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Life on the Moors #3

The Secret - Violet's Story

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It’s been two years since glamorous and ambitious Violet Smith fell head-over-heels in love with blacksmith Jimby Fairfax, moving back home to the North Yorkshire village of Lytell Stangdale to be with him.
Life couldn’t get much sweeter. Their romance is blooming and Romantique - the business she set up with Jimby’s sister Kitty, designing luxurious underwear and burlesque costumes with the odd wedding dress throw in - is thriving.
But on a romantic weekend break, a face from her past triggers a series of events which send Violet into turmoil. She finds herself with no alternative but to reveal a secret she’s buried deep for the past sixteen years. A secret she hasn’t shared with anyone, not even her best friends, Kitty and Molly, and they share everything.
With the revelation forcing a wedge between herself and Jimby, heartbroken Violet fears that he won’t ever be able to think of her in the same way again and won’t want anything more to do with her.
As ever, Kitty and Molly rally round, offering their advice and support but Vi is worried that keeping her secret was just a step too far for Jimby.
Will she succeed in showing him their love is strong enough to overcome it?
The Secret – Violet’s Story is book 3 in the Life on the Moors Series.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2019

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About the author

Eliza J. Scott

18 books110 followers
Eliza writes heartwarming romance stories with happy endings.

She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.

You can find out more or get in touch here:

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/

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5 stars
1,112 (69%)
4 stars
365 (22%)
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90 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,534 reviews719 followers
July 18, 2019
5☆ A Beautifully Compelling, Warm, Light Hearted, Cosy Romance that I Highly Recommend!

The Secret is the Third book in the series and I'm not entirely convinced you can read it as a standalone, but that's mainly because they are all so good i highly recommend reading them all!

It was so nice to be back with Vi and Jimby, alot has happened and it was nice to see how they are getting on, and to catch up with all the other fantastic Characters.

Jimby finally proposes to Vi unexpectedly, but not without a slapstick moment!.
But a blast from Vi's past has left her on edge and with a big secret she's hiding.
She knows it's only a matter of time before she has to tell Jimby.
But will the secret ruin their relationship or are they strong enough?

I adore each and every one of the Characters, they all bring a lil bit of something special. Although this is Violets Story it was so nice to catch up with everyone.
I have to say I have a lil soft spot for Jimby the loveable haphazard Rogue. Vi and Jimby really do make the perfect couple!

The Secret is a beautifully Compelling, Warm, Light Hearted, Cosy Romance, full of intrigue, secrets, drama, emotion, romance, friendships and family relationships, with a good dose of Humour.
I really enjoyed all The little touches and twists that weaved the storylines together, the pace just flows along seamlessly.

Once again Eliza has written a Gem of a book, I didn't want to put down!
I have thoroughly loved reading this Gorgeous Series and I really hope Eliza decides to continue the series, I really don't want to say goodbye just yet, as i believe there is so much more to come!

So if you are looking for a Light Hearted, Cosy Romance, with loveable characters and an Endearing storyline then you will adore The Secret!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Profile Image for Els .
2,307 reviews55 followers
July 8, 2019
I have not read book 1 yet. (Mentally adds to to-be-read-pile :) ) but I have devoured the previous part. I was enchanted by the story as well as by the writing style. When Rachel announced she had a tour for the 3rd book, I HAD to be on the tour and voila :)

Book 1 tells the tale of Kitty, in book 2 we get to know Molly a lot better and in book 3 it's Viiolet's turn.

This story really made me laugh out loud. Jimby is a bit accident prone and it creates the most funny situations, but he is also very loveable.

Sometimes something really heartbreaking happens to you and even though you have a wonderful family and friends, it's too hard to talk about it. You keep it hidden deep down and you really do not want to think about it. But hiding it does not make it go away and when the past catches up with the present, it's time to reveal your secret. How are the people you love most in the world going to react? Will they forgive you for your silence or are relationships going to be broken beyond repair?

This was an awesome book where miracles are possible. 5 stars.

Thank you, Eliza J Scott and Rachel's Random Resources.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Steph Warren.
1,829 reviews40 followers
July 11, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

This is the third book in Eliza J. Scott’s Life on the Moors series, but you don’t need to have read the previous two to enjoy it.

Those who have read The Letter – Kitty’s Story and The Talisman – Molly’s Story will be delighted to see all of their favourite characters returning for more cosy romantic mayhem and small village shenanigans. Here are the cousins, swear-box Molly and sweet’n’shy Kitty with their respective other halves (nope…you’ll have to read their stories to find out more!), and of course Kitty’s brother Jimby, whose turn it is to take the romantic lead, as his previously-secure relationship with Kitty’s best friend Violet takes some sudden and unexpected turns.

