Ok, full disclosure even though I have been aware of this author for a while now, this is actually the first I have read by Julie Houghton. I know, shock and horror!! As I did and do have a huge Mount Everest of a TBR pile, I did originally sign up to this blog tour to feature the book and an excerpt only. But as soon as I read the back blurb of the book I was charmed. So I was a little greedy and chose to review it too, even though I did break my own rule of not to start a series in the middle, but I am so pleased that I did because this is such an entertaining, feel-good, witty, sunny and the perfect escapist story. Which we all know is exactly what is needed in these weird times!
So as I said this is apart of a series set in a little country village, it’s idyllic, comfy and cute, it’s a place where everyone knows each other’s secrets; think Father Brown or Midsummer Murders (without the murders, obviously, but you get the idea) I did worry that I needed to read the previous books first, but personally, I don’t think you need to. To tell you the truth I read this as a stand-alone and if didn’t know there was a connecting book then I wouldn’t have guessed it. But it still won’t be stopping me from going out and grabbing a couple more of Julie’s books.
The story revolves around four sisters; The Sutherlands, Juno, Lexia, Ariadne and Pandora. Each sister has her own life and her own troubles, there are secrets swirling around that they may not be able to ignore. Pop-starlet; Lexia has to return to the village with her production of Jesus Christ Superstar, something she isn’t too keen on, I can tell you. She has her faults and her troubles and she would rather be anywhere else in the world then going back home. But will she receive a warm welcome from her estranged sisters? And more importantly, can, they all work together so the show goes on?
I really enjoyed getting to know each of the sisters, they all had their reason’s for their individual crisis’ and unhappiness, and there is more lurking in their backgrounds that does act as a bit of a hurdle for them. I did get a sense that each of them had their own unhappiness and it’s lovely to see them make their own journeys. The Sutherland sisters story is one that so many families can relate to, there is something hidden within the folds of the family make-up that makes close contact with each other very difficult, and Julie Houston has portrayed every emotion that runs through this family perfectly and in ding so pulls the reader in; you go through everything with them as though you have been dropped into the middle of their little village.
Which to be honest I would happily live in, I would be the nosey parker next door peeking at the neighbours behind the twitching net curtains, a bit like Marple.
This is one of those books that does have you giggling away, even rather embarrassingly while the family are all watching something on TV. You will sit down and not want to move until you have closed the last page, it’s in not other words but; charming!
I loved the friendly, simplistic, yet realistic plot, it kept me engaged and entertained through out. it has a great cast of characters, which are all so well developed and each one has a brilliant story of their own to tell. I loved the way the past and the present was linked and ran through the story with real ease, which shows just how marvellous of a writer Julie Houston is. I loved her fluid, creative and classical writing style. I honestly cannot fault a single thing about this book, it was a real joy to read and to be apart of this blog tour.

Whenever I review one of Julie Houston’s quite wonderful romcoms I really can’t help saying the same things as I sing their praises – the wonderful humour that ranges from gentle to totally over-the-top, the unexpected poignancy when you find you have a stray tear in your eye, the believable central love story, the strongest of story-telling, the edgy family drama, and that glorious touch of unmistakable Yorkshireness. And she anchors it all with the most superb three-dimensional characters – people you feel you know, and often take to your heart – whether they’re central to the story or just making the most peripheral of cameo appearances.

Juno is a doctor, working part-time at Westenbury village surgery, and I loved her. The husband and wife team who run the practice (although office manager Marian would probably suggest that she’s the one who’s really in charge – what a great character!) decide to recruit another doctor, and Juno finds herself working in a (newly decorated) cupboard to give him a suitable working space. Her husband is working abroad, and she’s perhaps missing him rather less than she should – but after a particularly unfortunate first encounter, she really doesn’t expect new doctor Scott Butler to get her quite so hot under the collar, particularly in view of his atrocious reputation.

At home, she has another husband and wife team, a distinctly eccentric pair who “do” for her (again, the most wonderful characters!), and two children that she needs to wrangle. I must particularly mention her horse-mad daughter Tilda (I’ll leave you to meet the horse yourself – just don’t make any sudden movements or turn your back), because she’s one of those great youngsters who’s middle-aged before her time, and I really loved her varied observations on life (and her passion for her teacher).

And then there’s the wider family – two (very different) sisters who live in Westenbury, and another (Lexia) whose life has followed a very different path. Pandora has aspirations rather above her station, and runs the village choir (with a particularly firm hand) – but musical theatre beckons, and her attempt to win a national competition with her production of Jesus Christ Superstar adds a lovely extra storyline laced with characters and laughs. Ariadne’s a classics teacher, witty and dry, a great counterpoint to the scatty one and the control freak – but it’s Lexia’s story, when she unexpectedly returns to the village, that sees the uncovering of some long-hidden secrets that rather blow everything apart.

