Secrets at the Ambrose Cafe is an unforgettable tale that takes place in England in 1925. The country is trying to move forward in fixing the damage caused by the Great War. Two girls from different social backgrounds meet and soon become very close. However, will this newfound closeness that is often frowned upon in society ruin their chances at persuing their dream careers. This is a story filled with artistic talent, baking, and a great deal of blackmail.
We are first introduced to Della who works at a cafe as a baker who was dreams of attending a culinary school in France. However she is sole breadwinner for her family since her father passed in the war. One day while working an event at the cafe she meets a a stranger who becomes so much more.
Alice is the sort of girl who seems to have it all a wealthy family, a big house, and ect. However, she feels the need to hide away her artistic talent because she knows that they would never approve. Her life changes when she meets Della and asks her to pose for a portrait that Alice is working on.
While working on the portrait Alice and Della find themselves growing closer and that growing closeness is soon becoming more than friends. However, society shuns those who go against the laws of nature. Things start to get worse when they find themselves to be the target of blackmail to keep their secrets. Will they be able to defeat those that threaten to destroy them or will it all come down crashing and burning.
Overall I was quite impressed with this novel. It was exciting from beginning to end and it kept me on my toes the whole time.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.