There is the usual hilariously obnoxious behaviour from Aiofe and family, and Maneater Anita, and some slapstick from Jimby and his *ahem* rooster. However, Scott is also not afraid to tackle serious and emotive issues. Kitty struggled with an abusive relationship, and Molly faced a crushing bereavement, and now Violet has to face the repercussions of some poor decision-making in her past.

I have to confess that whilst I loved returning to Lytell Stangdale and the gang, I found it hard to take Jimby seriously as a romantic lead character: I’ve grown too comfortable with him as an adorable, if hazardous, brother-figure. That said, his relationship with Vi is super-sweet… possibly the loveliest in the whole series so far, so I don’t think he’d be too upset that I have friend-zoned him!

These books are perfect for anyone looking for some cosy romance in a rural village setting, and I hope that Eliza Scott has more up her sleeve for Lytell Stangdale yet. It would be nice to see the younger generation start to come to the forefront of their own stories, for example (Anoushka, hint hint!).



He wrapped the white cloth napkin round the neck of the bottle and started to ease the cork out.
‘Good plan, but be careful where you aim it.’
‘”Careful” is my middle name.’
‘I’m not so sure about that. Anyway, I’ve lost track of the amount of “middle names” you’re supposed to have had. Wasn’t it “Quiet” last week – which, incidentally, you weren’t, and never actually are?’
‘How about “Sex God”, then?’
‘What?’
‘James “Sex God” Fairfax; has a certain ring to it, don’t you think.’
‘In your dreams, buster.’

– Eliza J. Scott, The Secret (Violet’s Story)

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Profile Image for Jéssica.
Author 1 book70 followers
July 10, 2019
This is the third book of Eliza J. Scott that I have ever read and she never stop surprising me with how relatable her stories and how much I felt connected with the characters.

In this book we follow Violet and she has a secret, and we all have secrets, deep inside of us. And sometimes, that secret and the past catches up to us and the present we are living. That's what this book also shows. I can connect to it although not for the same reason, for the same secret, but Violet's personality and background story was relatable.

I know I'm using the word "relatable" a lot, but you have to understand, this all series is about connection for me. As a reader I was connecting with the characters. Kitty, Molly and Violet are friends and their stories were all unique in their own way, because of their problems and personal tragedies. Despite that, they felt real and I know people that haven went through things like the characters did and that was why I'm really talking about the "relatable" aspect of the books.

Another thing I really liked about "The Secret - Violet's Story" is that the pace and the feeling of the storytelling were perfect to keep us hooked to the pages, reading one chapter after the next. Eliz J. Scott not only is an amazing writer in terms of creating characters and taking us on an adventure because of the characters development, she also give us a perfect setting for the series and for all the themes that are talked about.

It's heart broken, emotional, entertaining and loving. And when I first read about Violet, I was curious about her. So of course I wanted to read her story and explore with her this journey, discover about her past and see her romance blooming with Jimby.

I love when stories talk about the characters and follow them through their stories and let them guide the journey. It's not a drama and romance motivated book, it's a character motivates novel. And that's something I love.

All the moments between the characters. All the mysteries that are unfold and all the next plans that are prepared and accomplish. All the family, friends and love in the novel that are very important pillars to Violet's story. All the moments that made me laugh and that brought light to my hot summer nights. Loved it all!

I know this is a very generic review, but I absolutely loved it and I don't want to say much and end up spoiling the journey for everyone that hasn't read the book, but wants too. Let me just say that you won't regret reading this third novel and that I recommend it just like I recommend the other two previous novels.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,101 reviews
July 14, 2019
This is book #3 of the Life on the Moors series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the books in series order to understand the stories better. The books of this series all focus on a different character from the little North Yorkshire village of Lytell Stangdale. The first book was Kitty’s story, the second was Molly’s and this book focusses on Violet Smith. The ladies are all good friends, but each having their own problems and personal tragedies. Violet’s life is just about perfect. She designs, with Kitty, underwear, burlesque costumes and wedding dresses, and is head over heels in love with Kitty’s brother, Jimby. But when she meets someone from her past who she has tried to forget, she scared that the secret she has kept from everyone is about to be revealed….

I’ve read both of the previous books and have loved them so I was excited to start on Violet’s story. As I’ve said in previous reviews, these books aren’t what you might expect. Before I read Kitty’s story, I thought they were your normal run of the mill chick lit books, but they are completely not that. What you get from these books, Violet’s story included, are heart-felt stories which feature issues which some other authors may shy away from. The characters are genuine, get under your skin and make you feel like you want to be part of their friendship group!

