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Secrets in the Snow
Perfect for fans of Karen Swan and Lulu Taylor!
As the winter snow falls on the small Irish village of Ballybray, Roisin O’Connor and her young son, Ben, are saying goodbye to their beloved neighbour Mabel Murphy. Mabel lived a bold and colourful life, but the arrival of her brooding nephew, ‘blow-in’ Aidan Murphy, just makes life more complicated for Roisin.
However, in one final act of love, a message arrives from Mabel that changes everything. And as winter turns to spring and the cold snow melts, the secrets both Roisin and Aidan are hiding must be revealed at last…
Praise for Emma Heatherington:
‘A gorgeous will they/won’t they love story, with depth and surprising twists’ Sun
‘A lovely, heart-warming read’ Closer
‘A proper winter heart-warmer’ Heat
As the winter snow falls on the small Irish village of Ballybray, Roisin O’Connor and her young son, Ben, are saying goodbye to their beloved neighbour Mabel Murphy. Mabel lived a bold and colourful life, but the arrival of her brooding nephew, ‘blow-in’ Aidan Murphy, just makes life more complicated for Roisin.
However, in one final act of love, a message arrives from Mabel that changes everything. And as winter turns to spring and the cold snow melts, the secrets both Roisin and Aidan are hiding must be revealed at last…
Praise for Emma Heatherington:
‘A gorgeous will they/won’t they love story, with depth and surprising twists’ Sun
‘A lovely, heart-warming read’ Closer
‘A proper winter heart-warmer’ Heat
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2021
139 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Emma Heatherington
20 books263 followersEmma Heatherington is from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.
Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.
Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 16, 2020
Review www.bookread2day.wordpress.com Twitter @bookpage5
Emma Heatherington has remained one of my favourite authors after loving Rewrite The Stars, which I highly recommend reading.
I’m delighted to be asked if I would like to read Secrets in the Snow, with the likeable, loveable characters that are created extremely well as always, this is something the author Emma Heatherington can create in every book that she writes, adorable readable characters and with always a well thought out storyline.
The starting point of this story made me cry and from then on it made me smile. I really did experience a wave of compassion for Roisin O’Connor with firstly the death of her husband, with Roisin’s young Ben that seems emotionally fragile missing his dad.
36 year old newly widowed, Roisin moves with her son, Ben to a tiny village in Ballybray Ireland. With her shaky upsetting past she makes friends with her neighbour 79 year old Mabel Murphy. With another tear in my eye, Roisin and Ben are grief stricken when Roisin’s only caring friend Mabel dies.
The scenes that made me smile, is the white winter snow, with snow flakes that hit Roisin’s window and her energetic offer for a snowball fight with Ben to get him not feel so traumatised by everything that has happened to him at such a young age.
Aidan Murphy, Mabel’s nephew and Roisin are both hiding secrets. Will they adventurally come to surface and be out in the open?
Secrets in the Snow is a perfect winter heart warming story to curl up with on the sofa in the dark cold nights, that will keep you guessing will there be or won’t there be a breezy love story.
Emma Heatherington has remained one of my favourite authors after loving Rewrite The Stars, which I highly recommend reading.
I’m delighted to be asked if I would like to read Secrets in the Snow, with the likeable, loveable characters that are created extremely well as always, this is something the author Emma Heatherington can create in every book that she writes, adorable readable characters and with always a well thought out storyline.
The starting point of this story made me cry and from then on it made me smile. I really did experience a wave of compassion for Roisin O’Connor with firstly the death of her husband, with Roisin’s young Ben that seems emotionally fragile missing his dad.
36 year old newly widowed, Roisin moves with her son, Ben to a tiny village in Ballybray Ireland. With her shaky upsetting past she makes friends with her neighbour 79 year old Mabel Murphy. With another tear in my eye, Roisin and Ben are grief stricken when Roisin’s only caring friend Mabel dies.
The scenes that made me smile, is the white winter snow, with snow flakes that hit Roisin’s window and her energetic offer for a snowball fight with Ben to get him not feel so traumatised by everything that has happened to him at such a young age.
Aidan Murphy, Mabel’s nephew and Roisin are both hiding secrets. Will they adventurally come to surface and be out in the open?
Secrets in the Snow is a perfect winter heart warming story to curl up with on the sofa in the dark cold nights, that will keep you guessing will there be or won’t there be a breezy love story.
January 15, 2025
I was so surprised by how fantastic this book was. It has such a meaty story that covers some very strong issues without being too intense. I loved the characters, each one was brilliant. The story itself really is so strong and sweet. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what happened for the last quarter that I could not put this down.
The main character has something in which we can relate to or know someone who has been through this. Then with the events involving her new found friend which leads to a beautiful situation reminding us to grab life with both hands and live for the moment. Beautiful!
This book covers a whole year in the characters life and it slightly skips over Christmas. So it's more of a winter book leading into the other seasons.
I honestly adored this book and the Authors attention to detail, scene setting and character building was flawless. I will definitely be picking up another book by this author!
The main character has something in which we can relate to or know someone who has been through this. Then with the events involving her new found friend which leads to a beautiful situation reminding us to grab life with both hands and live for the moment. Beautiful!
This book covers a whole year in the characters life and it slightly skips over Christmas. So it's more of a winter book leading into the other seasons.
I honestly adored this book and the Authors attention to detail, scene setting and character building was flawless. I will definitely be picking up another book by this author!
October 1, 2020
This beautiful gentle book will pull at your heartstrings. The characters were so well portrayed.As I live in Ireland the local angle really added to my enjoyment and I could picture the beautiful scenery and locations throughout the story.
Roisin and her son Ben have moved to the sleepy Irish town of Ballybray to escape their past. They unexpectedly find an alley in their elderly neighbour Mabel. When Mabel dies they feel heartbroken but her nephew Aiden arrives from New York for her funeral and brings some unexpected joy into their lives.
Mabel continues to be part of their lives through messages she has left for them. Her love for them shines through the book and her hope that Roisin will find closure on her previous emotional and physical abuse and be open to love again was so well explored.
This book helped me escape from everyday issues making me realise that happiness is the greatest gift we can obtain. This beautifully written book was an easy entertaining read which I could throughly recommend.
Roisin and her son Ben have moved to the sleepy Irish town of Ballybray to escape their past. They unexpectedly find an alley in their elderly neighbour Mabel. When Mabel dies they feel heartbroken but her nephew Aiden arrives from New York for her funeral and brings some unexpected joy into their lives.
