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The Book Ghost: A page-turning and thought-provoking historical literary novel
There are no white shrouded spectres here, no wailing ghouls. Just the echoes of those who have passed, whispering that history is set to repeat itself.
The Cotswolds, Christmastime 1946: A young widow leaves behind the tragedy of her wartime life, and returns home to her ageing aunt and uncle. For Lucy – known as Mrs P – and the people who raised her, the books that line the walls of the family publishing business bring comfort and the promise of new beginnings.
But the kind and reserved new editor at the Kershaw and Kathay Book Press is a former prisoner of war, and he has his own shadows to bear. And when the old secrets of a little girl’s abandonment are uncovered within the pages of Robert Underhills’s latest project, Lucy must work quickly if she is to understand the truth behind his frequent trips away.
For a ghost dwells in the record of an orphan girl’s last days. And even as Lucy dares to risk her heart, the grief of her own past seems to be whispering a warning of fresh loss…
Mrs P’s Book of Secrets will be published in the US as The Book Ghost.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2019
1 person is currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Gray
19 books71 followersLorna Gray is an illustrator, most commonly seen filling children's books with animals for Crumps Barn Studio. She's also occasionally an author. She loves re-imagining the natural world in print. Her background in archaeology and Fine Art is a significant influence. She is married and lives in a very rural corner of Gloucestershire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 10, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Set at the end of WWII. Lucy is a war widow. Robert had been a prisoner of war. Lucy had returned home to help the aunt and uncle who had raised her. They own a small Publishing business. Robert had been hired by her uncle as an editor. Robert is also living with her aunt and uncle. Lucy's life is depressing. Shes doing a menial secretarial job and living in the room above the shop.
The author has done her research before writing this book but there seems to be several books set in this era just now. Lucy and Robert have an awkward kind of friendship. Could it be that they wanted to be more than just colleagues? There's also a mysterious element to the book they were editing. People are still coming to terms with the aftermath of the war. There's not very much romance to the story though we do get some towards the end of the book. Overall, a delightful read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author Lorna Gray for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set at the end of WWII. Lucy is a war widow. Robert had been a prisoner of war. Lucy had returned home to help the aunt and uncle who had raised her. They own a small Publishing business. Robert had been hired by her uncle as an editor. Robert is also living with her aunt and uncle. Lucy's life is depressing. Shes doing a menial secretarial job and living in the room above the shop.
The author has done her research before writing this book but there seems to be several books set in this era just now. Lucy and Robert have an awkward kind of friendship. Could it be that they wanted to be more than just colleagues? There's also a mysterious element to the book they were editing. People are still coming to terms with the aftermath of the war. There's not very much romance to the story though we do get some towards the end of the book. Overall, a delightful read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author Lorna Gray for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Set at the end of WWII. Lucy is a war widow. Robert had been a prisoner of war. Lucy had returned home to help her aunt and uncle who had raised her. They own a small publishing business. Robert had been hired by her uncle as an editor. Robert is also living with her aunt and uncle. Lucy's life is depressing. Shes doing a menial secretarial job and living in the room above the shop.
The author has done her research before writing this book but there seems to be several books set around this era just now. Lucy and Robert have an awkward kind of friendship. Could it be that they wanted to be more than just colleges? Theres also a mysterious element to the book they were reading. People are still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the war. There's not very much romance to the story though we do get some towards the end of the book. Over all, a delightful read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author Lorna Gray for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set at the end of WWII. Lucy is a war widow. Robert had been a prisoner of war. Lucy had returned home to help her aunt and uncle who had raised her. They own a small publishing business. Robert had been hired by her uncle as an editor. Robert is also living with her aunt and uncle. Lucy's life is depressing. Shes doing a menial secretarial job and living in the room above the shop.
The author has done her research before writing this book but there seems to be several books set around this era just now. Lucy and Robert have an awkward kind of friendship. Could it be that they wanted to be more than just colleges? Theres also a mysterious element to the book they were reading. People are still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the war. There's not very much romance to the story though we do get some towards the end of the book. Over all, a delightful read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author Lorna Gray for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2019
Mrs. P's Book of Secrets is a story which has a little bit of everything...mystery, romance, history and ghosts...which all add up to an intriguing adventure.
Mrs. Lucy Peuse, or Mrs. P. is a war widow in 1946 who has begun to work in her uncle's publishing business. She is hired to make coffee and answer phones, but soon is put to work to edit a book.
Robert Underhill is a former doctor, and prisoner of war who was hired by the company. What exactly he was hired to do is the first mystery. Lucy is wary of him, at first...
But when Lucy is given the opportunity to assist with edits of a book about a family named Ashbrook, which in the galley seems to be always misspelled, she soon discovers an Ashbrok family mystery. See what I did there?
Lucy and Robert try to find out what happened the Ashbroke family member thought to have died as a young child, but with no grave or obituary they are at a loss. No one seems to even remember the child, which is strange for such a well-known family.
As the two grow closer, Lucy must wrestle with her own ghosts. Due to the loss of her husband she is afraid to love again first because she does not want to betray him but also because she fears her new love will be taken away.
This tale is a love story in so many ways...the love between family members, people we have lost, or people we feel we have disappointed, or the love between family who are not blood, but are still bonded as family, and what they will do for each other no matter what.
As a long ago mystery is put to rest, so are Lucy and Richard's questions as to who and how we love and that sometimes ghosts can give the permission we need to love again.
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins #LornaGray #Mrs.P'sBookofSecrets for the advanced copy. The book will be available in the United States on January 23, 2020.
Mrs. Lucy Peuse, or Mrs. P. is a war widow in 1946 who has begun to work in her uncle's publishing business. She is hired to make coffee and answer phones, but soon is put to work to edit a book.
Robert Underhill is a former doctor, and prisoner of war who was hired by the company. What exactly he was hired to do is the first mystery. Lucy is wary of him, at first...
But when Lucy is given the opportunity to assist with edits of a book about a family named Ashbrook, which in the galley seems to be always misspelled, she soon discovers an Ashbrok family mystery. See what I did there?
Lucy and Robert try to find out what happened the Ashbroke family member thought to have died as a young child, but with no grave or obituary they are at a loss. No one seems to even remember the child, which is strange for such a well-known family.
As the two grow closer, Lucy must wrestle with her own ghosts. Due to the loss of her husband she is afraid to love again first because she does not want to betray him but also because she fears her new love will be taken away.
This tale is a love story in so many ways...the love between family members, people we have lost, or people we feel we have disappointed, or the love between family who are not blood, but are still bonded as family, and what they will do for each other no matter what.
As a long ago mystery is put to rest, so are Lucy and Richard's questions as to who and how we love and that sometimes ghosts can give the permission we need to love again.
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins #LornaGray #Mrs.P'sBookofSecrets for the advanced copy. The book will be available in the United States on January 23, 2020.
January 15, 2020
Rated 4.5 - A January 2020 print release! MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS, aka THE BOOK GHOST, by Lorna Gray will endear book lovers to publishing history. Stepping back in time was my favorite part, in addition to the author’s ability to make me feel as if I’m viewing it all in Moreton-in-Marsh.
See the full color review at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.
Mrs P’s imaginings lead her on an adventure during the 1940s time of rationing. She always feels a presence. Could it possibly be a deceased loved one trying to communicate?
Lucinda “Lucy” Peuse, Mrs P to her co-workers, decides to work for her uncle while reorganizing her life after her husband’s death. Although she’s related to a line of spiritualists who believe in helping the dead move on, she never allowed them to do that for her husband. She wanted to hold him close in her heart, but not make him feel as if he’s tied on this earth to her.
The book begins with an apt description of the building and the people working in it, along with a quaint sense of humor provided by Mrs. P. It really sets the tone of this novel and made me grin with anticipation.
This is the type of story that leads the reader on a merry chase, adding clues, and in the end, giving some answers, while leaving some up to your imagination. I enjoyed the inner workings of the printing/publishing company, where they print their books on site. The rationing of paper after WW2 causes some problems, which are resolved in unique ways.
Some secondary characters rile up the intricacies of this family’s unusual situation. Lucy was left with her aunt and uncle when her parents felt she’d be better off with them. Uncle George and Aunt Mabel always wanted children they couldn’t have, so Lucy was welcomed more than most children in similar situations.
War veteran Robert Underhill joins her Uncle’s small publishing company and is living in Lucy’s childhood home, staying in her old room. When Lucy decides to return home after her husband’s death, she resides in the attic of the publishing company in order to keep appearances proper. Robert has experienced his own wartime nightmares, so the two have that in common.
A book they acquire for publication has many mysteries, including the author who wrote it. Lucy’s curiosity and need for the truth leads her to many unexpected places. Robert follows along, at first out of curiosity as well, but the two work seamlessly together and form a bond.
This is a cute story with ethereal qualities that will appeal to ghost story lovers. It’s unexpected and very different from other books I’ve read like it. These nuances kept me reading to the end.
Lucy is a deep thinker and can be quite flowery with few words. Sometimes, I was at a loss at what she was referencing. I think it’s done to create ambiance and mystery, but sometimes her wanderings made me want to skip ahead to find out what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s first book, IN THE SHADOW OF WINTER (2015), so I had expectations. Other than historical time-frame, this book is too different from that first one to make a comparison. I enjoyed them both for various reasons.
Author Lorna Gray is extremely good at setting a scene and giving the reader a sense of place in the 1940s. I could hear the creak of the floorboards and smell the history of where books were made. The characters are well drawn with lots of telling motions like the tilt of a head that made me view the book as a movie, visually coming alive.
