When professional cyclist Ben Goddard is exposed by a positive drugs test, he leaves the sport, and starts a whole new life away from all things familiar. But the setting is real and accessible, and the writing draws you in from page one. Reminiscent in tone to books by Anna Jacobs, and Dilly Court,Ī Mother’s Secret is a bittersweet story of love and family and how you can never quite escape the power of the past. I loved the opening of this - it is a classic saga populated by some lively and easily-identifiable characters. Maggie’s dad adores her, her twin brothers tease her mercilessly and her mother is evidently terrified that Maggie will attract some unwanted attention – which is exactly what she does. Gradually Maggie starts the long slow road to recovery. When her mother discovers what a radical step she has taken, she rallies to Maggie’s support and brings her back to the family home. Unable to cope with looking after the baby, and her Grandmother’s incessant criticism, she elects to have the baby adopted. They marry in haste, so when John is pronounced missing, presumed dead at Dunkirk, Maggie falls into a depression. Judge's Report by Broo Doherty of DHH AgencyĪ Mother’s Secret is set at the brink of the Second World War when Maggie Hainworth falls pregnant by John Thornton, a loveable rogue with an inevitable past. Please scroll down for pics of the ceremony (click to enlarge), Broo's report and the long list.

A wonderful afternoon! Thanks to Exeter Writers for the first prize and to all those who helped to make it such a happy event.

Before listening to their first pages and Broo's comments, we heard from Elizabeth Morton and Celia Anderson, two of our Exeter Story Prize shortlisters, both of whom have forthcoming novels, and Clare Harvey, winner of the 2014 Exeter Novel Prize, who read from her latest novel.Īfter Broo's announcement that the excellent Skin-whistle had won, the presentation of the finalists' trophies and the taking of many photos (see below), it was time for fizz, tea and much writerly chat.

We didn't know, of course, that Rebecca would win, as Broo Doherty was saving that announcement until we had heard from all those on the shortlist.

We missed two very significant people due to illness: Margaret James, from the CWM team, and our winner Rebecca Kelly. The award ceremony for the 2018 Exeter Novel Prize took place on 27th April.

A Spoke In The Wheel by Kathleen Jowitt