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El secreto de Coco
Coco Swan has always been embarrassed by her name. With a name like Coco, she thinks people expect her to be as exotic and glamorous as the famous designer, not an ordinary looking small-town antiques dealer who could win an award for living cautiously. But when a vintage Chanel handbag turns up in a box of worthless bric-a-brac, Coco's quiet world is turned upside down. Where did it come from? And is it just coincidence that it's the same bag Coco's late mother always wanted for her? When Coco discovers a mysterious, decades-old letter hidden in the bag's lining, she sets off on a quest to piece together the story behind it, stumbling across secrets that span three generations as she goes... Coco's Secret is a gripping story about a young women finally finding courage to become the kind of woman she always had it in her to be.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2010
14 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 15, 2024
Knyga visiškai neįtikino, labai primityvūs dialogai. Pati istorija kaip iš pasakų pasaulio, kur visi visus pažįsta, o problemos išsisprendžia be didelių pastangų. Knygoje tiesiog trūksta tam tikro „gylio“.
October 5, 2025
channel kerai
‘Coco paslaptyje’ man pritrūko pačios Coco Chanel. Ne tai, kad tikėčiausi jos pačios dalyvavimo veiksme, bet kai knygoje yra bent pora veikėjų iki kaulų smegenų ją įsimylėjusių, ji minima kas trečiame puslapyje, tai norėtųsi, kad kas nors ir apie ją pačią šiek tiek papasakotų, nes dabar atrodė, kad jos vardo ant viršelio nelabai ir reikėjo.
Veikėjai šabloniški ir sintetiniai, o siužetas pasirodė pritemptas ir nenatūralus. Akivaizdžiai vienos linijos apie paslaptingą laišką viename pirmų Coco Chanel modelių ir į jo paslapties aiškinimąsi pasinėrusią šiaip jau klaikią nuobodą Coco bendravardę neužteko, net ir plonai knygutei, todėl šalia reikėjo kelių kvailokų šalutinių.
‘Coco paslaptyje’ man pritrūko pačios Coco Chanel. Ne tai, kad tikėčiausi jos pačios dalyvavimo veiksme, bet kai knygoje yra bent pora veikėjų iki kaulų smegenų ją įsimylėjusių, ji minima kas trečiame puslapyje, tai norėtųsi, kad kas nors ir apie ją pačią šiek tiek papasakotų, nes dabar atrodė, kad jos vardo ant viršelio nelabai ir reikėjo.
Veikėjai šabloniški ir sintetiniai, o siužetas pasirodė pritemptas ir nenatūralus. Akivaizdžiai vienos linijos apie paslaptingą laišką viename pirmų Coco Chanel modelių ir į jo paslapties aiškinimąsi pasinėrusią šiaip jau klaikią nuobodą Coco bendravardę neužteko, net ir plonai knygutei, todėl šalia reikėjo kelių kvailokų šalutinių.
June 29, 2016
Coco’s Secret is a chick-lit book that sparkles with humour and feel-good charm. While I once loved chick-lit, lately I have felt jaded and bored by them. Coco’s Secret reminds me of how uplifting and cheery-upy (totally a word!) a good one can be.
My Recap:
32 year old Coco who was named after Coco Chanel has always felt a bit at odds with her glamorous name versus her very non glamorous appearance and life. She is an antique dealer and accidentally finds a vintage Chanel handbag within a bric-a-brac lot that she bought. And not only a lustworthy handbag but a handbag with a mysterious love letter hidden in the lining. This event sets Coco off on a quest to find the rightful owner and in doing so changes her life and her attitude to life forever.
My thoughts:
Coco’s Secret grabbed my attention with its glam, vintage feel cover. Set in a small town in Ireland where Coco runs an antique shop, this book is a treasure trove for anyone who likes antiques. They are described lovingly and like Coco I’m fascinated by how they can link us to the past. The romance of these words just captured my imagination and makes me want to go rummage around some vintage shops.
“I can image what all these objects have witnessed, where they have been, what lives they’ve had before they came to me. With one glance I can almost picture the back-story of certain pieces, the relationships that played out around them, the loves and losses they saw. They are more than just things. They’re snatches of time, pieces of history, each with its own unique story to tell.”
