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The Birds, the Bees and Other Secrets
It is the early 1960s, and 13-year-old Cassandra Fitzpatrick is growing up in a household full of waifs, strays, and general misfits. Despite her unorthodox home life, she is generally content until something happens that turns her life upside down. Cass’s unhappiness deepens when she wins a scholarship to a boarding school and is torn away from all she knows and loves, in particular her adored—if wildly unconventional—mother. Years later, as her beloved mother lies dying from cancer, a grown-up Cass begins to reassess the experiences, good and bad, of her past. Moving and humorous, this is a novel about the brevity of childhood and a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places.
- GenresContemporary
346 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
38 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Frances Garrood
6 books13 followersFrom Author's Website:
My main career was nursing, but I also trained and worked for many years as a relationship counsellor with Relate. Widowed in 1992, I re-married and now live with my husband in Wiltshire, where I enjoy riding my horse in the beautiful Pewsey Vale, reading, writing, and keeping up with my grandchildren. I also write regularly to a prisoner on Texas Death Row.
I first started writing as a child; mainly poetry, but there was one horrific novel (mercifully, never finished) in which a woman gives birth to a hideously deformed child in a thunderstorm. While I was bringing up my four children, I began writing and selling short stories to magazines before the enforced immobility following a fractured spine gave me the time to tackle my first novel.
All my books are very strongly relationship-based. My writing has also been affected by my widowhood, and my books sometimes include issues of death and bereavement. Strangely (and not by design) they all seem to include pet animal funerals (not a subject which normally occupies my mind!).
My main career was nursing, but I also trained and worked for many years as a relationship counsellor with Relate. Widowed in 1992, I re-married and now live with my husband in Wiltshire, where I enjoy riding my horse in the beautiful Pewsey Vale, reading, writing, and keeping up with my grandchildren. I also write regularly to a prisoner on Texas Death Row.
I first started writing as a child; mainly poetry, but there was one horrific novel (mercifully, never finished) in which a woman gives birth to a hideously deformed child in a thunderstorm. While I was bringing up my four children, I began writing and selling short stories to magazines before the enforced immobility following a fractured spine gave me the time to tackle my first novel.
All my books are very strongly relationship-based. My writing has also been affected by my widowhood, and my books sometimes include issues of death and bereavement. Strangely (and not by design) they all seem to include pet animal funerals (not a subject which normally occupies my mind!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 18, 2018
EXCERPT: My mother turned pale, and it was at that moment that I understood. My mother knew. She knew what had happened, and that meant that she knew something about Uncle Rupert that none of us had known; something she should have warned me about; something she should have protected me from. I had always been aware that there was some dark secret in Uncle Rupert's past, and had hitherto assumed that it was in the nature of some personal tragedy. Now I realised that it was something far more sinister, and something my mother should have taken far more seriously when she invited him into our home all those years ago.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Secrets can’t stay buried forever…
1960s England
Cassandra Fitzpatrick’s family isn’t quite like everybody else’s: her house is always full to bursting with the various misfits her mother houses as lodgers.
The creative and chaotic household is all she has ever known and loved, until something awful happens that changes everything.
Cass loves her mother deeply, but, as she gets older, she becomes more and more aware of her flaws.
Will Cass have to distance herself from her family to find happiness? Or is she destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps?
As Cass reflects on her memories, she must lay the ghosts of the past to rest and make peace with the secrets that have haunted her adult life…
CASSANDRA’S SECRET is both a coming-of-age story and poignant return to the past, an intricate family drama of the close bond between mother and daughter, and the strength of love needed to overcome abuse and grief.
MY THOUGHTS: Cassandra's Secret is a love story. Not a romance, but a love story. It chronicles the bonds of love between the members of a slightly unorthodox family and their 'extended family' of lodgers, friends, and various other people who found themselves drawn in to their orbit. It is a story of love and loss, grief and joy, and overcoming trauma to learn to trust and love again.
It is a book that grew on me as I read, to the point where I wanted to be a part of this chaotic and unconventional household. It put a smile on my face that is still there. It gave me the same feeling I get on spring days when there is a promising warmth to the air, or on winter days when I am in front of the fire with a pot of tea and a plate of crumpets dripping with honey. It made me feel content, satisfied. It put a little joy in my life.
In her afterword, Frances Garrood tells us that Cassandra's Secret is 'loosely based on my own wonderful but eccentric mother' and some of her own experiences. Thank you for sharing, Frances.
Cassandra's Secret was originally published as 'The Birds, The Bees and Other Secrets'.
Thank you to Caoimhe O'Brien of Sapere Books for providing a digital copy of Cassandra's Secret by Frances Garrood for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Secrets can’t stay buried forever…
1960s England
Cassandra Fitzpatrick’s family isn’t quite like everybody else’s: her house is always full to bursting with the various misfits her mother houses as lodgers.
