Welcome back to the Inglenook Inn, a cosy and welcoming place that instantly feels like home. Rupert has been the chef at the Inglenook Inn for years. He loves working at the boutique hotel, crafting exquisite meals and fantastic desserts for each and every guest. When his boss, who is practically family, is called away on an emergency, Rupert has to step up and run the place. That would be challenge enough, but when his sister Natalie shows up, she brings a whole lot more baggage than her belongings. Katy is out of a job and out of luck until she lands a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn. With her years of experience, helping to manage a hotel is a challenge she relishes. But there’s more drama under the one roof than she ever expected and on top of that she’s worried her dad might be making a major decision he’ll regret. Rupert and Katy have their hands full, but there’s magic in the air at the Inglenook Inn, and as they work side by side they discover something new and unexpected. Is it possible to fall in love in just a few short days? Praise for Helen Rolfe’s heartwarming ‘I really loved this book. I fully intended to save it for the long bank holiday weekend, to be enjoyed leisurely over a few days, but I ended up devouring it all in just two sittings…’ Jo Bartlett ‘One to curl up with after a long hard day, and know you are just going to be treated to a cosy atmosphere, realistic characters that you will come to care for’ Rachel's Random Reads 'Such a perfect gift of a book!' Reader Review ‘Helen Rolfe is an absolute specialist at building cosy communities and making me want to live there. I want the characters as my friends!’ Sue Moorcroft ‘Heritage Cove has this wonderful community spirit that I so want to be part of...the balance between the emotional moments, tough relatable topics against the light-hearted fun was done ever so well’ Love Books Actually 'What a beautiful story filled with happiness, comedy and lovely characters' Reader Review ‘I was gripped by the story from start to finish and the end of the book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside’ Ginger Book Geek
Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. She also loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of when she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!
Having recently read Christmas at the little knitting box, I was really excited to read another in the New York series from Helen Rolfe. Family secrets at the inglenook inn was another perfect wonderful read. Rupert and Katy had that immediate chemistry which is so good to read - but as always things don’t go too smoothly as they try and run the Inn whilst Sophia is away. Emotions run high with the introduction of Rupert’s sister and I loved seeing the dynamics change between the main characters as we learn more about each of them. I’m loving this series and can’t wait to get stuck into more of them now they’re waiting on the kindle.
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.
This book is book number seven in the ‘New York Ever After’ series but can very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems at all.
I absolutely loved returning to this story and to all the characters from previous books.
The two main characters in this story are Katy and Rupert and they are both wonderful characters and I loved being involved in their story.
Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn was a lovely, heartwarming story, full of wonderful characters with great friendships and was very well written too. I thoroughly enjoyed it…….
I have been a fan of Helen’s work for a while now. By no means have I caught up with everything that she has written but that is something that I hope to rectify in the not too distant future. I read the synopsis of ‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’, it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Helen- a fun, light hearted, romantic, uplifting and heartwarming read. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Family Secrets At The inglenook Inn’ but more about that in a bit.
As with all of Helen’s books, as soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book to one side for any length of time. I started reading and found that I just couldn’t stop. I loved both of the main characters (Rupert and Katy). – in fact they began to feel more like friends rather than characters in a book. Both haven’t had an easy time of late but they have still found a way to carry on. I had to know if they both got their ‘happy ever after” ending that they both so deserved and so I had to keep reading. The more of the book that I Read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to be turning. All too quickly I got to the end of ‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’ and I had to say goodbye to Rupert and Katy. I found ‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’. i found ‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’ to be a nice and cosy read, which certainly kept me guessing. After I had finished reading ‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’ I felt as though I had had a ‘hug from a mug of hot chocolate’- in other words I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Helen Rolfe. Helen has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Helen’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Helen certainly knows how grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. Helen clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Helen so vividly describes New York and in particular the Inglenook Inn- I was all set to pack a suitcase reading for a stay there. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I feel anyway.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Family Secrets At The Inglenook Inn’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helen’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It was an absolute treat to return to the Inglenook Inn and to catch up with the lives of characters from the series. Although the book only featured Darcy and Sofia, there were plenty of references to confirm that everyone was getting along beautifully. This instalment revolves around newly unemployed Katy and the Inglenook’s chef, Rupert. The pair are thrown together when Sofia has to make a mercy dash to be with her daughter after an accident. Katy has been made redundant from a hotel job and is also dealing with the prospect of her widower father remarrying. Worried that she’s about to be made homeless as she’s the cuckoo in their love nest, Katy is thrilled to find a job, albeit temporary, that includes accommodation. Rupert is happy to take over the responsibility of running the Inglenook Inn. With the help of Darcy, he hires Katy, and she falls right into the role of receptionist come everything else. They work so well together that they are shocked by the arrival of Rupert’s sister who brings a whole new set of problems with her. I just loved being back at the Inglenook Inn. It sparked gorgeous memories of the earlier books in the series, and I loved that the author fell back into the New York rhythm with this perfect story. Rupert and Katy are absolutely gorgeous characters, and I could feel the chemistry between them, leaping off the pages. Of course, they were both in a professional environment, so that just added to the excitement of seeing how things would work out. Bizarrely, I really liked Natalie, Rupert’s sister. She was clearly battling something, and I felt her frustrations as she tolerated the judgement and accusations that were batted her way. Of course, those accusations were well-based, and I could understand where they were coming from. I hope that we can return to New York and visit old friends in the future. As much as I love Heritage Cove, New York has my heart.
Family Secrets At Inglenook Inn by Helen Rolfe is the most charming contemporary novel about family, love and support. It is sure to put a smile on your face as you read. A warm welcome awaits at Inglenook Inn where guests are treated to delicious treats and home-cooked meals. Nothing is too much trouble. A family crisis leaves the inn short-staffed but new recruits step in. The inn functions as a family with love and care dished out in spades. Even the best of families can face hard times. We witness the devastation a tragic accident had on a family as we see the damage that PTSD can do when it is not understood. Families find different ways to cope, no way is right or wrong. Families must wade through life as they feel is right for them. Secrets have a habit of coming to light. It is easier to bear a burden when it is shared. All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. There were some wonderful verbal exchanges. Helen Rolfe painted pictures with her words. All the reader’s senses were tempted by her delicious descriptions of home-cooked goodies. This was a delightfully light-hearted and fun novel despite some very dark themes. Helen Rolfe writes with sensitivity, kindness and from the heart. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Inglenook Inn and hope to drop in again. I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own. A word to the reader: please if you have been affected by any of the issues in the book, seek help. Do not suffer alone.
Family Secrets at the Inglenook Inn by Helen Rolfe
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Rupert has been the chef at the Inglenook Inn for years. He loves working at the boutique hotel, crafting exquisite meals and fantastic desserts for each and every guest. When his boss, who is practically family, is called away on an emergency, Rupert has to step up and run the place. That would be challenge enough, but when his sister Natalie shows up, she brings a whole lot more baggage than her belongings. Katy is out of a job and out of luck until she lands a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn. With her years of experience, helping to manage a hotel is a challenge she relishes. But there’s more drama under the one roof than she ever expected and on top of that she’s worried her dad might be making a major decision he’ll regret. Rupert and Katy have their hands full, but there’s magic in the air at the Inglenook Inn, and as they work side by side they discover something new and unexpected. Is it possible to fall in love in just a few short days?
My Opinion
Helen Rolfe is a must-read author for me but unfortunately I have never read any of the New York Ever After series – whilst this is the 7th book in the series I was able to enjoy reading Finding Secrets at the Inglenook Inn. This was such a heart-warming read. With how much I enjoyed reading this, I really must make sure that I go back and read the earlier books in the series.
This is a heartwarming, contemporary romance Where a family drama - or three - brings them together by chance! A boutique hotel is where the story is set With dramas for the owner, the chef and someone not yet met.
The owner has to suddenly fly away Leaving Chef Rupert in charge from that day. He calls in a friend to help him out And she sorts someone else to be about.
That someone is Katy, not out of a job for long, She's feeling at home there, as if she'll belong. However, there's drama a plenty in her own family And in that of Rupert, too, as readers soon see.
There's plenty of unknown factors to be uncovered As reasons and motives are finally discovered. There's also attraction right from the start But dare either of them really risk their heart?
A lovely story, a brilliant read, So cosy to curl up with, just what I need! I really enjoyed visiting this hotel, the staff, families and guests, Along with the tasty food treats I'd love to digest!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you, What a fabulous read - and this is my honest review.
Sofia, the owner of the Inglenook Inn, is suddenly called away leaving Rupert, the chef, to run the hotel with the temporary help of Darcy. They take on Katy, who had just been made redundant, to help out. Things go along well until Rupert's sister Natalie turns up. Although I've read a couple of this author's books before this is actually the first of this series that I've read. This didn't affect my enjoyment of this book, although it does make me want to go back and read the others as well. The hotel certainly sounds like the type that I'd like to stay in, ratherthan a larger, impersonal chain. Rupert sounds far more organised than I am and Katy is certainly an asset to the business. Natalie is a spanner in the works, but you do find out more about her as the story goes on. Overall a slower paced book with some serious subject matter, but one that suited my mood and I really enjoyed it.
I just love books by Helen Rolfe and this was not exception. This one is set in New York a place I visited just a few weeks ago. In one part it is raining and people getting wet. This took me back to when I was at the statue of Liberty, it rained and I got soaked as did those in the book it took me over a day to dry my jeans!
Sophia the owner is called away to her daughter in Switzerland and they need help. Katy had lost her job at another hotel in New York and steps in to help out.
Katy lost her Mum a few years back and she had disowned her brother because of drugs. Her father decides he is getting married again. So, Katy has a lot to contend with. Then the youngest sister of Rupert turns up. It seems she is also taking drugs. Rupert sets her to work in the hotel, which she does not like nor Katy.
Plenty of problems for all.
This is another great read and I can recommend this 5* book
Katy has found herself without q job in the buay hotel world. Rupert the main chef for a small cosy hotel is left running the place whilst the owner deals with a family emergency. Katy finds herself thrown headfirst into the busy life of the hotel and sweet on the friendly chef. Rupert has a surprise visit from his sister who has some troubles that made her flee her home life in Vermont. Dealing with issues of her past Katy finds it hard dealing with Ruperts sister, Natalie. This story was sweet. I found it frustrating that katy and Rupert judged his sister when it was blantantly obvious she was not telling the truth. Reading the friendship blossom between Rupert and Katy was nice bit for me it could've been more. Overall an enjoyable read.
This is an enchanting addition to the series that will captivate your heart and whisk you away to the charming Inglenook Inn. This seventh installment in the series holds its own as a heartwarming and delightful tale, and even if you haven't read the previous books, it's a stand-alone gem that's sure to become a favorite.
The story revolves around the beloved chef, Rupert, and the arrival of Katy, who's seeking solace from the ups and downs of life. Together, they must navigate the Inn's unexpected dramas, from emergency management to family surprises.
The author's skillful storytelling makes the Inn itself come alive as a character, offering readers a retreat from their own daily struggles. The vivid descriptions transport you to the heart of the inn, making you wish you could be part of this welcoming community. The relationships between the characters are so well-crafted that you'll genuinely feel like you're among friends and family.
The book is a perfect balance of humor and heartfelt moments. The characters' quirky interactions and hilarious escapades are beautifully interwoven with touching, relatable dilemmas. You'll find yourself both chuckling and empathizing with the characters' journeys, making this a truly engaging and immersive read.
The overarching theme of community spirit and the discovery of something beautiful within the Inn's walls will leave you with a heartwarming, feel-good vibe. The book emphasizes the magic of unexpected connections and the enduring power of love, even in the most unlikely of places and situations.
For those who appreciate cozy atmospheres, delicious culinary delights, relatable characters, and the sweet anticipation of love, Family Secrets at the Inglebook Inn is an absolute must-read. Don't be surprised if you, like many readers, can't put it down until you've devoured every word. After finishing this enchanting tale, you'll want to explore the entire series, immersing yourself further in the world of the Inglenook Inn. A delightful and heartwarming escape awaits within these pages.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion. Whilst this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone; sufficient information about characters and previous events is provided to ensure readers understand the background. The descriptions of the inn and the way it is run make it sound a lovely place to stay, a cosy haven where guests are welcomed and cared for with personal touches. Katy falls speedily into a job there through an emergency, and there is evidence of attraction between her and Rupert from the beginning. The story is interesting, with a couple of twists, and although the romance is predictable this wouldn't be a Helen Rolfe book if it didn't have a happy ending. Lovely story, makes a pleasant holiday read.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read and the atmosphere is lovely. The inn is a very special place and I feel that Rupert and Katy make it even more special. I loved following them on their journey to love and managing all the unexpected twists that come along. I didn't really like Natalie at first, but I guessed her real secret quite soon after she showed up. I like that the book involved more serious topics as well. I also like the other topic of dealing with upcoming parental marriages that were handled well in the end. All these give the book a bit more depth and I for one, really enjoyed these bits in the book. Of course, I love the building romance as well but this way it's not just romance and instalove. All in all, a very good book and I might now have to go read the previous books in the series because I'm intrigued.
Although this is part of a series of books it can be read as a standalone. I had read the first book in the series as part of a readalong and I couldn't wait to read more.
This story is centered around Rupert, the chef at Inglenook Inn and Katy who has just been made jobless but gets a temporary job at the hotel while the owner is away on an emergency. Both have dysfunctional families and things they want to remain private. I enjoyed watching how it all played out. I just loved the characters and how Helen leads you to think a certain way about a character and then totally flip flops the character.
Great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
I thought this was a lovely story that was heartwarming and also dealt with some sensitive issues. We meet Katy who is looking for a job in the hotel industry after being made redundant and Rupert who is the chef at the Inglenook Inn. Katy manages to get a temporary job at the inn and fits right in, working well with Rupert. There is a definite spark between the two of them and I loved seeing how their relationship developed. They both have issues with and in their families that they support each other with. How the other characters fitted into the story and the descriptions of the inn itself added to a great read. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.
This sweet and lovely book is set in Greenwich Village, New York and follows Rupert and Katy. The Inglenook Inn is a lovely hotel run by Sofia and her head chef Rupert. When Sofia gets called away on a family emergency Rupert is left in charge of the hotel.
With help Rupert manages to hire a new staff member Katy to help whilst his boss is away. She settles in quickly, gets stuck into all jobs and between them the hotel is running smoothly.
Suddenly Rupert’s little sister turns up and seems to be hiding something from her brother. However, with the rift between the girls increasing, the relationship between Rupert and Katy seems to grow stronger.
What is Rupert’s sister hiding? What other secrets will be revealed at the Inglenook Inn?
I loved the sound of this hotel it sounded friendly, welcoming, and a homely place to stay and in a great location in the city. The family feel ran throughout not only with the hotel, but with the relationships between the characters.
Unsurprisingly with the title of the book there are plenty of secrets revealed with most characters having something to be exposed. Relationships grow the more they all reveal.
There are some themes in the book which may be a trigger for some, but they do make sense for the storyline. It is emotional hearing some of the events in their lives.
Overall, a secret filled, and sweet read where the characters have plenty to reveal at the Inglenook Inn.
This is book number 7 in the New York Ever After series. I read it as stand alone as I haven't read any of the other books in this series.
I loved reading Rupert and Katy's story. They are both lovely, well written and relatable characters. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of the Inn and especially the delicious food Rupert conjours up in the kitchen. It certainly sounds like the kind of place I would like to stay.
As well as being a lovely heartwarming read about family and friendship it also touches on the topic of PTSD, which I felt was handled sensitively.
This is the first of this author's books I have read but I have already lined up the next few I would like to read. I think I have found another new go to author.
I hadn't read any of the New York Ever After series when I started this book, so no characters or places were familiar, but that didn't matter. I loved every minute of this story and had trouble putting the book down to get on with other stuff that needed tending to and now that I have read it, I want to read all the other books in this series!
The only thing I didn't love about Rupert was his name, in every other aspect he was the perfect leading man. He was fun, kind, a great cook and a man that cherished his family and did everything in his powers to help them. Katy was also lovely and it didn't take long to feel like I had known her forever and could feel what she was feeling every step of the way with her new job at the inn and all the added drama with Rupert's surprise visit from his sister.
This really was a wonderful story about friendships, family and starting over with a sprinkling of romance.
Rupert is the chef at Inglenook Inn, and when his boss is called away he must get in some extra help. Katy is currently out of a job but it’s not long before she is called to work at the Inglenook Inn, but while the two make a great team Natalie, Rupert’s sister, comes to stay bringing secrets and drama along the way.
This was a really sweet and uplifting novel, with fun characters and a narrative with mystery throughout. Rolfe writes with fantastic descriptions that I could see everything as I read on. This was my first novel by Rolfe and this is part of a series that can be read as a standalone, this was an easy and enjoyable read and I have heard many good things about this series; which I look forward to going back to read and catch up on the different characters.
When the owner of Inglenook Inn is called away for a family emergency, the inn is left in the capable hands of chef Rupert. With his boss away, he needs help running the inn. Along comes Katy, who is currently out of work and definitely needs a new place to stay now that her dad and his girlfriend are getting married. Inglenook Inn is the perfect option. Rupert and Katy work well to make the inn run smoothly, until Rupert's sister comes along bringing drama and secrets.
I did not know that this is the continuation of a series. However, I didn’t feel I had missed anything from not reading the others in the series.
Another wonderful story set in New York, with all the character and drama of previous stories in the series and more importantly meeting the actual characters of the past! I was disappointed that the book ended as quickly as it did but perhaps that was because there was no epilogue as the others had. However I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and was every bit as involved as I had been reading the others. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy a slow burn romance story, I don’t think you need to read others in the series to understand it either as everything is well detailed. The only problem now is that I want to go to the Inglenook Inn 😂
Helen rolfe has put magic in our hearts being back at Inglenook Inn, We get to meet Rupert in this bookand how life is doing for him, and tempery girl Katy. I adore the settings the people and Helens ability with all her books to make you feel as if your there, can highly recommend for a fabulous feel good bookOnce again
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the invitation to read and review Family Secrets at the Inglenook Inn by Helen Rolfe. I hadn't realised that this was part of a series set in New York but I can confirm that I was able to enjoy this book without having read the earlier books.
I have to admit that I've never fancied visiting New York because I imagine it to be too busy but if I did go, I need to stay at somewhere like the Inglenook Inn. Somewhere small where you are looked after and all your queries are answered by a real person, rather than a computer.
This was a lovely book to escape into as Rupert and Katy work together to look after the guests at Inglenook Inn and deal with the changes happening in the own families.
Now I absolutely adore this series! This time we follow Rupert as he has to run thr Inglenook Inn. His sister arrives and causes havoc! It is such a great read, the characters are lovable and interesting. I highly recommend reading this whole series, Helen Rolfe is a fantastic author who provides an escapism into a beautiful world.
Out of a job, and feeling pressure to find another place to live now that her father will soon be getting remarried, Katy feels lucky to land a temporary job at the Inglenook Inn while the owner is overseas. She and Chef Rupert work well together and have the Inn running smoothly, until Rupert’s sister suddenly lands on the doorstep bringing her secret with her. A great read!
This was an ok story that drug in places. The brokenness of families due to a broken world really held the story together. One thing I will never understand is why an author thinks they have to use that ugly and vulgar word, it totally destroyed any enjoyment of the story.
What a great read, I read the previous book and then saw this one was the follow on so just had to read it straight away. How sad that I've read books 6 & 7. I must now read books 1 to 5 as I like to read things in order. Looking forward to starting now. Thank you Helen Rolfe for writing such great books.