Coco is a lovely person to spend time with; she sounds like the kind of person you want to be your best friend. She is a home bird, imaginative, creative, loving, funny and totally uncomplicated – what you see is what you get. She is newly single but in no rush to change that status. Coco lives with her grandmother Ruth who is fun and adventurous and they bring out the best in each other.
“Ruth just has ‘it’ – whatever ‘it’ is – in spades, and everyone adores her. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or old, male or female, rich or poor, Ruth makes a connection with them and they never forget her. I really wish I had ‘it’ too, but the charm gene seems to have skipped my generation. Instead I got the wonky nose, the broad shoulders and the social awkwardness.”
The pace of this book is enjoyable; it meanders along like a steam, flowing in a certain direction. You know where it’s heading but it is still lovely to watch and to just take some time out to enjoy it for what it is. I never felt that boredom feeling that some chick-lits can give me probably because this book is a perfect mix of humour, mystery and romance and all 3 elements blended well together. Actually I was the polar opposite of bored, I was engrossed and engaged so much so that I read it in a single afternoon.
The romance in this book was not the centre focus but when it came, it felt right. It was believable and sweet and everything that I hoped for. Overall this book is heart-warming and funny which is exactly the way I like my chick lits. More please!
Who should read this book?
If you like chick-lit/contemporary women's fiction, then I’d highly recommend this one to you. Especially if you like writers like Cecelia Ahearne, Sophie Kinsella or Cathy Kelly, then this one would be right up your alley.
My Recap:
32 year old Coco who was named after Coco Chanel has always felt a bit at odds with her glamorous name versus her very non glamorous appearance and life. She is an antique dealer and accidentally finds a vintage Chanel handbag within a bric-a-brac lot that she bought. And not only a lustworthy handbag but a handbag with a mysterious love letter hidden in the lining. This event sets Coco off on a quest to find the rightful owner and in doing so changes her life and her attitude to life forever.
My thoughts:
Coco’s Secret grabbed my attention with its glam, vintage feel cover. Set in a small town in Ireland where Coco runs an antique shop, this book is a treasure trove for anyone who likes antiques. They are described lovingly and like Coco I’m fascinated by how they can link us to the past. The romance of these words just captured my imagination and makes me want to go rummage around some vintage shops.
“I can image what all these objects have witnessed, where they have been, what lives they’ve had before they came to me. With one glance I can almost picture the back-story of certain pieces, the relationships that played out around them, the loves and losses they saw. They are more than just things. They’re snatches of time, pieces of history, each with its own unique story to tell.”
Coco is a lovely person to spend time with; she sounds like the kind of person you want to be your best friend. She is a home bird, imaginative, creative, loving, funny and totally uncomplicated – what you see is what you get. She is newly single but in no rush to change that status. Coco lives with her grandmother Ruth who is fun and adventurous and they bring out the best in each other.
“Ruth just has ‘it’ – whatever ‘it’ is – in spades, and everyone adores her. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or old, male or female, rich or poor, Ruth makes a connection with them and they never forget her. I really wish I had ‘it’ too, but the charm gene seems to have skipped my generation. Instead I got the wonky nose, the broad shoulders and the social awkwardness.”
The pace of this book is enjoyable; it meanders along like a steam, flowing in a certain direction. You know where it’s heading but it is still lovely to watch and to just take some time out to enjoy it for what it is. I never felt that boredom feeling that some chick-lits can give me probably because this book is a perfect mix of humour, mystery and romance and all 3 elements blended well together. Actually I was the polar opposite of bored, I was engrossed and engaged so much so that I read it in a single afternoon.
The romance in this book was not the centre focus but when it came, it felt right. It was believable and sweet and everything that I hoped for. Overall this book is heart-warming and funny which is exactly the way I like my chick lits. More please!
Who should read this book?
If you like chick-lit/contemporary women's fiction, then I’d highly recommend this one to you. Especially if you like writers like Cecelia Ahearne, Sophie Kinsella or Cathy Kelly, then this one would be right up your alley.
January 6, 2015
Sarah lives the life many of us can only dream of; visiting far off places, searching for treasure before returning to her safe and comfortable home and antiques shop. But when the cruel hand of fate strikes and leaves Coco to grow up without the influence of her adventurous and sophisticated mother life seems as though it is carrying out a very clear and ordinary plan for her. Until, that is, an unexpected Coco Chanel bag appears, leading Coco on a journey that offers exactly what she needs, at precisely the right time.