The creative and chaotic household is all she has ever known and loved, until something awful happens that changes everything.
Cass loves her mother deeply, but, as she gets older, she becomes more and more aware of her flaws.
Will Cass have to distance herself from her family to find happiness? Or is she destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps?
As Cass reflects on her memories, she must lay the ghosts of the past to rest and make peace with the secrets that have haunted her adult life…
CASSANDRA’S SECRET is both a coming-of-age story and poignant return to the past, an intricate family drama of the close bond between mother and daughter, and the strength of love needed to overcome abuse and grief.
MY THOUGHTS: Cassandra's Secret is a love story. Not a romance, but a love story. It chronicles the bonds of love between the members of a slightly unorthodox family and their 'extended family' of lodgers, friends, and various other people who found themselves drawn in to their orbit. It is a story of love and loss, grief and joy, and overcoming trauma to learn to trust and love again.
It is a book that grew on me as I read, to the point where I wanted to be a part of this chaotic and unconventional household. It put a smile on my face that is still there. It gave me the same feeling I get on spring days when there is a promising warmth to the air, or on winter days when I am in front of the fire with a pot of tea and a plate of crumpets dripping with honey. It made me feel content, satisfied. It put a little joy in my life.
In her afterword, Frances Garrood tells us that Cassandra's Secret is 'loosely based on my own wonderful but eccentric mother' and some of her own experiences. Thank you for sharing, Frances.
Cassandra's Secret was originally published as 'The Birds, The Bees and Other Secrets'.
Thank you to Caoimhe O'Brien of Sapere Books for providing a digital copy of Cassandra's Secret by Frances Garrood for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 22, 2018
**4.5 Stars rounded up to 5**
When Sapere books offered me this book for review and I realized that the author was Frances Garrood...I jumped at the chance. In recent months I read her exquisite book "Dead Ernst" for which I awarded a full 5 stars. So, the bar was set high for this book straight off, and I was not disappointed. From the first page, I immediately settled into Ms. Garrood's very natural, easy and flowing writing style.
This story takes place in England during the time period of 1961-2001, and follows the life of one Cassandra Fitzpatrick. As the book begins, Cassandra is in hospital at the bedside of her Mum who is dying. This is a peaceful time for reflection on their life together, and serves as the formula that the book takes...that of talking to each other around the deathbed as their story unfolds throughout the decades.
Cassandra's Mum is both eccentric and fetching with no shortage of boyfriends. Alas, Cassandra and older brother Lucas have no idea who their fathers are, and neither does their Mum. At a time when it was still scandalous to have children out of wedlock, Cassandra's Mum somehow makes it all seem acceptable. In fact, there's nothing quite normal about their rambling and dilapidated Victorian household, which sports a "Lodger" in the basement (whose personage can change from time to time and still be called "Lodger"), Uncle Rupert in the attic (on the dole, but spends time inventing things), Greta- a friend from Switzerland who barely spoke English and was often susceptible to tears, Richard- a homeless person/tramp spotted playing the ukulele outside Woolworths, and "Just Call me Bill," the nice man from the chemist who kept falling out with his landlady. Apparently, Mum Fitzpatrick was kind-hearted and non-judgemental and thrived upon the disorder, intrusions and chaos these residents added to her household. There was no "normal" nuclear family, but their own version of family.
As a young teenager, Cassandra is alone in the house when a shocking incident occurs. Although she suffers no physical harm, this leaves an indelible mark and constant source of conflict for Cassandra throughout the book. In a sort of role reversal between child and parent, Cassandra's like an old soul, feeling as though she must pick up the pieces whenever Mum suffers depression...even though the madcap cast of characters at home provide some tactical support.
Cassandra is the heart and soul of this book. You will admire her strength, intelligence, sacrifices, fragility, and strong sense of family. There are all kinds of families, and as misshapen as these puzzle pieces were, it was a very heartwarming, unique and touching read.
When Sapere books offered me this book for review and I realized that the author was Frances Garrood...I jumped at the chance. In recent months I read her exquisite book "Dead Ernst" for which I awarded a full 5 stars. So, the bar was set high for this book straight off, and I was not disappointed. From the first page, I immediately settled into Ms. Garrood's very natural, easy and flowing writing style.
This story takes place in England during the time period of 1961-2001, and follows the life of one Cassandra Fitzpatrick. As the book begins, Cassandra is in hospital at the bedside of her Mum who is dying. This is a peaceful time for reflection on their life together, and serves as the formula that the book takes...that of talking to each other around the deathbed as their story unfolds throughout the decades.
Cassandra's Mum is both eccentric and fetching with no shortage of boyfriends. Alas, Cassandra and older brother Lucas have no idea who their fathers are, and neither does their Mum. At a time when it was still scandalous to have children out of wedlock, Cassandra's Mum somehow makes it all seem acceptable. In fact, there's nothing quite normal about their rambling and dilapidated Victorian household, which sports a "Lodger" in the basement (whose personage can change from time to time and still be called "Lodger"), Uncle Rupert in the attic (on the dole, but spends time inventing things), Greta- a friend from Switzerland who barely spoke English and was often susceptible to tears, Richard- a homeless person/tramp spotted playing the ukulele outside Woolworths, and "Just Call me Bill," the nice man from the chemist who kept falling out with his landlady. Apparently, Mum Fitzpatrick was kind-hearted and non-judgemental and thrived upon the disorder, intrusions and chaos these residents added to her household. There was no "normal" nuclear family, but their own version of family.
As a young teenager, Cassandra is alone in the house when a shocking incident occurs. Although she suffers no physical harm, this leaves an indelible mark and constant source of conflict for Cassandra throughout the book. In a sort of role reversal between child and parent, Cassandra's like an old soul, feeling as though she must pick up the pieces whenever Mum suffers depression...even though the madcap cast of characters at home provide some tactical support.
Cassandra is the heart and soul of this book. You will admire her strength, intelligence, sacrifices, fragility, and strong sense of family. There are all kinds of families, and as misshapen as these puzzle pieces were, it was a very heartwarming, unique and touching read.
January 24, 2019
Growling up Cassandra and Lucas have an unorthodox upbringing with their mother and a handful of misfit lodgers.
Something happens to Cassandra that will affect her all her life. Could her mother have prevented this from happening?
A beautifully written book with strong characters who rally round and care for each other. At times I found myself laughing and tearful, a proper mixed bag of emotions!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review
Something happens to Cassandra that will affect her all her life. Could her mother have prevented this from happening?
A beautifully written book with strong characters who rally round and care for each other. At times I found myself laughing and tearful, a proper mixed bag of emotions!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review
January 12, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Cassandra’s Secret is story of an unconventional family. Cass and her brother Lucas are raised by their single mother with an array of misfits and drifters coming into and out of their house. There was Uncle Rupert who lived in the attic, a procession of lodgers who rented the basement and were simply called The Lodger and Greta, an exile from Switzerland, who had become chief tea maker for the family.
Told in the first person Cass sits by her mother’s death bed and contemplates her life, introducing the reader to her eclectic mother who had a love for men and a good party. Cass and her brother grew up with relatively no rules, just a love for life and adventure. An incident when Cass was 14 has left her more damaged than she realised.
This was quite an interesting story about the free and easy upbringing Cass and Lucas had. Cass’s mum seemed to have bipolar, her highs were high and her lowes were low and at times Cass had to become the parent.
Garrood shows how over the years an incident of abuse had a dramatic effect on Cass’s life. There is quite a bit of humour in the story and even if Cass didn’t always agree with her mother’s actions they had a strong bond and she looked back over the years fondly.
Cassandra’s Secret was a pleasant read, all the characters were likeable and with themes of death, promiscuity, single parenthood, abuse and depression the topics are only lightly touched on so it never becomes a heavy read.
*I received an ecopy from the publisher
Cassandra’s Secret is story of an unconventional family. Cass and her brother Lucas are raised by their single mother with an array of misfits and drifters coming into and out of their house. There was Uncle Rupert who lived in the attic, a procession of lodgers who rented the basement and were simply called The Lodger and Greta, an exile from Switzerland, who had become chief tea maker for the family.
Told in the first person Cass sits by her mother’s death bed and contemplates her life, introducing the reader to her eclectic mother who had a love for men and a good party. Cass and her brother grew up with relatively no rules, just a love for life and adventure. An incident when Cass was 14 has left her more damaged than she realised.
This was quite an interesting story about the free and easy upbringing Cass and Lucas had. Cass’s mum seemed to have bipolar, her highs were high and her lowes were low and at times Cass had to become the parent.
Garrood shows how over the years an incident of abuse had a dramatic effect on Cass’s life. There is quite a bit of humour in the story and even if Cass didn’t always agree with her mother’s actions they had a strong bond and she looked back over the years fondly.
Cassandra’s Secret was a pleasant read, all the characters were likeable and with themes of death, promiscuity, single parenthood, abuse and depression the topics are only lightly touched on so it never becomes a heavy read.
*I received an ecopy from the publisher
May 7, 2018
Exquisitely written, this book is by far one of the best I've read in a very long while. Full of quirky humour, fabulous description and totally believable characters, this read will be a really hard one to follow. Outstanding.
