Book Review - Lola's Secret - Monica McInerney ARC

Magic can happen in every family

 At the Valley View Motel in South Australia's picturesque Clare Valley, eighty-four-year-old Lola Quinlan is up to her usual mischief. She's sent her family away for Christmas and invited a number of mystery guests to come and stay. But who are all these people, and why aren't they spending the festive season with their own loved ones?

 As the big day draws closer and Lola's personal family dramas threaten to unravel her plans, she discovers that at a special time of year, magic can happen in every family – especially your own.

 From the bestselling author of At Home with the Templetons comes a funny, sad and moving novel about memories and moments and the very meaning of life.

This book is the sequal to Monica's Alphabet Sisters.

DUE 3rd Oct 2011
ISBN: 9781921518751
The story picks up approx five years after the events of Alphabet Sisters. Lola Quinn, great gran, grandmother and mother is the main character of this novel. Lola hasn't changed, her clothing is still wild as ever, her nature is straightforward and to the point. Lola is involved with tracking down and old friend, dealing with interferring busybodies (herself included), heartbreak, and family troubles.

The author has written a wonderful story with engaging characters and a fantastic storyline. We see more of Lola's history and we are also introduced to the way we as humans have to let go of grief and move on and the consquences of doing that. We also see how one person can affect the lives of so many and can influence them to greater things. I must admit I needed tissues at certain points through the novel and I love how Monica can make the characters so alive that they feel so real. 

If you get a chance to, read Alphabet Sisters first then go onto this one or you will miss out on a great deal of back story. Lola's Secret is highly recommened and I really enjoyed this book.