The Secret - Jennifer Wells
London 1920 – Troubled young dancer, Lily, is invited to remote Elmridge House, home of the wealthy theatre benefactor Dr Cuthbertson to escape her troubled past. An isolated guest room and a surprise pregnancy leave her longing to return to the stage and her London life. She soon discovers that Elmridge House is not all that it seems – the house holds secrets which make it difficult for her to leave.
Missensham 1942 – Young nurse Ivy Watts is called out to a patient at Elmridge House, home of the aloof Mrs Cuthbertson and reclusive Dr Cuthbertson. Ivy is entranced by the opulence of the house and its glamorous past, but when she tells her mother about Mrs Cuthbertson, her mother becomes fearful and forbids her from returning to the house. What secrets does Elmridge House hold? And why does Lily's mother live in fear of the mysterious Mrs Cuthbertson?
Perfect for the fans of Lesley Pearse and Susan Lewis.
My review
What a fantastic story! I was hooked from page one and read the entire book in one sitting. The Secret was not what I was expecting at all and the cover gives no hint to the gripping drama that lies beneath its surface. I was pulled into the story and didn't come up for air until the concluding pages. I won't go into any details regarding the plot as I don't want to give away any hints or spoilers, but the writing is dramatic and thrilling to keep your attention every step of the way.
The storyline is set between the time frames of the 1920s and 1940s and bounces back and forth between the eras with such ease, unfolding the story one hint at a time. But what a story to unfold, a story filled with deep cruelty and ignorance that tugged at my heart strings. The characters are engaging taking you on an emotional rollercoaster with their difficult lives that intertwine to devastating effects. Lilly, Ivy, Grace and Hugo are caught up in a dance of destruction at the hands of the elusive Dr Cuthbertson which creates a dramatic storyline that you will leave you breathless.
The Secret is a captivating read to engage and entice you with a chilling story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. I couldn't recommend it highly enough and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
About the author
Jennifer works in Market Research when not writing. She lives in Devon with her young family and cat. The Secret is her third novel in the series set in fictional Missenham In the Home Counties.
Follow Jennifer:
Twitter handler: @jenwellswritter
Facebook: @JenniferWells
