The Comfort Book Club / The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice

Welcome to February's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about this month's book club choice, 'The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets' by Eva Rice. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion: Ruth, Myriam, Laura and Cristina.
-
SUBSCRIBE: If you enjoy this video, please consider subscribing to my youtube channel. I'd be thrilled! / mirandamills
JOIN MY 'SEASONS OF STORY' COMMUNITY. Get access to exclusive content, the Seasons of Classics quarterly book club and virtual meet-ups : seasonsofstory...
THE COMFORT BOOK CLUB: I host the Comfort Book Club with my Mum, Donna. Learn more about #TheComfortBookClub (and find the list of upcoming reads) here: mirandasnotebo...
SUPPORT: No pressure at all, but if you would like to support my work by making a donation to my channel, you can do so by clicking the 'Thanks' heart sign, just under the title of this video (in the same bar where you find the 'like' button)
-
LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
The Comfort Book Club upcoming reads: mirandasnotebo...
Ginger Scone recipe: mirandasnotebook.com/blog/ginger-scones-recipe
The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice: www.waterstone...
The Misinterpretation of Tara Jupp by Eva RIce: www.waterstone...
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: blackwells.co....
My general Blackwells link: blackwells.co....

[@MJ-in-Canada]

My library doesn’t have this book but I couldn’t let that stop me from attending this meeting of the Comfort Book Club. I love spending time with you and Donna regardless of whether or not I’ve read the monthly book choice.♥

[@MirandaMills]

I hope you will be able to find a copy of this one soon, but in the meantime so pleased you enjoy the Comfort Book Club anyway! ❤️📚

[@Lynn_Ann_Jackson]

I ended up purchasing the Kindle edition, and even though I’m only about a quarter of the way through it, I couldn’t wait to enjoy the discussion! The book is wonderful, so far, and I am even more anxious now to continue it to its conclusion. Another great CBC choice, Miranda and Donna!❤️📖❤️

[@redshop2003]

I did the same as our library did not carry it as well. Ordered it for my Kindle after watching this video. Can't wait to get started! It sounds like a terrific read!

[@user-pg8zc5qf6s]

Being a tall female, I so enjoy a tall female protagonist! And the choice of a shorter man to fall in love with was a treat I have never before read in a novel. (my own husband, Harry, also clocks in at 5'8" - so this detail was very compelling to me) ;) Thanks for the bookclub, Ladies. I soooo enjoy and look forward to it!

[@MirandaMills]

Both Penelope and Charlotte’s height would, I imagine, have been even more marked in 1950s England. Like you, I thought it made for a wonderfully different female protagonist and I love the connection to your own Harry! ❤️📚

[@ConsueloChamlet-ti8mp]

What a lovely Sunday treat! 😊

[@kayjones2533]

Such a lovely discussion. You both have created such a beautiful channel. Thank you so much, you really do brighten my Sunday's xx

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Kay! ❤️📚

[@user-fp1oh2es8m]

Thank you Miranda and Donna for a wonderful selection. I love the discussion, recipes and your other websites especially the products!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much!

[@naomihickman5098]

I’m a bit late watching this as I wanted to reread the book first - I was so excited you picked it as it’s one of my very favourite books, and I loved hearing your thoughts on it. It is so beautifully written, the characters and settings so real, and the book feels so authentic and heartfelt, and yet has such a light touch, and is also so funny - I laugh out loud many times reading it! I think comparisons to I Capture the Castle and The Pursuit of Love are very apt, and the very English voice, eccentricities and atmosphere of the book really call those books to mind. I’ve read several of Eva Rice’s other books, the one I’ve enjoyed as much as this one is The Misinterpretation of Tara Jupp (and I think I’ll go on to reread that one very soon!). Thank you both, Miranda and Donna, for another wonderful discussion.

