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Cornish Secrets #4
Summer's Secret Marigold
Can a summer secret from the past allow a new future to bloom?
For two people who run competing arts centres in Cornwall, Sybill Helyer and Coren Penhaligon get on rather well. So well in fact that Sybill often wishes the owner of Pencradoc Arts Centre would look up from his spreadsheets for a minute and notice her. Unfortunately, even that’s too much to ask from workaholic Coren.
However, when the pair join forces to run an exhibition on the wild and wonderful life of Elsie Pencradoc, a talented artist who lived at Coren’s estate in the early twentieth century, they’re in for a surprise. How will a secret sketchbook and an exquisite gothic dress from a long-ago midsummer costume ball lead them to the scandalous truth about Elsie – and perhaps encourage them to reveal a few long-kept secrets of their own?
For two people who run competing arts centres in Cornwall, Sybill Helyer and Coren Penhaligon get on rather well. So well in fact that Sybill often wishes the owner of Pencradoc Arts Centre would look up from his spreadsheets for a minute and notice her. Unfortunately, even that’s too much to ask from workaholic Coren.
However, when the pair join forces to run an exhibition on the wild and wonderful life of Elsie Pencradoc, a talented artist who lived at Coren’s estate in the early twentieth century, they’re in for a surprise. How will a secret sketchbook and an exquisite gothic dress from a long-ago midsummer costume ball lead them to the scandalous truth about Elsie – and perhaps encourage them to reveal a few long-kept secrets of their own?
- GenresFiction
236 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
39 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Kirsty Ferry
46 books60 followersKirsty is from the North East of England and won the English Heritage/Belsay Hall National Creative Writing competition in 2009. She has had articles and short stories published in various magazines, newspapers and anthologies and was also a judge in the Paws 'n' Claws 'Wild and Free' Children's Story competition in 2011 and in 2013. 'The Memory of Snow', her first novel, was commended in the Northern Writer's Awards, shortlisted to the top five of Wyvern's novel competition in 2011 and longlisted in the Red Telephone Novel Competition in 2012. You can find out more about Kirsty and her work at www.rosethornpress.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 17, 2021
For a while now I have been avoiding 'time slip' stories. I think I read too many in a short time and lost interest in them. However this one sounded really good and came highly recommended so I decided to give it a go. And I am glad I did.
Of course the Cornish setting and the beautiful cover also encouraged me to try Summer's Secret Marigold even though I had not read the previous three books in the series. It seemed to me to stand alone well although I realise that I must have missed out to a degree by not building up a previous relationship with the characters.
The time slip is between 1911 and the present day and involves parallel stories of two couples who are in love but face issues which prevent them being together. The stories are nicely told and the ending brings everything neatly together. An enjoyable read which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Of course the Cornish setting and the beautiful cover also encouraged me to try Summer's Secret Marigold even though I had not read the previous three books in the series. It seemed to me to stand alone well although I realise that I must have missed out to a degree by not building up a previous relationship with the characters.
The time slip is between 1911 and the present day and involves parallel stories of two couples who are in love but face issues which prevent them being together. The stories are nicely told and the ending brings everything neatly together. An enjoyable read which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
July 5, 2021
In the process of preparing for an exhibition about Elsie Pencradoc, ancestor, talented artist and renown wild child, Sybill Helyer and Coren Penhaligon experience some out of this world time-slips. It frightens Sybill but Coren is used to it, as it’s happened to him before. The sketchbook which belonged to Elsie exposes many facets of her life and will form a good part of the exhibition. But it’s the black dress that Elsie wore to the midsummer costume ball back in 1911, and which they have in their possession, that causes much excitement in the lead up to the grand and eloquent displays.
Set in both the current day and 1911, Summer’s Secret Marigold is the 3rd in the Cornish Secrets series by Kirsty Ferry and once again I enjoyed it very much. I loved the time period set around Elsie, Louis and the many family members. Her best friend Fabian, who became a famous war artist; Ruan Teague, an exceptional artist in his own right, and who was also Elsie’s father. Summer’s Secret Marigold is another great read which I recommend highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Set in both the current day and 1911, Summer’s Secret Marigold is the 3rd in the Cornish Secrets series by Kirsty Ferry and once again I enjoyed it very much. I loved the time period set around Elsie, Louis and the many family members. Her best friend Fabian, who became a famous war artist; Ruan Teague, an exceptional artist in his own right, and who was also Elsie’s father. Summer’s Secret Marigold is another great read which I recommend highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2023
Ik heb dit boek geleend van de bibliotheek en ik wist niet dat het een 3e of 4e deel van een serie is . Het staat namelijk niet vermeld op de kaft of in het boek . Tijdens het lezen werd het mij duidelijk dat ik enkele personen in het boek al had moeten kennen en dat het dus een deel uit een serie is maar voor de rest is het goed leesbaar zonder voorkennis .
