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A Thread of Secrets
Set against the backdrop and turmoil of Indian Independence and the decline of the British Empire through to the swinging 1960s, this is the story of a young woman called Grace who was raised by her grandmother in England. Grace courageously navigates the trials and turbulence of her life, experiencing love, a troubled marriage, betrayal, loss and hopelessness. In the midst of all of this, Grace uncovers shocking family secrets.
What are these secrets? Will they bring answers to the torment that Grace has experienced? Will the revelation of the secrets bring Grace inner peace or tempt her to take the road to retribution?
A Thread of Secrets is about Grace’s perseverance in the face of adversity and a tale of coming full circle.
What are these secrets? Will they bring answers to the torment that Grace has experienced? Will the revelation of the secrets bring Grace inner peace or tempt her to take the road to retribution?
A Thread of Secrets is about Grace’s perseverance in the face of adversity and a tale of coming full circle.
290 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2024
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Tatiana Tierney
1 book7 followersTatiana Tierney is a writer based in Galway, Ireland and author of "A Thread of Secrets". It is Tatiana’s debut novel which was inspired by her experience of living in five different countries, including England and Ireland. Also, the ability to observe, learn and imagine helped her to create this wonderful story.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 9, 2025
This historical romance was a real page turner that will keep you turning pages up until the very last one! it was so engrossing I read it in one go!
June 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set against the backdrop and turmoil of Indian Independence and the decline of the British Empire through to the swinging 1960s, this is the story of a young woman called Grace, who courageously navigates the trials and turbulence of her life and uncovers shocking family secrets. What are these secrets? (Amazon)
I just loved this book. An amazing historical fiction. So beautifully written and such a beautiful storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I Couldn’t put it down!
I loved Grace, I found her to be so strong and resilient in light of the life she had. The book has many themes in which it explores, love, friendship, domestic violence, hope, and joy!
I literally couldn’t put this book down and was drawn into Grace’s story. I thought the India was described beautifully and it made me want to go to India myself.
I enjoyed the relationship between Grace and Molly too.
Thank you so much @tatiana for the book it was so beautifully packaged and an absolutely stunning book. I found it so heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book.
TW: domestic violence, child loss & rape
Set against the backdrop and turmoil of Indian Independence and the decline of the British Empire through to the swinging 1960s, this is the story of a young woman called Grace, who courageously navigates the trials and turbulence of her life and uncovers shocking family secrets. What are these secrets? (Amazon)
I just loved this book. An amazing historical fiction. So beautifully written and such a beautiful storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I Couldn’t put it down!
I loved Grace, I found her to be so strong and resilient in light of the life she had. The book has many themes in which it explores, love, friendship, domestic violence, hope, and joy!
I literally couldn’t put this book down and was drawn into Grace’s story. I thought the India was described beautifully and it made me want to go to India myself.
I enjoyed the relationship between Grace and Molly too.
Thank you so much @tatiana for the book it was so beautifully packaged and an absolutely stunning book. I found it so heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book.
TW: domestic violence, child loss & rape
June 18, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! I love historical fiction books and so when the author reached out to gift me the book I couldn't say no and I'm so glad I read this one! I loved it so much I couldn't put it down and I read it in one day! The book explores a number of themes including friendship, love, family, duty, domestic violence, loss, difficulties in marriage, hope and resilience. A beautifully written book from start to finish. I became fully invested in Grace' story and path. The chapters are short and fast paced which I loved and also lead to me not being able to put it down. It's definitely an emotional story and the writing immerses you into the scenes. I fully felt and could imagine all the scenes perfectly from the white cliff house in England to the house in India. I loved that the story is mainly set in India and explores the tensions between the British and the Indians in a subtle way through the lens of an army officers wife, Grace.
I also loved how the book brings us on the journey of Grace' life from her childhood in Ireland and England and then to India where she witnesses the fall of the British empire. Overall I loved this one so much and would definitely recommend it!
Favourite quotes:
"Nobody owns the truth. Truth owns everybody."
"Fate had other plans for us."
