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Want to Know a Secret?
Family, secrets and second chances — what is the real price of love?
On her silver wedding anniversary, Diane receives news that her husband Gareth has been hurt in a helicopter crash.
For Diane, this can’t be true. They can’t afford such luxury, having had to scrimp and save for every penny.
But when Diane turns up at the hospital, she finds Gareth surrounded by his immediate family.
A family she didn’t know existed.
Gareth comes from wealth beyond her imagination. And he never told her. Worse than that, he had kept her a secret from his family.
Helped by her brother-in-law James, Diane learns to navigate her new reality. As she and James grow closer, united by the same betrayal, she discovers that money can’t buy happiness.
And perhaps real riches come from the heart.
On her silver wedding anniversary, Diane receives news that her husband Gareth has been hurt in a helicopter crash.
For Diane, this can’t be true. They can’t afford such luxury, having had to scrimp and save for every penny.
But when Diane turns up at the hospital, she finds Gareth surrounded by his immediate family.
A family she didn’t know existed.
Gareth comes from wealth beyond her imagination. And he never told her. Worse than that, he had kept her a secret from his family.
Helped by her brother-in-law James, Diane learns to navigate her new reality. As she and James grow closer, united by the same betrayal, she discovers that money can’t buy happiness.
And perhaps real riches come from the heart.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
396 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Sue Moorcroft
65 books1,004 followersSue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.
She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.
An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.
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Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 2, 2016
This is an enjoyable read about a woman whose husband is injured in a helicopter crash along with another woman. That’s when Dianne Jenner starts to uncover the web of secrets her husband Gareth has maintained and they may not be exactly what you are expecting, or at least not all of them. James North’s wife Valerie is the pilot of the helicopter and injured in the same crash. Despite difficulties in his marriage and family life James has tried to do the best for his family. But has he gone about it the wrong way? Because of the accident these two families interact and end up finding unexpected connections.
This definitely comes under the heading of chick lit but along the way it covers some serious issues, like alcoholism, materialism, depression, money and family, divorce and self-harm. It’s also about change and not just for the main character Dianne. I wasn’t one hundred percent convinced by some aspects of the ending and thought one incident did not need to be included, but others may think differently. This is my first book by this author and I would probably read another. Those who enjoy chick lit with characters who come across as real despite some of the bizarre choices they make at times, should enjoy this novel.
Three and a half stars
This definitely comes under the heading of chick lit but along the way it covers some serious issues, like alcoholism, materialism, depression, money and family, divorce and self-harm. It’s also about change and not just for the main character Dianne. I wasn’t one hundred percent convinced by some aspects of the ending and thought one incident did not need to be included, but others may think differently. This is my first book by this author and I would probably read another. Those who enjoy chick lit with characters who come across as real despite some of the bizarre choices they make at times, should enjoy this novel.
Three and a half stars
November 19, 2010
Money, love and family. Which matters most? When Diane Jenner’s husband is hurt in a helicopter crash, she discovers a secret that changes her life. And it’s all about money, the kind of money the Jenners have never had. James North has money, and he knows it doesn’t buy happiness. He’s been a rock for his wayward wife and troubled daughter – but that doesn’t stop him wanting Diane. James and Diane have something in common: they always put family first. Which means that what happens in the back of James’s Mercedes is a really, really bad idea. Or is it?
I’ve never read any of Sue Moorcroft’s work but I do actually have three of her novels on my shelf, Starting Over, All That Mullarkey and her latest release Want To Know A Secret? (which was originally published as Family Matters in 2008). With a review slow to fill, I decided now would be the perfect time to try one of Sue’s books and I started it not really knowing what to expect and was sufficiently pleased with the read that I got.
In Want To Know A Secret? the main theme of the story is, as you might expect, secrets. As the book opens we meet Diane Jenner as she learns that her husband Gareth has been in an accident. Diane is then shocked to discover that not only was Gareth in an accident, but it wasn’t of the car variety, he was actually in a helicopter with his step-sister Valerie. Diane has never heard of Valerie, and long believed Gareth of never having a father so everything that comes out as a result of the helicopter crash leaves Diane utterly stunned. I found the opening of the book very compelling – a helicopter crash? Secret family members? It really managed to pull me in.
Once Diane reaches the hospital after learning of Gareth’s crash, she gets the chance to meet Valerie’s family, her husband James, father Harold and daughter Tamzin. They’re as stunned to meet her as she them and Diane finds herself vaguely attracted to James, culminating in them ending up in the back of James’ Mercedes doing something they really shouldn’t. Usually, any hint of an affair would put me off a novel but I understood what drove Diane and James to do what they did. It made sense, and I enjoyed the struggle as they tried to deny their feelings for each other whilst being tied to their respective partners, despite what their partners did to them. Plus the whisper of an affair carries on the theme of secrets, as you might expect.
