A Secret for the Lifeboat Sisters

Lifeboat Sisters #3

by Tilly Tennant

As the sun warms the sand of Port Promise bay and the sea is stained turquoise, Gaby Morrow is about to discover that her life is going to change forever…

As she looks through the window of Thistledown Cottage, her perfect home with its flower-filled garden and views of the sparkling, white-tipped waves, Gaby Morrow should feel like she has it all. She watches her two gorgeous children race down to the golden beach and waves goodbye to her husband Kilian, his chestnut hair tousled as he heads off for another day working on the lifeboats. To her friends and family Gaby’s life looks wonderful, but deep down Gaby knows that this is a lie.

Recently Kilian has grown distant, a terrible tragedy at sea causing him to withdraw. Try as she might, Gaby can’t get her beloved husband to open up, and she knows Kilian has been lying about where he has been going. Gaby wants to believe she can trust him. But when she discovers that he has been keeping a secret that will change all their lives, will she ever be able to feel the same again?

Gaby’s sisters rally round in her hour of need and remind her of everything she has that is worth fighting for. But just as she makes her decision, she sees helicopters circling the sea and the call she has dreaded her whole life comes in. Kilian’s rescue mission has gone wrong. Will Gaby’s life be turned upside down all over again? And has she only realised what is truly important when it’s too late?

A beautiful and emotional read about losing everything and piecing yourself back together. Fans of Nicola May, Jo Bartlett and Jessica Redland will lose their hearts to A Secret for The Lifeboat Sisters.

Genres: Womens Fiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2023

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.

Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.

Reviews

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it may look like Gaby Morrow is living a charmed life, her relationship with her husband Kilian is troubled. In fact, despite being the parents of two children, Gaby wonders if their marriage can withstand the fact that Kilian seems to be keeping a secret from her.

Kilian is part of a boat rescue team. Gaby had previously lost her father on one of his rescue missions, and worries about Kilian every time the get the call that a boater is in trouble. With harsh words shared between them, this latest rescue mission might cause the rescuers their lives, making Gaby wish she has at least one more chance to talk to her husband.

Kilian is indeed keeping a secret, one that will definitely affect his family, but will that put up a wall too high to save his marriage? In this third book of a wonderful trilogy, in which the first two books featured Gaby’s two sisters, quite an emotional story is told.

Port Promise Bay is an idyllic location, and the urgency of the boat rescue service is sure to make the reader hold their breath. Beyond that, this book delivers the powerful messages of communication, family and love. This lovely series comes to a close with a powerful story that delivers a powerful emotional punch.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I think this is Tilly’s best book yet! Amazing setting, wonderful characters and writing, all the juicy goss and romance you could ask for, this has just been the most amazing series. Bravo Tilly!!!

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaby Morrow loves her life at Port Promise Bay with the breathtaking turquoise sea lapping at the shore. Living in Thistledown Cottage is exactly where she wants to be with her husband and two children. But things soon change, her happy life and happy marriage is not as it appears. Her husband Killian leaves for work on the lifeboats, or so he says. Gaby wants to believe Killian but deep down inside she knows he is lying to her. When Gaby receives the call she never wanted, she knows Killian’s rescue mission has gone terribly wrong. Her sister’s help her through the most horrible time of her life, but how will her life be and is she strong enough to keep her family together?

A Secret for the Lifeboat Sisters by author Tilly Tennant is the third installment in The Lifeboat Sisters Series. I was so excited to return to beautiful Port Promise Bay. This amazing book is Gaby and Jillian’s story. I was completely enthralled with this story from beginning to end. This rapid read kept me totally engaged with the characters. I felt connected to Gaby and what she had to go through. The plot twist and turns kept me flipping pages at a rapid rate. If you’re looking for a great escape to Port Promise Bay, and a story filled with unconditional love, this is the book to read. This is a wonderful addition to this amazing series that can be enjoyed as a standalone. I loved everything about this book and I highly recommend it.

[Clare Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another book in the series of the lifeboat sisters. This time it’s Gaby’s turn.

Her husband Killan has recently become distant flowing a terrible rescue at sea. Gaby tries but can’t get him to talk to her about how he is feeling and where he has been going. She discovers a secret that will change their lives forever.

Gaby makes a decision but before she can discuss any of this with Killan her whole life comes crashing down even further when Killan takes part in a rescue that goes horribly wrong. Will Killan be ok and will they be able to work through their differences and be happy once again?

