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The Secret Sister
Travel from wartime Wales to sixties Sicily in this breathtaking cross-generational saga about a daughter rocked by her family's secret past.
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Wales, 1943.
Sara Lewis should be heartbroken when her husband doesn’t return from war. But he was never the kind husband she hoped for. And now she’s stuck with her cruel mother-in-law on the family farm.
Sara must do what is best for her young son. So she leaves the farm for the safety of her sister’s home.
Despite herself, she begins to notice Carlo, an Italian prisoner from the war. Longing looks soon turn into love letters and a connection neither of them can sever.
But fraternization between the prisoners and local women are forbidden. As their love grows, so does the danger all around them . . .
Twenty-five years later, their daughter holds her father’s hand as he takes his last breath and whispers a name: Giulietta.
But who is Giulietta, and who are the young woman and baby in an old photograph?
The secrets of the past collide as the family are shaken to their very core, forced to revisit memories they’d rather forget to uncover the truth.
_______________________________________________
Wales, 1943.
Sara Lewis should be heartbroken when her husband doesn’t return from war. But he was never the kind husband she hoped for. And now she’s stuck with her cruel mother-in-law on the family farm.
Sara must do what is best for her young son. So she leaves the farm for the safety of her sister’s home.
Despite herself, she begins to notice Carlo, an Italian prisoner from the war. Longing looks soon turn into love letters and a connection neither of them can sever.
But fraternization between the prisoners and local women are forbidden. As their love grows, so does the danger all around them . . .
Twenty-five years later, their daughter holds her father’s hand as he takes his last breath and whispers a name: Giulietta.
But who is Giulietta, and who are the young woman and baby in an old photograph?
The secrets of the past collide as the family are shaken to their very core, forced to revisit memories they’d rather forget to uncover the truth.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 17, 2024
Adored this totally! A beautiful location-driven novel set in Wales and Sicily. Loved the generational aspect of it all, the discovery of history, secrets. A family saga to keep the reader turning the pages, inhaling the beauty of both locations. I really cared about these characters and what was happening to them. A deserved five stars to Jan Baynham for this glorious depiction of love, sacrifice, determination, and the ultimate revelation of truth.
August 31, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and raced through to find out how it ended.
The story follows three acts. The first concerns Welsh woman Sara and her forbidden romance with a Sicilian prisoner of war. This was enjoyable, but I found the second and third acts even better. The scenes set in Sicily captured the atmosphere of the Mediterranean vividly and made me wish I was there to experience the settings described so lovingly by the author. In the third act I enjoyed the conflict and felt it realistically captured the likely dynamic of a complex family situation. The happy ending was all the more satisfying as a result.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about families, especially with a mysterious element, and to those who love to experience travel to sunny climes from the comfort of their armchair.
The story follows three acts. The first concerns Welsh woman Sara and her forbidden romance with a Sicilian prisoner of war. This was enjoyable, but I found the second and third acts even better. The scenes set in Sicily captured the atmosphere of the Mediterranean vividly and made me wish I was there to experience the settings described so lovingly by the author. In the third act I enjoyed the conflict and felt it realistically captured the likely dynamic of a complex family situation. The happy ending was all the more satisfying as a result.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about families, especially with a mysterious element, and to those who love to experience travel to sunny climes from the comfort of their armchair.
September 9, 2023
Have enjoyed all the previous books by this amazingly gifted author and this was no exception. The best story yet and full of brilliant descriptive writing that puts you very much in the heart of the various locations. I thought the ending was excellent and very emotional.
I look forward to the next offering which I hope will not be too distant.
I look forward to the next offering which I hope will not be too distant.
August 15, 2025
Two generations of story telling but very predictable. I love war time stories but there were no surprises at all. Too many early hints made it easy to work out how this tale would end but it was an easy read.
November 15, 2023
amazing book
I simply loved reading this book,l couldn’t put it down, you just want to know what comes next belissimo truly
I simply loved reading this book,l couldn’t put it down, you just want to know what comes next belissimo truly
December 15, 2024
Beautiful!
I have read several of Jan Baynham’s books but this is definitely the best! My husband is Sicilian and the family meals described are so reminiscent of visiting relatives in both Sicily and London. Imagine my surprise that one of the characters in the book shared our Siciian surname!! This is a lovely story of love, family values, reconciliation and forgiveness….Thank you Jan
I have read several of Jan Baynham’s books but this is definitely the best! My husband is Sicilian and the family meals described are so reminiscent of visiting relatives in both Sicily and London. Imagine my surprise that one of the characters in the book shared our Siciian surname!! This is a lovely story of love, family values, reconciliation and forgiveness….Thank you Jan
September 3, 2023
The secret sister by Jan Baynham.
Wales, 1943.
Sarah Lewis should be heartbroken when her husband doesn’t return from war. But he was never the kind husband she hoped for. And now she’s stuck with her cruel mother-in-law on the family farm.
A good read. I liked Carlo Sara and Menna. I did not like the sound of Fred. I didn't like Gwyneth either. I liked Alessandro and Claudia and Giulietta. What a lovely ending. .moving and gripping read. 4*.
Wales, 1943.
Sarah Lewis should be heartbroken when her husband doesn’t return from war. But he was never the kind husband she hoped for. And now she’s stuck with her cruel mother-in-law on the family farm.
A good read. I liked Carlo Sara and Menna. I did not like the sound of Fred. I didn't like Gwyneth either. I liked Alessandro and Claudia and Giulietta. What a lovely ending. .moving and gripping read. 4*.
September 14, 2023
this is the first novel by jan Baynham and I am running to find the others and order them ASAP.
This book was absolutely brilliant. set in a Wales and in Sicily. It has family grief, mystery and love running through the pages.. definitely recommend
This book was absolutely brilliant. set in a Wales and in Sicily. It has family grief, mystery and love running through the pages.. definitely recommend
February 18, 2024
When Sarah's husband doesn't return from war she is heartbroken. The love running through the words on the page kept me turning to discover how it would play out. The mystery had me utterly speechless.
January 11, 2026
Another beautifully written book by Jan.
I was emersed in the story from the very first page, I was so invested in Sara's life and in reaching the end of each chapter hoped for a happy ending with the dashing Carlo. The descriptions of life in mid Wales wartime were so absorbing and then when the story switched to 1960s Sicily I could almost feel the sun on my skin as I followed the journey Claudia made to her father's homeland.
Every character was well created in a way that you really cared about them and their individual story.
The whole story was such a lovely read and so heartwarming, but I was sad that Sara and the family were not reconciled with Aled, will there be more in further books from Jan?
This is only my second read of Jan's and I can't wait to read all of her others.
I particularly love, being from Wales myself, the mention of Welsh foods, phrases and Welsh warmth throughout the book
Da iawn Jan, a beautiful read.
I was emersed in the story from the very first page, I was so invested in Sara's life and in reaching the end of each chapter hoped for a happy ending with the dashing Carlo. The descriptions of life in mid Wales wartime were so absorbing and then when the story switched to 1960s Sicily I could almost feel the sun on my skin as I followed the journey Claudia made to her father's homeland.
Every character was well created in a way that you really cared about them and their individual story.
The whole story was such a lovely read and so heartwarming, but I was sad that Sara and the family were not reconciled with Aled, will there be more in further books from Jan?
This is only my second read of Jan's and I can't wait to read all of her others.
I particularly love, being from Wales myself, the mention of Welsh foods, phrases and Welsh warmth throughout the book
Da iawn Jan, a beautiful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
You'd think aswoman should be devastated when her husband doesn't return home from war, but Lewis isn't. Her husband wasn't a loving husband, so for Lewis, it's almost a relief. Unfortunately her and her son are left with her mean mother-in-law on the farm. She finally escapes to live with her sister and tries to build a new life for her and her son.
It's not long before she has an interest in am Italian prisoner of war. Even though the people and prisoners of war are not to be friendly, the two have am undeniable connection and soon start writing love letters. The forbidden love can be dangerous.
Years later secrets of the past are revealed and they'll need to uncover more truths.
This is a wonderful WW2 story of love, secrets, and mystery. I highly recommend this enjoyable read!
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy of #TheSecretSister
Publication August 31, 2023
It's not long before she has an interest in am Italian prisoner of war. Even though the people and prisoners of war are not to be friendly, the two have am undeniable connection and soon start writing love letters. The forbidden love can be dangerous.
Years later secrets of the past are revealed and they'll need to uncover more truths.
This is a wonderful WW2 story of love, secrets, and mystery. I highly recommend this enjoyable read!
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy of #TheSecretSister
Publication August 31, 2023
October 26, 2023
This was a really captivating dual timeline historical story that approached some very difficult subject matters with care and emotion. You cannot help but feel for many of the characters when their stories are revealed and it really captures the times when it's set.
The story starts in Wales, where we meet young mum Sara who is living with her husband and his mother, and life is not easy for Sara. No matter how hard she works, she can't please her mother in law, and her husband, Fred, is just plain vile! When tragedy strikes during the war, Sara sees a glimmer of hope to get back on her feet and have some independence but you always understand her doubts considering she has a young son she dotes on, but she gets some help from her sister.
At the time in Wales, there were a number of POW camps full of Italians and we are introduced to Carlo who is one of them. There are many rules about fraternising with the locals, but you feel the connection between Sara and Carlo and their story is fascinating as they're faced with culture clashes and resentment.
And in the latter years we get to travel to Sicily to find out more about Carlo and his past and it's another eye opening look at true love never running smoothly and obstacles put in the way, with devastating consequences. The locations chosen really come alive on the pages and you really become absorbed in the lives of these characters which adds to the emotion as secrets are revealed and people have difficult choices to make.
The story starts in Wales, where we meet young mum Sara who is living with her husband and his mother, and life is not easy for Sara. No matter how hard she works, she can't please her mother in law, and her husband, Fred, is just plain vile! When tragedy strikes during the war, Sara sees a glimmer of hope to get back on her feet and have some independence but you always understand her doubts considering she has a young son she dotes on, but she gets some help from her sister.
At the time in Wales, there were a number of POW camps full of Italians and we are introduced to Carlo who is one of them. There are many rules about fraternising with the locals, but you feel the connection between Sara and Carlo and their story is fascinating as they're faced with culture clashes and resentment.
And in the latter years we get to travel to Sicily to find out more about Carlo and his past and it's another eye opening look at true love never running smoothly and obstacles put in the way, with devastating consequences. The locations chosen really come alive on the pages and you really become absorbed in the lives of these characters which adds to the emotion as secrets are revealed and people have difficult choices to make.
February 16, 2024
In this wonderful novel, I was transported between two captivating timelines and immersed in the rich tapestry of Wales at the end of WWII and 1960s Sicily. The author's skilful storytelling effortlessly evokes a brilliant sense of time and place, bringing the contrasting settings alive with vivid detail.
The narrative introduces us to Sara, trapped in an abusive marriage, and Carlo, an Italian prisoner of war whose forbidden love defies the odds in post-war Wales. Fast forward to 1968, and we follow Claudia, their daughter, as she unravels family secrets in Sicily, where she also meets the charming Alessandro.
Romantic, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming, "The Secret Sister" is a captivating tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family (I greatly enjoyed the bond between Sara and her sister, Menna). Baynham's meticulous attention to setting enriches the narrative, bringing both Wales and Sicily to life in a way that resonates long after the final page is turned. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.
The narrative introduces us to Sara, trapped in an abusive marriage, and Carlo, an Italian prisoner of war whose forbidden love defies the odds in post-war Wales. Fast forward to 1968, and we follow Claudia, their daughter, as she unravels family secrets in Sicily, where she also meets the charming Alessandro.
Romantic, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming, "The Secret Sister" is a captivating tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family (I greatly enjoyed the bond between Sara and her sister, Menna). Baynham's meticulous attention to setting enriches the narrative, bringing both Wales and Sicily to life in a way that resonates long after the final page is turned. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.
May 31, 2024
The Secret Sister is a story about what one secret can do to a family. It is a tale of love and betrayal, heartache and acceptance.
One of the main protagonists, Sara Lewis, marries a man who is anything but kind and who has a mother who does not accept their marriage. She only accepts the son that the couple have. After her husband dies she meets a handsome Italian prisoner of war with whom she becomes smitten and marries after the war is over and he is a free man. He unfortunately dies years later leaving her with a daughter.
When this daughter is given a letter and map after her father’s death she vies to uncover the mystery that her father left her. What she finds is the secret he has been keeping for many years back in his homeland of Sicily. This secret threatens to undermine not only her life but the life of the other person involved.
This was an unforgettable and enjoyable story that tore at one’s heartstrings.
One of the main protagonists, Sara Lewis, marries a man who is anything but kind and who has a mother who does not accept their marriage. She only accepts the son that the couple have. After her husband dies she meets a handsome Italian prisoner of war with whom she becomes smitten and marries after the war is over and he is a free man. He unfortunately dies years later leaving her with a daughter.
When this daughter is given a letter and map after her father’s death she vies to uncover the mystery that her father left her. What she finds is the secret he has been keeping for many years back in his homeland of Sicily. This secret threatens to undermine not only her life but the life of the other person involved.
This was an unforgettable and enjoyable story that tore at one’s heartstrings.
August 10, 2023
Set in Wales and Sicily, this book tells the story of both Sara, a young Welsh widow who falls in love with an Italian prisoner of war in 1943, and her daughter Claudia, who discovers family secrets in her father's hometown 25 years later.
As I'm not a big fan of war-time stories, I predictably preferred Claudia's part of the novel, but I really did like Sara's too - the forbidden romance and the chapel built with salvage materials by the Italians didn't fail to catch my interest. So I actually enjoyed the whole book and would encourage anyone who tends to think "Not something with WW2 again!" to give it a chance.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As I'm not a big fan of war-time stories, I predictably preferred Claudia's part of the novel, but I really did like Sara's too - the forbidden romance and the chapel built with salvage materials by the Italians didn't fail to catch my interest. So I actually enjoyed the whole book and would encourage anyone who tends to think "Not something with WW2 again!" to give it a chance.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2023
This is the third book I've read by Jan Baynham and once again she weaves together brooding Welsh landscape and warm Mediterranean sunshine. Two periods are linked: WW2 Italian prisoners of war and the freedoms of the 1960s. A great plot pulls both stories together through the mystery of a missing painting.
Lots of great characterisation as Welsh Sara meets and falls for Carlo, an Italian POW imprisoned nearby. With the war over, they are able to marry but Carlo holds a secret about his life in Sicily before the war.
In the second part of the novel we follow their daughter Claudia to Sicily where she discovers the secret sister of the title.
Lots of great characterisation as Welsh Sara meets and falls for Carlo, an Italian POW imprisoned nearby. With the war over, they are able to marry but Carlo holds a secret about his life in Sicily before the war.
In the second part of the novel we follow their daughter Claudia to Sicily where she discovers the secret sister of the title.
December 4, 2023
An Italian POW meets a Welsh woman during WW2 in Wales. Attitudes and values in the small Welsh community are barriers to their love. Though young, Carlo and Sara have histories and secrets. In 1968, their daughter travels to Sicily to investigate her father’s secret. But will her discoveries break her mother’s heart? I was transported to stunning Sicily and enjoyed the senses evoked through the setting and food. The mystery woven into the novel is compelling, and I love the art theme. The wonderful cast of characters stole my heart from the outset. I highly recommend this gorgeous story.
March 5, 2026
I bought this book by mistake but decided to read it anyway . I hadn’t read this author before but was pleasantly surprised . I thoroughly enjoyed it . I was actually disappointed when I finished it . If anything I thought it could continue a little further . I bout a set of books at the time of purchase and thought it would carry on in the second book but it doesn’t . The second book is a completely different story and I’m now well into the Silent Sister now and this is already looking to be another good read
July 6, 2025
A moving story filled with secrets and what these secrets can do to a family. Begining in Greece with a tragic earthquake , a young woman from the area takes in a orphaned child, then marries a man from Wales and relocates to that country. Years later, the orphan reads her mother's diary and discovers the truth about who she really is. Returning to her birth place, the young woman discovers her roots and in finding so, will realize how important family is. A terrific read!
October 2, 2025
Worth More Than 5 Stars
I don't always enjoy books which are set abroad, but somehow this one works. When her father died in an accident his daughter Claudia is given an envelope which contains an old photo of a young woman and child and a map. In search of answers Claudia sets off to Sicily and is amazed at what she finds. I really enjoyed this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
I don't always enjoy books which are set abroad, but somehow this one works. When her father died in an accident his daughter Claudia is given an envelope which contains an old photo of a young woman and child and a map. In search of answers Claudia sets off to Sicily and is amazed at what she finds. I really enjoyed this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
August 29, 2023
This is a delightful novel of WW2 romance and up to date follow on! A very different story to the normal type you would expect to read about wartime. A really lovely, gentle but very believable plot with plenty of twists. The heartfelt history and it's modern sequel will both bring a tear to your eyes and a warm glow to your heart.
April 2, 2026
such an excellent read for anyone who loves all things Italian!
One of the most enjoyable stories I have ever read. I read for hours, unable to put it down. In tears some of the time, but remembering things from wartime mostly!
I recommend anyone to read this adorable story. I would love a visit to Sicily but at 83 years of age I don’t think it will happen mores the pity!
One of the most enjoyable stories I have ever read. I read for hours, unable to put it down. In tears some of the time, but remembering things from wartime mostly!
I recommend anyone to read this adorable story. I would love a visit to Sicily but at 83 years of age I don’t think it will happen mores the pity!
January 20, 2024
Wonderful full of emotion
Loved both books secrets and lies led to so much heartache also depicted class differences and the corruption at the time money talked and fear led to people hiding the truth you write about painful.subject so eloquently love is what matters most
Loved both books secrets and lies led to so much heartache also depicted class differences and the corruption at the time money talked and fear led to people hiding the truth you write about painful.subject so eloquently love is what matters most
October 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book Engaging characters and I loved the Sicily and Wales settings. I always relate to hidden family secrets... and looked forward to my 'bedtime reading' to continue the developments. Will be looking at other books by this author.
July 2, 2025
This was a good book that held my interest from the start. The author did a good job of combining a story through time, with appealing characters and vivid descriptions. I would try more by this author.
August 4, 2025
Grab a box of tissues!
What an amazing story of WW1 and Italian POWs in Wales, of true love, perceived betrayal, and the truth discovered so many years later.
Beautifully written, this story will capture any romantic heart as completely as it did mine!
What an amazing story of WW1 and Italian POWs in Wales, of true love, perceived betrayal, and the truth discovered so many years later.
Beautifully written, this story will capture any romantic heart as completely as it did mine!
November 13, 2025
Intriguing family secrets that nearly split family
Loved this story. Kept my interest right from the Italian prisoners sent to Sicily and their reception by locals, then the love interests and intrigue of Welsh daughter travelling to Sicily to uncover her father’s past.
Loved this story. Kept my interest right from the Italian prisoners sent to Sicily and their reception by locals, then the love interests and intrigue of Welsh daughter travelling to Sicily to uncover her father’s past.
October 15, 2023
When lies reveal some mystery waiting to be found out
When Carolo dies his lies reveal a mystery who is the woman and child in this pic with him a sister, or a lover
When Carolo dies his lies reveal a mystery who is the woman and child in this pic with him a sister, or a lover
January 5, 2024
It was a good story but too long and much repeating.
July 2, 2024
Another excellent book, really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews