Closest Kept

by Kitty Johnson

Breaking free from the past is one woman’s greatest challenge in an emotional novel about love, friendship, and the courage to overcome the worst of times by the author of Prickly Company.

Best friends Lily and Inga do everything together—they even meet their future loves at the same bar. After one serendipitous night, it seems like it’s going to be Lily and Alex and Inga and Matt forever.

But life gets more complicated. A job offer moves Inga and Matt from Norwich to London. Lily, who craves stability after a traumatic childhood, is already struggling with the change when Inga confides in her a secret that could tear the group apart for good. At the same time, Lily’s friendship with Matt deepens, and she wonders if she was always meant to be with him instead of Alex.

As the two couples try to hold on to their dreams and one another, Lily’s life is further upended by the reappearance of her long-lost sister—and all the terrible truths she brings home. Lily needs her chosen family more than ever, but in order to heal the rifts, she must find the courage to be honest with herself and reveal the secrets she’s kept hidden from her loved ones for too long.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook, Womens Fiction, Adult

332 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Kitty Johnson is an awarding-winning writer of emotional stories about empowerment and living your best life. She lives in Norwich, Norfolk in the UK, with her partner and son. Her novel Five Winters was awarded the Star Award 2024 by the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

A nature lover, Kitty enjoys walking in the local woods and by the sea in Norfolk with her dog. Also an artist, she paints and makes collages in her studio when she has time. Kitty enjoys a challenge and once performed stand-up comedy as research for a book - an experience she found very scary but hugely empowering. Kitty has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia and has also published as Margaret K Johnson.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: Closest Kept
AUTHOR: Kitty Johnson
PUB DATE: 05.06.2025

Breaking free from the past is one woman’s greatest challenge in an emotional novel about love, friendship, and the courage to overcome the worst of times by the author of Prickly Company.

THOUGHTS:

Oh my, my heart. I absolutely adored reading Closest Kept by Kitty Johnson. It is a heartfelt story about friendships and sisterhood, and all the feelings in between. I enjoyed the multidimensional story that just keeps on giving, with incredibly hard to forget characters that are still living rent free in my head.

I really enjoyed this one!

#closestkept #lakeunionauthors #kittyjohnson

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An emotionally, complex character-driven story of family, friendship, young trauma and love in all its many forms. Loved this raw, heartfelt story that packs a punch. 🎧

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

*arc review*

(3.75) I hated it, I loved it.
I was hooked, I couldn't put it down. it was very fast paced and the writing was very good. it was my first book by this author and I really wanna read her other works.

we follow lily's life, her friendships and relationships. one night during christmas lily and inga (lily's best friend) cross path with matt and alex. that night will change their lives forever. after that we follow lily and alex, inga and matt through the years while lily explore her trauma and the what if of life.
it was such a raw and real book, dealing with a lot of important themes such as mental health (make sure to check tw). this gave me normal people and talking at night vibes only it's a woman's fiction and not a romance.
lily, my girl lily... I will support her rights and wrongs every damn day. she didn't have a single break during this. I hated everyone besides matt, the only one who tried to understand her and always stood by her side even when the friend group fell apart. she needed a better family and entourage. I am happy she and matt found one another, you could see since chapter one they had the kind of rare chemistry. even though I'm not a fan of inga, she had her personal problems and at the end of it all she never left lily. on the another end, fucking violet, I understand her trauma and life problems but she was such a selfish character never once tried to put herself in lily's shoes. alex, I think you are misunderstood but your behaviour with lily was horrible and I hope being a dad changed you for the better.
this book gave me anger issues and anxiety, so I freaking love it!

Thank you to netgalley and lake union publishing for providing me with this arc in exchange of my honest review.

[Augusta Dionysus · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Special Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for offering this book for early consideration/review]. In this novel, Johnson has crafted a tale of family, friendship, trauma, and love in all its forms. What appears to begin as a lighthearted romantic read soon melds to an insightful, deep portrait of childhood trauma and how it shapes a person for life. Brimming with vibrant characters who practically burst from the page, the novel is a stunning example of characterization and character development. I can't imagine what this book would be without its cast of side characters. Through it all shines themes of art, creation, betrayal, parenthood, and doing good by others, even when it doesn't benefit us personally. Lily, the main character, navigates romantic and friendly relationships, falls in love with unexpected people, and pursues her love of painting, all while mending her relationship with her adult sister, who was placed in the foster care system after their mother's addiction and neglect were discovered. These are only some of the core themes Johnson incorporates into this touching story. There are frequent mentions of child neglect and alcoholism, so these would be my only content warnings. I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking for an emotionally deep read that does not hold back from difficult topics. Truly a remarkable read.

[Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closest Kept is a poignant and satisfying tale of secrets, betrayals, and finally breaking free from the past. It's the story of a friendship pushed to its limit and a sisterhood on the verge of splintering, ultimately asking the question: how far should you go to protect the people you love? Like in Kitty Johnson's previous two novels, I found myself swept up by the honest, relatable characters and kept thinking about them long after the final page.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty Johnson, the Author of “Closet Kept” has written an emotional, heartfelt, and captivating novel. The genres for this book are Women’s Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Sibling Fiction, Family Fiction, and Fiction. There also is a dash or Romance and Suspense. The themes surrounding this story are keeping secrets, the importance of family, friends, honesty, courage, forgiveness, second chances, self-growth, love and hope. In this well developed and well written story, the author vividly captures the scenery and discusses the dramatic and dark characters. The characters are complex, and complicated. There are betrayals, manipulative characters, some toxic characters, and the quest for the truth.

Lily and Inga are the closest friends, and meet their boyfriends in the same bar. The four are as close as can be. Lily is the protector of secrets from her family, and her friends, and has had a tragic upbringing. Lily loves to paint, and as she deals with her pain, her paintings become more vivid. As life gets more complicated, Inga shares secrets with Lily. The relationships between Lily, Inga, and their boyfriends becomes strained.

Lily’s estranged sister Viola re-enters her life, and creates many problems. Lily and Viola share many secrets as well. There are twists and turns, and the authors creates an edgy feel to the story. I enjoyed this thought-provoking novel and I highly recommend it.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very much a character driven novel and it focused a lot on relationships, choices, and secrets. Lily had a lot of trauma from her childhood that she has carried into her adulthood. I loved the emotion from Lily. While she didn’t voice her feelings often, her internal monologue brought them all to the surface. It felt like she could never catch a break but she still found the courage to have some difficult conversations. Matt was my favorite of her friend group because of the support he always gave her. When the decisions of others start to affect Lily's life is when I saw the most growth. It felt realistic not only with the conversations but the drama that happened.

Thank you @kittyjohnsonbooks @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different story to the previous book, Prickly Company, which I read and enjoyed earlier this year.
Closest Kept is a story of a woman with secrets. Secrets she has kept hidden for the whole of her adult life. Secrets that keep threatening to spill.
Lily and Inga are best friends. They are artists, struggling to make a living in the big wide world, but they keep going, in the hope that one day their dreams will come true.
Both women have reasons for not trusting, but they have faith in one another.
A drunken night out introduces them to Matt and Alex, and after a quick regroup in the ladies, Inga pairs herself off with Matt, leaving Lily with Alex.
They end up in happy relationships until things happen that threaten to push Lily to tell the truth about her own childhood, especially when her little sister turns up. Oh, and also wondering whether she really got the right guy...
I was so torn for Lily. She had such an enormous burden on her, her whole life, and no-one she felt she could share with. And the feeling that you might be thinking of your best friend's partner in the wrong way can't be an easy situation to be in, either.
There is a lot of trauma in this.
It's not a light-hearted read, but a very well written, solid read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book using my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

I think I would categorize this as women’s fiction. There is a strong emphasis on relationships that include family, friends, and romantic. There is also plenty of drama that keeps the plot and the people moving along.

The book focuses mainly on Lily, an artist living in Norwich, England. Lily has a secret which she has never told even her best friend, Inga. As the story, unfolds we learn more about Lily and this traumatizing event.

Inga and her relationships become tied into the plot because Lily and Inga are so closely connected.

