What a lovely book! I had started to lose my reading mojo, and this has brought it back. Brilliant storyline, beautifully written with lots of descriptive scenery which really does make you feel like you are there. The characters are wonderful, even when they get a bit grumpy! Surprisingly lots of plot twist! Also, with lots of valuable lessons in life made. My first by this author and I will be reading more. Oh, and amazing use of the word gargantuan! I loved every bit of this book and would highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Lovely story and characters and set in a perfect seaside location, it was ideal for losing yourself in a book in the current lockdown situation we are in. It was a story about learning what’s important, finding new friends with a few twists and turns. Well worth a read. Thank you for letting me review this book.

Although a typically easy read story with a happy ending and all loose ends nicely tied up, it is nonetheless a very therapeutic way to spend a day. It is easy to see why Heidi is a Sunday Times bestseller and I hope to be able to read more of her work, it is as therapeutic as a mix between a counselling session and a yoga class....and cheaper!
The story is about an escape from the realities of a busy and demanding life, one I have often dreamed of myself but never undertaken....lack of money, cowardice or responsibility to others, who knows! But more than lovely to read about, the escapist being called Tess, my own name, made me feel.. very briefly.. that it could be possible.
I would highly recommend this novel, read it on a low day, a sunny day, a rainy day and whenever you need to escape but can’t for many practical reasons. But don’t rule the possibility of escape out as many have been able to prioritise a more relaxed life, this could also be seen as inspirational. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC...much needed in these uncertain times.

I was delighted to be given the chance to review this book for netgalley and the publishers as I am a massive fan of Heidi Swain's books. I wondered if this book would be as good as Heidi's previous ones as it had a brand new setting and characters.
However, I was not disappointed, the story flowed beautifully and I was transported to the lovely seaside town of Wynmouth in Norfolk. The descriptions and style of writing made me feel like I was right there and I had a clear image in my mind of the whole town.
This book is another 5 star book by Heidi, and I would definitely recommend it to all my book friends.

'The Secret Seaside Escape' by Heidi Swain is a jolly-jaunt of a novel, marvellously uplifting & joyfully warm, much in-keeping with the previous books by this author I've had the pleasure of reading. Combining friendship & relationships, family & self-discovery, dreams and hopes and wishes, this is an inspiring story, encouraging readers to take control of their lives and go after whatever it is that makes their hearts happy, no matter how hard the decisions that need to be made along the way.

In Swain's 'The Secret Seaside Escape', readers are introduced to Tess Tyler, a bonafide workaholic, with the most abysmal work and life balance known to man. Since the sudden death of her mother, Tess has found that the only way to cope is to work, work, work, and then some. Her boss is no other than her very own father, a man who, Tess feels, has changed immeasurably in the years since their shared loss. Following by her father's example, Tess knows of no other way of life besides the Tyler way, which is to work tirelessly until the job is done, and then repeat once more.

"You're a Tyler, Tess. We don't give up, remember? We thrive on stress. Our ability to power through is what keeps us one step ahead of the competition."

What quickly becomes apparent is that Tess Tyler needs a break, and sharpish. There's a place she holds dear in her memory and has done since she was younger. A seaside town where she remembers being completely and utterly content, where life moved at a snail's pace yet everyday still felt full of love and joy. It's a place that Tess Tyler thinks about often, and it might just be the place that will help Tess to figure out what it really is that she wants from life, and what it is that makes her truly happy.

Swain truly takes her readers away with her latest novel, and it was a gloriously charming and most-welcome break from real life. From the moment Tess arrives in Wynmouth and settles down to enjoy her new, if only temporary, life in Crow's Nest Cottage at a slower, more easy-going pace, I was more than ready to settle down beside her and figure out how we were going to spend our time while in the seaside town.

