When a crisis occurs, three generations of the Stewart women find themselves on Martha’s Vineyard at the same time.

Family Matriarch, Nancy, has some tough decisions to make. Having never had a close relationship with her daughters she fears she must make them alone.

Eldest daughter Lauren, has created the dream home for her family in London. But now she’s hightailing it back to the Vineyard, and a past she’s tried hard to forget.

Whilst sibling Jenna, has always loved the island. Married to her childhood sweetheart and working as a teacher in the local school, life should be perfect. But not everything is as well as it seems.

Granddaughter, Mack, is less than impressed at being dragged halfway across the world, away from her home and friends. It’s all well and good spending summer weeks at her Grandmother’s house, but moving in is a different story.

Can they all manage to work together, instead of pushing each other away? Will being in such proximity make it a little difficult to keep their closely guarded secrets just that – secret!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, whilst it was a slight step in a different direction for Morgan, it was no less pleasing.

With many books in this genre I often find that the situations and outcomes are somewhat unbelievable. Thankfully this was not the case with this one! Morgan’s characters solve their problems with hard work and sheer determination. Even Mack, as the youngest member of the family, manages to overcome her teenage fears to add her skills to the task.

Typically, with all romance stories, there is a happy ever after. I found this ending to be particularly refreshing, it wasn’t all hearts and flowers with unrealistic proclamations of undying love, the choices made were emotional but methodical totally in keeping with the rest of the story.

As always, I can’t wait to pick up more from Sarah Morgan in the future!

I received and ARC in exchange for a fair review.

How To Keep A Secret is based around three generations of women from the Stewart family. Grandmother Nancy has always seemed a little distant to her daughters. Lauren appears to have the perfect family life in London, but her daughter, Mack, is starting to act out. Jenna married the perfect man, and seems to have it all. But when tragedy hits, and Lauren finds herself back in her old family home in Martha’s Vineyard, the secrets that have pulled them apart start to unravel.

Each chapter starts from a different perspective, so we know what the characters are hiding before they reveal it to their family. And boy, are there a lot of secrets going on with the Stewarts. You do sometimes wonder if they have ever spoken frankly to one another! It’s devastating at times to see their carefully crafted lives crumbling apart. It takes time, but eventually they all manage to channel their anger, hurt, frustrations, betrayal - I could go on - into something much more positive.

Although positioned as a romance book - and there are romances in it - this is much more a book about family, friendships and moving on from things that seem too big to ever get over (be it a past, a betrayal, or a future plan that seems out of grasp). How one event can shake you to your core and effect your future forever. And mosty, how keeping a secret can harm you, instead of helping.

There is a lot going on in How To Keep A Secret but Martha’s friendship with Alice is one of the elements I wanted to highlight because it has been clearly thought about. In a book like this, if one friend wrongs the other in the way Alice wrongs Martha, she would be unforgivable - unredeemable - from thenceforth stricken from the narrative except to be spoken about in unflattering tones. However, here, Martha tries to rebuild the friendship in quite a positive way. I think that’s a lot more realistic, and a lot more powerful. It showed greater character development and strength from Martha than casting her lifelong friend out would have. It was very enjoyable to read.

A couple of minor points are undeveloped. Lauren’s love interests are a little unbelievable, for different reasons which will become apparent when you read it. The relationship with Scott in particular is altogether rather too convenient. It was a little predictable in parts, and I felt the ending was lacking a little energy compared to the beginning - but that was only a very slight niggle.

I enjoyed that not everything is quite wrapped up in the end, but there is an acceptance that it’s okay for things not to be. So much of the characters’ struggles have been brought about because they desired so much to appear outwardly perfect. Jenna, Lauren, Martha and Mack have been through too much to really have a ‘happy’ ending, but in its place they have found female solidarity, a closer family unit, and found that sharing is better than concealing.

Overall, an enjoyable book, and one I will doubtless re-read, with a couple of limitations. I’d give it three and a half stars if I could, but I can’t so it’ll have to be 3.

How to Keep a Secret is a move away for Sarah Morgan from her usual romance novels but you don’t have to be worry. Sarah Morgan’s writing style is very much in evidence and whereas before she pulled me in totally with all the feels for the ‘hero’ and ‘heroine’ that’s been extended to include family members too. So emotional …

Sarah Morgan is skilled at drawing the reader in with her characters and settings. She writes some of the best scenes that in the past have given me chills (cliched but true) and in How to Keep a Secret that extended far beyond a hero and heroine.

Narrated in turn by our four main characters, I immediately felt a connection with Laura, Jenna and Mack. Early on I dismissed Nancy but oh how wrong that was. Just as I was fooled in other parts of the story I took for face value Laura and Jenna’s narrations about their mum, not thinking to look for why. De-cluttering for Nancy is symbolic of much more … the chrysalis turning into a butterfly 🙂 The teen angst of Mack as well as the trauma of change is portrayed so well. For me there’s often one character I identify with the most but not in this story. I felt like a part of this family and when there is heartache it was mine too just as when there is hope I felt lifted as well.

I have one of the BIGGEST bookhangovers this year. How to Keep a Secret was a page turner for me and even though it feels like the story was over in a blink of an eye I’m still living in this world.

Love – the love of a mother for her child/ren, the love of a sister, the love between a man and a woman and a tangle of emotions for those closest to you …with all the complications, fears and utter joy are between these pages. One of my top reads this year. Perfection.

Essentially a romantic novel, but with substance, and telling the intertwined stories of three generations of women and the effect that the keeping of various secrets (which I won't divulge as then I'd have to kill you - as they say!) has on their lives past, present and future.

This is the first book I've read by this author, and based on this book, I would happily read more when I'm looking for a light, comforting read with a good plot and plenty of well-drawn characters.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.

Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I loved this book. It’s such a departure from Sarah Morgan’s normal story telling, but is so very special in it’s own way.

I so glad I got to read an early copy of it. SM is one of my favourite authors and this novel doesn’t disappoint.

The characters are so real and you can relate to each and every one of them. They are intense and have flaws and yet you can’t help but love them all. Even the ones you really dislike have good redeeming qualities. They just made mistakes.

The story itself revolves around 4 strong women. A grandmother, her two daughters and her grand daughter. Each has their own battles and demons, and jointly you see how they persevere and overcome the ones that they can. And there’s romance as well. But it’s not the main focus of the book and I liked that.

I had been slightly worried going into this book that Sarah Morgan's typical brilliance as the queen of romance trilogies wouldn't translate in her new direction.

However those fears were unfounded from the first few pages as I found myself drawn into the story.

This is multi generational women's fiction at its best with all the characters incredibly believable, and I loved seeing the chapters from the different perspectives.

The story focuses on a pair of sisters who are incredibly close but in addition to keeping secrets for each other over the years are also keeping things from each other.

There are many secrets to be unraveled in this book which helps keep the reader on their toes in addition to a whole host of other storylines that add another dimension to this book.

If this is just the first of a new direction for the author then I am even more excited than normal to see what her next book will bring.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I always look forward to a new Sarah Morgan book and while this was a bit of a departure from her usual style I very much enjoyed it.

Rather than being a romance focusing on one couple this is much more about family and tells the story of three generations of women, Nancy, her daughters Lauren and Jenna and Lauren’s daughter Mack. Each of them facing a crisis and in need of the support of their family, if they can find their way back to each other and reveal the secrets that have kept them apart.

While this is a little bit different from Morgan’s typical books it does feel like a natural progression and hangs on to all of the things I love about her writing. Her romances always had a little bit more depth, dealt with difficult issues and had strong friendships and family relationships. This is just a little lighter on the romance and a little heavier on the family relationships, what brings them together and what pulls them apart.

That’s not to say there’s no romance in this story because there most definitely is and as you would expect from a Morgan story it is wonderful. Sweet, funny, emotional and with quite a bit of heat. What’s particularly good about it is the way that the author looks at the different types of relationships and romances. We have Nancy who’s in her 60’s, 5 years a widow and trying to deal with betrayal and move forward in her life, 35 year old Lauren whose seemingly perfect life with her husband and daughter falls apart forcing her to return home as a single parent where she runs into an old flame, first grade teacher Jenna who’s very happily married to her childhood sweetheart but desperately wants children of her own and 16 year old Mack who’s having a hard time at school, doesn’t know who she is and just wants to fit in.

I really loved the way all of the different relationships within this story were portrayed and how realistic both they and the characters felt. I have to admit I had a particular soft spot for Lauren but by the end of the novel I think I came to love them all even Nancy who initially seemed very self centered and cold.

It was good to have chapters from the point of view of each of the women in the story. They each had very distinctive voices and you could tell even without the chapter headings whose head you were in. It made them very real and I have to say the chapters from Mack’s perspective in particular were very well done. I can’t really remember what it was like to be a teenager but I think the author captured it so well.

The story is a little bit on the predictable side, the secrets are pretty easy to guess, but I still enjoyed reading it. In fact as always I found it an incredibly addictive read and ended up finishing the whole thing in a day, although this is normal for me with Morgan’s books. They’re just too likable and easy to read.

Overall therefore while this is a little different from Morgan’s usual style I very much enjoyed it and I will be hoping for more of the same.

I really enjoyed this book. Sisters Lauren and Jenna consider themselves close, closer than most sisters as they felt they grew up with a cold and unloving mother. Yet each sister has a secret. Throw into the mix their mum and her secret and M@ckenzie who is Lauren’s daughter who discovers a secret and you have a recipe for tears, love, heartache and family dynamics. Everyone should read this book and everyone should take from it that face value is just that, it’s not the depths of a person or their lifestyle or choices, it’s just the face of things. Really good book

How to keep a secret by Sarah Morgan a five-star read that will have you wondering. This was a breath of fresh air for me, I enjoyed the women in this story and loved how the family were real and had a story to tell each. Just like a normal family they had things they haven’t told each other and have secrets that may or may not come out. (I ain’t spoiling it for you read the book) If you have read any thing else by this author you will know the flow of the story and the talent to the writing, but this will still surprise you as there is a difference to this story and it shows in the freshness of the story. Each of the four women that we hear from in this story have a story to tell and they all have things that will make you like them and also loath them in places. The dynamics and dysfunction of this story will keep you on tenterhooks all the way through, it may not be what we have come to expect of this author, but it is so much more. Its deeper and more compelling that the usual romantic comedy elements, its descriptively enthralling and will make you ponder your own family dynamics. If you read one book that’s not in your normal genre, make it this one.

I absolutely loved this book. I was very ready for a break from the psychological thrillers that I usually enjoy reading and was hoping to slog back into some ‘traditional’ chick lit books. The characters in this book make it and the way it is written really does make you care for them, even the annoying teenager! All I need to know now is did Jenna get her baby?!

Quite an emotional read with lots of ups and downs. A nice easy read that tugs at the heartstrings, I really enjoyed this.

Thank you netgalley for my preview release copy of this book. I absolutely loved this book and the characters.I love how each chapter is told by a different character and how the story unfolds with 3 generations of one family and how they have all kept a different secret for what they believe are the best reasons to either protect themselves or others and how they don't really truly understand each other. But gradually things change and their lives become entangled again and you see how family units either become formed or changed. It's such feel good book and perfect summer read. Would love to see how these characters move on. Would definitely recommend this book. Thank you netgalley and Sarah Morgan.

This book was saccharine sweet and it was fairly obvious what was going to happen. A bit too cheesy for my taste however I can see how other people would enjoy it, perhaps the target audience is people older than me.

I absolutely loved this book and was really sad that it had to end. It follows the lives of two sisters with a very strong bond. The story has love,loss,happiness,family secrets. I really recommend trying this book for yourself. Its a real page turner.

What do you do when your life as you’ve known it changes overnight. Lauren left her family in Martha’s Vineyard to start a new life with Ed as they helped each other mend their broken lives far away in London. When Ed dies suddenly Lauren and Mack find out their idyllic life wasn’t quite what they thought. Moving back in with her Mum Lauren realises that people don’t always have the lives that it seems to others looking at them from the outside. Lauren her Mum her sister Jenna and Mack start to realise how much they need each other and start to work together to build up their lives and realise their dreams. A feel good read.

I feel I’ve read different book to the other reviewers. Whilst I agree the story is well-written the content is very disappointing.
I never found the humour or laughter that the book reviews described. Well to do pregnant teenager marries another man and lives privileged life in England. Husband dies, daughter is now a typical non-communicative teenager, return to the town of birth and miraculously original lover is still there, now rich too. Unsurprisingly all ends well.
The big secrets blighting all their lives aren’t that shocking either.
The best parts of the story are the examination of the effects trying for a child has on a relationship.

I had hoped for a novel more relevant to 2018.

Wow, what an incredible book! I loved it! A story about three generations, relationships, family and love. The bond between the two sisters was especially touching. I was sad when the book finished as I wanted to continue reading. Totally absorbing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lauren lives in London with her husband Ed and daughter Mack, on Ed’s 40th birthday Lauren’s world shatters and Mack and Lauren move back to her childhood home to live with her Mum whom she has always had a difficult relationship. As secrets are told and trust is gained live blossoms in the family. A lovely book that makes you feel warm inside.

I have always liked Sarah Morgan's books and this was not an exception.

The story is primarily set in Martha's Vineyard and is about a family; a Mother, her 2 daughters and a Grand daughter. Each of them is carrying secrets close to their chest and it affects their perceptions and relationships with each other.

As the story unfolds and the secrets slowly come out, the family learn to pull together through some sticky situations and also face some tough decisions.

I loved it: some of the situations have been resolved but other haven't. I am hoping that this will be the first book a of a series.

I loved it.

Lauren and Jenna two sisters seperated by the ocean. Sarah Morgan's story about family and family secrets was spell binding. As secrets are spilled to the reader the family becomes more realistic and more honest and authentic. By those last few pages I knew Nancy Mack, Lauren and Jenna and cared about their story.
For me the key to being able tell if it is a good story is how late I'm willing to read too.........I'm going to be tired tomorrow.