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calturner's review
4.0
A story told in dual timelines, ‘Summer of Secrets’ is a book about love in its many forms. It tells the story of orphaned sisters Madeleine and Georgiana who live on the idyllic Summerhill estate in Cornwall in the summer of 1939, when the world is on the cusp of the Second World War.
It then moves forward to the present day and Chloe, a young woman who finds herself in an increasingly controlling marriage with some big decisions to make. Chloe’s life becomes intertwined with Madeleine’s when she is offered the job of taking a portrait of the now much loved author, whose books she and her brother, Danny, were infatuated with as children.
‘Summer of Secrets’ captivated me from the very first page. The magic of Summerhill drew me under its spell from the start, with the intertwining stories of the two timelines working extremely well. Maddy and Chloe have an instant connection and find themselves caught up in each others lives in ways they could never have expected. Once started I did not want to put this book down. It took some dark and surprising turns that had me gripped, but is essentially a story of love and family bonds and where they can take us.
A fabulous 4 star read that I highly recommend. Thank you to TBC, NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this lovely and moving book.
It then moves forward to the present day and Chloe, a young woman who finds herself in an increasingly controlling marriage with some big decisions to make. Chloe’s life becomes intertwined with Madeleine’s when she is offered the job of taking a portrait of the now much loved author, whose books she and her brother, Danny, were infatuated with as children.
‘Summer of Secrets’ captivated me from the very first page. The magic of Summerhill drew me under its spell from the start, with the intertwining stories of the two timelines working extremely well. Maddy and Chloe have an instant connection and find themselves caught up in each others lives in ways they could never have expected. Once started I did not want to put this book down. It took some dark and surprising turns that had me gripped, but is essentially a story of love and family bonds and where they can take us.
A fabulous 4 star read that I highly recommend. Thank you to TBC, NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this lovely and moving book.
chatdunoirreadsalot123's review against another edition
5.0
I’m speechless. This book is a gorgeous piece of art and even better than My Mother’s Shadow which I enjoyed immensely. Maddie’s story was fantastic. Chloe’s had me on the edge of my seat. And the fact that this story focused more on love between siblings rather than romance was a wonderful choice by the author.
It does not get any better than this. Nikola Scott is amazing.
It does not get any better than this. Nikola Scott is amazing.
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
Nikola Scott's Summer of Secrets is in fact about two summers and many, many secrets. Madeleine lives in a big house, Summerhill, in Cornwall just before the outbreak of WW2 with her sister Georgiana. The sisters lost their parents young and Madeleine in particular is profoundly affected by the circumstances surrounding their father's death. Georgiana seems bowled over by her new friend Victor but there is something about him which Madeleine just does not trust. When she discovers something she feels compelled to keep to herself, this has consequences which reverberates throughout the story.
In the present day Chloe is married to Aidan, a doctor. They have a perfect house, she doesn't need to work, Aidan obviously adores her and she has just discovered that she is pregnant. It is a perfect life - or is it? The reader soon comes to realise that Aidan is a little too attentive, a little too controlling, something which Chloe is only just beginning to realise too. She had been a photographer before marriage and is tempted into taking up a commission photographing Madeleine, who was the author of a book very special to Chloe and her brother Danny when they were small. An unexpected tentative friendship begins to develop between the women.
Throughout the book we see echoes of the past in the present story. There were some surprising and poignant connections between the two stories. A small detail I was quite pleased that I noticed was that the song 'My Blue Heaven' was mentioned in both past and present. It's maybe insignificant but I felt that this attention to the little details really added to the story for me.
This was a very tense read at times, especially in the last chapters where the tension was present in both the past and the present. Summer of Secrets is just the kind of book I enjoy, moving between the past and the present and tying both strands of the story together. Nikola Scott portrays her characters' emotions beautifully and the relationship between Chloe and her brother Danny was particularly touching. Both the historical and contemporary parts of the story were written so well that I was equally caught up with both. And, as I mentioned before, she cleverly drew parallels between the women throughout the book. Summer of Secrets is a book about family and friendship, secrets, trust and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look out for the next book by Nikola Scott.
