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Tansy Falls #2
A Secret at Tansy Falls
The old farmhouse at Tansy Falls. A little patch of paradise in the hills of Vermont. Home to happy couple Connie and Nate. And a long-buried secret that will ignite a devastating spark…
Connie knows she’s been lucky in life. She lives in a place that makes her soul sing—a beautiful red clapboard farmhouse among the daisy-strewn hills of Tansy Falls—with her soulmate Nate, her husband of twenty years.
But while she can still feel the sunshine on her face, there’s a heaviness in her heart that she can’t shake. The laughter and the lingering kisses are beginning to disappear. Ever since Nate lost his job, the man she thought she knew inside out has changed.
Connie knows this happens in long marriages. When Nate forgets her birthday, she’s determined to enjoy her day regardless. But as she blows out the candles on her lemon sponge cake, surrounded by her girlfriends, a stranger arrives and reveals a shocking truth about her husband. Nate is the man Connie has always loved but in just one evening her life changes beyond all recognition.
As Connie looks at the home she loves, and the husband she has known forever sitting beneath the cottonwood tree, she knows that starting over will be the hardest thing she has ever done. But if she doesn’t, will she ever find the woman she is meant to be?
If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, then you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls. A completely compelling read about secrets and betrayal that will have you reaching for the tissues.
Connie knows she’s been lucky in life. She lives in a place that makes her soul sing—a beautiful red clapboard farmhouse among the daisy-strewn hills of Tansy Falls—with her soulmate Nate, her husband of twenty years.
But while she can still feel the sunshine on her face, there’s a heaviness in her heart that she can’t shake. The laughter and the lingering kisses are beginning to disappear. Ever since Nate lost his job, the man she thought she knew inside out has changed.
Connie knows this happens in long marriages. When Nate forgets her birthday, she’s determined to enjoy her day regardless. But as she blows out the candles on her lemon sponge cake, surrounded by her girlfriends, a stranger arrives and reveals a shocking truth about her husband. Nate is the man Connie has always loved but in just one evening her life changes beyond all recognition.
As Connie looks at the home she loves, and the husband she has known forever sitting beneath the cottonwood tree, she knows that starting over will be the hardest thing she has ever done. But if she doesn’t, will she ever find the woman she is meant to be?
If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, then you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls. A completely compelling read about secrets and betrayal that will have you reaching for the tissues.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2022
322 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Cate Woods
5 books85 followersCate Woods made the most of her degree in Anglo-Saxon Literature by embarking on a career making tea on programmes including The Big Breakfast, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and French & Saunders. After narrowly missing out on the chance to become a Channel 5 weather girl she moved into journalism, where she interviewed every famous John, from Prescott to Bon Jovi, ghostwrote a weekly column for a footballer's wife and enjoyed a brief stint as one half of Closer magazine's gossip-columnist duo, 'Mr & Mrs Showbiz'. Cate left the magazine world in 2009 to pursue a full-time career ghostwriting celebrity autobiographies and novels. She lives in London with her husband (not Mr Showbiz) and two small children. Just Haven't Met You Yet is her first novel under her own name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 6, 2022
A light fun read I say!
The writing is fun to read. An age gap romance which will not take much time to read.
The ending made me so happy!
Go for this book if you love the cover (because I do!) and a fun-filled, light romance read.
Thank you, Bookouture and the author, for the advance reading copy.
The writing is fun to read. An age gap romance which will not take much time to read.
The ending made me so happy!
Go for this book if you love the cover (because I do!) and a fun-filled, light romance read.
Thank you, Bookouture and the author, for the advance reading copy.
January 22, 2022
Ever been so disillusioned by a book that you don’t even feel like writing a review for it? That’s me for this book. The only two reasons I’m still writing something are:
1. It was an ARC.
2. On Jan 1st 2021, I had resolved to review every single book I read, and I won’t allow this book to break my streak.
So, here I go with a motley assortment of thoughts.
➤ I picked this up because of the lovely title, the pretty cover, and the fact that book one of the series was highly rated. Big mistake.
➤ There's not much of a story. It begins with an almost-fifty-year-old woman named Connie, who lives in an idyllic small town named “Tansy Falls” (Duh!!!) and works in the local hotel as the manager. She is facing some troubles in her personal and professional life. Many paragraphs and chapters later, the troubles reach a crescendo before they fizzle out one by one.
➤ The book began well and the first few chapters were quite nice, but it went overboard soon after. If the book focused only on Connie and her personal/professional struggles, it would have been over within a 100 pages or so. The rest of the chapters are dedicated to the local shops in the fictional town such as the local general store, the cheese shop, the art gallery, the chocolatier and so on. It gets boring after a while. None of these serve to take the story ahead but just build a base for the continuity of the series.
➤ I got the feeling that the author is trying to develop Tansy Falls into something like the Cedar Cove series or the Blossom Street series by Debbie Macomber. That is, create a beautiful picture of a small town and have one book dedicated to one shop/resident of that town. Debbie Macomber does it much better though. In this book, the parts don't come together into a cohesive whole.
➤ The characters are quite unidimensional and there's hardly any depth. They are either good or toxic or wolves in sheep’s clothing.
➤ Though I haven't read the first installment of this series, the context is quite clear and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.
All in all, though I haven’t read the first book, I can safely say that this doesn’t seem to be a worthy successor to it. (Based on the high GR rating the first novel has.) If you want a one-time cutesy read that focusses more on a town than on an individual, you might give this a try. Didn’t work for me though. What with the odes to the residents and their businesses, and the unrealistic and over-the-top spiralling of Connie’s problems, I lost interest and just skimmed my way to the end. The only reason I didn’t DNF it is because it was “skimmable”. I’d rather read a Debbie Macomber.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of “A Secret at Tansy Falls”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
1. It was an ARC.
2. On Jan 1st 2021, I had resolved to review every single book I read, and I won’t allow this book to break my streak.
So, here I go with a motley assortment of thoughts.
➤ I picked this up because of the lovely title, the pretty cover, and the fact that book one of the series was highly rated. Big mistake.
➤ There's not much of a story. It begins with an almost-fifty-year-old woman named Connie, who lives in an idyllic small town named “Tansy Falls” (Duh!!!) and works in the local hotel as the manager. She is facing some troubles in her personal and professional life. Many paragraphs and chapters later, the troubles reach a crescendo before they fizzle out one by one.
➤ The book began well and the first few chapters were quite nice, but it went overboard soon after. If the book focused only on Connie and her personal/professional struggles, it would have been over within a 100 pages or so. The rest of the chapters are dedicated to the local shops in the fictional town such as the local general store, the cheese shop, the art gallery, the chocolatier and so on. It gets boring after a while. None of these serve to take the story ahead but just build a base for the continuity of the series.
➤ I got the feeling that the author is trying to develop Tansy Falls into something like the Cedar Cove series or the Blossom Street series by Debbie Macomber. That is, create a beautiful picture of a small town and have one book dedicated to one shop/resident of that town. Debbie Macomber does it much better though. In this book, the parts don't come together into a cohesive whole.
