Really fun read! Well written with interesting characters and engaging plot.

Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.

When I requested this book from Netgalley, it sounded ideal, a book about books, what more could a book loving girl ask for, and yet, there is a tell tale sign with me about how much I enjoy a book. The time it takes for me to write a review is the first giveaway. I can devour a book in an evening if it's really good, others take a few days, a week maybe, some when I'm three or four weeks in, you can tell I'm struggling and this one, however idyllic it sounded, is just one of those.

I started reading it with great expectations. I love historical, war stories and as this is set at the end of World War 2, I thought I'd love, but I just can't get into it. There is nothing in the first part of the story that inspires to read on. The story itself is very slow, the characters come across as quite dull and boring, and even though I'm a quarter of the way through it doesn't grab me like a book should, I can't even tell you what has happened because nothing really has.

Maybe it's me, my mindset, I don't know. Part of me would like to try again with this book, (there are very few that I totally abandon) but at the same time I have no desire to pick it up!

On to the next one!

I really liked this beautifully written book. My gran was a young war widow at this time and it made me wonder about what her life would have been like so it really hit home. The characters are well drawn and the historical details felt truly authentic. One for the Keepers' Shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Readers who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are simply going to love Lorna Gray’s enchanting and engrossing new novel, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets. A book that is sure to resonate with book lovers everywhere, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets’ beguiling blend of mystery and romance makes for perfect winter time reading.

In 1946, England is still recovering from the atrocities and hardships of the Second World War. People have lost loved ones, suffered great anguish and have had to start their life over amidst all the chaos and despair of post-war life. Lucy – known as Mrs P – has experienced her fair share of heartache. The young widow has loved and lost, however, her job at her aunt and uncle’s small publishing house has always been a great comfort to her. Books have been her salvation for as long as she can remember and the joy she derives from reading is immeasurable. Being surrounded by books is the greatest of reward for a book lover like her and the fact that she gets to live with her beloved aunt and uncle is an added bonus as they love nothing more than to spoil her. When a new editor comes to work at Kershaw and Kathay Book Press, little does Lucy realise that her life is about to change and all thanks to the magic and power of books…

Robert Underhill is a man who keeps himself to himself. The editor is a former prisoner of war who has experienced his fair share of horrors during the course of war. Reserved, shy and a man who seems content to keep everyone at arm’s length and the world at bay, Robert seems to have erected impenetrable walls around himself which nobody seems able to breach. Yet, his latest project might just be the key which will help him to lower his guard and realise that he’s got a second chance at being happy and fulfilled again – but only if he is strong enough and has the courage to take a leap of faith.

When old secrets come to light within the pages of Robert’s latest assignment, Lucy finds herself immediately intrigued. Determined to dust off the shadow of the past and figure out the enigma that is Robert Underhill, Lucy starts digging deep and begins to uncover the mysteries of this fascinating man who might just turn out to be someone who will be of immense importance to her. Will Lucy manage to find out the truth about Robert Underhill and his frequent trips away that seem shrouded in mystery?

As Lucy begins to wonder whether the time has come to give love another try, she must first vanquish old ghosts and put the past to rest. Will she find the happiness she yearns for? Or will the past continue to condemn her to a life marked by grief and loss?

An absolutely magical read book lovers everywhere are going to lap up, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is a book about hope, second chances, new beginnings, courage and healing that brought a tear to my eye on many an occasion. Lorna Gray is such a wonderful storyteller that she draws her readers into her story from the very beginning and keeps them enthralled by creating characters that are brilliantly nuanced and wonderfully rendered. With plenty of drama, intrigue and romance, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets charms and delights and will keep readers spellbound from beginning to end.

An outstanding tale for bookworms everywhere, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is an unmissable and irresistible tale that has got winner written all over it.

Mrs. P’s Book of Secrets is wonderfully captivating story set in the 1940s in the Cotswolds around Lucy. Lucy is a wartime widow who has returned home to her aunt and uncle’s publishing business. While reading this book all I wanted was to work in publishing in the 1940s. This book has a bit of everything: romance, mystery, historical fiction. A book I didn’t want to out down!

Rated 4.5 - MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS, aka THE BOOK GHOST, by Lorna Gray will endear book lovers to publishing history. Stepping back in time was my favorite part, in addition to the author’s ability to make me feel as if I’m viewing it all in Moreton-in-Marsh.

See the full color review at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.

Mrs P’s imaginings lead her on an adventure during the 1940s time of rationing. She always feels a presence. Could it possibly be a deceased loved one trying to communicate?

Lucinda “Lucy” Peuse, Mrs P to her co-workers, decides to work for her uncle while reorganizing her life after her husband’s death. Although she’s related to a line of spiritualists who believe in helping the dead move on, she never allowed them to do that for her husband. She wanted to hold him close in her heart, but not make him feel as if he’s tied on this earth to her.

The book begins with an apt description of the building and the people working in it, along with a quaint sense of humor provided by Mrs. P. It really sets the tone of this novel and made me grin with anticipation.

This is the type of story that leads the reader on a merry chase, adding clues, and in the end, giving some answers, while leaving some up to your imagination. I enjoyed the inner workings of the printing/publishing company, where they print their books on site. The rationing of paper after WW2 causes some problems, which are resolved in unique ways.

Some secondary characters rile up the intricacies of this family’s unusual situation. Lucy was left with her aunt and uncle when her parents felt she’d be better off with them. Uncle George and Aunt Mabel always wanted children they couldn’t have, so Lucy was welcomed more than most children in similar situations.

War veteran Robert Underhill joins her Uncle’s small publishing company and is living in Lucy’s childhood home, staying in her old room. When Lucy decides to return home after her husband’s death, she resides in the attic of the publishing company in order to keep appearances proper. Robert has experienced his own wartime nightmares, so the two have that in common.

A book they acquire for publication has many mysteries, including the author who wrote it. Lucy’s curiosity and need for the truth leads her to many unexpected places. Robert follows along, at first out of curiosity as well, but the two work seamlessly together and form a bond.

This is a cute story with ethereal qualities that will appeal to ghost story lovers. It’s unexpected and very different from other books I’ve read like it. These nuances kept me reading to the end.

Lucy is a deep thinker and can be quite flowery with few words. Sometimes, I was at a loss at what she was referencing. I think it’s done to create ambiance and mystery, but sometimes her wanderings made me want to skip ahead to find out what happens next.

I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s first book, IN THE SHADOW OF WINTER (2015), so I had expectations. Other than historical time-frame, this book is too different from that first one to make a comparison. I enjoyed them both for various reasons.

Author Lorna Gray is extremely good at setting a scene and giving the reader a sense of place in the 1940s. I could hear the creak of the floorboards and smell the history of where books were made. The characters are well drawn with lots of telling motions like the tilt of a head that made me view the book as a movie, visually coming alive.

I really enjoyed where Lucy’s journey led us in pursuit of the truth. Her advent calendar meandered throughout the story, adding something beautiful at the end.

My only critique is a note for the publisher. It’s very confusing for readers to call a book by two different titles. As a reviewer, I requested the UK version instead of the US version, so now it’s hard to know which one to review, and if they’re different in any way. I’m going on the assumption that they’re the same exact book, but just know that I read the UK version, so that’s the one I’m reviewing.

But, for readers, I’m including the book covers and titles for both books in my review, so it makes more sense and you don’t purchase them both in duplication. Thankfully, the publisher sent me lovely graphics to use. I’ve reviewed UK books for almost two decades, so I love the nuances that make them different from US books. I hope you try this one and fall in love with a new-to-you author. At this moment, the eBook is on sale for .99 cents as THE BOOK GHOST, and the print version will be available on January 23, 2020 as MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS.

Although I found the characters delightful in MRS P’S BOOK OF SECRETS, aka THE BOOK GHOST, stepping back into the time of book presses renewed my love of all things bookish. Aptly rendered for the book lover in all of us – it’s a lovely way to spend a few hours with the history of books in an endearing story, with just enough of the holidays to make it festive.

Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com.

I really enjoyed how the author conjured up the slightly antiquated atmosphere of the bookshop, publishing office, print room and attic which are the main settings for the story.

The story progresses at a gentle pace with the occasional moment of melodrama but a lot of the reader's time is spent inside the head of Mrs P as she continually seeks to interpret other's words, actions, gestures and emotions, particularly those of the new editor, Robert Underhill. Whilst much personal interaction is, as the author so aptly describes it, 'an endless dance around the edge of misunderstanding', at times this introspection and constant second-guessing risked distracting from the story. However, I can also see it reflected Mrs P's own uncertainty about her position, how others regard her and her abilities, and the general reluctance of many to talk of things related to the war. So many questions that can't be asked for fear of touching on some hidden trauma.

The mystery surrounding the young girl mentioned in the book Robert Underhill is editing reflects one of the underlying themes of the book, that the dead still 'exist' as long as someone remembers them or their presence is recorded in some way, whether through stories, artefacts or even the places they lived. 'The ghosts of this world are all around in the words and actions of those who have gone before.' Eventually Mrs P reaches the point where she can remember her dead husband, not as merely a husband, but by name and can begin to see a fulfilling future role for herself.

Mrs P' s Book of Secrets is a thoughtful exploration of the legacy of war and how people face the challenges of making new lives for themselves.

Mrs P or Mrs Lucy Peuse is a war widow who has returned home from Bristol to work for her Uncle's publishing business.  Originally hired to replace the role previously held by her Aunt she is tasked with answering the phone and making tea.  Also recently taken on by her Uncle is Robert Underhill, who we learn has medical training and was a POW.  What role Lucy's uncle has asked Robert to do, and what role Robert seems to carry out on a day to day basis is at first unclear to both Lucy and the reader.

Somewhat bored and feeling underused Lucy is pleased when she is given the job of editing a new book the company is hoping to publish.  On a necessary trip out to meet the author to discuss the edits, Lucy is drawn into the tale of the house the author now lives in and the family that used to originally own it.  She is particularly drawn to a young girl whom little information can be found on and the ghost of this child as well as the many personal ghosts that Lucy holds come to the surface.

At first I found the structure of the book a little hard to grasp and I took a little while to understand the style of the writing, however as soon as I did and also began to realise that this was a far quieter and subtler book in relation to it's plot then I was able to settle into the story and enjoy it.

The geographical setting of the book was lovely and I adored the bus journeys Lucy and Robert make. I also felt it matched the time period of the story perfectly and the post war years were well described along with the vocab and abrupt tone of voice often used by Lucy.  Grief and guilt are also dealt with as did so many people at this time, and with the story behind Lucy's parents and siblings the topics of family and displacement are another large part of the book.  It has clearly been thoroughly researched  and this shows through in the story.

The elements of the publishing business are fascinating and the smaller characters in the book really add to it's feel. The plot is used to delve into the past, present and future of Lucy and Robert and to tell the story of Lucy's search for understanding and to try and imagine what her future may hold.  A thoughtful read full of little nuggets of human emotion.

Sadly I just couldn’t get into this story. Not just because it was historical or British. I have read lots of both. I can’t recommend.

The Cotswolds, 1946: A young widow returns home to help out at her uncle and aunt's publishing business, to try to get over the tragic loss of her Naval husband after their whirlwind marriage.



Lucy, known as Mrs P, is looking for a new start among the familiar surroundings she grew up in, but things are not quite as she remembers back at Kershaw and Kathay Press. During her time away, her uncle has hired a pleasant, but shy, new editor, called Robert Underhill, who is trying to get over his own war time experiences as a prisoner of war.



Try as she might, Lucy seems unable to fathom Mr Underhill and the reason for his frequent absences, but when he asks her to help him with one of the books they are publishing, they begin to understand each other better. Both are unwilling to take risks after the grief they have suffered, but they could in fact, be the answer that each of them is looking for, if only they can get over the shadows of the past.



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Mrs P's Book Of Secrets is a gentle, but deeply emotional story, set against the back-drop of a country trying to recover from the aftermath of the Second World War.

Lucy is trying to find a way to settle into her old life, the one she knew before her brief marriage. She loved her husband, but realises that they did not really know each other, and she is not sure how to grieve for him.

Robert is searching for a cause to help him get over his time as a prisoner of war and thinks that working quietly to save Kershaw and Kathay Press is the life buoy he needs.

Both of them are tired of the way others misunderstand their intentions and find it necessary to tread on eggshells around them all the time. Neither of them is expecting to connect with another person they way they find themselves doing, and their awkwardness keeps them from recognising that there are feelings developing between them until quite some way into the story. There is a delicious air of suspense over their burgeoning romance that is quite enchanting.

A strong theme of the supernatural also runs through this novel. Ghosts from the past have a significant part to play in the direction of the story, and Lucy certainly seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to the echoes of voices from the past. You are never quite sure whether there are real spectres or not, but the possibility remains tantalisingly close to the surface, and if they are real then our spirits clearly have good intentions.

There is also a thread here that I found really interesting. Women have had to step up during the war years and take on roles which have traditionally been undertaken by men, which has given them a new found sense of independence. The men returning home are expecting to fall back into the jobs they left behind, but when they do so, what then happens to the women? I have not previously thought about the conflict that must have existed in these women's minds - yes, they are being made to return to their kitchens, even though they know they can do so much more, and yet there is also a need to welcome home their men folk and ensure that they are able to find jobs - especially if they are struggling with falling back into civilian life. How difficult this must have been.

Mrs P's Book Of Secrets ticks a lot of boxes for me. This is not a story that goes full tilt, jumping from action scene to action scene. but there is a developing love affair between two characters you know belong together, a gradual build of suspense, and a mystery to solve against a well-drawn backdrop, that keeps you turning the pages until the heartwarming end - and I had a few tears to shed when Lucy finally deciphered Robert's message to her. What a lovely book!

Adorable cover and great title. I felt like the book dragged and fell flat... There wasn't enough character development to keep me engaged.

Mrs P’s Book of Secrets was amazing historical fiction with concoction of mystery, history, romance and ghost. It was about life after war and death of loved ones, tragedy of WWII, loss, grief, setting the soul free of that loss, finding friendship and love, and haunting shadows.

Writing was beautiful, lyrical, and filled with emotion. The setting of Cotswold, in 1946- the time period after WWII and postwar effects in the town and on characters was wonderfully captured. The book was first person narrative from Mrs. P’s POV.

It started with Lucy working at her Uncle’s Kershaw and Kathy Book Press as a secretary, typist, and receptionist after she lost her husband in WWII. First few chapters were about why she left her spiritualist mother, her love for her Uncle George and aunt Mabell who brought her up, her life as widow, settling in the routine of office and her new residence in the attic of the press building, her insecurity on finding reserved new editor, Robert Underhill so close to her uncle, living in their home where she lived all her life.

When Robert and her uncle started acting out of character, she knew they were hiding something. There were gossips roaming around the town about Robert and his frequent disappearance that made her form preconception and doubts until she started working on a manuscript dedicated to an orphan girl.

What was the secret between Robert and Uncle George was revealed pretty soon. But what made the story mysterious and intricate was Orphan girl, Harriet’s story in the Ashbrook mansion. And then there was a mystery of shadowed ghost that came with dark silence in Lucy’s life.

Lucy (Mrs. Lucinda Peuse) aka Mrs. P was most interesting and my favorite character. She was brave independent soul. Her struggle as a widow, inequality at workplace she felt and society’s probing question about her rank at her uncle’s press rattled her. She was struggling with her husband’s death in war and it affected more than she realized but she faced world and her life bravely. Her love and care for her uncle and aunt was lovely to read. I didn’t appreciate her forgiveness to Dr. Bates at first. I didn’t like that man but he sure gave story a dramatic touch. I didn’t even understand why she would give him a chance and advantage but I was happy when she finally confronted him and cleared his mind. Her development in the story was wonderful. I loved the way she found love, peace and freedom at last.

Robert was caring, responsible and lovely gentleman. He also had his past and secrets. There was this constant fear if he would be staying with Lucy and the press or would leave as all said. It created uncertainty regarding his action and character but in contrary he was so sure and confident person. His development was also nice and I loved the way he supported and understood Lucy.

The bond between Lucy and Robert was great. I loved reading how Lucy’s misconception was cleared as she got to know Robert more during their trips for manuscript’s edits. Conversation between them were well written. They understood each other pretty well. Both had tragic past and they both were struggling with freedom, searching for who they really were and what they want to do. It was amazing to see their relation turning from colleague to friends and then lover. Robert’s idea of proposing was lovely and romantic.

What I loved most was historical aspect and Ashbrook and Harriet’s story. I didn’t know anything about struggle of small publishing press in this era. I was reading all the details with fascination – about the short of papers supplies, how publishing house worked, and editors taking follows ups from author. Jacqueline’s enthusiasm, her stories about Ashbrooks was magnetic. I agreed with Lucy’s thought on those stories. Even though some of it she believed were Jacqueline’s imagination, the message she delivered about legacy and memories were amazing. Diphtheria outbreak at that time was also covered through this story.

It was interesting tale and there was more to it. The old dilapidated mansion of Ashbrook made Lucy confront her own past, loss and grief. She never truly got over her husband’s death. There was that fear and mental damage buried deep that came rushing back when she got invested in Ashbrook and Harriet’s story.

Climax was clever turn in the story. It surprised me. I was curious to see if the ghost was real or not and where it was leading Lucy and Robert. The revelation came soon after climax and it was brilliant. End was good. The conclusion of justice to the person’s name and image and set free to love again and choosing the path that makes person happy was satisfying.

Why 4 Stars-

The book progressed a bit slowly which was not exactly my main issue but around climax it got really complicated. At one point (after climax, of course) I could put a finger on what was the real ghost and then that end made it confusing. It’s a kind of book that needs full concentration which was hardly possible with my daughter around. I advise you read this if there is zero disturbance.

Overall, it was interesting, intricate, and inspirational historical fiction which was both beautiful and poignant.

"In times of trouble all you need is a good story" (Cover quotation)
This is a very unusual novel about post World War 2, Family secrets, betrayal Moreton-in-the Marsh.
Family secrets,betrayal, gossip, and printing works, with a shortage of paper - which was rationed during the war.
This book has a haunting, suspenseful, and a feeling of menace until nearly the end of the story.
The characterization is excellent - particularly of the Mrs P (of the title), who is Lucy Peuse, and is a young war widow. There are several men in the story, a war veteran, a medical doctor, and Lucy's Uncle who runs the print works. plus other characters who try to influence the plot, but to speak of them would give away spoilers.
This is a book about "belonging" which everyone needs; friendship, which is often misconstrued; and an old building that seems to have a life of it's own in the plot.
The links between the past and the present surge into connections with the future. I thoroughy enjoyed it.

This book doesn't leap off the pages in a loud and fast paced manner. It's a reflective story filled with quiet threads of thoughts and whispered secrets in the dark. The art of writing is what jumped out at me instantly as I felt a keen sense of literary purpose and the skill of the written word being a main focus. This worked to create an authentic post-war atmosphere to the narrative which threaded its way purposely throughout the book.

Secrets and misconceptions were strong themes that I picked up on as I navigated my way through this piece. Communication between characters was not high up on the list of priorities, so conclusions were jumped on and dead ends approached to create a tale of mystery as a journey to find answers was taken. The plot did not take you on sweeping arcs of excitement but quietly unfolded piece by piece to reveal the heart of the story. Full attention must be given to this book as the narrative demands a commitment from its reader to stay firmly on top of the story and right behind each and every character.

Lucy, or Mrs P as she is affectionately known is a quiet and complex character. It did take me a while to figure out this unique young lady but what I did enjoy was her character progression. Watching Lucy come to terms with being a young widow and learning to find her place, as a woman, in a post-war world was both humbling and heart warming.

Mrs P's Book of Secrets weaves a web of wonder between it's pages. It's unique style attracts a literary audience with its quiet approach to narration and attention to detail. The art of the written word is to be celebrated and this book creates this sentiment in spades.

This is a charming book set in 1945, in the Cotswolds. You get a real feel of the after effects of the war both socially and economically.

I loved the way Lorna Gray was able to combine the themes of love, loneliness, trust, hope, tragedy and grief within this novel. Although heartbreaking in places it also has an uplifting feel to it. I was swept along with the story line and felt compassion towards the characters. I loved the advent calendar that featured in the novel and the budding friendship that developed between Mrs P and Mr Underhill. The ending was an unexpected surprise which filled me with hope and joy. A delightful read which I would love to see as a sequel.

Thank you to Lorna Gray, One More Chapter and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication .

Mrs P's House of Secrets has a distinct voice which puts you in mind of some earlier Gothic novels. It is restrained, stylised and quietly layers the story with secrets from the past. You are never quite sure what is actually happening and what is in Lucy's mind and it is certainly hard to second guess. Lucy has returned to her childhood home where she was brought up by her aunt and uncle. As she edits a would-be account of a local Family and their imposing mansion, she identifies with the seemingly ignored child who lived there.

Both Lucy and Robert have suffered loss and trauma during the recent war, and are looking for some hope and purpose in their post-war lives. You feel for Lucy in particular who as a young widow, has to stand aside for the returning men, despite her war work and experience. In addition to the literary tone, books fill all parts of the story. You can almost smell the printing ink and feel the paper. In addition to the relationships which are growing, there is a mystery to solve and the element of the supernatural which you are never sure is there. You follow the story through Lucy's first person account which puts you right in the centre of the narrative.

This is a gently paced story of love and acceptance which has some surprising twists along the way.

In short: Well researched period detail underpins this story of love and acceptance.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

This book is set post World War 2 and shows the difficulties of settling into to a normal life, when life has irrevocably changed for so many and may never be the same again. Lucy, the eponymous Mrs P, is a war widow and trying to get back to normality has meant returning to live in the room above the publishing office, where she lived as a child with her beloved aunt and uncle. Although having worked as an editor herself during the war, there is neither enough work nor money in her uncle's business so she is employed as a receptionist/clerk, while still carrying out some editing work. The other editor, Robert Underhill, spent almost all the war as a prisoner of war and his experiences have made him understandably quiet and reserved.

In the US, the title of the novel is The Book Ghost. The ghost could refer to a little girl who Lucy comes across through a book she is editing and she, and others, are distressed to find there seems to be little trace of her existence. No grave stone, no line on the family tomb, no mention in any newspapers. Lucy is drawn to this child, perhaps due to her own experiences as a child and in more recent years, and becomes quite obsessive in her quest to find out what happened to her. Many of the characters in the book are haunted by ghosts of the past and themes of grief and guilt are strong.

The book is written very much in the style of the time, you can almost hear the clipped accents of the characters. This added to the authenticity of the book which has clearly been extensively researched. It also means it's a book you can't whizz through and that's fine. There were times when I felt a bit confused about the way the story was going and I did have to take my time to make sure I understood fully. The story demands and deserves your full attention. The author has brought to life the way people lived and behaved in the post war era and I was particularly interested in the workings of a small publishers at this time.

Mrs P's Book of Secrets is a gentle story of new opportunities, second chances and adjusting to new ways of life. There are several mysteries to be solved throughout the book with the author leaving small clues about characters and secrets which all come together at the end. I found this to be an unusual and quietly compelling read.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5

Mrs P’s Book of Secrets was a historical novel set in 1946 about the effects of war, grief, loss and how traces of the past always remain in the present. It wasn’t perfect but it still had some interesting themes and was a gentle read for the frosty winter months.

The story was about a woman called Lucy Peuse or Mrs P. who lost her husband in World War II and was struggling to find her feet. She decided to return home to her aunt and uncle and join the small family publishing business, which was barely coping with the paper rationing, to try to help. She ended up getting drawn into the intrigue surrounding the new editor Robert, a former prisoner of war, and the mystery of the Ashbrook family, who they were publishing a book about.

Lucy constantly pretended to be fine, even when she wasn’t, and she didn’t always realise it. The loss of her husband had almost numbed her to herself but gradually the love of those around her made her come to terms with her feelings and rediscover her who she was. She developed a profound connection to the past and learnt the importance of keeping the memories of those who had passed away alive. She was always seen as more vulnerable and insecure by others simply because she was a widow but despite the way she was treated at times, she proved to be perfectly capable of looking after herself. It was nice seeing her and Robert open up to each other and find some peace.

Lucy was an intriguing and complex character although it was quite hard to understand her motivations at times. She was the type of person to obsess over every word said to her and infer hidden meanings that simply weren’t there, sometimes creating an impression of awkwardness. The writing was long and rambling to reflect her way of thinking but the large sections of narration in between dialogue and her confusing train of thoughts did get quite annoying as it felt like the effect was needlessly overdone. What was well done however, was the portrayal of her grapple with her lingering grief and how she was afraid of recalling her husband’s memory because it would just serve as a reminder of how when she lost him, she felt like she lost herself too.

Throughout the story, plot threads were picked up and dropped seemingly randomly so it was hard to see what its purpose was until the end. It seems the main messages were about how the scars of war can be deep and enduring but can also bring people together and about the importance of learning about and from the past whilst looking to the future. But most of all it was about how things that are meant to happen always do, but sometimes in a very roundabout way.

Overall, Mrs P’s Book of Secrets was a pleasant story that was a welcome change from what I usually read, even though it had its flaws.

Thank you to One More Chapter for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions exchanged are my own. I received this book as a part of the author’s #30daysofbookblogs event.

The story begins in 1946, just after the end of WWII, during the wintertime in the north Cotswolds town of Moreton-in-Marsh where Lucy, better known as Mrs P has come back home to help out in her aging aunt and uncles’ publishing house “Kershaw and Kathay Book Press”.
Lucy’s husband was just killed during the war, and despite her experience is now working as a clerk/receptionist/tea girl alongside her uncle and a new editor named Robert Underhill. Underhill prior to the war was studying to become a doctor. Though he could have been excused, he volunteered in the war efforts only to be captured immediately and became a POW for the last 5 years. Underhill would disappear from the office from time to time and the mystery surrounding his disappearance from the office intrigues Mrs. P.
I love historical fiction reads especially the WWII period. I enjoy learning about the circumstances surrounding the story line and the author gifts the reader with amazing detail and backstories of the characters.
England at that time was still reeling from the war, and while the country recovers, the people remain in rations. The men have come back and the women have to step back from their roles - running the country while the men were gone. The widows are trying to find their way back and are dealing with the guilt from the loss of their loved ones, mostly finding difficulties with establish relationships.
There are new ways of speaking in society where prying questions are not acceptable unless information is freely offered. The men that have come back are dealing with their own trauma from the war and I find that the author did a great job in creating that world post WWII.
The story is told through Lucy’s experience and point of view. Overall, I did enjoy the writing as it feels very much to the time period and the details were rich and vivid. It did move a little slow for me though I did enjoy the beautiful descriptions and the character development in this story.
I recommend this book for HF fans who are interested in the post WWII England setting.

Lucy or Mrs P as she prefers to be known is a war widow and she has returned to her aunt and uncle’s home in Moreton In Marsh in the Cotswolds. Her relatives run a small book publishers above a book shop and give Lucy a job. She has to stay in the small attic room above the shop as her aunt and uncle have a lodger in the form of Robert Underhill living with and working for them. Robert was a prisoner of war for most of the fighting and now he is trying to resurrect his former life and continue his career as a book editor. Lucy is most intrigued by him but she is still grieving the loss of her own husband so any feelings she develops are very much conflicted. The ghost within the story is in the form of a child they discover was abandoned when they are reading a manuscript given to them. Both Robert and Lucy want to know more and this brings them closer together whilst also making them confront the tragedies from their own pasts.


Mrs P’s Book of Secrets is delightful in the way that it deals with the world of books. I loved how Lucy works and sleeps within a publishers which is above a bookshop, she is literally surrounded by books. Lorna Gray explores the importance of stories and the power they can yield. Both Lucy and Robert have their own stories to tell but at the beginning of the book neither of them are ready to share them with others.
I felt that Lorna Gray dealt very sensitively in showing life after the war for both those involved in the fighting and those who stayed at home. So much was not spoken about almost because there was not the language for it. The atrocities witnessed had not been described before. Lucy and Robert’s relationship is a good way of showing how difficult it was to support those who returned in dealing with what they had experienced.
Lorna Gray presents likeable characters and there is a mystery at the heart of the book that leaves you wanting more at the end of each chapter. This book would be a great choice for fans of historical fiction, particularly, if like me you also have a love of books!