Mabel continues to be part of their lives through messages she has left for them. Her love for them shines through the book and her hope that Roisin will find closure on her previous emotional and physical abuse and be open to love again was so well explored.
This book helped me escape from everyday issues making me realise that happiness is the greatest gift we can obtain. This beautifully written book was an easy entertaining read which I could throughly recommend.
November 4, 2020
A touching, wonderful story.
This is a lovely winter romance set in an Irish village that follows the life of Roisin O’Connor and her young son, Ben. Their beloved neighbour Mabel Murphy has passed away and as they are saying goodbye to her, Aidan Murphy, Mabel's nephew is making life awkward for Roisin. Aidan is in Ballybray to pay his respects but has brought with him plenty of baggage in the form of secrets and Roisin, too, is hiding some of her own. But is Aidan the cold fish he seems?
Secrets in the Snow was all about the importance of family, friendship and being open to the possibility of love. I found it a really charming read and Emma Heatherington continued to impress me with her phenomenal writing. It was engaging and mesmerising with some wonderful, deep characters, especially the ebullient Mabel. In this seasonal story, there was so much to enthuse over including a trip to New York, snowball fights and sledging. Secrets in the Snow was also a tale packed with emotion, with angst, fear, and realisation. This is the second book I've read by Emma Heatherington and I look forward to reading many more.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from HarperCollins via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is a lovely winter romance set in an Irish village that follows the life of Roisin O’Connor and her young son, Ben. Their beloved neighbour Mabel Murphy has passed away and as they are saying goodbye to her, Aidan Murphy, Mabel's nephew is making life awkward for Roisin. Aidan is in Ballybray to pay his respects but has brought with him plenty of baggage in the form of secrets and Roisin, too, is hiding some of her own. But is Aidan the cold fish he seems?
Secrets in the Snow was all about the importance of family, friendship and being open to the possibility of love. I found it a really charming read and Emma Heatherington continued to impress me with her phenomenal writing. It was engaging and mesmerising with some wonderful, deep characters, especially the ebullient Mabel. In this seasonal story, there was so much to enthuse over including a trip to New York, snowball fights and sledging. Secrets in the Snow was also a tale packed with emotion, with angst, fear, and realisation. This is the second book I've read by Emma Heatherington and I look forward to reading many more.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from HarperCollins via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 30, 2020
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: Secrets in the Snow
Secrets in the Snow
by Emma Heatherington
Pub Date: 15 Oct 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 30 Aug 2020
My Recommendation
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Having read a few of this author's other books which are all fabulous.
This is a story that pulls at the heartstrings and can highly recommend.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 15 Oct 2020, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: Secrets in the Snow
Secrets in the Snow
by Emma Heatherington
Pub Date: 15 Oct 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 30 Aug 2020
My Recommendation
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Having read a few of this author's other books which are all fabulous.
This is a story that pulls at the heartstrings and can highly recommend.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 15 Oct 2020, to post to these retailers.
September 23, 2020
Beautiful, at times I had a lump in my throat both through sadness and happiness.
It's just a wonderful story, that I really wasn't sure how it would turn out, and there are a few shocks during the story including at least one that made me gasp out loud!
Although Mabel is dead for the duration of the book she is also present in every chapter, every thought and action and her memory is really kept alive. She sounded like a truly remarkable woman, and we see how her neighbours and best friends Roisin and son Ben, cope with life without her - and also her nephew Aidan who has come over from New York to pay his respects.
What neither were anticipating was the way that Mabel would be able to still influence their lives beyond the grave, with a series of messages.
I loved watching how the relationship between Roisin and Aiden develops from their first rather frosty meetings into something that could be amazing.
There is a multitude of emotions, there are demons to overcome from Roisin, Ben is a lovely child that was a joy to see how he reacted to things. There is sledding, a trip to New York, arguments, grief, new relationships, and a whole lot more in between.
Don't think that just because there is snow in the title, that this is a purely winter or Christmas book, it in fact takes place over a whole year, so we get all the seasons, and it makes this a fabulous book to read year around.
So curl up, block out a few hours as you won't want to put this down and lose yourself in Emma Heatherington's words, you'll be glad that you did.
Thank you to Harper and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It's just a wonderful story, that I really wasn't sure how it would turn out, and there are a few shocks during the story including at least one that made me gasp out loud!
Although Mabel is dead for the duration of the book she is also present in every chapter, every thought and action and her memory is really kept alive. She sounded like a truly remarkable woman, and we see how her neighbours and best friends Roisin and son Ben, cope with life without her - and also her nephew Aidan who has come over from New York to pay his respects.
What neither were anticipating was the way that Mabel would be able to still influence their lives beyond the grave, with a series of messages.
I loved watching how the relationship between Roisin and Aiden develops from their first rather frosty meetings into something that could be amazing.
There is a multitude of emotions, there are demons to overcome from Roisin, Ben is a lovely child that was a joy to see how he reacted to things. There is sledding, a trip to New York, arguments, grief, new relationships, and a whole lot more in between.
Don't think that just because there is snow in the title, that this is a purely winter or Christmas book, it in fact takes place over a whole year, so we get all the seasons, and it makes this a fabulous book to read year around.
So curl up, block out a few hours as you won't want to put this down and lose yourself in Emma Heatherington's words, you'll be glad that you did.
Thank you to Harper and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 24, 2021
In zijn soort goed te pruimen. Voorspelbaar natuurlijk, maar toch meer diepgang dan je zou verwachten.
September 12, 2020
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Brilliant book by Emma.
Roisin lives in Ballybray with her son Ben. When she moved into Ballybray her next door neighbour Mabel took her under her wing and helped her through some tough times. When Mabel dies from cancer Ben and Roisin are heartbroken and can’t see how they can come to terms with losing Mabel. Mabel’s nephew Aiden arrives from New York and thinks he wants to sell Mabel’s cottage and going back to New York. However Mabel has other ideas as she has left messages from beyond the grave. Will Aiden sell up or stay in Ballybray
Brilliant book by Emma.
Roisin lives in Ballybray with her son Ben. When she moved into Ballybray her next door neighbour Mabel took her under her wing and helped her through some tough times. When Mabel dies from cancer Ben and Roisin are heartbroken and can’t see how they can come to terms with losing Mabel. Mabel’s nephew Aiden arrives from New York and thinks he wants to sell Mabel’s cottage and going back to New York. However Mabel has other ideas as she has left messages from beyond the grave. Will Aiden sell up or stay in Ballybray
August 20, 2020
A beautiful touching memorable read! Packed full of romance, heartbreak, family secrets and the power of love!