I also loved how the book brings us on the journey of Grace' life from her childhood in Ireland and England and then to India where she witnesses the fall of the British empire. Overall I loved this one so much and would definitely recommend it!
Favourite quotes:
"Nobody owns the truth. Truth owns everybody."
"Fate had other plans for us."
May 25, 2024
A Thread of Secrets is a beautifully written novel that takes readers on an emotional and immersive journey through the life of Grace Bellmore. This captivating story follows her from her childhood home in Ireland to England, where she falls into a loveless marriage, and then to India where she witnesses the final days of the British Raj.
The characters are vividly drawn, the settings richly described, and family secrets are threaded onto every page. Themes of love, hope and resilience are expertly woven together, making this a compelling and beautiful book.
The characters are vividly drawn, the settings richly described, and family secrets are threaded onto every page. Themes of love, hope and resilience are expertly woven together, making this a compelling and beautiful book.
June 16, 2024
I received "A Thread of Secrets" by Tatiana Tierney beautifully packaged. A wonderful read that hooks you immediately and hard to put down. I highly recommend this beautifully written book and it would also make a great gift for a special person or other occasion. Thank you Tatiana.
February 11, 2024
“Nobody owns the truth. Truth owns everybody”
A Thread of Secrets is a story revolving around Grace, our protagonist, who is an interesting character herself, navigating from the 1930s to the 60s, back and forth between England and India. The entire angle of experiencing the Indian independence is quite intriguing to read.
A major focus is on the love life, loss, and broken marriage, among other important themes of family, cheating, betrayal, and hanging on to the last thread of hope.
As the title goes, the family holds secrets that are slowly unfolded, only in the end, keeping the interest of the readers alive. The writing style is easy, verbose, and the chapters are short, to the point, which is a plus.
Her relationship with her grandmother-Elizabeth, James, Aadir, and finally Rakesh, and a multitude of characters have been beautifully penned. Personally, I did not fall in love with any character. The occurences, characters, and setting will remind you of old classic stories like Pride and Prejudice and Little Women.
The narration showcasing the new life in India, struggling through marriage and loss of a child, has been intricately written down by the author. But sometimes, the narration is too direct and in short sentences, which can cause a hindrance while reading.
The final reveal of the secrets towards the end were quite interesting, and I didn't see them coming. But you have to wait till the very end of the book as the front part doesn't talk about the secrets.
This one is an emotional story, with a number of ups and downs, revelations, and uncovering truths. Some parts are painful and heart touching, and some parts will annoy you! You will feel a plethora of emotions. As a debut novel, the author has done a wonderful job at knitting a unique love story.
Go for this one if you enjoy a bit of drama, varied emotions, and stories about complex human relationships.
A Thread of Secrets is a story revolving around Grace, our protagonist, who is an interesting character herself, navigating from the 1930s to the 60s, back and forth between England and India. The entire angle of experiencing the Indian independence is quite intriguing to read.
A major focus is on the love life, loss, and broken marriage, among other important themes of family, cheating, betrayal, and hanging on to the last thread of hope.
As the title goes, the family holds secrets that are slowly unfolded, only in the end, keeping the interest of the readers alive. The writing style is easy, verbose, and the chapters are short, to the point, which is a plus.
Her relationship with her grandmother-Elizabeth, James, Aadir, and finally Rakesh, and a multitude of characters have been beautifully penned. Personally, I did not fall in love with any character. The occurences, characters, and setting will remind you of old classic stories like Pride and Prejudice and Little Women.
The narration showcasing the new life in India, struggling through marriage and loss of a child, has been intricately written down by the author. But sometimes, the narration is too direct and in short sentences, which can cause a hindrance while reading.
The final reveal of the secrets towards the end were quite interesting, and I didn't see them coming. But you have to wait till the very end of the book as the front part doesn't talk about the secrets.
This one is an emotional story, with a number of ups and downs, revelations, and uncovering truths. Some parts are painful and heart touching, and some parts will annoy you! You will feel a plethora of emotions. As a debut novel, the author has done a wonderful job at knitting a unique love story.
Go for this one if you enjoy a bit of drama, varied emotions, and stories about complex human relationships.