May 15, 2018
Cassandra's Secret is a family drama based on the relationship between Cassandra and her highly unconventional mother.
All the characters are likeable (if a little too perfect to be totally realistic) and it's an easy read. The story romps along and Cassandra's an interesting character. It does touch on some weighty subjects such as grief, depression and child abuse, but never in an overly voyeuristic way and it isn't too heavy. Pretty much everything is resolved by the end and the overall impression is of a heartwarming feel good read.
Recommended if you fancy something about relationships that's undemanding but not too fluffy.
All the characters are likeable (if a little too perfect to be totally realistic) and it's an easy read. The story romps along and Cassandra's an interesting character. It does touch on some weighty subjects such as grief, depression and child abuse, but never in an overly voyeuristic way and it isn't too heavy. Pretty much everything is resolved by the end and the overall impression is of a heartwarming feel good read.
Recommended if you fancy something about relationships that's undemanding but not too fluffy.
May 6, 2018
I received this as an ARC from Sapere books.
I started it without really knowing the description and found it very entertaining.
I loved the characters and how they all had their own quirks and faults but found their ways and cares deeply for each other.
This story was both sad and heartwarming throughout.
I would recommend for someone looking for a quiet family drama to read.
I started it without really knowing the description and found it very entertaining.
I loved the characters and how they all had their own quirks and faults but found their ways and cares deeply for each other.
This story was both sad and heartwarming throughout.
I would recommend for someone looking for a quiet family drama to read.
April 30, 2018
If you like a book that touches your heart and makes you feel like you belong with this family, this is it.
Cassandra is 14 years old when an event changes her life and this is where the story begins. This family tale is about an eccentric life filled with love for each and anyone else who comes into their different family circle.
Mum never marries and has children with unknown fathers but that does not stop them from loving each other unconditionally. This is a story of a love between a mother and her daughter and at times it is hard to tell which is which. Even though Cassandra has many trials and many obstacles put in her way, the love of her mother and the strength of that relationship makes it possible for her to succeed and live a life that makes her happy.
This was a wonderful read and I was sorry that it ended but the ending was perfect! I am glad to have known this family.
Cassandra is 14 years old when an event changes her life and this is where the story begins. This family tale is about an eccentric life filled with love for each and anyone else who comes into their different family circle.
Mum never marries and has children with unknown fathers but that does not stop them from loving each other unconditionally. This is a story of a love between a mother and her daughter and at times it is hard to tell which is which. Even though Cassandra has many trials and many obstacles put in her way, the love of her mother and the strength of that relationship makes it possible for her to succeed and live a life that makes her happy.
This was a wonderful read and I was sorry that it ended but the ending was perfect! I am glad to have known this family.
May 12, 2018
Firstly I would like to thank Caoimhe O’Brien at Sapere Books for asking me to review this book written by Frances Garrood.
Well what can I say, what a book, Frances Garrood weaves a tale that pulls you and almost makes gun believe that you are there with the characters in the story. The story is written in such a way that you feel every emotion that runs through the life blood of the tale itself.
You find yourself cheering the many characters on, when they are trying out their lives right and wishing them to be able to overcome the bad things that happen to them.
The way the beginning of the story starts in the present and then has you jumping from chapter to chapter weaving in and out of the present and the past is amazing. In some novels I have read in the past i have found this very confusing, but in this book it has been done very cleverly and you don't find yourself getting lost in anyway.
It took me almost all of the many chapters to guess what Cassandra's Secret might be, but I did guess right before the chapter where the secret is out.
This is a highly entertaining and thought provoking novel, with a story not set in convention that left me wanting to know more about Cassandra at the end.
Highly recommended to anyone who just likes a good fictional novel.
Well what can I say, what a book, Frances Garrood weaves a tale that pulls you and almost makes gun believe that you are there with the characters in the story. The story is written in such a way that you feel every emotion that runs through the life blood of the tale itself.
You find yourself cheering the many characters on, when they are trying out their lives right and wishing them to be able to overcome the bad things that happen to them.
The way the beginning of the story starts in the present and then has you jumping from chapter to chapter weaving in and out of the present and the past is amazing. In some novels I have read in the past i have found this very confusing, but in this book it has been done very cleverly and you don't find yourself getting lost in anyway.
It took me almost all of the many chapters to guess what Cassandra's Secret might be, but I did guess right before the chapter where the secret is out.
This is a highly entertaining and thought provoking novel, with a story not set in convention that left me wanting to know more about Cassandra at the end.
Highly recommended to anyone who just likes a good fictional novel.
May 17, 2018
Beautifully written a complex family drama that draws you in.Each character comes alive keeps you turning the pages.If you love sagas well written family drams ggrab this one.thanks @ NetGalley @saperepress.
