Great easy read. Enjoyed this chick lit novel. Tilly Tennant never dissapoints

I have read several books by Tilly Tennant and I really enjoyed them. When I heard that she was due to release another book called ‘The Summer Of Secrets’, I just knew that I had to grab myself a copy. I was so looking forward to reading it and I was not to be disappointed. I adored it but more about hat in a bit.
Harper Woods is one of those women that you can’t fail to warm to and she sounds just the kind of person you would want as a best friend. The beginning of the book sees Harper living the dream. She is the co-owner of a little tea shop, which has opened to huge success. She is engaged to a dreamy sounding man called Shay. However it isn’t long until Shay’s true colours shine through and he strikes me as being rather selfish in nature and out for what he can get. There were several dozen times when I wanted to slap him across the face with a wet fish for the way he carried out. Harper is too generous for her own good and she is a sucker for a good cause. One such example is when she is asked if the tea room could host the meeting of the church council and Harper only expects to be giving out teas and coffees. However, the church council take the free hospitality a bit far and order half of the breakfast menu and because Harper is very generous, she doesn’t have the heart to charge them for it. Harper is best friends with Pip and I really loved how close and tight the friendship is. They both have each others backs.
The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story from the first word on the first page. As I was rooting for Harper and wanting Shay to be shown up for what he was, I just had to keep reading on and on and on. The page numbers seemed to fly by in a blur but because I was enjoying the book so much, I hadn’t noticed. By the time I realised what was happening I had cleared two thirds of the book. I was disappointed to finish reading the book because I was enjoying the story and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue. Tilly Tennant clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in her writing. She described the characters so vividly that they actually seem to come alive and seem real to me. It also made me wish that I had a best friend like Harper as she sounds like a right laugh. ‘The Summer Of Secrets’ was a real emotional rollercoaster ride with lots of ups and downs, moments that make you want to cry, moments that make you laugh and moments where you start arguing with the book.
In short I did enjoy reading ‘The Summer Of Secrets’ and it’s definitely a winning bestseller for Tilly Tennant. I can’t wait to read what comes next from her. I would definitely recommend this book to others and particularly to those people who are in need of a light hearted, funny and heart warming read. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

Great book, with a good range of characters, some more likeable than others.
It kept me guessing, who was going to end up with who!

Really enjoy Tilly’s books and this one is no exception. Felt like a different read but had me hooked and was loving it! Finished again in one sitting x

Having read and loved ‘The little village bakery’ and Christmas at the Little village bakery’, I was delighted to have the chance to read and review this one .

I certainly wasn’t disappointed this is a brilliant feel good book with a sprinkle of mystery thrown in . Good strong characters and a great story line . I loved it .

Thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for a copy of this book. A really good read, a story of secrets, adventure, friendship and relationships. Characters you love and characters you love to dislike - all packaged together for entertainment purposes.

Set in Silver Hill, the reader faces love, loss, betrayal, friendship and even a bit of mystery! Woohoo!

Although not my usual read - I do prefer the darker side 😱, I have to say that this was such a cracking, feel-good read which I absolutely adored! Who knew!? I raced through the pages of this book as I was desperate to know what was happening. To top it off, there was a bit of mystery woven in and that had this #crimebookjunkie smiling!

There are characters you will love and others you will loathe, but all so believeable that by the end, you feel as if you know them all!
Intense, emotive, mysterious and captivating - I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Silver Hill and you may see me wander to the sparkly side again soon!

After seeing the gorgeous cover I couldn't wait to lose myself in The Summer of Secrets. So what did I think...

If you are looking for a feel good story then look no further The Summer of Secrets swept me away with a fabulous mystery, friendships and of course romance. The discovery of the buried jewellery really sets off a chain reaction of events with some surprising results along the way. There was of course plenty of drama keeping me entertained with some lovely little twists to keep me on my toes.

Harper is such a likeable character and I loved the sound of Silver Hill Farm and could just imagine calling in for a lovely cup of tea and of course a slice of cake. Her friendship with Pip was lovingly written and it was lovely to see them looking out for each other. We also follow Cesca as she gets tied up with the events at the farm and Silver Hill House.

The plot moves at a lovely pace with the characters keeping me fully invested in the story. I just had to know if it would turn out alright in the end for them! Tilly Tennant has created such a gorgeous story and I really couldn't have asked for a better escape from all of the snow, rain and the dreary weather.

