I was always eagerly anticipating returning to Chloe... Chloe was very relatable to me and I completely understood what she was going through, and I so wanted everything to turn out for the best for her.... this book really is all about the ugly and dark side of love... both women truly found themselves in less than ideal relationships in this book... it was heartbreaking and yet it was hopeful... it was real and raw, love isn’t always the answer, sometimes it is the question....
A beautifully told story that captivated my heart and mind from start to finish... absolutely recommend to fans of historical fiction, complex relationships, and wonderful stories!
October 31, 2018
Wow what wasn’t there to love about this book. I was gripped from the very first page and it had me enthralled until till the last word!!!
Set over 2 timelines, 1939 before the war breaks out, we are introduced to the delightful sisters, Maddy and Georgina. Georgina arrives home with several friends and her new boyfriend Victor,who seems charming at face value, but is not all he seems.
In present day we have Chloe who has just found out she is pregnant, but reluctant to tell her husband Aidan who is a control freak and who I hated immediately.
Loved the way the 2 characters Maddy and Chloe meet and have an instant bond. This story shows us the light and dark side of loving someone and truly reminds us all that you never really know someone.
A beautifully written book that will capture you’re heart and keep you thinking about the characters long after you have finished this.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review.
Set over 2 timelines, 1939 before the war breaks out, we are introduced to the delightful sisters, Maddy and Georgina. Georgina arrives home with several friends and her new boyfriend Victor,who seems charming at face value, but is not all he seems.
In present day we have Chloe who has just found out she is pregnant, but reluctant to tell her husband Aidan who is a control freak and who I hated immediately.
Loved the way the 2 characters Maddy and Chloe meet and have an instant bond. This story shows us the light and dark side of loving someone and truly reminds us all that you never really know someone.
A beautifully written book that will capture you’re heart and keep you thinking about the characters long after you have finished this.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review.
September 18, 2018
Having enjoyed Nikola Scott’s debut, My Mother’s Shadow I was very much looking forward to Summer of Secrets.
As with the previous book, this is a dual time story, this time set in 1939 and the present day. In 1939, we are introduced to 16 year old Maddie and her older sister Georgiana. The sisters are orphans and live in an old rambling Cornish house with just a couple of staff and an elderly aunt.
Maddie seems diminished by tragedy and prefers to live a quiet life at home with her sketchbook for company. Her sister is the more outgoing and adventurous of the two and Maddie, having been left alone with her aunt, can’t wait for Georgiana to return home from her travels abroad. However, Georgiana does not return alone – she has a group of friends in tow – including a new boyfriend. Victor. Maddie adores her sister although she is rather jealous now that she doesn’t have Georgiana’s sole attention and it is not surprising that she takes a dislike to Victor (can’t say I blame her for this, I didn’t like or trust him either). Neither sister can have any idea of what is to follow when events escalate and long held resentments and secrets are revealed.
War has yet to be announced but it is imminent and everybody is living with a heightened sense of fear, the obligatory blackout curtains and the lack of men in the village, most having been called up, all add to the sense of inevitability and dread of what is to come.
In the present day, Chloe is married to a successful doctor, Aidan who appears to adore her. Chloe had been a talented photographer in her single days but has not worked since her marriage – which itself is not all that she had hoped for and now she is pregnant. It is clear to the reader what sort of a man Aidan is however Chloe seems slower to catch on.
Events conspire to ensure that Maddie and Chloe cross paths and that’s when the story really went up a notch for me. Most of the historical part of the story is of a much slower pace – setting the scene and introducing the characters, allowing us to form a view of their personalities and intentions. Usually with dual time stories I do prefer the historical part but in this case it was Chloe’s present day predicament that I favoured. I can’t quite put my finger on why because both Maddie and Georgiana were engaging characters but I found that Chloe was the more relatable and intrigued me the most; I wanted to see whether she would finally see her life for what it was and what, if anything, she would do.
Nikola Scott is an excellent storyteller. Her prose is descriptive and captivating with each chapter ending on an intriguing hook and leaving you wanting to know more. Despite the troubling times, the Cornish setting of Summerhill sounded idyllic, with the location vividly described and there were parallels and similarities crossing the decades which pulled the two stories together. With both stories there was a sinister undercurrent – making me fearful for what was to come.
Summer of Secrets is an enthralling story from Nikola Scott and one that I am sure fans of historical fiction would enjoy.
As with the previous book, this is a dual time story, this time set in 1939 and the present day. In 1939, we are introduced to 16 year old Maddie and her older sister Georgiana. The sisters are orphans and live in an old rambling Cornish house with just a couple of staff and an elderly aunt.
Maddie seems diminished by tragedy and prefers to live a quiet life at home with her sketchbook for company. Her sister is the more outgoing and adventurous of the two and Maddie, having been left alone with her aunt, can’t wait for Georgiana to return home from her travels abroad. However, Georgiana does not return alone – she has a group of friends in tow – including a new boyfriend. Victor. Maddie adores her sister although she is rather jealous now that she doesn’t have Georgiana’s sole attention and it is not surprising that she takes a dislike to Victor (can’t say I blame her for this, I didn’t like or trust him either). Neither sister can have any idea of what is to follow when events escalate and long held resentments and secrets are revealed.
War has yet to be announced but it is imminent and everybody is living with a heightened sense of fear, the obligatory blackout curtains and the lack of men in the village, most having been called up, all add to the sense of inevitability and dread of what is to come.
In the present day, Chloe is married to a successful doctor, Aidan who appears to adore her. Chloe had been a talented photographer in her single days but has not worked since her marriage – which itself is not all that she had hoped for and now she is pregnant. It is clear to the reader what sort of a man Aidan is however Chloe seems slower to catch on.
Events conspire to ensure that Maddie and Chloe cross paths and that’s when the story really went up a notch for me. Most of the historical part of the story is of a much slower pace – setting the scene and introducing the characters, allowing us to form a view of their personalities and intentions. Usually with dual time stories I do prefer the historical part but in this case it was Chloe’s present day predicament that I favoured. I can’t quite put my finger on why because both Maddie and Georgiana were engaging characters but I found that Chloe was the more relatable and intrigued me the most; I wanted to see whether she would finally see her life for what it was and what, if anything, she would do.
Nikola Scott is an excellent storyteller. Her prose is descriptive and captivating with each chapter ending on an intriguing hook and leaving you wanting to know more. Despite the troubling times, the Cornish setting of Summerhill sounded idyllic, with the location vividly described and there were parallels and similarities crossing the decades which pulled the two stories together. With both stories there was a sinister undercurrent – making me fearful for what was to come.
Summer of Secrets is an enthralling story from Nikola Scott and one that I am sure fans of historical fiction would enjoy.
September 5, 2018
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. I always enjoy a dual time frame novel and this novel was one I was looking forward to reading. I could visualise both periods very well. The reclusive Maddy who struggles to accept her sister’s friends and partying, and Chloe who would appear to have a fantastic life but for her very sick brother and her controlling husband.
At first I struggled to read Chloe’s story. I found intimidating with the way that her husband manipulated her. But, she is stronger than she appears, something he seems to have forgotten and she won’t behave the way that he expects. As the novel progressed and she became more aware, I wanted to carry on reading about her. Every time it switched back to Maddy I was itching to know what happened next.
I liked everything about Maddy’s story. The friendships she had with Susan, William and Cookie. The tolerance but devotion to Auntie and the way that she had to handle the death of her father. But again, there was a troubling relationship. Not as intimidating as the other but still a concern for the two sisters. There were a couple of touching parts in the novel, waiting for the announcement on the radio about the war starting and when the men started to leave to go off to war. I could picture clearly what it must have been like for thousands of families across the country.
The level of trust was something special, Chloe and Danny, Maddy and Susan and as they got to know each other, Chloe, Maddy and Matt. I would have loved to read about their relationships develop more.
A lovely novel and a reminder that I need to read the author’s earlier book My Mother’s Shadow soon.