I read this book in one afternoon in the summer sunshine, and I was totally enchanted by it – I laughed (lots and lots), I cried a bit, and at times it had me right on the edge of my seat wondering where on earth the story was going. And at the end – one of those perfect endings that fill you up but make you wish there were another few hundred pages – I felt I’d had one of those totally perfect afternoons. One reviewer said of A Village Affair “books like this are the reason I read” – I do wish I’d been the one to say it first, but I really think this one was even better.

If you’ve never tried one of Julie Houston’s books before, do try this one – I adored it, and it’s absolutely guaranteed to be one of my books of the year.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Four sisters all very different, but very loyal to each other, and like all families having secrets some common to them, some private to one or a couple of them.

The story set in Scotland is in itself picturesque. The loyalty that all of them have to their original place of birth is very nice to see. The sisters despite their difficulty in coping with a romeo type father and a mentally depressed mother who was besotted with her husband were not judgemental of either party though they did accept their limitations.

How the sisters whose paths were so diverse came together in a mix of family secrets unearthed, blackmail, domestic abuse, infidelity and a super performance of a musical in a village is this story.

Funny as in laugh out funny, but with strong overtones of a family story, I do hope there will be a sequel. The author will have to find something if there is a sequel because there is a lot going on in this busy story.

Enjoyed the read tremendously.

A charm of a book, a gorgeous read that will have you laughing out loud and will warm your heart. If this is a snapshot of village life, then I would love to be part of this kind of community.
As with families there are secrets as well as the emotional ups and downs but as you read through the story you do see strong family bonds, sisterly love, and support as they work through problems and situations.
Brilliantly written, I immediately felt like I knew these characters and that they were friends who I cared for. Overcoming adversity, using the power of song to come together with each other and the community.
Julie Houston writes with nice attention to detail; characters feel realistic and the story develops at a lovely pace. A genuinely uplifting book that I recommend for those looking to get lost in a book.
Highly enjoyable!



OH my! This was humorous and emotional with secrets and relationship and everything maddening as families and sisters were supposed to be.

The four Sutherland sisters who were together yet estranged with their own inner workings and grumbles had to come together for a village musical.

Past was weaved brilliantly into the present by the ever talented Julie Houston who got the equations between the sisters just right. Love was their bond, but secrets too got in their way. Warmth of the village and the quirky characters soon set the ball rolling. They were all different, some took time to grow on me.

The author could bring home important emotions, light and shadows paving its way. The story had realistic tones, the sisters and their life journey came alive in the prose. The story flowed well from its very concept. Overcoming the past for a brilliant future was the core, but it was their love for each other which made the story shine.

A brilliant, heart touching read by a wonderful author.

This story is tagged as 'a laugh out loud, heartwarming novel from the bestselling author of 'A Village Affair'' - and it really is! I'd thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Village Affair' so jumped at the opportunity to read this. Set in the village of Westenbury, this time it features the four Sutherland sisters and most of the story is told from the point of views of Juno and Lexia. All four sisters have their own secret that the others are unaware of but as the siblings reconnect there will be revelations, surprises, news and singing. It is a lovely read, set in a delightful community where everyone knows everyone else - and everyone assumes they know each other's secrets. However, this story proves they don't! It is a story with everything from infidelity, blackmail, family drama, a musical production and, of course, romance. It has a great range of characters who all have their own contribution to the unfolding drama. Can the show go on regardless? What will happen when secrets from the past are revealed? How will others react?

This is an emotive read, exploring relationships in a serious yet fun manner. It is a taste of rural community, sprinkled with stardom, touched by anxiety, packed with love and laughs. I really enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it!

I requested and was gifted a copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so - I can't wait to read more from this talented author in future!

I loved A Village Affair and immediately felt in safe hands and familiar territory with Julie Houston's latest novel: Sing Me A Secret.

What I love about this author’s characters is that not only do you quickly feel like you know them, you also know you'd have a good night out with them. They were perfect company for lockdown nights in too.

The author really nails the sister dynamic and gets right under the skin of family politics.

It's a cracking story. Funny; well told; doesn't pull any punches and I absolutely loved it.

Highly recommend.

What a lovely warm funny book about the Sutherland sisters and the village they live in Westenbury.

Juno is the local doctor. Lexia is a superstar singer married to a handsome rich footballer, Ariadne is a teacher, and Pandora wants to put on Jesus christ superstar in the village hall.
The girls are all excellent singers, their mother has mental health issues and a philandering father who is in a relationship with a much younger woman.
Secrets are being kept from each other which are bound to come out.

Enter a young very good looking Locum into the mix who one of the sisters falls head over heels in love with.


This book was fun and made me laugh out loud. The names of Juno's children's animals being one of them.
Such a good story, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I loved this story!!

The plot was excellent, it was full of family ups and downs and I loved the way that the book was written. The book has a lovely flow to it and I thought that the story had excellent attention to detail too. It was funny and at the same time serious where it needed to be – it had everything!

I thought that the characters were strong and really well gelled together and their interaction was great – it is 5 stars from me for this one, it is another fabulous book from Julie – very highly recommended!

Good for family drama and a light read. Not a bad choice for a book to read by the fire on a rainy night.

A totally brilliant book. There is lots going on within the story as it features many interesting characters, each with their own story. There is laughter and tears and there are also some 'tricky' issues that are dealt with realistically. This book kept me awake at night because I couldn't put it down as I was so engrossed in it. Just grab yourself a copy and read for yourself this brilliantly written book.

Another Gem..
Another gem from Julie Houston. Four sisters, different life paths, different lives, memories and secrets. An engrossing storyline, characters credible as always. Entertaining, fun and heartwarming. Always a pleasure and guaranteed escapism.

The 4 Sutherland sisters are reunited ,all have different lives and careers. The return of Lexia to the town they grew up, reveals long hidden family secrets. An absorbing novel with laugh out loud moments, brilliant reading for a cold wet spring day.

I found this book a bit hard to read and confusing at times. I found it didn't tend to hold my interest for long. Not sure if that was a me thing or a book issue.

There are four sisters, Ariadne, Pandora, Juno and Lexia. Each of them grow to be women who have complicated lives and complicated relationships with their sisters.

Ariadne is a teacher who does not particularly like children.

Pandora has a Queen Victoria complex, she believes she knows how to run the world as well as everyone in that world. Pandora manages groups made up of the best people. One of her groups is producing a musical.

Juno is a family physician. Her husband has gone to the states for a year and she is now the one in charge of her son, her daughter, her daughter’s horse as well as her part time work in a family medical practice. Juno has recently begun having wild day dreams about the newest doctor to join the family practice.

Lexia has been a super star singer. She married a football star and now they have a little boy who wants to follow in his father’s football shoes. Lexia has been unable to live her life for awhile. Now she and her family have returned to her home town.

All of these women grew up in a home with a father who left them for another woman. Their mother became disconnected from reality because she was unable to live without the man she loved as much as life itself. But, no matter what, their mother sang. And all the girls can sing as well.

Now that all of them are grown women, they are facing life from their individual perspectives.

This is a story about ups and downs. It is about working to overcome difficulties. It is about remembering what is truly important in life.

Ms Houston writes with heart and humor. Her characters respond to life like real humans. At times they go forward with grace at other times not so much.

Although there is humor, there are also times of darkness. Which is also like real life.

Ms Houston is a talented author and her stories are well done.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

I absolutely adore this author, her books are absolutely fabulous and always leave me smiling.
This has been no different, I have loved this book from beginning to end and devoured this one in just one sitting.
This is a fantastic book, it has fantastic characters and a great plot. This is a book which I highly recommend.
This is a perfect escape and has been great to switch off with. I have loved every minute of reading this one, I'm just devastated that I will never have the pleasure of reading this for the first time again.
This is without a doubt a five star read, only this is deserving of more than five stars to show how utterly fantastic this author is.

4.5 stars

Thank you to Aria Fiction for a digital review copy via NetGalley - my thoughts are my own.

This is my second visit to Westenbury in the past couple of months - I recently enjoyed The Village Affair.

This time we meet a family of four sisters who have lots of secrets, both past and present. Each of the sisters has to face challenges at home and/or work.

I enjoyed the story of the Sutherland sisters - the author fills the story with highs and lows, great characters and village life.

Happy to recommend this book for an uplifting read.

Absolutely LOVED it.

One town, 4 sisters, 4 very different sisters, how many secrets can one family and one place hold?

When the Sutherland sisters are brought back together, what can possibly go wrong? Having dealt with a mother with mental illness, following their father leaving. The Sutherland sisters choose very different paths in life. One is a famous WAG, another is a GP working part time and in a marriage that she thinks she is no longer happy in, The third, resolutely single and lastly Pandora once a solicitor, whom has given up the profession in order to care for her son and become the towns social society queen.

After years of being away Lexia returns...... Can the Sutherland sisters become sisters again?

Was hooked from page one, twists and turns along many i didn't see coming. Highly recommend, you wont want to put it down.

Praise To Julia Houston.

I always enjoy Julie Houston’s books, they make me laugh and cry and this one is no exception. Lexia has been estranged from her mother and sisters for years in a particularly cruel way. I’m sure if she had been older she wouldn’t have accepted it. When she was 18 Lexia won a national singing competition and became a famous pop star. Now she is married to a famous footballer and not having the best life.
As her husband signs on for a new football team they move back to Westenbury and the village where she lived. Lexia has no choice but to re connect with her family.
Really good story. I love how the sisters all come together to help each other in different ways. Lots of surprises in this book.

I loved the character of Lexi and would've loved the book just from her POV. She felt the realest and the mystery around her life and her relationship with her family was a full book in itself. I had trouble connecting with Juno though. I loved the characters around her - Harry Trotter, Lady Gaga, Tilda, Ari - but considering how much of the book was dedicated to her, she felt a bit unfinished. She should've been a smart, competent woman but she felt half baked.
I tried to keep up with all the slang but got a bit lost here and there. However, overall a solid read. It reminded me a bit of Jane Green at points.