Cave of Secrets: a Scotland romance novel

by Lynne Golodner, Lynne Meredith Golodner

"I have counted the days until you would return to my waiting arms, my insistent kisses. But now I know you never will..."

On a rainy hike by Loch Lomond, Eve Waldman stumbles upon a perfectly preserved journal in a hidden cave. The time-worn lettering details the illicit affair of two Jewish lovers that sent a shiver of shame through a Scottish family — and echoes down the bloodlines.

Born of Highland aristocracy, Mac Monteith prefers to spend his days behind the bar of the family pub, rather than live the life his parents desired for him. Then Eve walks through the door, stirring more than Mac’s long-dormant heart.

When Eve traces the cave documents to the Monteith line, scandals and secrets spill out from all sides. Eve remains committed to the truth, but when being truthful means hurting the man she loves, she is forced to make a bigger righting the wrongs of the past, or building the future she’s yearned for.

A contemporary romance with hints of magical realism, Cave of Secrets is about family heritage, intergenerational trauma, and finding the courage to be honest with ourselves — and those who love us.

2024 FINALIST IN THE FOREWORD INDIES AWARD IN ROMANCE & LGBTQ+ FICTION

2024 FINALIST IN THE READER’S CHOICE BOOK AWARDS FOR ROMANCE

2025 IPPY AWARD BRONZE MEDALIST IN MULTICULTURAL FICTION







Cave of Secrets transports readers on a timeless journey to Scotland while weaving a captivating tale of love, identity, and legacy. Lynne Golodner highlights family history and expectations that eventually force her characters to make difficult choices. Sprinkled with secrets and a touch of magical realism, this novel is a must-read.

Merle R. Saferstein, author of Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vols. l and ll

A masterful blend of suspense, romance, and self-discovery, CAVE OF SECRETS is the tale of an intrepid young archivist’s pursuit of history, unveiling a secret love affair and a powerful family’s hidden Jewish roots. Golodner’s gorgeous prose and skillful narration will bring you to the edge of your seat, yearning for the next revelation. A must-read for anyone craving a story that explores the layers of identity and the enduring power of love.

Lisa Williamson Rosenberg, author of Embers on the Wind

Tackling the topics of antisemitism and homophobia, Cave of Secrets, is an engaging, thought-provoking read, illustrating the power of courage to unveil past secrets, make tough choices, and live an authentic life against all odds. Golodner exquisitely crafts a layered story full of heart, wisdom, hard truths, and explores the journey of self-discovery and the deep need for human connection. A touching tale of love, loss, and the fortitude to pave a new path forward.

Annie Cathryn, multi-award winning author of The Friendship Breakup

What begins as a journey to unravel the history of a romance story reveals deep secrets that a family has tried to hide for decades. CAVE OF SECRETS not only addresses forbidden love of the past but also brings to light the struggles of love and relationships today along with the search for acceptance by one's family and the outside world. Lynne Golodner’s writing encompasses the feelings and emotions of each character in a way that allows you to empathize with each of them.

Michelle Glogovac, award-winning author of How To Get On Podcasts

Genres: Romance, Magical Realism, Fiction, Jewish, Mystery

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

About the author

This Author also write under Lynne Meredith Golodner

Reviews

[David Crumm]

Immerse yourself in a pitch-perfect Scottish romance (with a bonus: ghosts)

My wife and I share a family tree with deep roots in both Ireland and Scotland. However, we’ve never set foot in Ireland. Why are we so partial? That’s thanks to the powerful influence of my wife’s iron-willed grandmother who was born near Edinburgh. Because of her dominant spirit in our family, we have focused our UK-bound travels on our own modest-but-beloved ancestral homelands in Scotland.

So, any time a novelist perfectly evokes that wondrous landscape and infectious culture, we’re hooked. Over the decades, we’ve read everything from dense volumes of Scottish history (I’m counting three books just about the tragic battle of Culloden on my shelves) to cozy mysteries set in Scotland (too many to count) to individual biographies and book-length profiles of fascinating, little-known Scottish communities (like the tragedy of St. Kilda). And that’s in addition to all of the reading I’ve done about the influence of Scotland on Celtic theology and mysticism.

Why do we read so much about Scotland? That reading fuels our dreams of the next places we’d like to visit.