Uplifting, warm and feel good - A gorgeous combination!

With thanks to Noelle at Bookouture for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I always look forward to reading Tilly Tennant's books. Perfect book to curl up and just relax with.

I love a book from Tilly Tennant, and this one managed to grab my attention and make me read on – always hoping that Harper would take some of Pip’s attitude and stand up for herself in the little moments that seem (to her) to not be important enough to worry about. What made her seem clueless at first showed her as having a core of steel: never seeming to notice the small upsets until she’s had time to decide for herself just what she needs to do. You’ll have moments of frustration with Harper, but as Pip does, know that she’s far stronger than she ever believed, and will make the decision that is best for her. Grab this story and escape to the Dorset countryside… you won’t regret it.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Harper has been busily regaining her footing and searching for happiness, buoyed by her best friend Pip, and running her dream come true teashop and petting zoo in the orangery on Silver Hill Farm in Dorset. She’s slowly overcoming a horrible relationship where her ex (he who shall not be named) used her as a doormat, and only Pip was there to shore her up, after her girlfriend went to New Zealand for work. But, with success in business, and finally getting the village to accept her plans for holiday cottages at the farm, Harper’s fiancé Shay has started the construction and started breaking ground. All of that comes to a halt, however, when a box is unearthed, a box that contains some very old, and potentially valuable items.

Determined to do things the right way, despite Shay’s intentions and increased pressure for a ‘piece’ of Harper’s business, she contacts an expert for guidance and valuation. The news of the ‘treasure’ has already hit the village thanks to Shay’s drunken revelations, and with Harper feeling as if the treasure really isn’t hers to profit from, and perfectly willing to see it returned to Silver Hill House and the lord thereof, as she is convinced that the money will only lead to changes that will not be positive.

This story is full of heart and side-stories: Shay’s self-absorbed and more than slightly immature attitude as his behavior and Harper’s scrambles to ‘accommodate and mitigate’ his bad behavior, placing herself in a place where her own happiness is in jeopardy. Pip’s constant questioning of Shay – she doesn’t much like him, and doesn’t trust him, yet hasn’t quite wanted to hurt her by stating the obvious. The Lord of Silver Hill House, isolated, prickly as a hedgehog and very much running hot and cold, determined to find a way to get the proceeds from the treasure. Cesca, the expert brought in to authenticate the treasure and in the midst of her own personal crisis, and Kristofer, a Norwegian author with a talent and nose for historical mysteries, undoubted sex appeal and a heart that sees Harper just as she should be. When you add in Allie, a now separated from her husband, 2 night stand with Shay: coming to live with Harper and Pip (on Harper’s invitation) the story moves from one interconnected moment to the next, always circling back to Harper and her determination to see the best in others despite their actions that affect her directly.

I love a book from Tilly Tennant, and this one managed to grab my attention and make me read on – always hoping that Harper would take some of Pip’s attitude and stand up for herself in the little moments that seem (to her) to not be important enough to worry about. What made her seem clueless at first showed her as having a core of steel: never seeming to notice the small upsets until she’s had time to decide for herself just what she needs to do. You’ll have moments of frustration with Harper, but as Pip does, know that she’s far stronger than she ever believed, and will make the decision that is best for her. Grab this story and escape to the Dorset countryside… you won’t regret it.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9Fc/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Review first appeared at <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9Fc/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

In Tilly Tennant's new book,The Summer of Secrets the author takes us to Silver Hill Farm which is an idyllic spot overlooking beautiful landscapes and for Harper Woods this is the place she calls home. She feels lucky to be living in such a serene and picturesque area. At last Harper finally begins to feel the bad times are rooted firmly in the past and all things good are now about to happen. Previously,Harper believed herself to be cursed but now she knows for sure that she is one of the luckiest women alive. Her experiences in her last relationship where her partner was cruel and controlling had a deep effect on her but now she looks to the future and embraces positivity and change with gusto. Now she never takes anything for granted, making the most of each day and the challenges it can bring be it good or bad. But still she couldn't say she is ever 100% completely content as there is always a slight restlessness there at the back of her mind.

In reality, I don't think anyone is ever fully at peace as there is always that little niggle that something could come along to upset the apple cart. Harper is happily running the Silver Hill Tea Rooms with help from her friend Pip who also is also dealing with her own personal trauma ( it was brilliant to see this story line feature and it needs to find a place in more books in this genre). Shay, Harper's fiancée, who seemed to be the epitomy of the perfect man when we met him as he worked on getting the holiday lets built and up and running is the last piece of the puzzle that falls into place for Harper. But as the title suggest a summer of secrets, unrest, change and discoveries could be just about to shatter the tranquillity and ideal life Harper has envisioned for herself.


I really enjoyed how we got straight into the story, there was no mucking around with lots of setting up the back stories to characters. Instead the author filled us in bit by bit as we progressed through the story as in on a very much need to know basis. The only slight fault I found with the story was just in the initial few chapters as I began to wonder was this a follow on book? It felt at times like I had missed out on bits of relevant information. Soon I came to realise this wasn't the case and it was just the way the author had worded certain things that gave me this impression. Apart from this slight issue I really enjoyed this book, it was fresh and the mystery element and delving back into the past to uncover the truth behind the discovery made on the land was interesting.

A different slant to a tried and tested genre is always welcome. There was no toing and froing as to will they won't they? Harper had her man and Shay appeared to be a tower of strength for her and was always helpful around the farm. Although a small petting zoo near to the café is the extent of the farm. So one would have thought the café and keeping it going would have been the entire focus of the book but it wasn't in the slightest and I was relieved in a way as there are innumerable books focusing on this on the market at the moment.

As Shay works away digging the foundations he hits upon a box long buried that contains mysterious items that instantly has Harper and the reader asking – why was it buried there and what are the meanings behind said items? This is what sets in motion a chain of events that turn Harper's world upside down. Her peace and contentment is shattered and her worst fears come true. Poor Harper, I felt she was looking for stability and peace of mind and she was achieving this. She loved her café and felt like she was really doing something on her own terms for her own personal gain. But all that goes out the window as the discovery needs to be investigated and with this new characters and further secrets became to make their way out of the wood work. Life may not have been as pleasant and perfect as Harper believed it to be. Friction, doubt and unease are now the dominant emotions making their way into her life. It begins to feel as if the box would have been better off left undiscovered so everything could have continued on as normal.

Cesca, is a smart, mature, professional woman who works as the finds liaison officer for Salisbury Museum. It is she who is sent to determine the origins of the box. She relishes challenges like this but has she taken on more than she can chew? Will her ultimate conclusions do more damage than good? I loved the character of Cesca. She never gave up and exhausted all avenues as she knew her eventual decision would have an impact on a lot of people. One of these being Lord Frampton- Will. Will was a character who I couldn't get the measure of at all. One minute he came across as nice and caring and the next he was cold and unfriendly. He lives in isolation in Silver Hill House and has never done much to enamour himself to the residents of Cerne Hay. Will was certainly a character where you really needed to peel back the layers and get to the root of the person behind the façade. I thought at one stage he was going to be the ultimate baddy as he was so hell bent on claiming the find as rightfully his. But once we got to know more about him I understood his actions and motivations a lot more. I knew the eventual outcome I wanted for Harper but I hoped it wouldn't be to the detriment of Will's wishes and needs.Kristofer Blake, a Norwegian writer staying in the village for several months takes a keen interest in the find and wants to help Harper and Cesca. Oh my god Kristofer was just like a big friendly giant. I just wanted him to wrap me in his embrace and never let me go. He was so kind and never forceful and just wanted to help anybody in any way he could. I did initially think oh where has he come from, just suddenly popping up the way he did but then really he stole a piece of my heart and he still has it. This best sums up how I feel about Kristofer and I am sure many many readers will feel the same. ' He was handsome, strong and intelligent – the holy trinity of hotness'. Truly Tilly Tennant couldn't have worded it any better.

The one character who I felt deserved very little sympathy was that of Allie. I thought she made her bed and she had to lie in it. Though her actions brought out the true colours of some one else I still didn't like her and I felt she gave scant consideration to the people she was going to deeply hurt. I understand a change needed to occur and the truth and emotions come to the fore but I had made my mind up about her fairly early on and this was one case where I didn't change it. Despite not liking Allie I really did enjoy this book. Like most of the characters I wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery of the box but really the uncovering of the box was just a means of uncovering much deeper goings on in Cerne Hay. Were the residents ready for it or not? Did everything work out or does upset still abound? I would definitely recommend you pick up this book to discover all the answers and also get to meet the wonderful Harper. I hope Tilly Tennant will write more books featuring these characters or even some new characters in the same setting as I feel there are a few more stories to be told yet.

