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The Skylark's Secret
Loch Ewe, 1940. When gamekeeper’s daughter Flora’s remote highland village finds itself the base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys, life in her close-knit community changes forever. In defiance of his disapproving father, the laird’s son falls in love with Flora, and as tensions build in their disrupted home, any chance of their happiness seems doomed.
Decades later, Flora’s daughter, singer Lexie Gordon, is forced to return to the village and to the tiny cottage where she grew up. Having long ago escaped to the bright lights of the West End, London still never truly felt like home. Now back, with a daughter of her own, Lexie learns that her mother—and the hostile-seeming village itself—have long been hiding secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew.
As she pieces together the fragments of her parents’ story, Lexie discovers the courageous, devastating sacrifices made in her name. It’s too late to rekindle her relationship with her mother, but can Lexie find it in her heart to forgive the past, to grieve for all that’s lost, and finally find her place in the world?
Decades later, Flora’s daughter, singer Lexie Gordon, is forced to return to the village and to the tiny cottage where she grew up. Having long ago escaped to the bright lights of the West End, London still never truly felt like home. Now back, with a daughter of her own, Lexie learns that her mother—and the hostile-seeming village itself—have long been hiding secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew.
As she pieces together the fragments of her parents’ story, Lexie discovers the courageous, devastating sacrifices made in her name. It’s too late to rekindle her relationship with her mother, but can Lexie find it in her heart to forgive the past, to grieve for all that’s lost, and finally find her place in the world?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
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16942 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Valpy
19 books2,450 followersFiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,348 reviews
September 29, 2020
I'll start by saying that this was my first book by Fiona Valpy and it will not be last!
This book is told in two-time frames telling the story of Flora and Lexi. Ultimately this is a book about love, family, romance, war, friendship, community, songs, secrets, loss, and learning from and about your past.
Loch Eve, 1940 Flora Gordon lives in a remote highland village in Scotland. When her village becomes the base for the Royal Navy's Arctic Convoy, life in the remote village changes forever. The Laird is Flora's father's employer and when Flora and the laird's son, Alec, begin a relationship, there is no smooth sailing ahead for them.
During the late 70's Lexi Gordon, Flora's daughter has returned to her small village in the highlands after her promising singing career in London is halted by strained vocal cords. She has returned with a young daughter of her own and soon begins to unravel the truths about her past, her mother's past, and the village itself. As she learns more, she begins to remember her mother's songs, she rekindles her own love of singing.
This book is beautifully written and full of historical facts that are not overbearing and work well with this story. I enjoyed the use of both storylines to tell the story and unravel the truth. The dual timelines flowed effortlessly. There is never any confusion about what timeline or what woman you are reading about. That is a plus! If you have ever read a book and became confused because it isn't clear what or who you are reading about due to two-time lines, you will know why this is important to me.
It is also clear that the author did her research. I appreciated her attention to detail not only about the war but also in the village, landscape, and surrounding areas. She detailed the hardships suffered by both Flora and her daughter, Lexi.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told in two-time frames telling the story of Flora and Lexi. Ultimately this is a book about love, family, romance, war, friendship, community, songs, secrets, loss, and learning from and about your past.
Loch Eve, 1940 Flora Gordon lives in a remote highland village in Scotland. When her village becomes the base for the Royal Navy's Arctic Convoy, life in the remote village changes forever. The Laird is Flora's father's employer and when Flora and the laird's son, Alec, begin a relationship, there is no smooth sailing ahead for them.
During the late 70's Lexi Gordon, Flora's daughter has returned to her small village in the highlands after her promising singing career in London is halted by strained vocal cords. She has returned with a young daughter of her own and soon begins to unravel the truths about her past, her mother's past, and the village itself. As she learns more, she begins to remember her mother's songs, she rekindles her own love of singing.
This book is beautifully written and full of historical facts that are not overbearing and work well with this story. I enjoyed the use of both storylines to tell the story and unravel the truth. The dual timelines flowed effortlessly. There is never any confusion about what timeline or what woman you are reading about. That is a plus! If you have ever read a book and became confused because it isn't clear what or who you are reading about due to two-time lines, you will know why this is important to me.
