In the Company of Secrets

Olivia Mott has fled England to America with the help of Lady Charlotte, never knowing that the Lady has ulterior motives. Olivia flees England because of a lecherous chef whom she is employed by. Lady Charlotte due to a liaison with an American man that has left her unwed and with child, just a few of several facts that Charlotte kept from Olivia until they reached their destination.

Olivia is able to secure a position of assistant chef, a job she is not qualified for due to a forged letter of recommendation given to her by Charlotte. But it is a dream of Olivia’s to become a great chef. However, when Charlotte’s condition becomes public knowledge, the fake qualifications are just the beginning of a long list of lies Olivia tells. Now her new life is on the line if someone should discover the truth.

IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS grabbed this reader’s attention from the very first paragraph and held it tightly throughout, until the very last page. Author Judith Miller left a bit of a cliffhanger and several storylines dangling insuring that this reader will be sure to look for the next instalment in the Postcards from Pullman series. Just what does life hold in store for Olivia? But we are getting ahead of ourselves pondering events yet to come.

Olivia is a warm and giving character that was taught not to tell falsehoods. Then why is it she has been telling so many? The contract she signed with her new employer contains an honesty oath. This reader can understand why Olivia told the tales she did. She was in a strange country without any money and very few friends. Olivia is a good person that the reader will feel much sympathy with. Charlotte on the other hand is a spoilt little brat that you will love to hate. Ms. Miller has given us characters that we can really sink our teeth into. Kudos to her and her golden pen.

This reviewer read IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS in two sittings, and only then because it was past bedtime. This is a fast paced, never a dull moment book that will leave you wishing for book 2 just as it did this reader. So don’t miss out and make sure you have your copy of IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS today. There is no disappointment to be found within these pages.

May 2007