I was totally drawn to the original cover and name no idea why it was changed. A church in trouble, two unlikely saviours. Father David is troubled the church needs a new roof and bake sales are just not raising enough, he has a bright idea to go through the visitors book in the hope that previous visitors will donate. In steps two volunteers Gwen and Jarvis, described by Father David as gormless the story unfolds as the pair surprise everyone with there dedication and friendship. A throughly lovely story with characters you want to love and succeed..totally recommend

WOW! What a fantastic read. It was sheer bliss to read every page.
When the village church is in desperate need of a new roof, two young characters of Hopley Village agree to help.
Gwen and Jarvis come from very different backgrounds and Gwen is very sceptical at first, having to work along side Jarvis but as time goes by they get to know one another very well, working through the ‘visitors book’ trying to make contact with people in the hope they will donate to the good cause.
The characters are all believable and drawn vividly, woven into a multi-layered story.
I found this such an uplifting read, one of the best books so far this year. I could not put it down.
This is a 5 star read for me and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy for an honest review.

In a little village in England the local vicar needs money for the church roof fund fast. He only has a few months and if he can't raise the money the church will be closed. The locals seem to have came to a halt with coffee mornings and bring and buy sales so the vicar asks for volunteers to look through the visitors book and see if they can find anyone who would be willing to donate to the cause.
He is astonished as two unlikely people volunteer .
Shy and retiring Gwen who has lived with her aunt in the village since her parents were killed. Unable to function with her grief Gwen works a few days a week and suffers living with her Aunt Mary who undermines her constantly and is often downright nasty.

Jarvis who gave up art school when he decided he wasn't good enough and now lives back with his parents again. He works part time and spends the rest of his time drinking with friends in the pub.
Two unlikely candidates, one church visitors book and £50,000 to raise . Vicar Dave is unsure this will work.

Well they say god works in mysterious ways and he certainly did throughout this book.
I absolutely loved this story, it made me feel happy all the way through except for the scenes with Aunt Mary who would drain the life blood from anyone. I do think she must have had an interesting back story to how she became so unloving and horrid and I would have loved her story to be a small part of the book..

I cringed at the thought of Gwen and Jarvis phoning people who had signed the book years ago for donations but I loved all the stories that they found out.
As they say a pebble thrown into a pond makes lots of ripples and this is exactly what these phone calls made . I would like to tell you the whole story but the author does it far better than I do.
So if you wanting an uplifting story to make you smile just read it.
I loved it !

I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely book of secrets within the setting of a quaint, community-centered little church in England's countryside. I especially loved the character transformations that happened for Gwen and Jarvis. Each character (not just them!) felt believable and very real to me, especially David the minister and Jarvis's mother. I appreciate the author's ability to let me see into the minds and inner workings of these unique characters.

I would like to have known the reasons behind Gwen's aunt's prickly nastiness, though. I think there was a reason and would have felt more resolved at the end if that had been made clear. I will be recommending this to my readers- a fully satisfying ending too!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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.
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.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC.

A church in need of repairs brings a pair of two very unlikely volunteers, Gwen and Jarvis, together to save the church. Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is an uplifting read - a lovely book that will make you believe in the power we all have to make a difference in the lives of others. I highly recommend this refreshing, beautifully written book, and I look forward to reading more books by Tracy Rees.

Having loved Tracy Rees’s historical fiction, I wasn’t sure how a more contemporary setting would appeal, but I needn’t have worried. The author’s ability to create a sense of place through perfectly balanced details, to draw in the reader to her story and to move them too, is still here in a gorgeous, entertaining and uplifting manner. Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is a perfect example of positive, warm-hearted fiction and I loved it.
Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church has everything for a wonderful, immersive story that is utterly captivating. As well as romance as we'd expect from this kind of book, there's mystery and social conscience too so that the story provides many layers of interest. I loved the way connections are explored and reading Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church made me wonder about those who have passed through my life fleetingly.
Although there are several minor characters that add interest and variety to the story, it is Gwen and Jarvis who create the fabulous pivotal detail. I was desperate for them both to find happiness and thought the manner with which Tracy Rees explored Gwen’s grief after tragedy and Jarvis’s indolence arising from his perceived failure was sensitively constructed. Initially I wasn't keen on either of them, though I felt more empathy for Gwen, but Tracy Rees made me fall in love with both these warm, flawed, vivid people until I really hoped they would fall in love with each other - though you’ll have to read the book to find out what actually happens.
The narrative unfolds incredibly naturally so that it feels like it could happen in any small place where the sense of community is gradually being eroded. With Jarvis and Gwen working together to raise funds to restore the church roof, their efforts become a metaphor not only for the building, but for their own lives and the community as a whole, illustrating beautifully and inspiringly what can be achieved. I felt that Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church could give impetus to others to get involved in their local communities and even if it was just enjoyed as a story it would provide a sense of belonging that is so important in today's fractured world.
Although the plot is essentially quite simple with two people fund raising to repair a church roof, that doesn’t mean it isn’t completely absorbing with so many themes swirling through it. Tracy Rees considers identity, community, belonging, friendship, loyalty, family, ambition and self-belief so that Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church feels multi-layered and textured in a manner I adored. I wanted to move to Hopley, to join in with the events and to meet Gwen and Jarvis in person.
Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is a gorgeous book. I finished it with that sense of satisfaction of being royally entertained and feeling more positive about the world. I now know how Tracy Rees writes contemporary fiction as well as the historical fiction I am used to from this author. She does it brilliantly and I cannot wait for more. I loved Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was utterly charming and just the thing to read during lockdown. The two main characters were completely believable and I was rooting for them both to find the happiness they needed and deserved. I also loved the peripheral characters, all of who brought their own little spark to make this such a fabulous read. I’m not ashamed to say that I had a little tear in my eye when I finished!

The only very slight negative I have is the title change which is now a bit of a mouthful.

An old church visitor's book brings together a town's lost boy and a shy, grieving girl.

Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is about finding support and friendship in very unexpected circumstances.

St. Domneva's Church's roof was about to collapse, and the place was at risk of permanent closure if Vicar Dave did not come up with the funds needed for the repair.

Out of ideas, the vicar tried something a little out of the ordinary and ended up with two very unlikely volunteers: Gwen and Jarvis.

Gwen was shy and introspective, and Jarvis was the never-do-well of the village that spent his days at the pub and lived with his parents.

I loved how despite having other reasons to volunteer, both Gwen and Jarvis ended up in love with the cause and committed to helping save the historical church.

Their journey was very inspiring, and it was lovely to see their different personalities and perspectives of life complementing each other. Their slow-burn connection was so sweet.

I enjoyed all the side stories. There was a comforting sense of kindness, friendship, and family all through the pages.

Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church is a lovely feel-good read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 05/11/2021 as part of the book's blog tour*

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Unputdownable - read in one sitting.

Gwen and Jarvis, two people, different in every way, volunteer to help the local church, they read through the visitors book in order to find information about those that have visited the church in the past if they could help the church in donating funds.

Both Gwen and Jarvis have things happening or that have happened in their lives and as they get to know one another, their barriers are broken. People that they contact through the visitors book are interesting characters.

You get a feeling of how the community in the village used to be and how it is now.

The thing that I loved was that there was a character who was autistic. This is not seen in books that much.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a lovely story and swept me along with the characters and also the storyline. Really enjoyed it.

I LOVED this book! It is such a feel good read with lots of heart and a little bit of edge.
I've read books by Tracy Rees previously and enjoyed them so I was pleased to see this title being offered on my Netgalley dashboard.
I wasn't sure if I would like the characters initially - mousy, softly-spoken Gwen, who is being bullied by an older relative after the death of her parents; and Jarvis, perpetually drunk and underachieving. However, as their stories come together I couldn't wait to pick the book up again to see what was going to happen next.

The church of St Domneva in Hopley is in trouble - the ancient roof won't survive another winter and Vicar Dave needs a whopping £50,000 in 5 months to save the church and his home, where his daughter with special needs has finally just settled. He has the idea to use the visitors' book to try and contact people who have been touched by the lovely village church to try to raise the much needed funds, after bake sales and car washes predictably do little to help.

Jarvis and Gwen find themselves unlikely volunteers in this slightly madcap scheme; they also need a bit of rescuing and it is through connecting with others that they start to rebuild their lives and find the path of their true destiny.

I finished the book this morning with a little tear in my eye: after the year we have had connection to those around us is so important and this book just serves as another reminder to be kind to all - you never know what battle they are fighting! Thanks so much to Tracy Rees - this book was pure joy!

Also thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an early release copy in exchange for an honest review :)

I received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

#LittleBookofsecrets

While this book wasn't necessarily my cup of tea. I did enjoy the setting.