It is also clear that the author did her research. I appreciated her attention to detail not only about the war but also in the village, landscape, and surrounding areas. She detailed the hardships suffered by both Flora and her daughter, Lexi.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
Lexi Gordon reluctantly returns home to Loch Ewe in the Scottish Highlands following the death of her mother Flora. Her career as a rising West End musical star is over following the loss of her voice and a failed relationship. However, she has the compensation of a beautiful baby daughter in Daisy. The story is told in alternating timelines by Lexie in 1980 and by Flora from 1939 with the outbreak of World War 2, tells the story of her love affair with lairds son Alec MacKenzie-Grant. It weaves in the historic importance of a Loch Ewe as a naval base for the Home Fleet and for the Atlantic and Arctic Convoys.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I’m always drawn to books set in Scotland but had a personal reason for wanting to read it as my father was in the navy and spent a brief time in Loch Ewe before heading to Scapa Flow and elsewhere. As well as being totally transfixed and transported by the storytelling I learned so much too! It’s beautifully written, the mother daughter alternating stories works really well and it flows effortlessly. There are some stunning descriptions of the landscape of this lovely area which made my heart soar like the skylarks in the story and make such a contrast to the horror of the wartime convoys. The characters are fantastic and most are so likeable, the exception being Alec’s father, Sir Charles who is arrogant and cold. I love how the two women’s stories change, Alec and Flora’s initially shines brightly and then changes, becoming darker and tentative whilst Lexi starts uncertainly but finds her anchor in the warm embrace of the lovely community and a very special man. Flora’s story emerges slowly with all its well hidden secrets and at times in very intense and there’s some tension where you almost hold your breath. The war sections are especially vivid especially as the impact of war is reflected in the loss of loved ones with all the grief and devastation. This is so blindingly obvious in a small community dashed by one blow after another and is heartbreaking.
Overall, this book was just what I needed it’s heartwarming, it’s sad, it’s joyous, there are little touches of humour, there’s a wonderful community but most of all the songs and singing. I love the interspersing of traditional folk songs which express so much. Thank you Fiona Valpy for this fantastic and emotional read.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon for the ARC for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I’m always drawn to books set in Scotland but had a personal reason for wanting to read it as my father was in the navy and spent a brief time in Loch Ewe before heading to Scapa Flow and elsewhere. As well as being totally transfixed and transported by the storytelling I learned so much too! It’s beautifully written, the mother daughter alternating stories works really well and it flows effortlessly. There are some stunning descriptions of the landscape of this lovely area which made my heart soar like the skylarks in the story and make such a contrast to the horror of the wartime convoys. The characters are fantastic and most are so likeable, the exception being Alec’s father, Sir Charles who is arrogant and cold. I love how the two women’s stories change, Alec and Flora’s initially shines brightly and then changes, becoming darker and tentative whilst Lexi starts uncertainly but finds her anchor in the warm embrace of the lovely community and a very special man. Flora’s story emerges slowly with all its well hidden secrets and at times in very intense and there’s some tension where you almost hold your breath. The war sections are especially vivid especially as the impact of war is reflected in the loss of loved ones with all the grief and devastation. This is so blindingly obvious in a small community dashed by one blow after another and is heartbreaking.
Overall, this book was just what I needed it’s heartwarming, it’s sad, it’s joyous, there are little touches of humour, there’s a wonderful community but most of all the songs and singing. I love the interspersing of traditional folk songs which express so much. Thank you Fiona Valpy for this fantastic and emotional read.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon for the ARC for an honest review.
July 21, 2024
Loch Ewe Scotland 1940: Flora Gordon and her father Ian live in Keeper’s Cottage in the remote North-West highland village of Aultbea and her dad is the local gamekeeper. The residents of the little fishing community have a peaceful life nestled on the banks of Loch Ewe until during the Second World War and it finds itself the main base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys, suddenly the harbor is busy with naval ships and it's possibly a German target? The laird is a horrible man, a bully and his son Alec is not at all like his father. Growing up Alec, Flora and her brother Ruaridh are best friends and they had a great time playing together.
Loch Ewe Scotland 1978: Lexie Gordon is a single mother, and returns to the village of Aultbea with her daughter Daisy and they live in the tiny cottage where she grew up. Once she was a professional singer performing in the London West End, until she strained her voice and has possibly damaged her vocal chords. By returning home to Aultbea, Lexie assumes the locals will think she’s failed, she’s embarrassed and it’s not the case at all. Lexie has always known her father died during the war, the details about her dad are rather sketchy and now that her mum Flora has passed away has she left it too late to find out more about her parents relationship and his family?
Lexie begins to ask her mum’s best friend Bridie questions about her mother’s past, she discovers her mother was an incredibly strong and courageous woman who made big sacrifices for the people she loved and especially to protect her daughter. Lexie remembers her mum singing the local Scottish folk songs and she begins to rediscover her love of singing by sharing them with Daisy, her little friends at playgroup and with the handsome Davy at the local pub.
I loved The Skylark’s Secret, it’s about traditions, love, sacrifice, secrets, self discovery and the narrative is set in beautiful Scotland. I particularly enjoyed reading about the residents of Loch Ewe, the Scottish countryside, the local food and yummy mince and tatties. I had no idea during the war Scottish children from the cities were evacuated to the countryside and about the Naval Base at Loch Ewe. I have read all of Fiona Valpy’s books and The Skylark’s Secret is my absolute favourite, I highly recommend reading it and five big stars from me.
Loch Ewe Scotland 1978: Lexie Gordon is a single mother, and returns to the village of Aultbea with her daughter Daisy and they live in the tiny cottage where she grew up. Once she was a professional singer performing in the London West End, until she strained her voice and has possibly damaged her vocal chords. By returning home to Aultbea, Lexie assumes the locals will think she’s failed, she’s embarrassed and it’s not the case at all. Lexie has always known her father died during the war, the details about her dad are rather sketchy and now that her mum Flora has passed away has she left it too late to find out more about her parents relationship and his family?
Lexie begins to ask her mum’s best friend Bridie questions about her mother’s past, she discovers her mother was an incredibly strong and courageous woman who made big sacrifices for the people she loved and especially to protect her daughter. Lexie remembers her mum singing the local Scottish folk songs and she begins to rediscover her love of singing by sharing them with Daisy, her little friends at playgroup and with the handsome Davy at the local pub.
I loved The Skylark’s Secret, it’s about traditions, love, sacrifice, secrets, self discovery and the narrative is set in beautiful Scotland. I particularly enjoyed reading about the residents of Loch Ewe, the Scottish countryside, the local food and yummy mince and tatties. I had no idea during the war Scottish children from the cities were evacuated to the countryside and about the Naval Base at Loch Ewe. I have read all of Fiona Valpy’s books and The Skylark’s Secret is my absolute favourite, I highly recommend reading it and five big stars from me.
June 13, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Fiona Valpy for my copy of The Skylark’s Secret.
Loch Ewe Scotland 1940, Flora Gordon and her father Ian live in Keeper’s Cottage in the remote North-West highland village of Aultbea and her father is the local gamekeeper. The residents of the little fishing community have a peaceful life nestled on the banks of Loch Ewe, this changes during WW II and it finds itself the main base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys, suddenly the harbor is busy with naval ships and it soon becomes a German target. Flora's dad’s boss The Laird is a horrible man, a bully and his son Alec is not at all like his father. Growing up Alec, Flora and her brother Ruaridh are best friends and they had a great time playing together. Alec is now an officer in the Royal Navy, he’s stationed at Loch Ewe and when he and Flora develop feelings for each other the laird isn’t happy. He makes it very clear to Flora that she’s nothing but the help and would never be good enough to marry his son.
Loch Ewe Scotland 1978, single mother Lexie Gordon, returns to the village of Aultbea with her daughter Daisy and live in the tiny cottage where she grew up. Once she was a professional singer performing in the London West End, until she strained her voice and damaged her vocal chords. By returning home to Aultbea, single Lexie assumes the locals will think she’s failed, she’s embarrassed and it’s not the case at all. Lexie has always known her father died during WW II, the details about her dad are rather sketchy and now that her mum Flora has passed away has she left it too late to find out more about her parents relationship and his family? Lexie begins to ask her mothers best friend Bridie questions about Flora's past; she discovers her mother was an incredibly strong and courageous woman who made big sacrifices for the people she loved and especially to protect her daughter Lexie. While delving into the past, Lexie also starts to heal herself; she remembers her mum singing the local Scottish folk songs and she begins to rediscover her love of singing by sharing them with Daisy, her little friends at playgroup and with the handsome Davy at the local pub.
I loved The Skylark’s Secret; it’s about love, sacrifice, secrets, WW II, self discovery and the story is set in beautiful Scotland. I particularly enjoyed reading about Loch Ewe, the Scottish countryside, the local food, yummy mince and tatties and I had no idea during WW II Scottish children from the cities were evacuated to the countryside. I have read all of Fiona Valpy’s books and The Skylark’s Secret is my favorite and five big stars from me.
Loch Ewe Scotland 1940, Flora Gordon and her father Ian live in Keeper’s Cottage in the remote North-West highland village of Aultbea and her father is the local gamekeeper. The residents of the little fishing community have a peaceful life nestled on the banks of Loch Ewe, this changes during WW II and it finds itself the main base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys, suddenly the harbor is busy with naval ships and it soon becomes a German target. Flora's dad’s boss The Laird is a horrible man, a bully and his son Alec is not at all like his father. Growing up Alec, Flora and her brother Ruaridh are best friends and they had a great time playing together. Alec is now an officer in the Royal Navy, he’s stationed at Loch Ewe and when he and Flora develop feelings for each other the laird isn’t happy. He makes it very clear to Flora that she’s nothing but the help and would never be good enough to marry his son.
Loch Ewe Scotland 1978, single mother Lexie Gordon, returns to the village of Aultbea with her daughter Daisy and live in the tiny cottage where she grew up. Once she was a professional singer performing in the London West End, until she strained her voice and damaged her vocal chords. By returning home to Aultbea, single Lexie assumes the locals will think she’s failed, she’s embarrassed and it’s not the case at all. Lexie has always known her father died during WW II, the details about her dad are rather sketchy and now that her mum Flora has passed away has she left it too late to find out more about her parents relationship and his family? Lexie begins to ask her mothers best friend Bridie questions about Flora's past; she discovers her mother was an incredibly strong and courageous woman who made big sacrifices for the people she loved and especially to protect her daughter Lexie. While delving into the past, Lexie also starts to heal herself; she remembers her mum singing the local Scottish folk songs and she begins to rediscover her love of singing by sharing them with Daisy, her little friends at playgroup and with the handsome Davy at the local pub.
I loved The Skylark’s Secret; it’s about love, sacrifice, secrets, WW II, self discovery and the story is set in beautiful Scotland. I particularly enjoyed reading about Loch Ewe, the Scottish countryside, the local food, yummy mince and tatties and I had no idea during WW II Scottish children from the cities were evacuated to the countryside. I have read all of Fiona Valpy’s books and The Skylark’s Secret is my favorite and five big stars from me.
January 26, 2021
Set in the beautiful Northwest Highlands of Scotland at Loch Ewe The Skylark's Secret is an evocative read. Fiona Valpy's poetic prose bring the setting and the characters alive.
Told in multiple time frames. In 1978 we have accomplished singer Lexie Gordon return home, her career in tatters and baby in tow. Lexie has many regrets and one is not visiting her mother more before she passed away. Now she is home she wants to find out more about her father but she worries the tight-knit community won't accept her back. In 1939 a young Flora Gordon lives with her father and brother. Here we see the affect the war has on the community with a naval base being set up on the shores of the Loch. Fiona Valpy highlights the life in these areas during the war years and the great toll on many families losing their sons to war. There are also themes of PTSD which was undiagnosed and untreated and the evacuation of children from London to board with families in country areas.
I really enjoyed Flora's story, the day to day life of the small community and the class system that was relevant at the time. Flora and her friends were a fun lot, they did their part for the war effort but they also had fun flirting with the American sailors.
Fiona Valpy has created characters to love and characters to hate which makes for engaging and immersive reading.
The Skylark's Secret is a story of love, loss, hope and new beginnings.
*I received a copy via Netgalley
Told in multiple time frames. In 1978 we have accomplished singer Lexie Gordon return home, her career in tatters and baby in tow. Lexie has many regrets and one is not visiting her mother more before she passed away. Now she is home she wants to find out more about her father but she worries the tight-knit community won't accept her back. In 1939 a young Flora Gordon lives with her father and brother. Here we see the affect the war has on the community with a naval base being set up on the shores of the Loch. Fiona Valpy highlights the life in these areas during the war years and the great toll on many families losing their sons to war. There are also themes of PTSD which was undiagnosed and untreated and the evacuation of children from London to board with families in country areas.
I really enjoyed Flora's story, the day to day life of the small community and the class system that was relevant at the time. Flora and her friends were a fun lot, they did their part for the war effort but they also had fun flirting with the American sailors.
Fiona Valpy has created characters to love and characters to hate which makes for engaging and immersive reading.
The Skylark's Secret is a story of love, loss, hope and new beginnings.
*I received a copy via Netgalley
December 2, 2020
Another entry in the flooded field of WWII novels, The Skylark’s Secret was enjoyable enough to finish, but that’s about it. There were a couple of “surprises” in the novel, but they fell a bit flat. And somehow, rather than foreshadowing leading to a satisfying turn of events, I was often left wondering why something wasn’t resolved, only later to have the t’s crossed and i’s dotted.
If you’re someone who just can’t get enough of WWII historical fiction, then you’ll probably love it. I, however, was left feeling rather blasé about the story. The Author’s Note in the back of the book was quite interesting, though – it would have been nice if Valpy would have focused more of the novel on the historical events mentioned therein. They were present, but more as background than meat.
If you’re someone who just can’t get enough of WWII historical fiction, then you’ll probably love it. I, however, was left feeling rather blasé about the story. The Author’s Note in the back of the book was quite interesting, though – it would have been nice if Valpy would have focused more of the novel on the historical events mentioned therein. They were present, but more as background than meat.
September 22, 2020
This novel is set in Loch Ewe, in the Scottish Highlands. Chapters alternate between two women a generation apart. Flora's story tells of her life in the village as the gamekeeper's daughter during World War II, volunteering as a Wren, and her love of the laird's son, which infuriates his snobbish father. Her daughter Lexie, who left the village to attend a prestigious theater program in London and became a West End star, returns to the village in the late 1970's with a baby, after she is rejected by her egocentric boyfriend and can no longer sing professionally. The village has many secrets, and Lexie is discovering more about the father she never knew. We learn about Flora, her friends, their joys and tragedies, and their men serving in the locally based Arctic Convoys, I was not familiar with the author, but will definitely look for more of her books. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, and if you like historical fiction with an evocative setting, this novel would be a good choice. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to review this advance copy.
November 2, 2020
In the late 1970s, Lexie Gordon returns home with her daughter, Daisy, to Aultbea, a small fishing village on Loch Ewe in the Scottish Highlands. She has come to live in her family’s cottage after a vocal cord injury ended her singing career in London. Embarrassed at first that the town gossipers might judge her for her lost career or single parenthood, Lexie slowly begins to reconnect with her town. She also begins to discover, through the townspeople, secrets of her family’s past.
In 1939, Flora Gordon lives with her family in the Keeper’s Cottage in Aultbea. Her father is the gamekeeper for the Laird, a surly and imposing man. Aultbea is suddenly tapped as the location for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys and is turned into a military base virtually overnight. At the same time, Flora finds herself falling in love with the Laird’s son.
Valpy paints a gorgeous word picture of the beauty of Scotland, both before and after the war, as well as the scars left behind in Loch Ewe when the war is over. I also enjoyed the description of everyday life in a fishing village and how that is suddenly changed by a military presence. The characters are well developed. The love between Flora and her family, and the love Lexie has for her daughter, is palpable. I was often furious at the cruel tactics of the well-crafted and despicable Laird. The town comes alive through its people and their connection to each other. This is a well written novel involving WWII fiction, Scottish history, and family dynamics with a touch of romance.
I received a free copy from Amazon Publishing UK and Historical Novels Review Magazine via Netgalley. This appeared on The Historical Novel Society Website/Historical Novels Review Magazine
In 1939, Flora Gordon lives with her family in the Keeper’s Cottage in Aultbea. Her father is the gamekeeper for the Laird, a surly and imposing man. Aultbea is suddenly tapped as the location for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys and is turned into a military base virtually overnight. At the same time, Flora finds herself falling in love with the Laird’s son.
Valpy paints a gorgeous word picture of the beauty of Scotland, both before and after the war, as well as the scars left behind in Loch Ewe when the war is over. I also enjoyed the description of everyday life in a fishing village and how that is suddenly changed by a military presence. The characters are well developed. The love between Flora and her family, and the love Lexie has for her daughter, is palpable. I was often furious at the cruel tactics of the well-crafted and despicable Laird. The town comes alive through its people and their connection to each other. This is a well written novel involving WWII fiction, Scottish history, and family dynamics with a touch of romance.
I received a free copy from Amazon Publishing UK and Historical Novels Review Magazine via Netgalley. This appeared on The Historical Novel Society Website/Historical Novels Review Magazine
October 17, 2021
I will give a full review at a later date.
September 16, 2020
I am a huge historical fiction fan.so i thought i would love this book. But the book did not pull om my heart strings , like i want HF books to do. But i enjoyed where the book took place the scenery was top notch. I liked the romance . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review
April 19, 2021
Way too much description of lochs, babies, and cooking, and not enough character development. Even the secret and the historical detail didn't make it interesting to me. I skimmed through it because I wasn't interested enough to actually read it.
Maybe someone who likes a slow, pastoral romance with some history will like it.
Maybe someone who likes a slow, pastoral romance with some history will like it.
January 27, 2021
Lexi Gordon and her beautiful daughter Daisy return to her childhood home in the Scottish Highlands, after the death of her mother Flora. Lexi had left home to attend a stage school in London, unfortunately her career as a rising musical star is over due to losing her voice.
The story alternates between Lexi and goes back to her mothers story in 1940. Flora is a young woman in love during wartime, battling to survive.
I loved this book. Fiona and Lexie are such wonderful characters and I was fully immersed in their lives. A beautifully written book full of tragedy, but also heartwarming and full of hope!!
Thank you for Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
The story alternates between Lexi and goes back to her mothers story in 1940. Flora is a young woman in love during wartime, battling to survive.
I loved this book. Fiona and Lexie are such wonderful characters and I was fully immersed in their lives. A beautifully written book full of tragedy, but also heartwarming and full of hope!!
Thank you for Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
October 29, 2020
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review.
The timeline alternates from 1977 back to 1939 where the past helps bring clarity to the present.
In 1980, Lexi carries her daughter Daisy on her back as she hikes the familiar hills of Loch Ewe in the Scottish Highlands. She never imagined while living her dream in the theaters of London that she would find herself back home in Artuath. Lexi returned to take care of the estate when her mother Flora Gordon dies. While in Artuath she attempts to learn more about the relationship between her parents. She was told that her father Alec Mackenzie Grant died in the war before she was born. Her mother was always reluctant to elaborate further on her past.
Daisy recalls her life in London and being swept away by the magnanimous Piers the director of the theatre. When Daisy discovers she’s pregnant it enrages the married man who refuses to claim paternity. Although she realizes her dream of being a stage actor will be shattered; she decides to have the baby and raise it alone. She dreaded her return to Artuath even though she was struggling financially. She felt that her home town would gossip about her and see her as a failure.
Although she tries to keep a low profile in the small town it isn’t long before she is surrounded by the community and those who loved her mother. She learns things about her mother that she never knew after moving into her cottage. Davy Laverock appears to help out as he did for her mother which raises concern for the independent single mother. She also finds comfort in rekindling a friendship with a childhood friend, Elspeth who is married with 2 children.
Lexie learns that her mother lived with her grandfather, Iain Gordon, who was a keeper of the estate of Sir Charles and Lady Helen after her mother and baby sister dies. Her uncle Ruaridh joined the Royal Navy where he befriends Alec Mackenzie-Grant who happens to be the son of Sir Charles. Gradually, Flora’s longtime friends share the love story of her parents. Mrs Moira Carmichael seemed to be the most informed being married to air raid warden, Archibald. Bridie McDonald and Mairi Macleod remained her dearest friends through the years.
The relationship between Alec and Flora was discouraged and eventually forbidden by Sir Charles. He had arranged an engagement for Alec to Diana Kingsley-Scott. Lexie is proud to learn that her mother and friends joined the Wrens to help in the war effort. They had met and befriended some of the servicemen with whom they formed close connections.
Lexie finds that a person can always go home. She discovers that by doing so she found out more about herself as well as her family. This is a touching heartwarming story about courage, determination and love during the war.
The timeline alternates from 1977 back to 1939 where the past helps bring clarity to the present.
In 1980, Lexi carries her daughter Daisy on her back as she hikes the familiar hills of Loch Ewe in the Scottish Highlands. She never imagined while living her dream in the theaters of London that she would find herself back home in Artuath. Lexi returned to take care of the estate when her mother Flora Gordon dies. While in Artuath she attempts to learn more about the relationship between her parents. She was told that her father Alec Mackenzie Grant died in the war before she was born. Her mother was always reluctant to elaborate further on her past.
Daisy recalls her life in London and being swept away by the magnanimous Piers the director of the theatre. When Daisy discovers she’s pregnant it enrages the married man who refuses to claim paternity. Although she realizes her dream of being a stage actor will be shattered; she decides to have the baby and raise it alone. She dreaded her return to Artuath even though she was struggling financially. She felt that her home town would gossip about her and see her as a failure.
Although she tries to keep a low profile in the small town it isn’t long before she is surrounded by the community and those who loved her mother. She learns things about her mother that she never knew after moving into her cottage. Davy Laverock appears to help out as he did for her mother which raises concern for the independent single mother. She also finds comfort in rekindling a friendship with a childhood friend, Elspeth who is married with 2 children.
Lexie learns that her mother lived with her grandfather, Iain Gordon, who was a keeper of the estate of Sir Charles and Lady Helen after her mother and baby sister dies. Her uncle Ruaridh joined the Royal Navy where he befriends Alec Mackenzie-Grant who happens to be the son of Sir Charles. Gradually, Flora’s longtime friends share the love story of her parents. Mrs Moira Carmichael seemed to be the most informed being married to air raid warden, Archibald. Bridie McDonald and Mairi Macleod remained her dearest friends through the years.
The relationship between Alec and Flora was discouraged and eventually forbidden by Sir Charles. He had arranged an engagement for Alec to Diana Kingsley-Scott. Lexie is proud to learn that her mother and friends joined the Wrens to help in the war effort. They had met and befriended some of the servicemen with whom they formed close connections.
Lexie finds that a person can always go home. She discovers that by doing so she found out more about herself as well as her family. This is a touching heartwarming story about courage, determination and love during the war.
November 26, 2024
O ficțiune istorică comună.
Prezintă perspectiva luptei pe apă din Scoția în timpul celui de-al Doilea Război Mondial.
2 planuri- trecutul în vreme de război și un prezent în care se află detalii despre ce s-a întâmplat atunci.
Prezintă perspectiva luptei pe apă din Scoția în timpul celui de-al Doilea Război Mondial.
2 planuri- trecutul în vreme de război și un prezent în care se află detalii despre ce s-a întâmplat atunci.
October 24, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. If I am being honest, I will tell you that I did not immediately fall in love with this book. For whatever reason, I just could not get into it and I did not engage with the characters at first. But once it all clicked into place, I fell in love with the characters, the surroundings they lived in, and the story itself. It is told by two different points of view...you have Flora living during WW2 and loving a man she could never really have, if she were being honest with herself...and then you have Lexie, her daughter, telling her story decades later. Flora lives in the Scottish Highlands and during the 40s, it becomes the base for the Royal Navy's Arctic Convoy...it is at this point that life loses any simplicity it has and she steps up to try to do her part while the men she loves are off doing theirs. Her Daughter,Lexi, reluctantly returns home after the death of her mother. The stories weave together as Lexie learns more about the story of her mother and father and the many secrets that her mother seemed to have. I fell in love about 1/4 of the way through the book and when the ending finally came, I wasn't quite ready for it. I immediately was looking on Instagram for any pictures I could find of Loch Ewe and I am kind of ready to go visit now :)
November 29, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Fiona Valpy and I have added one more author's name to my list of authors I want to read more of.
To put it in simple words, this book was emotionally satisfying! The writing is beautiful, the characters are so well etched out, the emotions feel real, the description of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ewe is stunning, and the dual storyline of both mother (Flora) and daughter (Lexi) told in alternating timelines moves smoothly although Flora's storyline was my favourite... it had so much depth to it. The story is based in Scotland, a place I have not visited yet but am very intrigued by its history and the raw, natural beauty of the country. I loved the different Scottish folk songs the author interspersed within the chapters which added that extra bit of magic to the writing.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK and the author for the e-Arc of the book. The book was published on 29th September 2020.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
To put it in simple words, this book was emotionally satisfying! The writing is beautiful, the characters are so well etched out, the emotions feel real, the description of the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ewe is stunning, and the dual storyline of both mother (Flora) and daughter (Lexi) told in alternating timelines moves smoothly although Flora's storyline was my favourite... it had so much depth to it. The story is based in Scotland, a place I have not visited yet but am very intrigued by its history and the raw, natural beauty of the country. I loved the different Scottish folk songs the author interspersed within the chapters which added that extra bit of magic to the writing.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing UK and the author for the e-Arc of the book. The book was published on 29th September 2020.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
November 1, 2020
This book goes on my favorite shelf... beautifully written!
February 3, 2024
What a lovely book. I love historical fiction and dual time lines. This book shares Flora’s story during WW2 and her daughter, Lexie’s story, during 1978. Set in the beautiful Scottish highlands which was so beautifully described in the writing.
A beautifully written book. I have really enjoyed the other books by this author and this was no exception.
A beautifully written book. I have really enjoyed the other books by this author and this was no exception.
May 13, 2021
Told in alternating time frames, this novel takes place in the Scottish Highlands. Fiona has written this with a wonderful poetic prose and descriptive imagery. As far as the story goes, if you are an ardent reader of WW2 fiction you might not find anything unique in this book. However, it is beautifully written, and the characters are far from two-dimensional. The constant usage of authentic Scottish/Gaelic slang might take some time to get used to but the writing is sure to transport you to the locations of Loch Ewe and the quaint village of Aultbea. The best part of the novel undoubtedly is the love between the characters; be it romantic or friendly, it is so wholesome and wonderful to read about throughout the book. Recommended!
November 12, 2020
An enjoyable read, I was especially taken with the musical elements and love of the traditional Scottish songs.
I also loved the setting which was captured beautifully.
However, this is not my style of story. There's just not enough character depth for my taste, and the romance angles take precedence even though they're not particularly interesting (IMO).
The historical elements were more interesting but there wasn't enough of them and I prefer my stories far more gritty.
I would recommend the audio version which was beautifully narrated.
I also loved the setting which was captured beautifully.
However, this is not my style of story. There's just not enough character depth for my taste, and the romance angles take precedence even though they're not particularly interesting (IMO).
The historical elements were more interesting but there wasn't enough of them and I prefer my stories far more gritty.
I would recommend the audio version which was beautifully narrated.
October 12, 2020
This was a lovely book with a dual time-line, I seem to reading a lot of those lately and I do love them!!! This particular story was set in Scotland in WW two and present day. It was a sad book in some ways, loss of lives in the war and lost loves but, it also was happy. The descriptions of Scotland brought everything to life and I could picture the loch, the mountains and even the rain!!
I do love Fiona Valpy’s books and this was no exception.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
I do love Fiona Valpy’s books and this was no exception.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 28, 2020
Beautifully written & narrated. Leisurely paced. Enjoyable!
June 8, 2021
As a huge fan of historical fiction, I was expecting to love this book, but unfortunately, it didn’t pull at my heart strings and grip me like I thought it would!
The novel is based in the highlands of Scotland & the setting was captured beautifully. This was definitely one of my favorite things about the book.
I always find that with duel storylines & time periods, there is always one that I am more drawn to and find I have to force myself to read the one chapter to get back to the storyline I’m interested in!
Overall, I’m still a Fiona Falpy fan, just not a huge fan of this particular book!
The novel is based in the highlands of Scotland & the setting was captured beautifully. This was definitely one of my favorite things about the book.
I always find that with duel storylines & time periods, there is always one that I am more drawn to and find I have to force myself to read the one chapter to get back to the storyline I’m interested in!
Overall, I’m still a Fiona Falpy fan, just not a huge fan of this particular book!
February 3, 2023
This was a story based on true events in Scotland - Loch Ewe. It follows the lives of Flora, here best friends Mairi and Birdie. It also follows Alec, the rich son of the land owner and best friend of her brother, Ruaridh. Alec signs up when Great Britain enters the war in the Navy. Ruaridah also enlists but is stationed at the lookout above the Loch. Flora, Mairi, and Birdie all sign up for the WRENS and are also stationed in their hometown of Aultbea. The life for them is hard, especially when the convoys start shipping supplies to Russia. Alec's mother, Helen, knows his love for Flora, but his father is against it. But Alec and Flora are determined, until one convoy changes everything.
In 1978, Lexie was a singer and dancer in Broadway shows on the London strip. But once she became pregnant with her daughter, Daisy, her voice changed and she lost her roles in the shows. Lexie moves back to Aultbea, to the Keeper's Cottage after her mother, Flora, passes away. It is there that she learns about the close knit community, the secrets it hides, and the people who really are there for you.
I enjoyed this story very much. A new subject I had no idea about during WWII, the convoys of supplies to Murmansk, Russia. The closeness of the community, and the strength they all had to make it through.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars out of 5.
In 1978, Lexie was a singer and dancer in Broadway shows on the London strip. But once she became pregnant with her daughter, Daisy, her voice changed and she lost her roles in the shows. Lexie moves back to Aultbea, to the Keeper's Cottage after her mother, Flora, passes away. It is there that she learns about the close knit community, the secrets it hides, and the people who really are there for you.
I enjoyed this story very much. A new subject I had no idea about during WWII, the convoys of supplies to Murmansk, Russia. The closeness of the community, and the strength they all had to make it through.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars out of 5.
August 8, 2020
I love books that offer more than one thing. This book offered a great story (actually two when I think of it), historical information and descriptions of Scottland I loved. Let's start with the story. I really liked the both main characters, Lexie and her Mum Flora. They have no easy lives, but their beliefs and strengths are obvious. I love their connection to music that is well shown through out the book and that connects not only them, but also each of them and their homeland. What I liked most about the story was that it was not an obvious and normal love story even though love plays a big role here. I'll continue with the historical background. This book brought so much new information about the WWII, I didn't expect to recieve and it inspired me to some internet research which broadened my view of this period. And that is a great achievement for a novel, I think. In addition to that I don't feel that this information was artificially included in the book. Just the opposite, you get so much information by just reading a great story and you don't even notice that it is included. Thanks to the author for that! And the last point: This book allowed me to travel to places I would like to visit and I am very happy that it was possible.
I recommend this book strongly.
I recommend this book strongly.
February 3, 2021
The Skylark's Secret by Fiona Valpy is a book with two storylines and two generations that takes place during wartime starting in 1940 in the Highlands of Scotland.
Loch Ewe, is a very remote highland village that becomes the base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys.
This is as much a love story as it is a Historic Fiction
I am a fan of historic fiction, and did like how the book started off, however I found it very slow moving for me and unfortunately lost a little interest quite quickly
I have not read any of Fiona Valpy’s book before, and did like how she painted a picture of the area, and times
Thank you to NetGalley, the Author, and Amazon Publishing UK. For my advanced copy to read and review
#TheSkylarksSecret #NetGalley
Loch Ewe, is a very remote highland village that becomes the base for the Royal Navy’s Arctic convoys.
This is as much a love story as it is a Historic Fiction
I am a fan of historic fiction, and did like how the book started off, however I found it very slow moving for me and unfortunately lost a little interest quite quickly
I have not read any of Fiona Valpy’s book before, and did like how she painted a picture of the area, and times
Thank you to NetGalley, the Author, and Amazon Publishing UK. For my advanced copy to read and review
#TheSkylarksSecret #NetGalley
January 19, 2024
3,5⭐️
Un altfel de roman istoric. O carte calda ce evocă atmosfera plăcută din romanele clasice ale literaturii britanice. O poveste de dragoste frumoasa pe un fond de razboi dificil intre Marea Britanie si Germania din 1939. Citesti cartea si este ca si cum ai deschide o fereastra catre viata a doua femei, mama si fiica. Viata care se deruleaza cu suisuri si coborasuri, cu fericire si dezamagire, cu vise implinite si apoi spulberate.
“Ma gândesc la mama si la familia Carmichael si la toti acei oameni care au pierdut atat de multe in timpul războiului. A fost o generatie care a trebuit sa se obisnuiasca sa-si ia ramas-bun. Imi dau seama cat de norocoasa am fost sa ma nasc exact la sfarsitul razboiului, într-o generatie care a cunoscut doar optimismul unui viitor plin de pace.”
Un altfel de roman istoric. O carte calda ce evocă atmosfera plăcută din romanele clasice ale literaturii britanice. O poveste de dragoste frumoasa pe un fond de razboi dificil intre Marea Britanie si Germania din 1939. Citesti cartea si este ca si cum ai deschide o fereastra catre viata a doua femei, mama si fiica. Viata care se deruleaza cu suisuri si coborasuri, cu fericire si dezamagire, cu vise implinite si apoi spulberate.
“Ma gândesc la mama si la familia Carmichael si la toti acei oameni care au pierdut atat de multe in timpul războiului. A fost o generatie care a trebuit sa se obisnuiasca sa-si ia ramas-bun. Imi dau seama cat de norocoasa am fost sa ma nasc exact la sfarsitul razboiului, într-o generatie care a cunoscut doar optimismul unui viitor plin de pace.”
July 5, 2021
Delightful
June 13, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook and I really enjoyed it. I thought the narrator was great and the story was great with an uplifting ending!
January 9, 2022
This was a very different kind of WW11 story because it mainly focused on a small community in Loch Ewe, Scotland. Loch Ewe is a beautiful north-facing loch that was used as a convoy collecting point during WW11.
The novel takes place during that time. Its told in duel timelines that are both heartbreaking. I found myself very upset during most of it and wanted things to go much differently.
I know that war is a hard thing and it leaves scars but this story made me very sad. Having said all that I found the writing very good and I couldn’t stop reading. I did gain more insight on this terrible war.
One day I hope to visit Scotland and I would very much like to see the northern lights.
Thanks Amazon Publishing via NetGalley.
The novel takes place during that time. Its told in duel timelines that are both heartbreaking. I found myself very upset during most of it and wanted things to go much differently.
I know that war is a hard thing and it leaves scars but this story made me very sad. Having said all that I found the writing very good and I couldn’t stop reading. I did gain more insight on this terrible war.
One day I hope to visit Scotland and I would very much like to see the northern lights.
Thanks Amazon Publishing via NetGalley.
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