➤ The characters are quite unidimensional and there's hardly any depth. They are either good or toxic or wolves in sheep’s clothing.
➤ Though I haven't read the first installment of this series, the context is quite clear and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.
All in all, though I haven’t read the first book, I can safely say that this doesn’t seem to be a worthy successor to it. (Based on the high GR rating the first novel has.) If you want a one-time cutesy read that focusses more on a town than on an individual, you might give this a try. Didn’t work for me though. What with the odes to the residents and their businesses, and the unrealistic and over-the-top spiralling of Connie’s problems, I lost interest and just skimmed my way to the end. The only reason I didn’t DNF it is because it was “skimmable”. I’d rather read a Debbie Macomber.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of “A Secret at Tansy Falls”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
June 14, 2022
When I compare it with the first book in the series, A Secret At Tansy Falls does fall short. This one is about Connie, a manager at the Covered Bridge Inn at Tansy Falls, the same inn that Nell Swift stayed at in the first book. Connie is going through a serious personal mid life crisis and things are quite hectic at her workplace too. With a marriage that she feels is breaking apart, a college going son who gets in serious trouble, a hippy father who has found himself a young woman and an impending press weekend which she has to manage on her own after a potential event manager candidate bails on her, 'Capable Connie' as she is known is stressed out to her core.
Even with the familiar backdrop of Tansy Falls and quite a few characters from the first book making a guest appearance, I felt this book was lacking in the charm that was there in the first book. One of the few stand out and fun moments was the press weekend involving the shenanigans of Brody Knott, the resident flirt, with a Facebook influencer Mimi and her boyfriend Glenn which results in a funny, soap opera ish fist fight.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Cate Woods for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
Even with the familiar backdrop of Tansy Falls and quite a few characters from the first book making a guest appearance, I felt this book was lacking in the charm that was there in the first book. One of the few stand out and fun moments was the press weekend involving the shenanigans of Brody Knott, the resident flirt, with a Facebook influencer Mimi and her boyfriend Glenn which results in a funny, soap opera ish fist fight.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Cate Woods for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
December 15, 2021
A Secret at Tansy Falls is the second book in the Tansy Falls series. Although there are carryover characters from the first novel, they don’t play a major role. Thus, one is able to read A Secret at Tansy Falls as a standalone novel.
Unlike the first novel, which focused on a budding romance, this novel focuses on a married couple, Nate and Connie. Nate and Connie have been married 23 years and their long lasting marriage is now on the brink of failure. It doesn’t help that Nate is laid off, leaving Connie to take over the financial burden along with reinventing the marketing plan for the inn she works at.
Seemingly entering a midlife crisis, Nate and Connie are at a crossroads. They lost that spark and everything is just so mundane and routine. Further undermining their relationship, suspcious activity threatens to overturn everything that they have worked for in their marriage.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Cate Woods’ first novel in the series, I didn’t quite like this second novel. The characters didn’t appeal to me and just came across as soap opera-like, unfortunately.
The plot was okay. There are several intertwining narratives that are related to the main focus of Nate and Connie’s relationship. However, I didn’t quite see the point of inserting her father’s budding relationship with a much younger woman.
Overall, a decent read. Not the best and perhaps it’s second book syndrome where my expectations were too high for the sequel. Two stars — it was okay.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Unlike the first novel, which focused on a budding romance, this novel focuses on a married couple, Nate and Connie. Nate and Connie have been married 23 years and their long lasting marriage is now on the brink of failure. It doesn’t help that Nate is laid off, leaving Connie to take over the financial burden along with reinventing the marketing plan for the inn she works at.
Seemingly entering a midlife crisis, Nate and Connie are at a crossroads. They lost that spark and everything is just so mundane and routine. Further undermining their relationship, suspcious activity threatens to overturn everything that they have worked for in their marriage.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Cate Woods’ first novel in the series, I didn’t quite like this second novel. The characters didn’t appeal to me and just came across as soap opera-like, unfortunately.
The plot was okay. There are several intertwining narratives that are related to the main focus of Nate and Connie’s relationship. However, I didn’t quite see the point of inserting her father’s budding relationship with a much younger woman.
Overall, a decent read. Not the best and perhaps it’s second book syndrome where my expectations were too high for the sequel. Two stars — it was okay.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 26, 2022
We are back in the picturesque town of Tansy Falls with book 2 in the Tansy Falls series. Connie is the main character of this story. She is the manager of the Covered Bridge Inn owned by Piper and Spencer.
Connie is worried her husband has become distant since he lost his job and she feels her 20 year marriage is at an end, her father has a new girlfriend that is a decade younger than her and she is trying to organise a publicity weekend for the inn.
Cate Woods has piled dilemma after dilemma onto Connie as she struggles with her marriage, her job and her father's new relationship.
I really enjoyed book 1 with Nell's story and following her character growth. Nell's story was relatable however, Connie's story didn't affect me the same way. She wasn't likeable and her lack of communication with her husband was frustrating.
The imagery is vivid as Tansy Falls and its surrounds are described throughout the story. Characters from book 1 have very brief appearances and I would have liked to have seen more of them.
Woods highlights the consequences of making assumptions and jumping to conclusions, along with the need for communication in marriage.
I have fallen in love with the beautiful town of Tansy Falls and even though the plot of book 2 didn't resonate with me I am looking forward to book 3 to see what's in store for this town and its residents.
*I received my copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Connie is worried her husband has become distant since he lost his job and she feels her 20 year marriage is at an end, her father has a new girlfriend that is a decade younger than her and she is trying to organise a publicity weekend for the inn.
Cate Woods has piled dilemma after dilemma onto Connie as she struggles with her marriage, her job and her father's new relationship.
I really enjoyed book 1 with Nell's story and following her character growth. Nell's story was relatable however, Connie's story didn't affect me the same way. She wasn't likeable and her lack of communication with her husband was frustrating.
The imagery is vivid as Tansy Falls and its surrounds are described throughout the story. Characters from book 1 have very brief appearances and I would have liked to have seen more of them.
Woods highlights the consequences of making assumptions and jumping to conclusions, along with the need for communication in marriage.
I have fallen in love with the beautiful town of Tansy Falls and even though the plot of book 2 didn't resonate with me I am looking forward to book 3 to see what's in store for this town and its residents.
*I received my copy from the publisher via Netgalley
March 25, 2022
A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS is the second book in the Tansy Falls series. There are characters from the first novel, but they don’t play a major role. So you can easily read A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS as a standalone novel. I have no idea why I waited so long to read A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS by the awesome author Cate Woods. This is the second book I have read by her and now know that she goes straight for the readers heart and A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS did exactly that. I finished this with tears streaming down my face and a huge lump in my throat, at the same time I was smiling like an idiot! I love when an author can do that to me. Well done Ms. Woods!
The cover screamed to me, read me! Not to mention its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis says that ‘If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS! Friends, hold on to your seats! This is going to be one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride! There are so many twists and turns that will floor you as you are read. Connie runs the inn and things in her marriage are troubled. Her husband is out of work and decides to rent out an extra room in their house. When the new tenant moves in, he pays extra attention to Connie. He husband has been moody and withdrawn and Connie can’t help but be tempted by this stranger.