In the present day Chloe is married to Aidan, a doctor. They have a perfect house, she doesn't need to work, Aidan obviously adores her and she has just discovered that she is pregnant. It is a perfect life - or is it? The reader soon comes to realise that Aidan is a little too attentive, a little too controlling, something which Chloe is only just beginning to realise too. She had been a photographer before marriage and is tempted into taking up a commission photographing Madeleine, who was the author of a book very special to Chloe and her brother Danny when they were small. An unexpected tentative friendship begins to develop between the women.
Throughout the book we see echoes of the past in the present story. There were some surprising and poignant connections between the two stories. A small detail I was quite pleased that I noticed was that the song 'My Blue Heaven' was mentioned in both past and present. It's maybe insignificant but I felt that this attention to the little details really added to the story for me.
This was a very tense read at times, especially in the last chapters where the tension was present in both the past and the present. Summer of Secrets is just the kind of book I enjoy, moving between the past and the present and tying both strands of the story together. Nikola Scott portrays her characters' emotions beautifully and the relationship between Chloe and her brother Danny was particularly touching. Both the historical and contemporary parts of the story were written so well that I was equally caught up with both. And, as I mentioned before, she cleverly drew parallels between the women throughout the book. Summer of Secrets is a book about family and friendship, secrets, trust and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look out for the next book by Nikola Scott.
lisam0183_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, set over a dual timeline.
1939 and on the eve of war, the introvert Maddy is loving having her sister Georgina back, but not so much the company she has brought with her. Especially the elusive Victor, who she can't quite work out.
In the present day Chloe is in a controlling marriage and needing a reason to escape from Aidan. Meeting Maddy helps her confront the issue.
This sucked me in from the beginning and I enjoyed reading both of their stories. It was a good representation of how some people with not nice motives can twist things to suit themselves.
1939 and on the eve of war, the introvert Maddy is loving having her sister Georgina back, but not so much the company she has brought with her. Especially the elusive Victor, who she can't quite work out.
In the present day Chloe is in a controlling marriage and needing a reason to escape from Aidan. Meeting Maddy helps her confront the issue.
This sucked me in from the beginning and I enjoyed reading both of their stories. It was a good representation of how some people with not nice motives can twist things to suit themselves.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, a huge thank you to Becky Hunter and the team at Headline publishers for providing a lovely surprise on my return home from work one day to find Nikola Scott's second novel, Summer Of Secrets on my doormat. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's debut, My Mother's Shadow and was delighted to be able to dive into a new half historical/half contemporary fiction from Nikola sooner than I could have anticipated. Also, happy publication day as the novel is published today, the 6th September 2018 so you can get your mitts on it RIGHT NOW! For me, if I love an author's debut, I'm always slightly nervous about reading their follow-up. Would I enjoy it? Can I see myself becoming a fan of her work and look forward to whatever she writes? Well, yes, yes and YES on all counts here, I'm thrilled to report. Nikola Scott has a real gift for writing sumptuous, atmospheric fiction that has the heady advantage of pulling you into her world immediately, keeping you captivated throughout and making it very difficult for you to want to let go by the end.
Like My Mother's Shadow, Summer Of Secrets uses one of my favourite ways to create a narrative - a dual timeline and two endearing and compelling female leads in each separate time period. In contemporary times we follow Chloe, who has just recently found out she is pregnant but has misgivings for both her future and the future of her unborn child. Having previously worked as a photographer prior to getting married, she is sent to the old country estate of Summerhill to meet a person she has idolised since childhood. This person is Madeleine, whom we hear from in the alternate timeline, set just prior to the war in 1939. A talented artist, Maddy is awaiting the return of her older sister, Georgiana who has been away for a little while but when she returns she brings someone into their lives, her new beau Victor, who turns everything upside down.
The sisters have learned to be self-sufficient from a young age after tragically losing their mother and father but it has made them intensely vulnerable in very different ways and we start to see evidence of this as the story continues. However, back in the present time, how does Chloe's story connect with that of Madeleine, Georgiana and Victor? Can both women use the links and the similarities between their lives to help themselves (and each other) in their current situation? Or are they both too terrified of the potential consequences to open up and let the other one in?
Curling up with Summer Of Secrets was like having a cup of tea with your oldest friend. Sounds comforting, right? Now imagine your friend brought some snacks along and they are slightly spicy but you weren't expecting it? That's what the reading experience felt like to me. The story flowed along languidly and effortlessly and, quite unusually for me, I adored both the historical and the contemporary part of the narrative. This was a surprise as I was expecting to favour the historical side of the story and I can only credit Nikola's character creation with this sudden change in my normal habits! She has written two utterly fantastic female protagonists that I instantly fell in love with, wanted to root for from the beginning and was genuinely interested in their welfare, particularly when we learn of the harrowing things they have been through in their individual histories.
