A Mother's Secret

What if you discovered that everything you knew about yourself was a lie?


When pregnant Jaya loses her mother, then her baby son Arun in a tragic cot death, her world crashes down. Overcome by grief and guilt, she begins to search for answers – to the enigma of her lonely, distant mother, and her mysterious past in India.


Looking through her mother’s belongings, she finds two diaries and old photographs, carrying the smoky aroma of fire. A young boy smiles out at Jaya from every photograph – and in one, a family stand proudly in front of a sprawling mansion. Who is this child? And why did her mother treasure this memento of a regal family lost to the past?


As Jaya starts to read the diaries, their secrets lead her back to India, to the ruin of a once grand house on a hill. There, Kali, a mad old lady, will unlock the story of a devastating lie and a fire that tore a family apart.


Nothing though will prepare Jaya for the house’s final revelation, which will change everything Jaya knew about herself.


If you enjoy Dinah Jefferies, Lucinda Riley and Santa Montefiore, you will love this unforgettable journey through the lush landscape of India to the heart of what it means to be a mother and daughter.

What everyone is saying about A Mother’s Secret:


‘5 out of 5 stars…I read it in one shot because I couldn’t bear to stop…what I can promise you is that it is a great read…A book that was an absolute pleasure to read.’ Any Excuse to Read


‘I loved this book, the descriptions of India, the mansion, the food and the people are swoon worthy. And the characters are so real, so believable, so frail and fraught with their own mistakes, I felt like I was an observer, watching real people as I read this book.’ For the Love of Books


‘I was hooked...I absolutely adored this book…This won my heart…5*.’ Laura’s Book Blog Corner


‘From the very beginning A Mother’s Secret by Renita D’Silva has rightfully bagged its place in my list of favourite books…The character development is phenomenal and these are characters that will remain etched in my memory for a long time…D’Silva weaves magic with her words…To say that D’Silva is a brilliant writer would not be an exaggeration…There were times during the course of the story that I became aware of goosebumps on my skin because of the very raw emotions…wonderful’ Indian Fiction for You


‘Love, loss, deceit, envy, pride, heartache …well-written, entertaining and satisfying.’ Janni B’s Books


‘Renita’s wonderful writing…radiates from the pages…an absorbing story…a story that unfolded layer by layer into what proved to be a beautifully crafted piece of writing where the author laid bare her heart and soul on every page…had me hooked throughout…a remarkable book…a feast for the senses and your imagination. I really was transported…once it caught me in its hold it didn’t let go until that jaw dropping moment near the very end that had me gasping out loud. I was beginning to wonder how all the dots as such could by joined together but the author did it with a mixture of sensitivity and flair that leaves the reader satisfied and very impressed.’ Shaz’s Book Blog


‘Beautifully written . . . Renita D’Silva skilfully weaves an enthralling tale . . . In so doing, she manages to seamlessly incorporate love, betrayal, disappointment, heartbreak, deceit and victory. This is a wonderful, evocative story that readers will easily embrace and enjoy.’ Jan’s Book Buzz