A second storyline is presented, where a young woman, 50 years prior, is trying to escape an abuse relationship. If you enjoy a romance book with some more serious undertones, with more slow burns than spice, then you will enjoy this one. I read the synopsis for ‘A Cottage Full Of Secrets’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Jane- a fun, light hearted and ultimately feel good story. Incidentally, she doesn’t believe in ironing either, and the children all learned self-defensive cookery at early ages. Suffolk Secrets is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales.

The Cottage of Secrets by Roger Tapley | Waterstones

But that language I find so appealing all but disappears in Stella’s chapters, because you get the sense the author is just copying warning signs from a brochure on how to spot domestic abuse. For example, once again, we get a heroine who starts over by moving into a secluded country cottage. If they are successful they will bring a much-needed awareness of the value of welcoming diversity for the benefit of all communities. I think, he was the best character – a three-legged, kind of a mysterious and totally loveable creature. I’d read a few reviews of this before I started reading and a few people found this a bit slow to start, I didn’t find this to be the case at all!The darkness of Stella’s story contrasts well with the humour in Tamzin’s, but she too has had a hard time in a previous relationship. Stella’s husband Andy is controlling and violent towards her and some scenes are upsetting, but written very well. Tamzin’s decision to move is in large part fuelled by her abusive relationship with Dominic, a narcissistic and controlling man who all but eradicated Tamzin’s sense of self-worth. One aspect of the novel I really loved is women supporting women, something I don’t see nearly often enough in either romance or fiction in general. Jane Lovering was born in Devon, England but, following extradition procedures, now lives in Yorkshire.

The Cottage of Secrets | Book | Austin Macauley Publishers

Rather reluctantly and out of necessity she begins to get to know her quiet next door neighbour, ‘part time grump’ Euan, and they discover they have more in common than they would have thought. The people of this small island that are suspicious at first and then welcoming of Ellie give the novel so much warmth that you want to spend your time with them. Then there is the sweet and loving romance between Patience and Dutch so touching and heart-warming, and everyone on the Island is kind of aware of the truth but ignores it for the sake of the warm friendly relationship they all seem to share. There’s just so much content and I’ve got a feeling that these characters are going to stay with me for quite a while yet! It addresses Tamzin’s attempts to reclaim herself, as she tests the reactions of the men around her and constantly practises not policing her tone, her mannerisms, exact words and facial expressions.The secondary characters who come and go all add to the humour of the story and offer a glimpse of a well- balanced and hopeful way of life. Patience an elderly spinster leaves Ellie her cottage on the island on the condition she lives in it for a year. This dog friendly holiday home ticks all the boxes for style and location - get out and about and explore this beautiful area… walk (or drive) into Diss, around 2. Set in the present and beginning during WWII, the narrative tells the fascinating story of how these women are connected. There is a lot of humour in the dialogue that helps to counteract the dark and disturbing subject matter.