This is the story of Julia, the daughter of a manipulative and abusive father, and Sofie, who was a young servant at their Greek holiday home. A terrible incident happens in 2003, changing the lives of both girls.
Julia goes on to have her own daughter Lottie and a second marriage to James, a headmaster at a prestigious school. The history is told in flashbacks, intertwined with the present time, where there have been accusations of abuse at the school involving Lottie's friend Angel.
After a slow start, there is a lot of tension in both stories, as the book progresses.. There were some unexpected connections, and twists to the story. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one day.
Recommended.

Julia is all things to everyone in her life – the perfect wife, mother and domestic goddess. She can write a speech for husband James as easily as clean the house form top to bottom. But is she as happy as everything thinks she is? From Julia’s point of view, she’s stifled, living a life that remains unfulfilled. That is, until she meets Laurel, a therapist who wants to help add a sense of completion to Julia’s existence. But what happened to a young woman in Paxos during a hot, sultry summer? And how does this unforgettable experience bind Laurel and Julia together?

What a brilliant story, beautifully told. I could see the beauty of Greece but equally feel the horror of the abuse. Such wonderful characters that I really cared about. A must read!

Brilliant a really really good read from the first page, the book had everything, I can’t wait to read what’s next from the author

A compelling story, with good characters. I found it almost unbearably hard to read at times, but the writing is never over-dramatic. The ending was rather predictable but I still found this a very good read.

I sat up last night and read this cover to cover. Now I’m wishing I prolonged it!! Told from 2 very different women’s point of view which I always really like. It’s a contrast of lives but also how no one really has what they want. It’s just a lovely read and like previous books by her she makes you think.

I was first introduced to Jane Shemilt’s books years ago, when reading The Daughter. I had no idea that she would surpass it with her newest release, All Her Secrets. This is a story of the things we hide, not only from others, but also from ourselves, which is the most dangerous deception of all. An amazing read!

Rating: 3.7/5

With "All Her Secrets" Jane Shemilt has produced another brooding and intelligently written drama. Alternating between Greece and the UK, in time frames twenty years apart (2003 and 2023) it tells the story Sofie, a young Greek girl, and Julia, who on the face of it, is the model wife of a successful career man. We learn early on that the paths of the two featured characters have already crossed on Paxos in 2003 - but is this previous encounter still having relevance twenty years later?

As I have commented previously when reviewing this author's work, if you like your reading material to open with a bang and then continue at a galloping pace, then this may well not be the novel for you. Some of the content may also trigger certain people, particularly with regard to sexual abuse. Those caveats aside, this makes for engrossing reading. The characterisation is solid and the switching between timeframes and viewpoints is well handled. Regular readers of the genre will probably have worked out the likely outcome well before it is formally revealed in the narrative, but that doesn't mean that the enjoyment of reaching that point is diminished as a consequence. If you are attracted to this book by the prospect of being reminded of joy-filled vacations on a Greek island, then you should prepare to be disappointed - those kinds of happy memories are in short supply here. However, if you want a solid, well-structured drama with plenty of suitably emotional content, then this delivers the goods.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

Experience the essence and warmth of the Greek Island of Paxos in this glimpse of family life there. Add to this the description of a dysfunctional household in London. Well thought out plotting and expressive detail give this book an immersive feel which draws the reader in and on to the revelatory finish. Ideal summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for sending me this advance review copy. I can see some readers may not engage with this book due to its underlying themes of abuse, but this dual timeline novel is so much more with fantastic engaging writing, family dynamics, unravelling of the plot and set in both Cyprus and the UK. It's very easy to read and I enjoyed it very much.

Rather a sad story to read, revenge being the main theme. It wasn't hard to guess who the vengeful character was although nothing was mentioned about her growing up. It did feel a little too contrived for my liking.

I thought this was written beautifully and has a really interesting premise but sadly I didn't feel connected with this story. I think this book could have done with some trigger warnings just in case as it does tackle some very dark themes but I do think they were dealt with well. I think a lot of people will love this but it just wasn't for me.

I found this book really compelling - the two stories seemed so separate and then it became obvious. Satisfying, moving and engaging in equal measure. Very much enjoyed and would recommend

This was so incredibly readable, I finished it in one sitting.
Having the story switch between two timelines made it always feel like there was always time for one more chapter... right to the last page.
Both characters deserved better than they were treated. Island life does not seem to be all that idyllic.
There was an actual light bulb moment for me, when I put everything together. That moment felt good.
An enjoyable story.

Thank you netgalley for this advanced copy. Unfortunately this book was not for me. I tried getting into it, even skipped ahead some and I just couldnt get interested. Gave up early on.