At first I struggled to read Chloe’s story. I found intimidating with the way that her husband manipulated her. But, she is stronger than she appears, something he seems to have forgotten and she won’t behave the way that he expects. As the novel progressed and she became more aware, I wanted to carry on reading about her. Every time it switched back to Maddy I was itching to know what happened next.
I liked everything about Maddy’s story. The friendships she had with Susan, William and Cookie. The tolerance but devotion to Auntie and the way that she had to handle the death of her father. But again, there was a troubling relationship. Not as intimidating as the other but still a concern for the two sisters. There were a couple of touching parts in the novel, waiting for the announcement on the radio about the war starting and when the men started to leave to go off to war. I could picture clearly what it must have been like for thousands of families across the country.
The level of trust was something special, Chloe and Danny, Maddy and Susan and as they got to know each other, Chloe, Maddy and Matt. I would have loved to read about their relationships develop more.
A lovely novel and a reminder that I need to read the author’s earlier book My Mother’s Shadow soon.
July 28, 2024
Uma história que tinha todos os ingredientes para ser excelente, mas acabou por ser muito morna e pouco entusiasmante. Só para lá de metade do livro é que começam a aparecer acontecimentos significativos e relevantes e a história acabou por se tornar mais interessante.
Esperava uma história que me envolvesse, ao género de Kate Morton, mas isso não aconteceu.
Esperava uma história que me envolvesse, ao género de Kate Morton, mas isso não aconteceu.
December 5, 2021
Tränchen verdrückt am Ende. Großartig. Mehr dazu im April bei Erscheinung.
April 27, 2020
8,5 de 10*
Livros que me contam várias histórias, divididas entre o passado e o presente, com personagens que se vão entrecruzando, desde que bem contadas, enchem-me sempre as medidas. Foi o caso de “Um Verão de Segredos”. Uma história bem narrada, rica nos pormenores e com uma mensagem importante.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Livros que me contam várias histórias, divididas entre o passado e o presente, com personagens que se vão entrecruzando, desde que bem contadas, enchem-me sempre as medidas. Foi o caso de “Um Verão de Segredos”. Uma história bem narrada, rica nos pormenores e com uma mensagem importante.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
August 16, 2021
Mooi past present verhaal. Leest vlot. Een familieroman
March 25, 2019
Bis auf die Längen im Mittelteil eine fantastische Geschichte um drei Frauen, die alle ganz unterschiedliche Schicksale haben.
May 2, 2019
Il libro racconta la storia di due donne che, sebbene di età diverse, si incontreranno e dimostreranno di avere molti punti in comune, in modo tale che una sarà da sostegno all’altra in un momento molto difficile nella vita di entrambe.
La principale protagonista è Madeleine, un’adolescente nell’estate in cui scoppierà la guerra e la Germania invaderà la Polonia. Figlia di un piccolo proprietario terriero, vive in un bella casa in una tenuta di parecchi ettari e confina con scogliere scoscese e mare impetuoso: è orfana, l’ha cresciuta la sorella Georgiana con l’aiuto di una vecchia zia e pochi fidati domestici.
Le circostanze della morte del padre sono drammatiche, ma conservano per tutto il romanzo molti misteri che saranno svelati solo alla fine. La sua ineluttabilità e la comprensione che il piccolo mondo felice che si è costruita attorno sta lentamente franando, rendono Maddy particolarmente sensibile nei confronti di chiunque violi l’intimità del suo recinto. Solo nel disegno e nella pittura, arte in cui la ragazza eccelle, riesce pienamente a esprimere il suo io e la sua sensibilità.
Il secondo personaggio principale della storia è Chloe. Anche lei è orfana di entrambi i genitori: la madre addirittura se n’era andata di casa quando era bambina, lasciandola alle cure del fratellino Danny.
Il ragazzo ha una malattia degenerativa che ne sta lentamente minando il fisico e l’autonomia, quindi Chloe lo assiste finché non si sposa con il promettente medico Aidan e lo affida a una clinica.
La personalità di suo marito appare sin da subito ossessiva, possessiva e meticolosa fino alla mania, tanto da renderle persino difficile confessargli che sta aspettando un bambino e da dovergli tenere nascosta la proposta di lavoro che le è arrivata da poco. Chloe infatti era una brava fotografa prima del matrimonio e il marito l’aveva spinta ad abbandonare la macchina fotografica per dedicarsi solo a lui.
Eppure l’ingaggio è imperdibile: fotografare Madeleine Hamilton, la famosa illustratrice e autrice di quei libri per l’infanzia che avevano allietato Chloe e il fratello quando erano bambini.
L’incontro tra le due, nella stessa casa di Summerhill in cui tutto era iniziato, darà il via a una catena di eventi che porteranno grandi cambiamenti nella vita di entrambe. Molto bello il personaggio di Georgiana, la sorella maggiore di Maddy; alter ego di Chloe, per un uomo arriverà ad annullarsi e a perdere addirittura la vita
Il romanzo contiene molti temi importanti: la violenza e la sopraffazione degli uomini violenti sulle donne che li accompagnano, una violenza soprattutto psicologica, un tentativo del maschio dominante di dirigere l’esistenza della propria compagna oppure di farne un mezzo di rivalsa e vendetta, il desiderio di realizzazione femminile, l’incapacità di far fronte alle pressioni esterne e la dote di saper donare amore e di riceverne.
Chloe e Madeleine sono un esempio di queste capacità e l’incontro tra le due darà loro la possibilità di risolvere problemi nuovi e far pace con il passato e con chi non c’è più.
Molto bello, merita senz’altro 5 stelle!
.
Emanuela - per RFS
La principale protagonista è Madeleine, un’adolescente nell’estate in cui scoppierà la guerra e la Germania invaderà la Polonia. Figlia di un piccolo proprietario terriero, vive in un bella casa in una tenuta di parecchi ettari e confina con scogliere scoscese e mare impetuoso: è orfana, l’ha cresciuta la sorella Georgiana con l’aiuto di una vecchia zia e pochi fidati domestici.
Le circostanze della morte del padre sono drammatiche, ma conservano per tutto il romanzo molti misteri che saranno svelati solo alla fine. La sua ineluttabilità e la comprensione che il piccolo mondo felice che si è costruita attorno sta lentamente franando, rendono Maddy particolarmente sensibile nei confronti di chiunque violi l’intimità del suo recinto. Solo nel disegno e nella pittura, arte in cui la ragazza eccelle, riesce pienamente a esprimere il suo io e la sua sensibilità.
Il secondo personaggio principale della storia è Chloe. Anche lei è orfana di entrambi i genitori: la madre addirittura se n’era andata di casa quando era bambina, lasciandola alle cure del fratellino Danny.
Il ragazzo ha una malattia degenerativa che ne sta lentamente minando il fisico e l’autonomia, quindi Chloe lo assiste finché non si sposa con il promettente medico Aidan e lo affida a una clinica.
La personalità di suo marito appare sin da subito ossessiva, possessiva e meticolosa fino alla mania, tanto da renderle persino difficile confessargli che sta aspettando un bambino e da dovergli tenere nascosta la proposta di lavoro che le è arrivata da poco. Chloe infatti era una brava fotografa prima del matrimonio e il marito l’aveva spinta ad abbandonare la macchina fotografica per dedicarsi solo a lui.
Eppure l’ingaggio è imperdibile: fotografare Madeleine Hamilton, la famosa illustratrice e autrice di quei libri per l’infanzia che avevano allietato Chloe e il fratello quando erano bambini.