Er zijn 2 tijdlijnen in dit verhaal : het heden met Sybill en Coren die samen een tentoonstelling opzetten over het leven van de kunstenares Elsie Pencradoc en het verleden met Elsie en Louis . Deze laatste 2 personen komen regelmatig als geesten ( die zowel gezien als gehoord worden ) voor in het heden verhaal .
Er zijn 2 tijdlijnen in dit verhaal : het heden met Sybill en Coren die samen een tentoonstelling opzetten over het leven van de kunstenares Elsie Pencradoc en het verleden met Elsie en Louis . Deze laatste 2 personen komen regelmatig als geesten ( die zowel gezien als gehoord worden ) voor in het heden verhaal .
July 29, 2025
Started and finished date - 25.07.25 to 27.07.25.
My rating - Three Stars.
I found this book to be boring and dull also I think people who like the Butterfly Garden by Rachel Burton or the secrets of the rose by Nicola Cornick. The cover of book was okay and the writing was okay but it took some time to get used to also the ending of book was fine. The atmosphere was okay. The paced of plot was little bit rush and the paced of plot was unsteady. I mixed feeling about the characters and I found them bit dull.
My rating - Three Stars.
I found this book to be boring and dull also I think people who like the Butterfly Garden by Rachel Burton or the secrets of the rose by Nicola Cornick. The cover of book was okay and the writing was okay but it took some time to get used to also the ending of book was fine. The atmosphere was okay. The paced of plot was little bit rush and the paced of plot was unsteady. I mixed feeling about the characters and I found them bit dull.
July 1, 2021
Kirsty Ferry's delightful fourth book about Cornwall, this time featuring Coren Penhaligon from Pencradoc Art Centre and Sybill Helyer from Wheal Mount Art Centre.
Although working at separate competing art centres, Coren and Sybill need to combine their efforts for an exhibition about the early life of the bohemian artist Elsie Pencradoc. While there's a definite attraction between Coren and Sybill, he seems reluctant to further his relationship with her, much to Sybill's regret. Working closely together for the forthcoming exhibition they are frequently visited by visions of Elsie and her friends from a hundred years ago. Living with the restrictions of her era, much of Elsie's bohemian life was previously unknown. When the research uncovers a long concealed secret about Elsie, Coren and Sybill wonder if past events in their own lives are hindering their personal relationship.
Hoping there's a fifth book in this series.
Although working at separate competing art centres, Coren and Sybill need to combine their efforts for an exhibition about the early life of the bohemian artist Elsie Pencradoc. While there's a definite attraction between Coren and Sybill, he seems reluctant to further his relationship with her, much to Sybill's regret. Working closely together for the forthcoming exhibition they are frequently visited by visions of Elsie and her friends from a hundred years ago. Living with the restrictions of her era, much of Elsie's bohemian life was previously unknown. When the research uncovers a long concealed secret about Elsie, Coren and Sybill wonder if past events in their own lives are hindering their personal relationship.
Hoping there's a fifth book in this series.
February 18, 2023
Inmiddels onvermijdbaar in de boeken van Kirsty Ferry is een subtiele knipoog naar het paranormale. Zo ook in Het zomerse geheim van Marigold. Hoewel er sprake is van tijdsverspringingen tussen het heden, waarin Cybill en Coren de hoofdrollen hebben, en 1911, waarin het draait om het verhaal van kunstenares Elsie en haar grote liefde Louis, is het verhaal prima te volgen, ook al zal de lezer er wel even in moeten komen. Het draait hier dus om (toekomstige) koppels, die een sterke verbondenheid met elkaar hebben. De scenes komen stuk voor stuk heel aandoenlijk over. De werkelijke reden van Elsies heimelijkheid wordt langzaam maar zeker duidelijk, en het blijkt al snel dat haar redenen juist heel bedachtzaam en liefdevol waren. De schrijfster heeft een sfeervolle impressie van het typisch Engelse landgoed in de countryside weten neer te zetten, en daarom zal het boek ook in de smaak vallen bij liefhebbers van historische verhalen. Leest het fijnste op een zomerse dag middenin de natuur.
July 19, 2021
The perfect mix of romance, history and family secrets once more in the fabulous Cornish Secrets series - can easily be read as a standalone though too! Kirsty Ferry gets the timeslip genre perfect once more, and has created a wonderful set of characters that you just want to know more about, and keep hoping that they'll get their own book in this series in time to come!!
In this series we flit from the now - with Sybill and Coren, who run competing arts centres but get on really well and co-operate with one another - to the past, 1911 to be precise, when we go back and follow the story of the wonderful Elsie who is at the school of art in London, and dealing with the prejudices of the 'boys club' alongside her own matters of the heart!
As Sybil and Coren work together on an exhibition of Elsies' work, they start to uncover more about this woman and begin to start experiencing some strange moments together, when the past seems to be playing out in front of their eyes.
In the past, Elsie lived a very unconventional life and didn't play by the rules of the time, so her life became quite complicated - this lifestyle and the secrets she tried to keep are uncovered by Sybil and Coren and they become very good at playing history detectives as they go through the archives at their respective homes. And when they become possessed by events from the past, the time they spend together allows them to start opening up to one another too!
Marvellous!!
In this series we flit from the now - with Sybill and Coren, who run competing arts centres but get on really well and co-operate with one another - to the past, 1911 to be precise, when we go back and follow the story of the wonderful Elsie who is at the school of art in London, and dealing with the prejudices of the 'boys club' alongside her own matters of the heart!
As Sybil and Coren work together on an exhibition of Elsies' work, they start to uncover more about this woman and begin to start experiencing some strange moments together, when the past seems to be playing out in front of their eyes.
In the past, Elsie lived a very unconventional life and didn't play by the rules of the time, so her life became quite complicated - this lifestyle and the secrets she tried to keep are uncovered by Sybil and Coren and they become very good at playing history detectives as they go through the archives at their respective homes. And when they become possessed by events from the past, the time they spend together allows them to start opening up to one another too!
Marvellous!!
June 19, 2021
For those of us who read the previous books in the Cornish Secret series (A Secret Rose, Lily's Secret and Holly's Christmas Secret), this is a double treat: the present timeline finally brings Coren and Sybill together, and the past one is centred on Elsie (as a 24-year-old in 1911). So, obvious must-read.
For new readers, references to past events might be a little too spoilerish of the other books (particularly the first one, in which Coren had a role that still haunts him - less literally - here) but if you don't mind that and are tempted to read this one now, go ahead - the story works by itself.
As usual, I loved the links between past and present, that sometimes mix slightly in a captivating way. And I'd be delighted to visit Pencradoc again if a fifth book was published someday but, if not, this one would be a really good conclusion to the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For new readers, references to past events might be a little too spoilerish of the other books (particularly the first one, in which Coren had a role that still haunts him - less literally - here) but if you don't mind that and are tempted to read this one now, go ahead - the story works by itself.
As usual, I loved the links between past and present, that sometimes mix slightly in a captivating way. And I'd be delighted to visit Pencradoc again if a fifth book was published someday but, if not, this one would be a really good conclusion to the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2021
This is the fourth story involving Pencradoc Estate and the people who are connected with it. Like all the books by Kirsty Ferry I have read Summer's Secret Marigold has you involved and committed to following the characters almost immediately. The insight into an upperclass woman's working life early in the 20th century is fascinating and I fully intend to look up the artists mentioned in the story to see their work.
This story links most strongly to the first in the series, A Secret Rose, and I found myself dredging around in my mind for some of the events that are refered to in Summer's Secret Marigold as it is while since I read A Secret Rose. Don't let this put you off, this is a stand alone story but if you have read A Secret Rose you might want to re-read it before you begin Summer's Secret Marigold.
