This is a family epic which concentrates on a number of the members of the family. The story is split into time periods and told specifically about one of the characters during that time. In the following time period the focus changes. It is not told in the first person as one would expect from this approach. The Salignac's are an old wine growing family in Burgundy which slowly and painfully tears itself apart.

I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book with its interesting, well-drawn characters who were possibly predictable in the way they behaved. A few were set on self destruction, others were cool and aloof and some ran away from their responsibilities. The legend of the butterflies runs through the book and it has a powerful influence on some of the characters. The descriptions of the chateau and the vineyard were sparse, as were its workings, it is the behaviour of the characters of the book that are most vivid.

It is this behaviour which gave me most trouble. I did not feel that some of the actions of the characters were true to their earlier character and this made me uncomfortable. I also felt that in the last third of the book there were a few discrepancies over the ages of the younger generation. This section was suddenly rushed. Eight years were covered in a few short chapters with no detail. As if the author had a plan of events to fit in but had run out of word count. Perhaps, it would have been better as two books?

This is a book which will appeal to those who enjoy books about society between the wars in Britain. It does seem to reflect a substantial amount of research into France and the higher echelons of society at this time.

Oh my, I was so excited when I saw that Tilly Bagshawe had a new book out; it’s been quite some time!
I used to have just five favourite authors that I would obsessively search to see if they had a new book for me to read. Tilly was one of these five. I’ve since broadened my reading genres and have about 100 authors that I keep an eye on, but anything by my original five will more than pique my interest.
This book was well worth the wait, and I’d forgotten how it felt to be swept away by one of her family sagas.
Even though it is quite a chonker of a book with 512 pages, it didn’t feel like it was a struggle to get through, and I was even sad when it was over. The characters are wonderfully developed, and the writing was just sublime.
I’m both happy and sad to have read this. Happy that it met all of my expectations and thankful for this amazing author to have brought a new book out after so long. Sad because I’ve now finished reading it, and who knows how long I will have to wait for another.
Without a doubt a five-star read.

Starting between the Wars, this book has a definite feel of Gone with the Wind - an almost idyllic, carefree childhood for Elise.
Then came the WW2, and with it, everything changed.
I loved this saga, its twists and turns, its interesting characters. And just when I thought it was winding down towards the end…it all flared up again, galloping to an exciting climax! I loved it!

This is the Saga of the Salignac Family in Burgundy France spanning from the 1920's to the 1970s.

The story encompasses the lives of Lois and Therese and their children Alex, Elise and Didier and their vineyard and its magical setting.

This is a great story with a wealth of interesting storylines which end up all over the world and lots of twists and turns, very well written and not just a feel good factor read which makes it a more realistic story.

Enjoyable read.

This is an impressive family saga, spanning several generations during the 20th century. Lovers of romance and wine will be enraptured by the story. Nicely written, with hints of humour, but more about families being torn apart by individuals jealous pursuits regardless of the impact their behaviours have on others. Initially I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue with this novel, but soon gone drawn into the lives of the characters and my perseverance paid off as I really enjoyed this novel, it’s characters and the setting.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable but very long winded and far too much time spent on minute details. Would probably work very well as a TV series as a lot of the padding would be chopped out. Not a bad read- good for the beach

A really enjoyable and lovely read. It was well written with good characters, a good storyline and a beautiful setting. I really enjoyed it.

I've read a few of Tilly Bagshawe's books, and so was exited to read her newest, which did not disappoint.
Spanning 50 years, a full of evocative locations, it was a book to make you want to sit in the sun and drink wine - preferably while reading a good book - especially on a cold, dark winter's day. Flitting between characters, each of whom was compelling if not fully realised, the story was interesting and engaging, though some of the twists were a bit convenient. An epilogue would have rounded things off more completely, seeing where it ended, but overall an enjoyable and refreshing read.

An enjoyable read. Not over complicated but with a large enough set of characters to keep the reader interested. I haven’t read anything by this author before but will now be searching out her previous work.

A really lovely weekend read. The Secrets of Sainte Madeleine, a vineyard set in France tells the story of the Salignacs family over a period of about 60 years from the early 1920s through WWII and after. Yes, it is a family saga and it is a really enjoyable read.

Tilly Bagshawe has weaved a larger than life family saga set in the most gorgeous setting possible, in France. The plot is as masterful as ever, and the characters are brave and inspiring. Loved it!

Set over the course of 60 years, The Secrets of Sainte Madeleine follows the Salignacs family and the love they have for their family home and the accompanying vineyards.

Great book with an excellent story line. An easy and enjoyable read.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really enjoy this authors style of writing and I thought that this book was a great read, great characters, lovely location and most importantly a great storyline. Would recommend.

Having read all of Tilly Bagshawe's previous novel, its been a while since she released new work and I couldn't wait to get stuck into her novel.
Set in France on a vineyard called Sainte Madeleine, the story opens with a family comprising of Therese, Louis (parents) and their three children Didier, Alexandre and Elise.
As the years progress, the profitability of the vineyard is tumultuous as is the relationship between Therese and Louis. During Christmas time, their cousins Laurent and Thierry visit the vineyard and Elise falls head over heels with his distant cousin Laurent.
The love story plays out over many years, throughout the war, marriages, deaths and births. It mainly concentrates on Elise and Alex but also features Alex.

It is perfect escapism and I truly enjoyed reading it,