This has to be Heidi's best book to date. It takes us on a secret holiday escape to Wynmouth where we meet some delightful characters. Tess decides to get away from it all, hoping to remain anonymous in her childhood holiday resort. However, gradually her past begins to creep up on her and secrets start to come out. Not the ending I had anticipated but still a lovely 'feel good' read.

Heidi Swain does it again! I absolutely love all her books and writing style. You are pulled right in from the get go and find yourself immersed in the village of Wynmouth. Devoured this in 2 days. Highly recommend you give this a read and fall in love with Tess, Holly, Sophie and Sam.

Thanks to Net galley for the advanced eARC in return for my honest review.

I'm disappointed that I've now finished this and can't wait for Swains next book.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another absolutely brilliant book from Heidi.
When Tess decides she’s needs a break from the run of the mill she escapes to the Norfolk village Wynmouth where she used to spend summers as a child. She starts to feel she can finally relax until a familiar face returns to the village and reveals some village secrets. Plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.

Tess' life is one that many can relate to- she's over worked and stressed to the max. Add to that bucket loads of grief, unresolved family dynamics and a less-than-glittery view of her high-paying job, it's easy to see and truly understand why she needed the break she deserved.

This was a long read (much longer than I'd anticipated), so let's bumble ahead.
It's remarkably easy to start rooting for Tess as she navigates getting her life bearings back on track, whilst reliving some of her most peaceful moments. I loved how grounded and self-aware she was. Her narration immediately hooked me in and made me feel for her and the sticky situation she was in-brimming with stress and anxiety but unable to let it out. I also enjoyed how streamlined the writing style was.

The cosy-ness of the beach, the cottage and the homely residents were incredibly portrayed (Yay for the writing style again!) and it was within no time that I couldn't stop reading. I needed to know what would happen to our friend quad, how they would resolve past ghosts, unexpressed secrets , and come to terms with the present. I really loved how drawn out our character arcs were- especially Tess'. Her rationalising and taking action of her flaws and future, shone. Similarly, Hope, Jo and Sam were fleshed out with such compelling and believable tension that I couldn't help but be curious for more.

Beware MAJOR spoilers within the tags:
If there was one thing I was irked by it was (view spoiler: [ how the solstice beach events played out with revealing that switcheroo. It just felt very cliche and misplaced compared to the polished look of previous plot development. Also the descriptions of Tess's reaction seemed childish and clunky. " The rockets launching in my loins far outshone those which lit up the midnight sky over the Thames every New Year's Eve." Umm what?? ) + A tiny insignificance- the word huskily was used an awful lot. 0_0

I wasn't too fond with the plot twists towards the end either which seemed rather like a telenovela reveal (something that dampened my enjoyment just like with The Unhoneymooners ). For instance, (view spoiler: Hope & Tess. Dad should've still gotten a run down on how the way he protected his family was quiet possibly the most destructive thing for them and his sudden personality flip surprised me but it was nice that forgiveness prevailed). However, it sort of tied things together, family-wise for Tess. I guess I wasn't too into the reveal as I wasn't expecting it at all. Like at all . Completely blindsided.
I was also taken off-guard with the (view spoiler: Charlie and Joe land issue AND also the Jack and Sam issue ), by at which time I could totally relate to the mental breakdown Tess was having, with the sheer amount of baggage she was dealing with. It was incredible how she grew from the experiences though.

Finally, if it's one thing this book does is, it's that it goes out with a bang. With mistaken identities, swapped personas, complicated relationship statuses and brotherly/sisterly bonding alongside a dish of family re connections, there was a lot to gather my head around in the final quarter. Still wildly entertaining, but mind-bogging so.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Heidi Swain at her best.
Overworked in the family business, Tess has not yet mourned her Mum and finds herself at breaking point. Taking some much needed time off she heads to Wynnouth, the seaside village where her family spent her childhood holidays and rents the house she always admired as a child. Lots of twists & turns in Tess’s story which is full of well-rounded characters, and an unexpected twist.

This was my first Heidi Swain book & I thought it was fabulous! I enjoyed the plot with all the twists and turns but fortunately a happy ending for all the characters.
Will definitely be reading more of Heidi Swain's books.

I always look forward to a Heidi Swain novel and this one was high up on my reading list! The sunshiney cover screamed summer and the location looked so picturesque that I couldn't wait to delve in and read all about Tess and Sam!

At the beginning, I wasn't a massive fan of Tess believe it or not. She seemed quite self-centered and even though I knew she had been through a hard time she didn't seem quite like who I usually liked to read about as she was a workaholic and came across as quite a know-it-all when she was giving Chris a telling off! However, having said that, it appeared that as soon as she arrived in Wynmouth everything changed. She became nicer, more down-to-earth and understanding. She seemed more like a lovely person, exactly the type who I do enjoy reading about.

The location of this novel sounded so lovely. Imagine a cottage right on the beach, you can't think of anything better right?! Well I certainly can't anyway. I also loved the events that Tess, with the help of Hope, Sophie and Sam, put together. They sounded so community driven and sounded like a load of fun with so many friendly neighbours within the Wynmouth community. What I wished was included more was the storyline to do with Tess' mum and her diary. Simply because I was being nosy and wanted to learn more about what had happened!

I was pleasantly pleased with how this lovely sunshiney novel ended, and there was two twists which I really wasn't expecting! But having said that, they were twists for the better and this was a really lovely, happy and lighthearted novel to read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Quite shockingly, The Secret Seaside Escape is the first book I’ve read by Heidi Swain. Have to say I loved it. It’s a lighthearted feel good read set in a beautiful Norfolk seaside village. It has great characters, love, romance and a few secrets. What more could you ask for in a book? I’ll certainly be reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster UK and the author for the chance to review.

Thank to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a copy of this book.

Another absolutely wonderful book from Heidi Swain. In this, possibly my new favourite Heidi Swain book, we are transported to Wynmouth, a seaside town so well-written that it had me reminiscing about childhood holidays of my own and longing for the feel of sand between my toes. There are several strands to the story, all of which are given careful attention so that nothing seems rushed or incomplete. Swain always writes characters that feel so very real, it's almost impossible not to care about how their story turns out and this is no exception. Within just a few chapters, I felt like I'd met new friends! I'd love to think that there will be more in the series, giving us the chance to revisit Wynmouth and catch up with all the residents again. A 5* read, perfect escapism.

Another amazing and beautiful story from one of my favourite authors. A tale of of friendship and romance and the realities that arise in families. I was totally absorbed in the characters and their lives and I certainly didn’t see one or two things coming towards the end! Loved it and can’t wait for the next story that Heidi writes!

The fabulous Heidi Swain has done it again 👏🙌 I cannot begin to explain to you all how excited I was to get an early copy of this book and trust me, it didn’t disappoint 😍 Tess is a beautiful character and I loved all the friendships she made in Wynmouth. I particularly loved Sophie......we all need a Sophie in our lives!! The plot itself was gripping and I found I was always trying to read as quickly as possible so I could find out what was happening next. Heidi - bravo to you for writing yet another gorgeous book and creating another beautiful community for us all to fall in love with ☺️💕📚

Love love love. With everything that is going on in the world it was such a welcome break to read this book.
We meet Tess, a lady who works too hard and has grief she hasn't dealt with. She decides to put life on pause and go to the place her family went when she grew up. There she meets Joe, Sam and Hope who all have a massive impact on her life....a couple who have also in the past. She tries to run away from her life but in doing so things around all come together to shake her to the core.
It has twists and turns throughout, its a wonderful book and I'd recommend it to all my friends.

Such a fab book and such an escape from everything going on in the world right now. I loved the setting of the story and the characters were brilliant. This story will take you through so many emotions and will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

I would never turn down a trip to the seaside, especially with Heidi Swain in the driving seat.
Not only is this book a good read but it also has some important messages at its heart – including highlighting how essential it is to take care of your mental as well as physical health.
I could almost feel the weight of grief and stress pressing down on Tess’s shoulders but luckily she found her escape in the happy place of her childhood holidays.
As a huge fan of Norfolk and its coast, I was very excited when Heidi announced a new location for her popular books.
Wynmouth plays a massive part in The Secret Seaside Escape - and I for one would quite happily move there (I hope it’s not the last we see of it in her books).
There are so many interesting twists and turns in the plot to keep you transfixed (and I could never have guessed the route the story eventually took).
I had a huge sense of nostalgia for my own holidays on the Norfolk coast (as a child and adult, having been missing trips to the beach recently).
While Tess and Sam are the main attraction, as usual, Heidi creates an eclectic, engaging cast with their own stories just waiting to be uncovered.
So glad to hear Heidi has been signed up for another four books with Simon & Schuster, which will bring the total published to 15 - a stunning achievement.

I’ve just finished reading Heidi Swain ‘The Secret Seaside Escape.’

Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .

What a wonderful and exciting read that kept me glued to the pages. I love that It’s based in a gorgeous quaint village of Wynmouth, off the Norfolk coast making me want to visit this idilic location. It’s full of secrets, with its twists and turns that keep you guessing all the way through. This romantic feel good read is a perfect pick me up, which will leave you wanting more and more.... 5 out of 5 for me!

💕 Heidi Swain's 'The Secret Seaside Escape' is a romantic story about second chances, friendships and forgiveness.
The setting is pure escapism which is captured by the descriptions so easily conjured up in the readers mind. The beachside cafe, pub and some of the locals could be found in many an English seaside town which makes the book relatable and fun.
The dynamics between the main characters is frustrating at times, and I wanted to shake some sense into them. But this just adds to the real-feel of the story and reflects our human nature perfectly.
I did feel, whilst reading, that the ending was a long time coming, then it seemed a bit rushed through when the plot was uncovered, but there was a wonderful turn which surprised and delighted and that explained everything perfectly.
This book makes a wonderful beach holiday/sitting by a poolside read.

What a truly amazing read. Once again Heidi Swain has made me visualize a holiday spot on the North Norfolk coast. I found the characters believable and whilst reading it I became involved as if they were my friends. The novel is set in Norfolk. Tess Tyler works in the family business with her father. She is working flat out until she stumbled on a secret. With the need to get away she finds a cottage in Wynmouth, a seaside town where she had made such happy memories as a child. Without telling anyone where she is going she heads off to a superb cottage. The one thing she remembers most is her first kiss. Does the young boy she liked then, still living there? As the plot unfolds more secrets come to light. Relax and unwind as you imagine the wind in your hair looking at rock pools wondering what is coming next. This is a must read . Congratulations to Heidi Swain and thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to get the latest novel in exchange for n honest review.

Definitely one of the best feel good authors out there. This story is so charming and the characters are all loveable. I hope there is a series to come from the village! I would definitely read them.

Set within a small seaside community, dealing with the after effects of a tragedy from some 20 years ago, 'The Secret Seaside Escape', provides Tess with the ideal opportunity to escape from the stress of daily life while working for the family firm. She hopes that returning to a place full of happy memories will help her to accept her own recent discovery about her family. But as Tess plunges headfirst into village life, she quickly realises that you cannot escape the past, especially when you are unwilling to face upto it.
'The Secret Seaside Escape' is an enjoyable read and set in such a wonderfully picturesque location that is encouraged the reader to dream of a holiday in Norfolk for themselves.
The characters are not always likeable and sometimes, Tess's inability to think properly before acting can be infuriating but yet, I couldn't help but cheer her on and was delighted by the family related twist towards the end of the story.
A wonderful feel good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

We have broken away from Wynbridge (I am sure we will return at some point) and we have pitched up on the Norfolk coast in Wynmouth.

The rock pools, the sea, the sand, the beach huts, shared experiences and loves of family holidays are just distant memories to Tess, but Wynmouth is where she feels she had the best parts of her life.

When it all feels like it has come to much at her high pressured job working for her very demanding and exacting father in the family firm and still reeling from the death of her mother, Tess decides to step away from it all.

Not telling anyone, she rents a cottage next to a pub in Wynmouth. Shutting all technology in a drawer and taking only herself and a recent discovery with her, Tess intends to hole up in Wynmouth until she feels ready to go back.

Trouble is Tess, cannot switch off that easily and she soon becomes involved in this lovely seaside town and the community.

Tess forms a bond with Sophie who runs the local cafe and her daughter Hope. Tess can see the potential in the cafe, once in PR, always in PR and helps Sophie spread the word a bit more.

Meddling a bit more, she branches out at the pub and becomes close to Sam, the landlord of the her rental cottage as well. Sam is slightly aloof and seems he is running away from something too.

When a familiar face returns to Wynmouth it doesn't just upset the locals, it upsets Tess too. It seems that by running away she has run into something else from her past.

Tess is about to learn a few lessons in nothing being as it seems.

This is yet again a five star read from Heidi Swain (as have all her previous novels). Instantly I was taken to the seaside, not so much of a problem when you live near one, but to have it jump off the page was wonderful. The characters were just as good as they always are. Fully formed, even those that merely played a small part in the story. I took an instant like and dislike to many of them only to find my prejudices and assumptions were sometimes wrong as I did not know the full story.

If you cannot get to a seaside, this is the perfect way to escape - but you might need to provide your own ice cream!