Niamh Greene’s heroine, Coco, is a girl we can all relate to. While her name suggests everything exotic and sophisticated, the reality is a hard working girl, with little desire to be elegant or fashionable and a character completely opposite to that of her infamous mother. You can’t help but feel comforted by her quaint life in Ireland, with her grandmother and shop and no surprises waiting around the corner. But when life appears easy and calm, that is exactly the moment to mix things up a little and move out of your comfort zone, no matter how intimidating that prospect might seem.
Just at the right moment, fate reaches into Coco’s quiet little world and offers her a quest that leads to everything she never knew she needed. The symmetry is perfect, leaving the reader completely satisfied at the close of the book. At times I felt it was a little slow and there was too much clarification, making it a little too easy for the reader. And I would absolutely love to know more of Tatty’s story; but then again perhaps that is being saved for another book! Coco’s Secret is a delicate taste of a different world and a different time; highly recommended!
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Niamh Greene’s heroine, Coco, is a girl we can all relate to. While her name suggests everything exotic and sophisticated, the reality is a hard working girl, with little desire to be elegant or fashionable and a character completely opposite to that of her infamous mother. You can’t help but feel comforted by her quaint life in Ireland, with her grandmother and shop and no surprises waiting around the corner. But when life appears easy and calm, that is exactly the moment to mix things up a little and move out of your comfort zone, no matter how intimidating that prospect might seem.
Just at the right moment, fate reaches into Coco’s quiet little world and offers her a quest that leads to everything she never knew she needed. The symmetry is perfect, leaving the reader completely satisfied at the close of the book. At times I felt it was a little slow and there was too much clarification, making it a little too easy for the reader. And I would absolutely love to know more of Tatty’s story; but then again perhaps that is being saved for another book! Coco’s Secret is a delicate taste of a different world and a different time; highly recommended!
Reviewed by Elizabeth A Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
February 14, 2020
Istorija tikrai neįtikėtina. Labai įtraukė nuo pat pradžių iki galo. Negalėjau paleisti knygos iš rankų. Labiausiai patiko tai, jog knygoje išties viskas parašyta taip tikroviškai... Nepamiršta ir darbo, ir draugų, ir šeimyninių santykių, įvairių kartų žmonių problemų. Tai ne tas romanas, kuris tiesiog veda nuo A iki B (pamačiau, sutikau, įsimylėjau, susipykom, susitaikėm), o tas, kuriame siekiant tam tikro tikslo įpainiota dar nemažai skirtingų žmonių istorijų. Tačiau tai netrukdo skaityti. Veikėjų nors ir yra daug, tačiau kiekvienas turi savo vietą, savo paskirtį. Tai tikrai neblaško.
Man labai patiko tai, jog knygoje išties labai daug dėmesio skirta šeimyniniams santykiams, santykiams su draugais, nepažįstamaisiais. Ir kaip nepažįstamieji gali taip lengvai tapti mūsų draugais.
Knyga šiek tiek priminė filmą "Laiškai Džuljetai", jei kas yra matę. Tikrai skaitydama pagalvojau apie jį ne kartą. Kam patiko tas filmas- tikrai patiks ir knyga. .
Neįtikėtina ką gali užsispyrimas ir noras pasiekti tikslą. Mes patys kartais nesuvokiam kiek galim padaryti dėl kitų ir kaip tai paveikia mūsų gyvenimą. Taigi... Tai puiki knyga šia tema, į kurią dar įpainiota ir labai graži meilės istorija 😊❤️
Man labai patiko tai, jog knygoje išties labai daug dėmesio skirta šeimyniniams santykiams, santykiams su draugais, nepažįstamaisiais. Ir kaip nepažįstamieji gali taip lengvai tapti mūsų draugais.
Knyga šiek tiek priminė filmą "Laiškai Džuljetai", jei kas yra matę. Tikrai skaitydama pagalvojau apie jį ne kartą. Kam patiko tas filmas- tikrai patiks ir knyga. .
Neįtikėtina ką gali užsispyrimas ir noras pasiekti tikslą. Mes patys kartais nesuvokiam kiek galim padaryti dėl kitų ir kaip tai paveikia mūsų gyvenimą. Taigi... Tai puiki knyga šia tema, į kurią dar įpainiota ir labai graži meilės istorija 😊❤️
June 17, 2017
No, no lo he acabado.
Voy a confesar que empecé el libro pensando que era una biografía de Coco Chanel, mea culpa, y no.
No es que esté mal escrito, pero el argumento me parece tan irrealista....
*SPOILER*
A ver, si te encuentras un bolso Chanel en una caja de subastas, TE LO QUEDAS, porque es una subasta y las subastas son así. Es como en los programas de compra de contenedores de la tele, si te encuentras cualquier joya en un contenedor de esos, no vas buscando de quien era y te preguntas qué historia tendrá..... Menos cuando ya sabes que el anterior dueño está muerto.
Por otra parte, vale que es un bolso Chanel, pero es todo tan exagerado, sobretodo cuando la protagonista tiene mas de 30 años y es experta en antigüedades.
Lo siento, ha sido tan insufrible que he tenido que despotricar un poco.
Voy a confesar que empecé el libro pensando que era una biografía de Coco Chanel, mea culpa, y no.
No es que esté mal escrito, pero el argumento me parece tan irrealista....
*SPOILER*
A ver, si te encuentras un bolso Chanel en una caja de subastas, TE LO QUEDAS, porque es una subasta y las subastas son así. Es como en los programas de compra de contenedores de la tele, si te encuentras cualquier joya en un contenedor de esos, no vas buscando de quien era y te preguntas qué historia tendrá..... Menos cuando ya sabes que el anterior dueño está muerto.
Por otra parte, vale que es un bolso Chanel, pero es todo tan exagerado, sobretodo cuando la protagonista tiene mas de 30 años y es experta en antigüedades.
Lo siento, ha sido tan insufrible que he tenido que despotricar un poco.
February 6, 2018
Basically, this is a nice, cozy Chick Lit novel set in Ireland. While I realize I'm not this book's target audience, I found Coco's Secret a bit on the slow side (kind of dull). The book's story line revolves around a pleasant Irish lady named Coco that finds a vintage Chanel purse in a old box of junk that she had just purchased at auction. Coco finds a mysterious letter in the handbag and decides to track down the provenance of her lucky find. A "nice" enough book but I found myself wanting to hurry through it because I was somewhat bored.
April 2, 2018
Me ha gustado muchísimo y eso que tuve dudas al empezarlo, ya que anteriormente a este leí otro de la autora y no me convenció mucho. Esta historia es redondita, dulce, muy feel good y con personajes muy enttreñables. El único fallo es que la historia de amor, que no surge hasta pasado el 70% del relato, está muy metida con calzador. Si la hubiera insinuado antes o si se hubiera dejado más para desarrollar en el futuro no mostrado de la historia, creo que hubiera sido mejor...
Me encantan Coco, su abuela, el carnicero, la tía Anna, Tatty...
Me encantan Coco, su abuela, el carnicero, la tía Anna, Tatty...
June 15, 2019
Niespodziewanie wzruszyła i rozczuliła mnie ta historia. To była taka przyjemna obyczajówka, z gromadą przesympatycznych bohaterów, ba i nawet był pies! Bardzo przyjemnie mi się to czytało, i nawet był zwrot akcji którego się nie spodziewałam! Definitywnie to był trafiony zakup w Careffourze ! I jaki tani aż 6,99 :D
February 3, 2025
Žinau, kad greit šią knygą pamiršiu. Pamiršiu taip, kaip greit pamirštamos išgliaudytos ir suvalgytos saulėgrąžos.
Susiskaitė greit, personažai labai jau aiškūs, paprasti (nepasakysi, kad tai blogai), siužetas kažkoks per saldus, be gylio, be įdomesnių minčių.
Žodžiu, knyga norintiems mielo, lengvo skaitalo...
Susiskaitė greit, personažai labai jau aiškūs, paprasti (nepasakysi, kad tai blogai), siužetas kažkoks per saldus, be gylio, be įdomesnių minčių.
Žodžiu, knyga norintiems mielo, lengvo skaitalo...