So, at this point, we know the authentic “tells” of Scottish tales. Ghosts often are stock in trade—as are other hauntingly supernatural twists. That’s obvious from the era of Scott and Stevenson to popular Scottish writers today like Kate Atkinson. And, when we turn to the realms of Celtic spirituality? Well, one needs a broad mind and heart to take it all in.

So, please forgive the length of this personal introduction—but it’s relevant to explain why Lynne Golodner’s new novel Cave of Secrets rings all kinds of nostalgic homecoming bells for us. She has spent enough time in Scotland to have soaked up the taste, smell, sound and feel of the place from pubs to craggy hills that burn the legs of hikers who think they will easily scale those often surprisingly steep slopes. Based on our own experiences in Scotland over many years, Lynne’s fictional world is pitch perfect.

Our feeling of “home” in Cave of Secrets extends to certain characters. There’s an iron-willed matriarch at the head of the novel’s main Scottish clan. This tough, bigoted old bird named Margaret causes lots of trouble for her descendants. And wow! Did we recognize that kind of Scottish matriarch! Remember the grandmother I mentioned in my opening paragraph? Like the fictional Margaret, our own late grandmother (of mostly blessed memory) was infamous for wielding her “loving” instincts about the family in ways that were deeply problematic. I’m simply trying to emphasize, without spoiling any of the many wonderful secrets in Lynn’s novel, that for this Scottish-American family, we fully recognize a lot of these characters as much like our own clan.

However, this novel isn’t a family saga, as such. And, although ghosts appear, it’s not mainly a ghost story, either. Lynne’s novel, on balance, is really a “contemporary romance”—and a story that, along the way, connects with very contemporary issues of identity and bigotry.

In Cave of Secrets, pretty much everyone is seeking love—both “now” and in two different earlier eras in this clan’s history. The main romance is between American archivist “Eve” and the scion of Margaret’s Scottish family: pub owner “Mac.”

The novel’s core “message” is about the toxic nature of secrets in general—especially hidden bigotry. The actual “cave of secrets” in the book’s title is uncovered by Eve in the opening pages. It’s a real cave. Eve finds tangible secrets in the form of letters from long, long ago that connect with Margaret’s and Mac’s family history. But, as we read, we discover that nearly every single character in the novel is concealing at least one big, uncomfortable secret. In fact, to start your group discussion, you could hang white newsprint sheets on the walls of your meeting room, list all the characters’ names—then have fun asking other readers to list both each character’s love interest and their most toxic secret.

And here’s another tip for your discussion group: Have fun nominating the actors to portray these roles in the movie version of Lynn’s novel. I will start by nominating Scarlett Johansson for Eve and James McAvoy for Mac (both are a bit too old for the roles as written but both could work for the movie version) and then we envision someone like Fionnula Flanagan as Margaret (again, Flanagan’s too old but you get the idea).

We also heartily recommend Lynne’s earlier novel, Woman of Valor, and can say to potential customers of this new book: No, you do not have to read Valor to appreciate this whole new mixed stew of characters.

We can’t wait to discover where Lynne’s third novel will carry us in 2025.

[Suzan]

Cave of Secrets is a heartfelt and thought-provoking story that delves into the themes of antisemitism and homophobia. It's an engaging journey of self-discovery, resilience, love, family drama, and the power of human connection. Touching and beautifully written.
I received a copy from the author but a positive review wasn’t required.

[Annie]

Tackling the topics of antisemitism and homophobia, Cave of Secrets, is an engaging, thought-provoking read, illustrating the power of courage to unveil past secrets, make tough choices, and live an authentic life against all odds. Golodner exquisitely crafts a layered story full of heart, wisdom, hard truths, and explores the journey of self-discovery and the deep need for human connection. A touching tale of love, loss, and the fortitude to pave a new path forward.

[Marie Girulat]

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.

This captivating novel blends history and fiction, intertwining romance with the mystery of letters discovered in a Scottish cave. Delving into the profound themes of anti-semitism and homophobia within a prominent family, the story unfolds through the perspectives of Eve, Mac, Eve’s father, and Mac’s mother. The narrative offers a touch of magical realism as Eve encounters the deceased writer of the letters, adding depth to the story. Set in Scotland and Michigan, the author vividly portrays the enchanting settings.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a hint of romance, this book is for you. It will be published on August 27th.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks)]

I enjoyed this multi timeline, dual location historical fiction story. I loved the romantic elements combined with the mystery unfolding based on letters found in a Scotland Cave.

This book tackles some tough subjects including homophobia during the peak of the AIDS epidemic as well as anti-semitism that plagued the Jewish community for more years than I realized, spanning so many generations and countries

Do not judge this book by its cover, what is contained inside is full of adventure, romance, mystery, historical fiction and so much more.

[erica.reads.a.lot]

Wow, this book!! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started it, I just knew it had a romance component but that the romance wasn’t the only focus. I think different people will get different things out of this book. For me, it was the story of how family trauma can be passed down from one generation to the next. It was about imperfect people wrestling with those imperfections and how to live with the decisions they’ve made. It was about deciding to make different choices. It was about how hard it can be to recognize you might have been wrong. It was about loneliness and finding your way back to something good you shouldn’t have left behind in fear.

Note that this book spans 2 years. Don’t expect quick problem resolutions, because you’ll get restless waiting. Also note this is mostly closed door/fade to black.

Thank you to the author for this early read opportunity!

[Heidi Shertok]

Who knew a book set in the Scottish Highlands could feel so delightfully… Jewish? This INCREDIBLE five-star novel is full of deep, complex characters all trying to figure out who they are. We have Eve, who ditches journalism for an archival gig in Scotland (because obviously the best place to explore Jewish identity is surrounded by kilts and bagpipes). There she meets Mac, the world’s most reluctant aristocrat, who’d rather be pouring pints at his family’s pub than dealing with titles and estates. His mother, Margaret, is equal parts intimidating and endearing as she tries to reconcile her rags-to-riches journey without losing her mind—or her dignity. And let’s not forget Sam, Eve’s dad, who ran from his strict religious upbringing straight into a life of freedom and fabulousness.

This is a rich, unforgettable story that you’re not going to want to miss!!!!

[Nanette Littlestone]

The first story begins in Scotland, where Eve Waldman stumbles across historic letters buried in a cave that detail an illicit affair between two Jewish lovers—lovers that share the Scottish Monteith bloodline. When Eve falls for Mac Monteith, desire mingles with secrets and scandal, until both Eve and Mac are uncertain what lies ahead. But there are two other stories that play a major role in this book—those of Eve’s father and Mac’s mother. Both of these characters slowly reveal their past, which feeds into Mac and Eve’s future.

Told in these four perspectives, Cave of Secrets portrays the human drama of love, family, heritage, and coming into one’s own. The author paints the characters and the Scottish scenery with beautiful detail. I could feel the damp, the crispness of the air, the opaqueness of the light. I could feel Eve’s tenacity, her powerful determination, her need to pursue her goals. I could feel Mac’s strength, his tenderness, his vibrant love. And beneath all that is the Jewish culture and practices that weave through the characters’ pasts and forces them to make decisions for the present that affect them and many others.

This multi-layered story is rich with complexity and character growth. A wonderful showcase of how the strength of your heart and your convictions can triumph over the wrongs of the past.

[Debbie]

One afternoon, a hiker Eve Waldman gets caught in a storm and finds herself in a cave in Loch Lomond to wait it out. She is in Scotland to study under an archeologist, so when she comes across preserved letters letters left in the cave, she is sure she has found a treasure of a long ago love. Eve goes to grab a bite to eat and stumbles across a pub where she grabs a bite to eat. She meets the dashing highlander Mac Monteith, who is behind the counter. The two quickly have a connection.
Eve has a chance to make something of this research, but it would hurt Mac's Scottish family and most likely destroy their budding romance. What is she supposed to do? Risk her career? Or the man she is falling for?
I loved this story. A mix of magical realism, anti-Semitism, true love, and family drama. I think this novel will appeal to readers who are looking for something different. It was a book that was easy to read but over way too quickly. It's a gem of a story, for sure.

[Katherine Morris]

I loved this book from the beginning! Vividly painted settings, engaging characters, and a hint of magic make for a page turner. The author manages to weave together the stories of multiple couples over hundreds of years without losing focus on the main character and her struggles reconciling her emerging career and romance.

I felt like I was in the Highlands with the protagonist, making this a summer vacation between pages.

[Fara]

From the first page I was mesmerized by this book. Between timelines and separate stories this book tells a sensitive personal story which resonates with a history of a century and a half old and an ocean apart.

The characters are both relatable and uncomfortable at the same time. The writing is impeccable and compelling. 

If I hadn't started reading it at 11pm, I might have just continued reading until I finished.  