However, what really pulled me into this novel was the smidge of darkness the author placed delicately and subtly at first into each woman's story but then became such an integral part of the narrative that it did make for tough, uncomfortable moments at points, particularly as I personally identified with certain parts. I think the personal connection that I developed, especially with Chloe, made me further invested in the novel as a whole, willing her on from behind the pages, determined that she should find happiness. My partner will also attest to the fact that I exclaimed a few "choice words" out loud by the end of the novel (which amused him greatly!) as I found myself completely engrossed, forgetting where and who I was with.
I'm overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to read a review copy of Summer Of Secrets by Nikola Scott and even happier to announce that it exceeded all my wildest expectations for her second novel. I'll just wait here quietly, eagerly anticipating her third!
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
Like My Mother's Shadow, Summer Of Secrets uses one of my favourite ways to create a narrative - a dual timeline and two endearing and compelling female leads in each separate time period. In contemporary times we follow Chloe, who has just recently found out she is pregnant but has misgivings for both her future and the future of her unborn child. Having previously worked as a photographer prior to getting married, she is sent to the old country estate of Summerhill to meet a person she has idolised since childhood. This person is Madeleine, whom we hear from in the alternate timeline, set just prior to the war in 1939. A talented artist, Maddy is awaiting the return of her older sister, Georgiana who has been away for a little while but when she returns she brings someone into their lives, her new beau Victor, who turns everything upside down.
The sisters have learned to be self-sufficient from a young age after tragically losing their mother and father but it has made them intensely vulnerable in very different ways and we start to see evidence of this as the story continues. However, back in the present time, how does Chloe's story connect with that of Madeleine, Georgiana and Victor? Can both women use the links and the similarities between their lives to help themselves (and each other) in their current situation? Or are they both too terrified of the potential consequences to open up and let the other one in?
Curling up with Summer Of Secrets was like having a cup of tea with your oldest friend. Sounds comforting, right? Now imagine your friend brought some snacks along and they are slightly spicy but you weren't expecting it? That's what the reading experience felt like to me. The story flowed along languidly and effortlessly and, quite unusually for me, I adored both the historical and the contemporary part of the narrative. This was a surprise as I was expecting to favour the historical side of the story and I can only credit Nikola's character creation with this sudden change in my normal habits! She has written two utterly fantastic female protagonists that I instantly fell in love with, wanted to root for from the beginning and was genuinely interested in their welfare, particularly when we learn of the harrowing things they have been through in their individual histories.
However, what really pulled me into this novel was the smidge of darkness the author placed delicately and subtly at first into each woman's story but then became such an integral part of the narrative that it did make for tough, uncomfortable moments at points, particularly as I personally identified with certain parts. I think the personal connection that I developed, especially with Chloe, made me further invested in the novel as a whole, willing her on from behind the pages, determined that she should find happiness. My partner will also attest to the fact that I exclaimed a few "choice words" out loud by the end of the novel (which amused him greatly!) as I found myself completely engrossed, forgetting where and who I was with.
I'm overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to read a review copy of Summer Of Secrets by Nikola Scott and even happier to announce that it exceeded all my wildest expectations for her second novel. I'll just wait here quietly, eagerly anticipating her third!
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
steph1rothwell's review against another edition
4.0
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. I always enjoy a dual time frame novel and this novel was one I was looking forward to reading. I could visualise both periods very well. The reclusive Maddy who struggles to accept her sister’s friends and partying, and Chloe who would appear to have a fantastic life but for her very sick brother and her controlling husband.
At first I struggled to read Chloe’s story. I found intimidating with the way that her husband manipulated her. But, she is stronger than she appears, something he seems to have forgotten and she won’t behave the way that he expects. As the novel progressed and she became more aware, I wanted to carry on reading about her. Every time it switched back to Maddy I was itching to know what happened next.
I liked everything about Maddy’s story. The friendships she had with Susan, William and Cookie. The tolerance but devotion to Auntie and the way that she had to handle the death of her father. But again, there was a troubling relationship. Not as intimidating as the other but still a concern for the two sisters. There were a couple of touching parts in the novel, waiting for the announcement on the radio about the war starting and when the men started to leave to go off to war. I could picture clearly what it must have been like for thousands of families across the country.
