I must admit that I haven't been reading much lately so I really pushed myself to make a start on this book, I'm so pleased I did as I couldn't put it down once I got started.
'Mary has been nursing a secret.
Forty years ago, she made a choice that would change her world for ever, and alter the path of someone she holds dear.
Beth is searching for answers. She has never known the truth about her parentage, but finding out could be the lifeline her sick child so desperately needs. When Beth finds a faded newspaper cutting amongst her mother's things, she realises the key to her son's future lies in her own past. She must go back to where it all began to unlock...The Secret'.
This is another book which is told over two time periods and at first I didn't realise where it all fitted together but as I read more, it became clear. There's some wonderful characters in this book and I warmed to most of them. The chapters are only short, there's about fifty in total and I like that, it encourages me to read just one more and before I knew it I was at the end of the book.
I'd definitely recommend this book, it's a real page turner. I'm looking forward now to reading the other Kathryn Hughes book which is waiting for me.
I will add it to my book list, thanks for the review, but like you in not reading much.
ReplyDeleteI think it must be the time of year, I seem to be doing other things at the moment.
DeleteI'm not that keen on two time period books, but do prefer short chapters. My book reading has been a bit slow lately. happy reading. xx
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy books which switch between two time periods, it's fun to see the connection emerge. I think there's a few of us who aren't reading as much now the lighter evenings are here.
DeleteIt sounds as if this book has kept you on tenterhooks all they way through.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely held my attention. I like a book which I don't want to put down.
DeleteI like a book, with shorter chapters, also.... And with 2 time periods, as long as it isn't too hard, to switch between. :-)
ReplyDeleteShorter chapters definitely encourage me to read more. I seem to read quite a few books which switch between different time periods and I usually enjoy them.
DeleteThis sounds a good read, I'll look out for it.xxx
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed it.
DeleteI too have enjoyed Kathryn Hughes books, I've read them all. They would make good TV series.
ReplyDeleteI agree, they would. I'm looking forward to reading the third one now.
DeleteI like short chapters, too. I set myself a daily reading target of 30 pages and somehow, short chapters make that seem more achievable. I don't know why, it's daft really because 30 pages is 30 pages! x
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I struggle to finish a long chapter whereas I get through three chapters of shorter length, but the same number of pages, much easier.
DeleteGlad you find a good one! Im going to try to read a bit a day of Thomas Merton's Conjectures, every day.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it. I usually read in bed before I go to sleep so I enjoy something which doesn't make me think too much.
DeleteI read the Letter and enjoyed that too, I had a look to see if this one was on Kindle Unlimited but it isn't at the moment. It sounds interesting so might pop in the library to see if they have it. Short chapters are good, especially when you only read at bedtime.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed The Letter but I thought this one was even better. I agree, I'm usually asleep before I've finished a long chapter when I'm reading in bed.
DeleteSounds like a good read, will have to see if I can get it over here, sometimes they block it which is most annoying xcx
ReplyDeleteThat's really annoying. You'll have to make a list of all the things you can't get so that you can have a splurge the next time you come here.
DeleteSounds like something that I would enjoy but sadly at the moment time is passing me by and reading is at the bottom of the agenda.
ReplyDeleteLife gets like that sometimes. I must admit that I had to push myself to get started on this book, I'm just not really in a reading mood myself at the moment.
DeleteSounds like a great book - I enjoy short chapters but sometimes I would actually end up going to bed later than I otherwise would because they were so short & it was easier to fall into the "just one more chapter" syndrome :)
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how it was with me. I nearly lost a day because I kept thinking, just one more chapter, ha ha. That's the sign of a good book too though.
DeleteRachel Hore's books are written with 2 time periods too. I've not read this book but then I struggle to read lots at the moment. Cathy
ReplyDeleteI've read quite a few books which alternate between different time periods, I enjoy this style of writing.
DeleteMany thanks for the review, it does sound a good read.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I've enjoyed both books by Kathryn Hughes that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading the third now.
DeleteI listened to The Letter on Aubible, one of the few books I've listened to rather than read. I really enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret also sounds intriguing.
I've got back into reading again after giving up a book I'd been struggling with for weeks (Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell), finding a book I could get into quickly was the answer.
xx
I really enjoyed The Secret, more so than The Letter. I'm not reading very much at all right now, just no mojo at the moment but I know it'll come back again soon.
Delete