I am delighted to be starting the New Year as part of Lorna Gray's celebration for her literary historical novel, Mrs P's Book of Secrets and I was thrilled to be asked to take part in her #30DaysofBookBlogs
The Cotswolds, Christmastime 1946
A young
widow leaves behind the tragedy of her wartime life, and returns home to
her ageing aunt and uncle. For Lucy – known as Mrs P – and the people
who raised her, the books that line the walls of the family publishing
business bring comfort and the promise of new beginnings.
But the
kind and reserved new editor at the Kershaw and Kathay Book Press is a
former prisoner of war, and he has his own shadows to bear. And when the
old secrets of a little girl’s abandonment are uncovered within the
pages of Robert Underhills’s latest project, Lucy must work quickly if
she is to understand the truth behind his frequent trips away.
For
a ghost dwells in the record of an orphan girl’s last days. And even as
Lucy dares to risk her heart, the grief of her own past seems to be
whispering a warning of fresh loss…
Mrs P’s Book of Secrets will be published in the US as The Book Ghost.
My Thoughts
Mrs P's House of Secrets has a distinct voice which puts you in mind of some earlier Gothic novels. It is restrained, stylised and quietly layers the story with secrets from the past. You are never quite sure what is actually happening and what is in Lucy's mind and it is certainly hard to second guess. Lucy has returned to her childhood home where she was brought up by her aunt and uncle. As she edits a would-be account of a local Family and their imposing mansion, she identifies with the seemingly ignored child who lived there.
Both Lucy and Robert have suffered loss and trauma during the recent war, and are looking for some hope and purpose in their post-war lives. You feel for Lucy in particular who as a young widow, has to stand aside for the returning men, despite her war work and experience. In addition to the literary tone, books fill all parts of the story. You can almost smell the printing ink and feel the paper. In addition to the relationships which are growing, there is a mystery to solve and the element of the supernatural which you are never sure is there. You follow the story through Lucy's first person account which puts you right in the centre of the narrative.
This is a gently paced story of love and acceptance which has some surprising twists along the way.
In short: Well researched period detail underpins this story of love and acceptance.
About the Author
Lorna Gray is passionate about understanding the past and takes much of
her research from spoken history. She loves the fact that writing gives
her the excuse to ask people about their memories, and treasures the
unique little insights that every new conversation has to offer.
She
writes post-WWII fiction and is published by an imprint of Harper
Collins. Her titles are In the Shadow of Winter, The War Widow, The
Antique Dealer's Daughter and newest release Mrs P's Book of Secrets.
She
is also a published illustrator and her work has featured in a number
of archaeological reports, children's books and non-fiction titles.
Above
all, Lorna loves a good adventure. She doesn't mind whether it comes in
the form of a good book, a film or rambling about the ruins of a castle
as long as it is guaranteed to have a happy ending. She is married and
lives in the Cotswolds, UK. She is very active on Facebook and would be
delighted to meet you there.
Thanks to Lorna Gray, One More Chapter for a copy of the book and a place on the event.
Look out for these brilliant bloggers #30DaysofBookBlogs
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