This story links most strongly to the first in the series, A Secret Rose, and I found myself dredging around in my mind for some of the events that are refered to in Summer's Secret Marigold as it is while since I read A Secret Rose. Don't let this put you off, this is a stand alone story but if you have read A Secret Rose you might want to re-read it before you begin Summer's Secret Marigold.
August 30, 2021
Wow, what a delightful read this novel was. Summer's Secret Marigold is the third part of a time-slip series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. This is a writer who knows what she is doing. It is a well-crafted, sweet story with great characterization. The dual time story works well, the past and present weaving into the overall plot seamlessly. The supernatural, other-worldliness part of the story is beautifully written, and I could actually picture it happening. The characters in both time periods are empathetic and relatable. And both of the male heroes - past and present - are definitely irresistible! They are the stuff dreams are made of. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It made me want to immediately find the rest of the books about Pencradoc, to spend time with the wonderful characters that have lived there past and present. I thoroughly recommend you experience this fabulous feel-good book for yourself.
July 6, 2021
Fantastic time slip novel set at the Pencradoc estate. It is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone book.
The story flits between the present day and 1911. Sybill runs Wheal Mount Arts Centre and Coren runs the rival Pencradoc Arts Centre. Sybill and Coren like each other but have never been more than friends. They end up joining forces in order to put together an exhibition of Lady Elsie Pencradoc’s paintings. We then go back to 1911 (the date of the paintings) where Elsie and Louis’ relationship is featured (another will they/won’t they).
I love the way Kirsty weaves her literary magic to link the past to the present. She is one of my all-time favourite authors for her ability to take me to another place and forget what is going on in my life.
The story flits between the present day and 1911. Sybill runs Wheal Mount Arts Centre and Coren runs the rival Pencradoc Arts Centre. Sybill and Coren like each other but have never been more than friends. They end up joining forces in order to put together an exhibition of Lady Elsie Pencradoc’s paintings. We then go back to 1911 (the date of the paintings) where Elsie and Louis’ relationship is featured (another will they/won’t they).
I love the way Kirsty weaves her literary magic to link the past to the present. She is one of my all-time favourite authors for her ability to take me to another place and forget what is going on in my life.
July 7, 2021
Another jewel in the crown of the queen of time slip stories, and at last, Coren’s story – I seem to have been waiting for it for a long time, though it was worth the wait! I have become very involved with the Pencradoc family over the series, (feeling almost like a member of the family) and Lady Elsie has been a major character nearly from the start – I am really glad she got her own story in the end. As always, Kirsty’s characters have their ups and downs – such a great imagination, leading to a lovely conclusion. I will be sad if this was the last instalment of the saga, but I am very interested to see what comes next from this author’s pen. A great 5 star read.
July 6, 2021
This is part of a series but stands well on it's own, but, once you've read it you will want to read the others. This is the story of Sybill and Coran, how they get together and their romance. Sounds straightforward but that is far from the book. Coran is a lovely man but troubled by events in his past and Sybill also has her secrets. Combine these with Elsie and her story and you will be totally absorbed in this romance. I read this in 3 long sessions as just wanted to find out what happened next. Enjoy, and join me in hoping that Kirsty writes another in the series very soon.
July 28, 2021
Coren and Sybill run separate art galleries but when they decide to do an exhibition on the artist Elsie Pencradoc they join forces to share their exhibits. Sybill looks forward to working closely with Coren, maybe he will start to notice her as a person at last! As they start to look into the history strange things start to happen and maybe they will find out more about Elsie than they bargained for!
Another great book in this series, the two timeliness work well together especially with the ghostly help and it is great to catch up with the characters from the previous books
Another great book in this series, the two timeliness work well together especially with the ghostly help and it is great to catch up with the characters from the previous books
October 1, 2022
Two years the early twentieth century & present day, Sybil Heyler & Coren Penhaligon live in Cornwall & run 2 competing art centres in the present day, there is a connection & only when they put on an exhibition on the life of Elsie Pencradoc a talented artist who lived in Coren’s estate in the early twentieth century they become close
A ghost story?
While looking trough Elsie’s possessions they explore her life the people in it her friends, her family, her love & the scandal that she keeps a secret
The excitement when exploring Elsie & who or what is Marigold ?
A ghost story?
While looking trough Elsie’s possessions they explore her life the people in it her friends, her family, her love & the scandal that she keeps a secret
The excitement when exploring Elsie & who or what is Marigold ?
August 6, 2021
Possession ? Reincarnation? This wonderful old Cornish family tale set in the world of the arts is like piecing a complex puzzle together. The two main characters, Coren & Sybill, experience
momentary time lapses transporting them both into dreamlike scenes from 1911. They begin their research into the mysteries of the family history using old paintings found in the attic the story becomes more and more fascinating. I was hooked !
momentary time lapses transporting them both into dreamlike scenes from 1911. They begin their research into the mysteries of the family history using old paintings found in the attic the story becomes more and more fascinating. I was hooked !
January 4, 2023
I absolutely adored this picture perfect ‘time-slip’ story that slipped between present day and the early 1900’s. Both accounts focused on parallel relationships that managed to mingle into each other. This was the first book of its kind that I have read and being a big fan of mystery/ fantastical events, it really was something I couldn’t put down.
I can’t wait to dive further into the stories that make up the Cornish Secrets series!
I can’t wait to dive further into the stories that make up the Cornish Secrets series!
October 7, 2023
Summer's Secret Marigold was by far my favourite of the Cornish Secrets series. I absolutely loved grown up Elsie and her story.
I also enjoyed Coren and Sybil's modern day romance (but not quite as much as the historical story).
4.5 stars
I also enjoyed Coren and Sybil's modern day romance (but not quite as much as the historical story).
4.5 stars
June 21, 2022
Een heerlijke feelgood van Kirsty Ferry haar hand waar het heden en verleden overlap vinden. En de toekomst wordt geholpen door het verleden. Tevens zit er een mysterie dat opgelost moet worden in verweven. Gewoon een magisch verhaal.
De rest van de recensie lees je hier
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De rest van de recensie lees je hier
https://divabooks.nl/2022/05/25/blogt...
July 21, 2022
Audiobook
July 28, 2022
Great summer reading
February 3, 2024
A modern twist on a ghost story . Romances over 100 years apart but linked by family ghosts. Enjoyable read.
September 1, 2024
A great Read
A refreshing and delightful story full of intrigue, happiness and sadness. I can recommend this book to all types of readers
A refreshing and delightful story full of intrigue, happiness and sadness. I can recommend this book to all types of readers
May 1, 2025
A cute quick read.
Very fluffy and romantic. Split in two timelines of the same family.
Forbidden romance and hidden children.
A lovely ending which is just what was needed.
Very fluffy and romantic. Split in two timelines of the same family.
Forbidden romance and hidden children.
A lovely ending which is just what was needed.
September 25, 2022
Het verhaal is echt mooi, diepgang. Maar ik kon mij dit keer niet zo goed verbinden met de hoofdpersonages. We hebben er vier, en bij geen van alle lukte het goed. Ik kan niet zeggen dat het aan de schrijfster ligt in die mate, het zijn gewoon karakters waar ik weinig me bij kon voorstellen. Ik kon mij heel moeilijk in hun gedrag plaatsen bedoel ik daarmee. Bijv de mysterie van de figuren en de ketting. Beiden ervaren t zelfde. Maar dat spreken ze niet uit en de krijgen zelfs ruzie daarover. Ik vond het op geen enkel manier logisch overkomen. Dat deed voor mijn gevoel ook af aan het verhaal
Er zit dus nog meer mysterie in het verhaal en als lezer heb je die best wel snel door op dit punt. Maar 100% zekerheid krijg je pas veel later.
Het is een prima boek om te lezen, maar dit keer heeft Kristy Ferry mij helaas niet kunnen overtuigen.
volledige recensie op FollowMeMove.com
Er zit dus nog meer mysterie in het verhaal en als lezer heb je die best wel snel door op dit punt. Maar 100% zekerheid krijg je pas veel later.
Het is een prima boek om te lezen, maar dit keer heeft Kristy Ferry mij helaas niet kunnen overtuigen.
volledige recensie op FollowMeMove.com
February 2, 2025
It's an excellent time slip book . The story flits between the present time and 1911. For two people who get along rather well and who run competing art centres in Cornwall, Coren Penhalligan and Sybil Heyler join forces to run an exhibition on the wild, wonderful, and talented life of cornish artist Elsie Pencradoc who had lived on Corens estate in the early part of the 20th century things start to happen. It's a beautiful love story set in Cornwall with twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews