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The Secrets of Hartwell #2
Stranger in the Village
Welcome to Hartwell, an English village full of cobbled streets, pretty cottages and dark secrets.
Lady Lucy Hanley hides away, recovering from her miserable marriage, a police investigation and an encounter with a stalker. She prays no one discovers the truth about her husband’s death. Rachel Foxton longs for a life away from Hartwell but her mother is behaving strangely, and Rachel’s sister and brother-in-law are suddenly secretive. Once again Rachel fears she must put her dreams on hold. Dr. Meera Kumar is happily settled in her new home until her ex arrives delivering disturbing news that could ruin everything she’s built. Detective Jo Ormond becomes unexpectedly attached to the village and her new friends when she discovers a link to Lord Hanley’s murder that could restore her career. She faces a choice. Catch a killer or destroy the lives of her friends.
This summer, the bond between the four friends is tested by the arrival of various strangers in the village. Although they may have laid Lord Hanley to rest, Hartwell’s other dangers can’t be buried so easily.
Lady Lucy Hanley hides away, recovering from her miserable marriage, a police investigation and an encounter with a stalker. She prays no one discovers the truth about her husband’s death. Rachel Foxton longs for a life away from Hartwell but her mother is behaving strangely, and Rachel’s sister and brother-in-law are suddenly secretive. Once again Rachel fears she must put her dreams on hold. Dr. Meera Kumar is happily settled in her new home until her ex arrives delivering disturbing news that could ruin everything she’s built. Detective Jo Ormond becomes unexpectedly attached to the village and her new friends when she discovers a link to Lord Hanley’s murder that could restore her career. She faces a choice. Catch a killer or destroy the lives of her friends.
This summer, the bond between the four friends is tested by the arrival of various strangers in the village. Although they may have laid Lord Hanley to rest, Hartwell’s other dangers can’t be buried so easily.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
48 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 20, 2024
Nonsense, there was no mystery or purpose for this story. It was just a happy end to a book that didn't need one.
August 20, 2025
At the end of the first book .
Meera and Rob return from their holiday in Scotland more loved up than ever, until Meera hears that a strange man has been hanging around the school asking about her son. Meera has an unexpected visitor.
Lucy seems to be making headway with booking weddings and filming at the Hall, until she finds out about the Inheritance Tax due following Rupert's official death, and gets a nasty surprise about their expenditure and also has an unexpected visitor.
Rachel is over her crush on Lucy and is loved up with the archaeologist Sarah, unfortunately Sarah has gone to Peru for the summer on a dig, but Rachel can't leave her mother, who seems to be getting increasingly forgetful.
Jo and Jack, the local publican, are getting friendly, he definitely wants more but he is just so nice (not her usual type) and she doesn't plan to stay in Hartwell so she is keeping him at arm's length, until an unexpected visitor makes her reassess her decisions.
This is the second book in a trilogy but so much happens you don't really notice its progressing lots of stories but not necessarily resolving any of them. Almost everyone has an unexpected visitor (aka stranger), some good, some not so much, but all of which are a catalyst for change.
Very enjoyable, might have to reread the third book to find out what happens - especially the secret behind Jo's necklace.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Bookfunnel.
Meera and Rob return from their holiday in Scotland more loved up than ever, until Meera hears that a strange man has been hanging around the school asking about her son. Meera has an unexpected visitor.
Lucy seems to be making headway with booking weddings and filming at the Hall, until she finds out about the Inheritance Tax due following Rupert's official death, and gets a nasty surprise about their expenditure and also has an unexpected visitor.
Rachel is over her crush on Lucy and is loved up with the archaeologist Sarah, unfortunately Sarah has gone to Peru for the summer on a dig, but Rachel can't leave her mother, who seems to be getting increasingly forgetful.
Jo and Jack, the local publican, are getting friendly, he definitely wants more but he is just so nice (not her usual type) and she doesn't plan to stay in Hartwell so she is keeping him at arm's length, until an unexpected visitor makes her reassess her decisions.
This is the second book in a trilogy but so much happens you don't really notice its progressing lots of stories but not necessarily resolving any of them. Almost everyone has an unexpected visitor (aka stranger), some good, some not so much, but all of which are a catalyst for change.
Very enjoyable, might have to reread the third book to find out what happens - especially the secret behind Jo's necklace.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Bookfunnel.