This isn't simply a lovely little trip to the seaside for Tess, though. There are far deeper, more personal reasons for Tess's escape to Wynmouth, and it's not only to be rid of the hold that her job has over her every hour of every day. Although Tess is more than aware that she mentally and physically deserves a break, after discovering the pages of her late mother's diary while going through her mother's things, this time away is also time to read and absorb the secrets within the pages, to find out what was going on in her mother's head before she passed away, and to figure out if there was anything else going on within her parents' marriage. She needs space and time, to figure out who she is, and what she wants.

I found this tale to be one of those which was incredibly easy to become lost in. Swain's leading lady, Tess, felt rather relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her, and what it was that made her tick. Swain creates such lovable and friendly characters, people who you'd feel very lucky to know, from all walks of life. During her time in Wynmouth, Tess meets Sophie and Hope, Sam and Joe, each of them unique and important to the lessons that Tess will learn before her time in the town is up.

From the first page to the very last, Tess is taken on a whirlwind adventure and I loved every moment of it. There was so much going on in this book, I was constantly entertained and kept wondering what would happen next. With so many gorgeous characters to get to know, so many exciting events to be witness to, and plenty of surprises in Tess's journey towards self-discovery, 'The Secret Seaside Escape' was absolutely bloody lovely and left me feeling the same way Heidi's previous books have left me feeling once finished, and that is simply happy.

If you're partial to quaint seaside getaways, sprinkled with the most warm and welcoming of characters, and family-focused stories with a whole lot of heart and warmth, then 'The Secret Seaside Escape' by Heidi Swain is perfect for you. If you enjoy novels based around tight-knit communities and people each other out in their time of need then, again, this will be right up your street. Heidi Swain writes straight from the heart and it shows within her books. I already can't wait for the next one.

This was a very welcome escape from reality amid the chaos we are experiencing at the moment, and I'm sure it will give many readers the same much-needed escape as it gifted me. The Book Babe is giving 'The Secret Seaside Escape' by Heidi Swain a rating of four out of five. I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster UK for the advanced reading copy of this book, that of which has no reflection my giving a fair and honest review.

Another great book by Heidi Swann. Tess Tyler has been under so much pressure working in her father's firm that she takes ill. After a terrible secret she decides to go back to Wynmouth where she had wonderful holidays as a child.

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect escapist read.

Gorgeous read! It's my first read by Heidi Swain but I feel like I've already been converted into a #swainette.

This little delight has so much to offer, including:
- A beautiful British setting
- Gorgeous, mysterious characters
- A long list of plot twists that just keep you guessing

I've laughed, I've cried, my jaw has dropped to the floor and I've devoured this little beauty very quickly by my standards.

I can't wait to read more by this author and I'm sure this too will be a best seller! I have loved it.

With everything going on in the world at the minute this book was a welcomed escape!
I loved the characters journey and was really drawn into their lives.
Only downside to the book was that it ended and I wanted more

I received a free advance copy of this from NetGalley, it’s being published on 16th April 2020. This is another funny, summery triumph from Heidi Swain, possibly her best so far. She takes us to a new setting, the seaside at Wynmouth, this time and I’m really hoping it’s one she revisits. I loved the characters and the storyline and didn’t want it to end. There were several touching and/or funny moments and more than a few surprises. I was also really pleased to see the mix of characters in it, including one with a disability.

A really lovely tale, if you have read other Heidi Swains books then you will enjoy this book. Beautifully descriptive of the seaside town , it made me want to visit and spend my days on the beach or in the cafe and my evenings chatting with George and Sam in the pub.
Mistaken scenarios a plenty , family, friendship and love. Perfect antidote to our strange times.
Thank you netgalley for the early opportunity to read this book.

Well this was a welcome escape from the real world. Heidi Swain always lets you delve deep into her worlds, walk along with her characters and enjoy some really tasty meals in the coffee shops and pubs that she creates and it is always a welcome escape to me.



I really enjoyed this new coastal setting in the Wynbridge worlds. Although this is not a Wynbridge novel you can tell that this all takes place in the same world and I know that characters from Heidi's previous novels will have walked these shores and been tempted by this coffee shop too.