I found myself quite liking Diane and James. The situation they find themselves in isn’t something that happens every day and definitely isn’t one I’m usually on board with (for my rant about people having/potentially having affairs please come back another day) and I liked the way they dealt with the situation. They seemed very real and I found myself really hoping everything would end for the best for them. As for the minor characters in the novel, I wasn’t enamored with Valerie or Gareth, neither were particularly likeable, but I found the rest of the characters very interesting. I loved Tamzin, she was probably my favourite character of all, and her little plot line was fairly hard-hitting, it has to be said and I felt so sad for her. Harold, Gareth and Valerie’s father seemed like an interesting character and it was a shame we didn’t see more of him. I didn’t know what to make of the other characters – we don’t see much of Bryony, Diane and Gareth’s daughter, and any of the wider family, but they all seemed as good as the rest.
There was quite a twist at the end, something I wasn’t particularly expecting, and it definitely woke me up! However what I didn’t like about the novel was the repetition of words. ‘Cool’ is completely overused by all the younger adults in the novel – Tamzin, George, Bryony and it begins to sound a bit fake after a while that everything is cool. The way the young adults are portrayed is a tad cliched and despite liking Tamzin, I did find most of the scenes hard to swallow. It happens with other words, too, and some of the writing itself was a bit too sweet for me, but apart from those niggles I did find the book very readable and finished it in three days. I would definitely recommend it, because it does get easier to get past the way the younger folk in the book are written, honestly! Sue Moorcroft can definitely tell a story, and I do look forward to reading her other two novels and any more she will be having published.
I’ve never read any of Sue Moorcroft’s work but I do actually have three of her novels on my shelf, Starting Over, All That Mullarkey and her latest release Want To Know A Secret? (which was originally published as Family Matters in 2008). With a review slow to fill, I decided now would be the perfect time to try one of Sue’s books and I started it not really knowing what to expect and was sufficiently pleased with the read that I got.
In Want To Know A Secret? the main theme of the story is, as you might expect, secrets. As the book opens we meet Diane Jenner as she learns that her husband Gareth has been in an accident. Diane is then shocked to discover that not only was Gareth in an accident, but it wasn’t of the car variety, he was actually in a helicopter with his step-sister Valerie. Diane has never heard of Valerie, and long believed Gareth of never having a father so everything that comes out as a result of the helicopter crash leaves Diane utterly stunned. I found the opening of the book very compelling – a helicopter crash? Secret family members? It really managed to pull me in.
Once Diane reaches the hospital after learning of Gareth’s crash, she gets the chance to meet Valerie’s family, her husband James, father Harold and daughter Tamzin. They’re as stunned to meet her as she them and Diane finds herself vaguely attracted to James, culminating in them ending up in the back of James’ Mercedes doing something they really shouldn’t. Usually, any hint of an affair would put me off a novel but I understood what drove Diane and James to do what they did. It made sense, and I enjoyed the struggle as they tried to deny their feelings for each other whilst being tied to their respective partners, despite what their partners did to them. Plus the whisper of an affair carries on the theme of secrets, as you might expect.
I found myself quite liking Diane and James. The situation they find themselves in isn’t something that happens every day and definitely isn’t one I’m usually on board with (for my rant about people having/potentially having affairs please come back another day) and I liked the way they dealt with the situation. They seemed very real and I found myself really hoping everything would end for the best for them. As for the minor characters in the novel, I wasn’t enamored with Valerie or Gareth, neither were particularly likeable, but I found the rest of the characters very interesting. I loved Tamzin, she was probably my favourite character of all, and her little plot line was fairly hard-hitting, it has to be said and I felt so sad for her. Harold, Gareth and Valerie’s father seemed like an interesting character and it was a shame we didn’t see more of him. I didn’t know what to make of the other characters – we don’t see much of Bryony, Diane and Gareth’s daughter, and any of the wider family, but they all seemed as good as the rest.
There was quite a twist at the end, something I wasn’t particularly expecting, and it definitely woke me up! However what I didn’t like about the novel was the repetition of words. ‘Cool’ is completely overused by all the younger adults in the novel – Tamzin, George, Bryony and it begins to sound a bit fake after a while that everything is cool. The way the young adults are portrayed is a tad cliched and despite liking Tamzin, I did find most of the scenes hard to swallow. It happens with other words, too, and some of the writing itself was a bit too sweet for me, but apart from those niggles I did find the book very readable and finished it in three days. I would definitely recommend it, because it does get easier to get past the way the younger folk in the book are written, honestly! Sue Moorcroft can definitely tell a story, and I do look forward to reading her other two novels and any more she will be having published.
June 19, 2013
4 ½ stars. Very enjoyable and a good ending. Husband did despicable things I hadn’t read before.