May 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book even though it has a dark side to it. Cassandra’s Mum is on her death bed but she’s waiting for that special someone to visit her before she can let go. Casandra is with her, recalling the life she spent with her Mum and the many ups and downs it brought with her.
Frances Garrod creates such wonderful characters in her books that it’s hard not to get really involved with them and start sympathising, laughing and crying with them. And this book will make you do all three. It’s not a thriller or a whodunnit like I normally read, just a tale about a life with a happy ending and that’s all it needs to be
Frances Garrod creates such wonderful characters in her books that it’s hard not to get really involved with them and start sympathising, laughing and crying with them. And this book will make you do all three. It’s not a thriller or a whodunnit like I normally read, just a tale about a life with a happy ending and that’s all it needs to be
June 6, 2018
I can't say I loved this book but I really did enjoy reading it. It was unconventional and quirky, like it's characters. All of the characters in this book to be more exact. I can't even imagine growing up in this household. You can see how it shaped the main character's life and how she was a completely different person than her brother. So many things going against her but she grew up to be a strong very independent woman. I don't want to say too much but it was the ending that I loved the most. History has a way of repeating itself, in a good way in this case.
May 27, 2018
Cassandra Fitzpatrick and her brother Lucas live with their mother in a very unconventional household full of societal misfits and a series of lodgers. Cass and Lucas have different fathers but their mother cannot, or will not, give them any details of who their fathers might be. The family saga is interwoven between the present where their mother is dying of cancer and the past through Cassandra's eyes. Cassandra's secret is revealed quite early in the book but it takes many years for Cassandra to consciously realise the damage it has caused her. Very involving from the start, Garrood constructs a story that fully engages the reader in the lives of these family members. While the secret is dark, Garrood uses a deft touch rendering it entirely believable without dragging the reader through the emotional mire.
June 8, 2018
Cassandras Secret is a great tale of a woman who lives life by her own rules and raises two children with few if any rules. It is the story of love and connection between a mother and her daughter.
No matter what is going on in the seemingly chaotic home of Cassandra and her family, there is one thing that can be depended upon is the love that a mother feels for her children. In some aspects it can be considered of triumph over adversity and the return to love.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It evoked a lot emotions in me by the actions of the mother, Cassandra and her brother Lucas. The characters are highly relatable. I think everyone will recognize each of the characters in someone they know. I generally don't consider comparisons to other authors but The comparison to Jojo Moyes is spot on.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you #Netgalley and Sapere Books .
No matter what is going on in the seemingly chaotic home of Cassandra and her family, there is one thing that can be depended upon is the love that a mother feels for her children. In some aspects it can be considered of triumph over adversity and the return to love.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It evoked a lot emotions in me by the actions of the mother, Cassandra and her brother Lucas. The characters are highly relatable. I think everyone will recognize each of the characters in someone they know. I generally don't consider comparisons to other authors but The comparison to Jojo Moyes is spot on.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you #Netgalley and Sapere Books .
June 10, 2018
Another masterpiece by Frances Garrood. Very clever writing that fools you into thinking it is an easy read book that tackles some majorly difficult subjects.
I’m really intrigued what people think of the mum and the effect she has on her family.
Cassandra’s home life is not exactly traditional. Her mum doesn’t believe in marriage. In fact, she doesn’t really seem to believe in Fathers. She does have a habit of collecting waifs & strays though so there is always a constant trickle of different people moving in and out of the house. Including Uncle Rupert.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’m really intrigued what people think of the mum and the effect she has on her family.
Cassandra’s home life is not exactly traditional. Her mum doesn’t believe in marriage. In fact, she doesn’t really seem to believe in Fathers. She does have a habit of collecting waifs & strays though so there is always a constant trickle of different people moving in and out of the house. Including Uncle Rupert.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 7, 2024
Loved this book. Such an unusual story beautifully written
April 28, 2015
Growing up in the sixties, Cassandra has a rather unorthodox home life. Her mother is a single parent, falling in and out of various jobs, and sharing her home with many interesting characters. She has a tendency to treat Cassandra as a friend, rather than a daughter, and yet their relationship is generally a happy one, always full of love.
Cassandra has to deal with an episode of abuse, that stays with her as she grows, and also being sent to boarding school. This is somewhere that she initially does not want to go to, yet grows to enjoy it’s security. The story continues throughout her differing careers, and the relationship she finally settles into.
The story is told as Cassandra sits besides her mother, who is dying from cancer, as she reflects back on the life they’ve shared. Their relationship is a heart warming one, whilst remaining realistic.
This is a delightful book, combining some emotional issues with humorous comments and moments. It’s easy to read, and kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what would come next. The various characters are well written, and have stayed with me. As well as exploring various relationships, especially the one between Cassandra and her mother, it also explores the effect that different experiences can have throughout life, be them minor or major.
Cassandra has to deal with an episode of abuse, that stays with her as she grows, and also being sent to boarding school. This is somewhere that she initially does not want to go to, yet grows to enjoy it’s security. The story continues throughout her differing careers, and the relationship she finally settles into.
The story is told as Cassandra sits besides her mother, who is dying from cancer, as she reflects back on the life they’ve shared. Their relationship is a heart warming one, whilst remaining realistic.
This is a delightful book, combining some emotional issues with humorous comments and moments. It’s easy to read, and kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what would come next. The various characters are well written, and have stayed with me. As well as exploring various relationships, especially the one between Cassandra and her mother, it also explores the effect that different experiences can have throughout life, be them minor or major.
July 7, 2018
Cassandra Fitzpatrick doesn't come from a conventional home. She, along with her brother Lucas live with their mother and a host of other roommates. Due to Cass's moms welcoming anyone. There's a person at any given time, referred to as the Lodger, who lives in the basement. Uncle Rupert and Greta, the mother's friend to name a few.
Cass's mother suffered from mental illness, which requires everyone to pull together during these times. When not in a depression, Cass's mom, is a free spirit, the life of the home and often throwing parties for any occasion. Despite references to wanting Cass and Lucas to have their own lives, there are often undertones to keep the children at her beck and call. Often seeking comfort with strange men, but never married.
After Cass has a terrible experience with someone, and her mother tosses the individual out of the home. Cass has trouble coping and her mother sends her to a boarding school. Cass does well and feels that she's past the experience.
When Cass's mother announces that she is expecting, Cass and Lucas are not happy. Once Octavia is born, Cass and Lucas fall in love with her. Much like with Cass and Lucas, Octavia has no named father. The entire household helps raise the baby.
When Cass gets word of a tragedy, and returns home to help support her mother, her life takes a different turn. She seeks out to become a nurse, but finds the past haunting her on many fronts.
Despite the dysfunction of the family environment, I loved how the author gave the reader the knowledge of how close knit Cass and Lucas were with their mother. Cass and Lucas were more of caregivers at times to their mother; whereas, the mother was more of a friend to her children, but she loved them. Cass came into her own little by little, and it was no surprise the man she fell in love with, considering how much Cass wanted a father figure in her life. Enjoyable read!
I received a free ARC from NetGalley via Sapere Books in exchange for an honest review.
Cass's mother suffered from mental illness, which requires everyone to pull together during these times. When not in a depression, Cass's mom, is a free spirit, the life of the home and often throwing parties for any occasion. Despite references to wanting Cass and Lucas to have their own lives, there are often undertones to keep the children at her beck and call. Often seeking comfort with strange men, but never married.
After Cass has a terrible experience with someone, and her mother tosses the individual out of the home. Cass has trouble coping and her mother sends her to a boarding school. Cass does well and feels that she's past the experience.
When Cass's mother announces that she is expecting, Cass and Lucas are not happy. Once Octavia is born, Cass and Lucas fall in love with her. Much like with Cass and Lucas, Octavia has no named father. The entire household helps raise the baby.
When Cass gets word of a tragedy, and returns home to help support her mother, her life takes a different turn. She seeks out to become a nurse, but finds the past haunting her on many fronts.
Despite the dysfunction of the family environment, I loved how the author gave the reader the knowledge of how close knit Cass and Lucas were with their mother. Cass and Lucas were more of caregivers at times to their mother; whereas, the mother was more of a friend to her children, but she loved them. Cass came into her own little by little, and it was no surprise the man she fell in love with, considering how much Cass wanted a father figure in her life. Enjoyable read!
I received a free ARC from NetGalley via Sapere Books in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2018
Another book for one of my favourite authors. Frances is a wonderful author who perfectly describes such emotive scenes with heartaching precision and accuracy, it is hard not to be drawn into the pain and cry (even I fail at that!). Who hurt you Frances?!
This novel follows the story of a mother-daughter (Cassandra) relationship throughout their lives via the dark secrets hidden from the family, the trial of the navy blue knickers, and the heart break along the way.
There are a few terrifying scenarios in the books but there is one incident with a male colleague which (sadly) I think every woman has experienced and again Frances has written this perfectly. “Furious with him for subjecting me to his unwanted attentions, furious that he should imply that I was the kind of girl who would be afraid of a mouse, and furious that he should lie to get himself out of his predicament, secure in the knowledge that I would probably back him up. I felt stupid and humiliated and ashamed, and all I wanted now was to be left alone.”
I do have one issue with this book though, Cassandra believes that there's no point talking to or explaining things to animals (in this case The Dog), since they don't understand. As someone who looked after a very independent cat, I can tell you my Sushikins would not speak to me for days if I went away and didn't sit her down and tell her.
Also, the jolly welsh hymn in Bread of Heaven. Bloody English...
"When it came to it, I reflected, only your brain was really you; other parts of the body were mere trappings".
This novel follows the story of a mother-daughter (Cassandra) relationship throughout their lives via the dark secrets hidden from the family, the trial of the navy blue knickers, and the heart break along the way.
There are a few terrifying scenarios in the books but there is one incident with a male colleague which (sadly) I think every woman has experienced and again Frances has written this perfectly. “Furious with him for subjecting me to his unwanted attentions, furious that he should imply that I was the kind of girl who would be afraid of a mouse, and furious that he should lie to get himself out of his predicament, secure in the knowledge that I would probably back him up. I felt stupid and humiliated and ashamed, and all I wanted now was to be left alone.”
I do have one issue with this book though, Cassandra believes that there's no point talking to or explaining things to animals (in this case The Dog), since they don't understand. As someone who looked after a very independent cat, I can tell you my Sushikins would not speak to me for days if I went away and didn't sit her down and tell her.
Also, the jolly welsh hymn in Bread of Heaven. Bloody English...
"When it came to it, I reflected, only your brain was really you; other parts of the body were mere trappings".
June 5, 2018
I was given the opportunity via Sapere Books to read Cassandra's Secret. This review reflects my honest opinion and it is freely given.
Although Cassandra Fitzpatrick's story was quite compelling, the writing format did not convey her thoughts and feelings in a cohesive fashion. The story fluctuated between the past and the present, in an attempt to show how Cassandra's actions as an adult were cemented when she was a child. Her relationship woes, with her family and with others, are a direct result of the mental trauma she suffered. Yet, I really did not feel Cassandra's anguish, nor did I feel her anger. My connection to her was tenuous at best, which left me feeling that the book represented a missed opportunity by the author to make the reader feel fully invested in Cassandra's story.
The pacing of Cassandra's Secret was spoiled by the time shifts, as the abrupt changes of perspective allowed the focus to slide. I was expecting to be mesmerized by Cassandra's story, by her valid reasons for her failed relationships, but the author just did not carry me into her world. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Cassandra's Secret to other readers.
Although Cassandra Fitzpatrick's story was quite compelling, the writing format did not convey her thoughts and feelings in a cohesive fashion. The story fluctuated between the past and the present, in an attempt to show how Cassandra's actions as an adult were cemented when she was a child. Her relationship woes, with her family and with others, are a direct result of the mental trauma she suffered. Yet, I really did not feel Cassandra's anguish, nor did I feel her anger. My connection to her was tenuous at best, which left me feeling that the book represented a missed opportunity by the author to make the reader feel fully invested in Cassandra's story.
The pacing of Cassandra's Secret was spoiled by the time shifts, as the abrupt changes of perspective allowed the focus to slide. I was expecting to be mesmerized by Cassandra's story, by her valid reasons for her failed relationships, but the author just did not carry me into her world. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Cassandra's Secret to other readers.
May 19, 2018
funny, poignant, quirky and relatable. I absolutely adored this, Frances Garrood is lining up to be one of my go to authors. Cassandra and her family made me laugh, wince, smile and chuckle.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy of this.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy of this.
May 4, 2019
Lovely book! I enjoyed reading this, but was also challenged by what she went through as a 14 y.o. And that it really does affect your whole life. As a nurse myself, it was great to have reflected for a time, the depth what nursing does entail- more than just ‘looking after people’. Well written!
May 3, 2020
Excellent read.
This is the third book I have read by Frances Garood. I love her storytelling, the characters are believable and there is always a good mixture of humour and sadness included throughout.
This is the third book I have read by Frances Garood. I love her storytelling, the characters are believable and there is always a good mixture of humour and sadness included throughout.
December 24, 2018
Enjoyable book
This was a well written book with likeable characters and a good story at its heart. I will read more by this author👍
This was a well written book with likeable characters and a good story at its heart. I will read more by this author👍
March 11, 2025
Loved this. Read it in a day.
February 18, 2025
1960s England
Cassandra Fitzpatrick’s family isn’t quite like everybody else’s: her house is always full to bursting with the various misfits her mother houses as lodgers.
The creative and chaotic household is all she has ever known and loved, until something awful happens that changes everything.
Only an okay read in my opinion, it felt a very simple story and needed a bit more depth to the characters to completely absorb me in the book.
Cassandra Fitzpatrick’s family isn’t quite like everybody else’s: her house is always full to bursting with the various misfits her mother houses as lodgers.
The creative and chaotic household is all she has ever known and loved, until something awful happens that changes everything.
Only an okay read in my opinion, it felt a very simple story and needed a bit more depth to the characters to completely absorb me in the book.
October 17, 2009
This is a really quirky novel but beautifully written. At times it is very funny, and at other times, very sad. So many emotional issues are covered in the story, yet it is never heavy, or dry or boring.
The novel starts with Cassandra sitting at her dying Mother's bedside, and then goes back to the early 60s and recounts their life together. Their family life was very unusual for the time, in that Cassandra's mother was a single mother with two children, both by different men, neither of who were known to the children. Cassandra and her brother Lucas had quite a bohemian upbringing, their mother was quite eccentric and often suffered from bouts of depression. She also gathered waifs and strays and their home was full of different characters throughout their childhood.
Cassandra recounts her feelings towards her mother, how she felt different to her peers, how often life was a struggle. One particular event that happens to Cassandra has a profound effect on the rest of her life, and shapes her life decisions and somewhat alters her feelings for her mother. Every so often there is a chapter that brings the story back to the present day and the reader is reminded that this is not going to be a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this story of family relationships, especially the mother-daughter relationship, and also the 'love story' element which is neither sentimental nor contrived.
The novel starts with Cassandra sitting at her dying Mother's bedside, and then goes back to the early 60s and recounts their life together. Their family life was very unusual for the time, in that Cassandra's mother was a single mother with two children, both by different men, neither of who were known to the children. Cassandra and her brother Lucas had quite a bohemian upbringing, their mother was quite eccentric and often suffered from bouts of depression. She also gathered waifs and strays and their home was full of different characters throughout their childhood.
Cassandra recounts her feelings towards her mother, how she felt different to her peers, how often life was a struggle. One particular event that happens to Cassandra has a profound effect on the rest of her life, and shapes her life decisions and somewhat alters her feelings for her mother. Every so often there is a chapter that brings the story back to the present day and the reader is reminded that this is not going to be a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this story of family relationships, especially the mother-daughter relationship, and also the 'love story' element which is neither sentimental nor contrived.
August 13, 2008
The novel begins with Cass visiting her mother in hospital and then looks back over the journey of Cassandra, then age thirteen, through her life in the sixties with her unconventional mother, who enjoys inviting many strange characters (including “Call me Bill”) to live in her home as she is very much a people person and loves to be surrounded by them. An unfortunate event at home encourages Cassandra’s mum to choose to send her to boarding school, which is the last place Cass wants to be. We follow their relationship into Cassandra’s adulthood when Cassandra chooses to become a nurse and follow the very sad and the funny happenings along the way.
This was a beautifully written book and I delighted at the relationship between mother and daughter and in places the novel was extremely amusing, but in others it was so very sad. I found the first half of the book very absorbing and didn’t want to leave it. I enjoyed the second half of the book too, although felt it was a little stretched out in places, but certainly not enough to deter. I was sad to leave the characters at the end of the book, including all the dogs. All in all I loved the book and would recommend it to those that love an emotional story surrounding relationships and some of the difficulties experienced by differing personalities, especially between mothers and daughters.
This was a beautifully written book and I delighted at the relationship between mother and daughter and in places the novel was extremely amusing, but in others it was so very sad. I found the first half of the book very absorbing and didn’t want to leave it. I enjoyed the second half of the book too, although felt it was a little stretched out in places, but certainly not enough to deter. I was sad to leave the characters at the end of the book, including all the dogs. All in all I loved the book and would recommend it to those that love an emotional story surrounding relationships and some of the difficulties experienced by differing personalities, especially between mothers and daughters.
December 4, 2014
I this was a nice book, but I wouldn't exactly call it a favourite. The Birds, the Bees, and Other Secrets was a touching story about a young girl who grows up to accept and move on from her problems and mistakes. It's also about her as she sits beside her dying mother, remembering the pass that turned her into what she is now. The author managed to write this book in a great way, a series of events that turn things around in ways that you don't expect, like when the baby dies.
The second half of the book wasn't as enjoyable for me, and was a bit too stretched out in places. The story still continued nicely, but I found myself beginning to be slightly bored with the story. The ending was sad, touching, but nicely wrapped up with no loose ends.
I wouldn't really read this book again, but if a touching and eventful story is what you're looking for, I recommend reading this.
The second half of the book wasn't as enjoyable for me, and was a bit too stretched out in places. The story still continued nicely, but I found myself beginning to be slightly bored with the story. The ending was sad, touching, but nicely wrapped up with no loose ends.
I wouldn't really read this book again, but if a touching and eventful story is what you're looking for, I recommend reading this.
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