At Cambridge University, Jennifer looks out her room window and spies
Laurie, a handsome young man who captures her eyes.
To her, he's the image of the poet Byron,
But she'd never guess what was next to come!

This is the story of their courtship, aspirations and dreams,
Of wedding bells, two children, and discovering not all is at is seems.
With fame and fortune, comes unwanted publicity, too,
And fifteen years later, leave Jennifer wondering what she should do.

Needing to move, they go to Laurie's childhood home
With him promising no more to roam.
Settling in to farm life is a total shock
But Jennifer finds its great - and she likes it a lot!

There are shocks, secrets and surprises - even some alpacas, too!
Is this the chance the couple need, their love to renew?
Get ready for laughs, new friendships and more
As Jennifer has new opportunities to explore.

There's a sense of community, with characters galore,
Shocking revelations, special relationships and so much more.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
A dramatic family drama and this is my honest review.

Westenbury is the setting for Julia Houston's novels, which can all be read as standalone novels.

As I was reading all about the village of Westenbury in deepest, darkest Yorkshire, it seemed awfully familiar. Checking the author biography I discovered that Julia Houston actually lives in my old home town. Whilst Westenbury does not actually exist, Mirfield does. And Julia has done an amazing job of capturing this beautiful part of West Yorkshire.

The story is split into different times of Jen's life. We see the heady days of university, where her and Laurie spot each other across a crowded pub and Jen falls hopelessly in love with his Byronic good looks.

We follow Jen through her early career working for a publisher and writing her first successful novel, whilst Laurie attends audition after audition searching for the perfect acting role. This leads us to the present, where they are deeply entrenched in their marriage with 2 children.

Laurie is a philandering, feckless, useless husband, expecting to be adored, provided for, looked after and a bind eye turned to his many affairs. This leads to a painful court case, where Jen is forced to listen to evidence of Laurie's many indiscretions.

If I'm honest, I didn't really warm to Jen at the start of the book. I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and see what Laurie was doing! Even when she was forced to sell their home and move hundreds of miles away to the bleak family home in Yorkshire, she seemed to miserably go along with it.

It is at this point, that we see a sea-change in Jen. She becomes less closed off, more trusting, opening up to new friends she has made. Best of all, gone is doormat Jen. She finds passion writing about, well passion, rather than poets and begins to appreciate the beautiful Yorkshire countryside along with it's changing seasons. Indeed this reflects Jen's life, and it is in beautiful spring that she starts to tell Laurie where to stick it. At this point, I actually found myself punching the air and saying 'YES!!'

We start to see her actually live her life now that the millstone of Laurie has gone. I found myself willing Jen to succeed.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It is a wonderfully told story of first love, losing and then finding oneself again. I felt invested in Jen and her story. It's also a testament to the power of coming home, belonging and the strength that provides. This is an excellent read, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde or Jo Thomas.

A big thank you to Julia and her publication team for sending me a copy of the novel. I've loved reading all about Jen and visiting a place very close to my heart.

A village secret by Julie Houston.
When Jennifer goes up to Cambridge University with her head full of the Romantic Poets, she never dreams that she will find her very own Byron. But then she meets gorgeous actor Laurie Lewis, and finds herself living a real-life love poem.
A good read but slow to start. Likeable story. 3*.

Enjoyed it, but it wasn't my favorite book that takes place in Westenbury. I knew I had to read this one because I LOVE llamas/alpacas and the main character is Jennifer. The llamas are only a very small part of the book. Pretty much there just there because Laurie had a get rich quick scheme. I usually love the books, but this one felt a bit different. It wasn't until I was almost 50% through the book, when Jen and Laurie finally move and previous characters enter the picture. The characters from the previous books only make small appearances. I had a hard time remembering some of them. Did we ever find out who Serena was to Tod? I didn't love the main characters. Why would Laurie stop his philandering ways? Jennifer didn't seem to have a problem with it. There were never any consequences. She didn't want to leave him because of George. Would she rather George see that it's OK for his father to constantly cheat on his mother? Why didn't Jennifer see any of the red flags that were flashing in front of her face? Her father tried to warn her. The whole being in love with Byron was CRAZY!!!! Laurie was simply an awful husband and father. It wasn't a shock at what happened and how it kept happening. Jennifer didn't even know Tod but she already loved him. How is that possible? I ended up loving Janice, she started out a little rough but ended up being a good friend to Jennifer.

Definitely recommend the book. I still enjoyed it even though the characters were annoying. I love going back to Westenbury. It sounds like such a wonderful place to live with such friendly people. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Head of Zeus through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another fine foray into the village of Westenbury!

Jennifer is a lucky young woman; never really wanting for anything she is studying at Cambridge and, with her head full of the Romantic Poets, she dreams of finding her very own Byron. She is convinced he’s out there somewhere and can’t believe her luck when Laurie Lewis not only fits the bill but falls in love with her. Fast forward fifteen years and two children later, life isn’t quite so rosy as they are forced to relocate to the north of England to the dilapidated farm where Laurie was raised following a court case which has all but bankrupted him. Jennifer is out of her comfort zone but does her best to embrace life in Yorkshire, even making a few friends in Westenbury and is surprised to find herself happier than she has been for a long time. Surely the bad times are behind her – or are they?

I have loved all of Julie Houston’s books, and this is another cracking read to add to my collection. With a touch of humour throughout, the author never shies away from the vagaries of life and tells it as it is. I have giggled at Jennifer’s constant alliteration – something I know I can be guilty of – and oozed sympathy for some of the things she has had to deal with while always putting her children first – as most of us do. This author has an amazing ability to create wonderful, believable characters and spin a tale around them which urges the reader on. A smashing story, well told, and one which kept me enthralled and entertained all the way through. This is a novel which sparkles and shines from beginning to end, and deserves my highest recommendation. If you haven’t already read this author’s work, then this is the time to begin – you won’t regret it!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

A good story, heartwarming and compelling. Liked the fleshed characters, the plot, and the lovely setting.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus, Aria for a copy of "A Village Secret" in exchange for my honest review.

The story was difficult to get into, slow moving perhaps. There was a bizarre and constant referencing to Lord Byron that was not all that interesting after awhile. While it was interesting to hear the backstory, it moved along slowly and you were left wondering where the story itself was going.

I felt this book lacked "something", there didn't seem to be any secrets and the characters fell a bit flat, I am not sure if this is part of a series as there seems to be a few books by Julie with "Village" in the title so this may be why it felt like I was missing something, it may appeal to some just not for me

I’ve mentioned before that I always pick up the author’s next book with particularly high expectations – I expect to love every new one as much as the last, and she never lets me down. I will admit though that it did take me a little while to get into this one, as young Jennifer heads to Cambridge to pursue her passion for the Romantic poets and finds her own real-life Byron. And much as the reality of Byron himself might disappoint, so does self-obsessed Laurie: his own greatest fan, he believes he’s destined for film stardom, but instead the pinnacle of his success is his role in a TV soap opera… until his character is cancelled (amid a bit of a scandal) and they can’t continue to live the high life any more. Instead, they find themselves living at his family’s rundown farm in Westenbury in Yorkshire – while he continues to pursue the impossible dream, and Jennifer does all she can to keep the family’s heads above water.

And, for me, their return to Westenbury was the point when this book really took off – no-one writes Yorkshire quite like Julie Houston, and this time her canvas is filled with the most wonderful quirky characters (and a few familiar faces from her earlier books), a whole menagerie of animals, and a heroine who discovers how strong she can really be. As always, the great appeal of this book lies in its characters, drawn from across the generations, along with that mix of observational and situation-driven (sometimes raucous) humour and exceptional poignancy that she does so very well.

Laurie really is beyond redemption, but exceptionally well-drawn – and Jennifer, once her eyes are opened and she realises that she’s the only one keeping them afloat, becomes increasingly sympathetic and likeable. As a portrait of a marriage disintegrating through neglect, it can be pretty difficult to read at times – but I really did enjoy that focus on family and relationships that kept the pages turning (and I particularly loved the way Jennifer channelled her frustrations… quite wonderful!). There’s even a light touch romance in the mix – it was something I really welcomed, and a developing relationship I found entirely real and convincing.

There’s a particular warmth about the later part of the book – perhaps not always as evident at its beginning – and as the story built I found myself really rooting for Jennifer and hoping she’d find her way to a happy ending despite the many obstacles in her path. The author’s books unfailingly leave me with a broad smile on my face and a bit of an ache in my heart – and this one was certainly no exception. Recommended by me!

Jennifer met Laurie at Cambridge in her final year. An English Literature student, she is obsessed with the romantic poets, particularly Byron, and when she first sees Laurie, for her, he is Bryon personified. Laurie has northern roots, hence the connection with Westenbury, but his looks are his only saving grace. He values only himself. Jennifer is besotted, and her life becomes inevitably intertwined with Laurie's. The connections with Westenbury are initially tenuous, but heading north is the only way to survive as a family when their life implodes.

I enjoyed reading about flawed characters, even Laurie, who is almost impossible to like. It is frustrating to see how Jennifer gives up her life to Laurie but rewarding when with the help of new friends and family, she realises what he truly is and realises her worth.

The village weaves its addictive mix of community, humour and romance into a story with surprising twists, keeping the reader engaged and satisfied.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

A Village Secret is one of those warm and friendly reads which you devour in an afternoon. With new friendships and relationships plus trying to fit into the village community, Jennifer has enough on her plate without alpacas.
With a slow start this story really got going for me when Jennifer and Laurie ended back in Yorkshire. Country life was described in all its glory with alpacas and dachshunds thrown in to complete the picture. Interesting characters, some likeable and others not so, kept the latter stages of the story moving along nicely, with twists and turns to keep me interested.

Jennifer and Laurie meet at Cambridge University where Jennifer is studying the poets and Laurie wants to become an actor
Fast forward a few years and they are married with 2 children, Jennifer had become a published author but Laurie was struggling with acting roles until he landed a part in a TV show where the fame went to his head. After the news breaks that he has had yet another affair they lose everything as the show cancels his character and they have to go to live on his mum's run down farm to try and start over.
Laurie can't accept his downfall and is convinced they will soon be back where they were and Jennifer finally realises the only person Laurie cares about is himself.
Loved it

I enjoyed this read, although it took me a while to get into the story. I'm glad I persevered though.

I liked Jennifer as a character and was glad she eventually saw Laurie for what he was. I couldn't stand him, but that was the point really.

A good read

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

The book is another fabulous study from Julie. I’ve read all previous books and await the next one. This one didn’t disappoint.just like the previous ones.

The way the author looks into relationships is so evident in this book and will relate to the readers.

The story is full of turns and twists, emotional at times, but, you’d expect nothing less from Julie’s books.

Highly recommend this book.

Jen meets the love of her life at uni.- Laurie- soon to be a famous actor. Until it all goes wrong and they have to move to his family home in Yorkshire. She realises her marriage is doomed but how will she cope? A really good book to read curled up in an armchair.

I couldn’t stand the characters, Laurie is a grade A piece of work and Jennifer is a spoiled bratty doormat. Jennifer is positively dripping in privilege and still acts like the world owes her a favour. Her obsession with Lord Byron is bizarre, as are the overbearing fart jokes peppered throughout the novel. She’s the opposite of a strong female lead and as for Laurie, it was obvious from the get go that he was just vile and slimy and everything you don’t want in a man. I didn’t enjoy this, the characters were just too abysmal for me to feel any enjoyment or connection to them.

Jennifer fell in love with Laurie whilst at Cambridge University. Both from very different backgrounds, Laurie was a struggling farmer's son & Jen's father was a business owner & was financially astute! Laurie pursued his acting career whilst Jen worked to keep them a float. Life is never what you expect & they end up living back at his parent's farmhouse.
Julie Houston writes such compelling books. The characters are likeable, interesting & identifiable. There is humour, empathy & a credibility to the story, as with her other books.
I always look forward to Julie's new books. Enjoy this book!

After meeting her “perfect man” at University, Jennifer thinks she has got her life sorted out. While Jen’s career goes from strength to strength Laurie is struggling to find work as an actor. After 15 years and 2 children tensions are at boiling point and when Laurie publicly humiliates her Jen knows they have to do something drastic. They move to Westenbury in Yorkshire, where Laurie grew up, but it’s going to take more than moving out of London to save their relationship.

A Village Secret, Julie Houston

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, General fiction.

I adore Julie's writing, she has a way of twisting sweet events with heartbreak, lovely people with awful ones, running humour through situations that would have us in tears. Her characters are real, flawed, people we meet every day. Though I Do Not want to meet Laurie.

I felt Jennifer was in love with the fictional character she made Laurie in her head, and unconsciously excused him his faults, as they marred that perfect image. Laurie really was an objectionable character. Indulged as the “precious son” by his doting mother, got away with everything because of his stunning looks, he was so self obsessed.
There must have been some redeeming characteristics but I couldn't see them, something that kept Jennifer with him, maybe the early days of their marriage were different and we're only now seeing the build-up of events over time. ( Chickens home to roost and all that).

Jennifer had lived a privileged life, with wealthy and loving parents, but she worked hard for her position, looked after home, kids, and still carried on working. When it all falls apart I so felt for her. She's still loyal to Laurie, even though she's finally seeing him for what he is, but the kids adore him, and she feels she needs to try a bit longer. So off they go to Westenbury, where we meet up with characters from earlier books.
It was lovely to see them again, to catch up in their lives, to see them enfold and support Jennifer and George.
Laurie is soon off on his flights of fancy, planning for a future he really seems to believe is coming, but which Jennifer can see is not what she wants, and she's too busy with the day to day issues that keep on coming to really bother with Laurie. He's away more than he's home, assuming as ever that Jennifer will keep things running for him, be his eternal back up and support.

I loved this mix of pathos and humour, the teen girl issues, the way the countryside isn't just idyllic blue skies and eternal sunshine, but rain, mud, lots of problems.
It was wonderful to be reminded of earlier stories, though you don't need to have read them to enjoy this one. It did make me think I must have a reread of some of them. The actual romance though is very muted, barely happens until the end, but there's so much else going on that didn't matter to me.

Stars: Five. Its a fabulous book to just escape with, which will have you smiling one moment, choked throat the next.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

The title here is very misleading. No real secrets to be had. Everything is up front. Laurie is a cad, Jennifer is a wet dishrag, both of their mothers are strange people, and the rest of the families seem terrible. Yet I kept reading. At least the book was entertaining at times if not cosy.