This was a really good story with interesting secrets that I didn’t expect and interesting ways of finding out about those secrets. I liked the changes Diane went through. It feels like women’s fiction because there is a lot of story about various characters. It feels like it’s moving a little slow, but not really. It just doesn’t have the action and suspense that I’m used to. It’s about ordinary people, how they live, what they do. I was fully immersed.
I can’t believe how bad Diane’s husband was. What he did... and it gets worse. I was in the mood for a husband doing bad things with divorce in the offing. This fit the bill. I liked the way her husband was not happy in the end. He had to settle for things he didn’t want. Diane got revenge. Revenge might not have been her goal but it was the result of her standing up for herself and doing what was best for herself and others. The revenge was subtle but good. I loved Diane’s happy and successful end.
There was a good secondary story about Tamsen and what helped her out of her problem.
I was surprisingly pleased with the first sex scene. The guy kept thinking the girl would resist or slap him, but she didn’t, so he did a little more thinking she would resist, but she didn’t, so he did a little more. I enjoyed being in his mind during this. This felt different from other sex scenes. I suppose other authors have done something similar, but it felt fresh to me.
I was totally unaware of the narrator Karina Fernandez, which means she was very good.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 10 hrs and 33 mins. Swearing language: moderate to strong, but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day England. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance, divorce.
This was a really good story with interesting secrets that I didn’t expect and interesting ways of finding out about those secrets. I liked the changes Diane went through. It feels like women’s fiction because there is a lot of story about various characters. It feels like it’s moving a little slow, but not really. It just doesn’t have the action and suspense that I’m used to. It’s about ordinary people, how they live, what they do. I was fully immersed.
I can’t believe how bad Diane’s husband was. What he did... and it gets worse. I was in the mood for a husband doing bad things with divorce in the offing. This fit the bill. I liked the way her husband was not happy in the end. He had to settle for things he didn’t want. Diane got revenge. Revenge might not have been her goal but it was the result of her standing up for herself and doing what was best for herself and others. The revenge was subtle but good. I loved Diane’s happy and successful end.
There was a good secondary story about Tamsen and what helped her out of her problem.
I was surprisingly pleased with the first sex scene. The guy kept thinking the girl would resist or slap him, but she didn’t, so he did a little more thinking she would resist, but she didn’t, so he did a little more. I enjoyed being in his mind during this. This felt different from other sex scenes. I suppose other authors have done something similar, but it felt fresh to me.
I was totally unaware of the narrator Karina Fernandez, which means she was very good.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 10 hrs and 33 mins. Swearing language: moderate to strong, but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day England. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance, divorce.
November 4, 2010
I do like Moorcroft, she keeps it real.
Plot:
Diane's husband is in a helicopter crush, and what he did in it in the first place she does not understand, until all the lies come out at once (almost all). He has been keeping some big secrets from her, and because of these secrets she meet James, loyal the core, nice, and there is something there.
My thoughts:
Like I said, Moorcroft keeps it very real, I can see all these things happening so easily. Romance is there, but it's slow, truthful and filled with doubts.
Diane thought she had it all, sure she had struggled to put food on the table, but other than that everything is ok. Until secrets come out. Her husband is a petty ass, and an egoistic swine. If he hasn't been in a crash she would surely given him what he had coming. So she is nice, he is not, and I doubt he ever was. Idiot.
Then there is James, with an alcoholic wife who he can't leave because he is afraid his depressed 20 year old daughter will become more depressed. They are both so nice and loyal, and stay in marriages that should be over. They become friends and I keep on wondering how they will become more, because these are two people that have sacrificed so much and deserved to be loved.
The lies keep on coming in this one, and I keep on reading. It was so easy to just get lost in this one, sure there is drama, and emotions all over the place, together with some serious trouble, but it doesn't get dark or anything. It keeps that feeling of reality, because humans can so easily act like idiots, and she shows it here.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
I would recommend it. To romance fans, to fiction fans, and to those who just like a good British story, they do have their ways of writing. If you are tired of world win romances, and over the top scenarios, then read this one. Big lies for sure, but also basic human emotion and feelings. It is very close to a 4, but I will still go with 3,75 for some reason I don't even know. Recommended yes, hard to put down, yes.
Reason for reading:
I have read Moorcroft before, and I enjoy her books. It feels like I am stepping out in the real world, but there is still happiness, they just have to work for it.
Plot:
Diane's husband is in a helicopter crush, and what he did in it in the first place she does not understand, until all the lies come out at once (almost all). He has been keeping some big secrets from her, and because of these secrets she meet James, loyal the core, nice, and there is something there.
My thoughts:
Like I said, Moorcroft keeps it very real, I can see all these things happening so easily. Romance is there, but it's slow, truthful and filled with doubts.