I fell in love with all of the characters in A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS. They are all very relatable and you can’t help but feel as if you’ve known them forever. Once you start reading, you will not be able to put this sweet story down. I cried my eyes out while finishing A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS. Cate Woods shredded my heart, left me sobbing, and then put my heart back together again. I just love when an author does that to me. When I was finished reading, I sat there for a very long time wondering what I would have done in Connie’s situation and I hope I would have handled it the same selfless way she did.
Grab A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS, snag a snack and your favorite beverage and get on the couch. Be prepared to spend the day with mixed emotions while reading this beautiful story and keep the tissue box handy. The more I was reading, the more I found myself slipping into the story and living vicariously through Connie. I was so engrossed in her story and was constantly rooting for her happiness even if at times I was wondering if she was making the right decisions! I am now on a quest to read all of Cate Woods’ books, she goes straight for your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The cover screamed to me, read me! Not to mention its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis says that ‘If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS! Friends, hold on to your seats! This is going to be one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride! There are so many twists and turns that will floor you as you are read. Connie runs the inn and things in her marriage are troubled. Her husband is out of work and decides to rent out an extra room in their house. When the new tenant moves in, he pays extra attention to Connie. He husband has been moody and withdrawn and Connie can’t help but be tempted by this stranger.
I fell in love with all of the characters in A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS. They are all very relatable and you can’t help but feel as if you’ve known them forever. Once you start reading, you will not be able to put this sweet story down. I cried my eyes out while finishing A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS. Cate Woods shredded my heart, left me sobbing, and then put my heart back together again. I just love when an author does that to me. When I was finished reading, I sat there for a very long time wondering what I would have done in Connie’s situation and I hope I would have handled it the same selfless way she did.
Grab A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS, snag a snack and your favorite beverage and get on the couch. Be prepared to spend the day with mixed emotions while reading this beautiful story and keep the tissue box handy. The more I was reading, the more I found myself slipping into the story and living vicariously through Connie. I was so engrossed in her story and was constantly rooting for her happiness even if at times I was wondering if she was making the right decisions! I am now on a quest to read all of Cate Woods’ books, she goes straight for your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 23, 2022
We are back in Tansy Falls, where the manager of the Covered Bridge Inn, Connie, has a lot of challenges going on. The biggest of those is that her once-solid marriage seems to be on shaky ground as her husband struggles with unemployment. On top of that, her father is dating someone young enough to be his granddaughter, and her son seems to be in serious trouble at college. How does she handle all of this, on top of turning 49 and trying to manage a major event at the Inn? Follow Connie and the other residents of Tansy Falls on another enjoyable and enlightening adventure, and find out. This second book in the Tansy Falls series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book to really meet the town and its residents.
I really enjoy this town and these characters, and Cate Woods keeps things interesting by introducing new people and new situations. The Inn is delightful, and we get to see old friends we met in book one, The Inn at Tansy Falls, which I also read and reviewed. I liked that the main focus of this story is on an almost-50-year old woman and some of the challenges we face in our 50s. Tansy Falls is a place I would definitely want to visit, and the town residents are a cast of characters the reader will enjoy getting to know. This book is hard to put down, and checking into the Covered Bridge Inn again is a fun way to spend a day. Fans of small-town fiction and family stories will love this heartwarming novel.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 on sites without a half-star option.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
I really enjoy this town and these characters, and Cate Woods keeps things interesting by introducing new people and new situations. The Inn is delightful, and we get to see old friends we met in book one, The Inn at Tansy Falls, which I also read and reviewed. I liked that the main focus of this story is on an almost-50-year old woman and some of the challenges we face in our 50s. Tansy Falls is a place I would definitely want to visit, and the town residents are a cast of characters the reader will enjoy getting to know. This book is hard to put down, and checking into the Covered Bridge Inn again is a fun way to spend a day. Fans of small-town fiction and family stories will love this heartwarming novel.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 on sites without a half-star option.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
November 29, 2021
In this the second book in the Tansy Falls series we find ourselves back in this warm and welcoming town. This book unlike the first book in the series, The Inn at Tansy Falls which focuses on many of the friendly towns folks there we are mainly focusing on one couple in particular here Connie and Nate. They are so fortunate to live in scenic Vermont in Tansy Falls, the mountainous views are majestic but even that can't keep Connie's spirits up. The couple has been married for twenty years and they used to laugh and do everything together. After Nate is let go at his job they barely have anything to say to each other and their time together is spent in strained silence.
When her husband forgets her birthday and she sees signs of things going down hill in her marriage she wonders, has the sunshine left her life or is there a lot more here than meets the eye?
Heartbreaking and realistic, makes you stop and think.
Recommended!
Publication date 20 Jan 2022.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
When her husband forgets her birthday and she sees signs of things going down hill in her marriage she wonders, has the sunshine left her life or is there a lot more here than meets the eye?
Heartbreaking and realistic, makes you stop and think.
Recommended!
Publication date 20 Jan 2022.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 25, 2022
Full Review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2022/0...
This is heartwarming and relatable women’s fiction that revolves around Connie Austen and her marriage life that is on brink of breaking. The story is about long married life, family, friendship, love, relationship issues, betrayal, and drama.
Writing is as good as first book. It is beautiful, heartfelt, and feel good. The story is written in third person narrative from Connie’s perspective. We see Tansy Falls from the perspective of someone who lived there all her life.
I enjoyed reading about Connie’s childhood, her eccentric father, her work life at Covered Bridge Inn and meeting new and old characters.
Best part of the story is second half when everything happens at once, press trip, crossroad of Connie’s marriage where she finally has to choose which way she wants to go, new feelings that came with her lodger, and all the revelations. I devoured each page and word in this part.
I also loved the setting. It was great to read all places mentioned in first book again. New places are also explored with all the activities they do during the press trip.
Why 4 stars-
This somehow didn’t make me fall in love with it as first book did. And I wished first half was just as engaging as the second half.
Overall, A Secret at Tansy Falls is charming, heartfelt, heartwarming and relatable women’s fiction with revisit to the most beautiful setting I recently read.
I definitely recommend this if you like,
have read first book and would love seeing the same setting from different perspective
beautiful setting
theme of relationship issues
Layer of manipulation and exploitation
soap opera-like drama
second chance
Small town and community
relatable characters
This is heartwarming and relatable women’s fiction that revolves around Connie Austen and her marriage life that is on brink of breaking. The story is about long married life, family, friendship, love, relationship issues, betrayal, and drama.
Writing is as good as first book. It is beautiful, heartfelt, and feel good. The story is written in third person narrative from Connie’s perspective. We see Tansy Falls from the perspective of someone who lived there all her life.
I enjoyed reading about Connie’s childhood, her eccentric father, her work life at Covered Bridge Inn and meeting new and old characters.
