I was sucked in from the first few pages and the book hasn't left me alone until I got to the end. It was hard to be parted from this story and I was thoroughly enjoying every second of it.

At the heart of it its a story about female friendship, but it also features multiple generations of Milly's family with occasional chapters from their points of view, and there are even some new "friendships" to be discovered.

This is the story of Milly and Nicole - Milly who runs a gorgeous holiday retreat in the Lakes and Nicole who is a world famous actress, and until recently they had been the very closest of friends. But when Nicole reaches out to Milly for help, Milly isn't sure but agrees anyway.

And I loved getting to know their respective stories, as well as enjoying seeing interactions with Zoe, Milly's daughter, and Connie, her mum and Nanna Peg, who is Connie's mum and a real live wire in her 80s! Milly has such a close relationship with all the females of her family, whereas the more you hear about Nicole's mum and her childhood, the more you feel for Nicole.

There is just something about this author that always draws me in, and leaves me unable to put a book down. I was totally gripped and loved all the various storylines.

Sarah Morgan is a queen among authors, she is an auto read author for me, and this is another wonderful example of her work. I absolutely adored the setting, the characters, the hints of romance, Joel, and the lemon chicken sounded good too!

If you are looking for an all around gorgeous book to devour this summer, then this is for you. Oh and the cover is stunning too!

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

Escape for summer with Sarah Morgan's A Secret Escape, a heartwarming and uplifting novel about friendship, forgiveness, and love.

Childhood friends Milly and Nicole had always been inseparable, more like sisters than friends. So when Nicole suddenly dropped out of contact two years ago, Milly was left hurt and confused. She buried the pain and moved forward with her life, but the memory of her lost friend lingered.

Now, Nicole is back, desperately asking Milly for help. She needs somewhere private to hide, and the only place she can turn to is Milly's holiday home business in the Lake District. Despite her reservations, Milly can’t turn away her old friend and agrees to let her stay.

As the two women spend the summer together, old wounds begin to heal and their friendship starts to mend. Meanwhile, Milly finds herself caught up in the possibility of a new romance. But just as things seem to be falling into place, Nicole drops a bombshell that threatens to shatter everything.

Can Milly and Nicole’s bond survive this summer, or will their fragile friendship break under the strain of a long-buried secret?

This charming and breezy read is perfect for a summer holiday. Sarah Morgan crafts a simple yet delightful romance, making it the ideal book to enjoy by the pool or on the beach. With themes of loyalty, love, and second chances, A Secret Escape is a refreshing and feel-good novel that will leave you smiling.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Another fabulous read from Sarah Morgan.
Millie and Nicole are childhood friends and always thought they would be there for eachother…. Until they’re not.
Nicole runs a family holiday business and Nicole is a Hollywood actress living very different life’s until a phonecall late one night changes everything.
A story of friendship and loyalty and how easily it can be broken.
I loved this book and enjoyed every page.
Thank You NetGalley for an ARC of this lovely book.

I am a huge fan of Sarah Morgan and I love her books – they are full of warmth, always have a great storyline, with engaging characters and a large sprinkle of magic. I thoroughly enjoyed her last book, The Summer Swap, and was so very pleased and excited to be able to read an advanced copy of A Secret Escape – thank you!

The two main characters in the book are Milly and Nicole. Milly and Nicole, once inseparable childhood friends, who experienced a falling out a few years ago and have not spoken since. Nicole works in a very high-pressured job as a renowned international film star. and has always struggled with her work-life balance. Milly owns a holiday home business in the Lake District and when Nicole, after two years of no communication, got in touch asking for help, she let Nicole stay at one of her rental holiday homes.

Milly was taken by surprise and felt a whirlwind of emotions when she unexpectedly heard from Nicole, leaving her uncertain about how to respond. However, despite her reservations, Milly couldn't deny how much she had missed Nicole and their friendship and deep bond they once shared. So, Milly saw this as a potential path to reconciliation, but the decision wasn't easy. She felt uncertain about where it might lead and unsure of the outcome. Milly was aware it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to give it a go.

Nicole, struggling with personal and work challenges, needed a place to stay. She had been grappling with the emotional fallout of a deeply painful divorce and was relentlessly being pursued by the Media. By reaching out to Milly, she showed her genuine wish to repair the connections they once had. She also believed the Lake District was the perfect place to rest and help her understand a way forward. She missed Milly greatly and wanted to try and rebuild their friendship.

Over the summer, Milly and Nicole reconnect and get to know each other again. Their journey is full of ups and downs, with many twists and turns. They revisit old memories, many of which are painful memories from their past, uncover secrets, and learn to trust each other – slowly but surely. Despite the challenges, their bond grows stronger as they face life's storms together.

Milly and Nicole both need to confront their past and come to terms with the reasons behind their estrangement, navigating through the pain and misunderstandings that occurred. This book demonstrates that even long-broken friendships can be mended over time, by revisiting cherished memories and forging a new path forward together. This wonderful book beautifully explores themes of friendship, family, love, self-discovery, and fresh beginnings. To move forward, we need to embrace change, creating opportunities for our own personal growth and make new experiences.

The novel spans multiple generations of women. I adored Milly and Nicole, but the delightful Nanna Peg truly stole my heart – she was just brilliant and made me laugh immensely! Such a great character.

I highly recommend A Secret Escape and give it a massive 5 stars. Once again, Sarah Morgan has delivered another brilliant book – thank you!

I would like to end with an inspiring quote from Catherine Pulsifer: “Every day is a chance to begin again. Don't focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations." - Catherine Pulsifer

Thank you very much HarperCollins Publishers UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

I did enjoy this multi-generation story from Sarah Morgan. Set in the Lake District, the storyline flowed really well, and I quickly became involved with the characters. This is a story about friendship and how easily it can be broken but also repaired. It is about love, family and new beginnings too.

I loved the characters, especially Molly and Nicole. Even the less likeable characters redeemed themselves in the end.

It was an enjoyable, easy read, although maybe it isn't one of her best stories. However, I would highly recommend it as an easy summer read.

Can Sarah Morgan ever write a bad book? I loved her newest book featuring Milly and Nicole. It's a gorgeous book about friendship set in one of the world's most gorgeous places, the British's Cotswolds. I loved seeing their journey of how it started at a train station to the end. Like always Sarah manages to keep you hooked in this beautifully written summer release and I'm looking forward to her Christmas one.

Book Review: A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan's A Secret Escape is a beautifully crafted novel that delivers a perfect blend of friendship, forgiveness, and fresh starts, set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District. Known for her ability to create heartwarming and immersive stories, Morgan once again proves why she is a master of feel-good fiction.

The story follows childhood friends Milly and Nicole, whose once-close bond has been fractured by unexplained silence. When Nicole suddenly calls, desperate for a safe place to hide, Milly reluctantly offers her refuge at her holiday home business. What follows is a summer filled with tentative reconnections, buried emotions, and new possibilities, including a budding romance for Milly.

Morgan excels at creating complex, relatable characters. Milly’s cautious kindness and Nicole’s vulnerability make their reunion both touching and realistic. The novel delves into the complexities of long-term friendships—how misunderstandings and unspoken hurts can fester over time, but also how love and loyalty can bring healing.

The setting of the Lake District adds a layer of tranquility to the story, with its serene landscapes mirroring the slow unraveling of secrets and the rebuilding of trust. Morgan’s vivid descriptions make the holiday home feel like a true escape, not just for Nicole, but for readers as well.

One of the strengths of A Secret Escape is its balance of lighthearted summer vibes with deeper emotional moments. The narrative isn’t just about rediscovering friendship but also about self-discovery, as both women confront the past and consider their futures. The romantic subplot adds a charming touch without overshadowing the central theme of friendship.

Morgan keeps the story engaging with well-timed twists, including a bombshell revelation that puts Milly and Nicole’s fragile reconnection to the test. The tension and resolution are handled with warmth and sensitivity, leaving readers with a satisfying and hopeful ending.

For fans of uplifting women’s fiction and those who enjoy stories about the enduring power of friendship, A Secret Escape is a must-read. It is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to reconnect with those who knew you all along. Morgan’s storytelling is a perfect companion for a sunny day, offering both comfort and inspiration.

You can't go wrong with a Sarah Morgan book. This one did not disappoint. Another excellent book.

It was a very powerful story about family and friendships. Milly and Nicole are both exceptional characters. However you couldn't beat Nanna Peg!

It expresses how important it is to focus on the now and to be grateful for what you have to live a contented and happy life. There are a lot of positive statements to take from this book.

Thank you very much to Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy.

A secret escape is another 5 star read by Sarah Morgan
This book epitomises the wholesome virtues of friendships and family, based in the most picturesque Lake district full of woodlands, mountains and nature it extols the benefits of nature and walking for both mental and physical health particularly when done with great trusted friends or family.
Milly and Nicole were childhood friends that continued their close knit friendship throughout adulthood through good times and bad times even though they had vastly different lives and lived in different countries, this suddenly and abruptly stopped just when Milly needed her friends support more than ever and for eighteen months there was no contact, suddenly out of the blue Nicole needed help and reached out to Milly.
What follows is a journey of revelations,realisations and second chances as a whole gauntlet of emotions are released, home truths and secrets, but with understanding, kindness, family and friendships we are led on the most incredible of healing journeys as both Millly and Nicole re establish their friendship and let go of the past
A wonderful feel good read that I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

Can Sarah Morgan write a bad book , no no and no. She never disappoints . Set in the Lake District. Two old friends, one famous, 4 generations of strong woman and you have an ace story. You have a useless x, a famous author and beautiful setting . I read in one go and absolutely loved it . Good ending. 20 out of 10 .!!!!!.

To say I was excited about getting to read A Secret Escape is a massive understatement because Sarah Morgan is my joint all-time favourite author and I love her books so much I’ve got physical copies of all of them on my bookshelf.

I was really happy to discover that A Secret Escape is set in the Lake District because some of my favourite books by the same author were also set there. It’s a gorgeous location and the author did such an amazing job with the descriptions that if it was real, I’d definitely book a stay at the holiday cottages Milly manages.

I really liked Milly and Nicole. They start the book in very different places: Milly is a single mother living in the Lake District who’s lost her self-confidence whereas Nicole is a world-famous Hollywood actress but I truly believed in their enduring friendship. I love Milly’s family and her grandmother, Peg is hilarious. It was interesting to read about how Milly and Nicole helped each other grow from their traumas.

I didn’t necessarily understand what had attracted Milly to her ex-husband because he doesn’t have a lot if any redeeming qualities although maybe she was influenced by her parents’ divorce. There was a part of the book that was hard to read (no spoilers) given what’s happened to my own family recently, which is why I couldn’t give it 5 x Stars but overall, it was a lovely, cosy read and I’ll definitely be adding the paperback to my collection when it’s published.

Sarah Morgan is always one of my go to authors when I need a feel good uplifting read as she has hit that spot every time with each and every one of her books. Her new release A Secret Escape does just that as we meet best friends Milly and Nicole whose friendship goes back to childhood making them feel more like sisters than friends. But in Milly's desperate time of need Nicole ghosts her and they have had no contact in 18 months but with the tables about to turn and Nicole's hour of need is here can Milly forgive her and help Nicole as well as get their friendship back once she finds out why she was ghosted?


Usually in Sarah Morgan's books we alternate between three female leads but this book focuses on Milly and Nicole's points of view with only an odd chapter from Connie and Zoe ( Milly's mum and daughter ) but this worked perfectly for this book because it revolves around friendship, loyalty , heartbreak and forgiveness and I didn't want to be distracted from them as they navigate their emotions, trying to not hurt each other further but also still having that need for the air to be cleared.

They both are likeable characters and you can see why they have such a strong bond but they also live completely different lives with both of them feeling like the other has the perfect lives but not truly appreciating the struggles they each face.


The supporting characters were all great too some offering support others a touch of romance so each held an important part in the story. I was surprised how attached I become to these two characters and I didn't want their story to end.

When Milly gets an unexpected call from her best friend she wonders why she automatically runs to help after all Nicole has been no help t her whilst she has been going through a difficult divorce.
Nicole needs somewhere to lie low as the press are hounding her. She’s being portrayed as the villains but surely it take two to tango? Milly is trying to be more assertive it letting everyone walk over her. Her ex husband is the biggest culprit , but for the sake of her daughter she’s always backed down.
They bithe need each other but has there been to much gone on to go back to how they were.
Brilliantly read throughly enjoyed.

Every time I read a Sarah Morgan book I think oh it won’t be as good as the last but I think this was her best one yet, I loved it.

MIlly and Nicole are more like sisters than best friends but 2 years ago Nicole ghosted MIlly and she doesn’t know why. Out of the blue Nicole begs MIlly for help and turns up in the Lake District to go into hiding.
What follows is a fantastic story of the strength of true friendship and family which can never be broken.

The setting was so beautiful and I could just imagine being there with a glass of wine and some lemon chicken or hiking with the lovely Joel.

I loved how all the characters were written so well, with my favourite being Nanna Peg with Brendan a close second.

An amazing 5 star read which I would definitely recommend and I’m hoping for a sequel or even a series as (no spoilers) I really want to know what happens next with many of the characters and their lives.

Thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Morgan and HQ for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I was so excited to receives an arc of the latest book from one of my favourite authors. I dropped everything to read and my only regret was it finished too soon.. I loved this exploration of friendship and betrayal and,as always, family was at the centre of this novel. Both Nicole and Milly were going through difficult times and their friendship was under pressure due to secrets and bad decisions but despite everything their solid friendship was there waiting to be repaired and strengthened. Throw Zoe, Milly’s teenage daughter, who was struggling with friendship issues of her her and Connie, Milly’s mother, trying to find her sense of self we have an engaging cast of characters. Throw in some new romance and you have the absolute perfect summer read. Oh and it’s set in the gorgeous Lake District. What’s not to love?