[@glendaslanina9939]

Hello Miranda and Donna. This book was thought provoking and enjoyable for me. It made think about friendships and the lengths that we will go to for our friends, whether a new or established relationship. Harry was my favorite character. I felt he was kind, caring and realized certain aspects of himself. Thank you this chose.🌸

[@MirandaMills]

I loved the loyal friendships made in this book too, Glenda! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and are a ‘Harry fan’ too ❤️📚

[@inlaterdays]

I enjoyed this book so much I even read it on my breaks and during slow times at work. It was hard to put down! The characters were all really well-drawn and I couldn't wait to see what they would do next. The ending surprised me, but it was perfect. Thank you so much for choosing this book, Miranda and Donna!

[@MirandaMills]

I felt the same way the first time I read it, it’s a real page turner! ❤️📚

[@alisonbarrow5711]

I saw your video come up and realised I hadn’t “done my homework 😂”so have spent the last few days reading “The lost art…”I absolutely loved it and it brought back my own teenage crushes of Donny Osmond and David Cassidy myself and my friends adored them and were all convinced one day we would get married to one of them! My mum is 90 so would have been a young woman at the time this book was based I have recommended it to her as a next read I know she will adore it,thank you both so much for this wonderful recommendation.

[@Lynne1960s]

Hi, as another member commented, I also watch all the CBC videos and haven't read many of the books. I hardly dare admit it here but I really didn't enjoy I Captured the Castle but that won't stop me giving this book a chance and hopefully I'll enjoy it. Thanks for all your recommendations, so many books, so little time x

[@shelliclarke5563]

Christina's comments and appreciation were so heartwarming ❤

[@MirandaMills]

I so agree, Shelli! ❤️📚

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

Thank you Shelli, I really appreciate your comment ❤❤❤❤🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

OMG Ginger scones, Such Afternoon teas at Aunt Claire 's❤

[@ingaurban404]

Dear Miranda and Donna, thank you so much for choosing this book for the comfort book club. I loved it. It was a truly comforting read and I liked most of the main characters tremendously. I am so glad that there is a sort of a sequel and I am definitely going to order it. Have a lovely week you two with hopefully a warm house❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Inga! I’m so glad it was a comforting read for you too! ❤️💐

[@librarylady868]

You have the best book recommendations! I have watched your channel for over a year and my library has grown❤

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad you enjoy them! Thanks so much too for your support! I so appreciate it ❤️📚🌸

[@shelliclarke5563]

Thank you again and again for what your channel has brought to me ❤ such a wonderful book choice!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Shelli, for your most kind comments and support! I sincerely appreciate your generosity ❤️💐📚xxx

[@karenwhite2601]

I did listen to this last week but I hadn't finished the book so held off commenting. I enjoyed it very much, I liked the characters, mostly believable in their behaviours. I loved how the friendship between Penelope and Charlotte began and how it grew into something special. Of course, I loved the descriptions of Magna and wondered several times if it was based on a real house, though I didn't like its sad end. It's definitely a book I'll hold on to and read again. I've now started on a childhood favourite in this month's choice, The Secret Garden. It's a long time since I've read it though I watch the film every time I notice that it's on tv.

[@Homeward_Pilgrim]

I want to thank you for your recommendation of Just William, in your humor themed post. I recently came across a copy of it, in a used bookstore, and picked it up, remembering your enjoyment of it. It is a very funny book, and great bedtime reading.

[@Homeward_Pilgrim]

Just read that Richmal Crompton was a woman who originally wrote the stories for magazines. She had to turn to writing after giving up her career following a bout with polio that left her with one leg paralyzed. There is a late 1960's BBC interview of her posted on KZbin. What a fascinating woman!

[@lizallred8318]

Loved today’s discussion and hearing everyone’s insights. I love being a part of this community! Thank you, Miranda and Donna, for creating such a wonderful environment for all of us.

[@MirandaMills]

It’s our pleasure! Thank you! ❤️📚

[@JemCope]

What a wonderful Comfort Book Club this was - it’s an effervescent read and such a brightening one! The period detail sets my heart aflutter and on this re-read I found myself even more in love with Aunt Claire - oh to have such a presence 😂

[@MirandaMills]

It’s such a wonderful book! I so agree there’s always more to appreciate on every re-read! ❤️📚

[@angelajones129]

I really enjoyed this book and all it's characters characters. Like you, I also checked out some of Johnnie Ray's music. I had never heard of him, and I live in the US! I wasn't as impressed as Penelope. However, having been born in the 50's and growing up in Tennessee, Elvis has always been a part of my life, and he is The King. And, like you, I immediately revisited Rebecca at the end of the book. Thank you for choosing such a delightful book for The Comfort Book Club this month!

