The first thing that caught me was that it was going to based during Summer, I'm loving these books at the moment, especially when we get the crazy weather we've had recently - I mean snow!!?

Anyway, I digress! I really enjoyed this book, it had a lot of hidden depths that I really wasn't expecting and a few twists and reveals that were big surprises. The 'Secrets' element of the title definitely came true! When I first read about the accidental death of Lizzie's parents and especially Aunt Fiona's reaction, I had a sense that something wasn't quite as it seemed, and it seemed more than just about the current estrangement.

I really liked the character of Lizzie, such a brave character being able to stand up for her own views and standing by her decisions even when things didn't seem to be panning out the way she'd imagined. Despite me not being brave enough to get a tattoo, this book was full of loads of interesting facts and definitely made me more intrigued about tattoo art. Her drawings also gave me Wrendale vibes, bringing nature to life in such a lovely way, I could just imagine being sat down by the cottage stream with a big mug of tea and a book!

When Lizzie started investigating her past and searching the cottage I got so sucked in, I wanted to know what she was going to find and how things would develop. Like I said, I could not have guessed the actual ending but I absolutely loved it and it fitted in completely.

This book really grabbed me and not just because of the secrets and reveals, I'm making it sound a bit like a drama book but I would stick with it being women's fiction. I mean as soon as you meet the neighbourly postman you'll know what I mean ;)

Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage is the latest story by the wonderful Samantha Tonge, an author who I have always found myself eagerly awaiting her latest release!. With a truly inviting cover, and a description that really captures your attention, I couldn’t wait to dive in to this book.

Lizzie has had a rather sheltered life with her overprotective parents, who clearly adore their daughter and want to keep her safe from life’s dangers. That all changes when Lizzie goes off to university, and suddenly her eyes are well and truly opened to all that life has to offer, and an abundance of opportunities that are ahead of her.

With Lizzie making this decision to stray away from the life her parents had mapped out for her, the relationship between herself and her parents becomes rather strained, resulting in no contact between them for several years. When Lizzie receives the news that her parents have passed away she is left with conflicting emotions about their passing and the relationship she lost with them. She later learns of a property that her parents had kept hidden from her, and Lizzie finds herself wondering what secrets this cottage could hold.

With a sheer determination to uncover the mystery of this property, Lizzie decides the best way to get the answers she needs is to stay there for a month, in the hope that whilst doing so the walls will reveal the secrets they hold, and help uncover the life in which her parents lived.

This was such a fascinating story that grasped my attention from the start. Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage is a book that is full to the brim with family drama and secrets, alongside tragedy and loss. Samantha Tonge has such a wonderful way with words, you find yourself lost within the pages of the book as the story well and truly consumes you. Lizzie is such a refreshing character who it is practically impossible to not feel for throughout this story. She has certainly faced her own share of hardships throughout the years, but I adore the way in which she is true to herself and who she is – despite the obstacles she has had to overcome.

Streamside Cottage was truly enchanting and really captured my heart. Alongside the beautiful village and the delightful people that we meet during Lizzie’s stay there, the place certainly secures a place in your heart. All of the characters were an absolute joy, each of them bringing something new to this gorgeous story.

Beautifully written, full of emotion and with the most charming of storylines, this is one of those books that you fall in love with from the start.

A truly amazing, multi-faceted tale, the outcome of which will leave you lost for words. A beautiful story about a hidden past; about family, love, sorrow and guilt, intertwined with the buds of a fresh start. A veritable noeud de vipères’. A book to be put at the top of not only your ‘to read’ list, but of your ‘to do’ list.

This story starts with a tragedy and a mystery. Lizzie’s estranged parents are very sadly killed in an accident. Up until their estrangement around 6 years ago, they used to share everything – or so Lizzie thought. They had however always been rather over protective of Lizzie and she had lived a rather sheltered childhood.

Upon visiting her parents solicitor, Lizzie discovers that they had bought a cottage in the countryside in a village called Leafton, around twenty years ago. They left the cottage to Lizzie’s Aunt Fiona. Lizzie cannot understand how she did not know about the cottage, and in a bid to find some answers, she rents the cottage for a month. When she arrives at Streamside Cottage and lets people know where she is staying, it is fair to say that people are behaving strangely towards her. Ben, the local postie does however seem to be going above and beyond to help Lizzie; help that she gratefully receives.

The mysteries surrounding the cottage and Lizzie’s relationship with her parents are eventually unravelled, but the revelations are beyond my wildest imagination! You simply must read the book to find out what happened in the past!

I found ‘Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage’ a wonderful addition to Samantha Tonge’s books. I loved that the main character Lizzie was a tattoo artist. I have a few tattoos myself and I’m constantly considering a few more, and the only person I trust with my skin is a close female friend who is an incredibly talented tattoo artist. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of a fact about tattoos at the start of each chapter.

I love secrets and I found the secrets in this novel were fascinating. I really thought I had it figured out but I was so wrong! Families can be so complex, and the secrets that bound Lizzie’s family were difficult. Being estranged from her over-protective parents before they died shaped the person that Lizzie was. It wasn’t initially clear what had caused the estrangement but this became clearer as the story progressed.

I thought the fictional location of Leafton sounded wonderful and I adored the community vibe. I thought the villagers were all lovely, particularly Ben and Jill. I also loved the romance, and the way it brought cohesion to the storyline.

I found it an intricately woven story that absolutely captured my heart, and made Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage my favourite Samantha Tonge book.

Really enjoyed this book which was full of surprises. I now know more about the art of tattooing than I did before and found it unexpectedly interesting. Of course, this isn't the main story, but that too leaves the reader full of surprises. As Lizzie tries to unravel the secrets of the past, it doesn't unravel as she or the reader might expect. The twist isn't overly contrived but comes as a shock nonetheless. A story that will grab you and make you keep on reading. Definitely one for the summer.

A fabulous engaging story that captured my imagination instantly. Great characters, especially Lizzie who you just felt for completely, her upbringing wasn’t the normal one and you could really see how it effected her even as an adult.
It was fabulous to see her find her place in the new community that she moves to.
The twists were unexpected and intriguing!
Overall a fascinating story that kept me turning the pages avidly 📖

This was a great read from established author, Tonge, and I hope it won’t be my last. The beautiful, inviting cover makes the setting appear as idyllic as it sounds. Take a trip to Leafton and you won’t be disappointed.

The theme of this story is secrets. Lizzie believes there is more to the estranged relationship she held with her late parents and, after grief sees self-doubt creep in, Lizzie temporarily moves to Leafton for a break away from her busy norm. However, Streamside Cottage, owned by her parents for many years, seems to have its own history. Lizzie cannot understand why her parents remained detached from such a beautiful location and starts to uncover family history that she was completely unaware of. Along the way, Lizzie makes many friends in the village and realises that perhaps her life in London was not as fulfilling as she had realised.

Chapters do switch to the past, allowing readers to gain an insight into Lizzie’s relationship with her then-boyfriend and what caused the strain between her and her parents. We see a very different Lizzie to the present-day version as readers witness how much Lizzie was influenced (and controlled) by her parents and their decisions. The scenes where we watch the argument between Lizzie and her parents were considerably heart-breaking but made the present-day narrative so much more meaningful. I could not imagine the heart-ache that Lizzie experienced after such harsh words were exchanged and could really sympathise with her frustration and loneliness.

However, whilst you may think that this premise means the book is too similar to other stories, then think again! Lizzie’s occupation as a tattoo artist follows her to Leafton and I did laugh at the covert tattooing that Lizzie finds herself doing to the villagers. It allows Lizzie to express herself and realise she does miss this aspect of life that is left behind in London. Furthermore, Tonge opens each chapter with a tattoo fact – leading me to get highly distracted and do some cheeky internet searches as a result! I thought this was a great addition to the novel, especially as I tried to work out the link between the fact and the chapter’s content.

Lizzie is a likeable, vivid character who has been scarred by her past. The friends she meets at Leafton and the adoption of Taz, the cat, means she finds it difficult to not establish herself in this quaint village. Whilst Lizzie has inklings that her parents may have been hidings things from her, I liked the emphasis that Tong puts on Streamside Cottage and, despite the beautiful location, it appears to have a history as well. Therefore, it is as if Lizzie is the catalyst and, through her investigations, brings past and present together.

I really enjoyed this summery read from Tong and thought it provided lovely escapism. This is a great beach read and I liked watching Lizzie evolve over the story. I could intricately picture Streamside Cottage, hear the babbling waters at the bottom of the garden, and found myself wishing that I too, could join Lizzie in Leafton.

With thanks to Aria books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You know you've read a good story when you get to the end and are gutted there's no more. This is literally how I felt with Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage. However, author Samantha Tonge, had me so absorbed by this story I feel as if I could continue and imagine what comes next for the characters I've grown to love.

Lizzie has had quite a sheltered upbringing with loving but over protective parents but when she goes off to university Lizzie's eyes are opened to lots of new opportunities. When Lizzie's path takes a different direction to the one her parents had mapped out relations between parent and child becomes very strained. Several years have now passed and Lizzie receives devastating news of the death of her parents. She later learns of a property their parents kept hidden from her and wonders what others secrets were boxed up?

Determined to find out the mystery of the property in the country Lizzie decides to stay in the cottage for a month with the hope the walls wills help reveal the life her parents had.

Samantha Tonge has written a modern day family saga filled with mystery and intrigue, tragedy and longing, forgiveness and new beginnings. I was so absorbed in Lizzie's journey for the truth but I was also falling in love with this new temporary life Lizzie had stepped into. The cottage sounded so idyllic but also a little like stepping in a time warp as time left like it had stood still within the walls. Lizzie's character was very warm and friendly and you soon become invested for her happiness.

Streamside Cottage charmed me but also the village and it's residents welcomed me with open arms. The storyline was very emotive and tragic at times with a loss so great I felt overwhelmed with my emotions.

A wonderfully spun story of the struggles of life, love, acceptance and new beginnings.

Lizzie has spent the last few years estranged from her parents after a 'stupid' disagreement so when they suddenly pass away her chance to make peace with them is stolen too. Despite their estrangement Lizzie inherits their property portfolio, all except one cottage in the small village of Leafton which she had no idea existed. Her aunt who was left the mysterious Streamside Cottage isn't forthcoming with answers surrounding it's mystery but Lizzie follows her instinct to find out more; deciding to rent the property for the summer.

Time away from her busy city life as a tattoo artist is certainly what she needs after the devastating news of her parents death's but she soon finds herself entwinned with village life and the more digging she does the more she seems to uncover about the secrets that lurk not only within Streamside Cottage but also the connections they have with the local residents.

This story is filled with a colourful cast of relatable characters who all have secrets and it was a joy being drip fed information throughout the book in order to discover the truth about Streamside Cottage. Our protagonist Lizzie is such a likeable, determined and strong willed character despite being brought up by her somewhat over bearing parents who would have wrapped her in cotton wool if they could have. I particularly enjoyed learning more about her career as a tattoo artist both through the story and also the facts that feature at the beginning of each chapter which I found fascinating as I'll happily admit I know very little about tattoo's!

The pacing of this book is fabulous with each chapter leaving you wanting more, making it nigh on impossible to put it down! This book is a real page turner that'll make the perfect read to enjoy as the weather warms up; make yourself comfy in the garden (or by a stream if you are able), grab a drink and settle in for an amazing read filled with family, secrets and mystery with a hint of romance thrown in for good measure.

Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage is yet another triumph from Samantha Tonge who consistently brings something new and fresh to the table with each release. Her easy writing style lends itself to a host of genres and she truly excels in this mystery focused story. I've said it before but I'll say it again, Tonge has quickly become one of my all time favourite authors and just keeps getting better and better so if you have yet to read something from Samantha I'd highly recommend picking up some of her books.

When Lizzie's parents die, she finds out they never told her a lot of things, and that includes that they had a property, Streamside Cottage.

Lizzie decides to stay at the house and little by little discovers her parents' and family's, secrets along the way. I have reviewed a lot of books with a plot where a family death leads to a character going back home or to where their parents lived and uncovering past secrets along the way.

It is a plotline I always enjoy but it usually follows the same type of route.

This is not so with Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage. In her latest novel, Samantha Tonge has created an entirely unique character in Lizzie and the most surprising thing about her is her job. She is a tattoo artist. I have only had a henna tattoo or a stick-on tattoo in my life and I personally would not get a real one, but I know that for some people tattoos are a way of showing what they have been through in life. I thought it was a very interesting job for her to have and that it, for me, tied in well with the discovery of secrets because you also don't know what peoples' tattoos represent unless they tell you.

I got a good insight into the job this way.

I was very eager to find out about the house and something else that was unique was the fact that Lizzie did not even know that the house existed. This was a great plot twist, since in other novels characters are often aware that a property exists or it is at least a second home or a holiday home. I felt that there were so many secrets for Lizzie to discover.

Who were her parents really?

This novel really begs the question: do we really know our parents? And how much do we really get to know those close to us?

The conflicts and relationships in the book were realistic and the setting was excellently portrayed.

How will Lizzie's search go? Will she find the answers she is looking for and the closure she needs to move on? Will she find love?

I adore Samantha Tonge's books and have now reviewed them all. I am thrilled to have an ARC of her latest. Thanks to Samantha Tonge and Aria & Aries for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars

I enjoyed this book. Having a main character that doesn’t conform to the norms of how characters in the genre look, and having a different career was a refreshing change. And it is this difference & career that forms a great deal of the back-story for the main character, Lizzie, but her story includes so much more than she, or we, expect.
Set in an idyllic sounding village, the descriptions were a little Disney-fied for my liking (how many animals can you spot in one go?! It was as if the author wanted to have it so idyllic she went into cute wild animal over-drive I was almost imaging Snow White with all her animal friends). That said, it was an enjoyable book about families, loss and hidden secrets that will eventually come out. Again, I felt the storyline a little too far-fetched, but went along with it anyway, it is fiction after all, and I did enjoy reading it - I read it over two nights as I found myself reading well beyond the time I should have as I was hooked into the story & wanted to find out what happened.
A good read, if a little unbelievable at times, I found myself rooting for Lizzie as she begins to find her real story and along with it finds romance.

Lizzie is distraught that her parents died before they could reconcile from a rift caused...well-no spoilers from me. She's also stunned to discover that they owned Streamside Cottage in Leafton, which is totally not what she would have expected from her urbane parents. So what to do? She heads to Leafton, where she finds stony faces until she meets Ben. I liked the tidbits about tattoos which open each chapter (I learned quite a bit). While the plot is a bit trope-y in spots, it's bigger than I expected as Lizzie learns about her family and herself. She's a good, relatable, sympathetic character. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An excellent read I very much enjoyed.

Well this is the first time I've seen a tattoo artist as a main character. I learned something about tattoos here - especially since I've had no exposure to them. Lizzie is the main character, and when her parents died she learned of a cottage they owned - Streamside Cottage, so she went to stay there to find out more about it. She gets a little more than she bargained for when her stay lengthens and she uncovers family secrets. Did she really know her parents? There's a little romance in the picture as well.

An interesting book and a good plot. I enjoyed the story and liked the quirky, independent Lizzie. This was well-written and kept my attention throughout. I'd be happy to recommend it to friends.

Thanks to Aria & Aries through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley, Samantha Tonge and Aria & Aries for the ARC of Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage. This is my personal review.
This is the first book I have read by Samantha Tonge and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Lizzie had not spoken to her parents in many years and when she received the heartbreaking news of the accident that took them from her, she starts to learn of secrets they had kept from her. They owned Streamside Cottage in the small village of Leafton. She knows she must go and find out more of her parents’ life and why they never told her about this place.
You have to read this to find out all about the secret, mystery and romance in Lizzie’s life.

Breathless!
That's how I feel as I finished up this novel five minutes ago and am still catching my breath. 'Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage' is a story that will stay with me for a long, long time. Lizzie's story oozes quality and shamelessly tugs at the heart strings. Honestly, if you're heart doesn't go out to her by the end, then sorry, your emotion chip needs resetting.
Is it possible for an inanimate object like a cottage to be both the cause of almost impossible heartbreak and the redemption? Well, to find out, you'll just have to read this new novel from the wonderful Samantha Tonge. Ms Tonge displays her customary high standard of character description and development. Everyone from Lizzie to Taz the kitten are so well designed; I could easily see myself living in the village, it sounds so beautiful!
My thanks to Aria and Netgalley for the reading copy.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It took a little while to get into the book but it was worth it as the plot developed and the stories unfolded. A good twist toward the end and a very enjoyable read.

When Lizzie's estranged parents suddenly pass away, she learns that they have a secret cottage in the reading of their will.
Deciding that in order to move on and possibly answer questions left by her mum and dad, Lizzie goes to stay in Streamside Cottage to uncover the past.
A beautiful story in an equally fabulous setting. Bursting with interesting characters that kept me reading late into the night.
I loved that even though it was an easy read with a happy end. It wasn't dikly sweet or typical. The characters were complicated and quirky.
The writingbstyle was clever and landed you straight into Lizzie's shoes and innermost thoughts.
I absolutely devoured the book in two sittings and would love to find out where the fiesty Lizzie goes next.
An excellent Summer read!

Thanks to Aria & Aries and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Estranged from her overprotective parents , tattoo artist, Lizzie thinks she has all the time in the world to be reunited until they are sadly killed in an accident. A family cottage in the village of Leafton is left to her aunt in their wills. A cottage which Lizzie knew nothing of but she rents it and slowly but surely, the cottage and the village begin to reveal their secrets.

Really enjoyed this book - partly told in flashback to give us a background. Loved finding out about the past with Lizzie and thanks to the interesting narrative felt I was in the story with the characters.

A really great read.I really enjoyed this story, Lizzie is estranged from her parents,and when an accident happens she decides to rent a cottage that belongs to her parents, and where lots of the secrets about her past are finally uncovered. She is a great character and her love of art and her job as a tattoo artist shines through the story, which is well written with an ending I wasn't expecting but was perfect. A 5 🌟read

Oh my goodness what a fabulous read Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage was. Lizzie discovers her parents owned a cottage when their will is read. The cottage is left to her Aunt Fiona, Lizzie knows nothing about the house.

The village of Leafton has that wonderful community feel and Lizzie feels at home after living in the buzz of London. She had led quite a sheltered childhood as her parents were overly protective, and I mean really over the top protective. Leaving home to go to Uni was an ey opener and this led to her starting to stand on her own two feet causing a rift between daughter and parents. Staying in the secretive property will give Lizzie a chance to find out more about her past and parents. But are the locals of the village willing to share their secrets?

This is such a wonderful read that I absolutely adored from the first few paragraphs. It is told in a now and past format, the way the past is told works well with the Now part of the story. It is told in gradual back steps through the years and links in with Lizzie's discoveries. There are more secrets to be unearthed than the obvious and these cause more than a few emotional discoveries and admissions for some of the characters.

I really liked how the author used a tattooist as the main protagonist. Even though tattoos are more accepted there is still a stigma attached. It would have been easy to give Lizzie a harder time as she does have artwork adorning her skin, but the author went down a more acceptable route and I liked how it was woven into the story with explanations. I am slightly biased about tattoos as I do have three of my own.

The sense of things being secretive and hidden was wonderful, at times with the sense that there was something much deeper to come. Weaving the locals and their stories into the story of Lizzie was a really good way of adding intrigue. While the locals are supportive there is a feeling that there is more that needs to be told.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it is one of family and accepting the past, of heartbreaking discoveries. While it is a rom-com and it has a nice romantic thread, this feels more serious as there are some more serious issues that are dealt with. It is one for those who like a romance with a touch more suspense to it and it is one I would definitely recommend.