"We Both Have Secrets" is a book about secrets within the family and friendships. It keeps you guessing about the secret that is trying to be told in chapter one only for other secrets to come out along the way too! I honestly couldn't put this book down as it hooked me from the beginning with a need to know what the secret is and who's it is. The book is written with a lot of emotion and different perspectives of the situations.

I found ‘We Both Have Secrets’ a mildly diverting rather than a ‘must read’ book. The plot was quite slow paced and when the twist arrived, I didn't find it much of a surprise. Whilst I certainly sympathised with Lucy and Ellen’s histories I found neither character particularly likeable. The two younger daughters were throwaway characters to my mind, neither contributing much to the storyline, with only the two older daughters’ characters coming across as likeable. I did however like the ending which tied up all loose ends and acted as a nice counterbalance to the twist in the story. Overall, found this an enjoyable read but not a page turner and I rated it 3 stars.

Emma Robinson proves time and time again that she is the queen of contemporary women's fiction, the Jane Austen for the 2020s. We Both Have Secrets is a story with more twists than your average thriller and the author knows just when to throw in yet another heart-stopping revelation, keeping the reader on their toes or tied up in knots, whichever metaphor you prefer! Ellen is reuinted with an old university friend, Lucy, with whom she has lost touch for reasons neither quite understand, when Lucy invites her and her husband Robert to her holiday home in Malaga. From the start their relationship is spiky, unnatural and fraught with Ellen's insecurities. Ellen is so utterly miserable in such a relatable way, I wanted to reach into the book and give her a lo-ong hug. As the holiday unfolds, Ellen becomes aware that all is not as it seems, which further increases her paranoia and self-doubt. But all these incredibly human, flawed characters have secrets and all are hurting themselves while damaging their relationships by fracturing communication. Robinson shows so deftly how keeping things from those we love is a barrier to intimacy and it is only in bringing out into the light what is most painful to us that, ultimately, we become closer than ever before. She does this with a lightness of touch without ever shying away from how very difficult these conversations can be. All this while weaving the most gripping story - I had to set the alarm this morning so that I could finish it before work! I wonder if this is my favourite Robinson novel so far... until the next one, I guess.

Secrets have always intrigued me when they are the theme of a novel. We Both Have Secrets is a serious, twisty novel about two women's lives, from their early friendship in college to their settled lives as women with grown children. Ellen is the unreliable narrator of this twisty story about feelings of the self and what happens when they are projected onto ones we love, admire, and sometimes, envy. I loved sitting down with this wonderful new novel. It tells a great story and teaches a lesson about doubting oneself.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This was an easy enough read. I didn’t know of the author before, but I can see why her books are recommended for fans of Jodi Picoult.

No spoilers but I found the first twist (or secret) a little bit of a letdown. After that, some of the other scenes were either quite predictable or trying a bit too hard to be unpredictable, in my opinion.

The book did keep me wanting to know what would happen next and I think this would be a good holiday read. I just generally prefer stories where the characters have more depth to them.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC.

While I always look forward to a new Emma Robinson book, and We Both Have Secrets kept me turning pages, this one landed a bit shy of her usual four or five-star reads for me. As my sixth book by her, I've come to expect a certain level of gripping suspense and intricate plotting, and while the story was engaging, it didn't quite hit the same intensity as some of her previous works. The premise was intriguing, and the characters were well-developed, but I found myself anticipating twists that either didn't materialize with the same impact or felt a little less surprising than I'm used to from her. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published June 2025.

This was a great read, a real heart wrenching family drama that constantly keeps you guessing. I loved how the author was always one step ahead of me! Emma’s novels are always fantastic and this was another brilliant read.

This was a really lovely book, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. If you like continuous secrets that keep you guessing and don’t come to light until the very last few pages, this book is for you.

Every time I thought I had it all figured out, I was wrong. The writing was beautiful and engaging. The only thing I felt was that the last few chapters(no spoilers here) could have been drawn out a bit more for a more satisfying conclusion. Everything just happened too fast for my liking, or maybe I just wanted to savor the justice. But overall this book was fantastic and I definitely had all the emotions. 🥲

Also can I just mention how brilliant the characters are?! I love them and all of their individual character arcs! This book truly highlights how very complex friendships and family dynamics are, and I’m here for it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What an absolutely brilliant family drama this is which I loved from the beginning until the brilliant ending.

I always enjoy books from this author and I think this has to be her best yet, extremely well written. So many lies, deceit and shocks are written into this storyline which made me want to keep on reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this great ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. Robinson's books are always engaging family dramas, and this was no exception. The cast of characters was well-written and interesting, and I was invested in the storyline throughout. It was delightfully unpredictable and kept me guessing what revelations would come out, and I loved Charlotte and Grace's response to events. An enjoyable read.

Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk and Bookouture for the chance to review this book.

Secrets carried throughout their lives. Family and lost friends are reunited in this story about consequences and the effects of long-held misunderstandings.

Ellen and Lucy are the main protagonists, hiding the truth in plain sight. Robert, unwittingly, is the anchor that holds friendships and family together.

All through this story, I found myself wishing it would turn out OK. (No Spoilers!)
It isn't a gripping or exciting read, but once invested, it is hard not to finish and find out the ending.
The characters are pleasant enough to make them likeable, and the story rubs along nicely.
It's an enjoyable, easy read suitable for escaping the daily grind. I read this whilst on holiday, with lots of time to waste.

Such an emotional story about the damage secrets can cause even in the most secure and happiest of relationships and Emma Robinson always writes the type of book that makes the reader cry one minute and then smile, this is why I enjoy her books.. This is another 5 star read

Secrets. We all have them. Robert and Ellen have their share. Will it tear them apart or bring them closer together? They say confession is good for the soul but is it?

I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. It was a complete shock when the secrets came out, I never saw those coming!! Loved all the characters and the writing flowed really well which made the story very believable. The author managed to create such an atmosphere that I was beginning to wonder what it would feel like to be in the character’s shoes myself. I had never read anything by this author before but will definitely look for more.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy to read in exchange for my open and honest review. As always, my reviews will also be posted on Amazon, Goodreads and Waterstones and interaction on Facebook and instagram where possible.

In this novel we meet Ellen and Robert, a couple of empty nesters whose youngest daughter has left to go to university. They have the time and money now to have the adventures they didn't have when they were younger but Ellen feels Robert is keeping something from her and when she finds a note from him her suspicions go into overdrive. But she can hardly complain because she also has kept a secret from Robert one that could completely ruin their marriage.
Emma Robinson has written yet another fabulous book. She takes every day real life dilemmas and creates relatable characters to deal with the outcomes.
It's a heartwarming read with love and friendship throughout the pages.

Emma Robinson has done it again with her latest novel, We Both Have Secrets. Rife with emotional drama and fraught with complicated family dynamics, this one is a page-turner.

Ellen and Robert are empty nesters, and Ellen is excited to reconnect with her husband, though she has the distinct impression that he is keeping something from her. For her part, Ellen is guarding a secret of her own, one that could very well blow her closely knit family apart if it is ever revealed. One marriage, two secrets, and emotions are running high. Just how far would you be willing to go to protect the ones you love?

Emma Robinson's novels can always be relied upon to delve into the very heart of a family, and to tug at your heartstrings as you become fully invested in the lives of characters who, very quickly, begin to feel like friends.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

A story about secrets and deception, “We Both Have Secrets” is a beautifully written book. Every page is heavy with emotion and family drama.

Robert and Ellen meet in college, fall in love, and ultimately marry and have two girls. When those girls leave home, Robert and Ellen know it’s time to rekindle what they used to have. The first step in their journey is to visit an old college friend in Spain for some fun and relaxation. But instead, the entire trip is filled with secrets, quiet whispers and an obvious weirdness between friends. Once the truth is revealed, lives are changed.

I loved this one. It is filled with so much emotion, you’ll need your tissues handy. The writing is masterful. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.

We Both Have Secrets" by Emma Robinson is a gripping and heartbreaking page-turner that explores family secrets and the lengths we go to protect loved ones. This emotional novel delves into complex themes, making it perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty, and Diane Chamberlain. With Robinson's signature storytelling, readers will be torn between characters and plot twists, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions.

One marriage. Two lies. But which one will tear us apart.
Full of family secret's.
Ellen and Richard and both their daughters Grace and Abigail have flew the nest, now it's time to re- kindle their own flame.
A week off work they get invited out from Lucy to her villa in Malaga for three nights it's been a long time since Lucy and Ellen have seen each other going way back to their teen years.
Something is not right how does Lucy know so much about her husband?
This page turner is a story of kept secrets as you read become a shock into the story.
I loved it.

The book starts off fantastically, namely with a confession. The only question is: who wants to confess something, and what is the secret this person is carrying?

This is the kind of beginning that immediately makes you sit up straight. A confession is often synonymous with pain, both for yourself and for the person to whom you're finally going to be honest.

When you feel something is going on with your partner, you start reading into everything and imagining all sorts of worst-case scenarios. You assume the worst and suspect them of all kinds of things. And precisely because you're only seeing what you want to see, you end up drawing the wrong conclusions.

The couple does indeed have secrets from each other, but I find they have a different “weight.” Personally, I think Ellen kept something hidden out of shame and selfishness, and multiple people were involved and hurt by it, whereas Robert kept his secret more to protect his loved ones. Ellen also seems to be better at keeping secrets, while with Robert you can tell something is going on by his behavior.

Just like Ellen, I was completely wrong :) and I was also shocked when Robert revealed what he had been going through.

I thought it was a very beautiful and emotional story, and it shows again that sometimes something serious needs to happen to bring people (back) together or closer.

I was glued to the book because it was so gripping, and it really moved me.

At the end, karma came into play for a moment, and I couldn’t think anything else but: “Go, girls!” ;)

Great story and definitely 5 stars

Thank you