Lizzie Chantree

A slow start turned into a captivating and heartwarming contemporary romance that sparkled like glittery mica in the sand on a sunny day at the beach.

Genie Grayson seems to be in an enviable position at 22, working at a family-owned restaurant and ice cream parlor on a picturesque seafront in southern England. Genie has worked at the family-owned restaurant and ice cream parlor since she was 14. However picturesque the coastal setting, the restaurant is no longer filled with joy since the loss of her grandmother, her father's mother. Her grandfather, parents, and Genie are all grieving, and the restaurant needs refurbishment in every way to sustain the business and create new opportunities for future growth. Genie is stunned by her parents' solution, and her grandfather merely acquiesces to the plan.

Family secrets, grief, friendships lost, and unexpected friendships gained blend and twist in a variety of unforeseen ways and build a layering of intricate stories for Genie, her family, and individuals that become an integral part of Genie's path forward. A story of a young woman not realizing that on the cusp of change, the beauty of life will expand her world in ways she never dreamed possible.

The author gave several characters a variety of life struggles, and as they interacted, there was confidence building, mentorship, and developments beyond their wildest dreams. More than a contemporary romance, it is an inspirational story of courage, forgiveness, and resilience. A gentle and beautifully written reminder that each day is brimming with possibilities of all that is yet to be.… (lisätietoja)

Cute story. Violet is dumped by boyfriend. Her job affords solace and connection to her tribe, her family. Enter Kai. Kai has a few tricks up his sleeve. Secrets of his own. Cinderella story ensues. Personal growth. Loss and love.

I’d like to think people decide what to do…to grow or shrivel. in adversity. I love the idea that one can grow where they are planted, be it deliberate or a volunteer.

I think the author exemplified the idea of taking whatever life throws at you and making lemonade out of proverbial lemons.

Personally, I don’t want all the spoilers and best parts of a book ruined for me. I love a good Cinderella story. You would love this if you do, too. Good writing, Lizzie.

Thanks to LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers and the author for an advanced copy of this book. All reviews are mine and mine alone, without prejudice or influence.… (lisätietoja)

Lizzie Chantree writes feel good romance stories with wonderful characters and interesting settings. Her latest, Shh... It's Our Secret gives the reader a romance brimming with a great sense of community, friendships, family and the importance of standing up to bullies/aggressive partners. With Shhh It's Our Secret, the venue is a particularly interesting one - a music cafe. This appealed to me as our house sometimes feels like a music venue! My hubby is a mad keen guitarist. Also, I liked how the main character, Violet grows in the story shaking off her down-trodden persona - after being horrendously treated by her mean partner Liam she finds a new strength and a way to trust and love again.

And the secrets revealed were also a great way to pull the reader in. Who doesn't like a secret?

There are some wonderful characters in this novel, from Kai, Cole, the older ladies (Doris, and Esme,) who I loved to Violet's sister Molly, and many others, with lovely touches of humour throughout.

Lizzie Chantree's greatest strength lies in her ability to write her characters so well that you feel as if you know them!

A great ending full of emotional feels.

I listened to this on audio and thoroughly enjoyed. Would highly recommend.… (lisätietoja)

This was such a nice book. Violet has an amazing voice, but she's shy and does not want to perform in public, especially after the tragic death of her parents. Kai is a successful music producer who happens to hear her sing and is immediately intrigued by her. Most of the story takes place at Shh... It's Our Secret, which is a coffee-shop, bar and music venue. Violet works there and Kai ends up buying the place from her lousy ex-boyfriend. Violet is a sweet character. She does not realize how big an impact she has in everyone around her. Kai is organized, strong and kind-hearted. The whole story is really lovely.
I had some trouble getting in to the story. The writing style is a little uneven. The dialogue was sparse and I was not always on track of the motivations of the characters.
Thank you Librarything and BHC Press for a copy of this book.… (lisätietoja)