Roisin and her son Ben move to a little cottage in Ballybray for a new start after the death of her husband, her neighbour Mabel a larger than life character becomes roisins closest friend,confidant and motivator filling a huge void in her and her sons life! Sadly Mabel dies and roisin and Ben are grief stricken, however Mabel has left a legacy involving roisin and her nephew Aiden, over the course of a year gifts, notes and recorded messages come at certain intervals with instructions for them to carry out, during this time they become close but the path of true love never runs smoothly! A totally engaging on/ off love story full of emotion, angst, fear, forgiveness and realisation!
Totally unputdownable and mesmerising!
Thank you net galley for this early read.
Roisin and her son Ben move to a little cottage in Ballybray for a new start after the death of her husband, her neighbour Mabel a larger than life character becomes roisins closest friend,confidant and motivator filling a huge void in her and her sons life! Sadly Mabel dies and roisin and Ben are grief stricken, however Mabel has left a legacy involving roisin and her nephew Aiden, over the course of a year gifts, notes and recorded messages come at certain intervals with instructions for them to carry out, during this time they become close but the path of true love never runs smoothly! A totally engaging on/ off love story full of emotion, angst, fear, forgiveness and realisation!
Totally unputdownable and mesmerising!
Thank you net galley for this early read.
August 9, 2020
Roisin has had a rough ride in life, bouncing from foster carer to foster carer, before entering o=innto an abusive marriage.
Through a welcome tragedy, she finds herself widowed and wants to make a fresh start for her and her son, Ben.
A pin in a map lands her in a tiny village called Ballybray in Ireland, and it couldn't be more different from her upbringing in the city of Dublin.
Once there, she finds that she has an interfering neighbour, Mabel Murphy, an elderly widow, with a New York twang, who refuses to believe that this young woman would prefer to be alone.
What develops between them, is a friendship stronger than most, more akin to family.
Life is idyllic, almost, until Mabel gets ill and passes away.
But this meddling neighbour isn't finished with her work to make sure Roisin lives her life to the fullest.
Somehow, from beyond the grave, she's arranged for some messages, specifically for Roisin, and Aidan, Mabel's nephew, who has been in the US for the last fourteen years, and only comes back to Ballybray to attend the funeral and sell off her property.
What follows, in the story, is the impact of the messages that Mabel sends, seasonally, for these two lost souls, over the course of a year, and how the words of a soul long gone, can still have a positive effect on the lives of those left behind.
I truly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters. Everyone needs a Mabel Murphy in their lives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Through a welcome tragedy, she finds herself widowed and wants to make a fresh start for her and her son, Ben.
A pin in a map lands her in a tiny village called Ballybray in Ireland, and it couldn't be more different from her upbringing in the city of Dublin.
Once there, she finds that she has an interfering neighbour, Mabel Murphy, an elderly widow, with a New York twang, who refuses to believe that this young woman would prefer to be alone.
What develops between them, is a friendship stronger than most, more akin to family.
Life is idyllic, almost, until Mabel gets ill and passes away.
But this meddling neighbour isn't finished with her work to make sure Roisin lives her life to the fullest.
Somehow, from beyond the grave, she's arranged for some messages, specifically for Roisin, and Aidan, Mabel's nephew, who has been in the US for the last fourteen years, and only comes back to Ballybray to attend the funeral and sell off her property.
What follows, in the story, is the impact of the messages that Mabel sends, seasonally, for these two lost souls, over the course of a year, and how the words of a soul long gone, can still have a positive effect on the lives of those left behind.
I truly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters. Everyone needs a Mabel Murphy in their lives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2020
This book was fantastic so well written and really couldn’t put it down and had you on the end of your chair wondering what would happen next. It’s so well written and a brilliant read well worth more than five stars. It’s full of families secrets romance heartbreak and moving forward and you will love the characters so much.
Roisin and her son Ben move to Ballybray after her husband dies she wants to start a new life as her husband always put her down. She gets very friendly with the neighbour Mabel and they become so close so to learn of her passing is so hard. The wonderful nephew Aidan arrives for the funeral and they are left a video clip to watch together. Mabel has left things for them to do throughout the year to enjoy and do together. Who’s helps her arrange all of this but Roisin and Ben head off to America to spend time with Aidan and things are going well till the last night and she believes he’s still with his ex and playing her so she heads home and falls deeper in to depression as she really thought they would be together for ever. Suddenly she’s left a message on her phone and things change for her so she heads off to America and tries to tell Aidan that she loves him and fill him in on the family history but has she left it to late or not and who has helped Mabel to sort all this out and can they be happy ever after or not.
Brilliant read.
Roisin and her son Ben move to Ballybray after her husband dies she wants to start a new life as her husband always put her down. She gets very friendly with the neighbour Mabel and they become so close so to learn of her passing is so hard. The wonderful nephew Aidan arrives for the funeral and they are left a video clip to watch together. Mabel has left things for them to do throughout the year to enjoy and do together. Who’s helps her arrange all of this but Roisin and Ben head off to America to spend time with Aidan and things are going well till the last night and she believes he’s still with his ex and playing her so she heads home and falls deeper in to depression as she really thought they would be together for ever. Suddenly she’s left a message on her phone and things change for her so she heads off to America and tries to tell Aidan that she loves him and fill him in on the family history but has she left it to late or not and who has helped Mabel to sort all this out and can they be happy ever after or not.
Brilliant read.
March 27, 2021
Too American for an Irish setting
The author is Irish but there are too many Americanisms in the story to make me fully believe in the character Roisen. It feels like it was written for an American audience, the description of the Irish village and the use of American language; bangs not fringe, made the story unreal and disappointing.
The author is Irish but there are too many Americanisms in the story to make me fully believe in the character Roisen. It feels like it was written for an American audience, the description of the Irish village and the use of American language; bangs not fringe, made the story unreal and disappointing.
November 25, 2020
Warning ! You won't put it down
Very sweet and Enjoyable read. Very hard to put down !!! Takes you through all the emotions couldn't get enough of it . Unpredictable loved ever page !! Beautiful story of life .
Very sweet and Enjoyable read. Very hard to put down !!! Takes you through all the emotions couldn't get enough of it . Unpredictable loved ever page !! Beautiful story of life .
October 3, 2020
My review will be live on donnasbookblog on 18th October 2020 as part of the blog tour!
I thought that this was a great book!
It was easy to read and understand and followed a storyline of overcoming fear and anxiety in learning to love again.
I thought that it was beautifully written and romance and understanding come together.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – a lovely book to read and one I will be very highly recommending – a gorgeous story!
I thought that this was a great book!
It was easy to read and understand and followed a storyline of overcoming fear and anxiety in learning to love again.
I thought that it was beautifully written and romance and understanding come together.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – a lovely book to read and one I will be very highly recommending – a gorgeous story!
August 24, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Harpercollins for the ARC of this book.
A short and sweet review for a simple yet entertaining read.
This is a feel-good romance with all the feels.
Broken families made whole and friendships that live on through tragedy.
Secrets in the Snow is a story just perfect for the upcoming colder months, get ready to cosy up by the fire with this one.
A short and sweet review for a simple yet entertaining read.
This is a feel-good romance with all the feels.
Broken families made whole and friendships that live on through tragedy.
Secrets in the Snow is a story just perfect for the upcoming colder months, get ready to cosy up by the fire with this one.
December 3, 2020
I thought this would be a winter story, possibly including Christmas - not really! Can't understand the title at all - it starts in the winter but then takes the characters through a full year. Strange title - trying to cash in on a Christmas audience? Ok the story is fine - nice characters with some depth and back story and a small mystery. However about 3/4 way through the book it looses its way and Aiden - the main male character acts very strangely - which is never explained, so the female character Rosin starts acting very strangely as well - there is alot of sole searching from Rosin - which delays the end of the book by about 5 chapters. It was OK - but frustrating and to be honest a bit boring in parts.
June 5, 2022
This book lost me at the 1/2 way mark.
Rosin went from being a strong independent woman to a bunny boiling wreck. Yes Aidan had to go away for work but did we need to turn into an over emotional woman? He gave her no reason to behave the way she did and it annoyed me no end. All she seemed to do for the last 1/2 of the book was cry.
And this book could have been a lot shorter if it didn’t repeat itself every few pages.
Rosin went from being a strong independent woman to a bunny boiling wreck. Yes Aidan had to go away for work but did we need to turn into an over emotional woman? He gave her no reason to behave the way she did and it annoyed me no end. All she seemed to do for the last 1/2 of the book was cry.
And this book could have been a lot shorter if it didn’t repeat itself every few pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
I skimmed the last 25% I was thoroughly bored by then! Very predictable & contrived. Roisin was very irritating, the whole will they/won’t they was ridiculous.. of course they would! Boring
November 26, 2023
I feel like the trust issues were too over the top for a character who was also so self aware. Maybe that's just me.
November 4, 2020
“I knew why I’d run away from Dublin, but I’d no idea why I chose here, and even if I had, I had no intention of explaining my reasons to strangers”
Secrets in the Snow by Emma Heatherington was published with Harper Collins on October 15th and is described as ‘a heartwarming Christmas romance.’ We all need a little spark of romance in our lives and Emma Heatherington’s writing provides just that.
Roisin and her young son, Ben, are blow-ins to the small village of Ballybray. In a spontaneous decision, made literally by sticking a pin on the map of Ireland, Roisin decided it was time to move on following the passing of her husband. This move is necessary. A fresh start. New beginnings.
When Roisin first arrived at their new home she intended keeping to herself. She wanted to heal and move on from the past by cocooning herself and sheltering from the outside world. But her elderly neighbour Mabel Murphy had other plans. Mabel, now a widow and a native New Yorker, moved to Ireland years previously with her Irish husband. Following his passing, Mabel chose not to let grief stand in her way and continued her life with the same vigour and passion as before. When Mabel met Roisin, she could see the pain, but also the strength of this young woman and in her subtle way encouraged Roisin to take baby steps out into the community.
For Roisin, her life blossomed under Mabel’s guidance. Ben loved Mabel and a very special relationship developed between the two. Mabel became a very unexpected and important member of their family. But the years caught up with Mabel and her passing left a huge hole in the lives of Roisin and Ben. Neither could cope without this strong woman who had helped them navigate those very difficult years when they initially arrived at Ballybray. A stranger arrives at Mabel’s house with the intention of selling it and Roisin is distraught. In discovering that this stranger is Mabel’s nephew, the oft-talked about Aidan Murphy, Roisin soon finds herself part of a bigger plan, one that Mabel was orchestrating from beyond the grave.
We all need a Mabel Murphy in our lives. Her joie de vivre is contagious spilling out of the pages in all its form. Mabel leaves instructions for both Roisin and Aidan in the hope of providing much needed comfort for both after she dies. But Aidan is married and living in New York, with a successful career and a glittering lifestyle, leaving a village lifestyle behind him many years back. Roisin is frustrated by Aidan’s lack of patience for Mabel’s last wishes. She is angry at Aidan and at Mabel.
Aidan is a polished business man with a flashy cosmopolitan lifestyle. Roisin, in her own words ‘had a head full of muddle’ with a ‘boho, hippy appearance’ On paper they are poles apart. What is Mabel trying to achieve with her last message? Can this final act of love be just what Roisin needs? What is hiding underneath the defensive layers of these two very stubborn individuals?
Secrets in the Snow is a sweet read. Parts of the story are quite predictable but I do think that the reader is very much aware of this from the premise. I will admit that Roisin’s behaviour did irritate at times, as I felt she was perhaps pushing Aidan a bit too far, but it does add to the overall will-they-won’t-they aspect of the plot.
Secrets in the Snow is a feel-good read, a story about the importance of family, friendship and about opening your heart to the possibility of love. It is a charming read that will appeal to all looking to escape the harshness of reality. An engaging cosy read with some wonderful characters, in particular the gorgeous Mabel Murphy.
Heart-warming. Delightful. Uplifting.
Secrets in the Snow by Emma Heatherington was published with Harper Collins on October 15th and is described as ‘a heartwarming Christmas romance.’ We all need a little spark of romance in our lives and Emma Heatherington’s writing provides just that.
Roisin and her young son, Ben, are blow-ins to the small village of Ballybray. In a spontaneous decision, made literally by sticking a pin on the map of Ireland, Roisin decided it was time to move on following the passing of her husband. This move is necessary. A fresh start. New beginnings.
When Roisin first arrived at their new home she intended keeping to herself. She wanted to heal and move on from the past by cocooning herself and sheltering from the outside world. But her elderly neighbour Mabel Murphy had other plans. Mabel, now a widow and a native New Yorker, moved to Ireland years previously with her Irish husband. Following his passing, Mabel chose not to let grief stand in her way and continued her life with the same vigour and passion as before. When Mabel met Roisin, she could see the pain, but also the strength of this young woman and in her subtle way encouraged Roisin to take baby steps out into the community.
