This novel is delightful, fascinating and engrossing demanding complete attention from the reader. 

Two women, two time periods, two stories.

Ellen, a young girl in 1919 working as a maid in a larger country house.  Set in County Meath in the midst of a growing war between the Irish and the English, Ellen is almost coerced into choosing a side despite being unsure of her feelings.  Swept up by love and loyalty, Ellen finds herself becoming involved and doing things she never dreamed of.

A hundred years later and Clare has inherited a run-down farmhouse in County Meath belonging to her uncle.  Leaving her husband in England to start a new life, Clare's story is that of new beginnings but also of embracing your family history and discovering who your really are.  

I found the historical aspect of this novel beautifully and sensitively written and fascinating from the perspective of someone who knows very little about this time.  As a child of the 80s I grew up hearing snippets about 'the troubles' in Ireland but at that age you never realise that it's one biased perspective.  Ms McGurl writes about this in a way that sheds light on what things were like for the Irish people and their beliefs that led to those circumstances.  Such a touching and emotive subject in itself.

The character development in the novel is superb.  In 1919 Ellen is faced with difficult choices to make in order to prove love and loyalty but remains a strong character throughout.  In 2016 Clare finds her strength by leaving her husband and finding out about her family.  Both women's stories leave you feeling so connected to them and are  inspiring to follow as the develop throughout the book.

HIghly recommended!

I do not know much about Irish history, the formation of Northern Ireland and its complex relationship with Britain except from the odd bits I have picked up from the news and books. In the present day political climate it has never been more important to learn and I’m grateful for the insight this book gave me into the War of Independence and beyond. I appreciated the summary of events at the beginning which helped in the understanding Ellen’s story.

The Forgotten Secret has a dual timeline. One story is set in 1996 with Clare finding her feet as she claims her independence from her overbearing husband after she inherits a tumbling down cottage in Ireland. The other follows Ellen as she gets a job as a maid in 1919. Clashes between the Irish volunteers and the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) turn her life turned upside down. Loyalties between family and friends are stretched to the limits. Reading about the past events and people’s lives in Ireland was shocking and left me reeling. It started many conversations which is always a good by-product of a well researched novel.

Both characters intrigued me; they were both stronger than they thought they could be and working towards independence but it was Ellen and the increased tension building in her life which drove the novel forward. From the beginning, I needed to know what happened to her and her childhood sweetheart. Kathleen McGurl captured the fear of the time with her words. It was only as Clare’s story unfolded and the farmhouse revealed the keys to the mystery in her family I formed a solid connection to her. By the end, I was hooked on both timelines.

WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes, it is an emotional, thought-provoking read with strong women finding their own way. The blend of history, love and mystery makes it a good book for reading under the duvet or in the garden enjoying the sun. I have never read any of the author’s book before so I am delighted to add some more books to my TBR.

I like to read a wide range of books – you’ll find a bit of all sorts here on Being Anne. But if you ever pinned me in a corner and asked me to whisper the kind of books I enjoy the most, you might just get me to say “books like this one” – a well researched historical thread, a contemporary one of equal strength about fresh starts and new beginnings, a story I could escape into, a touch of romance, something that ignites the imagination and engages your emotions. And I was delighted to find that the contemporary story featured something else I often look for – more mature characters wrestling realistically with issues I could recognise and identify with.

Although I’ve come across a few books featuring Ireland’s turbulent history, I must say that I really appreciated the author’s historical note that starts the book – a really nice clear introduction to the context for the historical thread and the brutality of the War of Independence. And its impact is wonderfully recreated in the book’s pages, young Ellen becoming inadvertently involved in the fight for freedom, with a stirring and emotionally engaging love story nicely balanced with an insight into the lives of ordinary people.

This is a story you really live, wonderfully told, impeccably researched – from the brushes with the RIC and Black and Tans through to the insights into the appalling cruelty of the Magdalene laundries. The characters are particularly well drawn too – Ellen herself easily wins your heart as you witness her daily struggle, but I also particularly liked the portrayal of Madame Carlton, and even Ellen’s horrendous father has a degree of complexity that brings him to life on the page. The detail in the story is quite fascinating and thoroughly shocking – from the tyranny of the roadblocks to families leaving their homes to sleep under hedges to avoid the casual and arrogant brutality, with a horrifying disregard for life.

The struggle for independence is nicely mirrored in the contemporary story, but this is independence of a more personal kind, as Clare tries to escape her stifling marriage and achieve some happiness of her own. I very much liked her courage, her relationship with her adult sons, her friendships, and her tentative steps into a new life and new relationship – perhaps the less said about husband Paul the better, but his character (however obnoxious) was quite wonderfully created, his interventions introducing some real present-day drama and tension to the story.

Blackstown might be a fictional setting, but it’s wonderfully drawn in both past and present – the farmhouse itself is very “real” too, as Clare explores its nooks and crannies while making it her home. And I particularly liked the way the two stories were tied together through her discoveries – inside a chair and while renovating the outbuildings – and loved the way the threads were brought together towards their conclusions.

I found it absolutely compelling, and a wonderful read – the author is an accomplished story-teller, with a sureness of touch whether recreating the past or handling a contemporary story. The comparison with Gill Paul and Kate Morton, who are two of my personal favourites, is wholly justified: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend to others. And maybe I should now go back and catch up on the other books I’ve missed…

More than two stories in one with parallel themes and overlaps.
This will appeal to the history lover as well as the romantic reader. A believable tale about finding oneself and learning to stand up for what one believes.
Through tortuous, emotional times, times of war and times of marital war and strife, situations we find ourselves in both out of our control and due to our own choices, the human spirit can prevail if one takes a stand.
Two strong female protagonists head a wondrous cast of characters.
Storylines a century apart that both contain issues we deal with today.
Being USA born and educated I was unaware of much of the historical details but found them fascinating and will pay more attention when I come across them again in my reading.

The story is a familiar and popular trope of a heroine inheriting a run-down house full of secrets. It follows two heroines in a dual-timeline set mostly in Ireland. I knew very little about Irish history so this was an easy and enjoyable way to discover more. The historical thread follows Ellen’s story in 1919 and her love affair with childhood sweetheart, Jimmy, against a backdrop of the escalation of the War of Independence. This demonstrates very well the uneasy and frightening experience of living in a country of divided political loyalties and how ordinary people can be forced into making uncomfortable choices. Ellen is brought vividly to life as she struggles to overcome tragedy.
Clare is the heroine of the contemporary strand. She must find the courage to leave her controlling husband and inheriting Clonamurty Farm provides her with the impetus she needs. Clare is a well-delineated heroine and McGurl describes the emotions of a woman caught up in the insidious growth of a mentally abusive and controlling relationship that systematically destroys her confidence. It takes a strong woman to break free and begin a new life, and possibly, to find love again.
I gave The Forgotten Secret four, rather than five, stars for two reasons. Firstly, Clare’s husband, Paul, was a touch too villainous. He would have been more believable if there had been some indication of the reasons for his controlling behaviour that might make the reader find him less two dimensional. Secondly, Clare’s story would have been more dramatic if there had been more obstacles in her way after moving to Ireland. Her progress felt a little too easy.
The Forgotten Secret is an enjoyable and absorbing story that kept me reading right to the end. I would like to thank NetGalley for an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

I’ve probably said this numerous times but I do love dual timelines and in this story we are treated to two perspectives one from 1919 and the other being 2016. The reader follows the lives of Ellen and Claire and to be honest both points of view were equally interesting. Especially as past secrets surface and present an intriguing mystery for Claire. The transition from one time to another is smooth and made it very easy to become lost in the story. I really enjoyed getting to know both characters experiencing both their highs and lows. I loved the mystery aspect to the story but also the way that the two characters lives ended up entwined.

The mix of history in The Forgotten Secret is just right without giving too much information at once but highlights Ireland’s past in a way that made Ellen’s story especially engaging. You can tell that a lot of care and attention has gone into this story as the author lets the history speak for itself and has created a story filled with strength and love.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

I cannot say how much I loved this book! It was wonderful, I loved the characters, Clare was breathtaking and enjoyable. I loved her family, her sons, so strong and supportive, the storyline, the scenery, the secondary characters, I just really like everything about this book. Who is an interesting story, a woman getting the opportunity to take that second chance at getting to know her self at perhaps a second chance at love for taking a chance and doing something she’s never done before. To overcome a boring existence and live. The story in the past, was so enjoyable. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, I wanted to immerse myself in the story and you almost felt like you knew these characters, both Clare and Ellen are so strong, and share so many things in common, as they strive to find out about themselves and forge head in time. I love dual timeline stories. They might be one of my favourite genres of books. I’m actually not sure which I like more the current storyline or the historical storyline; they were both very enjoyable. I loved the Irish family and I want to be in a little town like that it was wonderful. The storyline was fast moving, endearing, and still have lots of surprises and a few thrills along the way. I cannot wait to read more books by this author. I highly recommend her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and will definitely look for more from this author.So what's it all about?The historical element centres on the relationship between Ellen O'Brien & Jimmy Gallagher - she's an upstairs maid, he's a Volunteer, fighting for a free Ireland. They've known each other since childhood, and everyone agrees they are made for each other. While Jimmy is off fighting, Ellen moves into Carlton House as a maid, sharing a room with another girl, Siobhan. Ellen is trusted by the employer, Mrs Carlton (aka Madame) and helps the Cause by carrying messages in milk cans, as well as nursing a Volunteer friend of hers, Captain Cunningham. Cunningham fought alongside Jimmy and, once returned to good health, he leaves the house to do so again.But soon, Jimmy & Cunningham are both forced into hiding as the Black and Tans are looking for them. Ellen is desperate to see Jimmy, and is aided by Madame to spend one last night with Jimmy before he has to flee again. During this brief reunion, Jimmy gives her his medallion by way of an engagement ring, and the two of them look forward to a time when they can marry and live happily. Once Jimmy has gone, Ellen finds out she is pregnant. She cannot work at the House anymore and has to return to her father's home, but her conscience tells her to warn Madame of her room-mate's betrayal. Before she can do that, Madame is captured and taken to prison.Ellen's father is ashamed of her pregnancy and sends her away to the Merciful Sisters - a Magdalene laundry for fallen women. She has the baby and calls him James, then the wait begins. She expects her father or Jimmy to come and collect her. When it becomes obvious that no one is coming, Ellen escapes from the laundry and goes to look for her father - leaving baby James behind to be looked after by her friend Mairead.Her father has gone, fled Ireland, stating there was nothing to keep him there - not even her or his grandson. Ellen visits Jimmy's family farm - Clonamurty farm - which she knows as well as her own. The place has been destroyed, turned upside down and is empty apart from a few bloodstains. She leaves the medallion and baby James' birth certificate in their secret hiding place, hoping jimmy will find it and know she is okay and that he has a son. She heads back to collect her son, and on the way meets Captain Cunningham, who pulls her to safety when the Black & Tans march past looking for any Volunteer fighter. The captain and Ellen agree to meet in two days' time at her father's house, where he hopes to give her news of Jimmy and his family.However, on returning to the laundry, she is told the baby died, and is shown a mound of earth meant to be his grave. She leaves, numb and distraught, and heads for her father's home to await the captain.His news of Jimmy is not good, and he takes Ellen to live with his sister. Having lost everyone who meant anything to her, Ellen has to learn to live and love again.***In modern times, Clare is married to Paul when her uncle Padraig leaves her the family farm in Ireland, Paul, who is uber controlling and most annoying, wants to sell the farm and has plans to spend the money on things that he wants. He makes no attempt to include Clare in the decision.It comes as no surprise that Clare wants to leave him, his controlling nature has finally broken their relationship. She considers starting again in Ireland, and when her sons urge her to do so, then she makes the big move. As expected, Paul is gobsmacked, he cannot believe she is going and he fully expects her to return in a few days. After all, who will cook his meals and iron his shirts? He truly is a 'piece of work'.In Ireland, Clare befriends the owner of the village cake shop, Janice, and the bookstore owner, Ryan. Paul still pesters her with snide messages and tells her she'll be running back to him in no time.She tidies up the farm and vows to fill it with items of furniture that she loves, for a change. With a hobby of refurbishing old furniture, she spots an old armchair that she feels sure she could restore. Taking it apart, she finds Ellen's medallion and the birth certificate, which inspire her to know more about the people who lived in her new house before her family, and to trace her own genealogy.To be honest, the story falls apart a little at this point for me, as she seems to dwell on the former inhabitants of the house, more so than her own family, only learning that Granny Irish was a spy in the war of independence. She doesn't trace her own family any further than that and is more interested in the medallion and the birth cert.While she is happily settling in, Paul still has other ideas and his plan to get her back is both extreme and maniacal. It is the final nail in the coffin of their marriage, and Clare realises for certain that there is no going back to being his wife.With Ryan's help, she manages to trace baby James - and the story that follows here is as beautiful as it is sad as we learn what happened back at the Merciful Sisters, and also how Ellen's life panned out.The twist at the end succeeds in misdirecting the reader. The penny dropped for me about halfway, but it was nicely hidden until the big reveal towards the end.I enjoyed the history of this story, knowing very little about the Irish fight for independence. The whole story had a great cast of characters, aside from Paul and some evil nuns! The author handled the issues of what happened in those laundries with great sensitivity, and the controlling husband of modern days was dealt with most effectively too.I read the whole book in short space of time, always keen to pick it up again. I felt like I was immersed in the lives of both women, living their lives and understanding their thoughts and emotions.I would highly recommend this book, and would read more by this author in a shot.

An Absorbine tale that exquisitely weaves together present and past!

Kathleen McGurl has skillfully threaded together an intriguing story that truly captivated me. This book introduced me to a lot of Irish history that I had not previously known. I love when a book educates me about something and how appropriate for me to learn more about Ireland in the month of March. Although I’ve been told st. Patrick’s Day is more of a holiday in the US then in Ireland? Or maybe that Cinco de Mayo? Yes I know they don’t celebrate that in Ireland... all my aimless rambling is to say I really love the historical part of this book, it seemed very well researched and was extremely educational to me.

This book jumps between 1919 and present day. Claire has recently extricated herself from a toxic marriage, it’s the perfect time to inherit an old family farm house. While doing some refurbishing Claire happens across a clue a key to her past. Ellen in 1919 is a upstairs maid in a small Irish town during the resistance. Two strong courageous independent women facing very unique struggles. The way these two stories were woven together was very clever, it made for a highly addictive and enjoyable read.

There really is nothing better than a well constructed tale that both entertains and educates you! Recommend!

*** A big thanks to HQ Digital for my copy ***

Clare has been stuck in a controlling marriage with her husband Paul and so when she receives a legacy of an old run down farmhouse in County Meath it is the answer to her prayers, so with the support of her sons she ups and leaves for Ireland. Hoping to find out something about her ancestors she strikes lucky when she decides to upholster an old chair. In 1919 Ellen is just starting her new job as a maid during the period of history when Ireland was fighting England for independence, her boyfriend Jimmy is in the thick of it but what will the outcome be for them and what is her connection to Clare?

Another page turner by this author, I loved the historical aspect as a period of history that I did not know much about and the story was told well in the dual timelines. Definitely recommend.

I absolutely loved this story. I didn't know much about the history of Ireland, so the foreword was especially helpful in setting the scene. The book tells the story of two women, Ellen and Clare. It isn't immediately obvious how the two are linked, and I liked that it kept us guessing right to the very end.

I really felt for Ellen and she was a very vivid character in my mind. She was so brave and coped remarkably with everything that happened to her. I loved the way she thought and acted and I really sympathised with her.

Clare, the heroine of the modern chapters was also very brave in a different way. Again, she was a warm and likeable character with an interesting story. My only criticism is that her husband didn't seem as rounded a character. I felt he was rather predictable and came across as sad and pathetic when he could have been more accurately portrayed as a threat to Clare's future happiness. Given the back story, I felt this would have been more appropriate.

However, none of this detracted from my overall enjoyment of this lovely book. It kept me engaged from start to finish and I will look for other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book.

I must say I seem to be enjoying the historical fiction genre at the moment and this one is told in a dual timeline. I found it so easy to lose myself in 1919 and 2016, and when the main character in 2016 has a very similar surname as me, well that’s me done. I have to read it!!

In 1919 with Ellen, with the excitement of her new job as an upstairs maid in a small Irish town, in the height of the resistance against the British, it reminded me of Downton Abbey (which I love). In 2016, Clare Farrell has inherited a dilapidated farmhouse in Ireland and once the probate has been settled she finds a way to leave her controlling husband and with the support of her sons moves to Ireland. But how are they both connected?

The writing by Ms McGurl was so easy to lose myself into, and I found it all very believable. The only thing I found to be too easy was Clare initially leaving Paul if he was as controlling as we are shown how could she up and leave so easily? However, in The Forgotten Secret, it works. The writing is seamless as we alternate between past and present and McGurl has created two extremely strong, fascinating and courageous women.

You can see how much research has gone into The Forgotten Secret and before you start the book, McGurl explains the background which was interesting to read. This helped me as I know very little of the history in Ireland at this time. This is a page turner but of one where you want to savour the pages and the characters do not let you rest until their story has been told, no matter how painful for them at times.

The story was written as a narrative with dual first person point of views. The conflict was characters, self, and society. The characters are described in a direct characterization method. The theme includes popular ones such as war and peace, survivale, courage and heroism, love, death, coming of age, and power and corruption, but all in a way of mystery for two different women in two different time frames.

There are two main protagonist in this story one in 1919 and one in 2019. The first is eighteen year old Ellen O’Brien a sweet young small town Irish girl who has her whole life ahead of her. She is a round character who mostly depends on herself, her main love interest is a young soldier in the revolution named Jimmy, she has no real confidant but an antagonist in her father and fellow house maid. She goes through a dynamic change as the war changes her whole world in multiple ways. The second is Clare Farrell an unhappy married woman who is looking for her own independence. Clare is a round character who is unsure what the world has in store for her after she realizes how manipulative her husband has become. Clare goes through a dynamic change of independence as her sons and new friend Janice act as her confidants. Her main antagonist is her soon to be ex-husband Paul who will stop at nothing to control her life, but also the old dilapidated farmhouse she now calls home. The exposition shows Paul and Clare, an English couple exploring the old Irish Farmhouse and wondering what to do with the inheritance of it, while it shows Ellen getting ready to leave her father’s house for the first time to for her first job and the return of school chum Jimmy. The rising action shows Clare leaving her husband and beginning her new journey to Ireland and the first few days of her settling in while Ellen has learned of the war for independence of Ireland from Great Britain and its impact in almost every aspect of her life. The climax is hit when Clare’s 50th birthday appears and it seems everybody wants to celebrate, including her ex-husband Paul, Ellen has learned that Jimmy is now on the run and wanted but they share one true night together. The falling action deals with aftermath of Paul’s visit and Jimmy and Ellen’s night together. The resolution is all about combining the two separate stories into one and allowing the past to meet and reconcile with the present.

The author’s use of organization by using two separate time frames and characters allows the story to flow and be easily followed while being insightful. The word choice and structure makes it easy to understand even if you have never learned about Irish history. Yes, I would recommend this book. To anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery, women of different generations learning the same lessons, and anyone interested in Irish history. This book is not for those who oppose the civil war in Ireland, do not like dealing with women being shun and sent away, or dislike any sense of war being involved in a story.

Pensive, interesting, and insightful!

The Forgotten Secret is an intriguing tale predominantly set in County Meath during the summer of 1919, as well as present day, and is told from two perspectives, Clare, a middle-aged woman who stumbles across long-hidden family secrets after moving to Clonamurty Farm to rediscover herself and start afresh, and Ellen, a young girl in love who finds herself unexpectedly caught up in her country’s fight for self-identity and independence against Anglo rule.

The writing is fluid and thoughtful. The characters are strong, kindhearted, and courageous. And the engaging and fascinating plot is written in a past/present style that sweeps you back and forth through all the highs and lows of both Clare and Ellen’s life.

Overall, I would have to say that The Forgotten Secret is a warm, compelling, absorbing novel that does a lovely job of highlighting and reminding us of a time, where for years, Ireland endured rebellion, oppression, political upheaval, and economic instability.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Clare Farrell has inherited an old farmhouse in County Meath, Ireland. The timing couldn't be more perfect because she had been looking for a way to end a very unhappy marriage. She takes control and leaves her husband for Ireland and is determined to make a go of it. As she starts to reupholster a chair, she finds something that looks like it might be the key to discovering her past.

The timeline shifts in this story to July 1919 with Ellen O'Brien, young, idealistic and in love. She leaves home for a job that ends up involving her in the war currently taking place. The man she is in love with is involved in the turmoil that is destroying Ireland. What ensues then changes her life and that of others irrevocably.

What Clare finds has been buried to decades and she might just find a long-lost relative. Meanwhile, her sons offer great moral support. All the while, her past with her husband is never far from her mind, especially as he is not quite ready to let their marriage go.

The Forgotten Secret seamlessly shifts between past and secret. The past is rather exciting, albeit tragic with regard to Ireland struggling for independence from Britain. Also, what Ellen experienced for a time there in Ireland, at what was referred to as The Magdalene Laundries, was nothing less than tragic. Sadly, what happened there, also referred to as asylums was based on real history. With regard to Clare, we have a woman needing to reestablish herself, and even entertaining new friends and a possible love interest.

This was an enjoyable story in essence, although quite sad at times. Not only was I able to read it in one sitting, Most times when history is mixed in with a dual timeline like this it can be rather interesting, as this book proved. I am definitely looking forward to much more from Kathleen McGurl.

Many thanks to HQ Digital and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

This dual-timeline story was a bit clunky at times and frankly, the "past" storyline kept me turning the pages far more than the "present" one (although they are related) but overall an enjoyable read. The writing was a bit awkward at times, but it either improved as the book progressed or I got used to it. One pet peeve I have with many "women's fiction" stories I read is that there seems to be an expectation that the heroine needs to have been treated like a total doormat by her husband/family in order to demonstrate sufficient "growth" as a character. The Forgotten Secret is no different with Clare's 25 year marriage having been to a manipulative, emotionally-abusive jerk. The one shining difference in this story was that her sons were terribly supportive of her and her decision to leave, which was a nice change. The "final straw" for Clare re: her marriage was a bit ridiculous, in my opinion but I could overlook that. Thematically, I particularly liked how the chair that Clare restores not only tied the two storylines together, but also represented her rebuilding/restoring her life.

This book is set in two different times.
I didn’t connect with the characters or either of the timelines in the book
A huge disappointment

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

Set mostly in Ireland in 2016 and in 1919. Clare inherits a house that was once Clonamurty Farm in County Meath in Ireland from her Uncle.
Clare falls in love with the old house but her husband, Paul wants to sell it. Clare wins and moves in. Clare finds an old comfy arm chair that she remembers her grandmother always sitting in. When Clare decides to reupholster the armchair, she finds a small mysterious bundle hidden in the lining of the chair that was dated back to a time before her grandmother lived in the house.
The book keeps flashing back to Ellen in 1919 who starts working at Carlton House. Ellen’s friend Jimmy lives at Clonamurty Farm, but Jimmy joins up as a volunteer to fight for Irish Independence.
This story switches back and forward between 2016 and 1919 and is about the fight for Irish Independence and about strong women and their struggle to overcome adversary. I loved the history and the way Clare discovers the story about the mysterious bundle she finds.

Interesting story, featuring dual timeline set in Ireland. You just can't lose with me on Irish stories, and this was no exception. I enjoyed this very much.