Season of Secrets by Sally Nicholls

Originally published in the UK in 2009, this is the second book from the award-winning author of Ways to Live Forever.

After Molly’s mother died, she was sent to live with her grandparents along with her sister Hannah.  Her father’s job didn’t allow him to take care of them, so they went there while he figured things out.  So she has a new home to get used to, plus a new school filled with new children.  Her sister Hannah is just plain angry about everything, even at school so the others think she is mean.  Molly though is the one having real problems making friends and while she may not be showing it aloud, she is not coping with the loss of her mother.  That’s why she is out on a stormy dark night and sees the man for the first time, being hunted by others on horseback and dogs.  Molly continues to secretly visit her man, who has the ability to make flowers bloom in his hand and to make trees grow.  Could this magical man be the key to bringing back her mother?

Nicholls uses a lovely light touch with her story that very nicely shows the journey of one girl through grief as contrasted with the way her sister is coping.   At the same time, there is a richness to the writing, especially when nature is being described and the seasons changing.  This beautiful lingering on details makes for a very compelling read.

Molly is a character that young readers will relate to easily.  Her broken heart is evident from the beginning as is her tumultuous relationship with her sister and her confusing situation with her father.  Hannah’s angry response to their situation is vivid and loud, making Molly’s pain that much more silent and stirring.  The girls’ grandparents are equally well written with differing responses to their grandchildren moving into their lives.

This is a book that celebrates nature, life and embraces the turning of the seasons and of lives.  It’s a beautiful read about grief for children with a cover that does the book proud.  Appropriate for ages 8-11.

Reviewed from ARC received from Scholastic.