I’ve come to know a little bit about Violet from the previous books, but this book was solely about her! I love her character and pictured her vivacity and charm as soon as I started to read about her. Her love for fashion comes across through her story and I could feel my toes curling up at the thought of being stuck inside Violet’s stiletto heels for just one more minute! I’ve liked Violet’s boyfriend, Jimby since book one, so I was really pleased that their relationship was going from strength to strength. Of course, the path to true love is always a rocky one and thanks to an unwelcome face from Violet’s past, the strength of their relationship is tested.

This author has a definite flair for creating characters who tell it like it is. I love Molly’s character from the previous book and I was pleased to see her again. She did make me chuckle though with her less than ladylike use of the English language, but made my heart warm with the love and support she showed one of her best friends. Violet’s secret isn’t revealed well into the story, but you can probably hazard a guess what it is all about. Her story, as with the others, has brought tears to my eyes in parts and a smile to my face in others.

The story was an absolute joy to read! It was one of those stories that just flows at the right pace, catching you at the beginning so that you can’t put the book down until you’ve finished it! I would definitely recommend, not just this book, but the whole series if you haven’t already read them! I already looking forward to book number four to carry on the series!
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
725 reviews35 followers
July 12, 2019
This is my third "Life on the Moors" novel as we head back to the delightful community of Lytell Stangdale. 

Secrets from the past come back to haunt Violet Smith at the very time she and Jimby Fairfax decide to make their relationship more permanent. A face from the past returns and re-opening long-buried memories. With a shattered dream and decisions to make, will the pair be able to find a way to their happily-ever-after? 

There may be trouble brewing in this small North Yorkshire community, but somehow they all manage to work through their daily troubles and strife with compassion, support and humour. The issues faced are relatable, as are the ways they are resolved. A new, gorgeous guy's introduced and I have a feeling we'll be hearing more about him soon...There is a miracle too and creates a perfect ending. 

On the surface, glamorous Vi and Jimby seem like the most unlikely couple. Certainly, Jimby isn't a stereotypical romantic hero, it's refreshing. Like the previous features couples in the series, they are likeable in the same way as friends are...people you trust and love. 

The strength of Ms Scott's writing is with the character's she's developed during this series and how they all work together as an ensemble. The dialogue is hilarious as the banter bounces between the protagonists and the secondary characters. The scenarios offer intrigue as well as daily life and the occasional mishap. The overall feeling is light, breezy and fun. 

Whether you've discovered the delights of this series already, or curious to read The Secret, this like the other novels can be read as standalone. However, I recommend reading Kitty and Molly's stories first to enhance the overall appeal for this delightful series set in a beautiful part of England. It's a friendly place you wished you were a part of, I know I am! 

***arc received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,807 reviews135 followers
July 13, 2019
This is the third in the Life On The Moors series and I love it. The Secret is all about Violet, or Vi as she is known to everyone. She returned to the village of Lytell Stangdale a few years before and fell in love with Jimby, a childhood friend. The story that follows is one that caught my attention as I discovered more about Violet and what her secret is!

As soon as I started reading this book I felt that connection come back from the previous book, The Talisman – Molly’s Story. The friends that make up this series so far have been Kitty and Molly, so it was so nice to read about Violet. The warmth of the friendship that these women have is just a great thing to read about. They are supportive of each other in that wonderful “they have your back” sort of way. They have a more sisterly than friend relationship.

They know everything about each other, well almost! As Violet had been away at University she had a section of her life that she had not told anyone about. This I completely understood and also why she never said anything. I think it was quite plausible for her to hold this secret back. Something happens that makes Violet think it is time to explain, but will this drive Jimby away from her?

This is such a wonderful story that I happily immersed myself in, I happily read this while sat in the garden in the sun. The descriptions of the surroundings, the village and the general characters were great. It didn’t take me long to get into the story and I loved that I was reunited within the characters of the story again. Emotions did come into play as I wondered what was going to happen and also the revelation of the secret.

If you love books about friendship, relationships within a gorgeous setting then this is a book, in fact it is a series that you should consider picking up.

It gets a Definitely Recommended from Me!
Profile Image for Rose English.
Author 23 books183 followers
July 11, 2020
Book 50 of my Goodreads Challenge 2020

Another heart warming story from the moors.

A wonderful little tale this time about Violet & Jimby. This time Vi's secret has been buried for over 16yrs.
Profile Image for Claire.
216 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
This is the third book in the Life of the Moors series by the very talented Eliza J Scott. I can highly recommend that you read the first two in the series first – The Letter which is Kitty’s Story and The Talisman which is Molly’s Story, although The Secret - Violet's Story can be read as a standalone novel.

Violet and Jimby are childhood sweethearts – a wonderful couple with a lovely lovely relationship which shines throughout the book. They live in the wonderfully stunning scenic village of Lytell Stangdale in the North Yorkshire Moors. Lytell Stangdale has a great community (mostly!) with great family, friends and villagers who all pull together and help each other out – just as a community should be. We not only learn all about Violet’s Secret but we also see Kitty and Molly develop too. They all have an incredible friendship.

The Secret - Violet's Story is written so beautifully, you feel so involved with the characters, you feel like you are living in the delightful Lytell Stangdale and you feel like one of the community! The pub sounds like the hub of the village. The scenery described is amazing – The walks described capture the true beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors, and the sights of the purple heather moorland must be a delight.

Despite the hard times Violet and Jimby went through, they came out the other side stronger and and the ending is so romantic. I would love to have been at their wedding! I loved the inclusion of their new home being built – foundations being laid to their new home and their perfect future together.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, wonderfully funny and emotional too. Eliza has a great sense of humour and had me laughing many times. There is so much more I could say but I don’t want to give too much away!

I am looking forward to Book 4 in the Life on the Moors Series, A Christmas Kiss which is coming out on 4th November 2019!
Profile Image for Jenn Webley.
405 reviews41 followers
July 15, 2019
https://comfychairbooks.blogspot.com

You are in for a real gem with this book. What a cute, funny and emotional story with the focus on Violet. Her purple world, her gorgeous other half Jimby, wonderful friends and the idyllic community she loves being part of. We realise Violet has a secret that she has kept to herself for a very long time, does she risk everything and come clean? What will happen if those she loves know what she did?


I love Violet, she sounds gorgeous, glamourous and confident. She’s loved and loves in return and I don’t think there is a bad thing about her. When we find out about her secret, although it is awfully sad, we easily see that it wasn’t her fault and she was taken advantage of in a way. My heart broke for her when she did tell Jimby and he didn’t take the news well. I understood him being upset, hurt and wondering why she couldn’t be honest, but I think he handled it very poorly. (Don’t worry he soon sorts himself out!!)

There is a lot of heart and emotion throughout, moments of sadness are eclipsed by such tender, sweet scenes of special bonds between the characters. There are some comedic moments with Jimby who is one of the most accident-prone characters I’ve ever read; his antics really added some lighter moments.

Eliza has a gorgeous writing style, very descriptive and the story progresses at a nice pace, I didn’t think it was rushed at all nor too slow. I read it quickly because I enjoyed it so much, I love how the stories played out, I loved learning more about these characters and I loved the community of Lytell Stangdale.

If you haven’t read the first two books, I really think you’ll be absolutely fine, but I’d recommend them anyway. A gorgeous read for fans of a heart-warming romance.
Profile Image for Kaisha (The Writing Garnet).
655 reviews184 followers
July 17, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com


Love is in the air, do do do do dooooooo!!!

Do you ever get so invested in characters lives, that you hope for nothing but a happy ending for them? As soon as the author hinted towards one of the characters holding onto a secret which could potentially scupper the life they had made for themselves, my heart sank. I didn’t want these characters to go through hard times as they were so happy, so genuine, and such a joy to read about.

But they went through hard times and I was gutted. I’m sure they were too, seeing as it was their lives in the spotlight but y’know!!

The ‘Life on the Moors’ series has gotten better and better with each book produced. With that in mind, I highly recommend reading the books in order due to the close connection of the characters and the reasons why their lives are so entwined.

Jimby is such a hilarious, thunderbolt of a character. His energy was highly infectious, especially when he had his bright idea. I could not stop laughing. Now I know that Violet has a brilliant humour too, yet Jimby seemed to be the aloe vera gel to her sunburn, if you catch my drift. They’re a perfect match and compliment each other brilliantly.

‘The Secret- Violet’s Story’ was a really emotional read, and it was lead that the author took time to get the heartbreak bang on to create that poignant authenticity something like that needs. Eliza J Scott is such a wonderful writer who tells the stories of her characters with such warmth, creativity and magnetism. She has delivered an outstanding novel once again, from her heart to mine. I absolutely loved it.
138 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2019
Thank you to the author and Rachels Random Resources for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I really need to stop reading books that are one or two into a series, by the end of it I just need to read the others in the series and seem to be increasing my TBR at an astronomical rate!

This is a story that really explores that no matter the support system sometimes secrets can be too painful to reveal and of course the longer they are hidden away the harder it is to let them get out. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, Violet was such a relatable character and I was really rooting for both her and Jimby! Molly and Kitty were also characters I wanted to know more which of course I can if I go back and read the other two books. The story progressed at a good rate and the writing was really able to show you what was going on. This is a book that I managed to finish in one sitting and really enjoyed myself throughout.

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I read again: Yes

Would I Recommend: Yes

Would I read another book from this author: Yes
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,671 reviews57 followers
July 15, 2019
After reading some heavier books lately, I needed a book like The Secret – Violet’s Story. It’s cozy and romantic, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Having read the previous novels, I was really excited when this tour was announced. I absolutely adore these characters and this setting. Eliza J Scott pulls her readers right into the story, making her characters come to life.

While much of this story is light, Eliza J. Scott touches on some heavier topics, which again makes the characters feel real. This author truly is a talented storyteller and I love her writing style.

I highly recommend checking this out. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the previous books helped me connect even more.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*

Find this review and more on my blog: https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Sandra.
133 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! The characters came to live and the story was a page turner! A continuation from “The Tailsman” and before that “The Letter”. Eliza Scott is a fantastic writer, I couldn’t wait to find out how these stories ended! Violet and Jimby tell their story of their love and adventures together. A very exciting story of how they met and where they ended up. Molly and Kitty along with Olie and Camm spend time together at the Sunne bar and devour Bea’s hot from the oven snacks, they are all excited to see how tasty they are! I highly recommend this story you won’t be disappointed....
Profile Image for Caroline Venables.
627 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2019
This is the second book in the Life on the Moors series I have read. The first being The Talisman which featured Molly’s story. You can read this as a standalone but I advise reading the other in the series first so you become familiar with all the characters.

This book concentrates on Violet’s story and her relationship with Jimby, just as they are about to make a change in their relationship. Violet finds herself facing a dilemma when a secret she thought was long buried, resurfaces.

With her life turned upside down she turns to her friends, Molly and Kitty to help her.
7 reviews
February 26, 2023
Eliza just knows.

You feel part of this group of friends, you share their highs and lows. Eliza has a way of expressing feelings- she really does know and you feel it. I didn’t comment on book two because I didn’t want to spoil anything and I read book four first but these books are so well written and linked that didn’t matter. Me reading 4 books in two months! well done Eliza and thank you.
Profile Image for Dona  Haggerty.
45 reviews
August 8, 2019
I loved Violet's Story

I just adored The Secret-Violet's Story...book 3 of Life on the Moors. It followed perfectly Kitty's Story, and Molly's Story. I am anxiously awaiting book 4.
19 reviews
July 7, 2020
Another great read

This book was brilliant
Such an easy read, the characters in this story are very likeable and very relatable!!!
Some really funny parts, heart wrenching parts and emotional parts... a real good feel good book...
now to start book 4!!!
208 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2021
Brilliant

Eliza Scott writes with such a natural, warmth and humour. The characters are well rounded and incredibly likeable, you feel their love, fun,friendships and all their heartbreak and sadness. These books are real page turners.
Profile Image for Jacki.
26 reviews
July 24, 2019
Nice, happy, easy read!

Read first two books so I thought I'd like this one, and I did! Nice story, different genre for me 😃
297 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2020
Great read

Lovely characters that are more like old friends after three books.
Funny and true to life with hilarious dialogue at times. Most enjoyable.
255 reviews
May 3, 2020
Loved it and just found out there is another one set in the village, bonus
16 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2020
I loved this book BUT if I read the words "he waggled his eyebrows" one more time I thought I would scream! Spoilt it a bit for me hence 4 stars instead of 5.
Profile Image for Pat Langhelt.
1,153 reviews15 followers
December 17, 2020
I loved Vi and Jimby's story and the secret 3rd in the series brilliant xx
24 reviews
August 16, 2021
Heart warming.

I love books that encompasses all the characters. I absolutely enjoyed Violets story, I cried with her sorrows and her joys. Total recommend the whole series.
228 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2022
Great

A really good series of books, but you can also be able to read this without reading the previous books. But I really suggest you read them all they are good!
24 reviews
January 3, 2023
brilliant

I can’t put these books down I laugh I cry the stories are brilliant looking forward to the next one I will be sad when there’s no more.
3 reviews
March 21, 2023
The overuse of everyone being called ‘chick’ was just too much, very irritating and spoilt the book for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews