“Secrets Between Friends” is a stunningly written book, chock full of descriptive and gorgeous poetic prose (to wit: “There is something almost hypnotic about the sight of his body being carried away by the sea, especially when it’s a body as perfect as his. Beautiful dark hair spread out around a pristine, pale face. The sea, his new lover now, lifts him gently, so gently it is as though he is sleeping as his arms bob above his head, the huge moon watching like a concerned parent.”) There is no mistaking the time, place, situation, and emotion the author, Tracey Buchanan, is conveying. It is a fast-paced novel of heartbreak and humor, information and emotion, joy and sorrow which are all elegantly portrayed here, deftly compared and contrasted, allowing readers to be in the position of each of her characters in turn. We are lifted as with the sea, both wafted and propelled along with the storyline to the suspense-filled plot through the beautiful climax, we feel the tension and release as they happen through the written words before our eyes. It was an all-encompassing, emotional and cathartic read, and one I highly recommend to all other readers who enjoy the genres of suspense, mystery, and fiction to devour as I did.

This is a gripping mystery novel with dual timelines. The story deals with story and lies. This was a page turner

This was a really well written book about a mystery and two friends who were involved. It played out very well. I enjoyed this! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

Twenty years ago, Liz left Easthaven to escape the memory of one tragic night at Lakewell Manor and now she's back after a nasty divorce. She is going to have to relive the past and all those secrets they have kept quiet.. are all going to come out. Good story with a few surprises to keep it interesting.

Liz returns to the small seaside town which she’d left 20 years ago. She was the poor kid befriended by Tamsin and her family who lived in the “big” house. She is now a postwoman so is able to keep tabs on the people on her round which just happens to include where Tamsin lived who coincidentally has also just returned. The day after they met again Tamsin barely acknowledges her and Liz is scared that her secret will come out. I’ve always enjoyed TB’s books but sadly not this as it was too far fetched and the events just too convenient for my tastes. As always I enjoyed the style of writing but on this occasion not what was written!

🪨🏰Book Review:
Title: Secrets Between Friends
Author: Tracy Buchanan
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 stars

Obviously, this book is fiction, so it's expected that some of the plot will be a tad far-fetched. This aspect adds to the suspense of this story. I listened to this audiobook while I was at work, and it only took two days to finish. It was fast-paced!

Elizabeth "Liz" Barrowman returns to Easthaven after being away for twenty years. Here, a tragedy at Lakewood Manor occurred that she has tried to escape from. After a divorce, she has come home with her two children to stay and care for her mother. Liz is employed as a mail carrier, and upon her route, one day, she sees her childhood best friend, Tasmin, at Lakewood Manor. They reunite and catch up a little bit with plans to get back together soon. But the very next day, Liz returns, and Tasmin is completely different. She looks similar but acts and talks like an entirely different person. Who is this imposter? And what has happened to the real Tasmin. Is Lakewood Manor the location of yet another tragedy? This book was crazy but kept my interest!

Published: October 25th, 2022

Thank you, @netgalley and @amazonpublishing, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed reading about Liz and all of her baggage. The story was interesting but I could figure out the twists. It did not keep me from reading it and overall it was a great book!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This thriller sounded exciting with several plotlines running alongside the murder mystery. I do not think it lived up to it's promise: the plot was farcical, with its 'Fake Tamsin', the hints of what happened in Manchester which didn't turn out to be a surprise, the reasons why Liz was fired from her job and yet managed to get another job as postwoman, and the ridiculous resolution of the custody battle. I have read cosy mysteries with a much better story, and more interesting and likeable characters. I cannot understand what other readers enjoyed about this book and I would not recommend it or look for anything else by this author, I'm sorry I persevered reading it to the end.

The secrets between friends is a twisty, duel time novel that tells the story of Liz and Tamsin, childhood friends who share a secret. The characters are interesting and the setting idyllic, but I initially struggled to get into the story as it seemed slightly farcical. I have enjoyed all of Tracy Buchanan’s novels so far but don’t feel this is her best work.

I really enjoyed this book. 20 years ago Liz left Easthaven to try to forget the events of one terrible night experienced by her and her best friend Tamsin. Now Liz has had to return and when she hears that Tamsin is back too she is scared of what might happen. However, when she meets Tamsin, her former friend clearly doesn't remember her or anything that happened. Liz becomes convinced that this Tamsin is an imposter. This is a real page turner that will keep you guessing to the end. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

My first book by Tracy and certainly won't be my last.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for what was a read I was hooked on.
Great storyline, characters and mystery. Definitely recommend

Liz Barrowman has returned to her home fishing village of Easthaven to stay with her mother, after a nasty divorce and looming custody battle.

She had been best friends with Tamsin who had lived in a mansion up on the cliffs, until a bad experience caused her to leave the area as a teenager.

Rumour has it that Tamsin has also returned and Liz is keen to rekindle their friendship. But Tamsin looks different and she doesn't remember Liz. Something is clearly wrong.

This is a gripping suspense mystery with dual timelines, secrets, lies and nothing is as it appears.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a decent book. I loved the twists and it was fast paced and easy to read. Thank you netgalley for making this book available to read.

When Liz, the local postie sees Lakewell Manor being renovated by her old school friend Tamsin, she panics.
It brings back memories she would rather forget!
However, as it becomes obvious there is more to the story she becomes increasingly concerned for her friend's welfare and worried that secrets from the past are about to be uncovered just when she needs to show an unblemished reputation.
A really intriguing story, which I enjoyed - also relatively short.

Wow, just wow! So right off the bat there are 2 mysteries to solve. One is what happened 20 years ago and the other is what is wrong with 1 of the main characters who doesn't seem to be the same person she was back then. At times 2 storylines are a little confusing, but it didn't take long to be able to follow along.

this was a good mystery. started off a little slow in my opinion - but otherwise good.
the characters were unique, along with the setting in England which seems beautiful.
i love alternating chapters so that was a plus for me!

looking forward to try out some other books by this author.

This was a very enjoyable read that I had a hard time putting down. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC.

I loved the way the author wove the duo mysteries in the book. Little did I know from reading the book summary that focused on the mystery of what happened 20 years did I know another would enfold in the present. I couldn't put the book down wanting to know what happened in the past and what was wrong with Tamsin in the present. Highly recommend!

Great characters and storyline. I really enjoyed this story. Thank you for allowing me to read the book. I look forward to reading more.

I usually enjoy any book with dual timelines to see how the stories connect. I was underwhelmed with this book, and not just because it was predictable. I could relate to Liz but I did not like Tasmin, and I think the author meant for readers to feel that way. I do not know what else to say except this book was not for me.

Thanks to Tracy Buchanan, Netgalley and Amazon UK Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available.