A must read. One of my favorite books of the year!

[Esme Yona]

Beautiful story

I absolutely loved it.

Lynne did a great job with this book. Such an important message especially during these hard times, that us Jews are currently experiencing throughout the world.

With the vivid and descriptive settings of the Scottish highlands, interesting characters and a hint of magic, made it into a real page turner and kept me up into the early hours .

And the idea of Jews in Scotland is even more thrilling not alone, interesting.

Can’t wait to read more of Lynne’s work.

[Sharon]

Thank you, Lynne Golodner and Kristyn Fortner, for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.

Eve has moved to Scotland to take advantage of an internship opportunity to become an archivist. She feels bad about leaving her father, but it’s important for her to forge ahead with her career. One day, while on a hike, she comes across a letter buried in a cave, written by someone named Shira to Benjamin. While in the Highlands, she meets Mac Monteith, and they have an instant connection and comfort that she hasn’t experienced before.

The book contains a few interconnected stories and is written from multiple points of view over different time periods. There are some elements of magical realism in the book, which was unexpected but enjoyable, as I don’t often read books with magical realism.

The book covers a lot of heavy topics, including relationships, family dynamics, love, and antisemitism. It feels timely, as there has been an increase in the openness within society in displaying antisemitism, which is strategically being labeled as Zionism.

I found it interesting to read about Scotland as one of the places in the UK where Jews were able to attend university. Scotland has always been a place I would like to travel to.

This book is a bit of a mystery and a bit of a romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took a little time for me to connect with the story, but once I was in, I was hooked. I would rate this book 4.5/5.

[Grace Golodner]

I cannot express how sad I am to have finished this book and part with the beautiful and strong characters. Truly, a beautiful piece of literary fiction that explores varying types of romantic relationships, and the importance of embracing and being proud of one’s heritage. Along with being set in both Scotland and Ann Arbor?! A reread will be happening soon!

[Carol E.]

Cave of Secrets is a complex and moving story about love, religious prejudice, and homophobia in a world that demands secrecy to survive. Golodner skillfully leads the reader through the complicated dynamics of living an authentic life in the shadow of religious and social constraints. Courageous choices must be made in spite of the consequences to find the love that lies beyond all fear. While the story is set in the past, the threats revealed are still present today. The book also offers hope for people who dare to be themselves in a world that asks you to be anything but. A great read!

Carol E. Anderson, multi-award winning author of You Can’t Buy Love Like That: Growing Up Gay in the Sixties.

[Tori]

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

Wow what a beautiful book about love, self-discovery, learning about your roots, and redemption. There are other topics like antisemitism and homophobia. I found that the author handled all the topics in this book with great care and made it easy for the readers to understand the hardships that people go through that we might not be aware of. I found the plot to be different from what I normally read but at the same time it does have a touch of magical realism in it. I thought it would be weird to have that in the book but honestly it really added a whole new layer to the book, and it flowed together. The pace was perfect for me, not slow and not too fast that I was having a hard time understanding, it was just right in the middle. The characters were easy to relate to, and I found myself able to connect with them all in different ways. This book has multiple POV, and I didn’t find myself confused on who was telling their part of the story.

With Eve and Mac, I loved them together. I found myself drawn to their stories but really for me it was about their own trails and the roads that they had to take to get to a place in life where they understood themselves before, they would connect that I found the most exciting. I loved that this book was about love and acceptance for one another and for yourself and showing in the past how people of all classes would have to deal with the same things that we are still learning nowadays. I loved that each of the characters’ stories in the book was woven together beautifully. Also, this author knows how to describe Scotland in all its beauty and the history of the country will have you falling in love with it, like I did.

I want to thank Lynne Golodner for the opportunity to review this book.

[S.J.]

I could not put it down!

I was sucked in right at the beginning. As Shira's secrets began to unfold, my heart ached for her. In life, she was caught between two worlds, and in death, she sought reconciliation that she never experienced. The arc of her story became the winds beneath Eve's flight. From the moment Shona's name is mentioned, I wondered who she really belonged to. And Margaret? Her role is hidden behind her own fears and illusions.

This is a well-crafted story, one that engages the reader in such a way that the complexity of the tale is a welcome navigation through a hedge maze garden on a grand estate, full of twists and turns, unexpected and some providing a measure of relief. The end result is highly satisfying even if we really don't know how it ends, especially for Mac.

Read this book. It's a great adventure...especially over shabbat!

[Aviva]

In Cave of Secrets, Lynne Golodner takes readers on a profound journey across time and culture, exploring themes of antisemitism, homophobia, and the complexities of human nature. While the cave itself holds mysteries, it’s the hidden layers within each character—the webs of secrets and assumptions—that truly drive the story. Through these characters, Golodner reveals how the secrets we keep and the assumptions we make about ourselves and others shape, and often limit, our lives. As the story unfolds, we witness the characters challenged and transformed as they confront these hidden parts of themselves and grapple with their assumptions about others. This novel offers a powerful reflection on identity, judgment, and the unseen forces that shape our relationships and choices.

[Margo Stocker]

4.4. I found this book timely and interesting for all the wrong reasons. Golodner writes about antisemitism and homophobia in Scotland as the main character, Eve uncovers this information. Eve is an archivist who discovers old letters from aristocrats who were blatantly antisemitic and homophobic. There is another story line to this book which also touches on these issues. I found the book even more interesting because part of the storyline takes place where I live. Overall this is a well written and very well researched book.

[Angela Boleyn]

5/5 I wholeheartedly endorse this book, it's a must-read for anyone seeking their next great literary adventure. The characters are expertly crafted, with Eve, the protagonist, embarking on a transformative journey from Michigan to Scotland, uncovering profound truths about herself and those around her- and those long gone.
I recently had the opportunity to hear the author speak at a Michigan book club event and learn more about her writing process and the inspiration for this book. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Amy Kussmann]

Excellent

A wonderful book with strong characters & and great story. Yes, there is the usual angst in a romance but why is it that when we read it we feel it is somewhat contrived when if we were honest we do it every day in our own lives? All up in our heads & afraid to speak our own truth? Good book that you will enjoy reading. I hope there is a sequel.

[Linda]

Well written, great story lines and characters

[Marilynn]

Anti semitism, homosexuality, US, Scotland and love. Thoroughly enjoyed

[Cassie]

Taking an internship to train as an archivist after her journalism jobs leave her wanting more, Eve finds herself in Scotland. A chance find and a chance meeting send her on a journey that will give her a new perspective on public and personal history, family, and forever alter her relationships and her faith.

This book features several very important topics. The issue of the prosecution of peoples not favored by a dominant class and religion is the primary focus. Specifically, the treatment of Jewish peoples and lgbtqia+ individuals throughout history. It's far from the only. There is a lot about family, about how we set boundaries, and how there is no one right course to find your path or your person. It's about finding and sticking by your standards. It's also about home in a round about way, be it physically or spiritually.

While I stand by the themes of this book and appreciate them being discussed, I have to confess this book was rather average to me. Some of the writing was quite repetitive as it retold scenes sometimes from the same character's perspective. Eve's romance is important and in certain ways, in parts she is true to herself and her ambitions, is unique. But I just don't think it was balanced well leaving this story feeling a little caught between being a traditional romance and a historical fiction. Not that there can't be crossover, but usually one takes precedence and I'm not always the biggest fan of the first.

Also, there is a magical realism set of moments in this book that absolutely took me out of this. It was far too many genre attempts in one as this completely changes dynamics and yet doesn't come into play until late in the book. To be frank it felt cheap and almost disappointing given that one character was about the process of research.

Important spotlights with average execution of a story. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading it. I just felt a little let down by the potential it had.

[Dawn (noladawnreads)]

CAVE OF SECRETS
Lynne Golodner @lynnegolodner

Thank you to the author for sending me a #gifted copy. These are my thoughts.

Told in multiple perspectives and multiple storylines, this book weaves the past and present together beautifully. Eve is spending a year abroad in Scotland to become an archivist. On a hike it begins to rain and she stumbles upon a cave and ducks in to stay dry. Inside she finds a leather bound journal with a letter inside. Later she stops in the local pub to get warm and grab a bite to eat. That pub belongs to Mac. They meet and have an intense connection. Little do they know that the letter Eve has just found was written by his ancestor.

In other parts of the world Eve’s father is making a choice to stay where he’s been comfortable or move to be with the man he loves.

This was an intriguing story. I loved all the Scottish lore and language. Eve and Mac were both such strong characters and their love story is special. And… lass, do they like their whisky 😹

The only part I could’ve left out was the magical realism. It was a jarring moment and the story would’ve been complete without it.

Out today! Check it out.

[Nicole Fincher]

A beautiful story of love, redemption, family, belonging, and self-discovery that blends the past and the present in an amazing tale of hope and perseverance.
When Eve comes across a perfectly preserved journal in a cave in Scotland detailing the illicit affair of two Jewish lovers, she begins a quest to find out the truth of who they were. While doing so, she meets and falls in love with Mac, a pub owner and part of the Scottish aristocracy. When the past and the present collide in unsuspecting ways, Eve must decide between the love that she's always dreamed of or righting the wrongs of the past.
Throughout the story Eve is guided by the ghosts of those that came before her and by the wisdom of her father, who left everything after the death of his wife in order to raise Eve in a house free from judgement and hate.
This book is a must read in our tumultuous times of antisemitism and hate. This quote from the book sums it up beautifully, "And that's why we must stamp out antisemitism, homophobia, hatred of any kind, unfounded and inhuman, borne out of fear and a scarcity mentality, wherever and whenever we see it," Eve

[Alexandra Hay]

3!

First of all, thank you so much to GoodReads Giveaways! I always love reading these books and supporting new authors. I will say, the slight connection of this character to me was scary funny. Though I didn’t get lucky enough to relocate to Scotland, I do travel from Detroit to Ann Arbor everyday (Eve was going from Ann Arbor to Detroit). She even did research at Wayne State University which is where I went to school. CRAZY.

Eve is living every girls fantasy of packing up, moving to Scotland and doing a cool ass job in the archives in Edinburgh. On her days off she hikes along the loch, lives in a charming cabin, and even falls in love with a local Scot. Furthermore, this novel gave huge insight into homophobia and antisemitism in our society. The struggles that both parties go through is insane and this book made it very eye opening.

It felt to me that there were a lot of character perspectives that went unfinished/were open ended. I also felt like there were parts of the plot missing at points and it needed more depth. Overall, this was a good read and I loved the connections it had to myself which made the main character that much more relatable!

[Lia Lorimer]

A powerful narrative
Archivist Eve’s historic discovery in a cave near Loch Lomond gives her a unique insight into her own heritage, while opening the proverbial ’can of worms’ for pub owner Mac’s family.
The four strands of this far-reaching narrative are told from the POV of primary characters, Eve and Mac, together with their respective parents, Eve’s dad, Sam, and Mac’s mum, Margaret.
The storyline is quite slow-moving; however, the eloquent portrayal of each character’s thoughts, emotions and experiences, and the description of the splendid scenery of the Scottish Highlands, keep the reader fully engaged in the plot.
This novel describes the impact of history, and the effect the actions and inclinations of bygone family members have on future generations, with antisemitism and homophobia being focal points.
Some of the more intimate scenes, both between Eve and Mac, and Sam and his partner, Simon, may be offensive to some readers, although the author takes care to avoid graphic scenes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin Henderschedt]

Cave of Secrets is engaging from the start. Lynne Golodner's writing is beautiful and stirring and pulls the reader from page to page. The story is fresh and engrossing while it also hits on some important and timely issues. The topics are integral to the plot but do not detract from its creative arc.

I'm usually put off by anything that veers from realism but the touch of magical realism in the story drew me in more deeply and I loved it. The different perspectives of the main characters crafted a fully absorbed my imagination. I adored each of the main characters and their unique experiences.

Cave of Secrets is a real journey of self-discovery for the main character, Eve, Mac, and more. Each is unique and yet expertly woven together and connected. Scotland's beauty and history is a character in and of itself, and I enjoyed those details very much, as well.

Thank you Lynne Golodner for this ARC. My review is my own.

[Janis Daly]

4.5 / 5
CAVE OF SECRETS weaves a multi-layered novel that seamlessly crosses multiple genres, blending historical fiction, romance, and contemporary women’s fiction. Beyond a captivating plot and multiple narrators, each dealing with their own secrets, the book addresses a range of pressing social issues, including family dynamics, career choices, and antisemitism. Past and present intersect with characters daring to explore forbidden love and fated love. The resolution of each relational conflict is plausible and satisfying. A touch of magical realism adds a dash of intrigue to the storyline. Lynne Golodner writes with emotion and empathy, tying readers to her characters as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of history.

With its compelling narrative and poignant themes, CAVE OF SECRETS is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical intrigue, heartfelt romance, and stories of personal discovery.