A Village Secret

Jennifer goes to Cambridge University with her head full of Romantic Poets, but she never dreams that she will find her Byron. Fifteen years and two children later, her relationship with Laurie Lewis is starting to feel like an epic tragedy. After a series of revelations turn her world upside down, Jennifer will do anything to keep her family together, even if it means moving hundreds of miles away to Laurie's childhood home in Westenbury, Yorkshire. She is amazed to find herself feeling happy for the first time in years, but the village holds one last, devastating secret.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

When Jennifer embarks on her journey to Cambridge University, she never fathoms that she will encounter her very own Byron. However, fate has other plans in store for her when she crosses paths with the captivating actor, Laurie Lewis. In a twist of fate, Jennifer finds herself immersed in a real-life love poem, experiencing the joys and challenges of a lasting relationship. Over the course of fifteen years and the birth of two children, Jennifer and Laurie's bond evolves into an epic tale filled with both triumphs and tragedies.

However, as time passes, their relationship begins to feel more like a tragic saga. After a series of revelations shake Jennifer's world to its core, she is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her family together. This includes embarking on a new adventure, moving hundreds of miles away to Laurie's childhood home in Westenbury, Yorkshire.

As Jennifer reluctantly embraces village life, complete with meddling in-laws, new acquaintances, and a surprise delivery of alpacas, she is astonished to discover a newfound sense of happiness that she has not felt in years. The village holds a final, devastating secret, which forces Jennifer to confront her deepest desires and make a life-altering decision.

Julie Houston's novel is a heartfelt and hilarious portrayal of sisters and the secrets they keep. It is filled with memorable characters that readers will fall in love with, and its engaging plot will keep you turning pages until the very end. With its witty dialogue, relatable situations, and touching moments, this book has everything that a reader could desire.

Praise for Julie Houston's work has been pouring in from critics and readers alike. Sheila O Flanagan praised the book for its "warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep," while Katie Fforde described it as "Julie Houston at her best—heartfelt and hilarious." Sandy Barker commended the book for its "laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming" quality, and Mandy Baggot praised it as an "absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with."

In conclusion, "The Secret Life of the Lonely Hearts Club" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh, a touching story, and characters that will stay with you long after the last page. Julie Houston's talent for creating relatable and unforgettable characters is on full display in this delightful novel, and it is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801101905