February 15, 2024
A Thread of Secrets is a poignant and emotional story of Grace, a young English woman of Irish descent, who has to endure the trials of an unhappy marriage and family secrets amidst the difficult time of the WW2 and Indian independence movement. The turns of events throw Grace from one path to another as she seeks the truths that are only revealed at the very end. The ending is ultimately touching and heart-warming.
I enjoyed reading the story. It left me wanting to read more, to learn what happens next. The writing is beautiful and easy to read.
I found some resemblance with the Secret Garden in terms of the settings: from verandahs and lavish living of the Raj in India to English mansions with beautiful gardens (and secrets). The story of Grace’s marriage and love life reminded me a little of The Duchess. If you love stories like these two, you will most likely enjoy reading A Thread of Secrets.
I enjoyed reading the story. It left me wanting to read more, to learn what happens next. The writing is beautiful and easy to read.
I found some resemblance with the Secret Garden in terms of the settings: from verandahs and lavish living of the Raj in India to English mansions with beautiful gardens (and secrets). The story of Grace’s marriage and love life reminded me a little of The Duchess. If you love stories like these two, you will most likely enjoy reading A Thread of Secrets.
July 22, 2024
This book proved to be both a relaxing and gripping read. The early chapters drew me in as the story unfolded, then the pace quickened! The descriptions of India were vivid and I could almost taste the food and feel the searing heat! Grace`s personal journey in negotiating "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" was well demonstrated. Well done to the author, on this her first novel!
July 14, 2025
In A Thread of Secrets, Tatiana Tierney has crafted a novel that lays bare the intricate fault lines of intimacy, loyalty, and survival in a time not so long ago. It is clear she has done an enormous amount of research into India at the time of the terrible 1947 partition. Other historical aspects of the story, such as the Irish family background, ring very true. While her gifted storytelling ruthlessly and honestly follows the ordeal of Grace, a woman suddenly entangled in a violent relationship she could never have expected, far from home, her subject is also the fragile architecture of trust: its many threads, how they are discovered, tested, lost, and, in one sublime moment, restored.
Tatiana Tierney also weaves into the story the unpredictable, shifting terrain of friendship. The protagonist’s relationship with her best friend, marked by oscillations between solace and betrayal, injects a constant tension that reminds the reader how safety and danger are often separated by the thinnest of veils.
Tierney’s pacing is faultless. Each chapter propels the reader forward, even as one dreads what fresh calamity or revelation the next page may bring. In the final chapter, the emotional power of the novel crystallizes. The tears it evokes are not merely for the suffering endured, the silences that lingered, or the search for a lost love that was never undertaken, but also for the hard-won, totally unexpected moment of grace and, with it, the promise of a new life of contentment.
A Thread of Secrets is not the story of victimhood that it could have so easily become in other hands, but of the loss and reclaiming of a life. Tatiana Tierney’s achievement lies in her refusal to offer easy catharsis; instead, she compels the reader to confront the realities of a terrible marriage, immense suffering, withdrawal, silence, and then of stability regained, hope resurgent, and, finally, the encounter with the true love she deserves.
Tatiana Tierney also weaves into the story the unpredictable, shifting terrain of friendship. The protagonist’s relationship with her best friend, marked by oscillations between solace and betrayal, injects a constant tension that reminds the reader how safety and danger are often separated by the thinnest of veils.
Tierney’s pacing is faultless. Each chapter propels the reader forward, even as one dreads what fresh calamity or revelation the next page may bring. In the final chapter, the emotional power of the novel crystallizes. The tears it evokes are not merely for the suffering endured, the silences that lingered, or the search for a lost love that was never undertaken, but also for the hard-won, totally unexpected moment of grace and, with it, the promise of a new life of contentment.
A Thread of Secrets is not the story of victimhood that it could have so easily become in other hands, but of the loss and reclaiming of a life. Tatiana Tierney’s achievement lies in her refusal to offer easy catharsis; instead, she compels the reader to confront the realities of a terrible marriage, immense suffering, withdrawal, silence, and then of stability regained, hope resurgent, and, finally, the encounter with the true love she deserves.