As well as this book having a great setting it also has a lot to say about slowing down and taking a moment to breathe in this technology saturated more is more world. I really liked how Heidi picked up this theme and really illustrated how damaging it can be trying to keep up in the corporate world and never switching off because our emails are on our phones and our employers can reach us at any time.



I think the fact that this novel has the message of slowing down and taking a moment to smell the rose does mean that it moves at a slower pace to previous Heidi Swain books. I feel like it took me longer to get to the crescendo and the ending than in some of the Wynbridge novels where there is always a hive of activity and multiple characters are living their own drama filled storylines. I don't think there was an issue with the pacing, it is just slower than I have come to expect from a Heidi Swain book.



Tess was a really fun character to spend this novel with because she really seems to know herself. She has been on a trajectory that she thought that she loved and she thought that she wanted but actually when she takes a step back ans examines that, she knows deep down that something has to give. I really liked how family oriented she is as well. She has a great loyalty to her family and yet they haven't always been there for her the way they should have.



There are some other wonderful characters we get to meet in this novel too. Sophie has the aforementioned coffee shop that we know will always feature in some way or another in a Heidi Swain novel and her daughter Hope share a definite affinity for making things bigger and better with main character Tess. And then there are Joe and Sam. Each mysterious in their own way, we can tell there is going to be some romance where these guys are concerned.



If you're looking for a seaside escape then this novel literally tells you that's what it's going to give you on the front cover. This is a nice break from a lot of the recent 'coastal' novels that are all set in Cornwall. It was nice to have a sleepy setting, an interesting cast and of course Heidi's Swains infamous signature dishes. Don't read this unless you have access to some snacks and possibly a pint! I really recommend this book.

In these scary times a Heidi Swain book is the perfect escapism from life. This book takes us to Wynmouth a small seaside town in Norfolk where Tess Tyler used to visit as a child, so when she needs an escape she books a holiday cottage there to relive happy memories. When she gets friendly with the locals her job in pr comes in handy in promoting their businesses. And when she meets local pub landlord Sam she is instantly attracted to him but when his friend Hope comes back from travelling and her first kiss Joe comes back to Wynmouth after a long time away. Things start to get complicated. Can she sort out her troubles and the lives of the locals? The only downside to this book is it isn’t longer I’m bereft that I’ve finished it and can’t wait for her next book. (No pressure) 💙

This book is brilliantly written. The characters are really relateable and I love to interactions and connections with them all.

First loves, longtime loves, friendships, father daughter relationships, mother daughter relationships. The list is endless.

The way it all comes together at the end is marvelous. I loved the romance in this book and the pure love between some of the characters. Brilliant book and cannot wait to read more of this author.

I have read each and every one of Heidi Swains previous novels and absolutely adore them and when I found out that her new novel was set in Wynmouth I couldn’t wait to return here and escape in her warming writing style.
Tess works for her father at his company and she has always been such a dedicated hard worker but she has reached the point where she has physically and emotionally burnt out. After the loss of her mum and the discovery of a diary amongst her belongings Tess yearns for the comfort of her childhood haven where she spent so many happy years with her parents as a child, Wynmouth is calling her and she wastes no time in setting off for an extended break. Away from technology and being uncontactable allows Tess to switch off but as she begins to read the diary she found she begins to uncover painful secrets, but the folk of Wynmouth are soon on hand to bring a little light back into her life and distract her.
One thing Heidi always manages to do is create an idyllic setting with such a strong community spirit and characters who I become so fond of I just want to fall into the pages and live my life amongst them and this is exactly how I felt reading this book, I would love to have been enveloped in Sophie’s love and care and looking out at the wonderful views and tasting her delicious delights!
There is a higgledy piggledy hint of romance flowing through the storyline that although was a little predictable I still felt myself longing for certain couples to come together. There was a little lol point in this book which I though my attention was slowly drifting but there was then a couple of revelations that were revealed that I did not see coming at all and left me completely surprised and I actually think having my attention wavering slightly made these revelations more of an impact and had me hooked back in and greedily turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
The supporting characters were all loveable, friendly and supportive and it was great to see them all taking Tess under their wings and her being able to help them and their businesses in return.
This was another enjoyable and uplifting read by Heidi Swain, the perfect book to escape from the madness in our world right now.

