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Churchminster #2
Naked Truths
Newly-weds Caro and Benedict have swapped country life in Churchminster for an exclusive London mews. It's blissful . . . until Benedict's sister arrives, bringing with her a dangerous secret.
Fashionable socialite Saffron lives next door. She always thought the countryside was boring, but when she's invited to Churchminster she's shocked to learn just how dirty rural life can get.
Saffron's boss, workaholic editor Catherine, is fighting to save her ailing magazine. But her scandalous past threatens to destroy everything, especially when rugged builder John Milton strides into her life.
Following a sexy, colourful cast through city and country, Naked Truths is an addictive, funny, feel-good romantic romp.
Fashionable socialite Saffron lives next door. She always thought the countryside was boring, but when she's invited to Churchminster she's shocked to learn just how dirty rural life can get.
Saffron's boss, workaholic editor Catherine, is fighting to save her ailing magazine. But her scandalous past threatens to destroy everything, especially when rugged builder John Milton strides into her life.
Following a sexy, colourful cast through city and country, Naked Truths is an addictive, funny, feel-good romantic romp.
539 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 8, 2021
In book two of Jo Carnegie’s Churchminster series we’re back in the village. Oh wait no we’re not. This was an odd one it’s got all the same ingredients as the first but Caro and Harriet (the best character by far and the most annoyingly underused one) have upped sticks to London for work which is where most of the action takes place and not in Churchminster at all. It’s like Carnegie wanted to write a book about the magazine industry and used the Churchminster framework to do it where as we actually want a Churchminster book. I also kept waiting for Catherine’s storyline to link in to Churchminster and it never did which was odd. Then there was all the stuff with the Russians it all felt a bit disjointed and half baked. I’m also not a fan of Saffron. I would have rather spent more time with Harriet.
July 7, 2021
I’ve never read this author but I found this book light, fun, airy and rambunctious! The characters were full of life and you couldn’t help but fall in love with each one. I loved Harriet and her drive and charm. I also enjoyed reading about characters that were NOT young but actually in their 30s and the author depicted well that even in your 30s, your life doesn’t have to be all put together!
October 14, 2021
Naked Truths by Jo Carnegie
RUMOURS CAN BE VERY REVEALING…
Newly-weds Caro and Benedict have swapped country life in Churchminster for an exclusive London mews. It's blissful until Benedict's sister arrives, bringing with her a dangerous secret.
Fashionable socialite Saffron lives next door. She always thought the countryside was boring, but when she's invited to Churchminster, she's shocked to learn just how dirty rural life can get.
Saffron's boss, workaholic editor Catherine, is fighting to save her ailing magazine. But her scandalous past threatens to destroy everything, especially when rugged builder John Milton strides into her life.
Naked Truth is the second instalment of the Churchminster series, follow up to Country Pursuits. Again it is full of fun with a lively blend of characters, loads of laughs, romance and scandals guaranteed.
This is a well-written, easy read. I am happy to recommend it.
I want to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and author Jo Carnegie.
RUMOURS CAN BE VERY REVEALING…
Newly-weds Caro and Benedict have swapped country life in Churchminster for an exclusive London mews. It's blissful until Benedict's sister arrives, bringing with her a dangerous secret.
Fashionable socialite Saffron lives next door. She always thought the countryside was boring, but when she's invited to Churchminster, she's shocked to learn just how dirty rural life can get.
Saffron's boss, workaholic editor Catherine, is fighting to save her ailing magazine. But her scandalous past threatens to destroy everything, especially when rugged builder John Milton strides into her life.
Naked Truth is the second instalment of the Churchminster series, follow up to Country Pursuits. Again it is full of fun with a lively blend of characters, loads of laughs, romance and scandals guaranteed.
This is a well-written, easy read. I am happy to recommend it.
I want to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and author Jo Carnegie.
June 30, 2021
Join a cast a fun characters through their lives in London and Churchminister. Who will be connected to who in the most surprising of ways?
Newlyweds Caro and Benedict move to the Mews from Churchminister with Caro's son Milo for Benedict's job.
Saffon lives in the Mews with her Aunt Velda, transforms from party girl to career girl as the pressure mounts at her job at Magazine Soiree.
Catherine in under immense stress as her magazine is threatened, but when a sexy man from her past comes into the present, more than just her job could be on the line.
Harriett has moved for Churchminister to the city to prove herself, but can she find a love life too?