Who would have thought that a church visiting book could generate such a heartwarming story. Gwen Stanley, jobless and heartbroken, is taken in by her aunt in the sleepy village of Hopley. Nursing her grief she finds comfort in the crumbling village church. Her story becomes interwoven with, Jarvis, a jobless village lad who lives with his parents and has lost his way in life. The church roof is crumbling and thousands are needed to repair it. The vicar asks for volunteers to look through the church visitors’ book seeking out individuals and families who have left their contact details along with comments about their visit. Gwen and Jarvis are the only two volunteers, each having their own reasons for wanting to be involved. An unlikely couple they learn to work together, overcoming their own personal and social barriers. This is a captivating, feel good read full of community spirit, friendship and hope. I was engrossed from the first page and couldn’t put it down.

With thanks to netgalley and Tracy Rees for an early copy in return for an honest opinion
Well this book was quite a revelation certainly not what I thought I would enjoy but how wrong I was Gewn and Jarvis are the two most unlikely characters that you could imagine doing good for the church as in fund raising jarvis would rather be in bed on a Sunday morning sleeping off his hangover and gwen only goes to get out away from her very demanding aunt who she lives with since her both her parents are dead. Put a churches visitor's book into the mix and you have one amazing story. Can't praise this book enough and highly recommend.

This is Tracy Rees first foray into writing more contemporary fiction, and of course when an author deviates from what they are known for it is always a sense of trepidation that you approach their new work.

For me, Tracy Rees need not worry. This was a book which was simply magical and marvellous and let me escape as I devoured it in one day.

Gwen and Jarvis both in the twenties are lost. Gwen an aspiring writer is lost after losing her parents, she is still grieving and she has taken shelter and sanctuary with her Aunt Mary in the village of Hopley. But this sanctuary is more like a prison and Gwen feels trapped in the life that she has created for herself.

Her only escape is church.

Jarvis an aspiring artist. His first exposure to the art world has left him broken and with self doubt and he spends his days sleeping off the night before and his nights blotting out his days. The village of Hopley is not really the place for him, but what other choice does he have if he wants to stay at his parents.

His only escape the dream of finding the woman from three years previous at the church.

When the local vicar, pleads to his dwindling congregation for help to save the church roof, he hits upon the idea of appealing to all those who have visited the church and maybe left a message in their visitors book. He looks for volunteers.

Gwen and Jarvis step forward; Gwen has been fascinated by the visitors book and the back stories to all those people who wrote something. Jarvis is simply looking for that woman.

This very unlikely couple form a friendship and when they start to reveal the secrets of those visitors to the church they see perhaps that the little village of Hopley might have a new church roof after all. But it is not just a church roof that needs building both Gwen and Jarvis become cheer leaders for each others talents and the future for both of them looks a lot better.

A warm and heartfelt book where I wasn’t sure if I could warm to the two main protagonists who I found tiresome, sullen and quite prickly at the beginning. They both needed a good shake, but how wonderful to see such a small task be able to change Gwen and Jarvis and also my perception about them as I learnt more.

Thank you Tracy Rees this book was a pure tonic of a read and if you want to write more like this I for one will certainly be reading them. A little book of pure joy.

After the death of her parents, a heart broken Gwen finds herself living with her demanding Aunt Mary in a small village. With no job, no prospects and a heart heavy with grief, Gwen stumble upon a small stone church during one of her solitary rambles. She finds herself immersed in the visitor’s book and wants to uncover the stories of the people who wrote in the old book. She gains an unlikely helper in Jarvis, a man who seems as interested in unraveling the old mysteries as she does. But Jarvis has a reason, he’s searching for something very specific

Wow. I absolutely loved this book. Read it in one sitting, Could not put it down. Didn't imagine for a second that i'd be captivated by a village church visitor book but yes i was. Gwen and Jarvis, two unlikely volunteers to support the local church, both with their own weird and wonderful motivations that amuse, delight and warm your heart. Both are troubled and you warm to them in a not at all relatable fashion, then as they get to know each other and barriers come down, so do yours as a reader. The visitor book brings some real characters along the way. You giggle at the rambling Welsh lady, want to give Greta a hug, and the village sense of community past and present really comes to light. Although a smaller character, I appreciated an autistic character-not seen enough in books in my opinion. Tracy Rees fans will note that this is very different to her other books and has no timeframe hopping or historical time period. Do not let that stop reading. Its her finest work yet.