Cover Image: Family Secrets at the Inglenook Inn

Family Secrets at the Inglenook Inn

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I hadn't read any of the New York Ever After series when I started this book, so no characters or places were familiar, but that didn't matter. I loved every minute of this story and had trouble putting the book down to get on with other stuff that needed tending to and now that I have read it, I want to read all the other books in this series!

The only thing I didn't love about Rupert was his name, in every other aspect he was the perfect leading man. He was fun, kind, a great cook and a man that cherished his family and did everything in his powers to help them. Katy was also lovely and it didn't take long to feel like I had known her forever and could feel what she was feeling every step of the way with her new job at the inn and all the added drama with Rupert's surprise visit from his sister.

This really was a wonderful story about friendships, family and starting over with a sprinkling of romance.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this so much, the hotel seemed so inviting and friendly, I also loved the community and family feel that ran throughout the book, such a fantastic book

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

I was very much looking forward to reading this book, having thoroughly enjoyed all the books by Helen Rolfe that I have read before.

The Inglenook Inn immediately sounded idyllic, and I found myself desperately wanting to stay there, especially under the care of Rupert! Rupert seemed a lovely chap, to whom I warmed immediately. His obvious love for his family and more pertinently his Sister Natalie was a joy to behold, but it seemed to me that he was missing something in his life. Could this slot be filled by Katy, or do they both have too much going on in their respective lives? Natalie is certainly taking up a lot of his time, and not really in a good way.

I felt for Katy and thought she dealt with her family circumstances in a most admirable manner, and she seemed the perfect fit for the Inglenook Inn. She did however seem to struggle with the idea of her Father remarrying. As for the past, she seemed to be harbouring a secret – but I had no clue as to what Katy might be hiding, and indeed why, although Natalie’s situation was perhaps a little too close to that of Katy’s Brother, David.

As Katy’s time at the Inn progressed, Rupert’s feelings for her seemed to grow, although Kate remained professional at all times. I vehemently hoped that Rupert’s feelings were reciprocated, and the feelings were going to be allowed to grown into something ‘real’. Rupert’s feelings seemed to an extent to be somewhat ‘broken’ and I was curious about what events he was harbouring from the past.

I found this to be a superb read, full of fun, together with a bundle of secrets – everyone seemed to have one for me to fathom. Not to be missed

Was this review helpful?

Having recently read Christmas at the little knitting box, I was really excited to read another in the New York series from Helen Rolfe. Family secrets at the inglenook inn was another perfect wonderful read.
Rupert and Katy had that immediate chemistry which is so good to read - but as always things don’t go too smoothly as they try and run the Inn whilst Sophia is away. Emotions run high with the introduction of Rupert’s sister and I loved seeing the dynamics change between the main characters as we learn more about each of them.
I’m loving this series and can’t wait to get stuck into more of them now they’re waiting on the kindle.

Was this review helpful?

Rupert is the chef at Inglenook Inn, and when his boss is called away he must get in some extra help. Katy is currently out of a job but it’s not long before she is called to work at the Inglenook Inn, but while the two make a great team Natalie, Rupert’s sister, comes to stay bringing secrets and drama along the way.

This was a really sweet and uplifting novel, with fun characters and a narrative with mystery throughout. Rolfe writes with fantastic descriptions that I could see everything as I read on. This was my first novel by Rolfe and this is part of a series that can be read as a standalone, this was an easy and enjoyable read and I have heard many good things about this series; which I look forward to going back to read and catch up on the different characters.

Was this review helpful?

Out of a job, and feeling pressure to find another place to live now that her father will soon be getting remarried, Katy feels lucky to land a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn while the owner is overseas. She and Chef Rupert work well together and have the Inn running smoothly, until Rupert’s sister suddenly lands on the doorstep bringing her secret with her. A great read!

Was this review helpful?

Rupert and his sister Natalie.find themselves having to step up and run the Inglenook Inn. They have the experience and great ideas. but can they settle their differences so the Inn can run well. Great read. Very enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

This is a heartwarming, contemporary romance
Where a family drama - or three - brings them together by chance!
A boutique hotel is where the story is set
With dramas for the owner, the chef and someone not yet met.

