I have great pleasure in introducing Julie Houston's latest novel, A Village Secret. It is published today on April 14th by Aria.
When Jennifer goes up to Cambridge University with her head
full of the Romantic Poets, she never dreams that she will find her very own
Byron. But then she meets gorgeous actor Laurie Lewis, and finds herself living
a real-life love poem.
Fifteen years and two children later, Jennifer and Laurie's
relationship is starting to feel more like an epic tragedy. After a series of
revelations turn her world upside down, Jennifer will do anything to keep her
family together – even if it means moving hundreds of miles away to Laurie's
childhood home in Westenbury, Yorkshire.
As she reluctantly enters into village life – complete with
interfering in-laws, new friends and a surprise delivery of alpacas – Jennifer
is amazed to find herself feeling happy for the first time in years. But the
village holds one last, devastating secret.
Praise for Julie Houston:
'A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep'
Sheila O'Flanagan
'Warm, funny and well written, with a page-turning plot,
this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde
'Julie Houston at her best – heartfelt and hilarious' Sandy
Barker
'Laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming!' Mandy Baggot
'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll
fall in love with!' Katie Ginger
My Thoughts
This return to Westenbury features some interesting and distinctive characters, I must say, not all of them are sympathetic! You feel Jennifer's frustration at how her life has ended up and her feeling of being caught between her different family members. In this story, Jennifer has to learn to stand up for herself and to learn to put her needs first, at times.
You follow Jennifer and Laurie's story from the early days when they met at Cambridge, through fifteen years of marriage and disappointments. Although Laurie is not particularly likeable, nevertheless, there are some interesting dynamics in his family and family secrets which have wighed down on them. You also see the different generations in the family and how decisions made affect everyone. Romance is gentle and a slow burn.
In short: Moving on
About the Author
Julie Houston lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire where
her novels are set, and her only claims to fame are that she teaches part-time
at 'Bridget Jones' author Helen Fielding's old junior school and her neighbour
is 'Chocolat' author, Joanne Harris. Julie is married, with two adult children
and a ridiculous Cockerpoo called Lincoln. She runs and swims because she's
been told it's good for her, but would really prefer a glass of wine, a sun
lounger and a jolly good book – preferably with Dev Patel in attendance.
Thanks to Julie Houston and Amy Watson and Aria Books for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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