Best part of the story is second half when everything happens at once, press trip, crossroad of Connie’s marriage where she finally has to choose which way she wants to go, new feelings that came with her lodger, and all the revelations. I devoured each page and word in this part.
I also loved the setting. It was great to read all places mentioned in first book again. New places are also explored with all the activities they do during the press trip.
Why 4 stars-
This somehow didn’t make me fall in love with it as first book did. And I wished first half was just as engaging as the second half.
Overall, A Secret at Tansy Falls is charming, heartfelt, heartwarming and relatable women’s fiction with revisit to the most beautiful setting I recently read.
I definitely recommend this if you like,
have read first book and would love seeing the same setting from different perspective
beautiful setting
theme of relationship issues
Layer of manipulation and exploitation
soap opera-like drama
second chance
Small town and community
relatable characters
December 30, 2021
Starting over is never easy and that proves to be the case for Connie. She had been married to Nate for two decades but she finds him less and less engaged. Finances get rather tight, especially after Nate loses his job. They decide to take in a boarder named James. Meanwhile, Connie is working hard at her job managing a small hotel. She faces difficulty with staff and an impending event. Meanwhile, James begins paying her more attention than Nate had been of late. Also, Connie finds herself very worried about her father as he becomes involved with a woman many years his junior.
The drama facing Connie meets no end. Unable to connect with Nate, finding herself drawn to James, Then her concern for her father and her relationship with her sister come into play. Although this is the second book in a trilogy, having not read the first book didn't lessen the enjoyment of this one. The characters and the plot were engaging, as well as the setting. As someone who lives in New England, I loved reading this book set in the hills of Vermont.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The drama facing Connie meets no end. Unable to connect with Nate, finding herself drawn to James, Then her concern for her father and her relationship with her sister come into play. Although this is the second book in a trilogy, having not read the first book didn't lessen the enjoyment of this one. The characters and the plot were engaging, as well as the setting. As someone who lives in New England, I loved reading this book set in the hills of Vermont.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 25, 2022
This is the second story set in Tansy Falls and I loved my visit to this small tourist town in the hills of Vermont. Connie is the manager of the famous Covered Bridge Inn. She is an extremely competent woman, but it seems everything is going wrong in her life. Her once-solid marriage seems to be on shaky ground as her husband struggles with unemployment, her self-centered father is dating someone twenty years younger than Connie, and her son seems to be in serious trouble at college. As she tries to handle all of this, she turns 49 and is trying to manage a major event at the Inn that could cost her her job if it doesn't go well. Suddenly a handsome man starts paying her a lot of attention. What is Connie going to do? Can her marriage be saved? Is she going to lose her job?
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Each story is about a different set of characters, but we do meet up with several people that populate the town as well as the main characters from the first book. I do enjoy the easy way everyone in Tansy Falls gets along and looks out for one another. I think I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first because I could identify with Connie more, being an older character who was going through many things I had already dealt with. She is such a strong character who spent her life making sure everyone else was okay, so when she breaks, it will be huge. I loved the well-developed characters, and even though Carol and Mitch Gridley were annoying, they made me laugh. The press people were also enjoyable, and there is a scene the night before they leave that had me laughing out loud. There are other characters who grabbed my heart and some that I wanted to smack, but they were all well developed. I loved the various descriptions of the hills around Tansy Falls with it's hidden waterholes, hiking trails, mountain vistas and meadows or clearings where healing circles were held. This was a wonderful story that was realistic and relatable. I very much enjoyed seeing Connie find her way and loved how Cate Woods brought all the many storylines together in a wonderful uplifting conclusion. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for the characters and Tansy Falls. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Each story is about a different set of characters, but we do meet up with several people that populate the town as well as the main characters from the first book. I do enjoy the easy way everyone in Tansy Falls gets along and looks out for one another. I think I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first because I could identify with Connie more, being an older character who was going through many things I had already dealt with. She is such a strong character who spent her life making sure everyone else was okay, so when she breaks, it will be huge. I loved the well-developed characters, and even though Carol and Mitch Gridley were annoying, they made me laugh. The press people were also enjoyable, and there is a scene the night before they leave that had me laughing out loud. There are other characters who grabbed my heart and some that I wanted to smack, but they were all well developed. I loved the various descriptions of the hills around Tansy Falls with it's hidden waterholes, hiking trails, mountain vistas and meadows or clearings where healing circles were held. This was a wonderful story that was realistic and relatable. I very much enjoyed seeing Connie find her way and loved how Cate Woods brought all the many storylines together in a wonderful uplifting conclusion. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for the characters and Tansy Falls. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
January 20, 2022
I adored The Inn at Tansy Falls by Cate....
So I was thrilled to see A Secret at Tansy Falls.
Cate Woods wrote a feel good book about self discovery and finding happiness.
I was so enthralled with this emotional story.
The characters engrossed me and had me wanting more of them.
A well thought out novel brimming with down-to-earth characters!
A Secret At Tansy Falls is a beautiful, uplifting story.. a story about a charming small town, its amazing residents, and the possibility of starting over.
I loved being able to experience Tansy Falls.
This beautifully written book really came to life and made you appreciate it that much more.
It's heartwarming and sweet that is full of emotions and phenomenal characters.
Booming with feelings of happiness and joy, as well as sadness.
Truly a wonderful work of fiction.
Bookouture Thank You!
For this beautiful story!
So I was thrilled to see A Secret at Tansy Falls.
Cate Woods wrote a feel good book about self discovery and finding happiness.
I was so enthralled with this emotional story.
The characters engrossed me and had me wanting more of them.
A well thought out novel brimming with down-to-earth characters!
A Secret At Tansy Falls is a beautiful, uplifting story.. a story about a charming small town, its amazing residents, and the possibility of starting over.
I loved being able to experience Tansy Falls.
This beautifully written book really came to life and made you appreciate it that much more.
It's heartwarming and sweet that is full of emotions and phenomenal characters.
Booming with feelings of happiness and joy, as well as sadness.
Truly a wonderful work of fiction.
Bookouture Thank You!
For this beautiful story!
January 20, 2022
What a delight it is to return to the Vermont community of Tansy Falls,
Where the romance in wedded bliss appears beginning to pall...
Connie and Nate no longer seem to communicate
Are they growing apart? Is it stress - or just fate?
Since Nate lost his job, he's struggling and becoming distant, too.
Still working hard, Connie's unsure what to do.
Then Nate forgets her birthday for the very first time
And their son is worried he'll be charged with a crime!
A busy, stress filled time at her job at the Inn,
Connie's starting to think there's no chance that she'll win.
Will this be the end of their long running romance?
Should she be giving him a second chance?
With her Dad revealing other secrets that shock her, too,
And the new lodger proving attentive and attractive, what should she do?
So many pressures and discoveries to be made
As parts in this family drama remain to be played.
It is a story full of heartbreak and more
Occurring in a community that I adore.
Get ready for revelations on several folks' part
And a brilliant ending to heal your heart.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Where the romance in wedded bliss appears beginning to pall...
Connie and Nate no longer seem to communicate
Are they growing apart? Is it stress - or just fate?