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we are at book three in the Lifeboat Sisters series by Tilly Tennant and I really don’t want it to end as I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful trilogy. I’ve loved being able to read the three books in more or less quick succession as there have been short intervals between publication of each book and therefore the details are so fresh in my mind. I’m sad that this is the last book set in Port Promise as I have loved each book from beginning to end and in fact I want more if at all possible please Tilly. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two books as each is easily read as a standalone as they follow a different Morrow sister. Plenty of background detail is given and if I was coming new to book three I wouldn’t have felt confused. But do yourself a favour and do read the previous two books as they really are brilliant and quite possibly the best books that Tilly Tennant has written so far. Although A Very Vintage Christmas is one of her previous books that I will always love and treasure.

A Secret for the Lifeboat Sisters sees oldest Morrow sister Gaby finally have the chance to share her story. The book has a very dramatic opening that leaves you with your heart in your mouth. You are left thinking how can things be left like that. Don’t leave the reader in suspense like that but then at the same time there are lots of questions arising which have you pondering how did Gaby and her husband Killian reach that point of distress and anger on Flag Day (the annual fundraiser for the lifeboat crew as organised by Gaby)? It was literally edge of your seat stuff but to discover the answers to all my questions and also what would happen after that shocking opening, Tilly takes us back several months and the story begins to unfold. The plot was brilliant and there were lots of shocks, revelations, doubts, misunderstandings and resentment to explore and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. In fact, I was trying to slow down my reading because I didn’t want to leave the setting and characters but at the same time, I wanted answers.

Gaby has been the sister who has to me seemed a very closed book compared to Ava and Clara. She is married to Killian and has two young children Fern and Elijah. She is so together and always on top of her game and could turn her hand to organising anything and it would be done to perfection. But in this story we see her start to crumble and waver in her strength and when her marriage comes under scrutiny and testing times she becomes more open and exposes her vulnerabilities which she hasn’t been able to do before. No one previously ever felt the need to offer her support as it appeared as if she was a pillar of strength. She gave them the courage, durability and advice that they needed. But now that Gaby is venturing into stormy weathers when a secret Killian has been keeping is exposed, is she ready to be the one that seeks advice and sustenance?

Gaby is the one who holds everything together through the good times and bad and especially after the Morrow family lost their father Jack at sea during a lifeboat rescue. But now with the truth of what Killian has been keeping secret she starts to flounder and feels all alone. She believes her life was all just a sham that never having been able to project how she truly feels that how can she turn around and do this now when she believes the worst has befallen her? Killian remains cool and distant especially after a troubling rescue at sea. Gaby is used to winning and getting what she wants and getting to the bottom of any conundrum or issue that stood in her way. But now that she is doubting Killian and he won’t talk to her, her mind starts to race and she thinks all kind of things until the revelation comes forth.It is surprising and I can totally understand why Gaby reacted in the manner in which she did but because both herself and Killian are so stubborn and never back down in an argument I wondered could they ever solve their problems?

There are numerous events sent to test Gaby and Killian’s relationship to the max and none more so than in the form of Lloyd. He is the new owner of Betty’s café and he has very strong plans for its future. He certainly riles Gaby up with his plans to turn the café into an upmarket restaurant which would challenge Cormac’s (Clara’s partner) fish shack. Lloyd comes across as arrogant and obnoxious and he loves stirring things up. There is plenty of verbal sparring between himself and Gaby and he really can’t see that Port Promise is a community where everyone is supportive and there for one another. He wants to muscle in with his out of town, well to do attitude and it really doesn’t go down well. I thought the incident with Gaby and Lloyd further on in the book was well written and really helped bind the strands of the story together. A different side to Lloyd was revealed but still I didn’t really feel in any way enamoured to him at all. But yet this incident was sent to test Gaby And whilst you are reading you hope it is a much needed wake up call for her. That she can try to separate things out and see a clear path to Killian and a way to attempt to try and sort their problems if this is at all possible.

Tilly Tennant gave us the perfect ending to A Secret to the Lifeboat Sisters. I loved how we got to see how everyone from the series was doing and there were aspects which certainly brought a smile to my face. There are so many emotions as you read through the book involving all the characters and I just totally immersed myself in Gaby’s story. I found by the end my opinion of her from the earlier books had completely changed which was surprising. The series has been entertaining and there were never any lulls. With such a beautiful, realistic setting, superb characters and a brilliant homage paid to the work of the lifeboat services, all of which is voluntary, all these elements combined to make the perfect read. Tilly Tennant, you’ll have some job topping this series in my eyes anyway.