I really enjoyed where Lucy’s journey led us in pursuit of the truth. Her advent calendar meandered throughout the story, adding something beautiful at the end.
My only critique is a note for the publisher. It’s very confusing for readers to call a book by two different titles. As a reviewer, I requested the UK version instead of the US version, so now it’s hard to know which one to review, and if they’re different in any way. I’m going on the assumption that they’re the same exact book, but just know that I read the UK version, so that’s the one I’m reviewing.
But, for readers, I’m including the book covers and titles for both books in my review, so it makes more sense and you don’t purchase them both in duplication. Thankfully, the publisher sent me lovely graphics to use. I’ve reviewed UK books for almost two decades, so I love the nuances that make them different from US books. I hope you try this one and fall in love with a new-to-you author. At this moment, the eBook is on sale for .99 cents as THE BOOK GHOST, and the print version will be available on January 23, 2020 as MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS.
Although I found the characters delightful in MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS, aka THE BOOK GHOST, stepping back into the time of book presses renewed my love of all things bookish. Aptly rendered for the book lover in all of us – it’s a lovely way to spend a few hours with the history of books in an endearing story, with just enough of the holidays to make it festive.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital advanced copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
See the full color review at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.
Mrs P’s imaginings lead her on an adventure during the 1940s time of rationing. She always feels a presence. Could it possibly be a deceased loved one trying to communicate?
Lucinda “Lucy” Peuse, Mrs P to her co-workers, decides to work for her uncle while reorganizing her life after her husband’s death. Although she’s related to a line of spiritualists who believe in helping the dead move on, she never allowed them to do that for her husband. She wanted to hold him close in her heart, but not make him feel as if he’s tied on this earth to her.
The book begins with an apt description of the building and the people working in it, along with a quaint sense of humor provided by Mrs. P. It really sets the tone of this novel and made me grin with anticipation.
This is the type of story that leads the reader on a merry chase, adding clues, and in the end, giving some answers, while leaving some up to your imagination. I enjoyed the inner workings of the printing/publishing company, where they print their books on site. The rationing of paper after WW2 causes some problems, which are resolved in unique ways.
Some secondary characters rile up the intricacies of this family’s unusual situation. Lucy was left with her aunt and uncle when her parents felt she’d be better off with them. Uncle George and Aunt Mabel always wanted children they couldn’t have, so Lucy was welcomed more than most children in similar situations.
War veteran Robert Underhill joins her Uncle’s small publishing company and is living in Lucy’s childhood home, staying in her old room. When Lucy decides to return home after her husband’s death, she resides in the attic of the publishing company in order to keep appearances proper. Robert has experienced his own wartime nightmares, so the two have that in common.
A book they acquire for publication has many mysteries, including the author who wrote it. Lucy’s curiosity and need for the truth leads her to many unexpected places. Robert follows along, at first out of curiosity as well, but the two work seamlessly together and form a bond.
This is a cute story with ethereal qualities that will appeal to ghost story lovers. It’s unexpected and very different from other books I’ve read like it. These nuances kept me reading to the end.
Lucy is a deep thinker and can be quite flowery with few words. Sometimes, I was at a loss at what she was referencing. I think it’s done to create ambiance and mystery, but sometimes her wanderings made me want to skip ahead to find out what happens next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s first book, IN THE SHADOW OF WINTER (2015), so I had expectations. Other than historical time-frame, this book is too different from that first one to make a comparison. I enjoyed them both for various reasons.
Author Lorna Gray is extremely good at setting a scene and giving the reader a sense of place in the 1940s. I could hear the creak of the floorboards and smell the history of where books were made. The characters are well drawn with lots of telling motions like the tilt of a head that made me view the book as a movie, visually coming alive.
I really enjoyed where Lucy’s journey led us in pursuit of the truth. Her advent calendar meandered throughout the story, adding something beautiful at the end.
My only critique is a note for the publisher. It’s very confusing for readers to call a book by two different titles. As a reviewer, I requested the UK version instead of the US version, so now it’s hard to know which one to review, and if they’re different in any way. I’m going on the assumption that they’re the same exact book, but just know that I read the UK version, so that’s the one I’m reviewing.
But, for readers, I’m including the book covers and titles for both books in my review, so it makes more sense and you don’t purchase them both in duplication. Thankfully, the publisher sent me lovely graphics to use. I’ve reviewed UK books for almost two decades, so I love the nuances that make them different from US books. I hope you try this one and fall in love with a new-to-you author. At this moment, the eBook is on sale for .99 cents as THE BOOK GHOST, and the print version will be available on January 23, 2020 as MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS.
Although I found the characters delightful in MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS, aka THE BOOK GHOST, stepping back into the time of book presses renewed my love of all things bookish. Aptly rendered for the book lover in all of us – it’s a lovely way to spend a few hours with the history of books in an endearing story, with just enough of the holidays to make it festive.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital advanced copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
December 29, 2019
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Mrs P's Book of Secrets was a historical novel set in 1946 about the effects of war, grief, loss and how traces of the past always remain in the present. It wasn't perfect but it still had some interesting themes and was a gentle read for the frosty winter months.
The story was about a woman called Lucy Peuse or Mrs P. who lost her husband in World War II and was struggling to find her feet. She decided to return home to her aunt and uncle and join the small family publishing business, which was barely coping with the paper rationing, to try to help. She ended up getting drawn into the intrigue surrounding the new editor Robert, a former prisoner of war, and the mystery of the Ashbrook family, who they were publishing a book about.
Lucy constantly pretended to be fine, even when she wasn't, and she didn't always realise it. The loss of her husband had almost numbed her to herself but gradually the love of those around her made her come to terms with her feelings and rediscover her who she was. She developed a profound connection to the past and learnt the importance of keeping the memories of those who had passed away alive. She was always seen as more vulnerable and insecure by others simply because she was a widow but despite the way she was treated at times, she proved to be perfectly capable of looking after herself. It was nice seeing her and Robert open up to each other and find some peace.
Lucy was an intriguing and complex character although it was quite hard to understand her motivations at times. She was the type of person to obsess over every word said to her and infer hidden meanings that simply weren't there, sometimes creating an impression of awkwardness. The writing was long and rambling to reflect her way of thinking but the large sections of narration in between dialogue and her confusing train of thoughts did get quite annoying as it felt like the effect was needlessly overdone. What was well done however, was the portrayal of her grapple with her lingering grief and how she was afraid of recalling her husband's memory because it would just serve as a reminder of how when she lost him, she felt like she lost herself too.
Throughout the story, plot threads were picked up and dropped seemingly randomly so it was hard to see what its purpose was until the end. It seems the main messages were about how the scars of war can be deep and enduring but can also bring people together and about the importance of learning about and from the past whilst looking to the future. But most of all it was about how things that are meant to happen always do, but sometimes in a very roundabout way.
Overall, Mrs P's Book of Secrets was a pleasant story that was a welcome change from what I usually read, even though it had its flaws.
Characters: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Mrs P's Book of Secrets was a historical novel set in 1946 about the effects of war, grief, loss and how traces of the past always remain in the present. It wasn't perfect but it still had some interesting themes and was a gentle read for the frosty winter months.
The story was about a woman called Lucy Peuse or Mrs P. who lost her husband in World War II and was struggling to find her feet. She decided to return home to her aunt and uncle and join the small family publishing business, which was barely coping with the paper rationing, to try to help. She ended up getting drawn into the intrigue surrounding the new editor Robert, a former prisoner of war, and the mystery of the Ashbrook family, who they were publishing a book about.
Lucy constantly pretended to be fine, even when she wasn't, and she didn't always realise it. The loss of her husband had almost numbed her to herself but gradually the love of those around her made her come to terms with her feelings and rediscover her who she was. She developed a profound connection to the past and learnt the importance of keeping the memories of those who had passed away alive. She was always seen as more vulnerable and insecure by others simply because she was a widow but despite the way she was treated at times, she proved to be perfectly capable of looking after herself. It was nice seeing her and Robert open up to each other and find some peace.
Lucy was an intriguing and complex character although it was quite hard to understand her motivations at times. She was the type of person to obsess over every word said to her and infer hidden meanings that simply weren't there, sometimes creating an impression of awkwardness. The writing was long and rambling to reflect her way of thinking but the large sections of narration in between dialogue and her confusing train of thoughts did get quite annoying as it felt like the effect was needlessly overdone. What was well done however, was the portrayal of her grapple with her lingering grief and how she was afraid of recalling her husband's memory because it would just serve as a reminder of how when she lost him, she felt like she lost herself too.
Throughout the story, plot threads were picked up and dropped seemingly randomly so it was hard to see what its purpose was until the end. It seems the main messages were about how the scars of war can be deep and enduring but can also bring people together and about the importance of learning about and from the past whilst looking to the future. But most of all it was about how things that are meant to happen always do, but sometimes in a very roundabout way.
Overall, Mrs P's Book of Secrets was a pleasant story that was a welcome change from what I usually read, even though it had its flaws.
Thank you to One More Chapter for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions exchanged are my own. I received this book as a part of the author's #30daysofbookblogs event.
December 24, 2019
The story begins in 1946, just after the end of WWII, during the wintertime in the north Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marsh where Lucy, better known as Mrs P has come back home to help out in her aging aunt and uncles’ publishing house “Kershaw and Kathay Book Press”.
Lucy’s husband was just killed during the war, and despite her experience is now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back are dealing with their own trauma from the war and I find that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story is told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it feels very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book for HF fans who are interested in the post WWII England setting.
