I found this novel initially slow to start but decided to persevere and I am so glad I did! The depictions of both an out-of-season seaside town and the Scottish highlands were effective and vivid, the plot was well constructed and the final denouement unexpected. A very satisfying read overall.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ecopy for my Kindle.
I've read and purchased several of Tracy Buchanan's books and have enjoyed all of them.
"The Family Secret" is a story of how one secret not only effects the family but others close to them. If the family hadn't kept the secret, then what might have happened? We all look back at some things we've done and said, "what if" or "if only."
Interesting read even though I wished the ending was a little different.

This book is impossible to put down. While there are definitely mysteries to be solved this book is really more about compelling family drama. It’s also about love, which does not always end happily ever after. Amber is a wonderful protagonist. She has lost the use of one hand but is a very strong and feisty character. She finds herself drawn to this girl with no memory of who she is or how she got here. As their story is unfolding in the present we also have flashbacks that involve Gwyneth who is a wildlife filmmaker. I’m usually annoyed by flashbacks but in this case the alternating POV and timeline works well. Personally I did prefer the Amber narrations to Gwyneth but Gwyneth’s we’re still very interesting as she finds herself drawn into a tight knit family in Scotland. The author had wonderful secondary characters that fleshed out the story. After finishing this I immediately went looking to read more of her books because I was so impressed with this one.

Tracy Buchanan never fails to disappoint! The Family Secret had me hooked from the very first page until the last. Amber runs a seaside gift shop she inherited from her Mum and Aunt. A single lady with a past, her time is her own, until one day near Christmas Lumin walks injured along the beach. She is injured but can't remember anything about what happened or who she is.
As Amber toys to help, she finds herself getting involved to help Lumin track down her family, but who are they and why aren't they replying to the TV appeals.
We also follow the story of Gwyneth, the other main character in the book and her life as a teenager and now an adult. The book switches between characters and time frames, but it's so easy to follow.
I thought the prologue was brilliantly written and I was telling my own ending during the book, yet I was thrown off course so many times. The ending was brilliantly written and tied everything together nicely.

This is the first book I have read by Tracy Buchanan. I was interested in the plot when I read the summary of the book. The author is very talented and I enjoyed her writing style very much. This book was done in dual timelines. One timeline began in 1989 and the other in 2009. I do not want to reveal too much about the story, it is better to experience it as the author has written it.

At first, I honestly was confused by the timelines, but I brushed that aside and tried to just focus on what I was reading at the moment. That is not an issue with the book, it is more my issue, usually not reading this style of book. Once I cleared my mind and continued, I did not have a problem with the style. It actually added to the book, keeping me on edge, wanting to know what happened in the past, and what will happen in the future.

The author did an amazing job of character development. Characters of different ages and personalities are in this story. I can picture each one in my mind from the way they are portrayed in the written words. Scenery is described so well that I truly felt like I was there.

The book's core is that secrets are never buried and they come back to the surface eventually, some times at the most inopportune moment. The McClusky family secret has affected the lives of many people for years. Gwyneth's family has their own secret, which like the McClusky's has altered her and her child's lives.

I totally enjoyed this well written book and I will definitely be reading the other books that Tracy Buchanan has written. In my opinion a good book makes you think about it even when not reading it, and this book definitely was always on my mind.

Another wonderful story from this amazing author. I loved getting sucked in to this winter tale, and the beautiful settings it explored. As always, Tracy Buchanan truly makes you feel as though you are in those places with the characters.

I liked the dynamics of the book and I loved all the main players in the story. There's nothing worse than reading a book and not connecting with or caring about any of the characters, but this is far from the case here. Lumin, Gwyneth and Amber were wonderful, and I love the way their stories so cleverly intertwined.

A must read, for sure. Thank you so much for my advanced copy.

The Family Secret by Tracy Buchanan is the story of Gwyneth in 1989 who is rescued from drowning in a frozen lake in Scotland. She is taken in and cared for by the land owners.
It is also the story of Amber in 2009 who owns a crafts shop near the beach and one day rescues a teenage girl who is injured, confused and has lost her memory.
I enjoyed this book. I was interested the characters and the duel storyline worked quite well. This is the first book I have read from this author and I will be looking out for more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Family Secret is a great new book by Tracy Buchanan. It is a family drama that keeps you intrigued until the end.

When Amber discovers a young woman staggering along the beach where she lives, she wants to help. When she realises the young woman has lost her memory, she sets out to help her discover who she is and where she comes from.

The story combines the present with the past which results in an excellent finale. A compelling story line with a good cast of characters which was a great read.

An excellent family drama that gets you involved with all the characters although I do prefer Psychological Thrillers.

I can recommend this book if this is your genre, although I liked it I didn't love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Likable main character, plenty going on,more than I expected really, loving setting too.An interesting and enthralling read.I enjoyed it.Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.

The Family Secret by author Tracy Burchanan is a real family drama that pulls at you in many directions. Definitely recommend this book!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Family Secret in exchange for an honest review.