L’incontro tra le due, nella stessa casa di Summerhill in cui tutto era iniziato, darà il via a una catena di eventi che porteranno grandi cambiamenti nella vita di entrambe. Molto bello il personaggio di Georgiana, la sorella maggiore di Maddy; alter ego di Chloe, per un uomo arriverà ad annullarsi e a perdere addirittura la vita
Il romanzo contiene molti temi importanti: la violenza e la sopraffazione degli uomini violenti sulle donne che li accompagnano, una violenza soprattutto psicologica, un tentativo del maschio dominante di dirigere l’esistenza della propria compagna oppure di farne un mezzo di rivalsa e vendetta, il desiderio di realizzazione femminile, l’incapacità di far fronte alle pressioni esterne e la dote di saper donare amore e di riceverne.
Chloe e Madeleine sono un esempio di queste capacità e l’incontro tra le due darà loro la possibilità di risolvere problemi nuovi e far pace con il passato e con chi non c’è più.
Molto bello, merita senz’altro 5 stelle!
.
Emanuela - per RFS
June 19, 2019
I do love a good historical fiction story especially one that has a dual timeline involved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, the two storylines, one based in the past 1939 and one in the present day, worked really well. Plenty of intrigue, secrets, revenge, shocking revelations and a hero or two along the way.
I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough so as to discover what would happen next.
Nikola was a new author to me and I'm very much looking forward to reading her other books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, the two storylines, one based in the past 1939 and one in the present day, worked really well. Plenty of intrigue, secrets, revenge, shocking revelations and a hero or two along the way.
I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough so as to discover what would happen next.
Nikola was a new author to me and I'm very much looking forward to reading her other books.
August 23, 2018
A dark and absorbing duel timeline story that had me captivated from page one right through to the end! It features love in all its' many forms
Set in 1939 and now, it follows the stories of orphaned Maddy and her sister Georgina as the War evolves around them and the arrival of a mysterious new man in their life, who isn't all he claims to be, alongside the story of Chloe who is expecting her first child but instead of looking forward to this new chapter in her life, she begins to see her husband in a new light - and one that isn't pleasant.
I immediately fell under the spell of this book within the first chapter. Maddy is alone and looking for an escape in the world. Her sister is away and she is unsure of the world around her as the rumours of War pick up. She is also traumatised from the loss of her father and staying in the grounds of Summerhill is her only way of finding some peace and refuge from a scary world.
And with the story of Chloe, you have the amazing contrast of a woman dealing with impending motherhood, and the ever increasing control of her husband. Her only other family is her brother Danny, who is disabled and living in a care home, and she is devoted to him. And it's the link to a favourite book of their childhood that makes her want to start work as a photographer again. A chance to meet one of the women behind the book 'Foxy' to take her portrait has given her something new to do and she immediately strikes up a close friendship with Maddy when she goes to visit her. Their eagerness to share and open up with each other is very touching and they both seem to gain strength and new perspectives on their lives through this new bond.
I found this story so easy to follow and so 'moreish'! With each new chapter comes new details about certain characters that throw a different light on the events that have passed, and cleverly link the two timelines so beautifully. I found myself reading feverishly at times as I just wanted to see where the stories would lead to next!
Full of emotion, drama and beautifully written. Highly recommended!!
Set in 1939 and now, it follows the stories of orphaned Maddy and her sister Georgina as the War evolves around them and the arrival of a mysterious new man in their life, who isn't all he claims to be, alongside the story of Chloe who is expecting her first child but instead of looking forward to this new chapter in her life, she begins to see her husband in a new light - and one that isn't pleasant.
I immediately fell under the spell of this book within the first chapter. Maddy is alone and looking for an escape in the world. Her sister is away and she is unsure of the world around her as the rumours of War pick up. She is also traumatised from the loss of her father and staying in the grounds of Summerhill is her only way of finding some peace and refuge from a scary world.
And with the story of Chloe, you have the amazing contrast of a woman dealing with impending motherhood, and the ever increasing control of her husband. Her only other family is her brother Danny, who is disabled and living in a care home, and she is devoted to him. And it's the link to a favourite book of their childhood that makes her want to start work as a photographer again. A chance to meet one of the women behind the book 'Foxy' to take her portrait has given her something new to do and she immediately strikes up a close friendship with Maddy when she goes to visit her. Their eagerness to share and open up with each other is very touching and they both seem to gain strength and new perspectives on their lives through this new bond.
I found this story so easy to follow and so 'moreish'! With each new chapter comes new details about certain characters that throw a different light on the events that have passed, and cleverly link the two timelines so beautifully. I found myself reading feverishly at times as I just wanted to see where the stories would lead to next!
Full of emotion, drama and beautifully written. Highly recommended!!
September 14, 2018
SUMMER OF SECRETS by Nikola Scott is an excellent dual timeline story that beautifully expresses each time period with characters that will capture your heart.
In 1939, Maddie has cocooned herself in the safety of Summerhill's grounds ever since the death of her father but she is content and has all she needs. Delighted that her beloved and often wild sister, Georgina, is returning home, Maddie knows that together the threat and fear of war won't harm them. But Georgina does not return alone and Maddie has a foreboding feeling that her future brother-in-law is a dangerous man.
In the present day, Chloe appears to have the perfect life and now with her pregnancy, everything should be complete. But looks can be deceiving and beneath it all Chloe struggles with a controlling husband and worries over her very ill brother. When she finds herself in Summerhill, she is drawn to the history and mystery of the place, and will soon find a connection that could change her future in many ways.
Compelling, descriptive, and very emotional, SUMMER OF SECRETS by Nikola Scott is everything you want in a story that blends past and present together. There are plenty of surprises along the way and I never felt that the detail was too drawn out or unnecessary. I loved both of the main characters and their time periods, but I did enjoy Chloe's parts of the book that little bit more but I don't really know why as the entire narrative is expertly written and gripping at all times.
SUMMER OF SECRETS by Nikola Scott is an exceptional book and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book via the tour organiser
In 1939, Maddie has cocooned herself in the safety of Summerhill's grounds ever since the death of her father but she is content and has all she needs. Delighted that her beloved and often wild sister, Georgina, is returning home, Maddie knows that together the threat and fear of war won't harm them. But Georgina does not return alone and Maddie has a foreboding feeling that her future brother-in-law is a dangerous man.
In the present day, Chloe appears to have the perfect life and now with her pregnancy, everything should be complete. But looks can be deceiving and beneath it all Chloe struggles with a controlling husband and worries over her very ill brother. When she finds herself in Summerhill, she is drawn to the history and mystery of the place, and will soon find a connection that could change her future in many ways.
Compelling, descriptive, and very emotional, SUMMER OF SECRETS by Nikola Scott is everything you want in a story that blends past and present together. There are plenty of surprises along the way and I never felt that the detail was too drawn out or unnecessary. I loved both of the main characters and their time periods, but I did enjoy Chloe's parts of the book that little bit more but I don't really know why as the entire narrative is expertly written and gripping at all times.
SUMMER OF SECRETS by Nikola Scott is an exceptional book and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book via the tour organiser
March 29, 2020
היה לי קצת קשה עם הספר הזה, לא בגללו אלא בגללי.
בבסיס הספר עומדת מערכת היחסים בין קלואי לאיידן, שמיד מתחילת הספר מסתמנת כמערכת יחסים אלימה בין בעל שאוהב לשלוט בחייה של אשתו לבין אישה שמאפשרת לו את זה. הקריאה של מערכת היחסים הזאת הייתה לי נעימה כמו לשבת בכיתה ולשמוע מורה שורטת עם הציפורן שלה שוב ושוב על לוח גיר. רק בשליש האחרון של הספר הצלחתי לנשום כרגיל והקריאה חזרה לזרום.
אם גם לכן קשה לקרוא ספרים על מערכת יחסים אלימה, דלגו.
בבסיס הספר עומדת מערכת היחסים בין קלואי לאיידן, שמיד מתחילת הספר מסתמנת כמערכת יחסים אלימה בין בעל שאוהב לשלוט בחייה של אשתו לבין אישה שמאפשרת לו את זה. הקריאה של מערכת היחסים הזאת הייתה לי נעימה כמו לשבת בכיתה ולשמוע מורה שורטת עם הציפורן שלה שוב ושוב על לוח גיר. רק בשליש האחרון של הספר הצלחתי לנשום כרגיל והקריאה חזרה לזרום.