This book could be considered found family as well as learning to process the choices made within a nuclear family.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

It took me a while to get into this book - the characters felt pretty flat to me (honestly I never felt like I really got to know or understand Alex) and the plot was just sort of boring. But around halfway I started to really like it and it ended up being pretty good - a very realistic portrayal of the way that early relationships in your life continue to affect you as you grow older, and the way some people will sacrifice themselves in order to take care of others (and why this isn’t healthy, for anyone). I just wish that Lily’s past wasn’t kept from the reader as if it was going to be some bombshell discovery at some point. That “reveal” just sort of cheapened the relationship between her and the reader. I would have rather had it been just part of her backstory that we learned about as we read. But, overall, I liked the book.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Best kind of book- hopeful, fun & inspirational. Lily's trying to make her way as an artist and find true love. She started with a not great childhood. Her journey is full of imperfect choices & setbacks, but with the help of friends, love and her own grit, she finds success.
Being from the U.S. I also enjoyed the British words & setting.
I flew through the pages & am looking forward to Kitty’s next book!

[Grace Dowding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not expecting this to be 5*
The plot was far from earth shattering, but the pacing really made it. The narrative flowed beautifully, I was sailing through in the best way. I feel like you know a book is good when you're thinking about it outside of actually reading, that itch to see what unfolds.
Having this set in Norwich may have swayed my rating, but it meant I felt more connected to the characters and could envision the setting with ease.
Admittedly, I was expecting more of a twist with the childhood trauma plotline it was a bit meh.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Closest Kept by Kitty Johnson felt like being wrapped in a warm hug… with a few gut punches along the way. It’s a beautifully layered story about friendship, sisterhood, and the power of healing.
With plenty of drama and themes like addiction and loyalty, this one is filled with real emotions and raw honesty. The pacing? Seamless. The characters? Still living rent-free in my heart.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and easy read!

[Safi Ward-was-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Kitty. I got completely swept up by Lily and her life, feeling all the highs and lows along with her. Throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend!

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! This was not what I expected, but in the best way. I’ll be honest, the cover gave off a more light-hearted vibe, but I am actually really thrilled by the depth of character in this book. Kitty Johnson does an excellent job depicting a main character with trauma- I was so invested in Lily’s story and struggle with finding her identity. Inga was frustrating to me at many points, but I found the friendship she shared with Lily a highlight to the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

[Kim Garrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC audiobook for an honest review.

Lily and Inga are best friends who meet Matt and Alex on the same night. Basically, Inga claims Matt which leaves Alex for Lily despite her initial interest in the other.

I would classify this book as a book on relationships and friendship dynamics over the years. There is a lot of dysfunction and even toxic behavior, but we eventually get character growth by the end. The author did a nice job addressing mental health/postpartum depression.

Lily has a lot of emotional baggage stemming from her upbringing (or lack of) from her alcoholic mom and taking on the surrogate mother role of her younger sister. Their mother disappears on the night their house catches fire...and Violet is put into the welfare system, separating the girls.

There were so many characters that I was not a fan of. Inga was a horrible, manipulative friend for most of the book. I did not feel a true best friend vibe other than Lily claims Inga is her best friend. Violet, Alex (his mother even when dying!), their mother, Violet's father...grrrrr! So many selfish, unfeeling people!!

Matt was a keeper even if he started off with Inga. He was always genuine and supportive in his friendship role, and eventually more.

I'm glad Lily eventually has her "ah-ha" moment because it is emotionally exhausting to see her constantly put herself last and everyone else's wants/needs first.

I enjoyed the epilogue but would have liked to have had more scenes with Matt and Lily as a couple.

3 stars

[anahiddeninbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Alright, a lot of things to say. But first, be aware that my review isn't positive and that it's based on my opinion and values.
Lily is just not a good person. Not by the fact that she has feelings for her best friend's ex, we can't control that, but because she has feelings for him she's can't keep a secret from him, EVEN if the secret isn't HERS. It is not her place to tell him that her best friend had a miscarriage nor that she's pregnant by another man. Yes it is an uncomfortable position, I get that, but your role is to talk with your best friend and support her (with what she's going through and when she'll tell her ex).
It was obvious that her sister was using drugs, even it's not what you think about first, by the behavior of that person you try to find the reason why she behave like she does then you'll get to that conclusion. At one moment she said "Violet has betrayed me", no. No she's an addict. And yes it is absolutely not okay what her sister has done in her own apartment. But saying that Violet has BETRAYED her, god no. This is a selfish way of thinking when we talked about a person using drugs.
The choice of Lily to accept the proposal of Alex is, again, selfish. Yes she couldn't say she didn't want to (apparently because of people pleasing, doubt that when it comes to a decision so important). But it is obvious that it wasn't sustainable. And knowing that the second she accepted, it is so immature and irresponsible.
The book disappointed me a little more with each new chapter, wasn't for me.

thank you netgalley for the copy.

[Viviana Rizzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thanks to NegGalley and Lake Union Publishing to have given me the opportunity to read this book**
(Recensione in italiano in fondo)

🇬🇧

“Closest Kept” by Kitty Johnson is a è dizzy novel on traumas and how they impact on people’s lives, on those who experienced it and on the closest ones. Growth, maturity, trauma, forgiveness, love and friendship: this is the complex texture the author finely embroidered to tell Lily’s story, victim of a neglectful and alcoholic mother, and who took the responsibility of her sister since she was only a child, whose growth and the way she builds relationship were put at risk by the lack of a healthy mother figure, staring by lying to her friends on how she lost her mother. Motherhood thus becomes a constant topos, expressing in the tension between an health and neglectful motherhood, and between women’s ambitions and social conventions, which imposes the mother role on the former. This topic is translated into fiction as Lily rejecting motherhood, that will make her breaking out with her partners; as Inga’s challenges as single mother; new Alex’s partner suffering of post-partum depression, which makes him distancing from home; and again Lily, mother-sister to Violet. And here are briefly discussed themse such as social expectations and the impacts of the lack of a social and institutional supporting net close to new mums. But it would be reductive to consider this book as only a novel on motherhood. Central are also friendship and love relationship, how they change, develop, strengthen and break, growth and maturity, and grief.
“Closest Kept” is a journey inside humanity and its emotional and social expression, maturing and transformation. This novel moved me, and yet alienated me, because I was able to get fond of the characters, despite being so well built and developed. The writing style was good, proper, and coherent but not remarkable. But beyond personal impressions, Johnson’s last effort is surely a very solid work.

**Pub date: 6 May 2025

🇮🇹
“Closest Kept” di Kitty Johnson è un vorticoso romanzo sui traumi e su come essi impattano sulla vita degli individui, su chi ne ha fatto esperienza e sulle persone vicine. Crescita, maturità, trauma, perdono, amore e amicizia: è il complesso tessuto finemente ricamato dall’autrice per narrare la storia di Lily, vittima di una madre assente e alcolizzata, e responsabilizzata sin dall’infanzia, e la mancanza di una figura materna sana ne ha compromesso lo sviluppo e i modi attraverso i quali costruisce relazioni, a partire dal mentire sulla sorte della propria genitrice. La maternità diventa così un topos costante, che si esplica nella tensione tra una una maternità sana e una assente, e tra le ambizioni delle donne e le convenzioni sociali che impongono su di esse il ruolo di madre. Qui si trasforma in racconto come il rifiuto di Lily nei confronti della maternità, che porterà a una rottura con il suo compagno; la caotica maternità di Inga, le difficoltà di essere una madre single; la depressione post-partum della fidanzata di Alex, che porterà il secondo all’allontanamento dalla casa famigliare; e di nuovo Lily, madre-sorella di Violet. E ancora qui si sfiorano temi quali le aspettative sociali e le conseguenza di una mancanza di rete di sostegno sociale e istituzionale attorno alle neo-mamme. Ma sarebbe riduttivo considerare questo libro solo un romanzo sulla maternità. Centrale qui sono anche l’amicizia e le relazioni sentimentali, come mutano, si sviluppano, si rafforzano e si spezzano, la crescita e la maturità, il lutto, letterale e latu sensu.
“Closest Kept” è un viaggio sull’umanità e sulle sue espressioni emotive e sociali, nel,a sua maturazione e trasformazione. Un romanzo che mi ha commosso, ma che allo stesso tempo mi ha stranito, perché non sono riuscita ad affezionarmi ai personaggi, seppur ben costruiti e sviluppati. Lo stile di scrittura risulta coerente, seppur non degno di nota, ma al di là delle impressioni personali, l’ultima fatica di Johnson è sicuramente un lavoro molto valido.

[Yasmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, i am not sure about this book. I loved it, i hated, i yelled at it, i cried, i had the urge to throw it out of the window...but overall i think its really worth the four stars.

