Having just picked this book up at the library, it took me a while to realise that the main character Lola was the grandmother from Monica's previous book The Alphabet Sister's. It was a nice surprise as I always enjoy follow on books.
Lola is still enjoying life in the Clare Valley, helping her son and his wife run their motel. But it's Christmas and instead of going away with her family, Lola decides to stay home and run a special event and see who will turn up for a quiet, bush Christmas. A midst all this Lola is still very involved in the lives of her granddaughters Bette and Carrie (who have their own dramas to contend with) as well as her great-granddaughter Ellen, who is living far away in Hong Kong.
Lola is not the kind of woman to retire, so her life is still full, working at the op shop and getting involved in community projects. She is also still up to her usual mischief - playing matchmaker and dispensing advice where she feels it's needed (and sometimes where it's not).
Told in McInerney's usual engaging prose, Lola's secret is an enjoyable read. It is not as long as Monica's usual novels, so that is reflected in the depth of the storyline. There are quite a few strands running, that all connect for a feel good conclusion - but not without some drama along the way.
An easy, comforting read that will either make you grateful for your own grandmother or wish that you had one like Lola.
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