אם גם לכן קשה לקרוא ספרים על מערכת יחסים אלימה, דלגו.
August 10, 2023
An easy summer read. I liked the alternating stories that ended up as nice parallels. I guess props to the author for writing such despicable characters it made my blood boil!
August 23, 2020
A minha opinião aqui: https://youtu.be/8CHXxxEtBhM
January 6, 2024
I couldn't put the book down! Very likeable main characters and another great example of why men should be avoided at all costs
September 8, 2018
Summer of Secrets is the first book that I have read by Nikola Scott. It's just the type of book I love - historical fiction with a dual timeline and in this case both strands of the story are strong and absorbing keeping the reader interested and guessing from the start until the very last page. This story is one where you are slowly reeled in and you have to time to observe and get to know the characters, their situations and what feelings and emotions motivate them to act the way they do. I didn't feel there was a rapid pace with everything being fired at you where you become overwhelmed by the amount of information and then in turn you find it quite challenging to keep track of all the goings on. Instead the book had a slow and steady almost relaxing pace and quality despite the nature and tone of some of the subject matter. It's not the case that the story that lies waiting for you between the pages of a book with such a stunning and dramatic cover is all happiness and light., instead I found their to be dark tones and a sense of waiting. As if the characters were just halted in time on the cusp of something very important about to occur in their lives.
During the summer of 1945, the residents of the Summerhill estate in Cornwall are holding their breath, fearful of world events that are about to lead to dramatic changes in everyone's lives. The world is changing all thanks to the madness of one man and, even in their small corner of the country where everything seems so idyllic, the tides of change are apparent and nothing will ever be the same again. One would be forgiven for thinking that this is another story which follows a character's exploits during World War Two and that somehow a mystery of sorts is connected back to the present. But instead it is the days leading up to the announcement that Britain is at war with Germany that this book focuses on. The outside world is preparing for war but at Summerhill the arrival home of Georgina, after holidaying for six months in Europe, is enough to up scuttle the peace and calm that had pervaded.
Madeleine aged 16 loves the safety and calm aura that exudes from the house and surrounding land. She feels nothing can touch her here and that she can remain hidden away from the world content in enjoying nature and the animals she observes and subsequently draws in her sketch books. She is a free spirit in a way spending endless hours outdoors lost in her own world but this is within the grounds of Summerhill. Yet from quite early on the reader gets the feeling that there is something that haunts Maddy. She is not wild and brash and in with the it crowd as is Georgina, she prefers seclusion and peace to be free what she wants to do within the confines she has established for herself. The more we delve deeper into her character it becomes apparent she is complex but is also tortured by a significant event in her past which has left her fearful of going anywhere near water. Not very convenient given the estate borders the sea.
Maddy had long craved the return of Georgina as living with an old aunt and the servants is not all it is cracked up to be. She has always felt a closeness and bond with her sister but time away from Summerhill has transformed Georgina and maybe she needed this time away to explore the wider world and set her sights a little higher. As the country braces itself for a declaration of war Georgina arrives back with a group of friends who couldn't be more different from Maddy and she feels they are out of place at Summerhill. Amongst them is Victor who has established himself as Georgina's boyfriend with Georgina hoping for more.
What follows are observations from Maddy of what is going on and as the guests continue with their stay, Maddy's confidence is knocked and her unease grows. Tension becomes ever more apparent and combined with the fact Maddy is keeping a secret of her own the reader begins to feel that this is all one big train journey heading for nothing but an unnatural ending. What dangers, suspicion and intrigue lie in store for the family and will their lives ever be the same again once all the players have made themselves known? Is Maddy justified in the feelings that are running through her heart and mind? If they are spoken out loud will Maddy ruin the peace and safety net she had established for herself at Summerhill?
Running alongside Maddy's story is the story of Chloe in the present day living in Plymouth and married to a doctor named Aidan. Chloe on one hand is a very strong person or at least she was until she married Aidan. She had more than a passing interest in photography and could have made a good solid living out of it but since her marriage Chloe has changed, not that she at first notices it herself. She feels the same and for the most part acts the same but as we get to know her more we can see that her life is not all as it seems or how Aidan would like the outside world to see it. Chloe does not work any more and nothing at all is to be kept from Aidan. He likes to know her whereabouts and what she is doing at any given time in the day. Aidan feels it is her duty and it is important for her to be at home for him to keep the house in pristine order and meals readily prepared. But Chloe similar to Maddy is harbouring a secret of her own and it is one in which she is not willing to share with anyone at this point in time particularly with her husband.
I could see from the outset that Chloe was trapped almost in a predicament of her own making. She embraced Aidan when she first met him for the love he offered and the support he gave her in caring for her brother Danny who is suffering from a neurological illness which is non curable. Now Danny is in a home and out of the way and Aidan can focus all his attention on Chloe. Aidan was just plain sinister from the get go, his intentions never seemed genuine. All these outpourings of love, affection and care seemed so false and it's obvious to see there is a lot more things going on underneath the surface. He was domineering and controlling.
For a time I couldn't comprehend how Chloe couldn't see what was going on beneath her very eyes. How control of her own life and destiny was being wrenched from her grasp and instead of unity and love in a marriage it was developing into something far more dangerous. But when you step back and absorb all the finer strands of the story I think you must accept that for those in certain situations they feel trapped with nowhere to turn to. For some they don't even realise what is going on so caught up are they in just getting through the day in one piece. Something needed to change in Chloe's psyche for her sake and for the sake of the secret she was keeping close to her chest.
Chloe's love of photography, and of the children’s books written by Maddy and her sister, are what establishes the connection between the past and the present. There are innumerable comparisons to be made between the two women and the situations they found themselves in and I think is what makes this book ideal for a book club. Seeking out the comparisons and discussing them in general and seeing did fellow readers view things in the same way you did? I love when a major secret is revealed that throws you right off track away from everything that you had been thinking. Here there was one major one but to be honest I wanted even more after so much dedication in setting up the entire story and establishing two women at the forefront I wanted a major jaw dropping moment that left me saying wow. I didn't get that and although I really did enjoy the book overall there was just a small element missing of even just one or two major surprises slipped in that would have elevated the book to an even greater level than it has already achieved. But I did enjoy the relationship that brought Maddy and Chloe together for the unity, friendship, realisation, awareness and acceptance that it gave both women.
Summer of Secrets was an impressive read which showcased a talented author who I sense is on the cusp of really great things. I am keen to go back and read her début novel My Mother's Shadow 'now and am looking forward to seeing where her writing journey will take her in the future.
During the summer of 1945, the residents of the Summerhill estate in Cornwall are holding their breath, fearful of world events that are about to lead to dramatic changes in everyone's lives. The world is changing all thanks to the madness of one man and, even in their small corner of the country where everything seems so idyllic, the tides of change are apparent and nothing will ever be the same again. One would be forgiven for thinking that this is another story which follows a character's exploits during World War Two and that somehow a mystery of sorts is connected back to the present. But instead it is the days leading up to the announcement that Britain is at war with Germany that this book focuses on. The outside world is preparing for war but at Summerhill the arrival home of Georgina, after holidaying for six months in Europe, is enough to up scuttle the peace and calm that had pervaded.
Madeleine aged 16 loves the safety and calm aura that exudes from the house and surrounding land. She feels nothing can touch her here and that she can remain hidden away from the world content in enjoying nature and the animals she observes and subsequently draws in her sketch books. She is a free spirit in a way spending endless hours outdoors lost in her own world but this is within the grounds of Summerhill. Yet from quite early on the reader gets the feeling that there is something that haunts Maddy. She is not wild and brash and in with the it crowd as is Georgina, she prefers seclusion and peace to be free what she wants to do within the confines she has established for herself. The more we delve deeper into her character it becomes apparent she is complex but is also tortured by a significant event in her past which has left her fearful of going anywhere near water. Not very convenient given the estate borders the sea.