The owner has to suddenly fly away
Leaving Chef Rupert in charge from that day.
He calls in a friend to help him out
And she sorts someone else to be about.

That someone is Katy, not out of a job for long,
She's feeling at home there, as if she'll belong.
However, there's drama a plenty in her own family
And in that of Rupert, too, as readers soon see.

There's plenty of unknown factors to be uncovered
As reasons and motives are finally discovered.
There's also attraction right from the start
But dare either of them really risk their heart?

A lovely story, a brilliant read,
So cosy to curl up with, just what I need!
I really enjoyed visiting this hotel, the staff, families and guests,
Along with the tasty food treats I'd love to digest!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
What a fabulous read - and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved returning to this story and to all the characters from previous books. Overall, a slower paced book with some serious subjects, but one that suited my mood and I really enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful?

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This sweet and lovely book is set in Greenwich Village, New York and follows Rupert and Katy. The Inglenook Inn is a lovely hotel run by Sofia and her head chef Rupert. When Sofia gets called away on a family emergency Rupert is left in charge of the hotel.

With help Rupert manages to hire a new staff member Katy to help whilst his boss is away. She settles in quickly, gets stuck into all jobs and between them the hotel is running smoothly.

Suddenly Rupert’s little sister turns up and seems to be hiding something from her brother. However, with the rift between the girls increasing, the relationship between Rupert and Katy seems to grow stronger.

What is Rupert’s sister hiding? What other secrets will be revealed at the Inglenook Inn?

I loved the sound of this hotel it sounded friendly, welcoming, and a homely place to stay and in a great location in the city. The family feel ran throughout not only with the hotel, but with the relationships between the characters.

Unsurprisingly with the title of the book there are plenty of secrets revealed with most characters having something to be exposed. Relationships grow the more they all reveal.

There are some themes in the book which may be a trigger for some, but they do make sense for the storyline. It is emotional hearing some of the events in their lives.

Overall, a secret filled, and sweet read where the characters have plenty to reveal at the Inglenook Inn.

Was this review helpful?

This book is part of the New York Ever After series, although it can be read as a standalone novel. I have read the entire series and this was a great addition to the series.
This book focuses on Rupert, the Chef at the Inglenook Inn. He is left in charge when Sophia gets called away to a family emergency. Katy is employed as a temporary staff member and they both have an instant attraction to each other until Natalie, Rupert's Sister turns up.
I quickly guessed what Natalie's secret was, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I liked the new characters, Katy and her family. It was also nice to briefly catch up with the older characters, Darcy and Sophia. This book was an easy and enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

A nice easy to read that I found heartwarming and relatable. I think it's a beautifully written story, easy to get lost in and escape. The friendships and relationships feel so natural and jump of the page. I also love the book feels like your very own tour guide around New York. I hadn't read any @helen_j_rolfe before @bookandtonic gave me a copy now I'm desperate to go back and read the rest

Was this review helpful?

I have previously read and enjoyed two of Helen Rolfe’s books - The Farmhouse of Second Chances and Finding Happiness at Heritage View but this one is the first of her books based in the USA that I’ve read. It is Book 7 of the New York Ever After series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
The novel tells the story of Rupert and Katy and the chapters are told from their viewpoints. Rupert is 33 years old and works as a chef at The Inglenook Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City. Katy is 29 and is in a bit of a rut, her widowed father having a serious girlfriend and finding herself rather a spare part at home. She becomes unemployed, but soon finds a job at The Inglenook Inn.
I loved The Inglenook Inn, as it comes across as so welcoming with its small staff who really care about the customers. Everyone is hard-working and tries their best and all this means the Inn has a feeling of being quite a small family business, more suited to an English village that big, bustling New York. I could definitely see myself visiting it!
Helen Rolfe’s writing style is very easy to get into. She tells you enough about the characters that they feel like friends and you are rooting for them to find happiness. I enjoyed my virtual trip to New York and learning about Rupert and Katy. I’ll look forward to reading more of Helen’s books in the future.