Lucy’s husband was just killed during the war, and despite her experience is now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back are dealing with their own trauma from the war and I find that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story is told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it feels very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book for HF fans who are interested in the post WWII England setting.
January 1, 2020
The story begins in 1946, just after the end of WWII, during the wintertime in the north Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marsh, There, Lucy better known as Mrs P has come back home to help out with her aging aunt and uncles’ publishing house “Kershaw and Kathay Book Press”.
Lucy’s husband was recently killed during the war, and despite her experience was now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back were dealing with their own trauma from the war and I found that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story was told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it felt very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though but I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book to HF fans who have interest in the post WWII England setting.
Lucy’s husband was recently killed during the war, and despite her experience was now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back were dealing with their own trauma from the war and I found that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story was told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it felt very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though but I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book to HF fans who have interest in the post WWII England setting.
December 13, 2019
I have been really looking forward to reading a new Lorna Gray book, I love her attention to detail, her passion for the era and the stories which she tells radiates off the pages, it’s immersive and atmospheric. I do have to say first that I did feel a little misled when I started reading as the story itself does feel different to what the back blurb hints at. I did expect a bit more of the supernatural feel to it, but I liked how that aspect of the story was hinted at.
The story is written in the first person, through Lucy’s eyes which allows the reader to really see how much of a low patch she is in, unable and unsure of how to move forward after losing her husband who she only really knew for a short period of time, yet that doesn’t diminish her loss. She has sunk into a bit of a depression, her mind is broken and it is actually very uncomfortable reading at times as we get to know her and are privy to her inner thoughts, but also crucial for the story.
It is 1946, Lucy (Mrs P) finds herself not only widowed but unemployed, she has no choice but to go home, back to the relatives who raised her; her aunt and uncle who basically takes pity on her current state and gives her a job as a receptionist in their family-run publishing house. But as with a lot of women in the same situation life just isn’t the same, she feels a little put out she doesn’t feel she belongs there. Once at her aunt and uncles she meets the new editor; Robert Undershill, a former prisoner of war who has shadows that cloud his mind as he too tries to move forward with his life.
The project Robert is working on soon reveals old and hidden secret of an unknown little girl, that little girl is missing and it is a mystery that Lucy feels she needs to uncover, plus she wants to understand the mystery behind where Robert frequently disappears off to, what is he hiding? What are his secrets and how is it all connected? These questions are hidden in the story.
This really is one my favourite period in British history, it is a harsh and yet fascinating moment in history. The war is over, there is a moment of peace, yet the county is still on rations and will be for quite some years to come, life is hard for everyone. The men who survived are now returning and having to find a place in this completely different society, they not only must find their feet again but most have to overcome great trauma, not just physically but mentally they are broken. Most can’t return to their old lives as they don’t exist anymore and when they do everything has changed. Women who have been keeping the country going either in the fields with the land army or in the factories are now being told to return to their homes. Then there are those who a loved never returned to them, young women who may have had only months or weeks with their husbands, never really knowing them are now widows. I have always found stories from this particular era fascinating. Lorna Gray really grasp hold of that uncertainty which people would have been feeling during the time, she writes Lucy’s emotional conflict towards her life, what she starts to feel for Robert with such sensitivity and realism.
This isn’t the type of book that you can settle in to read in a weekend, then put it down and come back the weekend after when times allows, no it makes you take notice you really need to put 100% concentration into this to fully grasp the happenings within the pages, but if you do put all your focus and mind into the story you will be hugely rewarded as this is a beautifully written, complex, poignant and very loving story all about family, finding one’s feet after trauma and how important true friends are to a person. I can guarantee that if you really delve into this one and look past the misleading back blurb you will love it.
The story is written in the first person, through Lucy’s eyes which allows the reader to really see how much of a low patch she is in, unable and unsure of how to move forward after losing her husband who she only really knew for a short period of time, yet that doesn’t diminish her loss. She has sunk into a bit of a depression, her mind is broken and it is actually very uncomfortable reading at times as we get to know her and are privy to her inner thoughts, but also crucial for the story.
It is 1946, Lucy (Mrs P) finds herself not only widowed but unemployed, she has no choice but to go home, back to the relatives who raised her; her aunt and uncle who basically takes pity on her current state and gives her a job as a receptionist in their family-run publishing house. But as with a lot of women in the same situation life just isn’t the same, she feels a little put out she doesn’t feel she belongs there. Once at her aunt and uncles she meets the new editor; Robert Undershill, a former prisoner of war who has shadows that cloud his mind as he too tries to move forward with his life.
The project Robert is working on soon reveals old and hidden secret of an unknown little girl, that little girl is missing and it is a mystery that Lucy feels she needs to uncover, plus she wants to understand the mystery behind where Robert frequently disappears off to, what is he hiding? What are his secrets and how is it all connected? These questions are hidden in the story.
This really is one my favourite period in British history, it is a harsh and yet fascinating moment in history. The war is over, there is a moment of peace, yet the county is still on rations and will be for quite some years to come, life is hard for everyone. The men who survived are now returning and having to find a place in this completely different society, they not only must find their feet again but most have to overcome great trauma, not just physically but mentally they are broken. Most can’t return to their old lives as they don’t exist anymore and when they do everything has changed. Women who have been keeping the country going either in the fields with the land army or in the factories are now being told to return to their homes. Then there are those who a loved never returned to them, young women who may have had only months or weeks with their husbands, never really knowing them are now widows. I have always found stories from this particular era fascinating. Lorna Gray really grasp hold of that uncertainty which people would have been feeling during the time, she writes Lucy’s emotional conflict towards her life, what she starts to feel for Robert with such sensitivity and realism.
This isn’t the type of book that you can settle in to read in a weekend, then put it down and come back the weekend after when times allows, no it makes you take notice you really need to put 100% concentration into this to fully grasp the happenings within the pages, but if you do put all your focus and mind into the story you will be hugely rewarded as this is a beautifully written, complex, poignant and very loving story all about family, finding one’s feet after trauma and how important true friends are to a person. I can guarantee that if you really delve into this one and look past the misleading back blurb you will love it.
January 7, 2020
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Mrs P’s Book of Secrets was amazing historical fiction with concoction of mystery, history, romance and ghost. It was about life after war and death of loved ones, tragedy of WWII, loss, grief, setting the soul free of that loss, finding friendship and love, and haunting shadows.
Writing was beautiful, lyrical, and filled with emotion. The setting of Cotswold, in 1946- the time period after WWII and postwar effects in the town and on characters was wonderfully captured. The book was first person narrative from Mrs. P’s POV.
It started with Lucy working at her Uncle’s Kershaw and Kathy Book Press as a secretary, typist, and receptionist after she lost her husband in WWII. First few chapters were about why she left her spiritualist mother, her love for her Uncle George and aunt Mabell who brought her up, her life as widow, settling in the routine of office and her new residence in the attic of the press building, her insecurity on finding reserved new editor, Robert Underhill so close to her uncle, living in their home where she lived all her life.
When Robert and her uncle started acting out of character, she knew they were hiding something. There were gossips roaming around the town about Robert and his frequent disappearance that made her form preconception and doubts until she started working on a manuscript dedicated to an orphan girl.
What was the secret between Robert and Uncle George was revealed pretty soon. But what made the story mysterious and intricate was Orphan girl, Harriet’s story in the Ashbrook mansion. And then there was a mystery of shadowed ghost that came with dark silence in Lucy’s life.
Lucy (Mrs. Lucinda Peuse) aka Mrs. P was most interesting and my favorite character. She was brave independent soul. Her struggle as a widow, inequality at workplace she felt and society’s probing question about her rank at her uncle’s press rattled her. She was struggling with her husband’s death in war and it affected more than she realized but she faced world and her life bravely. Her love and care for her uncle and aunt was lovely to read. I didn’t appreciate her forgiveness to Dr. Bates at first. I didn’t like that man but he sure gave story a dramatic touch. I didn’t even understand why she would give him a chance and advantage but I was happy when she finally confronted him and cleared his mind. Her development in the story was wonderful. I loved the way she found love, peace and freedom at last.
Robert was caring, responsible and lovely gentleman. He also had his past and secrets. There was this constant fear if he would be staying with Lucy and the press or would leave as all said. It created uncertainty regarding his action and character but in contrary he was so sure and confident person. His development was also nice and I loved the way he supported and understood Lucy.
The bond between Lucy and Robert was great. I loved reading how Lucy’s misconception was cleared as she got to know Robert more during their trips for manuscript’s edits. Conversation between them were well written. They understood each other pretty well. Both had tragic past and they both were struggling with freedom, searching for who they really were and what they want to do. It was amazing to see their relation turning from colleague to friends and then lover. Robert’s idea of proposing was lovely and romantic.
What I loved most was historical aspect and Ashbrook and Harriet’s story. I didn’t know anything about struggle of small publishing press in this era. I was reading all the details with fascination – about the short of papers supplies, how publishing house worked, and editors taking follows ups from author. Jacqueline’s enthusiasm, her stories about Ashbrooks was magnetic. I agreed with Lucy’s thought on those stories. Even though some of it she believed were Jacqueline’s imagination, the message she delivered about legacy and memories were amazing. Diphtheria outbreak at that time was also covered through this story.
It was interesting tale and there was more to it. The old dilapidated mansion of Ashbrook made Lucy confront her own past, loss and grief. She never truly got over her husband’s death. There was that fear and mental damage buried deep that came rushing back when she got invested in Ashbrook and Harriet’s story.