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angels! Yes, Johnnie Ray’s music did nothing for me either 😂😄❤️

[@patriciamoran9143]

I grew up appreciating Elvis as well. However I respect that Johnny Ray is known as the bridge between Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Elvis said that he studied Johnny's performances, so Johnny had an influence on Elvis, his stage performance and bringing R&B into pop music

[@GuyFloor]

i have never read this particular book but i still enjoyed the discussion so much. so heartwarming and cozy. I feel like I have had afternoon tea with good friends. And I have to say, you both have a gift for raising a good intrigue about a book. Thank you

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad!

[@carolinesimmill4962]

Thank you Miranda and Donna for introducing me to this book. I also noticed that 'I captured the Castle' would have been an inspiration to Eva's story. Crumbling old mansions and eccentric English folk who were trying to cope with making do are similar themes in both books. I loved the character Charlotte's confidence and how she brought such energy to the story. I also looked up Johnny Ray and saw him at a concert in Germany in the late fifties on KZbin. Seeing the audience and the band behind Johnny really brought that period in history to life. It helped me to picture the kinds of dresses the women would be wearing and how the men dressed. Eva Rice really does capture the fifties so perfectly. Have a wonderful week!

[@MirandaMills]

You too, Caroline! Great idea to watch an old Johnny Ray in concert video! ❤️📚📽️

[@carolinesimmill4962]

😀@@MirandaMills

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) Thank you so much for The Comfort Book Club, Miranda and Donna! I was able to get Dear Mrs. Bird last month and enjoyed it so much that I went to the library and got the other 2 books in the series. I was pleasantly surprised to see them there!

[@MirandaMills]

You are so welcome! So glad you’re able to read all three! Enjoy! ❤️📚

[@Rooshii]

Thank you for this pick, I was so happy to be able to contribute a voice message this month! The Ruby Furguson link is fascinating. I never read the Jill books as a child, but read them as an adult when I saw them acknowledged by Eva Rice at the back of Lost Art. I was amazed to find so much of Rice's voice in Jill and vice versa. I could imagine Charlotte as Jill! The Jill books are so intelligent and fun. Lost Art was life changing for me when I first read it aged 15. It was the first time I realised it was OK to love "weird" things. It is the ultimate comfort read!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely message, Ruth! I loved the Ruby Ferguson/ Pullein-Thompson, Enid Blyton enthusiasms Eva Rice has too! I can imagine how life changing it could be reading it as a 15 year old! ❤️📚💐

[@barbhymas1784]

Thank you Miranda and Donna for recommending this wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characterization was superb and I felt I knew them all by the end of the book. What a joy it was to read. Sure appreciate you lovely ladies.

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind words❤️📚

[@julylo755]

wonderful discussion and pick. thank you

[@bjach8957]

Dear Ladies, you are wonderful 🥰 Thank you both for your time and literary suggestions! Love you both 💕

[@faithwentworth7906]

Such an enjoyable book! It reminds me quite a bit of A Sky Painted Gold. A coming of age story amidst the backdrop of sparkling parties, beautiful girls in beautiful dresses, champagne, music and a remarkable house. All underlined with the deeper themes of being trapped and accepting change amongst others. I loved reading this novel but to my high shool/ university aged excessively romantic self, it would have been everything. Great CBC selection!