July 22, 2025
🌊 5-Star Book Review
📖 A Thread of Secrets by Tatiana Tierney
📍Read on the shores of Albania
✨ “Nobody owns the truth. Truth owns everybody.”
This book owned me from the first page.
Set against a backdrop of secrecy, resilience, and deep emotional undercurrents, A Thread of Secrets tells the haunting story of Grace, a young woman raised by her quiet, mysterious grandmother. As long-held truths begin to unravel, Grace—alongside her fierce and loyal best friend Molly—must choose between protecting the past and claiming her future.
What stayed with me most was the quiet strength in the writing. It’s a story about perseverance, womanhood, and the invisible weight of love and loyalty.
💬 I read this with my feet in the sand and waves at my toes—and couldn’t have picked a more poetic setting. The tension, the emotion, the sense of legacy and friendship… utterly beautiful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A quiet masterpiece. Raw, graceful, unforgettable.
Highly recommended for lovers of intimate storytelling, character-driven plots, and books that echo long after the final page.
#AThreadOfSecrets #TatianaTierney #BeachRead #BookReview #AlbaniaReads #GraceAndMolly #FemaleFriendship #LiteraryFiction #QuietPower #SummerReading #Bookstagram #5StarRead
📖 A Thread of Secrets by Tatiana Tierney
📍Read on the shores of Albania
✨ “Nobody owns the truth. Truth owns everybody.”
This book owned me from the first page.
Set against a backdrop of secrecy, resilience, and deep emotional undercurrents, A Thread of Secrets tells the haunting story of Grace, a young woman raised by her quiet, mysterious grandmother. As long-held truths begin to unravel, Grace—alongside her fierce and loyal best friend Molly—must choose between protecting the past and claiming her future.
What stayed with me most was the quiet strength in the writing. It’s a story about perseverance, womanhood, and the invisible weight of love and loyalty.
💬 I read this with my feet in the sand and waves at my toes—and couldn’t have picked a more poetic setting. The tension, the emotion, the sense of legacy and friendship… utterly beautiful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A quiet masterpiece. Raw, graceful, unforgettable.
Highly recommended for lovers of intimate storytelling, character-driven plots, and books that echo long after the final page.
#AThreadOfSecrets #TatianaTierney #BeachRead #BookReview #AlbaniaReads #GraceAndMolly #FemaleFriendship #LiteraryFiction #QuietPower #SummerReading #Bookstagram #5StarRead
April 10, 2024
I began reading this book yesterday, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it before midnight. The book is intriguing and the story is fascinating. Following the lives of the main characters, entangled not only in the decisions they made but also set against the backdrop of challenging times including World War I, World War II, and the post-war period of change, provides a rich and engaging narrative. This story beautifully intertwines with reality and the functioning of society during these eras. It offers insights into the evolution and changing role of women, highlighting how their opportunities and societal positions shift over the years. The secret woven into the main character’s life story is brilliantly executed, keeping the reader engrossed until the very end. The book is light yet compelling, making it a delightful read. You eagerly anticipate the conclusion, wanting to uncover the final twist. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and insightful read.
June 13, 2024
This captivating story delves into the challenges of life and how they are ultimately overcome through determination, self-belief, and survival instincts. During these trying times, it offered me a much-needed escape, allowing me to immerse myself in the vibrant smells and atmosphere of India, vividly seeing the colours and imagining the way of life during that era. My imagination soared with every page. Well done Tataina!
January 4, 2025
"A Thread of Secrets" by Tatiana Tierney is a powerful tale of resilience and self-discovery. It is a reminder that life’s trials, no matter how turbulent, can lead to growth and transformation. For those who enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional undercurrents, this novel is a must-read.
♡
♡
June 28, 2024
This is quite a page turner which I finished in two evenings. Unput-downable tale that takes you from Ireland to England to India with all the complications that life can throw at you. Will it all end well? You will have to find out for yourself!
April 1, 2024
A Thread of Secrets is a very nice and captivating story, an easy read. I read it in 3 days!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews