Marcia Willett embarked on her writing career at the age of fifty, but she soon found her niche in literature. Her works are characterized by a deep insight into human relationships, exploring the complexities of family bonds and life's twists and turns. Willett portrays her characters and their worlds with sensitivity, often set against picturesque rural backdrops that lend her stories a unique atmosphere. Her style is subtle and penetrating, filled with empathy and an understanding of human nature.
Set in the idyllic Devon countryside, the Keep serves as a sanctuary for the Chadwick family, providing warmth and comfort amid life's trials. The story explores the family's resilience as they navigate various challenges, highlighting the enduring nature of love and support within their home. As they confront their struggles, the Keep remains a symbol of hope and refuge, embodying the strength of familial bonds.
A moving and uplifting festive novella from Marcia Willett, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Fern Britton. Nestled in the Devon countryside, the Keep has always been a refuge for the Chadwick family: forever warm and welcoming through the challenges life has thrown at them. And the current occupants have certainly seen their share of challenges... Lulu and her small son, Oliver, are staying at the Keep while they find their feet. Freddie's commission as a naval chaplain has just ended and he too is grateful to have been welcomed at the Keep whilst he decides where to go next. And now Ed, the black sheep of the family, is finally coming home after ten years living in the USA. Ed's strange, secretive behaviour means that he often clashes with his family. But as the autumn draws to a close and a sprinkling of snow dusts the moors, could the promise of a family Christmas at the Keep be enough to ease tensions and soothe the sting of a long-buried secret? The Chadwicks all know one thing for certain - no matter the circumstances, the Keep will always be there to welcome them home. Praise for Marcia Willett: 'A warm and engaging read.' Trisha Ashley 'A beautifully woven tale of families and their secrets...' Liz Fenwick, bestselling author of The Cornish House 'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good.' Daily Mail 'Sweeping powers of description transport her readers to another time and place.' Rosanna Ley
'We'll always be together, won't we?' Childhood friends and cousins Leo and Alice had imagined their whole lives playing out on their beloved Devon beach. But one night when they are teens, sitting on the sand beneath the stars, Alice tells Leo a secret that must never be shared with anybody else . . . then packs her bag and flees. Leo is left to build his own life - without Alice. He surrounds himself with other family and friends and on the whole is content and fulfilled. But he is left with a sense of what - or who - is missing. So decades later, when he receives a note from Alice asking if she can come home, he doesn't hesitate to agree. But as the stars align and their reunion draws near, Leo is left to consider their separation and what so many years apart means for a relationship solidified in youth and a secret which could affect the whole family. Praise for Marcia Willett: 'A warm and engaging read.' Trisha Ashley 'A beautifully woven tale of families and their secrets...' Liz Fenwick, bestselling author of The Cornish House 'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good.' Daily Mail 'Sweeping powers of description transport her readers to another time and place.' Rosanna Ley
There, she begins to look back at her life and reflect on the choices that have led her to this moment.Cosmo has also escaped - temporarily - from his life in the city, finding the south-west a relaxing and appealing fit, especially when he meets local girl, Amy.
"After the death of her father, El moves into his home just outside Tavistock in Devon. Fresh out of university and dangling on the precipice of adulthood she questions what it is she really wants from life. Although her childhood friend, Will, is there to help her through her grief she soon realises there were things her father was hiding from her ... Jules is also mourning Martin, but they thought best to keep their relationship secret, she must now grieve entirely alone. All she has to remember her love are the memories of their time spent at a beautiful community garden and teashop nearby. The Garden House is where they met, fell in love and where their secret affair will inevitably be uncovered. As El and Will begin to piece together her father's secrets they bring them closer and closer to both Jules and a truth that is difficult to face."--Publisher
His nephew Hugo moved in too, swapping London for the small Cornish fishing village where he'd spent so many happy holidays. It's a refuge - and now other friends and relations are being drawn to the the house by the sea. Among them is Dossie, who's lonely after her parents died and her son remarried.
Busy mum of twins Liv is looking forward to a week at the Beach Hut in Devon, even if she feels that something's not right between her and Matt. She's sure he's just too busy at work to join them on their summer holiday, not that he wants time alone... Baz loves having his family to stay by the sea, but when an unexpected guest arrives, he finds himself torn between the past and the future... Still reeling from a break-up, all Sofia wants is a quiet summer - until she meets Baz and her plans are turned upside down. She knows she's rushing into things, but could this week at the Beach Hut be the start of something new? And back home, Matt might be missing Liv and the children, but when an old friend appears he finds himself distracted... What does she know about his family's past that she's not letting on? As tensions rise over seven days in summer, the lives of the holidaymakers begin to take an unexpected turn... Praise for Marcia Willett: 'A beautifully woven tale of families and their secrets...' Liz Fenwick, bestselling author of THE CORNISH HOUSE 'A genuine voice of our times' The Times 'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good' Daily Mail 'Sweeping powers of description transport her readers to another time and place' Rosanna Ley, bestselling author of THE VILLA
Exploring the enduring nature of memories, this novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of the past on the present. Set against a backdrop of evocative landscapes, it weaves together the lives of characters grappling with their histories. As they confront what they have tried to forget, the story reveals the strength found in vulnerability and the healing power of connection. Marcia Willett's storytelling captivates with its emotional depth and rich character development.
Can new hopes bloom when summer begins again? But as he gets to know the rest of the warm jumble of family by the moor, Tim begins to relax again and he discovers that everyone there has their own secrets. and Mattie . . . And as summer warms the wild Dartmoor landscape, new hopes begin to bloom .
Some memories are best forgotten . . . Others wonâe(tm)t ever go away. For Kit, the quiet Devon village she visits every year is the perfect retreat. But this summer, she arrives with a heart in turmoil: years have passed since Kit last saw Jake, but now he has written asking to meet again. For Mungo, the village is simply home and the ideal getaway for friends, like Kit, even if he aches at the old memories they bring âe" and the secrets they stir in him. As the summer unfolds, hidden truths are uncovered that will shatter the sleepy community. But those involved soon realize that the only way to move forward might be to confront the past . . . Praise for Marcia Willett: âe~A beautifully woven tale of families, secrets, love and lossâe(tm) Liz Fenwick 'A genuine voice of our times' The Times 'Riveting, moving and utterly feel-good' Daily Mail