Its about the two best friends Lily and Inga. At the start of the book you get the view of them being very close, having a similar lifestyle and while being on the party also trusting with each other. When they meet two men who they are attracted to, Matt and Alex and it seems like they found their love of their lifes. From then on they do everything together as their group as four when Matt gets a job offer in London and he and Inga moves away from Norwich. Both Lily and Alex need some time to get used to it but they already have problems in their relationship. On a call between Inga and Lily, after Inga visited her mother, she tells Lily, she had an abortion and begs Lily not to tell Matt as he doesn't knows it. While she is torn between being a good friend to both, Inga and Matt, she holds onto her promise to Inga while realizing that Alex might not be her true love and that Matt was it all along. Matt and Inga move back while Alex and Lily break up, while Alex's mom has cancer as she gets pressured into marrying him earlier as he also wants children even though she always said she never want some.
From then on, Lily's sister Violet always shows up and goes whenever she wants, like she always did as their sibling bond is not really good due their bad childhood. At this time the relationship between Matt and Inga goes more and more down when Inga gets again pregnant. The only thing is, that its not Matt's as she cheated on him on a party, Lily and Inga went to once. Even though Inga begs her to not tell Matt, after getting closer to Matt, it slips from Lily, that he should have a talk with her and break up.

There is a lot more drama with Lily's sister, Inga and even Alex but in the wnd Lily gets a happy end with Matt and even has a slight better relationship with her sister.

First if all, god damn, give that poor girl Lily a break. The childhood trauma woth her alcoholic mother and that she was basically more mother to Violet, made me mad. While i really didn't liked that she hid all these things she went through, i could absolutely understand it in her position, trying to make every person happy around her.

But i absolutely hated EVERY SINGLE PERSON in this book, besides Matt. No matter what problems Inga had, she was an absolute toxic person who tried pushing her own opinions onto Lily. I wouldn't even stay friends with her, when my own friend cheated on her partner and didn't even wanted to tell him.

Alex ma boy... get out. The golden boy who never had any problems in life and thought everything could go after his wishes. He is one of the biggest idiots even though i think its his own mother's fault because the words she trowed at Lily were disgusting. The way he tried making Lily marry him sooner so his mother could be at his wedding, even though she said she was uncomfortable with it feeling so rushed and then talking about children and ignoring her wish to not have any...i really wanted to throw the book away at those scenes.

And lastly...Violet, Lily's sister. I swear, DON'T BE A FUCKING BRAT. I hated her, at some point i thought it could get better, but the way she acted so she wouldn't feel guilty or whatever, was a no-go. And then hiding drugs in her own sister's place, making Lily get arrested and then shiut at her because Lily mentions her living her place.

The only reason why its just four starts is because i hated the end. I do like happy ends, i really do, but for me it didn't really fit that Lily was good with everyone. I did luked rhe way she and Matt got together but the rest was just meh, it was just not for me.

[Devanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you have to confront your past and everything falls apart? When life is perfect but shatters because you have to accept your past and move toward your future? What if accepting your past means accepting your mistakes and your shortcomings and loving yourself regardless? How do you move past guilt from your past?

Imperfection. Found family. Uncertainty.

I found myself listening to this book and never wanting to put it down. From the very beginning of being Inga and Lily, I found a double edged sword. Two women with separate lives but one goal: to heal and to exist. Lily was driven to push down and hide her past while Inga wanted to live in a world where her current actions could stay hidden. Lily’s approach to her mental health and childhood trauma is one that can resonate with most readers and is heavily emotional for an individual to read!

Yet, both women needed each other more than anything. Lily, raising her sister and living with her past, and Inga holding onto her present life that she lost due to the departure of individuals from her life. Both women held themselves together. Both women helped to heal each other. Even in strife, revelations, and chaos, they remain the stronghold for each other at times in the novel.

In contrast, Lily’s relationship with her sister was emotional and was heartbreaking to see. The abandonment Violet felt from the very end of the novel shook me to my very core. Lily’s love for her sister is crucial to understand her sister’s absence and her sister’s actions. I find the dynamic between both women to be contrasting but deeply emotional.

The last few chapters were some of the most shocking and kept me reading more and more. I found myself in tears at times and felt the betrayal and pain Lily felt. My heart broke for her. From the very last page, I was holding on to know the resolution. Kitty Johnson is a true mastermind in crafting this novel.

I found when reading this book via an audiobook that it was a powerful testament to how to engage with your past and present trauma and move forward. In today’s world, we humans exist in chaos at times and learning how to co-exist and thrive is crucial to being able to be “closest kept.” I find this to mean staying close knit/close together as you tackle what life has for you with those you love. This story above all is a story of found family and healing with those you love. At times, the only person you can keep close in chaos is yourself — and that is okay.

A special thank you to NetGalley, Kitty Johnson, and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a side note, the narrator, Imogen Church, was absolutely FANTASTIC if you have never heard her work. I am excited to check out more of Imogen’s work.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 Closest Kept by Kitty Johnson: A Literary Review

📖 Description
Closest Kept is a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and the secrets that bind us. Kitty Johnson weaves a tapestry of intertwined lives, where best friends Lily and Inga navigate the complexities of adulthood, love, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of serendipitous encounters and emotional rifts, this novel delves into the power of honesty, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of chosen family.

🎨 Comprehensive Analysis

Structure & Flow
Johnson employs a dual-perspective narrative, alternating between Lily and Inga’s voices. The pacing is deliberate, with emotional crescendos that mirror the characters’ journeys. Flashbacks to their pivotal meeting at a bar add depth, though some readers may find the nonlinear elements challenging.

Characters
-Lily: A woman grappling with self-discovery and the weight of unspoken truths. Her journey toward honesty forms the novel’s emotional core.
-Inga: Her steadfast yet conflicted best friend, whose loyalty is tested by Lily’s secrets.
-Lucas: A neurodiverse character whose perspective enriches the narrative, offering a nuanced exploration of difference and acceptance.

Style
Johnson’s prose is accessible yet layered, blending heartfelt dialogue with introspective moments. Her strength lies in capturing the quiet tensions of relationships—subtle glances, unvoiced regrets—and the explosive moments when truths finally surface.

🎯 Ideal Readers
✔ Fans of emotional women’s fiction (e.g., Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman)
✔ Readers who cherish stories about platonic bonds
✔ Those interested in neurodiversity representation

❌ Readers Who May Not Enjoy It
✖ Those preferring fast-paced plots or action-driven narratives
✖ Readers averse to emotionally heavy lifting or unresolved tensions

⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Plot Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Prose & Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

📢 Reviewer description of book:
-A heartrending ode to the friendships that shape us—and the secrets that threaten to break us.
-Johnson’s Closest Kept is a masterclass in emotional authenticity.
-For anyone who’s ever loved a friend like family—and feared losing them.

🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to Kitty Johnson and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this compelling novel in exchange for an honest review.

💡 Final Thought
In a world where friendships are often sidelined, Closest Kept reminds us that the bonds we choose can be as transformative—and as fragile—as the ones we’re born into. A must-read for book clubs and anyone who’s ever held a secret too close.

Why you should read it: Timeless themes, neurodiverse representation, and a title that lingers like a whispered confession. 🌿

[Chrissy Francis-Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty Johnson uses a perfectly chosen Shakespearean epigraph from Two Gentlemen of Verona "Fire that's closest kept burns most of all", which I love as a starting point for this novel. It hints at the secrets held by the protagonist Lily as well as the problems that arise throughout the novel when further relationships become tainted by secrets.

The characters are great and Johnson does well to bring them alive on the page. She uses a lot of dialogue so it's easy to listen to the characters and their relationships. I think my uni friends and I would have loved reading this sort of drama in our 20s since it's escapist and a sort of dismissive, almost lackadaisical attitude towards parenting and dating. Of course now I am a parent the characters' attitudes towards relationships, family planning (or not) and postnatal difficulties (and depression) did seem a little distant to me. Nevertheless, there's a lot going on in this novel. Kitty Johnson moves the reader through the periods of her characters' lives so that the story spans a number of years and periods in the central characters' lives: Lily, Inga, Matt and Alex.

For my reading preference, there is perhaps extraneous detail of objects and people, but here's the thing ... it helps the novel read more like a screenplay so that I could imagine this as a series of some sort on screen. There's enough going on with the relationships and hidden family secrets for it to grip viewers.  And on that note, although I don't like to listen to novels, I do think Closest Kept would be a good one for audio.  

And the ending is cute and emotive with a powerful nod to the character who I loved the most in the novel!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC copy. Happy to have had a sneak peak ahead of publication in May 2025.

#NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #KittyJohnson #ClosestKept #readabitofeverything

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and Inga are inseparable since they became friends, so when they meet two guys who quickly become part of their every day lives, it seems too good to be true. Two girlfriends, meeting two guy friends and neither set were really looking for love but it seemed to find them. Inga had her eye on Matt and they seemed to fit well together and Lily then got together with Alex and love did come the more time they spent together. Things seemed to be well, and everyone was anticipating wedding bells in the future for them all. But relationships often cannot last when there are secrets being kept. Lily isn't sure she is ready for marriage but Alex and his mother keep pushing the topic as well as having children. Matt has done anything and everything he could for Inga, but she just doesn't seem happy. She hates their house, she can't seem to hold down a job and doesn't want anything to do with Matt lately. As the relationships fall apart, Lily and Inga realize how different they've become and the shocking secrets that they were keeping from each other. Lily can hardly believe how fast Alex moved on from her, and the things Inga was keeping from Matt. As relationships continue to strain Lily realizes she is sick of keeping everyone's secret, sick of hiding her past and sick of other dictating her life. As the truth of her past unravels, it reveals why Lily is who she is and why she has made the choices she has. But she finally has found that one person who she can open up to, explain it all and isn't afraid to fall for. I could not wait to see how this all ended up. I was rooting for them the whole time! Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
 are a people pleaser
🏖️ want a beachy romcom
🎭 love family drama
💕 can empathize with others

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Best friends Lily and Inga do everything together—they even meet their future loves at the same bar. After one serendipitous night, it seems like it’s going to be Lily and Alex and Inga and Matt forever.

But life gets more complicated. A job offer moves Inga and Matt from Norwich to London. Lily, who craves stability after a traumatic childhood, is already struggling with the change when Inga confides in her a secret that could tear the group apart for good. At the same time, Lily’s friendship with Matt deepens, and she wonders if she was always meant to be with him instead of Alex.

As the two couples try to hold on to their dreams and one another, Lily’s life is further upended by the reappearance of her long-lost sister—and all the terrible truths she brings home. Lily needs her chosen family more than ever, but in order to heal the rifts, she must find the courage.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a great romcom filled with a lot of drama. I loved Lily, and felt really bad for her when her “friend” just took what she felt was rightfully hers, aka Matt, even when they were the ones who belonged together. I was always rooting for Lily, even when life didn’t go her way, and things were hard for her. Some of the characters were difficult for me to empathize with, and it’s because I’ve definitely been in Lily’s shoes in some ways before, so I really just wanted what was best for her overall. I definitely recommend this one for fans of family drama romcoms!

[JessQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closest Kept by Kitty Johnson

Best friends Lily and Inga do everything together—they even meet their future loves at the same bar. After one serendipitous night, it seems like it’s going to be Lily and Alex and Inga and Matt forever.

But life gets more complicated. A job offer moves Inga and Matt from Norwich to London. Lily, who craves stability after a traumatic childhood, is already struggling with the change when Inga confides in her a secret that could tear the group apart for good. At the same time, Lily’s friendship with Matt deepens, and she wonders if she was always meant to be with him instead of Alex.

What I loved about this book 💭

It is impossible not to find Lily the kind of person you want to hug and comfort! Even when she shows herself as a tough, self centered and independent woman; she hides an enormous pain in her heart.

It is the same pain that will lead her to doubt herself and takes her back in time, to those times when she felt neglected and abandoned and had to assume responsibilities that were far out of reach for someone her age.
Those days dug deep into her mind and self confidence and Lily will try her best to get over the place where she comes from and make peace with her past.
I would love to leave a special place for Inga, because even when it’s quite obvious that she made mistakes, it was such a lovable character in her own way.
Maybe, her mistakes paved the way for a serendipitous ending for all of them. Maybe not. But I love to think that we can all heal from our would from the past and transform them into something brighter.

I fell in love with the story!💖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Christine Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has always put others before herself: her sister, her best friend Inga and when she meets Alex, she quickly falls into the same pattern. In Closest Kept, we follow her journey to happiness, true friendship and success. I picked up this books thinking it was a lighthearted rom-rom but it’s not. It is a gripping story about living with and overcoming childhood trauma. The book deals with - trigger warning - serious topics such as alcoholism, drug use, abortion, pregnancy, child abandonment, cancer and death. Yet it is so beautifully and tastefully written that it isn’t pulling you down but makes it feel like ‘real life’.
The story is told from Lily’s POV and most of the time I had a love-hate relationship with her. Early on we learn how childhood trauma followed her all the way into adulthood and affects all facets of her life. She’s kept most of it a secret rather than dealing with it and has built a net of lies around her and her relationships. When she is finally forced to face reality, she realizes that she has to trust others to find herself and true relationships. I loved how the author developed the individual characters each of them growing into the persons they are meant to be. Matt was, of course, my absolute favorite. This was a great read with a lot of food for thought. I was rooting for Lily the whole time and wish her all the best. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Ms Kitty Johnson for gifting me the ARC. It was a joy and honor to read and the above is my honest review and own opinion.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I began reading this character-driven drama, I thought this would be a light love story about two friends, Lily and Inga, who meet their boyfriends, Alex and Matt, on the same night. While there is romance, it becomes a complicated journey of secrets and betrayals, as well as friendships and healing.

Lily is a character whom I wanted to shake at times, but mostly I wanted to hug. She had been through so much as a child; she carries guilt and scars that shape her. Her struggles with her friend group after letting a secret slip, her estranged little sister's return, and her own personal demons make her a profoundly complex and relatable character.

While this does delve into some difficult topics, such as childhood trauma, abortion, infidelity, drug use, illness, and abandonment, the author’s writing is generous and compassionate, so the story itself does not feel overly dark or heavy.

I was invested in Lily’s journey; she was likeable - flawed, yes, but selfless in many ways. I wanted to see her have a happy ending after everything she had been through. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride of emotions.

🎧 I found that pairing the audiobook with my reading enhanced the experience. Imogen Church's narration, with its warm and inviting tones, brought Lily's character to life in a way that added a new dimension to the story.


Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kittyjohnsonbooks for the gifted book.
Thank you @brilliancepublishing for the gifted audiobook via #netgalley.

[McKenzie Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

If anything, this book, without saying a word about therapy, is advocating heavily for the importance of therapy. There are a whole lot of messed up characters dealing with past traumas and current struggles on their very own. Lots of drama and secrets going on here! If they all would have got some therapy, I bet things would have been a lot easier to deal with.

This book didn’t end up being quite what I expected, but it was pretty good. I thought Lily’s relationship with Matt her exes best friend and her best friends ex, was really beautiful and while it was important to her, I felt like it fell into the background of the story as a whole, with everything else going on in her life. He became the most constant thing in her life, even outside of her best friend, and I wished I got to see more of them.

Lily’s relationship with her little sister and the trauma behind it was very heartbreaking and pulled more emotion out of me than I was expecting. She loved her sister so much and her sister didn’t understand her at all, so things were rocky and it was tough to read at times and although the ending wasn’t necessarily a resolution, I liked that it held a promise of better days.

I really kind of hated the female best-friendship of this story. I felt that Inga was extremely selfish, and yet Lily’s loyalty to her was unwavering. I wanted her to kick Inga to the curb so badly.

My rating: 15+ - language, alcohol, drugs
Spice: 1/5
TW: abortion, alcoholism, child neglect, cancer, drug addiction, cheating

[KDRBCK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closest Kept by K. Johnson, published by Lake Union had me intrigued just reading the blurb.
I already read this author and I loved previous books.
So why not give it a try?
Here it is. This book isn't for me. I found the story confusing, the characters boring and unable to connect with. I read the book hoping I could sometime, somewhere down the road connect with something, anything, but nope, no chance. This novel and I we don't click at all.
Blurb: Best friends Lily and Inga do everything together—they even meet their future loves at the same bar. After one serendipitous night, it seems like it’s going to be Lily and Alex and Inga and Matt forever.
But life gets more complicated. A job offer moves Inga and Matt from Norwich to London. Lily, who craves stability after a traumatic childhood, is already struggling with the change when Inga confides in her a secret that could tear the group apart for good. At the same time, Lily’s friendship with Matt deepens, and she wonders if she was always meant to be with him instead of Alex.
As the two couples try to hold on to their dreams and one another, Lily’s life is further upended by the reappearance of her long-lost sister—and all the terrible truths she brings home. Lily needs her chosen family more than ever, but in order to heal the rifts, she must find the courage to be honest with herself and reveal the secrets she’s kept hidden from her loved ones for too long.