A new Tilly Tennant book is such a delicious treat to look forward to- she has a lovely, engaging writing style.Her characters are wonderfully drawn and soon become like firm friends. The settings are so vivdly described that you can imagine yourself deep in the heart of the storyline. Full of warm friendships ,romance and secrets- you really feel so happy whilst reading this one.

This is a definite go to buy author for me when a new release is out. I am so glad to have discovered her books this past winter after reading several of her absolutely delightful Christmas books.
This book is a wonderful heartwarming tale that I couldn't stop reading. Page after page, it just drew me into it's happy place and you'll love reading it too!
Pub Date 14 Mar 2018
I was given a complimentary copy from Bookouture through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Diving into a new Tilly Tennant novel is akin to eating a delicious meal filled with all of my go to comfort foods and The Summer of Secrets did not disappoint! Even though I wasn’t able to take a trip anywhere fun for spring break this year this gem of a book swept me away to a quaint, charming little village which was the next best thing to a real vacation.

Tennant has a real knack for crafting lovable characters that I just can’t get enough of. Harper runs a farm with her best friend Pip and their friendship was so sweet and genuine, I just adored them both. As for the romance there was plenty going on here as Harper is engaged to Shay and there are several other budding relationships but to say more would just spoil it. The portrayal of how these romances unfolds is always so practical and just rings true, I so appreciate that! Tennant always alludes to sex in a classy, subtle way and I really think that makes it even sexier than if she went into detail about what was happening with her characters in the bedroom.

What do I look for in a romance novel? Interesting characters and an intriguing plot to start and this one definitely has that, there’s a light mystery that keep me engaged and plenty of lovely characters to root for. I also want a great setting and the village was adorable and so beautifully described. Finally, I want a bit of humor and a lot of heart and I got more than enough of both here, I always finish her books with a smile on my face and a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. So if you’re a fan of contemporary romance and looking for a vacation read check this one out!

The Summer of Secrets in three words: Sweet, Delightful and Heartfelt.

Full of friendship, secrets and humour. Loved the book! Thank you for allowing me to read

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

As the title already says, the book is full of secrets. Of course that calls for an exciting and gripping storyline and it is!!!

We mainly follow Harper in this story, but also some other characters. They are all connected to each other in some way and that adds a lot of drama. At times I felt like there were too many characters and it was difficult to focus on the individual person.

The book is full of friendship, romance, love and laughter. I liked the mystery behind the story and certain characters and the author’s writing is heart-warming, sweet and very engaging. Another thing I adored about this book is the way Tilly Tennant described the setting. So vivid and full of details!!!

Tilly Tennant has a wonderful writing style and she always manages to put a smile on me face through her writing.

I loved this book from the start. Its got humour,friendships,relationship dilemmas, a hint of mystery and a well deserved dose of comeuppance. The story weaves in and out of the colourful characters lives and then joins them all together. Its brilliantly written.

I discovered Tilly Tennant towards the end of last year when I read the Christmas duet “A Very Vintage Christmas” and “A Cosy Candlelit Christmas”. I absolutely loved them and was really pleased to find another excellent author to put on my favourites list.

Harper Woods lives in a lovely farmhouse and runs her own teashop, and her life is settling into being a happy one. Then, something is discovered on her land, and things change… lots of twists and turns, secrets, and shenanigans!

It’s another fabulous read from Tilly, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

Harper runs a tearoom along with best friend Pip and fiancée Shay who also has his own business. When they come across a buried box of treasure on their tearoom site, everything changes. Press alongside museum worker Cesca show up all hoping to see the findings.



Allie and Greg's marriage is on the rocks after Allie's attempt's at seducing her husband fail as he knows of her previous one night stand affair. However their son Josh is also caught in his parents arguing all the time.



Cesca later on arrives at Silver Hill House to meet Lord William whom believes the treasure to be his family's from years previous after a historical family tale to do with a servant was made aware to him.



As all their lives intertwine, many secrets and relationships are established or made obvious to us as the story develops. A heartwarming yet dramatic novel perfect for spring and summer time reading outdoors as you immerse yourself in the dramatic goings on.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

A lovely, feel good book. I really enjoyed it because it's well written, with very lovely characters and it's full of humour. A very nice and cozy reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Bookoutore and Netgalley