Diane thought she had it all, sure she had struggled to put food on the table, but other than that everything is ok. Until secrets come out. Her husband is a petty ass, and an egoistic swine. If he hasn't been in a crash she would surely given him what he had coming. So she is nice, he is not, and I doubt he ever was. Idiot.
Then there is James, with an alcoholic wife who he can't leave because he is afraid his depressed 20 year old daughter will become more depressed. They are both so nice and loyal, and stay in marriages that should be over. They become friends and I keep on wondering how they will become more, because these are two people that have sacrificed so much and deserved to be loved.
The lies keep on coming in this one, and I keep on reading. It was so easy to just get lost in this one, sure there is drama, and emotions all over the place, together with some serious trouble, but it doesn't get dark or anything. It keeps that feeling of reality, because humans can so easily act like idiots, and she shows it here.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
I would recommend it. To romance fans, to fiction fans, and to those who just like a good British story, they do have their ways of writing. If you are tired of world win romances, and over the top scenarios, then read this one. Big lies for sure, but also basic human emotion and feelings. It is very close to a 4, but I will still go with 3,75 for some reason I don't even know. Recommended yes, hard to put down, yes.
Reason for reading:
I have read Moorcroft before, and I enjoy her books. It feels like I am stepping out in the real world, but there is still happiness, they just have to work for it.
July 30, 2012
What I like about Sue Moorcroft’s books is that she writes real people and manages to keep them real even when they plummet into some pretty dire situations. Want to Know a Secret is a fascinating journey through the day-to-day struggles of people unexpectedly thrown together by sudden catastrophe. Pity poor Diane finding out her husband’s duplicity from the equivalent of a policeman on the doorstep. And even then, it isn’t the deception she automatically assumes – it unravels in layers affecting more and more people. The gradual unfolding of the stories that underlie what had seemed to be normal family life for the Jenners and the Norths (albeit at different ends of the spectrum) is what holds the attention and keeps the pages turning. Diane could have been drawn as a real wimp but Moorcroft avoids that cliché and shows her as she is, a strong woman forced to cope and rediscovering her confidence. Likewise James could so easily have fallen foul of hero-syndrome, but he doesn’t. Like the rest of the cast, he doesn’t fit neatly into a box, and it is this as much as anything that makes the story work so well.
October 15, 2024
The FMC wouldn’t just leave her husband, even though he’s literally the worst— a people user who loves no one. She stays “ for their daughter,” who is TWENTY years old. Like, really. I ended up skimming a lot.
I enjoyed the premise of the story in the beginning.
I enjoyed the premise of the story in the beginning.
June 9, 2025
I'm a third of the way through this when I suddenly remembered to write a review of the previous book. Writing that review for No Strings Attached has actually triggered me and brought back terrible thoughts. So based on that, I'm not going to read anymore of this and won't read any more by this author. If you're interested in seeing my review, it's on my read shelf.
December 11, 2024
different
Kind of story. Diane the forgotten wife and the bad adulterous husband and hidden money, don’t make great marriage partners. Good read !
Kind of story. Diane the forgotten wife and the bad adulterous husband and hidden money, don’t make great marriage partners. Good read !
January 7, 2011
I really like Sue Moorcroft's writing - Starting Over was superb, and All That Mullarkey even better, both highly recommended. This one's a really good read, but seems to be by quite a different kind of writer - until I realised it's a re-published older novel (Family Matters) and has more in common with Uphill All The Way than her newer stuff. Don't come to it expecting chick lit, because it really isn't. The story's excellent though - Diane's husband Gareth is a real toad, and she's a well described strong woman sorting out her own life in the face of the most heinous lies and deceit. Those of you who don't like adulterous themes might not be keen, but by the end you'll forgive them. The writing's a tad more laboured than her later stuff, but I did enjoy it - just not quite as much as I expected to.
January 3, 2012
Enjoyable romantic escapism. Secrets, lies and intrigue; with characters I enjoyed. I would like to read more by this author.
September 3, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed it .... a story of marriages, love, money and deception .... parcelled up into a great book. I will definitely look for more from Sue Moorcroft.
October 9, 2024
Intriguing, Evolving, Gripping,
Genres: Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama/Romance/with a theme of self-harm
Want to Know a Secret? By Sue Moorcroft Author 💸🧵🪡
Diane had always been aware that she had married Gareth for the wrong reasons. Regardless, they had made a good go of it for a while, until she made the decision that he had harboured resentment towards her for, for all these years. Now he had finally got what he wanted all along, he had hidden it from her by way of revenge. What he hadn’t bargained for though, was his subterfuge and deceit were to flip their fortunes and become the key to serving him the ‘just desserts’ that he was long overdue, and her, her long awaited freedom and happiness.
I found this Author and novel online and having established that the main theme running through it is family drama, and then finding her wonderful array of many diverse characters, this book couldn’t have been more suited to my tastes when it comes to genres in literature. I loved the dialogue. I thought that the emotions of the characters were put across well in the writing. I really enjoy reading when the dialogue is so powerfully written that the narrative voices in my head come alive with expression, and my ability to form images of the created individuals is effortless. 📖
It was a joy to experience how Diane the main character, evolves throughout the book from coming across mousey and timid, to discovering her confidence, her abilities and fully exploring her talent. Her mood changes from that first moment in the hospital, meeting the extended family that she never knew she had, I think realising that her husband will be hold up somewhere else for some time, and in the meantime she can be herself and form relationships with all these new people, shows her how brave she can be, as well as how she has missed doing so, which in turn elevates her new found faith in herself. Plus she is a very caring person and her instinct is to nurture, particularly, those who are opposite ends of the age spectrum, Tamzin being so young with her health issues and having to come to terms with her mum’s accident, and Harold, her grandfather with his angina and the shock of what has happened to his children. She performs this very much needed role twice, only the second time she is more attuned as to what is needed and how to help them. Her longing for James, but to also do the right thing was agonising, as she is a good person, and having had to put up with Gareth for so long, I wanted her to just give in and let herself be happy. I understood why she had concern for Bryony’s feelings but I was glad that Diane’s wilful and strong daughter soon realised the game that her father had been playing, even before he attempted to steal the bequeathed jewellery. Bryony was not a child and I thought that Diane gave her less credit than she deserved for being able to deal with the situation. I really enjoyed her run in with Rowan and her interaction with Gareth whilst he was in the private hospital, laying down the law as to how things were going to be after so many years of it being the other way around, and once again when he was home, being practical and courteous but letting him know in no uncertain terms that his actions had brought about a seismic a change within the marital home.
It made me smile when the author writes that Tamzin can see things in everyday objects, as that is something to which I can relate. I have also had issues with mental health, and although she is only a fictional character, was so pleased that James took his daughter’s health issues seriously. I have also lived with an alcoholic. The character of Tamzin resonated with me in so many ways. The big twist in the tale concerning James’s family came as a shock and was powerfully written. A very emotional scene.
The way that those characters who had been strangers prior to the event that changes everything, came together to unite, was extremely heart-warming and I was touched by the way they all integrated into their new found roles and supported each other.♥️
The ending was very fitting but also had a twist that made me wonder whether I was going to get the ending I wanted, but again as I had felt all along, the young characters in this story of self-discovery, courage and the natural adaptedness of human beings, were resilient enough to deal with yet another discovery and perhaps a change for the better.
I will be reading more Sue Moorcroft books in the future.
Genres: Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama/Romance/with a theme of self-harm
Want to Know a Secret? By Sue Moorcroft Author 💸🧵🪡
Diane had always been aware that she had married Gareth for the wrong reasons. Regardless, they had made a good go of it for a while, until she made the decision that he had harboured resentment towards her for, for all these years. Now he had finally got what he wanted all along, he had hidden it from her by way of revenge. What he hadn’t bargained for though, was his subterfuge and deceit were to flip their fortunes and become the key to serving him the ‘just desserts’ that he was long overdue, and her, her long awaited freedom and happiness.
I found this Author and novel online and having established that the main theme running through it is family drama, and then finding her wonderful array of many diverse characters, this book couldn’t have been more suited to my tastes when it comes to genres in literature. I loved the dialogue. I thought that the emotions of the characters were put across well in the writing. I really enjoy reading when the dialogue is so powerfully written that the narrative voices in my head come alive with expression, and my ability to form images of the created individuals is effortless. 📖
It was a joy to experience how Diane the main character, evolves throughout the book from coming across mousey and timid, to discovering her confidence, her abilities and fully exploring her talent. Her mood changes from that first moment in the hospital, meeting the extended family that she never knew she had, I think realising that her husband will be hold up somewhere else for some time, and in the meantime she can be herself and form relationships with all these new people, shows her how brave she can be, as well as how she has missed doing so, which in turn elevates her new found faith in herself. Plus she is a very caring person and her instinct is to nurture, particularly, those who are opposite ends of the age spectrum, Tamzin being so young with her health issues and having to come to terms with her mum’s accident, and Harold, her grandfather with his angina and the shock of what has happened to his children. She performs this very much needed role twice, only the second time she is more attuned as to what is needed and how to help them. Her longing for James, but to also do the right thing was agonising, as she is a good person, and having had to put up with Gareth for so long, I wanted her to just give in and let herself be happy. I understood why she had concern for Bryony’s feelings but I was glad that Diane’s wilful and strong daughter soon realised the game that her father had been playing, even before he attempted to steal the bequeathed jewellery. Bryony was not a child and I thought that Diane gave her less credit than she deserved for being able to deal with the situation. I really enjoyed her run in with Rowan and her interaction with Gareth whilst he was in the private hospital, laying down the law as to how things were going to be after so many years of it being the other way around, and once again when he was home, being practical and courteous but letting him know in no uncertain terms that his actions had brought about a seismic a change within the marital home.
It made me smile when the author writes that Tamzin can see things in everyday objects, as that is something to which I can relate. I have also had issues with mental health, and although she is only a fictional character, was so pleased that James took his daughter’s health issues seriously. I have also lived with an alcoholic. The character of Tamzin resonated with me in so many ways. The big twist in the tale concerning James’s family came as a shock and was powerfully written. A very emotional scene.
The way that those characters who had been strangers prior to the event that changes everything, came together to unite, was extremely heart-warming and I was touched by the way they all integrated into their new found roles and supported each other.♥️
The ending was very fitting but also had a twist that made me wonder whether I was going to get the ending I wanted, but again as I had felt all along, the young characters in this story of self-discovery, courage and the natural adaptedness of human beings, were resilient enough to deal with yet another discovery and perhaps a change for the better.
I will be reading more Sue Moorcroft books in the future.
June 28, 2019
Despite the subject matter, I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a big fan of books that deal with some of the harsher realities of life as I read for escapism. However, Ms Moorcroft writes with such warmth and humour I found that I was really enjoying Diane's story and actually willing things to work out for her.
When her husband, Gareth, is critically injured in a helicopter crash Diane's world goes in to a tailspin of it's own. Finding out that he has been lying to her for 2 years is a shock, finding out that he has a whole other grown up family that seem ready to welcome her in to the fold is perhaps an even bigger one. Her whole married life has been about scrimping and scraping and making do; something Diane has been very happy to do. Now, the knowledge that Gareth has been leading a double life throws everything in to doubt. Throw in an attraction to an unavailable man and Diane is sure to go through the wringer.
Despite the bleakness of the topics covered in the book there is a lot of enjoyment to be had from this book. A well paced plot was vital to this story and we have that in abundance. Everything moves at a natural feeling pace, even some of the more random plot points (Diane's sewing business for instance) slot in well and feel believable. The real drivers for the story though are the characters of Diane and James. Both are well constructed and have strong, individual voices that come across well on the page.
Covering betrayal, the nature of romantic love, familial love and paternal/maternal love it also touches on mental health issues, alcoholism and just the general struggles of daily life. Set in the beautiful landscape of The Fens it all just gelled together quite wonderfully. All the characters act more or less believability, apart from Gareth. Unfortunately Gareth has no redeeming characteristics and this spoilt the story somewhat for me because if he is such a reprehensible person then how did Diane fall so deeply for him in the first place? Even the flashbacks to their courtship make it clear he was a prize pranny then as well, it just spoilt the veracity of the rest of the tale.
It is a strangely charming tale that really did suck me in and make me want to keep reading.
When her husband, Gareth, is critically injured in a helicopter crash Diane's world goes in to a tailspin of it's own. Finding out that he has been lying to her for 2 years is a shock, finding out that he has a whole other grown up family that seem ready to welcome her in to the fold is perhaps an even bigger one. Her whole married life has been about scrimping and scraping and making do; something Diane has been very happy to do. Now, the knowledge that Gareth has been leading a double life throws everything in to doubt. Throw in an attraction to an unavailable man and Diane is sure to go through the wringer.
Despite the bleakness of the topics covered in the book there is a lot of enjoyment to be had from this book. A well paced plot was vital to this story and we have that in abundance. Everything moves at a natural feeling pace, even some of the more random plot points (Diane's sewing business for instance) slot in well and feel believable. The real drivers for the story though are the characters of Diane and James. Both are well constructed and have strong, individual voices that come across well on the page.
Covering betrayal, the nature of romantic love, familial love and paternal/maternal love it also touches on mental health issues, alcoholism and just the general struggles of daily life. Set in the beautiful landscape of The Fens it all just gelled together quite wonderfully. All the characters act more or less believability, apart from Gareth. Unfortunately Gareth has no redeeming characteristics and this spoilt the story somewhat for me because if he is such a reprehensible person then how did Diane fall so deeply for him in the first place? Even the flashbacks to their courtship make it clear he was a prize pranny then as well, it just spoilt the veracity of the rest of the tale.
It is a strangely charming tale that really did suck me in and make me want to keep reading.
May 23, 2025
This book wasn’t really a romance. Yes, there was some romance, but the overall story didn’t feel like it. There were a few things that threw me off with this one. The first is that it wasn’t published in 2024. It’s a re-print of a book from 2010, I think. I didn’t realize that until later. They were talking about using a Blackberry and old school style texting. The MFC designs and makes clothes for a living. The style seemed quite eclectic and not what is in fashion today. There were a few other things like this that had me wondering what year the story took place in. So anyway, not a problem, just something to be aware of.
Be aware that there is a character that self-harms and has depression. There is a scene from her perspective while she’s cutting. That could be a trigger for some and should be mentioned.
The pros of the book: I liked the growth of the MFC. Seeing her gain strength and courage throughout the book to become her own person. That was good.
There are various perspectives in the story. I was surprised that there are even parts from the cheating lying Gareth and from Tamzin. That was different and worked for this book.
The relationship between MFC and James was good. I thought it captured the complexities of adult relationships. They aren’t simple or easy and difficult decisions are made.
Now for the cons:
There’s a romance between half-cousins in this book and no one seems to care or think it odd. To me, if I share a relative with another person, that’s too close on the family tree for a romantic relationship. All the adults seemed to encourage it in the story. Odd and a little ick.
We wait through the whole book for James and Diane to get together for good. We get a small not very spicy sex scene towards the beginning of the book. But when they can finally be together at the end, we don’t get one! Gah! That was frustrating.
The book ended abruptly. I thought there should have been an epilogue or something.
Be aware that there is a character that self-harms and has depression. There is a scene from her perspective while she’s cutting. That could be a trigger for some and should be mentioned.
The pros of the book: I liked the growth of the MFC. Seeing her gain strength and courage throughout the book to become her own person. That was good.
There are various perspectives in the story. I was surprised that there are even parts from the cheating lying Gareth and from Tamzin. That was different and worked for this book.
The relationship between MFC and James was good. I thought it captured the complexities of adult relationships. They aren’t simple or easy and difficult decisions are made.
Now for the cons:
There’s a romance between half-cousins in this book and no one seems to care or think it odd. To me, if I share a relative with another person, that’s too close on the family tree for a romantic relationship. All the adults seemed to encourage it in the story. Odd and a little ick.
We wait through the whole book for James and Diane to get together for good. We get a small not very spicy sex scene towards the beginning of the book. But when they can finally be together at the end, we don’t get one! Gah! That was frustrating.
The book ended abruptly. I thought there should have been an epilogue or something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2019
I listened to this on audio book via my library.
This has been a truly wonderful entertaining, heartfelt and emotional story from start to finish, I was expecting it to be just a romance sort of story but it was so much more than that.
I loved getting to know all of the characters and seeing how things played out for them all.
I also loved how majority of the story was set in my hometown of Peterborough which I hadn't realised prior to starting this.
I've read/listened to a few of Sue books nows and I can truly say that they have all been wonderful. So much so that I plan to work my way through all of her books.
This has been a truly wonderful entertaining, heartfelt and emotional story from start to finish, I was expecting it to be just a romance sort of story but it was so much more than that.
I loved getting to know all of the characters and seeing how things played out for them all.
I also loved how majority of the story was set in my hometown of Peterborough which I hadn't realised prior to starting this.
I've read/listened to a few of Sue books nows and I can truly say that they have all been wonderful. So much so that I plan to work my way through all of her books.
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 — Warm, engaging, and full of emotional depth
Want to Know a Secret? is a heartfelt and very human story that blends family drama, secrets, and second chances in a way that keeps you turning the pages. Sue Moorcroft writes with warmth and empathy, and her characters feel real—flawed, relatable, and easy to root for.
The plot unfolds steadily, with just enough twists to stay interesting without feeling overdone. Some moments are a little slower, but the emotional payoff and satisfying resolution make it well worth the read.
Overall, it’s a touching, uplifting novel with strong characters and genuine heart. A lovely 4-star read.
Want to Know a Secret? is a heartfelt and very human story that blends family drama, secrets, and second chances in a way that keeps you turning the pages. Sue Moorcroft writes with warmth and empathy, and her characters feel real—flawed, relatable, and easy to root for.
The plot unfolds steadily, with just enough twists to stay interesting without feeling overdone. Some moments are a little slower, but the emotional payoff and satisfying resolution make it well worth the read.
Overall, it’s a touching, uplifting novel with strong characters and genuine heart. A lovely 4-star read.
December 19, 2025
This book is certainly not what I expected, very different from my typical reads. I was frustrated by all the toxic relationships and affairs in the book, it was almost as if the author was trying to “normalize” these behaviors. With that being said, it was interesting to see the perspective of two 40 something people trapped in loveless relationships and wanting happiness. The entire time I felt conflicted by the actions of almost every character - understanding their emotions and where they are coming from but still hating how they handled their situations. Overall, didn’t love it but it was well-written.
November 14, 2024
I wouldn't classify this as romance; more chick-lit with a little sex and a cast of complicated characters set mostly in small town/city Britain ( which is one of my greatest weaknesses). I kind of love how British authors don't shy away from severely flawed characters or selfish motivations. This story and these characters are what I would call "complicated-light" because of how fast a read this was, and although the characters have layers, they're also pretty self-aware. They get to the point fairly quickly.
April 13, 2018
...not sure
This book was a weird one for me. I’ve just finished it and not quite sure how I feel. It was strange cause I was curious to read to the end...but I realise I followed it for Diane’s business venture, uncovering the scandals & the kids story lines. Didn’t care much for the saga with the men. It could be that I’m figuring out this genre isn’t for me?? Either way, It was a pleasant & easy read & kept me company through being stuck in bed with a cold
This book was a weird one for me. I’ve just finished it and not quite sure how I feel. It was strange cause I was curious to read to the end...but I realise I followed it for Diane’s business venture, uncovering the scandals & the kids story lines. Didn’t care much for the saga with the men. It could be that I’m figuring out this genre isn’t for me?? Either way, It was a pleasant & easy read & kept me company through being stuck in bed with a cold
April 3, 2024
Want to know a Secret? Sue Morecroft.
Another lovely book written by Sue Morecroft. What a really mixed up family drama with lots of surprises along the way. I read it in nearly one sitting!! Reading it in bed and waking up sitting wedged into my pillows 😀 That is why I can thoroughly recommend you take the time to read this entertaining, sometimes happy sometimes sad but beautifully written. Better than watching the box.
Another lovely book written by Sue Morecroft. What a really mixed up family drama with lots of surprises along the way. I read it in nearly one sitting!! Reading it in bed and waking up sitting wedged into my pillows 😀 That is why I can thoroughly recommend you take the time to read this entertaining, sometimes happy sometimes sad but beautifully written. Better than watching the box.
June 14, 2025
Lots of characters in a twisty plot
I liked this book although there were so many characters I sometimes just let the plot take me along. One helicopter crash and two families have to face the reality of being deceived. Some characters learned self worth, some got caught in their bad and selfish behavior. A few others joined in the plot. You will just have to see how it all works out.
I liked this book although there were so many characters I sometimes just let the plot take me along. One helicopter crash and two families have to face the reality of being deceived. Some characters learned self worth, some got caught in their bad and selfish behavior. A few others joined in the plot. You will just have to see how it all works out.
March 31, 2019
I was really into this book for the first chapter because of the secrets that were slowly unraveling in Diane's eyes. But then, it got boring and tiring going through the same problem again and again. All the bickering was just too much to handle.
Somehow, in the end, the author was able to finish the book well. No more dramas and everyone's somehow happy.
Somehow, in the end, the author was able to finish the book well. No more dramas and everyone's somehow happy.
October 27, 2024
Enjoyable read about a woman whose husband is injured in a helicopter crash along with another woman. The two families become connected. That’s when Dianne Jenner starts to uncover all Gareth’s secrets. Definitely chick lit with some serious issues addressed: alcoholism, materialism, depression, divorce, and family.
November 18, 2024
Complicated but Rewarding
An extremely blended family, some of it kept a secret, deals with growing up, finding truth, finding themselves in a rush of changes I couldn’t put down. A couple of lovely love stories included, and good people working their way to a good life. Best I’ve read since Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Beatriz Williams.
An extremely blended family, some of it kept a secret, deals with growing up, finding truth, finding themselves in a rush of changes I couldn’t put down. A couple of lovely love stories included, and good people working their way to a good life. Best I’ve read since Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Beatriz Williams.
May 28, 2025
This is a complicated read about a woman whose husband is seriously injured in a helicopter crash along with another woman. That’s when she starts to uncover the web of secrets her husband has kept. This is a family drama with most of them behaving badly. The story was complex but good. However, I found most of the characters rather annoying and difficult to root for.
November 14, 2024
Ok story
I was hoping for an uplifting story, this was not my favorite. The story is okay, but has a few holes and undeveloped parts. Cheating, stealing, lying, and depression are not funny topics. I finished the book, but was relieved it was over rather than glad I read it.
I was hoping for an uplifting story, this was not my favorite. The story is okay, but has a few holes and undeveloped parts. Cheating, stealing, lying, and depression are not funny topics. I finished the book, but was relieved it was over rather than glad I read it.
March 7, 2025
The book was phenomenal until the very rushed ending. Glad I read it, but I wish the end didn't feel so forced. Even though you know where it's heading, a few suspenseful pages would have been delicious!
August 12, 2017
Secrets
When secret have a nasty habit of becoming reality Dianne and James get their happy ending a follow up would be good
When secret have a nasty habit of becoming reality Dianne and James get their happy ending a follow up would be good
June 30, 2019
Different to some of Sue Moorcroft's other books but I really enjoyed it. Diane is a brilliant character and I just love strong women in novels!
May 28, 2020
Fabulous book
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