Secrets and Mince Pies - C N Barton

Secrets and Mince Pies, tells the story of a modern-day family over the four days leading up to Christmas, all of whom have a secret to hide. The darkly comic, contemporary novel is played out over ninety-nine short chapters, each one written from the view point of one of the main characters, giving a humorous and interesting insight into modern-day family life. John is struggling to cope with his role as the modern-day father in an ever changing world; Angela is struggling to cope with the lack of support and complete ignorance of her husband; nineteen year old Lewis is back from university and feels ever more distant from a family who have never understood him; sixteen year old Gemma has grown up and wishes her family would realise; and ten year old child genius Bradley cannot understand why everyone does not see the world as he does. When Angela's parents and Gemma's mysterious new boyfriend come to stay, and the stresses and strains of the festive period begin to take their hold, tensions rise, tempers flare, and those well hidden secrets begin to bubble to the surface. Secrets and Mince Pies is the second novel from C N Barton, following The Cambridge Diaries (print edition) and preceded by Tell me a Story (available on Kindle and in print format).