Summer of Secrets
A riveting and heart-breaking novel about dark secrets and dangerous romances
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4.3 • 7 Ratings
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
The unforgettable novel from Nikola Scott about two women - decades apart - each with a man in their lives who is not what he seems . . . Perfect for readers of Dinah Jefferies and Kate Morton
'An atmospheric and gripping read' My Weekly
'Wonderful characters and a very moving storyline' Sun
'I was completely enthralled' Kathryn Hughes
'I loved this touching exploration of love . . . compelling and satisfying' Judith Lennox
August 1939. At peaceful Summerhill, orphaned Maddy hides from the world and the rumours of war. Then her adored sister Georgina returns from a long trip with a new friend, the handsome Victor. Maddy fears that Victor is not all he seems, but she has no idea just what kind of danger has come into their lives . . .
Present day. Chloe is newly pregnant. This should be a joyful time, but she is fearful for the future, despite her husband's devotion. When chance takes her to Summerhill, she's drawn into the mystery of what happened there decades before. And the past reaches out to touch her in ways that could change everything . . .
Readers LOVE Summer of Secrets!
'An absolute joy . . . If you only read one book this year I recommend this one' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Captivating characters and descriptive prose make for another enchanting tale from Nikola Scott . . . she weaves mystery and heartache through the story seamlessly. A must-have read on your summer holiday reading list' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A story that draws on the bright and dark sides of romance, sweeps you into wartime England, and reveals a wonderful friendship - truly beautiful' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Beautifully written and observed, this book is one to keep and reread . . . My new favourite author' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Perfectly structured and so beautifully told, I defy anyone not to love this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
As in her debut, My Mother's Shadow, Scott divides this languorous family mystery between past and present. In 1939 on England's southern coast, 16-year-old Maddy sketches on the Summerhill estate and awaits the return of her sister, Georgiana, from the Continent. In present-day Plymouth, 28-year-old photographer Chloe is starting to realize she's unhappy with her husband, wealthy physician Aidan, who forbids her from working. Georgiana sweeps home with a swain, Victor, whose manner with Maddy is first confusing, then frightening. Chloe tries to believe Aidan's surveillance and control are normal but keeps putting off telling him about her pregnancy. When Chloe ducks Aidan's veto to do a portrait shoot of elderly author Madeleine Hamilton at Summerhill, lies and secrets intersect. The well-constructed story teeters on a weak foundation namely the mystery of how Chloe, who took charge of raising her disabled younger brother and once was the gifted apprentice of a renowned, crankily independent woman, "quickly" and "easily" "surrendered" to being a vague, yes-dear wife to a man who sees her personality as a mess to tidy away. The lack of real explanation for this gives an element of contrivance to Scott's theme of evil men ruining women's lives, diminishing the otherwise carefully observed story. Conversations where more is implied than said gradually build into a series of revelations that will satisfy fans of overheated interpersonal dramas.