Since Nate lost his job, he's struggling and becoming distant, too.
Still working hard, Connie's unsure what to do.
Then Nate forgets her birthday for the very first time
And their son is worried he'll be charged with a crime!
A busy, stress filled time at her job at the Inn,
Connie's starting to think there's no chance that she'll win.
Will this be the end of their long running romance?
Should she be giving him a second chance?
With her Dad revealing other secrets that shock her, too,
And the new lodger proving attentive and attractive, what should she do?
So many pressures and discoveries to be made
As parts in this family drama remain to be played.
It is a story full of heartbreak and more
Occurring in a community that I adore.
Get ready for revelations on several folks' part
And a brilliant ending to heal your heart.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
March 2, 2022
An enjoyable, easy read but there’s nothing to make it stand out. The synopsis on GR doesn’t bear any relation to what actually happens in the book though!
January 15, 2022
A Secret at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods is the second novel in the Tansy Falls series. Each novel in the series is a standalone. It was great to return to Tansy Falls, Vermont with its charming shops and homes as well as the friendly residents. Connie is the manager of the Covered Bridge Inn and lives in a restored farmhouse with her husband, Nate. Nate has been out of work since he was deemed redundant at the travel magazine where he worked as an editor. It has really affected his self-esteem. Connie has noticed that their marriage has been on a downward spiral since Nate last his job. There is a lack of communication and intimacy. Connie has no idea how to fix her marriage. To help their financial struggle, the couple take in a charismatic boarder. Connie is flattered by the boarder’s attention especially since she has not been feeling attractive or wanted. In the meantime, Connie is working on a special press weekend for the inn. A new hotel is being built and Connie wants to make sure they loose as few customers as possible. The weekend turns out to be a challenge. Connie’s customer service skills and patience will be tested. Can Connie save her marriage and keep the inn profitable? A Secret at Tansy Falls takes us back to the charming town of Tansy Falls, Vermont. I would love to live in such a cozy town. Nell from The Inn at Tansy Falls is barely mentioned in this book. There are a couple of different intersecting narratives that tie to Connie. Her son is under investigation at his college, her father has a new girlfriend, a flirtatious artist, an enigmatic boarder, a pregnant boss, an upcoming press weekend, and the boss’s cantankerous grandparents. We get to follow Connie as she goes about her life and deals with the various problems. I did feel that the ending was rushed. There is also too much repetition of information. I got tired of certain details being repeated multiple times. Nate is a bland character. The pacing was slow due to lack of action. I loved the descriptions of Tansy Falls. Tansy Falls is such a friendly town and there is plenty to do all year round. I hope there will be another novel in the Tansy Falls series. A Secret at Tansy Falls is an emotional story with a distressed son, an uncomfortable marriage, a grumpy grandmother, pregnancy problems, an alluring lodger, problematic press, and a tempting town.
January 16, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Secret At Tansy Falls' by Cate Woods.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Cate Woods, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 20th January 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Tansy Falls' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series called 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls.' I am a huge fan of Robyn Carr so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Cate and if this is half as good as 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 38 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Vermont, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third and person perspective and the main protagonist is Connie Austen. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!! What an absolutely gorgeous book and a beautiful welcome back to the gorgeous Tansy Falls. Strangely enough my mind wandered back to Tansy Falls a few weeks ago before I even knew I was going to read this book, it is definitely a place that stays with you. I absolutely LOVED reading this and was devastated when my journey at Tansy falls came to an end. However, I have got book 3 to look forward to which I'm eagerly awaiting!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline is absolutely gorgeous yet both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The storyline is realistic and down to earth and the setting is picturesque. I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this heartwarming and soul lifting page turner. On several occasions I had to reach for the tissues so make sure you have a supply to hand before you start reading this and clear your time table as you are going on a beautiful journey. It was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions from blissful happiness to worry, filled with warmth and love to anger. There were lies, secrets, shocks, romance, deceipt, sadness, tears and laughter. I genuinely felt like I was on holidays in Tansy Falls and I was devastated when I realised I had to pack my bags and leave at the end. However, all is not lost and I cannot wait for the next book in what promises to be a page turning series. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I'd have to pack my suitcase to leave the gorgeous Tansy Falls and return to rainy Wales after a stunning getaway.
Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I fell in love with not just Tansy Falls again but all the amazing people in there. It was such a friendly village where everyone knew everyone else and you would never feel alone. I loved how Connie's character and personality developed throughout the story and I bonded with her immediately. Her friendship and closeness to Spencer and Piper is beautiful and her story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Connie went through so much in this book from husband troubles to son stress to work worries to heartbreak my heart really went out to her. I had tears streaming down my face at the end and I can't wait to meet her and Nate again. I had mixed feelings about Nate from wanting to scream at him to feeling sorry, Cate truly showed the struggles some men go through and as they don't all show their emotions it can cause so much worry. I loved meeting so many old faces such as Spencer, Piper, Boomer, Darlene (not so much Carole, Mitch and Brody) and seeing some fresh faces around, some of whom were a good laugh others who I'm glad to see the back end of. Whether I loved them or hated them they all came together to make a perfect story. I'm looking forward to meeting many of them again.
Cate congratulations on an absolutely stunning novel, this is why you are in my top author list. Your book is a page turning heartwarming and soul lifting success and Cecilia Ahern has definitely got some competition!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and I hope your busy writing book 3 as I for one cannot wait!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will whisk you off to Tansy Falls and lift your heart and spirit. A page turning, addictive compelling novel that will leave you wanting more
Some of my favourite quotes/sayings in this book include the following:
♥ Not a quote or saying but loved there was a "Jerry Whitlock" in the book ♥
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Contemporary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of ReaAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, Cecilia Ahern and anyone needing a gorgeous break away.
257 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ASecretAtTansyFalls #Bookouture #CateWoods #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@CateWoods @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Merged review:
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Secret At Tansy Falls' by Cate Woods.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Cate Woods, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 20th January 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Tansy Falls' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series called 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls.' I am a huge fan of Robyn Carr so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Cate and if this is half as good as 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 38 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Vermont, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third and person perspective and the main protagonist is Connie Austen. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!! What an absolutely gorgeous book and a beautiful welcome back to the gorgeous Tansy Falls. Strangely enough my mind wandered back to Tansy Falls a few weeks ago before I even knew I was going to read this book, it is definitely a place that stays with you. I absolutely LOVED reading this and was devastated when my journey at Tansy falls came to an end. However, I have got book 3 to look forward to which I'm eagerly awaiting!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline is absolutely gorgeous yet both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The storyline is realistic and down to earth and the setting is picturesque. I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this heartwarming and soul lifting page turner. On several occasions I had to reach for the tissues so make sure you have a supply to hand before you start reading this and clear your time table as you are going on a beautiful journey. It was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions from blissful happiness to worry, filled with warmth and love to anger. There were lies, secrets, shocks, romance, deceipt, sadness, tears and laughter. I genuinely felt like I was on holidays in Tansy Falls and I was devastated when I realised I had to pack my bags and leave at the end. However, all is not lost and I cannot wait for the next book in what promises to be a page turning series. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I'd have to pack my suitcase to leave the gorgeous Tansy Falls and return to rainy Wales after a stunning getaway.
Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I fell in love with not just Tansy Falls again but all the amazing people in there. It was such a friendly village where everyone knew everyone else and you would never feel alone. I loved how Connie's character and personality developed throughout the story and I bonded with her immediately. Her friendship and closeness to Spencer and Piper is beautiful and her story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Connie went through so much in this book from husband troubles to son stress to work worries to heartbreak my heart really went out to her. I had tears streaming down my face at the end and I can't wait to meet her and Nate again. I had mixed feelings about Nate from wanting to scream at him to feeling sorry, Cate truly showed the struggles some men go through and as they don't all show their emotions it can cause so much worry. I loved meeting so many old faces such as Spencer, Piper, Boomer, Darlene (not so much Carole, Mitch and Brody) and seeing some fresh faces around, some of whom were a good laugh others who I'm glad to see the back end of. Whether I loved them or hated them they all came together to make a perfect story. I'm looking forward to meeting many of them again.
Cate congratulations on an absolutely stunning novel, this is why you are in my top author list. Your book is a page turning heartwarming and soul lifting success and Cecilia Ahern has definitely got some competition!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and I hope your busy writing book 3 as I for one cannot wait!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will whisk you off to Tansy Falls and lift your heart and spirit. A page turning, addictive compelling novel that will leave you wanting more
Some of my favourite quotes/sayings in this book include the following:
♥ Not a quote or saying but loved there was a "Jerry Whitlock" in the book ♥
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Contemporary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of ReaAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, Cecilia Ahern and anyone needing a gorgeous break away.
257 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ASecretAtTansyFalls #Bookouture #CateWoods #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@CateWoods @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'A Secret At Tansy Falls' by Cate Woods.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Cate Woods, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 20th January 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Tansy Falls' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series called 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls.' I am a huge fan of Robyn Carr so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Cate and if this is half as good as 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 38 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Vermont, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third and person perspective and the main protagonist is Connie Austen. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!! What an absolutely gorgeous book and a beautiful welcome back to the gorgeous Tansy Falls. Strangely enough my mind wandered back to Tansy Falls a few weeks ago before I even knew I was going to read this book, it is definitely a place that stays with you. I absolutely LOVED reading this and was devastated when my journey at Tansy falls came to an end. However, I have got book 3 to look forward to which I'm eagerly awaiting!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline is absolutely gorgeous yet both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The storyline is realistic and down to earth and the setting is picturesque. I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this heartwarming and soul lifting page turner. On several occasions I had to reach for the tissues so make sure you have a supply to hand before you start reading this and clear your time table as you are going on a beautiful journey. It was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions from blissful happiness to worry, filled with warmth and love to anger. There were lies, secrets, shocks, romance, deceipt, sadness, tears and laughter. I genuinely felt like I was on holidays in Tansy Falls and I was devastated when I realised I had to pack my bags and leave at the end. However, all is not lost and I cannot wait for the next book in what promises to be a page turning series. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I'd have to pack my suitcase to leave the gorgeous Tansy Falls and return to rainy Wales after a stunning getaway.
Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I fell in love with not just Tansy Falls again but all the amazing people in there. It was such a friendly village where everyone knew everyone else and you would never feel alone. I loved how Connie's character and personality developed throughout the story and I bonded with her immediately. Her friendship and closeness to Spencer and Piper is beautiful and her story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Connie went through so much in this book from husband troubles to son stress to work worries to heartbreak my heart really went out to her. I had tears streaming down my face at the end and I can't wait to meet her and Nate again. I had mixed feelings about Nate from wanting to scream at him to feeling sorry, Cate truly showed the struggles some men go through and as they don't all show their emotions it can cause so much worry. I loved meeting so many old faces such as Spencer, Piper, Boomer, Darlene (not so much Carole, Mitch and Brody) and seeing some fresh faces around, some of whom were a good laugh others who I'm glad to see the back end of. Whether I loved them or hated them they all came together to make a perfect story. I'm looking forward to meeting many of them again.
Cate congratulations on an absolutely stunning novel, this is why you are in my top author list. Your book is a page turning heartwarming and soul lifting success and Cecilia Ahern has definitely got some competition!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and I hope your busy writing book 3 as I for one cannot wait!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will whisk you off to Tansy Falls and lift your heart and spirit. A page turning, addictive compelling novel that will leave you wanting more
Some of my favourite quotes/sayings in this book include the following:
♥ Not a quote or saying but loved there was a "Jerry Whitlock" in the book ♥
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Contemporary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of ReaAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, Cecilia Ahern and anyone needing a gorgeous break away.
257 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ASecretAtTansyFalls #Bookouture #CateWoods #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@CateWoods @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Merged review:
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Secret At Tansy Falls' by Cate Woods.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Cate Woods, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 20th January 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Tansy Falls' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series called 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you love gripping, heartbreaking romantic stories by Elin Hildebrand and Robyn Carr, you will be hooked by A Secret at Tansy Falls.' I am a huge fan of Robyn Carr so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Cate and if this is half as good as 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 38 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Vermont, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third and person perspective and the main protagonist is Connie Austen. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!! What an absolutely gorgeous book and a beautiful welcome back to the gorgeous Tansy Falls. Strangely enough my mind wandered back to Tansy Falls a few weeks ago before I even knew I was going to read this book, it is definitely a place that stays with you. I absolutely LOVED reading this and was devastated when my journey at Tansy falls came to an end. However, I have got book 3 to look forward to which I'm eagerly awaiting!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline is absolutely gorgeous yet both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The storyline is realistic and down to earth and the setting is picturesque. I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this heartwarming and soul lifting page turner. On several occasions I had to reach for the tissues so make sure you have a supply to hand before you start reading this and clear your time table as you are going on a beautiful journey. It was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions from blissful happiness to worry, filled with warmth and love to anger. There were lies, secrets, shocks, romance, deceipt, sadness, tears and laughter. I genuinely felt like I was on holidays in Tansy Falls and I was devastated when I realised I had to pack my bags and leave at the end. However, all is not lost and I cannot wait for the next book in what promises to be a page turning series. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I'd have to pack my suitcase to leave the gorgeous Tansy Falls and return to rainy Wales after a stunning getaway.
Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I fell in love with not just Tansy Falls again but all the amazing people in there. It was such a friendly village where everyone knew everyone else and you would never feel alone. I loved how Connie's character and personality developed throughout the story and I bonded with her immediately. Her friendship and closeness to Spencer and Piper is beautiful and her story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Connie went through so much in this book from husband troubles to son stress to work worries to heartbreak my heart really went out to her. I had tears streaming down my face at the end and I can't wait to meet her and Nate again. I had mixed feelings about Nate from wanting to scream at him to feeling sorry, Cate truly showed the struggles some men go through and as they don't all show their emotions it can cause so much worry. I loved meeting so many old faces such as Spencer, Piper, Boomer, Darlene (not so much Carole, Mitch and Brody) and seeing some fresh faces around, some of whom were a good laugh others who I'm glad to see the back end of. Whether I loved them or hated them they all came together to make a perfect story. I'm looking forward to meeting many of them again.
Cate congratulations on an absolutely stunning novel, this is why you are in my top author list. Your book is a page turning heartwarming and soul lifting success and Cecilia Ahern has definitely got some competition!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and I hope your busy writing book 3 as I for one cannot wait!!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will whisk you off to Tansy Falls and lift your heart and spirit. A page turning, addictive compelling novel that will leave you wanting more
Some of my favourite quotes/sayings in this book include the following:
♥ Not a quote or saying but loved there was a "Jerry Whitlock" in the book ♥
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Contemporary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of ReaAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, Cecilia Ahern and anyone needing a gorgeous break away.
257 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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November 12, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review....I am sure I asked for this one because I loved the title and I loved the cover. This seems to be a book that people either love or hate...I loved it, personally, but I can also see why some people would say what they say...This is a book about a marriage that seems to have lost it's spark and some funny and not so funny things happen because of it. Nate has lost his job and I think he believes he also lost some of his manhood in the process and Connie feels like her life is spiraling out of control between her very busy job and her moody and distant husband...she is pretty sure he is having an affair and starts to contemplate whether SHE should have an affair with the new boarder they took in to make some extra cash...parts were funny, parts were sad and I could pretty relate to all of it lol
January 20, 2022
This was a light breezy romantic book. I didn’t realize it was part of a series when I started reading it. It’s set in what sounds like a lovely inn, somewhere you might want to visit. I enjoyed the book
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
December 12, 2021
Connie’s life seems out of control. She has a busy job at the local inn in her picturesque little town, but her husband is moody and distant. A new lodger shows great appreciation for her and she’s tempted. I liked setting and empathized with Connie’s angst. Many troubles are healed upon her and it looks as if she is about to lost it all. However, life has a way of working out its own kinks and I was relieved to read the results.
Find out the secret at Tansy Falls. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
Find out the secret at Tansy Falls. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
January 13, 2022
Cate Woods is a new-to-me author, and, as is my norm, A Secret at Tansy Falls is the second book in a series--I've not read the first one, but, for a change, I didn't feel lost at all, so this novel worked just fine as a standalone. My primary reason for requesting an advance reader copy of this novel was the setting, northern Vermont, not all that far from where I reside, having moved here in the mid 1980s, and while I liked the sense of place in this novel, as a former business owner here, the author's estimation of the wealthy crowds of shoppers in this tiny Vermont hamlet was a bit over-the-top and unrealistic. Additionally, although I read and review romance novels, I rarely read midlife-crisis women's fiction, and while I enjoyed the way the novel was written, there were things about it that just didn't work for me, and for that reason and several others, I can only give it a 3.5 star rating.
The main characters in this novel are Connie (Conifer) and Nate Austen, a married couple for almost 23 years, and after Nate lost his job almost a year earlier, he's yet to find another one, and he doesn't really seem to be looking hard for another one, at least in Connie's eyes. While I understand his angst because the same event happened in my own marriage more than a decade ago, when a man cannot support his family it shakes his self-esteem and his feelings of self-worth.
Luckily, Connie has a job managing a successful and charming small hotel, so although her wealthy and almost 70-year-old hippie father refused to give her a loan, she's managed to keep their home and pay the bills, and her most recent idea is paying off--taking in a boarder, James, who is a posh designer working at the new ultra-deluxe resort being built nearby, a move which certainly causes complications later on, as does the fact that her father has suddenly taken up with a woman 10 years her junior.
To add to her stress, Connie has scheduled a free journalists/travel bloggers weekend at the inn, and hired an event coordinator to deal with the details, and promote the inn as a great place for a wedding, but at the last minute she learns that her new hire has taken a job at the new resort, leaving her in the lurch. As if that wasn't enough stress, her husband forgets her birthday, her flirtatious boarder has not, and her son, who has been at college, arrives suddenly--after getting drunk at a frat party and possibly being accused of and charged with sexual assault. As if that wasn't enough angst, her husband, who's been gone for weeks, returns home and announces that he's finally found a job--in San Francisco.
So what's wrong with this picture? In three words--lack of communication. Most of Connie's angst and fears, depression and confusion are due to the fact that all of these issues are spinning endlessly around inside her head. Her motto is "everything is fine," even when none of it is--her marriage is crumbling in front of her and she doesn't say a thing to Nate. If my husband forgot my birthday, believe me, he'd be hearing about it. If we'd barely said two words to one another for the better part of a year, I wouldn't ignore it and simply hope for better.
Perhaps my perspective about the plot of this novel and the behavior of its main character is skewed by the fact that I've been married twice as long as Connie and Nate, and when problems arise they are dealt with, talked about and resolved. No problem is ever solved by pretending it doesn't exist, and I expected more of that insight from a woman who is 49 years old. There were moments in this novel, especially when Connie starts to believe that her husband is having an affair, when I wanted to reach into the novel and slap some sense into her, especially after she finds herself attracted to her boarder. I found that Connie was, in many ways, her own worst enemy.
If you enjoy angsty novels, and I generally do, you may find yourself liking this novel more than I did. It is well-written, but I'm guessing that the author has not been married nearly as long as I have (46 years), and doesn't share my perspective about openness and honest communication between marital partners. It's not a bad read, but I did find it a frustrating one. And one final question--what exactly was the secret mentioned in the title?
As stated, I read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The main characters in this novel are Connie (Conifer) and Nate Austen, a married couple for almost 23 years, and after Nate lost his job almost a year earlier, he's yet to find another one, and he doesn't really seem to be looking hard for another one, at least in Connie's eyes. While I understand his angst because the same event happened in my own marriage more than a decade ago, when a man cannot support his family it shakes his self-esteem and his feelings of self-worth.
Luckily, Connie has a job managing a successful and charming small hotel, so although her wealthy and almost 70-year-old hippie father refused to give her a loan, she's managed to keep their home and pay the bills, and her most recent idea is paying off--taking in a boarder, James, who is a posh designer working at the new ultra-deluxe resort being built nearby, a move which certainly causes complications later on, as does the fact that her father has suddenly taken up with a woman 10 years her junior.
To add to her stress, Connie has scheduled a free journalists/travel bloggers weekend at the inn, and hired an event coordinator to deal with the details, and promote the inn as a great place for a wedding, but at the last minute she learns that her new hire has taken a job at the new resort, leaving her in the lurch. As if that wasn't enough stress, her husband forgets her birthday, her flirtatious boarder has not, and her son, who has been at college, arrives suddenly--after getting drunk at a frat party and possibly being accused of and charged with sexual assault. As if that wasn't enough angst, her husband, who's been gone for weeks, returns home and announces that he's finally found a job--in San Francisco.
So what's wrong with this picture? In three words--lack of communication. Most of Connie's angst and fears, depression and confusion are due to the fact that all of these issues are spinning endlessly around inside her head. Her motto is "everything is fine," even when none of it is--her marriage is crumbling in front of her and she doesn't say a thing to Nate. If my husband forgot my birthday, believe me, he'd be hearing about it. If we'd barely said two words to one another for the better part of a year, I wouldn't ignore it and simply hope for better.
Perhaps my perspective about the plot of this novel and the behavior of its main character is skewed by the fact that I've been married twice as long as Connie and Nate, and when problems arise they are dealt with, talked about and resolved. No problem is ever solved by pretending it doesn't exist, and I expected more of that insight from a woman who is 49 years old. There were moments in this novel, especially when Connie starts to believe that her husband is having an affair, when I wanted to reach into the novel and slap some sense into her, especially after she finds herself attracted to her boarder. I found that Connie was, in many ways, her own worst enemy.
If you enjoy angsty novels, and I generally do, you may find yourself liking this novel more than I did. It is well-written, but I'm guessing that the author has not been married nearly as long as I have (46 years), and doesn't share my perspective about openness and honest communication between marital partners. It's not a bad read, but I did find it a frustrating one. And one final question--what exactly was the secret mentioned in the title?
As stated, I read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 20, 2022
A secret at tansy falls by Cate Woods.
Book 2 of tansy falls.
As the summer sun sets over the sleepy Vermont town of Tansy Falls, Connie is reminded of how lucky she is. Every day, when she leaves the job she loves, managing the Covered Bridge Inn with her best friend Piper, she looks forward to returning to the farmhouse she shares with her husband Nate. At home, her flowerbeds overflow with day lilies and the weathered brick walls of her beautiful house glow in the evening light. The air is filled with the scent of the puffed apple pancakes she prepared that morning.
But one night, when Nate returns home, he is distant. He and Connie have been married for a long time, and while the laughter and lingering kisses have dwindled, Connie believed they would be together forever. So when a stranger arrives on their doorstep with a shocking secret about Nate, Connie’s life changes beyond all recognition.
Connie never thought she’d need to start over and live a life without Nate by her side. But as her heart breaks, Piper and the team at the inn are ready to help stitch it back together, with thoughtful advice washed down with warm spiced cider. As Connie begins to feel whole again, distraction arrives in the form of olive-skinned, broad-shouldered newcomer James. Nate has taught Connie that she doesn’t need a man, but James’s arrival helps her discover that she can follow her own dreams too. But as more secrets come to the surface, Connie wonders if she’ll ever truly be able to leave behind her past for good…
A lovely read with some good characters. Likeable story. 4*.
Book 2 of tansy falls.
As the summer sun sets over the sleepy Vermont town of Tansy Falls, Connie is reminded of how lucky she is. Every day, when she leaves the job she loves, managing the Covered Bridge Inn with her best friend Piper, she looks forward to returning to the farmhouse she shares with her husband Nate. At home, her flowerbeds overflow with day lilies and the weathered brick walls of her beautiful house glow in the evening light. The air is filled with the scent of the puffed apple pancakes she prepared that morning.
But one night, when Nate returns home, he is distant. He and Connie have been married for a long time, and while the laughter and lingering kisses have dwindled, Connie believed they would be together forever. So when a stranger arrives on their doorstep with a shocking secret about Nate, Connie’s life changes beyond all recognition.
Connie never thought she’d need to start over and live a life without Nate by her side. But as her heart breaks, Piper and the team at the inn are ready to help stitch it back together, with thoughtful advice washed down with warm spiced cider. As Connie begins to feel whole again, distraction arrives in the form of olive-skinned, broad-shouldered newcomer James. Nate has taught Connie that she doesn’t need a man, but James’s arrival helps her discover that she can follow her own dreams too. But as more secrets come to the surface, Connie wonders if she’ll ever truly be able to leave behind her past for good…
A lovely read with some good characters. Likeable story. 4*.
January 22, 2022
This is the first time I've read a novel by Cate Woods and I hope it won't be the last. I loved A Secret at Tansy Falls - the descriptions of the location felt so real, I could be there seeing them myself and how I wished I was! Connie is a mum of one teenage son who's away at college; she's also the manager at the local hotel. Her husband, Nate, is out of work and she had started to feel invisible to him. Nate attached for a temporary lodger, James, to help with the finances. Will Connie be tempted by the gorgeous man who flirts with her and gives her the attention she craves? All will be revealed when you read the book!
June 3, 2024
Connie is juggling a husband who she feels she is drifting apart from, a son who thinks he might be arrested for something he didn't do, a lodger who comes on to her and trying to hold down her job.
This was an ok read, it felt like it dragged on a bit in places. Connie was annoying with her husband and just assuming things instead of talking to him.
This was an ok read, it felt like it dragged on a bit in places. Connie was annoying with her husband and just assuming things instead of talking to him.
June 6, 2023
I give it a 3.5 stars.
August 15, 2025
4 stars
February 9, 2022
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A SECRET AT TANSY FALLS (Book 2 of Tansy Falls), by Cate Woods, in exchange for an honest review. Connie loves her job at the Covered Bridge Inn in Tansy Falls. However, things at home aren’t that great. Connie’s relationship with her husband Nate has become strained since Nate lost his job, and Connie doesn’t know what to do about it. Also, finances are tight with them relying solely on Connie’s paycheck, so Connie and Nate take in a boarder to help with the finances. The boarder blatantly pursues Connie while her husband ignores her. When emergencies at work add to the stress Connie is suffering in her personal life, Connie will have to face the possible simultaneous collapse of both her personal and professional worlds.
I liked both this book and the prior novel. I recommend this story to fans of women’s fiction.
#ASecretatTansyFalls #NetGalley
I liked both this book and the prior novel. I recommend this story to fans of women’s fiction.
#ASecretatTansyFalls #NetGalley
January 12, 2022
Beautifully written story!
So much has been lost just because we still don't know how to reach out, how to respond with kindness, how to survive the unexpected. This is what this story is about, love, resilience, and forgiveness. This is one of those hard to overcome books, hard to forget without feeling the sadness and gratefulness for reading it. Ambiguous but true. A perfect read!
📑This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
So much has been lost just because we still don't know how to reach out, how to respond with kindness, how to survive the unexpected. This is what this story is about, love, resilience, and forgiveness. This is one of those hard to overcome books, hard to forget without feeling the sadness and gratefulness for reading it. Ambiguous but true. A perfect read!
📑This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
February 10, 2022
Can’t wait for the next. Tansy Falls book.
Love the characters and the community in these books.
Could not put it down.
Love the characters and the community in these books.
Could not put it down.
February 7, 2022
fab!
Loved this book. That feeling of knowing the characters, the emotional rollercoaster. Can’t wait to read the next Cate Woods novel.
Loved this book. That feeling of knowing the characters, the emotional rollercoaster. Can’t wait to read the next Cate Woods novel.
February 5, 2022
Truthfully, as I started this book I wasn’t too sure what was happening. One thing I was sure of is my dedication to complete it. I’m so glad I did. It took us through a journey of a married woman’s day-to-day as she navigated the ups and downs of life and marriage.
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