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly made me cry again! I don’t know how she does it, not many authors have this effect! I loved this third book in the series, and this time the story is Gaby’s, the eldest Morrow sister and perhaps the most serious.

Once again we return to Port Promise, a small town on the coast which revolves around the lifeboat station, its crew members and their families. All families have dramas, but right now, Killian, Gaby’s husband, is bringing his drama right into the middle of his family and who knows whether they can come back from it. Only time will tell.

I can’t express enough how addictive and warm these last three books from Tilly have been. I am considering myself a part of Port Promise life now and if I could up sticks and join them all tomorrow, I would do. Almost everyone tries to be warm and welcoming to an outsider, and I think I’d fit in pretty well there. I wonder if they have a bookshop? I could totally open a bookshop by the seaside, with maybe a small coffee shop at the back to replace Betty’s!

Although part of a series, this book could definitely be read as a standalone, but honestly, you need to read all of them. I don’t think anyone would ever have enough Port Promise in their lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review A Secret for the Lifeboat Sisters by Tilly Tennant.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of a 3 book series, this series features three sisters (Ava, Clara and Gaby) and each book is the story of one of the sisters. So book 1 was Ava’s story, book 2 is Clara story and then this book 3 is Gaby’s story.

So focus for this book 3 was on Gaby, the oldest sister, whom we met and got to know a fair bit in books 1 and 2, but it was so nice to really get to know her and experience her journey in this story. Gaby’s story really has been a delight to read, probably my favourite out of the three to be honest. It just felt real, dealt with real issues and showed that marriage isn’t always perfect and that you do have to work at it.

There was lots of other stuff going on to, story wasn’t wholly focused on Gaby’s marriage. So plenty of drama elsewhere too, plus emotions running high and sad moments as well as a couple of shocks along the way.

As always with series, it is always lovely to be reacquainted with all of the other characters from books 1 and 2, seeing how they all doing.

Well as far as I know that was the final book to the series and a lovely series it has been too, very enjoyable from start to finish. I can honestly say that I will miss the three sisters and the other characters.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely book and it has such a strong message, one that we’ve all probably heard in various ways – you don’t know what you got until its gone (or almost gone). It’s a reminder that we should live every day to the fullest and not to keep secrets from those that we love. Truth and honesty may be difficult, and sometimes it may hurt, but it really is the best way. Especially for these characters. Marriage is never easy, but secrets make it harder.

A new character is introduced in this third installment in this series, Lloyd. I was and probably still am a little skeptical about him. But all of the other characters that we have met in book 1 and 2 are present and it was nice to be reunited with them. While this book focuses on Gaby, I do appreciate that the other characters don’t just make a small appearance but they are central adjacent to the storyline.

I did shed some tears at some point, so get your tissues ready if you’re a big mush like me. It was a pleasure to read this book and I would recommend it!

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the lifeboat sisters series, Gaby's story. I think it can be read as a standalone but it would be better to read the other books first, to get some idea of what the family has been through.

Gaby is the organised one, the slightly distant one, with a happy marriage to Kilian and a busy life with two children. Her relationship with Kilian has always been passionate, including their fights. When she realises that he is keeping secrets from her, her world, as she knows it, starts tilting on it's axis. Can she get to the bottom of it and will the new owner of Betty's Cafe have an influence on her even though he doesn't seem to like actually living in Port Promise?

There is a lot to unpack here. But the story really works. I loved coming back to Port Promise and re-connecting with all the Morrow sisters and their partners.

As always, my admiration goes out to people who volunteer with the RNLI.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨My Thoughts✨

Thanks to the publisher for my place on the copy and I copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I was delighted to back with the Lifeboat Sisters, this third book is all about Gaby.

This really is one of my favourite book series that the author and publisher has done, it’s got everything you could imagine you’d want from a book and then some little extras that make the books just magical.

I think the RNLI aspect really makes it special too.

What I wasn’t expecting from Gaby’s story was the shocking events in chapter 1! I was so unnerved, after chapter one the story goes back to 8 months earlier so we get to found out the events that led up to what happened in chapter 1.

I can’t give too much away but this was jam packed with the ups and downs of married life, village life and so much love it’ll make you’re heart SO FULL, it’s a tonic when you’re having a bad day.

We get some new faces and new beginnings for our favourite characters, it was magical

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What a twist, what an opening! So not expected.

I was excited to be back with the lifeboat sisters and was looking forward to seeing what Gaby’s story was going to be. And boy did I get a story.

That opening had me reeling and desperately trying to think what was going to come next. I don’t want to add anything that will spoil it for others but if you loved the previous books, then hold on to your hats as this is a wild ride!

I did really like how no matter what seemed to be thrown at Gaby and Killian they remained mature and tried really hard to put their marriage first, people do work through tough situations as a couple and still stay together, if you love someone you work at staying together and I really enjoyed seeing them fall in love all over again.

I wonder if Jill is going to get a book, or maybe a lifeboat crew member. This can’t be the last visit.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the delightful trilogy about a family living in Port Promise, a small coastal village in Cornwall. The Morrow sisters have lived in the village their whole lives, and their father volunteered on the lifeboats, as had his ancestors; he gave his life on a lifeboat rescue but the family's sense of duty hasn't waned.

This book is about the eldest daughter, Gaby, and her family. When a surprise visitor blows a secret wide open, it threatens to destroy her family. Can she and Killan save their marriage?

I absolutely love this series and am sorry to see it end. I love reading books by this author, and if you like books that feature strong family units, with a good story and a touch of romance, then read some of this author's books.

The books in this trilogy are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third instalment of the Lifeboat Sisters series, Tilly Tennant presents a captivating story that will keep you hooked.

While the previous books focused on the younger Morrow sisters, A Secret for the Lifeboat Sisters, tells the tale of Gaby and her husband Killian. Killian is tormented by a secret from his past, and the couple are struggling to make their marriage work.

The book takes us through the ups and downs of their journey, and we get to meet the entire community of Port Promise, feeling like a welcomed newcomer.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A third and final novel in the series following sisters whose loves are focused on their small village and it's lifeboat service. Gabi is the center here and I just didn't connect to her and husband Killian quote as much as her younger sisters. But a satisfying wrap up to the series. Would read ok on it's own but definitely will be missing some things.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Lifeboat Sisters series. It can be read as a stand alone, but the stories are so good that you will want to read them all!
In this story, Gaby is working on her marriage to Killian. It was a good end to the series. Very good read! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses on Gaby and her husband Killan who are experiencing some issues, following the tragedy that affected all the sisters in different ways. We get to meet everyone again and catch up. Gaby is internalising everything - but needs the family support to overcome the worries. A gorgeous conclusion to the trilogy. I'm sad to see them go!

[ROGER MARSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very gripping book, with a lot of love.

I enjoyed this book so much I could hardly put it down. I enjoy book's about boats and the sea. This book has it all, a loving family and true to life love, loss and hardship and also laughter. Another great read from Tilly, Thank you very much for your enjoyable storys.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and absolutely adore the 'lifeboat sisters'. This is the third book on the series by Tennant and I'm hoping that it's not going to be the last we hear of the Morrow's.

It was great to return to Port Promise Bay and its residents, it feels like going home to catch up with old friends, they're such familiar faces now. The characters and their stories have been so easy to become emotionally invested in throughout the series.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming

I thoroughly enjoyed this last in the series about the lifeboat sisters. The trials and tribulations of life for a mum ,three daughters and their relationships . The bravery of the volunteer lifeboat crews and the worries of their nearest and dearest.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Gabby and Jillian’s story. Lots of drama. Secret’s are tearing them apart. It’s a very well written story with a lot of ups and downs. I enjoyed the book a lot.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is definitely a pearl of the genre. Gaby and Killian have been married a long time but they are struggling. This is the story of how they deal with this in a small close knit community.

[Sharon Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Really enjoyed this story. Loved the family connection and the small village community life. Couldn't wait to found out what happened.

[Vicki Blood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reverting till the end

[Katie Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy sweet read.

[Lauren Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Lighthearted and easy read. Cute book that was refreshing and enjoyable.

[Maureen Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series

[SusanwithaGoodBook · Rating 1 out of 5]

See my review of book 1

[Caroline Gill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I dnf I just couldn't stand the husband Killian he was just so dismissive of his wife's feelings

[Stephanie Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many secrets, anger and humiliation threaten to destroy a family and a near death rescue brings them full circle. The family realizes how much they love each other and brings the extended family back together.

[Paula Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully emotional book about losing everything, but then putting yourself back together piece by piece.

Thank you, Tilly Tennant, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.