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for your much appreciated, generous support, Faith! I so agree, and Laura Wood says it’s a favourite of hers too! I’m delighted you enjoyed it ❤️📚💐xxx

[@LeeinaRee]

This is another lovely episode, and without a doubt, it's something that I look forward to at the end of each month. I must agree with you when you said that your favourite books have become ours too. MybTBR pile is mounting up...!!!.Thank you for all the books suggestions, Miranda. Have a nice week. ❤

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad to have added some books to your favourites! Thank you for your lovely comment ❤️

[@beckibarker8317]

I absolutely loved this book! Thank you so much for the recommendation and the lovely discussion. I also looked up Johnnie Ray as I hadn't heard of him. I was so surprised to see he was born in a very small town Dallas, Oregon, just about 20 miles from where I live. The article said he got his start as a child signing Rock of Ages in his little hometown church. One of the interesting parts of the book, I thought, was how all of the teens drank and smoked, including inigo, which his mother didn't seem bothered by at all!

[@MirandaMills]

That’s so true, Becki! It shows how prevalent smoking was at that time! ❤️📚

[@Natalia-ex2bu]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. One of my favorites. Thank you for introducing me to Eva Rice. I have to say that I found Talitha an interestingly complicated character. Her role is classically matriarchal. She’s present, the children know her triggers, her quirks, and yet it’s never really of much significance. In the end Talitha did what she had to in order to breathe again and I applaude her for it. Thanks again.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes! I love that Talitha got a happy ending ❤️📚

[@WaterBearReads]

Hi Miranda and Donna! My workload was too high this month so I couldn't join in, but this discussion really makes me want to read it! It sounds lovely!🦋

[@MirandaMills]

Hope your workload lessens off before too long, Heather! It is a lovely book 📕 ❤️

[@WaterBearReads]

I will! As soon as possible! Btw your website is looking just beautiful! And so well organized!@@MirandaMills

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

Please read it, you are going to love it i❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Bearcub599]

What an enjoyable discussion! I thought the book was just enchanting and drew me in completely. The characters stayed with me for a long time afterwards. I am now going to read other Eva Rice’s books, which I am so excited about 👍😊Thank you Ladies xxx

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so delighted you enjoyed it too! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I really appreciate them ❤️📚

[@mhairigilchrist9792]

A lovely discussion! I didn't manage to get a copy of this book, but as it draws comparisons with I capture the Castle, I'm sure I would enjoy it. Looking forward to next months book club as The Secret Garden is my all time favourite Children's Classic ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Yay! Wonderful, Mhairi! I’m so looking forward to reading it again! ❤️📚

[@debbiew7496]

What I loved most about this book was how the author captured the essence of a character in the first few words of their description. For Harry, ‘so arresting, so brilliantly original.” For Aunt Clare , “Aunt Clare altered the room in the same way that a vast bouquet of spring flowers would, complementing everything around her with a vibrant, arresting beauty and a strong smell of rose water.” 😂

[@MirandaMills]

Yes! Eva Rice does that so brilliantly, Debbie! ❤️📚🌹

[@sue488]

Thank you for a lovely book choice - I hadn't previously read much that is set in that era and I really enjoyed it.

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sue! ❤️📚

[@zena-knittingbeans7973]

Thank you so much an enjoyable book and discussion. Looking forward to the next book having never read it & I am now retired 😮. Such a joy to be a part of this community 🙏🏻😃📖

[@MirandaMills]

That’s so lovely to read - thank you! I hope you enjoy The Secret Garden as well! 💚🌱📚

[@teresaparkins1255]

Thank you Miranda and Donna, and I have to say I agreed with all the observations about this wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward now to the Secret Garden, Happy reading everyone, Teresa 📚

[@daltondammthebabe]

Lovely review.

[@patriciamoran9143]

Miranda, I'm only somewhat familiar with Johnny Ray, but I know that he had an influence on Elvis, and Elvis admitted to studying Johnny when he performed. Johnny was in an accident as a Boy Scout and lost his hearing. That left him withdrawn. When he finally was given hearing aids, he began singing to connect to other people. Birth traffic and triumphant. Tony Bennett considered Johnny to be the father of Rock and Roll, so he had a significant influence on music

[@MirandaMills]

It’s so interesting to read the details! Thank you, Patricia ❤️📚

[@patriciamoran9143]

@@MirandaMills you're so welcome

[@christinestevenson9024]

Thanks, Miranda for your wonderful book club recommendations. I just finished reading The Homecoming which I loved. I definitely am going to read The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets next. I really enjoy the relationship that you and your mother Donna have. I also have a close relationship with my daughter, Samantha and we enjoy many of the same things together, just like you and your mom. Keep up your lovely discussions!