October 16, 2024
It is my pleasure to offer the following review of H. L. Marsay’s Stranger in the Village, the second book in her The Secrets of Hartwell mystery series. This is the next story of four ladies who live in the quiet English village of Hartwell. The body of Lord Ruport was discovered in a remote cave so Lucy can heal from his years of abuse. No foul play was expected.
Rachel is involved in an on again/off again relationship with an archeologist who is researching the work of another archeologist who died in Hartwell thirty years earlier. Jo, despite her desire to return to London, has fallen for Jack who grew up in Hartwell, runs the local pub, and knows everyone. Maybe she’ll stay. Meera and her son are threatened by her estranged husband’s blackmailer. Meera’s brother and Jo catch the guy in a trap, and Meera tells her husband she wants a divorce and that she will no longer live a lie. She explains all to her parents, and introduces them to Ben, the kind-hearted veterinarian who loves her and her animal-loving son.
Stranger in the Village has many moments of danger for our characters, but they work through it. You can believe that live in Hartwell has always been that way and that the citizens bond together to work through these periods. Many secrets have been exposed, but there are deeper ones to uncover. Rating: 5 STARS!!!
Rachel is involved in an on again/off again relationship with an archeologist who is researching the work of another archeologist who died in Hartwell thirty years earlier. Jo, despite her desire to return to London, has fallen for Jack who grew up in Hartwell, runs the local pub, and knows everyone. Maybe she’ll stay. Meera and her son are threatened by her estranged husband’s blackmailer. Meera’s brother and Jo catch the guy in a trap, and Meera tells her husband she wants a divorce and that she will no longer live a lie. She explains all to her parents, and introduces them to Ben, the kind-hearted veterinarian who loves her and her animal-loving son.
Stranger in the Village has many moments of danger for our characters, but they work through it. You can believe that live in Hartwell has always been that way and that the citizens bond together to work through these periods. Many secrets have been exposed, but there are deeper ones to uncover. Rating: 5 STARS!!!
May 11, 2023
Four Secrets Kept (The Secrets of Hartwell Book 2) by H L Marsay brings more secrets to light. It also gives the four friends a happy for now which had been lacking in all of their lives. The opening scene is of the funeral of Lord Rupert Hanley but the actual cause of his death is a big mystery in this series. Closure for some but more questions as certain items show up in London associated with this case.
There is so much drama in this series especially in this book. However, there is some issues resolved especially with Rachel Foxton’s family. The story is modern but has an Agatha Christie feel to it. Family, love and community are aptly portrayed as these women try to move on in their lives. It would make a great PBS drama.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is so much drama in this series especially in this book. However, there is some issues resolved especially with Rachel Foxton’s family. The story is modern but has an Agatha Christie feel to it. Family, love and community are aptly portrayed as these women try to move on in their lives. It would make a great PBS drama.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2023
Hurrah for Hartwell! I have been desperate to find out what happened to Lucy, Jo, Rachel and Meera when we said goodbye at the end of Four Hidden Treasures and this book certainly didn’t disappoint.
The story begins with a funeral - Lucy’s husband’s - but it doesn’t bring the resolution our four friends might have hope for. As each of the main characters finds themselves being let down by someone they should have been able to trust, they look for support from the others and the bound between them grows.
I really enjoyed meeting the new supporting characters too - especially Sadie who I loved to hate!
All in all a great book about female friendship with a dash of humour, a sprinkling of romance and a hint of danger too!
Can’t wait for book 3!
The story begins with a funeral - Lucy’s husband’s - but it doesn’t bring the resolution our four friends might have hope for. As each of the main characters finds themselves being let down by someone they should have been able to trust, they look for support from the others and the bound between them grows.
I really enjoyed meeting the new supporting characters too - especially Sadie who I loved to hate!
All in all a great book about female friendship with a dash of humour, a sprinkling of romance and a hint of danger too!
Can’t wait for book 3!
May 12, 2023
What a lovely mix of mystery and romance! This is a light and thoroughly entertaining story with plenty of twists but enough clues to keep readers guessing the outcome. It’s book two in the Secrets Of Hartwell series and will read better if you’ve already read book one, but if you haven’t, fear not because you’ll have no trouble getting to know the characters and the village of Hartwell. While the plot kept me turning the pages, it’s the characters in this book that endeared it to me. They’re (mostly) nice people and there’s a feel-good vibe as you read. I’m looking forward to book three in the series.
April 9, 2023
Love, life and secrets.
After reading the first book in The Secrets of Hartwell series, I was anxious to read this book and catch up the characters that I have come to love. I couldn’t wait to see what they were up to this time. I admire the close friendships between Lucy, Rachel, Meera and Jo. They are always there for each other no matter what. This book has something for every reader; mystery, romance, joyful reunions and a bit of drama and is set in a small English town. I highly recommend this book, but I would suggest reading the books in this series in order.
After reading the first book in The Secrets of Hartwell series, I was anxious to read this book and catch up the characters that I have come to love. I couldn’t wait to see what they were up to this time. I admire the close friendships between Lucy, Rachel, Meera and Jo. They are always there for each other no matter what. This book has something for every reader; mystery, romance, joyful reunions and a bit of drama and is set in a small English town. I highly recommend this book, but I would suggest reading the books in this series in order.
April 19, 2023
Mysteries at Hartwell continue in book two of The Secrets of Hartwell series. Jo, the local detective, is fending off Jack while she works to capture a thief. Meera, a doctor and in love with Ben, grapples with her estranged husband’s problem and refusal to divorce. Rachel, a lovely daughter, deals with her mother’s memory problems. Lucy, newly widowed, deals with estate money problems and her flighty mother. Their dilemmas combine to create a delightful tale of friends and of reliance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 15, 2023
Four unlikely women form a friendship through thick and thin they are there for each other. The story is set in Hartwell, a small town in England. This book has it all, secrets with many twists, romance and family drama. I really became invested in their lives that it kept me turning the pages. Each chapter focuses on one of the girls but involves everyone.
This is the second book in the series, which picks up from the first book. So I do recommend reading the first book first. Now I can't wait to read the next book.
This is the second book in the series, which picks up from the first book. So I do recommend reading the first book first. Now I can't wait to read the next book.
June 2, 2023
H.L. Marsay's Four Secrets Kept, book two in The Secrets of Hartwell, picks up a couple of weeks after the conclusion of book one. The story is engaging and rapid-fire as we see the four heroines moving on with their lives. But drama is always around the corner and each woman has to deal with surprises. I love how the women make time for each other despite their different backgrounds. Their differences make them stronger and bring them together. It feels as if they have known each other forever rather than the short time that they have. I look forward to the next story in the series.
May 15, 2023
Four friends recovering from events in the past,
Hoping to put them behind them at last.
Living in Hartwell ,t all is not what it seems
Each has their own secrets and dreams.
There's Lady Lucy who has gone through a lot
From her disappeared, then murdered husband to a stalker plot.
It is her late husband's funeral where the story starts
Where she's not the only one protecting their heart!
There's family drama for more than just her
And even more surprises with visitors purporting to care.
With threats, mystery and surprises galore
This village keeps bringing danger and more!
A page turner read with great characters, too,
Friendships, romance and so much to do!
A story where secrets hidden from their past
Threaten to thwart dreams coming true at last.
This is the second in the series and I didn't know
So I highly recommend you also give it a go.
Having said that I'm now wanting to read the first book,
So maybe you'll be the same if you give it a look!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Hoping to put them behind them at last.
Living in Hartwell ,t all is not what it seems
Each has their own secrets and dreams.
There's Lady Lucy who has gone through a lot
From her disappeared, then murdered husband to a stalker plot.
It is her late husband's funeral where the story starts
Where she's not the only one protecting their heart!
There's family drama for more than just her
And even more surprises with visitors purporting to care.
With threats, mystery and surprises galore
This village keeps bringing danger and more!
A page turner read with great characters, too,
Friendships, romance and so much to do!
A story where secrets hidden from their past
Threaten to thwart dreams coming true at last.
This is the second in the series and I didn't know
So I highly recommend you also give it a go.
Having said that I'm now wanting to read the first book,
So maybe you'll be the same if you give it a look!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
May 11, 2023
What a wonderful addition to this series. After reading the first book in this series I couldn't wait for book two. Once I received it I dove right in. I could not put it down. It was full of drama, mystery, romance and friendship. I am really excited for book three. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2023
This is book 2 in the Hartwell series. 4 very different and unique women become friends and help each other. There is a lot going on in this small English village. An attempted kidnapping, a crook and the village fete are all on the table. I enjoyed this book very much and hope there are more to come. It’s modern day but steeped in the old ways.
July 28, 2025
Great second book in the series. The book picks up from the end of book 1 and you dive straight back into the lives of the the villagers. The characters are real and relevant and the storyline has you gripped throughout. Cannot wait to start on book 3.
September 13, 2023
I received this arc of Four Secrets Kept in exchange for my honest review. This is the second book in the exciting and suspenseful series, The Secrets of Hartwell by H.L. Marsay. Book two continues from the story we previously read in book one. It again features the 4 women who have become great friends: Lady Lucy Hanley, Rachel Foxton, Dr. Meera Kumar and Jo Ormond. There were several secrets revealed in the first book and additional ones came out in this book as well.
Lucy’s mother showed up out of the blue and moved into the house with her and her son son Freddy. The two never had a normal relationship and it appears her mother still is focused on the wrong things. Her presence caused much angst for Lucy. Then Lucy finds out she has a stalker and finds herself in danger. Even though the body of Lucy’s husband was found, there were still uncertainties concerning his death. Lucy and Rachel had kept secret on what they knew until much later when they shared with Jo and Meera. Meera also had secrets about her husband and his lifestyle. She shared everything with the friends but kept it from her family and her husband’s family. It’s only when threats are made against her son that she decides to get help from her brother.
Lucy and Rob start spending more time together and both feel there is some chemistry. I like their relationship. Meera has agreed to a relationship with Ben, since her husband is gay and they haven’t lived together in many years. She is having to keep it secret from her family because her husband won’t give her a divorce or acknowledge his lifestyle. Rachel has had family troubles as well as relationship issues. She has had feelings for Lucy but Lucy never realized it or felt the same way. She has since met Sarah who is interested in a relationship with her. Now she has to navigate all the different issues with her life so she can find her happy ever after. Previously, Rachel had worried about her mom’s health until she learned it was being staged by her brother in law Max. He caused problems for their family as well as for Lucy and others he worked for. Jo has continued to do her job with the intent of proving to her old bosses that she should return to her job in London. She has never had girlfriends before so this is all a change for her. She and Jack became friends and she kept refusing his advances. Then suddenly when she may have ruined her relationship with him she realized she had feelings for him too. She was involved in the stalker issue as well as trying to find Max. Jo has a necklace that is like the others from the original families in Hartwell. She isn’t trying to discover where she came from, dismissing its authenticity.
I have found this series to be so compelling to read. I can’t put the books down. I love the characters in the book. They are genuine and caring for each other. I love that all the 4 main characters have found a significant other and seem to be happy. They interact well together and I also enjoy their other relationships as well. There wasn’t a cliffhanger but there will still be new secrets to learn in the next book, I’m certain. I’ve given this 5 stars and highly recommend this book. I feel it will be more enjoyable to read the books in order.
Lucy’s mother showed up out of the blue and moved into the house with her and her son son Freddy. The two never had a normal relationship and it appears her mother still is focused on the wrong things. Her presence caused much angst for Lucy. Then Lucy finds out she has a stalker and finds herself in danger. Even though the body of Lucy’s husband was found, there were still uncertainties concerning his death. Lucy and Rachel had kept secret on what they knew until much later when they shared with Jo and Meera. Meera also had secrets about her husband and his lifestyle. She shared everything with the friends but kept it from her family and her husband’s family. It’s only when threats are made against her son that she decides to get help from her brother.
Lucy and Rob start spending more time together and both feel there is some chemistry. I like their relationship. Meera has agreed to a relationship with Ben, since her husband is gay and they haven’t lived together in many years. She is having to keep it secret from her family because her husband won’t give her a divorce or acknowledge his lifestyle. Rachel has had family troubles as well as relationship issues. She has had feelings for Lucy but Lucy never realized it or felt the same way. She has since met Sarah who is interested in a relationship with her. Now she has to navigate all the different issues with her life so she can find her happy ever after. Previously, Rachel had worried about her mom’s health until she learned it was being staged by her brother in law Max. He caused problems for their family as well as for Lucy and others he worked for. Jo has continued to do her job with the intent of proving to her old bosses that she should return to her job in London. She has never had girlfriends before so this is all a change for her. She and Jack became friends and she kept refusing his advances. Then suddenly when she may have ruined her relationship with him she realized she had feelings for him too. She was involved in the stalker issue as well as trying to find Max. Jo has a necklace that is like the others from the original families in Hartwell. She isn’t trying to discover where she came from, dismissing its authenticity.
I have found this series to be so compelling to read. I can’t put the books down. I love the characters in the book. They are genuine and caring for each other. I love that all the 4 main characters have found a significant other and seem to be happy. They interact well together and I also enjoy their other relationships as well. There wasn’t a cliffhanger but there will still be new secrets to learn in the next book, I’m certain. I’ve given this 5 stars and highly recommend this book. I feel it will be more enjoyable to read the books in order.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews