Another excellent read from Phillipa Nefri Clark. Joanna left Rivers End 25 years ago after a series of events that she felt left her no choice but to leave. In the present, she receives a note via her Aunt, from her ex-best friend, begging Joanna to return. She does return, only to be faced with all the secrets, lies and misunderstandings that caused her to leave in the first place. But, as is often the case, getting to the bottom of all those issues from 25 years ago leads to better friendships and a stronger, better way forward. A fantastic story!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Phillipa Nefri Clark for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

The fourth of a series by one of my favorite authors. (This book can be read out of sequence).. A womean returns to her home town in Australia to face a mystery that has haunted her for years. What happened to an encounter with a person who boat pieces wash up on shore years later? What happened to him? Was she responsible? Also, a misunderstanding between she and her best friend has led to years of estrangement between the two. Misunderstandings and reunions all lead to quick satisfying read, I look forward to reading more from this author..

Another wonderful read from Phillipa. A real page turner about friendship, trust and love which can last through all sorts of turmoil The story about the shipwreck was a real page turner. It was a heartwarming story and at times heartbreaking. Great characters each with a story to tell.

THE SECRETS OF WILLOW BAY is the fourth novel in the Temple River series by PHILLIPA NEFRI CLARK. I have not read the first three books, and this one can easily stand alone. The story is exciting and suspenseful, with murder, mystery, and even some romance in the mix. It takes place in Australia, which is interesting.
When Joanna Johnson is called back to Rivers End by her ex best friend, Roslyn, who literally stole her future and her boyfriend twenty five years ago, she is afraid she is going to have to face the music about itinerant surfer Trent’s disappearance, when wreckage of his yacht are washed up. Was she the last person to see him alive, and did she push him too hard?…….
The characters are interesting and their emotions are well portrayed. It is altogether an enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Storm Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

From page one of the prologue Phillipa Nefri Clark had me on the edge of my seat with the suspense in The Secrets of Willow Bay. The suspense did not let up until the end. What was Joanna running from? What had she seen? Would he come after her?

What had happened in the 20 plus years since she had moved away? And why did her former friend send for her.... something important about 'that night'?

Wonderful characters, resolutions, and forgiveness plus a side of romance.

Releases Jan. 21st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have enjoyed the Temple River series and book four is no exception. The Secrets of Willow Bay by Phillipa Nefri Clark is a captivating mystery well executed that kept me turning the pages. It is a story that focuses on friendship, forgiveness, love and second chances but it is also about misunderstanding, naivety, fear and trauma.

The novel’s Prologue set in the past, is gripping as it begins on an ominous note. It clearly depicts the fear and distress experienced by the main character. You can almost feel the ‘shock of cold water,’ hit your body. The desperate attempt to escape a dark and shadowy danger. A sky streaked with lightning, gasps for oxygen, in the murky depths. Then the pounding heartbeat of one racing to safety in a struggle for survival. All caused by the sudden realisation and exposure of a secret.

Joanna Johnson is a troubled woman who flees her hometown in River’s End in a hurry after she is traumatised by an unexpected event. On top of this, she is heartbroken by betrayal. She loses her two favourite people: her boyfriend and best friend through something she sees. But is everything as it appears? Not only has she lost her greatest friendship with Roslyn but also their plans of working together after taking a fashion design degree. The two young women had big dreams and loved designing and sewing clothes and wanted to start their own brand. Full of smiles and hopes they were heading into a happy direction but then everything changes. When Joanna’s world comes crashing down, she runs away to the Gold Coast to a new job and life—leaving her old world behind. For twenty-five years she is separated from her past until one day she gets a letter from Roslyn, telling her about a yacht that has surfaced. ‘Parts of an old boat washed up on the beach…an investigation…certain it is Trent’s yacht…you need to come home.’ Her old friend pleads with her to return and see for herself. She is hesitant, of course, to go back. But the pull is strong and so she does…Then the whole story behind this letter starts to unfold. We are taken back and forth in timelines of 2000 and Now where the truth is unveiled…

There are a number of twists and turns in the plot that give the reader plenty of surprises. The mystery of a wreck that turns up after twenty five years has the town hopping trying to put clues together. As valuable items of evidence wash up on the beach and are found, the pieces of the puzzle slowly come together. But this mystery turns out to be far more than anyone expected and it has Joanna in a state of panic for she wonders if she has unintentionally played a part in the boat and owner’s demise.

Joanna must face many aspects of her past: her old friendship, her past love, her home-setting: the people and coast she loved and lost. And to discover what is real and imagined. The author delivers the truth carefully and cleverly at an excellent pace. There’s lots of danger and pulse racing moments!

I truly enjoyed the full journey with each of the characters and was very happy with the ending that offers wise choices, restoration and justice. It’s another winner in the Temple River series that I certainly recommend. And I love that gorgeous atmospheric cover! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the arc
Twenty-five years ago, Joanna Johnson fled her hometown of Rivers End, leaving behind her best friend, her first love, and a dark secret. When a mysterious letter arrives, she’s forced to confront the past she’s tried so hard to forget…
This book had a bit of everything as we switch from her past and the present, discovering snippets of what forced her to leave the Bay.
It's a mid paced book packed with wonderful bay vibes and small town. The author captures the life so well you feel like you're there with JoJo as she's called locally.
I enjoyed the second chance romance element and that it was coupled with a vein of thriller with something she discovered and how it came up in her current life.
A book of long lost, strong friendship, family bonds and romance a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Kerry Kennedy Author

Temple River Series Book #4. Joanna Johnson left her home in Rivers End twenty=five years ago, leaving behind her best friend, her first love and a secret that she had never shared with anyone. Living her life as a designer in her home on a canal on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Joanna receives a letter from her previous best friend practically demanding Joanna return to Rivers End. After a storm, pieces of a wreck turn up on the beach. So Joanna takes a well earned break from her job to go back to Rivers End to face her past.

Once Joanna has returned to her much loved home on the limestone coast, she is drawn back to the memories of her childhood friend Roslyn and how they had planned to open their own boutique in the town, designing and making the clothes and the lives they both dreamed about. After her friend had betrayed her, Joanna fled her home also leaving behind her first love Lucas. As pieces of the wrecked yacht drift on to the beach, Joanna remembers the other betrayal which caused her to flee for her life. And it appears that not all secrets are hidden as Joanna once again finds herself in danger.

Her friend Roslyn is no longer the vibrant person Joanna knew. Lucas, now a single Dad, has become very much a part of Rivers End. Will the mystery of the wreck be solved and will Joanna be able to survive all the secrets in her life at that time?

I loved this story, Book #4 in the series. Though set in an area of Australia that I don't know and have never visited, the pictures and descriptions Phillipa gives us in her prose, brings to life a vibrant township and area.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to the book release.

The most darling place, characters, and storyline! I could not put this book down. It was just precious. Such a great book. Highly recommend!