Climax was clever turn in the story. It surprised me. I was curious to see if the ghost was real or not and where it was leading Lucy and Robert. The revelation came soon after climax and it was brilliant. End was good. The conclusion of justice to the person’s name and image and set free to love again and choosing the path that makes person happy was satisfying.
Why 4 Stars-
The book progressed a bit slowly which was not exactly my main issue but around climax it got really complicated. At one point (after climax, of course) I could put a finger on what was the real ghost and then that end made it confusing. It’s a kind of book that needs full concentration which was hardly possible with my daughter around. I advise you read this if there is zero disturbance.
Overall, it was interesting, intricate, and inspirational historical fiction which was both beautiful and poignant.
*** Note: I received e-copy this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author and publisher. ***
Mrs P’s Book of Secrets was amazing historical fiction with concoction of mystery, history, romance and ghost. It was about life after war and death of loved ones, tragedy of WWII, loss, grief, setting the soul free of that loss, finding friendship and love, and haunting shadows.
Writing was beautiful, lyrical, and filled with emotion. The setting of Cotswold, in 1946- the time period after WWII and postwar effects in the town and on characters was wonderfully captured. The book was first person narrative from Mrs. P’s POV.
It started with Lucy working at her Uncle’s Kershaw and Kathy Book Press as a secretary, typist, and receptionist after she lost her husband in WWII. First few chapters were about why she left her spiritualist mother, her love for her Uncle George and aunt Mabell who brought her up, her life as widow, settling in the routine of office and her new residence in the attic of the press building, her insecurity on finding reserved new editor, Robert Underhill so close to her uncle, living in their home where she lived all her life.
When Robert and her uncle started acting out of character, she knew they were hiding something. There were gossips roaming around the town about Robert and his frequent disappearance that made her form preconception and doubts until she started working on a manuscript dedicated to an orphan girl.
What was the secret between Robert and Uncle George was revealed pretty soon. But what made the story mysterious and intricate was Orphan girl, Harriet’s story in the Ashbrook mansion. And then there was a mystery of shadowed ghost that came with dark silence in Lucy’s life.
Lucy (Mrs. Lucinda Peuse) aka Mrs. P was most interesting and my favorite character. She was brave independent soul. Her struggle as a widow, inequality at workplace she felt and society’s probing question about her rank at her uncle’s press rattled her. She was struggling with her husband’s death in war and it affected more than she realized but she faced world and her life bravely. Her love and care for her uncle and aunt was lovely to read. I didn’t appreciate her forgiveness to Dr. Bates at first. I didn’t like that man but he sure gave story a dramatic touch. I didn’t even understand why she would give him a chance and advantage but I was happy when she finally confronted him and cleared his mind. Her development in the story was wonderful. I loved the way she found love, peace and freedom at last.
Robert was caring, responsible and lovely gentleman. He also had his past and secrets. There was this constant fear if he would be staying with Lucy and the press or would leave as all said. It created uncertainty regarding his action and character but in contrary he was so sure and confident person. His development was also nice and I loved the way he supported and understood Lucy.
The bond between Lucy and Robert was great. I loved reading how Lucy’s misconception was cleared as she got to know Robert more during their trips for manuscript’s edits. Conversation between them were well written. They understood each other pretty well. Both had tragic past and they both were struggling with freedom, searching for who they really were and what they want to do. It was amazing to see their relation turning from colleague to friends and then lover. Robert’s idea of proposing was lovely and romantic.
What I loved most was historical aspect and Ashbrook and Harriet’s story. I didn’t know anything about struggle of small publishing press in this era. I was reading all the details with fascination – about the short of papers supplies, how publishing house worked, and editors taking follows ups from author. Jacqueline’s enthusiasm, her stories about Ashbrooks was magnetic. I agreed with Lucy’s thought on those stories. Even though some of it she believed were Jacqueline’s imagination, the message she delivered about legacy and memories were amazing. Diphtheria outbreak at that time was also covered through this story.
It was interesting tale and there was more to it. The old dilapidated mansion of Ashbrook made Lucy confront her own past, loss and grief. She never truly got over her husband’s death. There was that fear and mental damage buried deep that came rushing back when she got invested in Ashbrook and Harriet’s story.
Climax was clever turn in the story. It surprised me. I was curious to see if the ghost was real or not and where it was leading Lucy and Robert. The revelation came soon after climax and it was brilliant. End was good. The conclusion of justice to the person’s name and image and set free to love again and choosing the path that makes person happy was satisfying.
Why 4 Stars-
The book progressed a bit slowly which was not exactly my main issue but around climax it got really complicated. At one point (after climax, of course) I could put a finger on what was the real ghost and then that end made it confusing. It’s a kind of book that needs full concentration which was hardly possible with my daughter around. I advise you read this if there is zero disturbance.
Overall, it was interesting, intricate, and inspirational historical fiction which was both beautiful and poignant.
*** Note: I received e-copy this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author and publisher. ***
January 1, 2020
This book is set post World War 2 and shows the difficulties of settling into to a normal life, when life has irrevocably changed for so many and may never be the same again. Lucy, the eponymous Mrs P, is a war widow and trying to get back to normality has meant returning to live in the room above the publishing office, where she lived as a child with her beloved aunt and uncle. Although having worked as an editor herself during the war, there is neither enough work nor money in her uncle's business so she is employed as a receptionist/clerk, while still carrying out some editing work. The other editor, Robert Underhill, spent almost all the war as a prisoner of war and his experiences have made him understandably quiet and reserved.
In the US, the title of the novel is The Book Ghost. The ghost could refer to a little girl who Lucy comes across through a book she is editing and she, and others, are distressed to find there seems to be little trace of her existence. No grave stone, no line on the family tomb, no mention in any newspapers. Lucy is drawn to this child, perhaps due to her own experiences as a child and in more recent years, and becomes quite obsessive in her quest to find out what happened to her. Many of the characters in the book are haunted by ghosts of the past and themes of grief and guilt are strong.
The book is written very much in the style of the time, you can almost hear the clipped accents of the characters. This added to the authenticity of the book which has clearly been extensively researched. It also means it's a book you can't whizz through and that's fine. There were times when I felt a bit confused about the way the story was going and I did have to take my time to make sure I understood fully. The story demands and deserves your full attention. The author has brought to life the way people lived and behaved in the post war era and I was particularly interested in the workings of a small publishers at this time.
Mrs P's Book of Secrets is a gentle story of new opportunities, second chances and adjusting to new ways of life. There are several mysteries to be solved throughout the book with the author leaving small clues about characters and secrets which all come together at the end. I found this to be an unusual and quietly compelling read.
In the US, the title of the novel is The Book Ghost. The ghost could refer to a little girl who Lucy comes across through a book she is editing and she, and others, are distressed to find there seems to be little trace of her existence. No grave stone, no line on the family tomb, no mention in any newspapers. Lucy is drawn to this child, perhaps due to her own experiences as a child and in more recent years, and becomes quite obsessive in her quest to find out what happened to her. Many of the characters in the book are haunted by ghosts of the past and themes of grief and guilt are strong.
The book is written very much in the style of the time, you can almost hear the clipped accents of the characters. This added to the authenticity of the book which has clearly been extensively researched. It also means it's a book you can't whizz through and that's fine. There were times when I felt a bit confused about the way the story was going and I did have to take my time to make sure I understood fully. The story demands and deserves your full attention. The author has brought to life the way people lived and behaved in the post war era and I was particularly interested in the workings of a small publishers at this time.
Mrs P's Book of Secrets is a gentle story of new opportunities, second chances and adjusting to new ways of life. There are several mysteries to be solved throughout the book with the author leaving small clues about characters and secrets which all come together at the end. I found this to be an unusual and quietly compelling read.
January 15, 2020
I really enjoyed how the author conjured up the slightly antiquated atmosphere of the bookshop, publishing office, print room and attic which are the main settings for the story.
The story progresses at a gentle pace with the occasional moment of melodrama but a lot of the reader's time is spent inside the head of Mrs P as she continually seeks to interpret other's words, actions, gestures and emotions, particularly those of the new editor, Robert Underhill. Whilst much personal interaction is, as the author so aptly describes it, 'an endless dance around the edge of misunderstanding', at times this introspection and constant second-guessing risked distracting from the story. However, I can also see it reflected Mrs P's own uncertainty about her position, how others regard her and her abilities, and the general reluctance of many to talk of things related to the war. So many questions that can't be asked for fear of touching on some hidden trauma.
The mystery surrounding the young girl mentioned in the book Robert Underhill is editing reflects one of the underlying themes of the book, that the dead still 'exist' as long as someone remembers them or their presence is recorded in some way, whether through stories, artefacts or even the places they lived. 'The ghosts of this world are all around in the words and actions of those who have gone before.'
Eventually Mrs P reaches the point where she can remember her dead husband, not as merely a husband, but by name and can begin to see a fulfilling future role for herself.
Mrs P' s Book of Secrets is a thoughtful exploration of the legacy of war and how people face the challenges of making new lives for themselves.
The story progresses at a gentle pace with the occasional moment of melodrama but a lot of the reader's time is spent inside the head of Mrs P as she continually seeks to interpret other's words, actions, gestures and emotions, particularly those of the new editor, Robert Underhill. Whilst much personal interaction is, as the author so aptly describes it, 'an endless dance around the edge of misunderstanding', at times this introspection and constant second-guessing risked distracting from the story. However, I can also see it reflected Mrs P's own uncertainty about her position, how others regard her and her abilities, and the general reluctance of many to talk of things related to the war. So many questions that can't be asked for fear of touching on some hidden trauma.
The mystery surrounding the young girl mentioned in the book Robert Underhill is editing reflects one of the underlying themes of the book, that the dead still 'exist' as long as someone remembers them or their presence is recorded in some way, whether through stories, artefacts or even the places they lived. 'The ghosts of this world are all around in the words and actions of those who have gone before.'
Eventually Mrs P reaches the point where she can remember her dead husband, not as merely a husband, but by name and can begin to see a fulfilling future role for herself.
Mrs P' s Book of Secrets is a thoughtful exploration of the legacy of war and how people face the challenges of making new lives for themselves.
December 14, 2019
"The Cotswolds, Christmastime 1946: A young widow leaves behind the tragedy of her wartime life, and returns home to her ageing aunt and uncle. For Lucy – known as Mrs P – and the people who raised her, the books that line the walls of the family publishing business bring comfort and the promise of new beginnings.
But the kind and reserved new editor at the Kershaw and Kathay Book Press is a former prisoner of war, and he has his own shadows to bear. And when the old secrets of a little girl’s abandonment are uncovered within the pages of Robert Underhills’s latest project, Lucy must work quickly if she is to understand the truth behind his frequent trips away.
For a ghost dwells in the record of an orphan girl’s last days. And even as Lucy dares to risk her heart, the grief of her own past seems to be whispering a warning of fresh loss…
There are no white shrouded spectres here, no wailing ghouls. Just the echoes of those who have passed, whispering that history is set to repeat itself."
________________________________
I did enjoy this book for the most part, but writing this next bit will likely make it sound quite the opposite, but it seems that there is a whole lot of nothing happening and it progresses quite slowly as a result. I wasn't bored exactly, but there was really very little happening for some time. Things did eventually start to pick up a bit, but the storyline was still dragging and then rather abuptly it ends, with things mostly resolved.
The most honest thing that I can say is that this book takes place almost entirely inside Lucy's thoughts while she doubts and obsesses over how others perceive and respond to her and her actions. It was exhausting at times.
The Book Ghost manages to give the sense that a lot is happening, but also somehow that nothing is happening...it was a very strange feeling. I really wanted to like this book more, but it just fell flat. It constantly felt like it was building up to something that never came. I had to push myself to finish the book. The characters seemed 1-dimensional and I didn't feel any connection with them at all.
The thing that bothered me the most is that I was given the impression that The Book Ghost was going to be some form of gothic mystery with a bit of romance, the book blurb was misleading. The gothic element was mainly an impression and it was very light on romance, as in there was almost none. As for the mystery, there is a bit of one, but it seems to fade in and out of importance.
More than anything else, I think this is a book about trauma. Learning to cope with it and learning to overcome it. If this book were mainly a story of grief and trauma, I think it would have worked better.
_____
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book by sharing an eARC with me. This is my honest review.
But the kind and reserved new editor at the Kershaw and Kathay Book Press is a former prisoner of war, and he has his own shadows to bear. And when the old secrets of a little girl’s abandonment are uncovered within the pages of Robert Underhills’s latest project, Lucy must work quickly if she is to understand the truth behind his frequent trips away.
For a ghost dwells in the record of an orphan girl’s last days. And even as Lucy dares to risk her heart, the grief of her own past seems to be whispering a warning of fresh loss…
There are no white shrouded spectres here, no wailing ghouls. Just the echoes of those who have passed, whispering that history is set to repeat itself."
________________________________
I did enjoy this book for the most part, but writing this next bit will likely make it sound quite the opposite, but it seems that there is a whole lot of nothing happening and it progresses quite slowly as a result. I wasn't bored exactly, but there was really very little happening for some time. Things did eventually start to pick up a bit, but the storyline was still dragging and then rather abuptly it ends, with things mostly resolved.
The most honest thing that I can say is that this book takes place almost entirely inside Lucy's thoughts while she doubts and obsesses over how others perceive and respond to her and her actions. It was exhausting at times.
The Book Ghost manages to give the sense that a lot is happening, but also somehow that nothing is happening...it was a very strange feeling. I really wanted to like this book more, but it just fell flat. It constantly felt like it was building up to something that never came. I had to push myself to finish the book. The characters seemed 1-dimensional and I didn't feel any connection with them at all.
The thing that bothered me the most is that I was given the impression that The Book Ghost was going to be some form of gothic mystery with a bit of romance, the book blurb was misleading. The gothic element was mainly an impression and it was very light on romance, as in there was almost none. As for the mystery, there is a bit of one, but it seems to fade in and out of importance.
More than anything else, I think this is a book about trauma. Learning to cope with it and learning to overcome it. If this book were mainly a story of grief and trauma, I think it would have worked better.
_____
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book by sharing an eARC with me. This is my honest review.
December 31, 2019
The story begins in 1946, just after the end of WWII, during the wintertime in the north Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marsh where Lucy, better known as Mrs P has come back home to help out in her aging aunt and uncles’ publishing house “Kershaw and Kathay Book Press”.
Lucy’s husband was just killed during the war, and despite her experience is now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back are dealing with their own trauma from the war and I find that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story is told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it feels very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book for HF fans who are interested in the post WWII England setting.
Lucy’s husband was just killed during the war, and despite her experience is now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back are dealing with their own trauma from the war and I find that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story is told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it feels very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book for HF fans who are interested in the post WWII England setting.
December 18, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley.
A fresh premise, quirky characters, and some twists along the way are just some of the reasons why I enjoyed MRS P'S BOOK OF SECRETS by Lorna Gray.
Lucy, now known as Mrs P, lost her husband during the war and is trying to forge ahead with her life as best she can. Moving back home to her aunt and uncle in the Cotswolds seems to be exactly what she needs and when she starts working for her uncle's publishing business, Lucy finds a certain sense of peace among the books that surround her. With only her uncle and the quiet and always reserved Mr Robert Underhill working there, the job is not exactly tasking, but as everyone tries to get used to life after war and all that that entails, Lucy feels lucky to have this place to occupy her thoughts. But when a new manuscript that Robert is working on appears to throw up a mystery about a little girl, Lucy gets caught up in this search for the truth. But facing the ghosts of the past is not always easy and as old pain resurfaces, can Lucy open herself up to love once again?
It is obvious that the author has researched the time period extremely well as I felt that I had stepped back in time instantly and I was caught up in the reality of that post-war era. The characters are well-developed and likeable, and I enjoyed getting to know more about Robert and Lucy as the story developed.
MRS P'S BOOK OF SECRETS by Lorna Gray is a wonderful tale of friendship, grief, and opening yourself up to new possibilities, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
A fresh premise, quirky characters, and some twists along the way are just some of the reasons why I enjoyed MRS P'S BOOK OF SECRETS by Lorna Gray.
Lucy, now known as Mrs P, lost her husband during the war and is trying to forge ahead with her life as best she can. Moving back home to her aunt and uncle in the Cotswolds seems to be exactly what she needs and when she starts working for her uncle's publishing business, Lucy finds a certain sense of peace among the books that surround her. With only her uncle and the quiet and always reserved Mr Robert Underhill working there, the job is not exactly tasking, but as everyone tries to get used to life after war and all that that entails, Lucy feels lucky to have this place to occupy her thoughts. But when a new manuscript that Robert is working on appears to throw up a mystery about a little girl, Lucy gets caught up in this search for the truth. But facing the ghosts of the past is not always easy and as old pain resurfaces, can Lucy open herself up to love once again?
It is obvious that the author has researched the time period extremely well as I felt that I had stepped back in time instantly and I was caught up in the reality of that post-war era. The characters are well-developed and likeable, and I enjoyed getting to know more about Robert and Lucy as the story developed.
MRS P'S BOOK OF SECRETS by Lorna Gray is a wonderful tale of friendship, grief, and opening yourself up to new possibilities, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 20, 2019
This is the second book of Ms. Lorna Gray that I tried to truly get through.
A continuation of the main character, Lucy who is a war widow under the guise of Ms. P. in her uncles publishing house. The title seemed interesting enough, however the story fell short and pretty much was not to my liking. Not one for ghosts etc., I could not get into this book as with the other book.
The story felt a bit underdeveloped as well as some of the characters that could have made the book more enjoyable if more work was done on their roles in the book. Again, a bit too wordy which made it a bit boring and had to push my way through to the end.
I sincerely thank the author, Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my fair and honest review of this novel.
Modest 2-Stars.
A continuation of the main character, Lucy who is a war widow under the guise of Ms. P. in her uncles publishing house. The title seemed interesting enough, however the story fell short and pretty much was not to my liking. Not one for ghosts etc., I could not get into this book as with the other book.
The story felt a bit underdeveloped as well as some of the characters that could have made the book more enjoyable if more work was done on their roles in the book. Again, a bit too wordy which made it a bit boring and had to push my way through to the end.
I sincerely thank the author, Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my fair and honest review of this novel.
Modest 2-Stars.
February 19, 2020
I think I must be in the minority here because while I was excited at the prospect of reading THE BOOK GHOST and I had high hopes for it, I was so disappointed with it. I love historical fiction and losing myself to a world of books, so I thought this would be fantastic nod to that part of me. Not so.
Set in the beautiful Cotswolds in the post war ear of 1946, THE BOOK GHOST, aka "Mrs P's Book of Secrets", opens with a load of confusing waffle from seances to a book press. So much of what is written is so random I found it hard to correlate just what was going on. For example, when Lucy was talking to Robert Underhill, her uncle George bustles in and out of nowhere begins to relate to the other man how Lucy came to live with them. I mean, what the hell was that about? And why was it is important to tell him that snippet of information at that moment in time? I just didn't understand it. The rest of it just seemed to be ramblings that chopped and changed in direction and subject like a distracted person with ADHD.