[@MirandaMills]

Hope you enjoy this one too, Christine! We love to hear of other mothers and daughters who have similar tastes ❤️📚

[@moweaquas]

This book really opened my eyes to the huge changes after WWII. The 1950s are usually rushed over on our way to the crazy 60s. So it was nice to watch the beginning of where my life joined this long arc of history. Loved it and would never have found it on my own.

[@micheleelvin-bc8sw]

This book is a delight. It was so lovely to hear everyone sharing their thoughts about it. I've not read any other Eva Rice books but am inspired to add her to be to be bought and read pile! 📚 PS Donna I love the dress you are wearing the colours are lovely and really suit you.

[@deborahracette9755]

I love anything to do with the 1950s, so this book was perfect! Thank you for choosing it!

[@MirandaMills]

You are so welcome, Deborah! ❤️📚

[@janisedavis7686]

You two are so delightful! I look forward to spending time with you. Your choices of books (new to me) have added bright delight to my reading life. Thank you for the recipe. Books and bakes! Wonderful

[@MirandaMills]

Our pleasure! Thanks for the lovely comment ❤️📚🍰

[@eileennielsen5165]

This was excellent to listen to. I will have to get this book to read 🙂 I ALWAYS listen to the Book Club whether or not I have read the book. It's ALWAYS enjoyable visiting with BOTH of you, my friends across the pond!🤗 I LOVE scones and make them fairly regularly. I have never had Ginger Scones so will definitely make those. I need to stop making them as often as I do... my clothes are getting tight! Thank you!

[@glendaslanina9939]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support, Glenda! I so appreciate it 💐❤️📚

[@CindyParent-ds2lq]

Hi Donna and Miranda! Sadly, my library did not have a copy of this book. However, I never miss your Comfort Book Club discussions or your vlogs. I recently broke my wrist and needed surgery, so I have been home for a bit, which means lots of reading and watching all of your February videos. Last year you suggested Reunion. I ordered it, it came in yesterday and I finished it yesterday! What a powerful novella, it was everything you deemed it to be. That last line! I almost wish that there was a sequel, telling the perspective of Konradin. I would love to know what opened his eyes to the truth and hope maybe he became the hero Hans needed him to be. Thank you for your recommendation.

[@jangroves4978]

Miranda, your hair is beautiful!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much!

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

Beautiful content, as always.

[@Paulsmuse]

Awwww did not get to read this one yet, but going on my TBR! Miranda, you and your Mum are so lovely! 😊 My hubby is a UK (NI) expat … going to make those scones for him! 😉

[@MirandaMills]

Hope he enjoys them! ❤️

[@marthajumartins]

What a lovely discussion! Can't wait for The Secret Garden discussion. Is the Bookish Almanac the same as The Seasons of Stories ? ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! No, they are two very separate things and so have different names - read about them on my blog (Mirandasnotebook.com)

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

Thank you ❤

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely message and kind support, Cristina! I so much appreciate your enthusiasm for this wonderful book and your generosity! It’s lovely that reading The Lost Art was the right book at the right time for you ❤️📚💐xxx

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

@@MirandaMills Absolutely the right book at the right time, Miranda. Thank YOU so much.

[@Heart_Books]

❤

[@ellenbeissner6233]

👍❤

[@angelajones129]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

That’s so very kind of you, Angela! Thank you so much for your support! I really appreciate it ❤️💐📚

[@shirleymcmurtrie7853]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your very kind support, Shirley! I so appreciate it ❤️

[@niceademers4574]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your lovely support, Nicea! I so appreciate your generosity ❤️

[@myriammourani3145]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for sharing your impressions of this book and your very kind support, Myriam! I so appreciate that you take the time to send in your thoughts and your generosity! 💐❤️📚 xxx

[@BigboyErnie]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for your kind support! I really appreciate it! 📚❤️📚

[@user-oe4ob6em3j]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your generous support! I so appreciate your kindness ❤️📚🌹