Maddy had long craved the return of Georgina as living with an old aunt and the servants is not all it is cracked up to be. She has always felt a closeness and bond with her sister but time away from Summerhill has transformed Georgina and maybe she needed this time away to explore the wider world and set her sights a little higher. As the country braces itself for a declaration of war Georgina arrives back with a group of friends who couldn't be more different from Maddy and she feels they are out of place at Summerhill. Amongst them is Victor who has established himself as Georgina's boyfriend with Georgina hoping for more.
What follows are observations from Maddy of what is going on and as the guests continue with their stay, Maddy's confidence is knocked and her unease grows. Tension becomes ever more apparent and combined with the fact Maddy is keeping a secret of her own the reader begins to feel that this is all one big train journey heading for nothing but an unnatural ending. What dangers, suspicion and intrigue lie in store for the family and will their lives ever be the same again once all the players have made themselves known? Is Maddy justified in the feelings that are running through her heart and mind? If they are spoken out loud will Maddy ruin the peace and safety net she had established for herself at Summerhill?
Running alongside Maddy's story is the story of Chloe in the present day living in Plymouth and married to a doctor named Aidan. Chloe on one hand is a very strong person or at least she was until she married Aidan. She had more than a passing interest in photography and could have made a good solid living out of it but since her marriage Chloe has changed, not that she at first notices it herself. She feels the same and for the most part acts the same but as we get to know her more we can see that her life is not all as it seems or how Aidan would like the outside world to see it. Chloe does not work any more and nothing at all is to be kept from Aidan. He likes to know her whereabouts and what she is doing at any given time in the day. Aidan feels it is her duty and it is important for her to be at home for him to keep the house in pristine order and meals readily prepared. But Chloe similar to Maddy is harbouring a secret of her own and it is one in which she is not willing to share with anyone at this point in time particularly with her husband.
I could see from the outset that Chloe was trapped almost in a predicament of her own making. She embraced Aidan when she first met him for the love he offered and the support he gave her in caring for her brother Danny who is suffering from a neurological illness which is non curable. Now Danny is in a home and out of the way and Aidan can focus all his attention on Chloe. Aidan was just plain sinister from the get go, his intentions never seemed genuine. All these outpourings of love, affection and care seemed so false and it's obvious to see there is a lot more things going on underneath the surface. He was domineering and controlling.
For a time I couldn't comprehend how Chloe couldn't see what was going on beneath her very eyes. How control of her own life and destiny was being wrenched from her grasp and instead of unity and love in a marriage it was developing into something far more dangerous. But when you step back and absorb all the finer strands of the story I think you must accept that for those in certain situations they feel trapped with nowhere to turn to. For some they don't even realise what is going on so caught up are they in just getting through the day in one piece. Something needed to change in Chloe's psyche for her sake and for the sake of the secret she was keeping close to her chest.
Chloe's love of photography, and of the children’s books written by Maddy and her sister, are what establishes the connection between the past and the present. There are innumerable comparisons to be made between the two women and the situations they found themselves in and I think is what makes this book ideal for a book club. Seeking out the comparisons and discussing them in general and seeing did fellow readers view things in the same way you did? I love when a major secret is revealed that throws you right off track away from everything that you had been thinking. Here there was one major one but to be honest I wanted even more after so much dedication in setting up the entire story and establishing two women at the forefront I wanted a major jaw dropping moment that left me saying wow. I didn't get that and although I really did enjoy the book overall there was just a small element missing of even just one or two major surprises slipped in that would have elevated the book to an even greater level than it has already achieved. But I did enjoy the relationship that brought Maddy and Chloe together for the unity, friendship, realisation, awareness and acceptance that it gave both women.
Summer of Secrets was an impressive read which showcased a talented author who I sense is on the cusp of really great things. I am keen to go back and read her début novel My Mother's Shadow 'now and am looking forward to seeing where her writing journey will take her in the future.
September 7, 2018
Summer Of Secrets by Nikola Scott is a marvellous historical and contemporary novel about the power of love to motivate actions. Set in present day and the summer of 1939, as the world was on the brink of war.. Lives mirror world events on the brink of change.
Parallel lives today and in 1939 hold the reader's attention. We see the powerful force of love at work. Siblings share bonds that it is impossible for anyone else to understand.
Love is a strange emotion. At its best it is pure and good. At its worst it is twisted and controlling. It is all consuming.
There are difficult to read scenes concerning domestic abuse. Abuse takes many forms including mental anguish and domination. You can be abused in a mansion just as easily as in a hovel. Abuse is never the victims fault.
Lives connect down the years through a love of fiction and the arts.
Set around Plymouth, the reader is treated to some idyllic scenes. 1939 was a time of great turmoil and unrest as people looked to see what Herr Hitler was up to but there was also a bohemian spirit as people sough distraction. A sense of community pervaded the novel.
I really loved Summer Of Secrets and just could not put it down. A fabulous dual timeline that unites. Just wonderful.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Parallel lives today and in 1939 hold the reader's attention. We see the powerful force of love at work. Siblings share bonds that it is impossible for anyone else to understand.
Love is a strange emotion. At its best it is pure and good. At its worst it is twisted and controlling. It is all consuming.
There are difficult to read scenes concerning domestic abuse. Abuse takes many forms including mental anguish and domination. You can be abused in a mansion just as easily as in a hovel. Abuse is never the victims fault.
Lives connect down the years through a love of fiction and the arts.
Set around Plymouth, the reader is treated to some idyllic scenes. 1939 was a time of great turmoil and unrest as people looked to see what Herr Hitler was up to but there was also a bohemian spirit as people sough distraction. A sense of community pervaded the novel.
I really loved Summer Of Secrets and just could not put it down. A fabulous dual timeline that unites. Just wonderful.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
September 13, 2018
First of all, a huge thank you to Becky Hunter and the team at Headline publishers for providing a lovely surprise on my return home from work one day to find Nikola Scott's second novel, Summer Of Secrets on my doormat. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's debut, My Mother's Shadow and was delighted to be able to dive into a new half historical/half contemporary fiction from Nikola sooner than I could have anticipated. Also, happy publication day as the novel is published today, the 6th September 2018 so you can get your mitts on it RIGHT NOW! For me, if I love an author's debut, I'm always slightly nervous about reading their follow-up. Would I enjoy it? Can I see myself becoming a fan of her work and look forward to whatever she writes? Well, yes, yes and YES on all counts here, I'm thrilled to report. Nikola Scott has a real gift for writing sumptuous, atmospheric fiction that has the heady advantage of pulling you into her world immediately, keeping you captivated throughout and making it very difficult for you to want to let go by the end.
Like My Mother's Shadow, Summer Of Secrets uses one of my favourite ways to create a narrative - a dual timeline and two endearing and compelling female leads in each separate time period. In contemporary times we follow Chloe, who has just recently found out she is pregnant but has misgivings for both her future and the future of her unborn child. Having previously worked as a photographer prior to getting married, she is sent to the old country estate of Summerhill to meet a person she has idolised since childhood. This person is Madeleine, whom we hear from in the alternate timeline, set just prior to the war in 1939. A talented artist, Maddy is awaiting the return of her older sister, Georgiana who has been away for a little while but when she returns she brings someone into their lives, her new beau Victor, who turns everything upside down.
The sisters have learned to be self-sufficient from a young age after tragically losing their mother and father but it has made them intensely vulnerable in very different ways and we start to see evidence of this as the story continues. However, back in the present time, how does Chloe's story connect with that of Madeleine, Georgiana and Victor? Can both women use the links and the similarities between their lives to help themselves (and each other) in their current situation? Or are they both too terrified of the potential consequences to open up and let the other one in?