Was this review helpful?

This is book number 7 in the New York Ever After series. I read it as stand alone as I haven't read any of the other books in this series.

I loved reading Rupert and Katy's story. They are both lovely, well written and relatable characters. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of the Inn and especially the delicious food Rupert conjours up in the kitchen. It certainly sounds like the kind of place I would like to stay.

As well as being a lovely heartwarming read about family and friendship it also touches on the topic of PTSD, which I felt was handled sensitively.

This is the first of this author's books I have read but I have already lined up the next few I would like to read. I think I have found another new go to author.

Thank you Rachelsrandomresources, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my ARC and spot on the tour.

Was this review helpful?

This is the seventh book in the 'New York Ever After' series but can easily read as a standalone.

Rolfe's books are always a surefire winner for me, her writing draws you in and the characters come to life across the pages.

The Inglenook Inn sounds the amazing and the culinary delights Rupert tantalises us with sound absolutely divine.

There are mentions of PTSD, which has clearly been researched and is handled in a sensitive manner.

It's a beautifully written, heartwarming story of family and finding love.

Highly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Was this review helpful?

My Review: I really enjoy Helen Rolfe books, I have listened to a fair few on Audible in the last 3 years. Family secrets is an easy, light read with well rounded characters that blend into each others lives well and with purpose. We follow Rupert and Katy on their separate and combined journeys. Rupert is the chef at the Inglenook Inn who is left in charge when Sophia is called away. Katy lives with her dad, they've supported each other through the loss of her mother. Until he starts dating again. This book has it all, endings, beginnings, and a lot of love and drama in between.

Was this review helpful?

Another stunning book by Helen, expertly written. Lovely range of characters and plot, penned in Helen's expert way. Loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn by Helen Rolfe is the most charming contemporary novel about family, love and support. It is sure to put a smile on your face as you read.
A warm welcome awaits at Inglenook Inn where guests are treated to delicious treats and home-cooked meals. Nothing is too much trouble.
A family crisis leaves the inn short-staffed but new recruits step in. The inn functions as a family with love and care dished out in spades.
Even the best of families can face hard times. We witness the devastation a tragic accident had on a family as we see the damage that PTSD can do when it is not understood. Families find different ways to cope, no way is right or wrong. Families must wade through life as they feel is right for them.
Secrets have a habit of coming to light. It is easier to bear a burden when it is shared.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. There were some wonderful verbal exchanges.
Helen Rolfe painted pictures with her words. All the reader’s senses were tempted by her delicious descriptions of home-cooked goodies.
This was a delightfully light-hearted and fun novel despite some very dark themes. Helen Rolfe writes with sensitivity, kindness and from the heart. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Inglenook Inn and hope to drop in again.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word to the reader: please if you have been affected by any of the issues in the book, seek help. Do not suffer alone.

Was this review helpful?

I just love books by Helen Rolfe and this was not exception. This one is set in New York a place I visited just a few weeks ago. In one part it is raining and people getting wet. This took me back to when I was at the statue of Liberty, it rained and I got soaked as did those in the book it took me over a day to dry my jeans!

Hotel. Sophia the owner is called away to her daughter in Switzerland and they need help. Katy had lost her job at another hotel in New York and steps in to help out.

Katy had lost her Mum a few years back and she had disowned her brother because of drugs. Her father decides he is getting married again. So, Katy has a lot to contend with. Then the youngest sister of Rupert turns up. It seems she is also taking drugs. Rupert sets her to work in the hotel, which she does not like nor Katy.

Plenty of problems for all, it is a real roller coaster ride.

This is another great read and I can recommend this 5* book

Was this review helpful?

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

This book is book number seven in the ‘New York Ever After’ series but can very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems at all.

I absolutely loved returning to this story and to all the characters from previous books.

The two main characters in this story are Katy and Rupert and they are both wonderful characters and I loved being involved in their story.

Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn was a lovely, heartwarming story, full of wonderful characters with great friendships and was very well written too. I thoroughly enjoyed it…….

Was this review helpful?