A novel of secrets, memory, family, and forgiveness by the USA Today bestselling author of The Art of Enchantment.
Armed with only a backpack, her boyfriend, and a mysterious old photograph, twenty-three-year-old Sophie Groenveld escapes the tension at home for a summer in England, determined to uncover her mother’s secret past. She’s certain whatever she discovers will help her figure out where she belongs and heal the heartache that plagues her family.
When her boyfriend abandons her in York—leaving her without money or passport—the photograph leads Sophie to an old rundown inn, its enigmatic proprietor (with a fractured past), and a collection of new friends who carry the clues to solve the mystery. Taking a job as the night desk clerk at the shabby but quaint Aviary Inn, Sophie becomes curious about its connection to her mother’s hidden history.
As she navigates the labyrinthine lives of the eccentric staff, guests, and intriguing locals—including possible new love interests—an unexpected hotel visitor provides a crucial revelation. Now Sophie must decide whether to accept guidance or chart her own course through the secrets of the past.
A CIBA Somerset Prize & a Next Generation Indie Book Prize Finalist, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Susanna Kearsley, Kate Macintosh and Suzanne O’Leary.
Will Sophie solve both the mystery of the Aviary Inn and her mother’s past? Join Sophie on her journey of discovery.
“Love is a potent force in the surprising novel Secrets at the Aviary Inn, in which unearthed secrets lead to new beginnings.” –
Foreword Clarion Reviews
“:…an uplifting novel about a young woman’s journey toward self-discovery—one that offers romance with a touch of historical fiction and mystery.”
BlueInk Reviews
“…the plotline is addictive and Sophie is a sturdy, likeable protagonist. A pleasant, entertaining read, light on tension.”
Kirkus Reviews ~ Recommended Read
“…there is something idyllic, charming, otherworldly, and even enchanting about this book.”
Reedsy Discovery Review
“There is a reason Ms. Clarke is a USA Today best-selling author – and her newest book, “Secrets at the Aviary Inn,” proves exactly why. It is yet another romantic, wonderfully told story by Ms. Clarke that captures the imagination from the very first page. Moving seamlessly between decades, Ms. Clarke’s impressive skills at capturing the language rhythms, dialects and dialogue are matched only by her undeniable descriptive talents, locale research, story pacing and plot. Here, while drawing us deeply into a sexy and intriguing mystery, she is at her very best when describing the shattering, terrifying realities of WWII London. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and congratulate Ms. Clarke in advance on the awards that will surely follow.”
Gail Halverson, Chatelaine Grand Prize-winning author of Sea of Glass
Thoughtful And Atmospheric
Secrets at the Aviary Inn is beautifully written with a gentle, reflective tone that fans of dual timelines and historical women’s fiction will appreciate. The York setting was charming, and the author did a lovely job weaving together the past and present through Sophie’s journey.
I enjoyed the themes of family, forgiveness, and finding yourself, and there are some heartfelt moments, especially in the 1945 backstory. The mystery element kept me curious, though I found the pacing a little slow in places. This is definitely more of a cozy, quiet read without any steam, which I wasn’t expecting going in, so that might have influenced my experience.
A tender, well-crafted story with emotional depth. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with a gentle, heartfelt tone.”
Barnes + Noble Reviewer Pine Knotter
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I am a huge fan of dual time novels, and I thought this one was very well done. All of the characters felt so incredibly realistic. Sophie, Zoe, Nick, Elliot, Ollie, all of them truly felt like people I could meet out at a bar, or on the street, or at a museum.
The story itself was also really good! I was invested in the mystery and intrigue the whole time, and felt that the conclusion flowed naturally and gave a satisfying ending to the stories in both times. The romance subplot was also fun; although I wasn’t too keen on really any of the male characters when they were introduced, I feel the romance storyline the book took was a very natural progression of Sophie as a character.”
Peyton M, NetGalley Reviewer 5 stars