In The Secret Seaside Escape we meet Tess - who has channeled her grief over losing he mum by throwing herself into the work she does for her dad's PR company.

At breaking point, Tess realises that she needs to make changes in her life before she goes down a road she can't come back from. She decides to go to her favouite family holiday haunt in Wynmouth without telling anyone until she gets there.

Tess's fond memories are there for a reason. The close knit community is still very much there and welcomes Tess with open arms. Tess jumps in the deep end and helps the locals by promoting their businesses and organising a beach clean up with a follow up solstice party afterwards. She even has her eye on the lovely pub owner Sam.

Yet something is holding Tess back. She hasn't told any of her new found friends that she visited their home many times as a child...as she discovers some family secrets through her late mother's diaries, we learn that she's not the only one with skeletons in their closet...

If you want a perfect summer read to while your time away then look no further, as this is the perfect heartwarming story.

I loved how so many characters had their plot interlink with eachother. I would love another story that has Tess, Sam, Hope and Joe in! I love how Swain manages to make you feel like you are visiting old friends every time you read one of her books.

I would like to thank Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I absolutely love Heidi Swains books, they offer the perfect escapism and always have such brilliant characters.

The secret seaside escape follows Tess a young woman who is in desperate need of an escape from her high pressure job working for her Dad. She decides to up and leave for a break to the Norfolk coast where her family would holiday when she was younger. Except Tess is like me and finds it tricky to switch off and so ends up getting involved in day to day life (and drama) in Wynmouth.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a twisty turny storyline which kept me guessing till the very end, lovely characters that felt like old friends and a brilliant setting in a quiet seaside village. If we can’t go on holiday right now, at least we can travel through the books we read!

The ending, with all its revelations, was a bit far fetched but that’s just my feelings

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that when your world is going a bit nuts a feel-good read is just what the doctor orders (and wine, and a bubble bath).

When I got sent The Secret Seaside Escape I did an excitable wiggle, which is normally reserved for massive bowls of spaghetti carbonara.

Heidi Swain’s books are a massive hug; they’re familiar and safe. And I think this one may be my favourite?

It’s really hard not to love Tess and the people she finds herself with in the idyllic down of Wynmouth. The village and its inhabitants are painted delicately and it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. The storylines between the characters cleverly interlink and keep you engrossed and interested throughout.

This review feels lazy and maybe it is. Maybe it’s because I’m writing in the sunshine listening to folk music, or maybe it’s because, if like me you love books of this ilk and you have shelves bursting with novels, you don’t need me to tell you. You know you’re going to love it.

But here I am, telling you: go spend an afternoon with Tess. It’s the most joy I’ve felt this week. Go wiggle your toes in some written sand. If you’re in isolation and need an escape, pick up this book. If you’re reading this is the future and you’re allowed outside, read it anyway.

Being fed up with just working in her father's company every day and having no life at all, still sore from her mother's death, Tess decides to take off and spend few weeks in a place she and her family used to visit regularly when she was younger. She has no idea what surprises await her there...

A really enjoyable book, I devoured it in a day.

I've never read a book written by Heidi Swain before - not through lack of want I hasten to add, but I just hadn't come across one; though I have heard brilliant things about her writing!
I settled down with this book and I wasn't too sure what I was expecting, but honestly? I adored this book! I devoured it in less than 24 hours and it was certainly time well spent! The characters are fleshed out beautifully, the book is perfectly descriptive but not too much so that you get bored. The characters are all charming, their life stories are plausible and it wasn't very predicable in places which I loved! Definitely a book that I am going to recommend to all that I know in the book community that adore books like this!