robinlovesreading's review
5.0
St. Domneva may be a small church in Hopley Village, but it is stooped in history and memories. However, the church just might have to close its doors. Will a fundraiser by means of a visitor's book from a long time ago be the answer the little church needs to recover?
Vicar Dave has the idea, but will the idea be effective, and who indeed can do the hard work of contacting countless people in order to ask for donations? Two people step up, albeit reluctantly - Gwen and Jarvis. They are each connected to the church for very different reasons. They both know that the roof needs replacing on the church and that the funds required will be very difficult to come by.
Gwen and Jarvis each have a story - both lost but now with a common goal. They devise a plan of action with the visitor's book and begin the long process of contacting people who have signed the visitor's books. In Gwen's case she has lost her parents and her aunt has taken her in. However, their relationship is challenged and thus Gwen is quite unhappy. With Jarvis, his education in art took a wrong turn and he has found solace in the bottle. Will Gwen and Jarvis be able to put aside their problems long enough to present a united force?
What an endearing story! I love how, despite their difficulties, both Gwen and Jarvis were able to draw upon their strengths in order to work together to save the church. Jarvis has a more of a bit of an uphill battle. Not only must he put the drink behind, he is trapped in the dream of finding a woman he met previously at the church. Their selflessness shines through on the journey for the church, all while interesting characters and stories cross their paths.
I hadn't read anything by Tracy Rees before now but I am glad to say that I was more than enamored with this story. I actually could not put the book down as I was very drawn to the drama in their lives, all while enjoying the pair forging a strong friendship even though at first they seemed like polar opposites.
Not only did I love the story and the characters - and that includes Vicar Dave - but I really loved the village. The ending was a pure delight. How exciting to know that this is the first book in a new series! I cannot wait to see what future stories will be developed as well as other characters that are to come.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Vicar Dave has the idea, but will the idea be effective, and who indeed can do the hard work of contacting countless people in order to ask for donations? Two people step up, albeit reluctantly - Gwen and Jarvis. They are each connected to the church for very different reasons. They both know that the roof needs replacing on the church and that the funds required will be very difficult to come by.
Gwen and Jarvis each have a story - both lost but now with a common goal. They devise a plan of action with the visitor's book and begin the long process of contacting people who have signed the visitor's books. In Gwen's case she has lost her parents and her aunt has taken her in. However, their relationship is challenged and thus Gwen is quite unhappy. With Jarvis, his education in art took a wrong turn and he has found solace in the bottle. Will Gwen and Jarvis be able to put aside their problems long enough to present a united force?
What an endearing story! I love how, despite their difficulties, both Gwen and Jarvis were able to draw upon their strengths in order to work together to save the church. Jarvis has a more of a bit of an uphill battle. Not only must he put the drink behind, he is trapped in the dream of finding a woman he met previously at the church. Their selflessness shines through on the journey for the church, all while interesting characters and stories cross their paths.
I hadn't read anything by Tracy Rees before now but I am glad to say that I was more than enamored with this story. I actually could not put the book down as I was very drawn to the drama in their lives, all while enjoying the pair forging a strong friendship even though at first they seemed like polar opposites.
Not only did I love the story and the characters - and that includes Vicar Dave - but I really loved the village. The ending was a pure delight. How exciting to know that this is the first book in a new series! I cannot wait to see what future stories will be developed as well as other characters that are to come.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
srivalli's review
4.0
4.3 Stars
The little village church has a bad roof that’s ready to collapse anytime. The vicar does his bit to get donations and funds. But unless he can raise a substantial amount, nothing can save the little church. That’s when he comes up with an idea that brings two unlikely youngsters together and makes them consider their future with a fresh outlook.
Gwen and Jarvis are total opposites. Gwen is trying to recover from heartbreak, while Jarvis appears to be nothing more than an alcoholic and an idler when we first know him. The story deals with how the Visitor’s Book in the church gives them a chance to reevaluate their lives and decisions.
Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is truly a sweet and feel-good book set in a small village called Hopley. The backdrop of England’s countryside makes it a pleasant and soothing read. There is a mandatory stiff character or two, but the rest of them are sweet and lovable. Maybe a little too sweet, but considering the real-life situation, I’m glad to read a story that focuses on positivity.
The story is in the limited third person, with the POV altering between Gwen, Jarvis, and Vicar Dave (at times). We see things from their perspective and gain deeper insights into their lives. Gwen’s life is pretty much clear from the first instant.
Jarvis comes across as a pretty worthless guy until we see that he’s a sweet, talented, and compassionate guy struggling with confidence issues.