Curling up with Summer Of Secrets was like having a cup of tea with your oldest friend. Sounds comforting, right? Now imagine your friend brought some snacks along and they are slightly spicy but you weren't expecting it? That's what the reading experience felt like to me. The story flowed along languidly and effortlessly and, quite unusually for me, I adored both the historical and the contemporary part of the narrative. This was a surprise as I was expecting to favour the historical side of the story and I can only credit Nikola's character creation with this sudden change in my normal habits! She has written two utterly fantastic female protagonists that I instantly fell in love with, wanted to root for from the beginning and was genuinely interested in their welfare, particularly when we learn of the harrowing things they have been through in their individual histories.
However, what really pulled me into this novel was the smidge of darkness the author placed delicately and subtly at first into each woman's story but then became such an integral part of the narrative that it did make for tough, uncomfortable moments at points, particularly as I personally identified with certain parts. I think the personal connection that I developed, especially with Chloe, made me further invested in the novel as a whole, willing her on from behind the pages, determined that she should find happiness. My partner will also attest to the fact that I exclaimed a few "choice words" out loud by the end of the novel (which amused him greatly!) as I found myself completely engrossed, forgetting where and who I was with.
I'm overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to read a review copy of Summer Of Secrets by Nikola Scott and even happier to announce that it exceeded all my wildest expectations for her second novel. I'll just wait here quietly, eagerly anticipating her third!
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
Like My Mother's Shadow, Summer Of Secrets uses one of my favourite ways to create a narrative - a dual timeline and two endearing and compelling female leads in each separate time period. In contemporary times we follow Chloe, who has just recently found out she is pregnant but has misgivings for both her future and the future of her unborn child. Having previously worked as a photographer prior to getting married, she is sent to the old country estate of Summerhill to meet a person she has idolised since childhood. This person is Madeleine, whom we hear from in the alternate timeline, set just prior to the war in 1939. A talented artist, Maddy is awaiting the return of her older sister, Georgiana who has been away for a little while but when she returns she brings someone into their lives, her new beau Victor, who turns everything upside down.
The sisters have learned to be self-sufficient from a young age after tragically losing their mother and father but it has made them intensely vulnerable in very different ways and we start to see evidence of this as the story continues. However, back in the present time, how does Chloe's story connect with that of Madeleine, Georgiana and Victor? Can both women use the links and the similarities between their lives to help themselves (and each other) in their current situation? Or are they both too terrified of the potential consequences to open up and let the other one in?
Curling up with Summer Of Secrets was like having a cup of tea with your oldest friend. Sounds comforting, right? Now imagine your friend brought some snacks along and they are slightly spicy but you weren't expecting it? That's what the reading experience felt like to me. The story flowed along languidly and effortlessly and, quite unusually for me, I adored both the historical and the contemporary part of the narrative. This was a surprise as I was expecting to favour the historical side of the story and I can only credit Nikola's character creation with this sudden change in my normal habits! She has written two utterly fantastic female protagonists that I instantly fell in love with, wanted to root for from the beginning and was genuinely interested in their welfare, particularly when we learn of the harrowing things they have been through in their individual histories.
However, what really pulled me into this novel was the smidge of darkness the author placed delicately and subtly at first into each woman's story but then became such an integral part of the narrative that it did make for tough, uncomfortable moments at points, particularly as I personally identified with certain parts. I think the personal connection that I developed, especially with Chloe, made me further invested in the novel as a whole, willing her on from behind the pages, determined that she should find happiness. My partner will also attest to the fact that I exclaimed a few "choice words" out loud by the end of the novel (which amused him greatly!) as I found myself completely engrossed, forgetting where and who I was with.
I'm overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to read a review copy of Summer Of Secrets by Nikola Scott and even happier to announce that it exceeded all my wildest expectations for her second novel. I'll just wait here quietly, eagerly anticipating her third!
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
September 6, 2018
Summer of Secrets has been published today so I urge you to go out and buy your copy now. It really is a brilliant and compelling read that had me hooked all the way through. I finished it last night with tears streaming down my face and it’s all I can think about since.
Dare I say that as much as the cover of this novel is romantic, I do think it is a tad misleading. Summer of Secrets is a powerful read that explores the themes of emotional dependence, control and the darker sides of love. But in a subtle way that reinforces the power of the story. Yet it is hopeful too, also revealing the strength of friendship and love.
It is a brilliantly structured novel juxtaposing between the story of Maddy whose relationship with her sister is redefined when Victor enters their lives and is not all that he seems; and newly pregnant Chloe who is struggling under the pressure of her husband’s all-consuming and controlling love.
Maddy’s story is set just days before the outbreak of World War Two. I loved this as the onset of war is always looming in the backdrop, skillfully adding to the dramatic tension. And Maddy’s story is dramatic. Orphaned at a young age and struggling to deal with her father’s death, she eagerly awaits the return of her adored sister Georgiana who has been travelling around Europe. Yet when Georgiana brings with her a group of friends, including the handsome Victor, their lives change irrevocably.
Chloe is a photographer living in the present day. She is approached to photograph Maddy who is now in her 90s. When Chloe’s husband emotionally coerces her not to take the photography job, Chloe takes the job in secret. As Chloe’s situation resonates with Maddy, reminding her of the summer of 1939, a close friendship develops between the two women.
I was gripped reading Summer of Secrets; it is emotionally charged, heartbreaking and also beautiful. I simply loved it. I will definitely be reading more from its author, Nikola Scott.
I also think this would be an ideal read for Reese Witherspoon’s book club, as that is a community celebrating women’s stories. So if by any chance you see this blog post Reese, check out Summer of Secrets. You won’t be disappointed. 😉
Thank you Nikola Scott for such a tense and beautiful read. Also thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishing for sending me an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Summer of Secrets is available now, so go and buy your copy – if you’re a fan of historic fiction, I’m sure you’ll love this book.
Dare I say that as much as the cover of this novel is romantic, I do think it is a tad misleading. Summer of Secrets is a powerful read that explores the themes of emotional dependence, control and the darker sides of love. But in a subtle way that reinforces the power of the story. Yet it is hopeful too, also revealing the strength of friendship and love.
It is a brilliantly structured novel juxtaposing between the story of Maddy whose relationship with her sister is redefined when Victor enters their lives and is not all that he seems; and newly pregnant Chloe who is struggling under the pressure of her husband’s all-consuming and controlling love.
Maddy’s story is set just days before the outbreak of World War Two. I loved this as the onset of war is always looming in the backdrop, skillfully adding to the dramatic tension. And Maddy’s story is dramatic. Orphaned at a young age and struggling to deal with her father’s death, she eagerly awaits the return of her adored sister Georgiana who has been travelling around Europe. Yet when Georgiana brings with her a group of friends, including the handsome Victor, their lives change irrevocably.
Chloe is a photographer living in the present day. She is approached to photograph Maddy who is now in her 90s. When Chloe’s husband emotionally coerces her not to take the photography job, Chloe takes the job in secret. As Chloe’s situation resonates with Maddy, reminding her of the summer of 1939, a close friendship develops between the two women.
I was gripped reading Summer of Secrets; it is emotionally charged, heartbreaking and also beautiful. I simply loved it. I will definitely be reading more from its author, Nikola Scott.
I also think this would be an ideal read for Reese Witherspoon’s book club, as that is a community celebrating women’s stories. So if by any chance you see this blog post Reese, check out Summer of Secrets. You won’t be disappointed. 😉
Thank you Nikola Scott for such a tense and beautiful read. Also thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishing for sending me an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Summer of Secrets is available now, so go and buy your copy – if you’re a fan of historic fiction, I’m sure you’ll love this book.
May 9, 2019
Chloe ist Fotografin und bekommt den Auftrag ein Portrait von einer Kinderbuchautorin zu machen. Doch ihr Mann möchte nicht, dass Chloe arbeitet. Er selbst ist Arzt und verdiene genug. Somit versucht er Chloe von diesem Auftrag mit allen erdenklichen Mitteln abzuhalten. Doch das hat Folgen, denn sie schafft es trotzdem die alte Dame aufzusuchen. Und was diese bei ihren Treffen aus ihrem Leben erzählt, bringt Chloe dazu in ihr inneres zu horchen und die Situationen ihres Lebens neu zu werten.
Gute 70 Jahre zurück liegt die Geschichte eines Sommers auf Summerhill. Im Sommer 39 ereignen sich Dinge, die Maddy nie wieder loslassen. Ein Flugzeug stürzt ab. Ihre Schwester kommt mit Freunden aus ihrem Europaaufenthalt zurück. Es gibt Partys und unerfreuliche Zwischenfälle.
Doch vor allem erzählt das Buch "Das Leuchten jenes Sommers" über die vielen Facetten der Liebe. Hier gibt es die enge Liebe unter Geschwistern, die Liebe zu den Eltern. die Erste Liebe, die krankhafte und besitzergreifende Liebe, die geheuchelte Liebe, die Liebe zur Heimat und der Natur und der Menschenliebe. Jede Liebe übt seine ganz besondere Kraft auf uns Menschen aus. Nikola Scott hat es in ihrem Roman geschafft alle Facetten in einer Geschichte zu vereinen und sie zu verdeutlichen. Trotz philosophischen Aspekten beleibt der Inhalt des Buches eine aus dem Leben gegriffene Situation, wie sie jedem geschehen kann.
Die Autorin hat einen wunderbaren leichten Schreibstil. Mit einfachen Worten erzeugt sie Bilder von leuchtender Vitalität und berührender Atmosphäre. Ihre Kapitel haben eine sehr angenehme Länge und der Wechsel der Zeiten von 1939 in die heutige Zeit wird durch die verbindenden inhaltlichen Geschehnisse nicht als schwierig empfunden. Durch eine gute Portion Dramatik wird schon früh der Anstieg der Spannungskurve signalisiert. Oben angekommen ebbt sie kaum ab. Man ist mitgerissen und fiebert mit den beiden Frauen mit.
Maddy und Chloe sind beide starke sensible Frauen. Stark nicht im Sinne der Emanzipation, sondern anhand ihrer geistigen Stärke und Vernunft. Man muss sie einfach mögen. Und ihrer beider Schicksale nimmt den Leser schnell gefangen.
Ich habe dieses Buch sehr gern gelesen und es wird wohl einer der wenigen sein, welches ich bestimmt noch mehrmals lesen werde. Es gehört zu den anspruchsvolleren Büchern und kann definitiv nicht als Liebesroman bezeichnet werden. Es gehört eher in die Kategorie "Drama" und "Lebensgeschichte".
Gute 70 Jahre zurück liegt die Geschichte eines Sommers auf Summerhill. Im Sommer 39 ereignen sich Dinge, die Maddy nie wieder loslassen. Ein Flugzeug stürzt ab. Ihre Schwester kommt mit Freunden aus ihrem Europaaufenthalt zurück. Es gibt Partys und unerfreuliche Zwischenfälle.
Doch vor allem erzählt das Buch "Das Leuchten jenes Sommers" über die vielen Facetten der Liebe. Hier gibt es die enge Liebe unter Geschwistern, die Liebe zu den Eltern. die Erste Liebe, die krankhafte und besitzergreifende Liebe, die geheuchelte Liebe, die Liebe zur Heimat und der Natur und der Menschenliebe. Jede Liebe übt seine ganz besondere Kraft auf uns Menschen aus. Nikola Scott hat es in ihrem Roman geschafft alle Facetten in einer Geschichte zu vereinen und sie zu verdeutlichen. Trotz philosophischen Aspekten beleibt der Inhalt des Buches eine aus dem Leben gegriffene Situation, wie sie jedem geschehen kann.
Die Autorin hat einen wunderbaren leichten Schreibstil. Mit einfachen Worten erzeugt sie Bilder von leuchtender Vitalität und berührender Atmosphäre. Ihre Kapitel haben eine sehr angenehme Länge und der Wechsel der Zeiten von 1939 in die heutige Zeit wird durch die verbindenden inhaltlichen Geschehnisse nicht als schwierig empfunden. Durch eine gute Portion Dramatik wird schon früh der Anstieg der Spannungskurve signalisiert. Oben angekommen ebbt sie kaum ab. Man ist mitgerissen und fiebert mit den beiden Frauen mit.
Maddy und Chloe sind beide starke sensible Frauen. Stark nicht im Sinne der Emanzipation, sondern anhand ihrer geistigen Stärke und Vernunft. Man muss sie einfach mögen. Und ihrer beider Schicksale nimmt den Leser schnell gefangen.
Ich habe dieses Buch sehr gern gelesen und es wird wohl einer der wenigen sein, welches ich bestimmt noch mehrmals lesen werde. Es gehört zu den anspruchsvolleren Büchern und kann definitiv nicht als Liebesroman bezeichnet werden. Es gehört eher in die Kategorie "Drama" und "Lebensgeschichte".
September 16, 2018
This review can be found at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com
Summer of Secrets is a story primarily about love. The love you have for your siblings; the love you have for your partner; the love you have for your parents; and what happens when this becomes destructive.
Set in a dual timeline, Summer of Secrets tells the story of sisters Maddie and Georgiana in the Summer of 1939. It is the eve of the outbreak of WW2 and Maddie is sheltered at their childhood home of Summerhill, on the idyllic Cornish coast. When Georgiana returns home from a trip to Europe, Maddie is thrilled as she thinks they can see the war through together. However, Georgiana returns accompanied by friends she has met along the way, and one friend in particular, Victor, is not all he seems. The historical story of Summer of Secrets is interesting as the two sisters reminisce and come to terms with their lives as they are. There are a few secrets along the way and one I definitely didn't see coming. Maddie' story is emotive and highly descriptive. However, it is the present day story which captured my attention more.
On the outside, Chloe has it all: a beautiful home, married to devoted doctor, Aidan, and has just discovered she is pregnant with their first child. This should be a happy time in her life. However, as we delve deeper into Chloe's story, we learn that Aidan's devotion is controlling and harmful. Nikola Scott writes this with such intensity that, at times, it feels suffocating to read. In fact, I found a couple of scenes between the couple quite tough to get through and I found myself wanting to jump into the pages and save Chloe. Chloe's story is one that needs to be told and sadly it is one which isn't spoken about enough. Hopefully, it will help at least one person.
For me, the story had a slow start but I think this was necessary to set the scene of both stories for when Maddie and Chloe meet. Then the pace really quickened and I became thoroughly immersed in the story. Chloe and Maddie's relationship is special and based on an unspoken, mutual understanding and I loved it.
Summer of Secrets is a powerful, emotionally-charged novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a review copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Summer of Secrets is a story primarily about love. The love you have for your siblings; the love you have for your partner; the love you have for your parents; and what happens when this becomes destructive.
Set in a dual timeline, Summer of Secrets tells the story of sisters Maddie and Georgiana in the Summer of 1939. It is the eve of the outbreak of WW2 and Maddie is sheltered at their childhood home of Summerhill, on the idyllic Cornish coast. When Georgiana returns home from a trip to Europe, Maddie is thrilled as she thinks they can see the war through together. However, Georgiana returns accompanied by friends she has met along the way, and one friend in particular, Victor, is not all he seems. The historical story of Summer of Secrets is interesting as the two sisters reminisce and come to terms with their lives as they are. There are a few secrets along the way and one I definitely didn't see coming. Maddie' story is emotive and highly descriptive. However, it is the present day story which captured my attention more.
On the outside, Chloe has it all: a beautiful home, married to devoted doctor, Aidan, and has just discovered she is pregnant with their first child. This should be a happy time in her life. However, as we delve deeper into Chloe's story, we learn that Aidan's devotion is controlling and harmful. Nikola Scott writes this with such intensity that, at times, it feels suffocating to read. In fact, I found a couple of scenes between the couple quite tough to get through and I found myself wanting to jump into the pages and save Chloe. Chloe's story is one that needs to be told and sadly it is one which isn't spoken about enough. Hopefully, it will help at least one person.
For me, the story had a slow start but I think this was necessary to set the scene of both stories for when Maddie and Chloe meet. Then the pace really quickened and I became thoroughly immersed in the story. Chloe and Maddie's relationship is special and based on an unspoken, mutual understanding and I loved it.
Summer of Secrets is a powerful, emotionally-charged novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a review copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2018
This dual timeline story switches between the days just before WW2 &the present day.
Maddy grew up in the old house in Cornwall. Her mother died when she was very young & she had spent her childhood roaming around the estate, drawing making up stories & enjoying the countryside. Her elder sister Georgiana was the only mother she has really known, There relationship is a very close one. Her story begins as she waits for her sister to return from a tour of the Continent, but instead of being able to drop back into their comfortable ways Georgiana had brought visitors. They are loud, brash monied people. Maddy is in turns fascinated & repelled by them & by Victor, Georgiana's beau.
In the present Chloe has just discovered she is pregnant.She should be overjoyed but she keeps putting off telling her husband. Her husband seems to cosset & protect her, but she feels stifled. When the chance comes to photograph the author of her favourite childhood book she decides she is going to keep this to herself. The author is Maddy.
I enjoyed the dual aspect of this story and found both storyline grabbed my attention. The main characters wee really engaging & you wanted things to work out for them.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Maddy grew up in the old house in Cornwall. Her mother died when she was very young & she had spent her childhood roaming around the estate, drawing making up stories & enjoying the countryside. Her elder sister Georgiana was the only mother she has really known, There relationship is a very close one. Her story begins as she waits for her sister to return from a tour of the Continent, but instead of being able to drop back into their comfortable ways Georgiana had brought visitors. They are loud, brash monied people. Maddy is in turns fascinated & repelled by them & by Victor, Georgiana's beau.
In the present Chloe has just discovered she is pregnant.She should be overjoyed but she keeps putting off telling her husband. Her husband seems to cosset & protect her, but she feels stifled. When the chance comes to photograph the author of her favourite childhood book she decides she is going to keep this to herself. The author is Maddy.
I enjoyed the dual aspect of this story and found both storyline grabbed my attention. The main characters wee really engaging & you wanted things to work out for them.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
May 10, 2020
Ein wunderschönes Buch, das meine Erwartungen noch übertroffen hat. Es gibt zwei Zeitstränge, der eine spielt in den letzten Tagen vor Ausbruch des zweiten Weltkrieges und erzählt von zwei Schwester, die Vollwaisen sind, und der andere Strang spielt in der Gegenwart und erzählt die Geschichte einer Frau, die sich in einer unglücklichen und kontrollierenden Ehe befindet. Beide Geschichten haben mich auf jeweils ihre Weise tief berührt und als sie zusammengeführt werden, erfährt man noch viele andere Details, die zum Teil erschreckend sind. So eine schöne Geschichte über das ernste Thema, wie Liebe auf die eine oder andere Weise abhängig machen und auch ungesund sein kann, unbedingt lesen!
June 15, 2019
Het boek begint veelbelovend. Boek begint met Maddy, dat is de basis van het boek. Daarna komt Cloe in beeld en deze dames komen elkaar op een opmerkelijke manier tegen en dan vallen op het eind de stukken bij elkaar. Boek verliest vaak vaart en dacht op de helft, oke wat dan nu? Jammer. Het boek had heel wat dunner gemogen. Verder is de schrijfstijl wel in orde.
August 29, 2018
I loved this book which follows a dual timeline ! . I loved Madeleines story and the way the author brought Cornwall and their estate of summerhill to life in the era of war ! And then Chloe living in the present with a controlling and abusive husband and how their luves become entwined ! A book of love and loss and abuse and freedom. 4.5 stars with my thanks to tbc reviewers for my chance to read
September 11, 2018
I loved Nikola Scott's first book, My Mother's Shadow, so was really keen to read her second book. I'm happy to report that I loved Summer of Secrets just as much.
This is one of my favourite kinds of stories: a dual timeline story. The narrative in the past is that of Madeleine, who is 16 in 1939. The world is on the cusp of war but she is cocooned from it to an extent at her beloved Summerhill on the Cornish coast. Her adored older sister, Georgiana, has just returned from the continent with her new beau, Victor. But Victor isn't all he seems, Maddy doesn't trust him but she can't yet imagine the impact he will have on her family.
The current day storyline is that of Chloe. She's in her late twenties, married to dashing doctor, Aidan. Except that Chloe has lost herself and who she once was. Aidan is quietly manipulative and is bit by bit stealing away every bit of independence and life that Chloe had.
The two strands collide in a most interesting way and I particularly loved those bits where Madeleine and Chloe feature at the same time. Each helps the other in ways they could never have imagined and I found their relationship really lovely. Secrets are part of the title and very much part of the story. Both of the main characters have secrets that are very important to them.
The author does a brilliant job of describing Summerhill, the grounds and the crashing waves around the coastline. Madeleine's life there has not exactly been carefree but she adores the place and I could see why. I would love to be able to visit it in real life, but doing so between the covers of this book was the next best thing.
The story jumps around between the two times quite a bit and I loved that. It left me wanting more every time, wanting to find out how the two women would deal with their secrets. The stories are perfectly intertwined and we sort of drift between them, learning more as we go along.
Towards the end there are a couple of shocking events that I didn't expect at all. My heart broke for Maddy and Chloe, and those final chapters were nail-biting as I raced toward the conclusion.
Summer of Secrets is a gorgeous book in every way. It's a story that cannot be rushed, in fact the first third or so was quite slow in that it was scene-setting, allowing me to become engrossed and enthralled by it. Then, once I was familiar with the characters and the setting, it all slotted into place. I found it to be a really moving read. I love this author's writing - it has a quiet beauty to it and I can't wait for her next book.
This is one of my favourite kinds of stories: a dual timeline story. The narrative in the past is that of Madeleine, who is 16 in 1939. The world is on the cusp of war but she is cocooned from it to an extent at her beloved Summerhill on the Cornish coast. Her adored older sister, Georgiana, has just returned from the continent with her new beau, Victor. But Victor isn't all he seems, Maddy doesn't trust him but she can't yet imagine the impact he will have on her family.
The current day storyline is that of Chloe. She's in her late twenties, married to dashing doctor, Aidan. Except that Chloe has lost herself and who she once was. Aidan is quietly manipulative and is bit by bit stealing away every bit of independence and life that Chloe had.
The two strands collide in a most interesting way and I particularly loved those bits where Madeleine and Chloe feature at the same time. Each helps the other in ways they could never have imagined and I found their relationship really lovely. Secrets are part of the title and very much part of the story. Both of the main characters have secrets that are very important to them.
The author does a brilliant job of describing Summerhill, the grounds and the crashing waves around the coastline. Madeleine's life there has not exactly been carefree but she adores the place and I could see why. I would love to be able to visit it in real life, but doing so between the covers of this book was the next best thing.
The story jumps around between the two times quite a bit and I loved that. It left me wanting more every time, wanting to find out how the two women would deal with their secrets. The stories are perfectly intertwined and we sort of drift between them, learning more as we go along.
Towards the end there are a couple of shocking events that I didn't expect at all. My heart broke for Maddy and Chloe, and those final chapters were nail-biting as I raced toward the conclusion.
Summer of Secrets is a gorgeous book in every way. It's a story that cannot be rushed, in fact the first third or so was quite slow in that it was scene-setting, allowing me to become engrossed and enthralled by it. Then, once I was familiar with the characters and the setting, it all slotted into place. I found it to be a really moving read. I love this author's writing - it has a quiet beauty to it and I can't wait for her next book.
December 31, 2019
So much mehhh
It was an easy read, but the concept is overdone and much better
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