For Roisin, her life blossomed under Mabel’s guidance. Ben loved Mabel and a very special relationship developed between the two. Mabel became a very unexpected and important member of their family. But the years caught up with Mabel and her passing left a huge hole in the lives of Roisin and Ben. Neither could cope without this strong woman who had helped them navigate those very difficult years when they initially arrived at Ballybray. A stranger arrives at Mabel’s house with the intention of selling it and Roisin is distraught. In discovering that this stranger is Mabel’s nephew, the oft-talked about Aidan Murphy, Roisin soon finds herself part of a bigger plan, one that Mabel was orchestrating from beyond the grave.
We all need a Mabel Murphy in our lives. Her joie de vivre is contagious spilling out of the pages in all its form. Mabel leaves instructions for both Roisin and Aidan in the hope of providing much needed comfort for both after she dies. But Aidan is married and living in New York, with a successful career and a glittering lifestyle, leaving a village lifestyle behind him many years back. Roisin is frustrated by Aidan’s lack of patience for Mabel’s last wishes. She is angry at Aidan and at Mabel.
Aidan is a polished business man with a flashy cosmopolitan lifestyle. Roisin, in her own words ‘had a head full of muddle’ with a ‘boho, hippy appearance’ On paper they are poles apart. What is Mabel trying to achieve with her last message? Can this final act of love be just what Roisin needs? What is hiding underneath the defensive layers of these two very stubborn individuals?
Secrets in the Snow is a sweet read. Parts of the story are quite predictable but I do think that the reader is very much aware of this from the premise. I will admit that Roisin’s behaviour did irritate at times, as I felt she was perhaps pushing Aidan a bit too far, but it does add to the overall will-they-won’t-they aspect of the plot.
Secrets in the Snow is a feel-good read, a story about the importance of family, friendship and about opening your heart to the possibility of love. It is a charming read that will appeal to all looking to escape the harshness of reality. An engaging cosy read with some wonderful characters, in particular the gorgeous Mabel Murphy.
Heart-warming. Delightful. Uplifting.
January 4, 2021
Last year I came back to the writing of Emma Heatherington after not having read any of her books for some years. The book of hers that caught my attention was Rewrite the Stars, an absolute brilliant book that left me eager to read more from this fantastic author. Now she has brought us another excellent story Secrets in the Snow and I loved every minute of it and couldn’t bare to leave it down or to finish it. Emma is an amazing writer who has such a way with words.
Time and time again whilst reading this I had to stop and absorb the sentiments echoing from such strong and memorable sentences and in fact entire paragraphs. She just conveys everything so well that it strikes such a chord with you. Secrets in the Snow despite its wintery cover can be read at any time of the year and the story that awaits you is exceptional. I relished every minute of it for its honesty, intensity and emotional fluency and for the compelling and heartfelt plot that right from chapter one transports you to the heart of the story.
Every goodbye holds the promise of a new beginning and for Roisin and her son Ben this couldn’t be truer. They are facing the loss of their neighbour Mabel, she was much more than someone who they waved a hello to every now and again. She was their support system, their best friend, a mother and granny figure when they needed it the most. She had become a member of their family and now they feel as if their world has been frozen in time but their next move must be contemplated. Roisin had already been dealing with the loss of her husband four years ago when she arrived at a cottage in the tiny Irish village of Ballybray. I got the feeling that there was more to Roisin’s loss that first met the eye and that she was even more traumatised for a very serious reason.
Mabel became their saviour in their hour of need when the pair needed protection and a place to heal their troubled souls. Mabel could identify with Roisin as she had lost her husband Peter a year previously. She was the one who helped Roisin come out of her shell. She provided a rock to lean on, a shoulder to cry on and cheered her on and in the right direction. Now that all that has been taken away from her Roisin feels lost, empty and without any sense of direction remaining. ‘I feel deflated, sunk and dead inside if truth be told. I feel like after almost winning a four year long game of snakes and ladders that I’ve landed on the penultimate square and slid right back down to number one, back in time, back to the old shell of a person I was when I first arrived’.
The author sums up perfectly the way that Roisin is coping with this new loss. After building herself up in recent years she feels like she is back at square one and the grief is eating her up inside all over again. It may seem over the top that Roisin is so deeply affected by the void that Mabel has left in her life but it’s not at all as Mabel was a very special person who embraced Roisin into the village and gave her that firm anchor she so desperately needed when she was lost at sea. Now she feels she is back in that place and can see no way out. When Mabel’s nephew Aidan arrives from America to sort the funeral arrangements and put the house up for sale, Roisin feels it's another blow to her and maybe she best leaving the little village she has called home and which has offered her security and friendship.
’I was at my lowest ebb when she came into my life and now she’s gone. I worry I might be sliding down the same slippery slope already. I can feel it in the air. It’s a sense of fear that is so overwhelming, like a tidal wave approaching from which I can’t escape. It’s hopelessness, it’s loneliness, it’s a huge cloud and it’s coming to get me fast’. Such powerful and emotive words used to describe Roisin’s grief and you know it’s for much more than the loss of Mabel, I think it sums up the way grief attacks us and doesn’t let go for some time if indeed ever.
Despite never meeting Mabel as such in the story, she had such a strong, formidable (in a good way) supportive and practical presence throughout. She was a wise woman and knew that when she was gone Roisin would suffer with her mental health as all the fear, insecurities, self doubt and apprehension would creep back in again. Mabel knew that Roisin needed to feel more positive and stronger and in a way too she knew that Aidan needed to be steered in the right direction. Her plan to leave messages and tasks for the pair to do as the seasons changed over the year was so clever and brilliant on her part. She thought of every little thing and she was well aware of the bigger picture. These tasks form the crux of the story as Aidan and Roisin navigate a difficult and stressful journey but in doing so perhaps the separate problems, they both face will create a new bond of friendship and unity and perhaps something more as secrets and much more are revealed and confronted. Throughout reading I couldn’t quite fathom how Mabel had everything so carefully planned out and that messages and things would arrive at a certain time. When this was revealed I thought it was the sweetest thing ever and such a lovely touch, Mabel’s ultimate purpose was to spread kindness and joy. She did that in spades when alive and even with her passing she was trying to work her magic for those who needed it the most.
Aidan initially, and perhaps for a good majority of the book, came across as being rich, arrogant, cold and nonchalant. Yes he was very good looking, and there was something about him that will intrigue readers, but I thought at first he wasn’t that nice to Roisin and didn’t get the bond that she had shared with Mabel. It was almost like he wanted to get in and out as soon as possible and get back to his work in America but when the first message from Mabel arrives he has no choice but to slow down and listen to what she has to say. It was almost as if she knew that Aidan had something going on with him too in a similar way to Roisin.
Aidan needed to slow down and step back from his pressurised job and family situation and being in Ireland away from that would give him the chance to do so. I bet he didn’t bargain on meeting Roisin and for Mabel to leave such an important message for them. Roisin is told to leave her walls down and to let love in again. Aidan is reminded that he is raw, hurt, angry and broken but he needs to make changes, to slow down and put his foot on the brakes. But why is Mabel telling him this? What has happened in his own life that she felt so strongly in her message?
The story moves forward over the year with new messages arriving when least expected but most needed. Aidan begins to warm a little but as Roisin so raw and vulnerable because of past experiences, she just doesn’t want to let Aidan get too close or ingrained into her family life. I’m not quite sure that he wished to develop such a close friendship/relationship with her but he owed so much to Mabel and maybe spending some time in Ballybray would help him sort his heart and mind out and if Mabel’s advice and the new friendship with Roisin helped than that would be all the better. I loved this quote which summed up both Aidan and Roisin perfectly. Each on their own unique and difficult journey but taking the steps together reluctantly at times but they knew they owed it to Mabel to do what she wanted. ‘We are two wounded soldiers, wading in waters so troubled for all our lives that it’s become all we are used to, each of us searching for a love we’ve not yet found’.
Secrets in the Snow is a story that proves Emma Heatherington can spin magic out of words and have me enthralled from page one. The characters are all brilliantly drawn and you are so deeply invested in their journeys and the eventual outcome for two people that are hurt, complex and flawed but never dull. The only issue I had was surrounding a discovery of Aidan’s towards the end, it just seemed to come out of left field and then was dealt with way too quickly. I know I love a twist in a book but for me it would have been fine without its inclusion. Secrets in the Snow is a wonderful read and trust me it’s one you’ll want to go back and reread all over again as soon as you finish it.
Time and time again whilst reading this I had to stop and absorb the sentiments echoing from such strong and memorable sentences and in fact entire paragraphs. She just conveys everything so well that it strikes such a chord with you. Secrets in the Snow despite its wintery cover can be read at any time of the year and the story that awaits you is exceptional. I relished every minute of it for its honesty, intensity and emotional fluency and for the compelling and heartfelt plot that right from chapter one transports you to the heart of the story.
Every goodbye holds the promise of a new beginning and for Roisin and her son Ben this couldn’t be truer. They are facing the loss of their neighbour Mabel, she was much more than someone who they waved a hello to every now and again. She was their support system, their best friend, a mother and granny figure when they needed it the most. She had become a member of their family and now they feel as if their world has been frozen in time but their next move must be contemplated. Roisin had already been dealing with the loss of her husband four years ago when she arrived at a cottage in the tiny Irish village of Ballybray. I got the feeling that there was more to Roisin’s loss that first met the eye and that she was even more traumatised for a very serious reason.
Mabel became their saviour in their hour of need when the pair needed protection and a place to heal their troubled souls. Mabel could identify with Roisin as she had lost her husband Peter a year previously. She was the one who helped Roisin come out of her shell. She provided a rock to lean on, a shoulder to cry on and cheered her on and in the right direction. Now that all that has been taken away from her Roisin feels lost, empty and without any sense of direction remaining. ‘I feel deflated, sunk and dead inside if truth be told. I feel like after almost winning a four year long game of snakes and ladders that I’ve landed on the penultimate square and slid right back down to number one, back in time, back to the old shell of a person I was when I first arrived’.
The author sums up perfectly the way that Roisin is coping with this new loss. After building herself up in recent years she feels like she is back at square one and the grief is eating her up inside all over again. It may seem over the top that Roisin is so deeply affected by the void that Mabel has left in her life but it’s not at all as Mabel was a very special person who embraced Roisin into the village and gave her that firm anchor she so desperately needed when she was lost at sea. Now she feels she is back in that place and can see no way out. When Mabel’s nephew Aidan arrives from America to sort the funeral arrangements and put the house up for sale, Roisin feels it's another blow to her and maybe she best leaving the little village she has called home and which has offered her security and friendship.
’I was at my lowest ebb when she came into my life and now she’s gone. I worry I might be sliding down the same slippery slope already. I can feel it in the air. It’s a sense of fear that is so overwhelming, like a tidal wave approaching from which I can’t escape. It’s hopelessness, it’s loneliness, it’s a huge cloud and it’s coming to get me fast’. Such powerful and emotive words used to describe Roisin’s grief and you know it’s for much more than the loss of Mabel, I think it sums up the way grief attacks us and doesn’t let go for some time if indeed ever.
Despite never meeting Mabel as such in the story, she had such a strong, formidable (in a good way) supportive and practical presence throughout. She was a wise woman and knew that when she was gone Roisin would suffer with her mental health as all the fear, insecurities, self doubt and apprehension would creep back in again. Mabel knew that Roisin needed to feel more positive and stronger and in a way too she knew that Aidan needed to be steered in the right direction. Her plan to leave messages and tasks for the pair to do as the seasons changed over the year was so clever and brilliant on her part. She thought of every little thing and she was well aware of the bigger picture. These tasks form the crux of the story as Aidan and Roisin navigate a difficult and stressful journey but in doing so perhaps the separate problems, they both face will create a new bond of friendship and unity and perhaps something more as secrets and much more are revealed and confronted. Throughout reading I couldn’t quite fathom how Mabel had everything so carefully planned out and that messages and things would arrive at a certain time. When this was revealed I thought it was the sweetest thing ever and such a lovely touch, Mabel’s ultimate purpose was to spread kindness and joy. She did that in spades when alive and even with her passing she was trying to work her magic for those who needed it the most.
Aidan initially, and perhaps for a good majority of the book, came across as being rich, arrogant, cold and nonchalant. Yes he was very good looking, and there was something about him that will intrigue readers, but I thought at first he wasn’t that nice to Roisin and didn’t get the bond that she had shared with Mabel. It was almost like he wanted to get in and out as soon as possible and get back to his work in America but when the first message from Mabel arrives he has no choice but to slow down and listen to what she has to say. It was almost as if she knew that Aidan had something going on with him too in a similar way to Roisin.
Aidan needed to slow down and step back from his pressurised job and family situation and being in Ireland away from that would give him the chance to do so. I bet he didn’t bargain on meeting Roisin and for Mabel to leave such an important message for them. Roisin is told to leave her walls down and to let love in again. Aidan is reminded that he is raw, hurt, angry and broken but he needs to make changes, to slow down and put his foot on the brakes. But why is Mabel telling him this? What has happened in his own life that she felt so strongly in her message?
The story moves forward over the year with new messages arriving when least expected but most needed. Aidan begins to warm a little but as Roisin so raw and vulnerable because of past experiences, she just doesn’t want to let Aidan get too close or ingrained into her family life. I’m not quite sure that he wished to develop such a close friendship/relationship with her but he owed so much to Mabel and maybe spending some time in Ballybray would help him sort his heart and mind out and if Mabel’s advice and the new friendship with Roisin helped than that would be all the better. I loved this quote which summed up both Aidan and Roisin perfectly. Each on their own unique and difficult journey but taking the steps together reluctantly at times but they knew they owed it to Mabel to do what she wanted. ‘We are two wounded soldiers, wading in waters so troubled for all our lives that it’s become all we are used to, each of us searching for a love we’ve not yet found’.
Secrets in the Snow is a story that proves Emma Heatherington can spin magic out of words and have me enthralled from page one. The characters are all brilliantly drawn and you are so deeply invested in their journeys and the eventual outcome for two people that are hurt, complex and flawed but never dull. The only issue I had was surrounding a discovery of Aidan’s towards the end, it just seemed to come out of left field and then was dealt with way too quickly. I know I love a twist in a book but for me it would have been fine without its inclusion. Secrets in the Snow is a wonderful read and trust me it’s one you’ll want to go back and reread all over again as soon as you finish it.
February 13, 2021
Roisin O'Connor and her son Ben say goodbye to their beloved neighbor Mabel, who recently died of cancer. Mabel was more than a neighbor, she was family, and their savior when they first came to live in Ballybray. Her nephew Aiden comes to Ireland to sell the house and pack everything up, a handsome man who Mabel was constantly praising, making life only more difficult for Roisin..
This is a really cozy read. It's about a super slow burn romance, about family, about figuring out what you want from life, about not letting yourself push into a direction you don't want to go by people who don't really care about you. A nice story set in the countryside of Ireland.
The characters are what I liked most about this book. Although we follow Roisin's POV, all of the characters are very rich and specifically, very realistic. I was especially pleasantly surprised by Aiden, I was really expecting him to be snarky and mean half the book (like most with this enemies to lovers trope) but he got over himself pretty quickly - which seems way more realistic than how it's usually done. But I also liked how Roisin's trauma wasn't just resolved easily, and came back with a vengeance just when she thought it was gone (just like in real life), but manages to climb out that dark hole again. These people won't sweep you off your feet, but they're gently realistic and really fun to read about.
The reason I am only giving it three stars is that it was really, really slow. And I like slow books, but I really felt about a fourth could be cut out. Not necessarily a fourth of the plot, but paragraphs here and there that were just doing anything for the story and only repeated information. I got frustrated by the repetition and I think a heavy editing round would have improved it all a lot.
But all in all it's a cozy book with interesting and realistic characters, great to curl up with on a winter's day.
Content warnings (might contain spoilers):
This is a really cozy read. It's about a super slow burn romance, about family, about figuring out what you want from life, about not letting yourself push into a direction you don't want to go by people who don't really care about you. A nice story set in the countryside of Ireland.
The characters are what I liked most about this book. Although we follow Roisin's POV, all of the characters are very rich and specifically, very realistic. I was especially pleasantly surprised by Aiden, I was really expecting him to be snarky and mean half the book (like most with this enemies to lovers trope) but he got over himself pretty quickly - which seems way more realistic than how it's usually done. But I also liked how Roisin's trauma wasn't just resolved easily, and came back with a vengeance just when she thought it was gone (just like in real life), but manages to climb out that dark hole again. These people won't sweep you off your feet, but they're gently realistic and really fun to read about.
The reason I am only giving it three stars is that it was really, really slow. And I like slow books, but I really felt about a fourth could be cut out. Not necessarily a fourth of the plot, but paragraphs here and there that were just doing anything for the story and only repeated information. I got frustrated by the repetition and I think a heavy editing round would have improved it all a lot.
But all in all it's a cozy book with interesting and realistic characters, great to curl up with on a winter's day.
Content warnings (might contain spoilers):
October 26, 2020
This is a beautiful story about grief, loss and family; because family is not about blood but having a piece of our heart.
This is a beautiful and sweet story; based in a small Irish village, we will meet Roisin and her son Ben who are grieving the loss of her neighbor, Mabel, she was family to them and not only a neighbour. Everything will change when Mabel’s nephew, Aidan, will return home to sell the house and close all of Mabel’s affairs, because he is not as cold as he pretends and maybe he will find the peace he doesn’t know he needs.
This is a book to make you smile and relax; it’s about love and romance, not the love that takes you away in one second, but the one that slowly burns you and keeps you warm forever. At the same time it is about family and the past, because sometimes the best way to grief is to remember the good and bad things of the person we lost and never stop thinking about them. This is the only way to keep them alive, inside our memories.
Rosin is not a brave woman, she has deep wounds and is not good at taking risks. On the other side, Aidan is cold and doesn’t want to remember what it is to have a family, he feels alone in this world and prefers to keep his mind occupied with work. As you can see, they are not the perfect match, but who is? Maybe if they take a step ahead and leave their fears behind… Who knows?
If you are looking for a quick read and love story, this is your book, it will keep you warm all day! 😉 Ready to discover the “Secrets In The Snow”?
This is a beautiful and sweet story; based in a small Irish village, we will meet Roisin and her son Ben who are grieving the loss of her neighbor, Mabel, she was family to them and not only a neighbour. Everything will change when Mabel’s nephew, Aidan, will return home to sell the house and close all of Mabel’s affairs, because he is not as cold as he pretends and maybe he will find the peace he doesn’t know he needs.
This is a book to make you smile and relax; it’s about love and romance, not the love that takes you away in one second, but the one that slowly burns you and keeps you warm forever. At the same time it is about family and the past, because sometimes the best way to grief is to remember the good and bad things of the person we lost and never stop thinking about them. This is the only way to keep them alive, inside our memories.
Rosin is not a brave woman, she has deep wounds and is not good at taking risks. On the other side, Aidan is cold and doesn’t want to remember what it is to have a family, he feels alone in this world and prefers to keep his mind occupied with work. As you can see, they are not the perfect match, but who is? Maybe if they take a step ahead and leave their fears behind… Who knows?
If you are looking for a quick read and love story, this is your book, it will keep you warm all day! 😉 Ready to discover the “Secrets In The Snow”?
October 15, 2020
This book stole my weekend and my heart
Another wonderful, story by Emma Heatherington, this time set in the village of BallyBray where five years before a wind blew in a widow and her young son, both confused and lost, looking for a family they didn't know they had.
Mabel was not family in the traditional sense but with time the body between the young woman and her child to the batty American grew stronger than blood. Roisin O’Connor needed strength, love, and the occasional kick up the bum but soon she worked her way into the community with Mabel's gentle guidance and a swift kick if needed.
But when the young family is left without their dear friend, she did not leave them alone, but through a series of messages from the grave, Mabel is able to help her nephew and her friends grieve together and search for secrets that would change everything they knew to be true.
There is so much emotion packed into this story, the depth of character and the twists in the tale kept me gripped. I highly recommend anyone looking to spend the day curled up with a great read. I can't wait for more from Emma.
My thanks to #Netgalley, #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction @fictionpubteam, @harperfictionpr, and @EmmaHeatherington for allowing to review a copy of #SecretsInTheSnow
Another wonderful, story by Emma Heatherington, this time set in the village of BallyBray where five years before a wind blew in a widow and her young son, both confused and lost, looking for a family they didn't know they had.
Mabel was not family in the traditional sense but with time the body between the young woman and her child to the batty American grew stronger than blood. Roisin O’Connor needed strength, love, and the occasional kick up the bum but soon she worked her way into the community with Mabel's gentle guidance and a swift kick if needed.
But when the young family is left without their dear friend, she did not leave them alone, but through a series of messages from the grave, Mabel is able to help her nephew and her friends grieve together and search for secrets that would change everything they knew to be true.
There is so much emotion packed into this story, the depth of character and the twists in the tale kept me gripped. I highly recommend anyone looking to spend the day curled up with a great read. I can't wait for more from Emma.
My thanks to #Netgalley, #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction @fictionpubteam, @harperfictionpr, and @EmmaHeatherington for allowing to review a copy of #SecretsInTheSnow
October 19, 2020
This is one of those books which you don't want to put down although at times, it is a touching and emotional read. I admire the way Emma manages to weave dark themes into her stories and yet at the same time, keep the overall tone one of hope and moving forward. Roisin's difficult childhood has never left her and her marriage turned out to be far from the happy ever after she hoped for. When you first meet her, she seems at rock bottom but you soon discover that she has hidden depths and a determination to keep going.
Of course, the character you never meet, Mabel, probably makes the strongest impression and you can totally understand the effect she has on Roisin, Ben and Aidan. It takes time to get the measure of Aidan and I was never quite sure what was going to happen where he was concerned. This is a slow burn romance. The story takes place over a year which gives the storyline some credibility. Both Roisin and Aidan have issues which are never going to be swept aside quickly. The setting for the book adds to the feeling of friendship and community. It seems to be a haven of safety, a place to heal. This is a touching story which looks at whether you can choose your family.
In short: Will they, won't they?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Of course, the character you never meet, Mabel, probably makes the strongest impression and you can totally understand the effect she has on Roisin, Ben and Aidan. It takes time to get the measure of Aidan and I was never quite sure what was going to happen where he was concerned. This is a slow burn romance. The story takes place over a year which gives the storyline some credibility. Both Roisin and Aidan have issues which are never going to be swept aside quickly. The setting for the book adds to the feeling of friendship and community. It seems to be a haven of safety, a place to heal. This is a touching story which looks at whether you can choose your family.
In short: Will they, won't they?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
October 15, 2020
Roisin and her son Been move to the village of Ballybray after the death of her husband. She is taken under the wing of her elderly neighbour Mabel who helps her recover from the years of abuse, both physical and mental, that her husband had been subjecting her to. When Mabel sadly dies she meets Mabel's nephew Aiden when he returns from New York where he is a successful businessman for the funeral and to arrange the sale of the house. After a tricky start they start forming a friendship, reinforced by quarterly messages left by Mabel for them. This a very emotional book, showing the long term damage that emotional and physical abuse causes and Roisin struggles to overcome her issues. Aiden also has issues with his job and marriage in NY, showing that money and success isn't everything. For me not a book to cheer me up due to the story content, but one to make you think what your actions and attitudes to other people may cause whilst hoping that these two can make the Happy Ever After happen that we all hope for when reading a romance. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
September 16, 2020
Roisin and her little boy Ben moved to Ballybray after the death of her husband. They became very close to her neighbour Mabel and they develop a small family. Now Mabel has died and Roisin and Ben are devastated. The only family Mabel has left is her nephew Aidan in New York. Aidan arrives for the funeral and to wrap up Mabels affairs. While doing this he discovers that Mabel has left instructions for Roisin and himself to help them to get over the first year after her death. Will they manage to get through it? How will they get on?
I loved this heart warming story from Emma Heatherington. Mabel seems like a fantastic character and is very aware of how Aidan and Roisin will get on. She also ropes someone else into her plan which I loved. The description of Ballybray makes you want to move there
Thank you to Emma Heatherington, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I loved this heart warming story from Emma Heatherington. Mabel seems like a fantastic character and is very aware of how Aidan and Roisin will get on. She also ropes someone else into her plan which I loved. The description of Ballybray makes you want to move there
Thank you to Emma Heatherington, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2020
This is a cute book and a definite re-read!
I love that it's such an easy read, I had no diffculty ploughing through this wonderful book, it was touching, heartwarming and a sweet, feel good book! It ticked all the boxes especially as the weather is getting cooler, candles and curling up with this, so cosy!
Emma Heatherington certainly has some excellent writing skills and it's so easy to breeze through her work! The characters were so well developed, there was structure, there was a plot line! Everything a reader could ask for, and I loved that completely, there was feel good, there was happiness and there was sadness, and even some tickling and maybe even pulling of the heart strings but the author did such a good job on this book! I'm so pleased to have been given the opportunity to read this and whole heartedly recommend this as winter read!
I love that it's such an easy read, I had no diffculty ploughing through this wonderful book, it was touching, heartwarming and a sweet, feel good book! It ticked all the boxes especially as the weather is getting cooler, candles and curling up with this, so cosy!
Emma Heatherington certainly has some excellent writing skills and it's so easy to breeze through her work! The characters were so well developed, there was structure, there was a plot line! Everything a reader could ask for, and I loved that completely, there was feel good, there was happiness and there was sadness, and even some tickling and maybe even pulling of the heart strings but the author did such a good job on this book! I'm so pleased to have been given the opportunity to read this and whole heartedly recommend this as winter read!
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