I did try to like the book. But it was just so difficult as I couldn't immerse myself in the story without it feeling like a tennis match. I didn't know where to to look or what I was meant to see because everything just seemed to ramble. I know what the premise tells me the story is about but there was no sign of anything like that until at least 30% in and by then my interest had waned and I really didn't care for the mystery of this child anymore. It wasn't at all what I thought it would be and I couldn't connect to Lucy at all.
Two things I hate in books are long chapters (though I can live with them) and loads of endless descriptive narration, which in this case jumped from hither to nither leaving me wondering what it was she was talking about. The writing was long and rambling and if there was a purpose in that then I missed it because I simply lost patience trying to decipher Lucy's waffle.
I love my historical fiction to be beautiful easy reads. I don't mind some complexities but I found THE BOOK GHOST to be such hard work I was exhausted just reading a chapter. I dreaded picking it back up again. And if I am at a point where I literally have to force myself to continue the book then I know it's missed its mark completely with me.
THE BOOK GHOST had an interesting premise that just didn't live up to expectations, sadly. Life's too short to get bogged down with books you don't enjoy, so move on. Which is what I did. But you just might enjoy it!
I would like to thank #LornaGray, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheBookGhost in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Set in the beautiful Cotswolds in the post war ear of 1946, THE BOOK GHOST, aka "Mrs P's Book of Secrets", opens with a load of confusing waffle from seances to a book press. So much of what is written is so random I found it hard to correlate just what was going on. For example, when Lucy was talking to Robert Underhill, her uncle George bustles in and out of nowhere begins to relate to the other man how Lucy came to live with them. I mean, what the hell was that about? And why was it is important to tell him that snippet of information at that moment in time? I just didn't understand it. The rest of it just seemed to be ramblings that chopped and changed in direction and subject like a distracted person with ADHD.
I did try to like the book. But it was just so difficult as I couldn't immerse myself in the story without it feeling like a tennis match. I didn't know where to to look or what I was meant to see because everything just seemed to ramble. I know what the premise tells me the story is about but there was no sign of anything like that until at least 30% in and by then my interest had waned and I really didn't care for the mystery of this child anymore. It wasn't at all what I thought it would be and I couldn't connect to Lucy at all.
Two things I hate in books are long chapters (though I can live with them) and loads of endless descriptive narration, which in this case jumped from hither to nither leaving me wondering what it was she was talking about. The writing was long and rambling and if there was a purpose in that then I missed it because I simply lost patience trying to decipher Lucy's waffle.
I love my historical fiction to be beautiful easy reads. I don't mind some complexities but I found THE BOOK GHOST to be such hard work I was exhausted just reading a chapter. I dreaded picking it back up again. And if I am at a point where I literally have to force myself to continue the book then I know it's missed its mark completely with me.
THE BOOK GHOST had an interesting premise that just didn't live up to expectations, sadly. Life's too short to get bogged down with books you don't enjoy, so move on. Which is what I did. But you just might enjoy it!
I would like to thank #LornaGray, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheBookGhost in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 30, 2019
The Book Ghost by Lorna Gray (stunning cover) is a mixture of historical fiction with period drama taking place in England just after WWII . With an interesting focus more on the aftermath of the war and picking up the pieces of lives that have been devastated directly and indirectly. How does one move on from such loss?
‘I thought you were making it worse because you were making me admit all the parts of me that hurt. Then I found it was good to learn to talk to you because I caught a glimpse of a way out if I would just learn that I can tell you anything.’
The tale is mostly about a struggling publishing company and the blossoming relationship between Lucy a war widow , and Robert a former POW. A mostly misunderstood and awkward relationship which, although drawn out at times, thankfully finds resolution by books end. There is somewhat of a mystery, nothing incredibly gothic or ghostly revolving around a book they were editing. My main issue concerns the writing structure, that being, so much takes place in Lucy’s thoughts. A conversation will be initiated and seemingly several paragraphs later, Lucy will reply after much rumination and contemplation. It’s frustrating and painful to have to go back and read what the original question was.
I did persevere though and was happy with the outcome. Ghost story it is not. It is a quiet and gentle book about two people dealing with their emotions of the outfall from war. I appreciated this focus as a bridge between the atrocities that were and how to live again with renewed expectation and hope.
‘A person’s grasp on permanence didn’t only dwell the physical traces constructed by them in the course of their lives. It grew gently, selflessly, in the thoughts given freely by of those of us who were still living, who cared to remember them and speak their names now that they were gone.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘I thought you were making it worse because you were making me admit all the parts of me that hurt. Then I found it was good to learn to talk to you because I caught a glimpse of a way out if I would just learn that I can tell you anything.’
The tale is mostly about a struggling publishing company and the blossoming relationship between Lucy a war widow , and Robert a former POW. A mostly misunderstood and awkward relationship which, although drawn out at times, thankfully finds resolution by books end. There is somewhat of a mystery, nothing incredibly gothic or ghostly revolving around a book they were editing. My main issue concerns the writing structure, that being, so much takes place in Lucy’s thoughts. A conversation will be initiated and seemingly several paragraphs later, Lucy will reply after much rumination and contemplation. It’s frustrating and painful to have to go back and read what the original question was.
I did persevere though and was happy with the outcome. Ghost story it is not. It is a quiet and gentle book about two people dealing with their emotions of the outfall from war. I appreciated this focus as a bridge between the atrocities that were and how to live again with renewed expectation and hope.
‘A person’s grasp on permanence didn’t only dwell the physical traces constructed by them in the course of their lives. It grew gently, selflessly, in the thoughts given freely by of those of us who were still living, who cared to remember them and speak their names now that they were gone.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 5, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Book Ghost by Lorna Gray is a story that takes place shortly after the end of World War II. Widow Lucy Peuse has returned home to help out the aunt and uncle who raised her in their small publishing business. Things are much changed and the former prisoner of war Robert Underhill that her uncle hired as an editor seems to have usurped her place in the family home and business and secrets and mysteries abound both with her family and in the manuscript that Robert is editing and passes on to her. As Lucy comes to understand that only by dealing with her grief and the ghosts of the past that seem to haunt her present she finds first friendship and then perhaps love with Robert. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it. Publishing Date December 14, 2019. #NetGalley #TheBooKGhost #LornaGray
#HistoricalFiction #bookstagram #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #GeneralFiction #historicalromance
#HistoricalFiction #bookstagram #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #GeneralFiction #historicalromance
January 14, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for review.
This is a cute little novel but you have to have patience with it and read it purely as an atmospheric diversion. I suppose it's just a bit of a mystery, but the mystery is mostly about what Robert (Lucy P's boss and eventual love interest) is up to when he travels. There's also a bit of a mystery about fact checking for a book, I suppose.
What I liked: The novel is set in the Cotswolds just after WWII. I have spent only a too-brief time in that area, but I recognized names like Stow-on Wold and Weston-Super-Mare, names that could only be English, and that tickled me, as did the descriptions of the old buildings in the villages. I also kind of liked Mrs. P. We are in her head for a first-person narrative, and you get a very stream of consciousness narrative indeed. She says "what I mean to say is" many times and then tells you what she thought in a different way, just in case you didn't understand her train of thought the first time. This tells you more about Mrs. P. but I found it sort of clunky way to get to know her. And most of the book is her thoughts about what other people say and do around her and her analysis of that, so if you aren't into analyzing people in miniscule detail you will probably get impatient ( I did and I even like doing this). Mrs. P. is very determined to be independent, and you can see that she will be falling in love before the book is over so all her determination never to be a burden or inconvenience to anyone can't last, because love is nothing if not inconvenient and occasionally selfless.
I both did and didn't like that Lucy worked for a very small town publisher. I love reading books about books and liked the idea of a small press (essentially a vanity press really) that put out obscure books about a housekeeper's hidden knowledge of herbology or a manor that secretly bred giraffes (could this be real? seems like it almost has to have come from somewhere). I think the author has decent knowledge about publishing, but the book got into the weeds a bit too much about tiny details (again).
What I mean to say is, what I didn't like about the book is that it got into details about things so much that it ended up feeling like filler. Not much actually happened and I ended up losing steam and not finishing this rather short book. If I had a whole day and infinite hot chocolate with a cozy blanket, I might have finished it, but while I enjoyed it while I was reading I wasn't hooked enough to come back to it after I put the book down.
This is a cute little novel but you have to have patience with it and read it purely as an atmospheric diversion. I suppose it's just a bit of a mystery, but the mystery is mostly about what Robert (Lucy P's boss and eventual love interest) is up to when he travels. There's also a bit of a mystery about fact checking for a book, I suppose.
What I liked: The novel is set in the Cotswolds just after WWII. I have spent only a too-brief time in that area, but I recognized names like Stow-on Wold and Weston-Super-Mare, names that could only be English, and that tickled me, as did the descriptions of the old buildings in the villages. I also kind of liked Mrs. P. We are in her head for a first-person narrative, and you get a very stream of consciousness narrative indeed. She says "what I mean to say is" many times and then tells you what she thought in a different way, just in case you didn't understand her train of thought the first time. This tells you more about Mrs. P. but I found it sort of clunky way to get to know her. And most of the book is her thoughts about what other people say and do around her and her analysis of that, so if you aren't into analyzing people in miniscule detail you will probably get impatient ( I did and I even like doing this). Mrs. P. is very determined to be independent, and you can see that she will be falling in love before the book is over so all her determination never to be a burden or inconvenience to anyone can't last, because love is nothing if not inconvenient and occasionally selfless.
I both did and didn't like that Lucy worked for a very small town publisher. I love reading books about books and liked the idea of a small press (essentially a vanity press really) that put out obscure books about a housekeeper's hidden knowledge of herbology or a manor that secretly bred giraffes (could this be real? seems like it almost has to have come from somewhere). I think the author has decent knowledge about publishing, but the book got into the weeds a bit too much about tiny details (again).
What I mean to say is, what I didn't like about the book is that it got into details about things so much that it ended up feeling like filler. Not much actually happened and I ended up losing steam and not finishing this rather short book. If I had a whole day and infinite hot chocolate with a cozy blanket, I might have finished it, but while I enjoyed it while I was reading I wasn't hooked enough to come back to it after I put the book down.
December 16, 2019
Mrs. P's Book of Secrets is the story of Lucy, a war widow who comes to work at her aunt and uncle's publishing business after World War II, and Robert, a former POW who is the new editor. While the description of the book promised a ghost story, there is not much of a ghost story. I wouldn't call it a historical novel either, although there is some post WWII history provided. If anything, this is a long, drawn out romance. The book was hard to get through, as there was not much happening. Someone would ask Lucy a question, she would ruminate on the question for three or four paragraphs, then she would provide an answer, and that's pretty much how the whole book went. There were a couple of interesting points in the plot, but they were few and far between. I would pass this one by.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2019
1946 is such an interesting time in British history. The immediate post-war years were very hard on the people. Rationing of food and other essential goods, men returning from the war changed both physically and mentally. Women, who had kept the country's farms and industry running in the WW2, forced back to their former lives. This led to inevitable adjustment and unrest, after the relative freedom of wartime, for women, in terms of employment. Then, there were the men who didn't return from the war and the widows who had to carry on.
Lucy, known as Mrs P, is one such widow, who finds herself unemployed in 1946 and bereft of the husband who was hers for such a short time. Returning home to her aunt and uncle and their Cotswold printing business is the only viable alternative, but even here things are not the same. They have a lodger and new employee, and Lucy struggles to fit in. The historical setting of this book proves to be the perfect backdrop for this story, and the details of life at the time and the intricacies of the printing and publishing world are absorbing.
This is Lucy's story of coming to terms with her loss, accepting her world as it is now, and learning to live again. As the story progresses, events from Lucy's past illuminate her present unsettled feeling, and her search to belong. The mystery of the missing girl, she discovers in a book, entangles itself with her childhood and loss, making her question everything, doubt those she should trust, and obsessively search for what happened to the young girl.
There is also a lovely friendship, which flowers into romance for Lucy. Slow-burning, because even though she feels physical attraction, feelings of guilt and fear of loss, push any thoughts of life beyond her single state, away for Lucy initially.
The echoes of her childhood, recent bereavement and the strange events that occur serve to haunt Lucy's already emotionally unstable mind. The reader experiences this first hand, as the story is told in the first person. Sometimes, this is an uncomfortable place for the reader to be, the emotions are raw, and realisation slow to arrive, but the ending makes the angst worth suffering.
The conclusion of the mystery is not what you might expect, but it is believable, poignant, and shows how much Lucy has healed. There are still unexplained events, which you may interpret as you please. I am sure that we do not understand everything in this world, and choose to accept Lucy's explanation.
A gently paced, historically detailed, romantic literary adventure. A young woman's struggle with widowhood, as she explores an unusual mystery and experiences a few occurrences that defy explanation. Something original to enjoy that demands your ability to concentrate and become part of the story.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - One More Chapter via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 5, 2025
An entertaining read that I have liked overall, but with a few flaws. The overcomplicated story about the giraffes was sometimes challenging to follow through Lucy's thoughts and suppositions, and in the end, it didn't seem that relevant. I also found some of the side stories left pending, like the doctor's announcement or the other two books that were being edited.
On the other hand, I liked the main characters, how they were molded from the past, and how they were trying to navigate this difficult period after the end of WW2. I would recommend it.
On the other hand, I liked the main characters, how they were molded from the past, and how they were trying to navigate this difficult period after the end of WW2. I would recommend it.
December 28, 2019
A historical romance, unfortunately with long descriptions and not much action. Hard to keep my attention. There is also a bit of paranormal included which completely turned me off. Lucy is a war widow who tries to come to terms with her loss. She becomes rather annoying as she keeps second guessing herself and lacks much courage. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review..
December 5, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Book Ghost by Lorna Gray is a story that takes place shortly after the end of World War II. Widow Lucy Peuse has returned home to help out the aunt and uncle who raised her in their small publishing business. Things are much changed and the former prisoner of war Robert Underhill that her uncle hired as an editor seems to have usurped her place in the family home and business and secrets and mysteries abound both with her family and in the manuscript that Robert is editing and passes on to her. As Lucy comes to understand that only by dealing with her grief and the ghosts of the past that seem to haunt her present she finds first friendship and then perhaps love with Robert. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it. Publishing Date December 14, 2019. #NetGalley #TheBooKGhost #LornaGray
#HistoricalFiction #bookstagram #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #GeneralFiction
#HistoricalFiction #bookstagram #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #GeneralFiction
July 8, 2020
Moving and thought provoking. I enjoyed this book very much. It takes place post WWII when Lucy leaves behind her tragic past and goes to help her Aunt and Uncle with their publishing business.
Read
October 18, 2020Inspired purchase at Cotswolds.
November 20, 2019
There are many novels written that are set during WWII but this one is in the period just after the war ended: 1946 and that is a first one for me. Let me start by saying I am very interested in history. A lot is still rationed and men slowly get demobilised and send home. Lucy who worked during the war in Bristol during the bombings loses her job to the returning men and goes home to her elderly aunt and uncle who raised her. But there she discovers the couple has taken in a lodger who is also working as an editor for her uncles publishing company. Lucy, widowed and childless, can only get a secretarial menial job and sleep in the room above the office. Her gloomy daily life is depressing and she is only 26! I thought her family was heartless but we find out why they did what they did.
We slowly discover how other people are still trying to cope with the war. The man who spent five years in a prisoner of war camp, the man who had quite a nice posting and is jealous of the people who are seen as heroes, the old people who cannot cope without their children.
And mrs. P who realises she is just young Lucy and who still attracts men. And that she still lives.
In the story is a mystery. A young girl who grew up in a mansion and who seems to have disappeared 50 years ago and who is mentioned by one of the authors. Lucy feels the urge to find out what happened. And that is definitely inspired by her own childhood..
The readers who hoped it is a romance novel. Sorry. It is more a period drama. And there is a light touch of spirit talk in it. What I think could have easily ditched.
I liked the view into the era. I also liked the psychological aspects. Not a big fan of the ghosts. (I tought she had gone mad!)
We slowly discover how other people are still trying to cope with the war. The man who spent five years in a prisoner of war camp, the man who had quite a nice posting and is jealous of the people who are seen as heroes, the old people who cannot cope without their children.
And mrs. P who realises she is just young Lucy and who still attracts men. And that she still lives.
In the story is a mystery. A young girl who grew up in a mansion and who seems to have disappeared 50 years ago and who is mentioned by one of the authors. Lucy feels the urge to find out what happened. And that is definitely inspired by her own childhood..
The readers who hoped it is a romance novel. Sorry. It is more a period drama. And there is a light touch of spirit talk in it. What I think could have easily ditched.
I liked the view into the era. I also liked the psychological aspects. Not a big fan of the ghosts. (I tought she had gone mad!)
January 6, 2020
"In times of trouble all you need is a good story" (Quotation on front cover)
Reviewed on Amazon, Net Galley, and to author.
This is a very unusual novel about post World War 2 Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Family secrets; betrayal,gossip, and lack of paper for a printing works - as paper was rationed during and after the war.
This is a haunting, suspensful novel, with a feeling of menace until virtually the end of the novel. The characterization is excellent -Mrs P (of the title) is Lucy Peuse, a young war widow; a war veteran, her uncle who owns the print works,; and other more incidental characters.
This is a book about "belonging", which everyone needs; friendship which is often misconstrued; and an old building which seems to have a life of it's own. The links between past and present surge into connections with the future.
Reviewed on Amazon, Net Galley, and to author.
This is a very unusual novel about post World War 2 Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Family secrets; betrayal,gossip, and lack of paper for a printing works - as paper was rationed during and after the war.
This is a haunting, suspensful novel, with a feeling of menace until virtually the end of the novel. The characterization is excellent -Mrs P (of the title) is Lucy Peuse, a young war widow; a war veteran, her uncle who owns the print works,; and other more incidental characters.
This is a book about "belonging", which everyone needs; friendship which is often misconstrued; and an old building which seems to have a life of it's own. The links between past and present surge into connections with the future.
January 13, 2020
The Cotswolds, 1946: A young widow returns home to help out at her uncle and aunt's publishing business, and try to get over the tragic loss of her Naval Officer husband after their whirlwind marriage.
Lucy, known as Mrs P, is looking for a new start among the familiar surroundings she grew up in, but things are not quite as she remembers back at Kershaw and Kathay Press. During her time away, her uncle has hired a pleasant, but shy new editor, called Robert Underhill, who is trying to get over his own traumatic experiences as a prisoner of war.
Try as she might, Lucy seems unable to fathom Mr Underhill and the reason for his frequent absences, but when he asks her to help him with one of the books they are publishing, they begin to understand each other better over the mystery of a missing girl from the past. Both are unwilling to take risks after the grief they have suffered, but they could in fact, be the answer that each of them is looking for, if only they can get over the shadows that haunt them.
*******************************************************************************
Mrs P's Book Of Secrets is a gentle, but deeply emotional story, set against the back-drop of a country trying to recover from the aftermath of the Second World War.
Lucy is trying to find a way to settle into the old life that she knew before her brief marriage. She loved her husband, but realises that they did not really know each other, and she is not sure how to grieve for him.
Robert is searching for a cause to cling to in order to help him get over his war time memories and thinks that working quietly to save Kershaw and Kathay Press is the life-buoy he needs - especially since Lucy's aunt and uncle have welcomed him so warmly.
Both of them are tired of the way others misunderstand their intentions and find it necessary to tread on eggshells around them all the time. Neither of them is expecting to connect with another person and although they are drawn to each other, their awkwardness keeps them from recognising that there are feelings developing between them until quite some way into the story. There is a delicious air of suspense over their burgeoning romance that is quite enchanting.
A strong theme of the supernatural also runs through this novel. Ghosts from the past have a significant part to play in the direction of the story, and Lucy certainly seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to the echoes of voices from the past. You are never quite sure whether there are real spectres or not, but the possibility remains intriguingly close to the surface, and if they are real then these spirits clearly have good intentions.
There is also a thread here that I found really interesting. Women have had to step up during the war years and take on roles which have traditionally been undertaken by men, which has given them a new found sense of independence. The men returning home are expecting to fall back into the jobs they left behind, but when they do so, what then happens to the women? I have not previously thought about the conflict that must have existed in these women's minds - yes, they are being made to return to their kitchens, even though they know they can do so much more, and yet there is also a need to welcome home their men folk and ensure that they are able to find jobs - especially if they are struggling with falling back into civilian life. How difficult this must have been.
Mrs P's Book Of Secrets is a charming tale. This is not a story that goes full tilt, jumping from action scene to action scene. but there is a developing love affair between two characters you know belong together, a gradual build of suspense, and a mystery to solve against a well-drawn backdrop, that keeps you turning the pages until the heartwarming end - and I had a few tears to shed when Lucy finally deciphered Robert's message to her. What a lovely book!
Lucy, known as Mrs P, is looking for a new start among the familiar surroundings she grew up in, but things are not quite as she remembers back at Kershaw and Kathay Press. During her time away, her uncle has hired a pleasant, but shy new editor, called Robert Underhill, who is trying to get over his own traumatic experiences as a prisoner of war.
Try as she might, Lucy seems unable to fathom Mr Underhill and the reason for his frequent absences, but when he asks her to help him with one of the books they are publishing, they begin to understand each other better over the mystery of a missing girl from the past. Both are unwilling to take risks after the grief they have suffered, but they could in fact, be the answer that each of them is looking for, if only they can get over the shadows that haunt them.
*******************************************************************************
Mrs P's Book Of Secrets is a gentle, but deeply emotional story, set against the back-drop of a country trying to recover from the aftermath of the Second World War.
Lucy is trying to find a way to settle into the old life that she knew before her brief marriage. She loved her husband, but realises that they did not really know each other, and she is not sure how to grieve for him.
Robert is searching for a cause to cling to in order to help him get over his war time memories and thinks that working quietly to save Kershaw and Kathay Press is the life-buoy he needs - especially since Lucy's aunt and uncle have welcomed him so warmly.
Both of them are tired of the way others misunderstand their intentions and find it necessary to tread on eggshells around them all the time. Neither of them is expecting to connect with another person and although they are drawn to each other, their awkwardness keeps them from recognising that there are feelings developing between them until quite some way into the story. There is a delicious air of suspense over their burgeoning romance that is quite enchanting.
A strong theme of the supernatural also runs through this novel. Ghosts from the past have a significant part to play in the direction of the story, and Lucy certainly seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to the echoes of voices from the past. You are never quite sure whether there are real spectres or not, but the possibility remains intriguingly close to the surface, and if they are real then these spirits clearly have good intentions.
There is also a thread here that I found really interesting. Women have had to step up during the war years and take on roles which have traditionally been undertaken by men, which has given them a new found sense of independence. The men returning home are expecting to fall back into the jobs they left behind, but when they do so, what then happens to the women? I have not previously thought about the conflict that must have existed in these women's minds - yes, they are being made to return to their kitchens, even though they know they can do so much more, and yet there is also a need to welcome home their men folk and ensure that they are able to find jobs - especially if they are struggling with falling back into civilian life. How difficult this must have been.
Mrs P's Book Of Secrets is a charming tale. This is not a story that goes full tilt, jumping from action scene to action scene. but there is a developing love affair between two characters you know belong together, a gradual build of suspense, and a mystery to solve against a well-drawn backdrop, that keeps you turning the pages until the heartwarming end - and I had a few tears to shed when Lucy finally deciphered Robert's message to her. What a lovely book!
January 20, 2020
Readers who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are simply going to love Lorna Gray’s enchanting and engrossing new novel, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets. A book that is sure to resonate with book lovers everywhere, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets’ beguiling blend of mystery and romance makes for perfect winter time reading.
In 1946, England is still recovering from the atrocities and hardships of the Second World War. People have lost loved ones, suffered great anguish and have had to start their life over amidst all the chaos and despair of post-war life. Lucy – known as Mrs P – has experienced her fair share of heartache. The young widow has loved and lost, however, her job at her aunt and uncle’s small publishing house has always been a great comfort to her. Books have been her salvation for as long as she can remember and the joy she derives from reading is immeasurable. Being surrounded by books is the greatest of reward for a book lover like her and the fact that she gets to live with her beloved aunt and uncle is an added bonus as they love nothing more than to spoil her. When a new editor comes to work at Kershaw and Kathay Book Press, little does Lucy realise that her life is about to change and all thanks to the magic and power of books…
Robert Underhill is a man who keeps himself to himself. The editor is a former prisoner of war who has experienced his fair share of horrors during the course of war. Reserved, shy and a man who seems content to keep everyone at arm’s length and the world at bay, Robert seems to have erected impenetrable walls around himself which nobody seems able to breach. Yet, his latest project might just be the key which will help him to lower his guard and realise that he’s got a second chance at being happy and fulfilled again – but only if he is strong enough and has the courage to take a leap of faith.
When old secrets come to light within the pages of Robert’s latest assignment, Lucy finds herself immediately intrigued. Determined to dust off the shadow of the past and figure out the enigma that is Robert Underhill, Lucy starts digging deep and begins to uncover the mysteries of this fascinating man who might just turn out to be someone who will be of immense importance to her. Will Lucy manage to find out the truth about Robert Underhill and his frequent trips away that seem shrouded in mystery?
As Lucy begins to wonder whether the time has come to give love another try, she must first vanquish old ghosts and put the past to rest. Will she find the happiness she yearns for? Or will the past continue to condemn her to a life marked by grief and loss?
An absolutely magical read book lovers everywhere are going to lap up, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is a book about hope, second chances, new beginnings, courage and healing that brought a tear to my eye on many an occasion. Lorna Gray is such a wonderful storyteller that she draws her readers into her story from the very beginning and keeps them enthralled by creating characters that are brilliantly nuanced and wonderfully rendered. With plenty of drama, intrigue and romance, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets charms and delights and will keep readers spellbound from beginning to end.
An outstanding tale for bookworms everywhere, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is an unmissable and irresistible tale that has got winner written all over it.
In 1946, England is still recovering from the atrocities and hardships of the Second World War. People have lost loved ones, suffered great anguish and have had to start their life over amidst all the chaos and despair of post-war life. Lucy – known as Mrs P – has experienced her fair share of heartache. The young widow has loved and lost, however, her job at her aunt and uncle’s small publishing house has always been a great comfort to her. Books have been her salvation for as long as she can remember and the joy she derives from reading is immeasurable. Being surrounded by books is the greatest of reward for a book lover like her and the fact that she gets to live with her beloved aunt and uncle is an added bonus as they love nothing more than to spoil her. When a new editor comes to work at Kershaw and Kathay Book Press, little does Lucy realise that her life is about to change and all thanks to the magic and power of books…
Robert Underhill is a man who keeps himself to himself. The editor is a former prisoner of war who has experienced his fair share of horrors during the course of war. Reserved, shy and a man who seems content to keep everyone at arm’s length and the world at bay, Robert seems to have erected impenetrable walls around himself which nobody seems able to breach. Yet, his latest project might just be the key which will help him to lower his guard and realise that he’s got a second chance at being happy and fulfilled again – but only if he is strong enough and has the courage to take a leap of faith.
When old secrets come to light within the pages of Robert’s latest assignment, Lucy finds herself immediately intrigued. Determined to dust off the shadow of the past and figure out the enigma that is Robert Underhill, Lucy starts digging deep and begins to uncover the mysteries of this fascinating man who might just turn out to be someone who will be of immense importance to her. Will Lucy manage to find out the truth about Robert Underhill and his frequent trips away that seem shrouded in mystery?
As Lucy begins to wonder whether the time has come to give love another try, she must first vanquish old ghosts and put the past to rest. Will she find the happiness she yearns for? Or will the past continue to condemn her to a life marked by grief and loss?
An absolutely magical read book lovers everywhere are going to lap up, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is a book about hope, second chances, new beginnings, courage and healing that brought a tear to my eye on many an occasion. Lorna Gray is such a wonderful storyteller that she draws her readers into her story from the very beginning and keeps them enthralled by creating characters that are brilliantly nuanced and wonderfully rendered. With plenty of drama, intrigue and romance, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets charms and delights and will keep readers spellbound from beginning to end.
An outstanding tale for bookworms everywhere, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is an unmissable and irresistible tale that has got winner written all over it.
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