The level of trust was something special, Chloe and Danny, Maddy and Susan and as they got to know each other, Chloe, Maddy and Matt. I would have loved to read about their relationships develop more.
A lovely novel and a reminder that I need to read the author’s earlier book My Mother’s Shadow soon.
At first I struggled to read Chloe’s story. I found intimidating with the way that her husband manipulated her. But, she is stronger than she appears, something he seems to have forgotten and she won’t behave the way that he expects. As the novel progressed and she became more aware, I wanted to carry on reading about her. Every time it switched back to Maddy I was itching to know what happened next.
I liked everything about Maddy’s story. The friendships she had with Susan, William and Cookie. The tolerance but devotion to Auntie and the way that she had to handle the death of her father. But again, there was a troubling relationship. Not as intimidating as the other but still a concern for the two sisters. There were a couple of touching parts in the novel, waiting for the announcement on the radio about the war starting and when the men started to leave to go off to war. I could picture clearly what it must have been like for thousands of families across the country.
The level of trust was something special, Chloe and Danny, Maddy and Susan and as they got to know each other, Chloe, Maddy and Matt. I would have loved to read about their relationships develop more.
A lovely novel and a reminder that I need to read the author’s earlier book My Mother’s Shadow soon.
kiercarnahan's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I really loved everything about this book. It followed Chloe in present day and Maddy in the past whose storylines converged. I wouldn't call it a historical fiction because it barely mentioned the war but it was still a good duel storyline book. I wish the children's book theme was a little more hashed out. It seemed to be not fully developed. I found myself like Chloe's storyline more.
I really loved everything about this book. It followed Chloe in present day and Maddy in the past whose storylines converged. I wouldn't call it a historical fiction because it barely mentioned the war but it was still a good duel storyline book. I wish the children's book theme was a little more hashed out. It seemed to be not fully developed. I found myself like Chloe's storyline more.
bookmadjo's review against another edition
4.0
I really love stories that follow dual timeline, and this story is particularly well done.
It follows the story of Madeleine and her sister Georgiana in 1939 in their country house Summerhill, in Cornwall. It also follows the story of Chloe in the present day, who has a seemingly perfect life with her doctor husband Aidan.
Both intertwining stories address both the light and darkness of love, from the joy of finding love to the dark side of love with control, abuse and violence.
It was a story that held my attention from the very first page right to the end, with a twist at the end that left me surprised.
This book was given to me to read via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It follows the story of Madeleine and her sister Georgiana in 1939 in their country house Summerhill, in Cornwall. It also follows the story of Chloe in the present day, who has a seemingly perfect life with her doctor husband Aidan.
Both intertwining stories address both the light and darkness of love, from the joy of finding love to the dark side of love with control, abuse and violence.
It was a story that held my attention from the very first page right to the end, with a twist at the end that left me surprised.
This book was given to me to read via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
nightresplendent's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on https://www.instagram.com/p/BnyZvq2lR4I/
I posted my review as part of the Summer of Secrets blog tour.
I have read a few works of historical fiction with dual narratives recently and @nikolascottauthor 's Summer of Secrets falls amongst the best of them.
With dual narratives, I've sometimes found that I prefer one time period over the other but that was not the case with this book. Each story is just as beautifully written and engaging as the other and both were a true pleasure to read.
Also, how beautiful is this cover? I received an ARC from the publisher with a plain blue cover so I took liberties with photoshop in order for you all to see this beauty.
Thanks so much to Headline Books and @annecater14 for having me on the tour and for providing me with a free copy of Summer of Secrets.
I posted my review as part of the Summer of Secrets blog tour.
I have read a few works of historical fiction with dual narratives recently and @nikolascottauthor 's Summer of Secrets falls amongst the best of them.
With dual narratives, I've sometimes found that I prefer one time period over the other but that was not the case with this book. Each story is just as beautifully written and engaging as the other and both were a true pleasure to read.
Also, how beautiful is this cover? I received an ARC from the publisher with a plain blue cover so I took liberties with photoshop in order for you all to see this beauty.
Thanks so much to Headline Books and @annecater14 for having me on the tour and for providing me with a free copy of Summer of Secrets.