Secrets At Maple Syrup Farm

Written by Rebecca Raisin

Narrated by Daniela Acitelli

A small town, opposites attract romance, perfect for cozying up with by the fire this Autumn.

‘Rebecca’s stories are like a warm hug, gently enticing you into the heart of Ashford life, making you feel you belong there… an absolute joy from start to finish’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Paris Baker’s Book Nook

Lucy would do anything for her mom…but she never expected to end up promising to leave her. After her mom got sick, Lucy dropped everything to take care of her, working all hours in a greasy diner just to make ends meet and spending every spare moments she had by her mom’s hospital bedside.

Now, Lucy is faced with a whole year of living by her own rules, starting by taking the first bus out of town to anywhere…

Except she didn’t expect to find her next big adventure just around the corner! Especially when on her first day in town she bumps into grumpy, but oh-so-delicious Clay amidst the maple trees. Surrounded by the magic of Ashford, Lucy has the chance to change her life forever and finally discover a life she wants to live!

Fall in love with Ashford, Connecticut in this dazzling and beautiful romance from bestselling author Rebecca Raisin.

What readers are saying about Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm

‘[Rebecca Raisin] is a modern Maeve Binchy’ – Books for Bunny

‘A touching story mixed with laughter and secrets, a reminder of how important it is to live your own life’ – Reviewed the Book

‘I smiled, laughed and cried throughout Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm. If you like me are looking for a read that will pull at your heart strings, make you smile and awww then this is a book for you.’ – Crooks on Books

‘another wonderful story set in Ashford and her beautiful writing always adds this unique atmosphere.’ – Sky’s Book Corner

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Jul 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9780008421571

Rebecca Raisin

Rebecca Raisin is the author of several novels, including the beloved Little Paris series and the Gingerbread Café trilogy, and her short stories have been published in various anthologies and fiction magazines. You can follow Rebecca on Facebook, and at www.rebeccaraisin.com

Reviews for Secrets At Maple Syrup Farm

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Secrets of Maple Syrup Farm by Rebecca Raisin is a 2015 Carina UK publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As sad as I was to say goodbye to the wonderful folks at the Gingerbread Cafe, I couldn't wait to see what new adventures Rebecca Raisin had in story for us. This new book is centered around Lucy, a young woman who has put her dreams on hold in order to care for her chronically ill mother. But, when her mother begs her to take a year off and travel, and apply to a prestigious art school in order to start lining out her future, Lucy is torn, but she can't say no to what could be her mother's dying wish. So, arrangements are made with Lucy's aunt, a woman who is estranged from Lucy's mother, but who promises to step up and take care of her while Lucy is away. The deal was for Lucy to hop on the first bus she comes to and let the adventure work it's way out according to the way fate would have it... and wouldn't you know, Lucy meets a woman on the bus named Cee Cee, who tells her all about a Maple farm in Ashford, Connecticut, and a young man named Clay who recently inherited the farm and is in dire need of help....While I loved the light and cozy stories of the Gingerbread Cafe, I would have to say this author really outdid herself with this one. Only a few minor complaints, mainly that a few areas of the story were not explained in full or glossed over and not fleshed out enough, such as the malady Lucy's mom suffered from. Other than that, the characters literally come to life and the story is so touching and sweet, I found myself checking my supply of tissues. Clay is closed off, more stubborn than a mule, cynical, and obviously hurt and bitter. At times he had me so frustrated I felt like Lucy did and wanted to hit him over the head with a baseball bat. But, of course we know he must have been raked over the coals in the past to have become so disillusioned about love, and to have lost all his faith in humanity. Lucy, is a delightful character full of courage and hope, but also has her secrets and insecurities. I loved watching her chisel away at Clay's stone like exterior a little at a time. Her enthusiasm and optimism is in stark contrast to Clay's personality, but it seems it might be catching, as Clay seems incapable of holding on to his stoicism when she is in his presence, although he certainly fights her every step of the way. The side story of a set of journals Lucy unearths, apparently written by Clay's uncle, the man he inherited the farm from, tells of a tragic love story, epic in the tradition of Romeo and Juliet as it ended without a traditional happy ever after, but the man's deep love for his lost lover was such an inspiration for Lucy as she saw in him a kindred spirit. “I closed the journal, running a hand along it's cover. 'Most people would die to find a love like he describes. “Was it worth it though? He spent the rest of his life missing her.”“How could he not get it?” Clay obviously didn't feel love as deeply. “ Of course it was! Because he loved her with everything: his soul, his heart, his body. She was his world, so the real world faded to black. Don't you see? He found another kind of beauty here. And he could see her here. He wasn't hiding , he was seeking salvation the only way he knew how.” “ He loved her fiercely, he couldn't function without her. He's a hero, really. A proper real life hero, who worshiped a woman above all else”. The mystery surrounding Clay's uncle and his sketches added a surprising twist to the story and touched Clay and Lucy personally. The procedure of making maple syrup was fascinating, and I enjoyed learning about this process. It was also a delight to touch base with Cee Cee and Lil and I enjoyed the occasional forays into the Gingerbread cafe. This story is a tiny bit edgier than previous books by this author, as she adds in some real conflict and evokes a stronger emotional response in the reader, but still holds true to the magical atmosphere we have come to love surrounding Ashford, Connecticut. The writing is crisp and sharp, the characters well defined, and the story is warm and inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to romance lovers of all kinds. 4.5 stars