The writing flows well with no abrupt breaks or jerks. The narration is smooth and light. Even the heavy scenes don’t get too intense or melodramatic. The book ends on a happy note for not just all three of them but also for many others.
There are times when readers want nothing but some peace books like this one come to rescue. The book gets the extra 0.3 for the same. Overall, this may not be a must-read. But it does bring a smile to those who pick it up.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
P.S: The only thing I’m not sure is about the use of ‘secrets’ in the title. There isn’t anything secretive in the book, nor does something that has to be uncovered.
#HiddenSecretsattheLittleVillageChurch #NetGalley
The little village church has a bad roof that’s ready to collapse anytime. The vicar does his bit to get donations and funds. But unless he can raise a substantial amount, nothing can save the little church. That’s when he comes up with an idea that brings two unlikely youngsters together and makes them consider their future with a fresh outlook.
Gwen and Jarvis are total opposites. Gwen is trying to recover from heartbreak, while Jarvis appears to be nothing more than an alcoholic and an idler when we first know him. The story deals with how the Visitor’s Book in the church gives them a chance to reevaluate their lives and decisions.
Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is truly a sweet and feel-good book set in a small village called Hopley. The backdrop of England’s countryside makes it a pleasant and soothing read. There is a mandatory stiff character or two, but the rest of them are sweet and lovable. Maybe a little too sweet, but considering the real-life situation, I’m glad to read a story that focuses on positivity.
The story is in the limited third person, with the POV altering between Gwen, Jarvis, and Vicar Dave (at times). We see things from their perspective and gain deeper insights into their lives. Gwen’s life is pretty much clear from the first instant.
Jarvis comes across as a pretty worthless guy until we see that he’s a sweet, talented, and compassionate guy struggling with confidence issues.
The writing flows well with no abrupt breaks or jerks. The narration is smooth and light. Even the heavy scenes don’t get too intense or melodramatic. The book ends on a happy note for not just all three of them but also for many others.
There are times when readers want nothing but some peace books like this one come to rescue. The book gets the extra 0.3 for the same. Overall, this may not be a must-read. But it does bring a smile to those who pick it up.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
P.S: The only thing I’m not sure is about the use of ‘secrets’ in the title. There isn’t anything secretive in the book, nor does something that has to be uncovered.
#HiddenSecretsattheLittleVillageChurch #NetGalley
melitajr's review
5.0
It really is unputdownable! Rich writing with a host of wonderful characters I'm sorry it's over - I really didn't want it to end! (Please, can I have more of Gwen and Jarvis?? PLEASE!!)
One thing this book has changed for me is the thought I'll put in when writing in visitors books. I'll be sure to be warm and heartfelt - the feelings this book left me with.
One thing this book has changed for me is the thought I'll put in when writing in visitors books. I'll be sure to be warm and heartfelt - the feelings this book left me with.
sarahs_bookish_life's review
5.0
Well if this story that alternates between Gwen and Jarvis doesn't leave you feeling uplifted then I don't know what else will!
Gwen and Jarvis are total opposites yet in some ways quite similar. They are both unsatisfied with where their lives are going until they both find themselves helping the local church in their plight to save the roof. Am sure we have all seen fund raisers for helping churches as sadly they don't get much help when it comes to maintaining these properties. I adored the idea of the book that Gwen finds. I don't want to say too much but how Gwen and Jarvis go around raising money from the use of this book is quite ingenious and it makes for some heart-warming reading.
Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is such an endearing and sweet read. I loved Gwen and Jarvis and watching their friendship grow. The story offers hope and I truly felt light and uplifted after finishing this wonderful story. My first book by Tracy Rees and certainly won't be my last!
Gwen and Jarvis are total opposites yet in some ways quite similar. They are both unsatisfied with where their lives are going until they both find themselves helping the local church in their plight to save the roof. Am sure we have all seen fund raisers for helping churches as sadly they don't get much help when it comes to maintaining these properties. I adored the idea of the book that Gwen finds. I don't want to say too much but how Gwen and Jarvis go around raising money from the use of this book is quite ingenious and it makes for some heart-warming reading.
Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is such an endearing and sweet read. I loved Gwen and Jarvis and watching their friendship grow. The story offers hope and I truly felt light and uplifted after finishing this wonderful story. My first book by Tracy Rees and certainly won't be my last!
annarella's review
4.0
It's an entertaining and engrossing story, heartwarming and poignant.
Gwen is an interesting character and her character arc was excellent as she found a purpose and a way to change.
The author is a good storyteller and I liked the characters and the setting.
The plot flows and kept me hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Gwen is an interesting character and her character arc was excellent as she found a purpose and a way to change.
The author is a good storyteller and I liked the characters and the setting.
The plot flows and kept me hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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