This book was like lots of interconnected novella, but it worked. It was a delightful read and the job stress storyline really spoke to me as someone who also experienced some job stress (in a very different situation).
I will be checking out more books written by Jo Carnegie.
Newlyweds Caro and Benedict move to the Mews from Churchminister with Caro's son Milo for Benedict's job.
Saffon lives in the Mews with her Aunt Velda, transforms from party girl to career girl as the pressure mounts at her job at Magazine Soiree.
Catherine in under immense stress as her magazine is threatened, but when a sexy man from her past comes into the present, more than just her job could be on the line.
Harriett has moved for Churchminister to the city to prove herself, but can she find a love life too?
This book was like lots of interconnected novella, but it worked. It was a delightful read and the job stress storyline really spoke to me as someone who also experienced some job stress (in a very different situation).
I will be checking out more books written by Jo Carnegie.
July 6, 2021
Thank you #Netgalley for a copy of these read.
I have been enjoying the Churchminster series and was excited to read the second book. Now that the characters have been built up and you are familiar with how they are all intertwined, it really made for a fun read. This time many of the characters left their small town and ventured out to London for different opportunities. But they still visited family back at home and attended holiday events where they would all catch up on the gossip of others. I enjoyed the plot twist of Benedicts sister joining the story of turning up unexpectedly and is quietly mysterious. A fun read, can't wait to read book 3.
I have been enjoying the Churchminster series and was excited to read the second book. Now that the characters have been built up and you are familiar with how they are all intertwined, it really made for a fun read. This time many of the characters left their small town and ventured out to London for different opportunities. But they still visited family back at home and attended holiday events where they would all catch up on the gossip of others. I enjoyed the plot twist of Benedicts sister joining the story of turning up unexpectedly and is quietly mysterious. A fun read, can't wait to read book 3.
June 6, 2021
Naked Truths by Jo Carnegie
This is the second book of the series regarding the characters from Churchminster and a few are commuting between Churchminster and London as some of the characters have their main residence is in London..
This is a well written book and draws you in to the storyline as it unfolds. There is humour, secrets ,intrigue and twists and turns along the way.
It is an easy read an once you start to get engrossed you can’t put it down.
This is the second book of the series regarding the characters from Churchminster and a few are commuting between Churchminster and London as some of the characters have their main residence is in London..
This is a well written book and draws you in to the storyline as it unfolds. There is humour, secrets ,intrigue and twists and turns along the way.
It is an easy read an once you start to get engrossed you can’t put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
Fantastic follow up to Country Pursuits. Fun and sparky new characters and a lovely catch up with familiar faces. Warm and engaging, fun and frothy with sauciness mixed in. Quite a city romp! Definitely worth reading as part of the series or as a stand alone. Thoroughly enjoyable. It’s like catching up with old friends.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
May 19, 2024
Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy this book, nor the rest of the series.
There were certainly elements of humour, even some laugh out loud moments, and a good mix of characters, both likeable and not.
However, sadly the story just fell flat for me, and i found it a bit of a slog to work through the book.
There were certainly elements of humour, even some laugh out loud moments, and a good mix of characters, both likeable and not.
However, sadly the story just fell flat for me, and i found it a bit of a slog to work through the book.
July 30, 2021
Naked truths
One of the best books I have read in a long time! The characters are real and I couldn't wait to read more, so much that I couldn't put the book down and failed to sleep or do anything else until I finished it!
One of the best books I have read in a long time! The characters are real and I couldn't wait to read more, so much that I couldn't put the book down and failed to sleep or do anything else until I finished it!
November 7, 2017
Fabulous book thoroughly enjoyable, so well written, just could not put it down and didn't want it to end. Really love this authors books :-). I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 31, 2021
A fantastic light hearted read, I love novels set in the UK! Loved it and will read all of her novels!
June 7, 2021
A seriously glamorous and exciting sequel, with some amazing commentary in terms of Catherine's story. I can't wait to get on to the third book!
October 8, 2021
The story continues for the residents of Churchminster, with more romance, intrigue, scandals and secrets revealed. I'm looking forward to finding out what's next in book 3!
December 5, 2009
Caro and Benedict were happily settled in the village of Churchminster, but Benedict’s job means they have to move to London, something Caro isn’t too keen on. They find them in the small mews that Benedict owns, and Caro soon grows to love life in the mews and her neighbours too. There’s Sebastien and Klaus, recluse Rowena who has never been seen, and Saffron and Velda, a niece and aunt. Caro begins to make friends with her new neighbours, and finds that some of her old neighbours from Churchminster are closer than she thinks. Caro is happy at last, but another bump in the road is yet to come…
Magazine editor Catherine loves her job, and also her new PA Harriet who is a god send, but Catherine is hiding a big secret that would ruin her reputation if it got out. When old boyfriend John comes back on the scene, she’s worried about it coming out. How far is Catherine willing to go to keep her past buried and all colleagues in the dark about it? And what is the big secret she’s hiding?
Naked Truths is the follow on from Jo Carnegie’s debut novel Country Pursuits. I haven’t read this yet, although I do have a copy of it on my bookshelf upstairs, so I was worried about whether I would be able to get into this having not known any of the back story or what happened in the first book. I needn’t have worried though, because the book was so well written and enjoyable I felt like I hadn’t missed anything and got straight into the characters without a hitch. Anything related to Country Pursuits was well explained, so this book is perfect as both a follow on for those who know the characters but it works equally well as a stand alone book too which is great!
The book starts with Caro and Benedict’s move to London, so we don’t actually see too much of Churchminster in this book, but it does pop up every so often which is nice. Clearly Carnegie knows her stuff about London because she writes it very well and you can picture in your mind the small mews where Caro lives and it sounds idyllic! Caro’s character is one I didn’t think I would like, but it turned out I really did. She’s very likeable, funny and the relationship between her and Benedict was very realistic and great to read about, I really did care about them and that’s important with a book like this. The other characters in the mews, especially Velda and Klaus were also great, quite over the top but it works in a book like this.
For me though, the best storyline was Catherine, the magaine editor. From what I can gather, Catherine is a new character for Naked Truths and she’s a great addition. Her story is somewhat of a mystery throughout the book and I enjoyed this part, I tried to guess several times about Catherine’s past and I was never right, so it was a real surprise when it is revealed right near the end of the book. It really made sure the book ended with a bang and I think it’s definitely the best story in the book by far. John was a character that comes about in Catherine’s story and a really nice man, someone you can imagine yourself fancying a bit because he sounds perfect!
Carnegie has used all her knowledge of magazines in this book, as you see it from both a journalists and an editors point of view, and the insight was interesting for me! Carnegie doesn’t bog the book down with too much information, just enough to keep the reader interested, and having characters like Saffron and Catherine in these roles was even better as they are both very readable and enjoyable. The setting was very well written as well, and I think all in all, it is a really great and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It does have some sex scenes in the book and some colourful language, but for me this just added something to the book and made sense, it wasn’t over the top and just makes it more a fun read!
I can highly recommend this book to chick lit lovers, it’s got everything, great character, fab story, sex and fun! The writing is easy to read and Carnegie clearly has the knack for writing very enjoyable women’s fiction that is definitely going to be very popular! I like that there are a good few characters in the book to follow, and they are all brilliant, and the plot weaves all these stories together in a great way and I found it a very enjoyable read. There is going to be another “Churchminster” book due out in 2010 called Role Play and I can’t wait to read that just to be back with these great characters again! A brilliant book to read, and highly recommended by me, well done Jo Carnegie!
Magazine editor Catherine loves her job, and also her new PA Harriet who is a god send, but Catherine is hiding a big secret that would ruin her reputation if it got out. When old boyfriend John comes back on the scene, she’s worried about it coming out. How far is Catherine willing to go to keep her past buried and all colleagues in the dark about it? And what is the big secret she’s hiding?
Naked Truths is the follow on from Jo Carnegie’s debut novel Country Pursuits. I haven’t read this yet, although I do have a copy of it on my bookshelf upstairs, so I was worried about whether I would be able to get into this having not known any of the back story or what happened in the first book. I needn’t have worried though, because the book was so well written and enjoyable I felt like I hadn’t missed anything and got straight into the characters without a hitch. Anything related to Country Pursuits was well explained, so this book is perfect as both a follow on for those who know the characters but it works equally well as a stand alone book too which is great!
The book starts with Caro and Benedict’s move to London, so we don’t actually see too much of Churchminster in this book, but it does pop up every so often which is nice. Clearly Carnegie knows her stuff about London because she writes it very well and you can picture in your mind the small mews where Caro lives and it sounds idyllic! Caro’s character is one I didn’t think I would like, but it turned out I really did. She’s very likeable, funny and the relationship between her and Benedict was very realistic and great to read about, I really did care about them and that’s important with a book like this. The other characters in the mews, especially Velda and Klaus were also great, quite over the top but it works in a book like this.
For me though, the best storyline was Catherine, the magaine editor. From what I can gather, Catherine is a new character for Naked Truths and she’s a great addition. Her story is somewhat of a mystery throughout the book and I enjoyed this part, I tried to guess several times about Catherine’s past and I was never right, so it was a real surprise when it is revealed right near the end of the book. It really made sure the book ended with a bang and I think it’s definitely the best story in the book by far. John was a character that comes about in Catherine’s story and a really nice man, someone you can imagine yourself fancying a bit because he sounds perfect!
Carnegie has used all her knowledge of magazines in this book, as you see it from both a journalists and an editors point of view, and the insight was interesting for me! Carnegie doesn’t bog the book down with too much information, just enough to keep the reader interested, and having characters like Saffron and Catherine in these roles was even better as they are both very readable and enjoyable. The setting was very well written as well, and I think all in all, it is a really great and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It does have some sex scenes in the book and some colourful language, but for me this just added something to the book and made sense, it wasn’t over the top and just makes it more a fun read!
I can highly recommend this book to chick lit lovers, it’s got everything, great character, fab story, sex and fun! The writing is easy to read and Carnegie clearly has the knack for writing very enjoyable women’s fiction that is definitely going to be very popular! I like that there are a good few characters in the book to follow, and they are all brilliant, and the plot weaves all these stories together in a great way and I found it a very enjoyable read. There is going to be another “Churchminster” book due out in 2010 called Role Play and I can’t wait to read that just to be back with these great characters again! A brilliant book to read, and highly recommended by me, well done Jo Carnegie!
July 7, 2024
This is a delightful read perfect for fans of lighthearted, feel-good romance who crave a humorous and sexy escapade that explores the complexities of relationships, family secrets, and the power of love to bring people together.
March 16, 2017
Slow to start and a lot of characters to keep up with but I ended up liking it by the end.
October 30, 2015
In this follow up to `Country Pursuits' I was expecting another 5 star read. Although I enjoyed this book it wasn't as good as the first one.
Once again we meet Caro and her new husband Benedict who move away from Churchminster back to London to be closer to Benedict's work. They move to Montague Mews where they meet their new neighbours. Saffron is a young, hip and trendy socialite who lives with her Aunt Velda along with Stephen and Klaus who have a holiday home in Churchminster and the reclusive Rowena. We are also reintroduced to Harriett who also lived in Churchminster and is working at Soiree, a popular women's magazine as a PA to Catherine Connor. Add into the mix Benedict's sister Amelia who appears on their doorstep looking to stay for a while following her stint of living abroad. Both Catherine and Amelia are both hiding dark secrets which turn Montague Mews into a very interesting place to live. Caro finds it hard to adjust to living in London and spends most of her time ferrying her son Milo to and from Nursery and wondering just what is going on with their reclusive neighbour Rowena. Saffron is busy trying to carve out her career whilst fighting with her awful boss Annabel who is incredibly lazy. Harriet is thriving in her new job and is determined to find love in London. Catherine meanwhile is fighting to save the magazine from closure. With the pressures of deadlines from her Company Board she is thrown into turmoil when an old friend from her past turns up.
All in all the book was enjoyable but I couldn't help feeling there was something missing. The characters were fantastic (as they were in the last book), and the storytelling good but I couldn't help feeling there was maybe a bit too much going on to focus on any one particular character.
In Jo Carnegies last book we really got to know the characters involved an you could clearly follow each plot as they developed. This book can be read as a stand alone book but is a bit better when you have already read the first. I will definitely read and look forward to her next book and hope that maybe we get to find out a bit more about some of the individual characters
Once again we meet Caro and her new husband Benedict who move away from Churchminster back to London to be closer to Benedict's work. They move to Montague Mews where they meet their new neighbours. Saffron is a young, hip and trendy socialite who lives with her Aunt Velda along with Stephen and Klaus who have a holiday home in Churchminster and the reclusive Rowena. We are also reintroduced to Harriett who also lived in Churchminster and is working at Soiree, a popular women's magazine as a PA to Catherine Connor. Add into the mix Benedict's sister Amelia who appears on their doorstep looking to stay for a while following her stint of living abroad. Both Catherine and Amelia are both hiding dark secrets which turn Montague Mews into a very interesting place to live. Caro finds it hard to adjust to living in London and spends most of her time ferrying her son Milo to and from Nursery and wondering just what is going on with their reclusive neighbour Rowena. Saffron is busy trying to carve out her career whilst fighting with her awful boss Annabel who is incredibly lazy. Harriet is thriving in her new job and is determined to find love in London. Catherine meanwhile is fighting to save the magazine from closure. With the pressures of deadlines from her Company Board she is thrown into turmoil when an old friend from her past turns up.
All in all the book was enjoyable but I couldn't help feeling there was something missing. The characters were fantastic (as they were in the last book), and the storytelling good but I couldn't help feeling there was maybe a bit too much going on to focus on any one particular character.
In Jo Carnegies last book we really got to know the characters involved an you could clearly follow each plot as they developed. This book can be read as a stand alone book but is a bit better when you have already read the first. I will definitely read and look forward to her next book and hope that maybe we get to find out a bit more about some of the individual characters
October 27, 2010
I was looking forward to this book, the follow up to 'Country Pursuits', which I really enjoyed. However, I was quite disappointed with this offering.
It follows Caro and Benedict (two of the characters I really wanted to know more about after C.P.), but, due to Benedict's work commitments, they move from Churchminster in the countryside to their London mews house.
We are introduced to new characters, including Benedict's Sister and a reclusive neighbour, and a few from C.P. also make an appearance.
I did feel that there was just too much going on at some points, and we didn't really get to know much about the individual characters, but, it was an okay read, just not as great as I was expecting.
It follows Caro and Benedict (two of the characters I really wanted to know more about after C.P.), but, due to Benedict's work commitments, they move from Churchminster in the countryside to their London mews house.
We are introduced to new characters, including Benedict's Sister and a reclusive neighbour, and a few from C.P. also make an appearance.
I did feel that there was just too much going on at some points, and we didn't really get to know much about the individual characters, but, it was an okay read, just not as great as I was expecting.
February 7, 2016
This one was good, I don't think it was as good as the first in the series, most if it set in the city not in Churchminster (there were a few visit there). Some new characters. Harriet has gone onto better things, still not much luck with the boys. Caro and Benedict receive some good news for their family.
Story gets interesting about half way through. Wonder what happened to the Russian thugs in the end...maybe will occur in another of the series. And the Ash character never really developed into anything and then boom was gone.
As soon as put this one down and finished it, I then read Wild Things in one hit (really enjoyed Wild Things).
Story gets interesting about half way through. Wonder what happened to the Russian thugs in the end...maybe will occur in another of the series. And the Ash character never really developed into anything and then boom was gone.
As soon as put this one down and finished it, I then read Wild Things in one hit (really enjoyed Wild Things).
October 6, 2009
I haven't read any chick lit in a long time, and after a slightly unpromising and raunchy start this one was really good fun. Set between the village of Churchminster, a mews development in London and the offices of Soiree magazine, the characters were wonderful, the stories heartwarming, sad and funny, and the threads drawn together at the end with real panache. Saffron, Caro and Benedict, Catherine and all your wonderful friends and families, I'm quite going to miss you! (Those of you who know my usual reading didn't think I'd be saying that, did you?!)
May 31, 2012
Why is it, that in chick lit you are either a mother or you work for a magazine? Are those the two acceptable options for girls? Still a good read, my sort of thing. Didn't relise this was a second book. Made it hard at times to follow all the characters as you are supposed to have already met them. I did like them all though :) The whole 'past secret' thing was a tad unrealistic but didn't spoil it for me. I'd read Jo Carnegie again.
November 27, 2014
Everything I enjoyed about Churchminster was turned on its head in this book. This book, second in the series was based largely in London and set around a magazine publishing house. I prefer my escapism reads to be based in the country and not in the busy capital. The characters from Country Pursuits were lost in Naked Truths. Personally I found that far too much of the book was leading up to the 'secret' being unveiled.
April 2, 2011
An enjoyable book that required very little thought...
May 24, 2011
Absolutely brilliant book. The characters are so lovable and you really get into each of the stories involved.
March 19, 2012
Same characters but set in village, and London. Very good again, but I preferred the parts set in the village with the previous characters, but all good.
October 26, 2012
I loved this book.It merrily danced along and I got into it straight away. I much prefered this to the first book and I hope the other books are as jolly as this one!
May 10, 2012
Miss Jed & Camillia!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews