An absolutely beautiful book. This story is woven so delicately with threads of love, deceit, anger, heartache, secrets, joy and many other imperfections of life. The characters are wonderfully developed and all the little pieces of the puzzle come together nicely at the end. For me this book is stunning.

Two threads in different timelines intertwine in this richly written book: a summer in the 70s, when Rita’s job nannying for the wealthy Harrington family finds her staying with them in an old house deep in the Forest of Dean after a fire ravaged their London home soon after the still-birth of a daughter; and present day, when newly separated Sylvie is trying to cope after her mother had a serious accident. Rita’s story is the most intriguing, but as it develops you begin to understand how the two are tied together. The overall story was compelling and intriguing, too, but I did find all the ends tied up a bit too neatly for comfort. I loved Rita’s character, though, and the rich descriptions of the almost suffocating atmosphere of the forest.

** spoiler alert ** Rita and Sylvie ate the two things that keep this story together.
Both strong and wilful,but so incredibly likeable.
The story takes some turns that at times seem a bit over the top,but all in all,the family drama aspect of it was good.
Thrilled all loose ends were tied up,and I could close the last page,satisfied with all the answers.

I was going to give up at around 20%, so glad I didn't.
After a slow start, I was drawn into the world of Baby Forest, the dysfunctional Harrington family, and Big Rita (as someone who is tall, with large feet, I felt for her)
And in the present day, Sylvie and her daughter Annie.
But most of all, the forest, a character in its own right.
Their stories intertwined slowly, with several "Oh" moments, and damp eyes in a few places, to come to a very satisfying conclusion.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this book.

At the beginning of the book I was unsure if I was going to enjoy it but then something resonated and I found myself drawn into the storytelling. This is the story of two women, Rita and Sylvie that centres around Foxcote Manor in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. This is the second home of the wealthy Harrington family, the father is stern Walter, the mother is Jeannie who is having an affair with odious Don who is a friend of Walter. Some friend. Walter and Jeannie have two children Hera and Teddy to whom Big Rita is the much loved nanny. Rita is exceptionally tall and very striking. The second principal character Sylvie Broom who is recently separated from Steve and they have a daughter Annie. In ways you don’t see initially the Harrington family’s lives intertwine across the generations with those of Rita and Sylvie and what unfolds is an atmospheric and intriguing story. The tale is told in different timeframes by Rita, Sylvie and Hera which works really well.

The characters are very well created and many are very likeable especially Rita and Robbie who Rita meets when she lives at Foxcote in 1971. Robbie is a lovely kind man who helps Rita to heal and cast off a trauma from childhood. Rita is the lynch pin at Foxcote and throughthe book as none of the Harrington family function well without her and nor do her immediate family. The Forest provides a wonderfully atmospheric setting as it is also pivotal to the story which is shown in the clever use of descriptive language that makes it come alive. The Forest is part of the body and soul of Robbie and Sylvie and I find that fascinating. Sylvie's and Annie’s story are also really interesting and I enjoyed how their stories fit well into past events at Foxcote.

The story is well written, the storyline unfolds naturally with some well placed creepy moments, there’s tension where some characters act so horribly that your jaw clenches but it’s also peppered with humour which I especially like. There are some surprising revelations although some you do see coming but that doesn’t mar the enjoyment. The ending pulls the whole story together and is heart warming and makes you smile. Overall a very enjoyable read with lots of elements that keeps you interested.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin, Michael Joseph for the ARC.

I didn't really take to this book, I found it to be too slow and although I tried I couldn't get into it, hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did.

Although well-written with detailed characters and an evocative landscape the story just did not do anything for me other than to feel frustrated and somewhat bemused. Jumping between, usually, two time frames and each chapter being from a different person's point of view is clearly the fashion of the day but, this time, didn't work for me either. There is Jeannie, clearly suffering from serious post-natal depression, if nothing more, after the loss of the baby, her two children, workaholic husband and splendid nanny. They run off to an old manor, sans husband, somewhere in the west country but nanny Rita has to act as spy for husband (feeling guilty none the less) to find manor complete with dour housekeeper, also spying for husband. Modern time-frame, old lady suffers stroke, her daughter also runs off from husband with their 18 year old daughter - brilliant student with place offered from Cambridge and she gets pregnant. All had traumas in their backgrounds, and foregrounds. Eventually gathered that old lady equals Nanny but then lost the will to go on. Although no doubt a moving story I just couldn't get to grips with the characters and only managed 38%, then thought - nope, there are more interesting and captivating books out there for me. I'm glad for the author and publisher that the other reviewers so far have loved it, just not for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have loved the other books by Eve Chase and this one is no different. Atmospheric and charming, interesting and immersive. Set in the forest of dean in a manor house, the timeline flit from 1970s to the present day and it's all very gripping. It's a book that starts with a shocking incident which then has repercussions for the future. Everything is so vividly drawn; the house, the forest, the essence of that forest. I was capitvated and lingered over the luscious descriptions. I could see this on the TV, such were the vivid images I got when reading it.

This is the kind of novel I love - slow burn, gently taking the reader on a journey. I do love a thriller as well but books like this are the ones I read on the sofa on a sunday and remember why I love the escapism that books can bring.

Full review when I have digested this book but totally recommended from me!

I loved this book. It is a well-written mystery which switches between mysterious events in 1971, and the present day. Although there weren't too many surprises, the story is compelling, with well-drawn characters, and the author conjures up the atmosphere of 1971 very well, I would thoroughly recommend this book as a good read.

This is a beautifully written and enthralling family mystery spanning 1971 to present day. The forest surrounding Foxcote in 1971 is almost a character on its own, and exudes a sinister aura in a way that keeps the reader on edge, just waiting for something bad to happen. The characters are all flawed in some way, and very credible as a result, if not always likeable. A thoroughly absorbing read.