March 25, 2020
Carino, scritto bene e molto scorrevole ma ahimè mi aspettavo qualcosa di più. Storia originale ma alcune scene sembrano ripetersi all'infinito e troppi capitoli sono stati scritti senza aggiungere veramente qualcosa alla storia. Pochi colpi di scena soprattutto su un finale che mi ha un po' delusa
October 5, 2025
Very enjoyable read!
The characters were realistic, and I loved the story.
I felt that the ending could have been a bit "more". It was beautiful, but it just felt very quick, after the fascinating journey 🤔
The characters were realistic, and I loved the story.
I felt that the ending could have been a bit "more". It was beautiful, but it just felt very quick, after the fascinating journey 🤔
June 9, 2017
This book takes you on a wonderful journey. The Coco bag is the vehicle for the that journey of discovery, redemption and self-realisation. I loved this book and the writing.
June 11, 2019
Molto bella come storia... forse troppo semplice senza colpi di scena ma comunque apprezzabile
January 25, 2020
Me sorprendió mucho ya que no esperaba encontrar una historia tan peculiar e interesante. Gran historia la de un bolso
January 31, 2020
Sunku priimti knygą rimtai, kai beveik kiekviename puslapyje herojai "pratrūksta kvatotis" arba "nusikvatoja". Gilių minčių yra miimumas, bet labai daug "vandens"
March 25, 2021
Smagus lengvas poilsio romanas, kuriame daug labai įvairių spalvingų charakterių - kiekvienas su sava įdomia istorija, daug skirtingų emocijų, truputis detektyvo ir šiek tiek mistikos.
February 15, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Very sweet, easy read, but the ending felt a tad rushed.
Very sweet, easy read, but the ending felt a tad rushed.
September 20, 2013
Review originally posted on my blog at:
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
Coco's mother is a big admirer of Coco Chanel and so when she passes the name onto her daughter she knows the child is meant for great things as well. She even promises to give her a Chanel bag of her own when she's old enough, which her daughter can love and cherish for the rest of her life. But when she dies when the child is just 13-years-old, Coco ends up in the permanent care of her grandparents. And instead of leading an exotic lifestyle where she travels the world in search for unique items for the family's antique shop, just like her mother did, she grows up in a small village in England where the most exciting part of her day is a visit to the shop by a bus full of tourists.
However, Coco is perfectly happy with her small-town life, she loves her grandmother and their shop and even though people always have certain expectations of the way she should look and act because of her exotic name, she's used to it by now and she doesn't mind being plain and often invisible. Though the one thing she sometimes misses from her life is a man to share it with. She had a long-time boyfriend, but when he moved to New Zealand she realised that while she loved him she wasn't in love with him and she didn't want to uproot her life to follow him half-way across the world. So instead she spends her days working in the shop, creating magical window displays and going to auctions in the hopes of finding new exciting items to sell on.
One day she buys a marble topped table at an auction which has a box of junk on top of it. What she doesn't realise at the time though is that one of the items in the box will change her life forever. All the way on the bottom, hidden under a stack of old papers, lays a beautiful handbag, which looks like it's made by her namesake. And when Coco starts a mission to track down its owner she uncovers the beautiful story of Tatty's life and she meets some wonderful people in the process.
I loved the premise of this novel. Author Niamh Greene takes an object as simple as a handbag and turns it into something extraordinary through Coco's journey into its past. Coco's honesty and curiosity lead her on a path with some interesting characters, to say the least. And through her discoveries she not only changes their lives, but they change hers in unexpected ways as well. And in the end, it is the Chanel bag her mother had promised her that changes Coco's small town life in the biggest way imaginable.
The only thing that to me was missing was a conclusion to the letter Coco's mother wrote her all those years ago. Because of the other storyline surrounding a long letter I somehow expected it would resurface and give Coco the opportunity to hear from her mother one last time, so I was slightly disappointed when this didn't happen. Still, Coco's Secret is an otherwise wonderfully sweet feel-good novel with likeable and colourful characters and a magical touch.
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
Coco's mother is a big admirer of Coco Chanel and so when she passes the name onto her daughter she knows the child is meant for great things as well. She even promises to give her a Chanel bag of her own when she's old enough, which her daughter can love and cherish for the rest of her life. But when she dies when the child is just 13-years-old, Coco ends up in the permanent care of her grandparents. And instead of leading an exotic lifestyle where she travels the world in search for unique items for the family's antique shop, just like her mother did, she grows up in a small village in England where the most exciting part of her day is a visit to the shop by a bus full of tourists.
However, Coco is perfectly happy with her small-town life, she loves her grandmother and their shop and even though people always have certain expectations of the way she should look and act because of her exotic name, she's used to it by now and she doesn't mind being plain and often invisible. Though the one thing she sometimes misses from her life is a man to share it with. She had a long-time boyfriend, but when he moved to New Zealand she realised that while she loved him she wasn't in love with him and she didn't want to uproot her life to follow him half-way across the world. So instead she spends her days working in the shop, creating magical window displays and going to auctions in the hopes of finding new exciting items to sell on.
One day she buys a marble topped table at an auction which has a box of junk on top of it. What she doesn't realise at the time though is that one of the items in the box will change her life forever. All the way on the bottom, hidden under a stack of old papers, lays a beautiful handbag, which looks like it's made by her namesake. And when Coco starts a mission to track down its owner she uncovers the beautiful story of Tatty's life and she meets some wonderful people in the process.
I loved the premise of this novel. Author Niamh Greene takes an object as simple as a handbag and turns it into something extraordinary through Coco's journey into its past. Coco's honesty and curiosity lead her on a path with some interesting characters, to say the least. And through her discoveries she not only changes their lives, but they change hers in unexpected ways as well. And in the end, it is the Chanel bag her mother had promised her that changes Coco's small town life in the biggest way imaginable.
The only thing that to me was missing was a conclusion to the letter Coco's mother wrote her all those years ago. Because of the other storyline surrounding a long letter I somehow expected it would resurface and give Coco the opportunity to hear from her mother one last time, so I was slightly disappointed when this didn't happen. Still, Coco's Secret is an otherwise wonderfully sweet feel-good novel with likeable and colourful characters and a magical touch.
September 3, 2013
Review originally on www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
I adored A Message to Your Heart by Niamh Greene so I had high hopes for Coco's Secret. It turns out, Coco's Secret tops Niamh's previous book. The blurb sounds amazing, a vintage Chanel bag, a letter hidden in a secret compartment. The plot practically enticed me so I knew I had to read it as soon as I can!
Coco's Secret follows the story of antiques shop dealer, Coco Swan who has a passion for vintage items, of all sorts, you name it. Raised by her grandparents as her mother travels all around Europe to search for pieces for the family shop. Coco isn't who she seems. The name Coco might give you the impression that she is gorgeous, chic and impeccably dressed. But no, Coco Swan is nothing like that.
Right from the start of the book, I warmed up to Coco already. She had the air of a warm and funny friend and I think we would be great friends. I liked how down-to-earth she is, what a good friend she is to her friends and her incredible relationship with her grandmother, who insists on being called Ruth instead.
The characters in the book were a ball to read about, with each one of them intertwined in the little town of Dromore. They were such lovely, wonderful characters as their presence in the book has contributed to making the book a warm and inviting read. My favourite has to be Coco's grandmother, Ruth. Gosh, I loved how lively she was. Her sassy attitude and her being a free spirit certainly adds a certain sparkle to her character!
I wouldn't want to give much away but I was really carried away by the plot. I was so immersed with the story, that I knew I had to finish it to reach the ending. Would Coco reunite the letter to its rightful owner? Who is the letter addressed to? Whose Chanel 2.55 bag is it? The ending was the perfect summing up of the story. I even had tears in my eyes when Coco reunites the letter to its recipient. Just simply amazing.
An incredible breath of fresh air, this. I adored the plot and was whisked away by the magic of Chanel bag. Niamh Greene managed to whisked me away in her beautiful and well thought-out plot and her characters made me wish for friends like them. A heartwarming tale about self-discovery - I highly recommend it to you if you're a fan of Claudia Carroll and Jill Mansell.
I adored A Message to Your Heart by Niamh Greene so I had high hopes for Coco's Secret. It turns out, Coco's Secret tops Niamh's previous book. The blurb sounds amazing, a vintage Chanel bag, a letter hidden in a secret compartment. The plot practically enticed me so I knew I had to read it as soon as I can!
Coco's Secret follows the story of antiques shop dealer, Coco Swan who has a passion for vintage items, of all sorts, you name it. Raised by her grandparents as her mother travels all around Europe to search for pieces for the family shop. Coco isn't who she seems. The name Coco might give you the impression that she is gorgeous, chic and impeccably dressed. But no, Coco Swan is nothing like that.
Right from the start of the book, I warmed up to Coco already. She had the air of a warm and funny friend and I think we would be great friends. I liked how down-to-earth she is, what a good friend she is to her friends and her incredible relationship with her grandmother, who insists on being called Ruth instead.
The characters in the book were a ball to read about, with each one of them intertwined in the little town of Dromore. They were such lovely, wonderful characters as their presence in the book has contributed to making the book a warm and inviting read. My favourite has to be Coco's grandmother, Ruth. Gosh, I loved how lively she was. Her sassy attitude and her being a free spirit certainly adds a certain sparkle to her character!
I wouldn't want to give much away but I was really carried away by the plot. I was so immersed with the story, that I knew I had to finish it to reach the ending. Would Coco reunite the letter to its rightful owner? Who is the letter addressed to? Whose Chanel 2.55 bag is it? The ending was the perfect summing up of the story. I even had tears in my eyes when Coco reunites the letter to its recipient. Just simply amazing.
An incredible breath of fresh air, this. I adored the plot and was whisked away by the magic of Chanel bag. Niamh Greene managed to whisked me away in her beautiful and well thought-out plot and her characters made me wish for friends like them. A heartwarming tale about self-discovery - I highly recommend it to you if you're a fan of Claudia Carroll and Jill Mansell.
June 15, 2014
COCO’S SECRET by Niamh Greene tells the story of Coco Swan who lives in Ireland and runs an antiques shop. Coco bids on and wins a box of odds and ends at a local auction, in which she later uncovers a vintage Chanel bag that contains a letter which sends her on an adventure.
COCO’S SECRET was a really enjoyable read. Although Coco herself is a little older than me, I could really empathise with her as a character. I liked the fact that she is an introvert and is content to stay in the little village/town she grew up in. I also really enjoyed watching her journey through the book, as she allows herself to explore (a bit) the world outside of the familiar. I also liked the fact that Greene chose to link all the events of the novel together through Coco Chanel and her legacy.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel for me was the characters. Greene does a brilliant job in both writing Coco and her relationships – I especially loved the relationship between Coco and her gran, and between Coco and Cat. The friendship between Coco and Cat felt especially real and vibrant, and I really enjoyed reading the give and take in their relationship – I also liked the idea that they had been best friends since the second day of school.
The letter is definitely the thing that pulls the narrative of the novel together, and I thought that Greene used the device well. The letter enables Greene to move Coco from a static life into something new, and it also means that we get to meet and know some really interesting characters. As this book fits into the “chick lit” genre there is, of course, some romance and I really liked the way that it played out – that it doesn’t attract from the mystery of the letter.
COCO’S SECRET is one of the better books in the “chick-lit” genre that I have read. I liked the fact that the plot of the novel took precedence. My only slight complaint with the book was I don’t really feel that the first chapter adds anything to the story, although it is interesting. If you are a fan of the genre then you should check it out.
Originally posted on TheFlutterbyRoom.com I recieved a copy of the book from the publisher, but all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
COCO’S SECRET was a really enjoyable read. Although Coco herself is a little older than me, I could really empathise with her as a character. I liked the fact that she is an introvert and is content to stay in the little village/town she grew up in. I also really enjoyed watching her journey through the book, as she allows herself to explore (a bit) the world outside of the familiar. I also liked the fact that Greene chose to link all the events of the novel together through Coco Chanel and her legacy.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel for me was the characters. Greene does a brilliant job in both writing Coco and her relationships – I especially loved the relationship between Coco and her gran, and between Coco and Cat. The friendship between Coco and Cat felt especially real and vibrant, and I really enjoyed reading the give and take in their relationship – I also liked the idea that they had been best friends since the second day of school.
The letter is definitely the thing that pulls the narrative of the novel together, and I thought that Greene used the device well. The letter enables Greene to move Coco from a static life into something new, and it also means that we get to meet and know some really interesting characters. As this book fits into the “chick lit” genre there is, of course, some romance and I really liked the way that it played out – that it doesn’t attract from the mystery of the letter.
COCO’S SECRET is one of the better books in the “chick-lit” genre that I have read. I liked the fact that the plot of the novel took precedence. My only slight complaint with the book was I don’t really feel that the first chapter adds anything to the story, although it is interesting. If you are a fan of the genre then you should check it out.
Originally posted on TheFlutterbyRoom.com I recieved a copy of the book from the publisher, but all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 11, 2013
Review: a wonderful summer read! This was a truly gripping story and yet a totally easy read, perfect to add to your summer collections! The story begins with the eponymous Coco at home and her mother in France, tragically being killed. It then jumps ahead 20 years to Coco as an adult and we pick up the story with her discovery of a Chanel bag, featured on the gorgeous cover and her hunt to reunite the bag (and it's contents) with its opener. The wonderful thing about this book is that, whilst Coco is searching for the bags owner, and anyone connected with the bag, she actually discovers herself!
Not only was the plot compelling, a bit of mystery alongside the usual chick lit formula, but I really thought Coco was an interesting character as well. She doesn't have the usual ambition that I normally like in my female leads, she works in the family antiques business with her grandmother and that suits her just fine, she doesn't want to move, she is happy to get on without twitter and Facebook, and yet she really throws her whole self into the hunt for anything connected to this bag and I found that admirable in a modern woman in today's society!
Her grandmother plays and wonderful supporting characters, encouraging Coco in her search and making readers laugh along the way. Cocos best friend Cat is also a wonderful secondary character and has her own supporting storyline which I really enjoyed too. Of course there is a bit of male action thrown in her, not quite as much as I would have liked, and just a little too far towards the end, as if out in as an after thought, but he appears all the same, and is truly lovely, a new book boyfriend for me I think!
This book was enjoyable from the beginning right the way through to the end. I only wish the end could have been drawn out, only another 30 pages or so, but I would have liked to have gone into more depth about how the characters all resolved their problems and how it all panned out. This would make a fabulous summer read and fans of this lovely author will definitely not be disappointed by her latest offering!
Not only was the plot compelling, a bit of mystery alongside the usual chick lit formula, but I really thought Coco was an interesting character as well. She doesn't have the usual ambition that I normally like in my female leads, she works in the family antiques business with her grandmother and that suits her just fine, she doesn't want to move, she is happy to get on without twitter and Facebook, and yet she really throws her whole self into the hunt for anything connected to this bag and I found that admirable in a modern woman in today's society!
Her grandmother plays and wonderful supporting characters, encouraging Coco in her search and making readers laugh along the way. Cocos best friend Cat is also a wonderful secondary character and has her own supporting storyline which I really enjoyed too. Of course there is a bit of male action thrown in her, not quite as much as I would have liked, and just a little too far towards the end, as if out in as an after thought, but he appears all the same, and is truly lovely, a new book boyfriend for me I think!
This book was enjoyable from the beginning right the way through to the end. I only wish the end could have been drawn out, only another 30 pages or so, but I would have liked to have gone into more depth about how the characters all resolved their problems and how it all panned out. This would make a fabulous summer read and fans of this lovely author will definitely not be disappointed by her latest offering!
January 20, 2014
3.5 / 5 Stars
A review copy was provided by penguin Ireland in return for an honest review
When I first picked this book up I flicked to the back cover because I knew the authors name sounded familiar but I couldn't remember any books I had read by her. I was delighted when I saw "The secret diary of a demented housewife" and "The confessions of a demented housewife". I had read these book a few years ago on holiday and I found them really funny and witty.
A terrible twist at the start of this story leaves Coco more alone with her grand mother in a small Irish town.
During an auction Coco stumbles on an old vintage Chanel bag, just like the one her mother always promised to give her. Inside the bad she finds a letter with an apology to a long lost love. Coco is torn between keeping this valuable piece of fashion history and returning it, with the letter to it's rightful owner.
It's a typical light chicklit novel in the sense of someone going way waaaaay out of their way to help someone they've never known or met. It's not really something I connect with. I think I would have enjoyed this novel more if I'd have been a lover of fashion. Frankly I can't tell a Prada from a Primark. I also thought it was a little odd that Coco was so into this bag yet her own sense of fashion was, eh , really lacking.
I think the story could have been improved by exploring some of the other characters more. The relationship between Ruth and Karl made for some really good light relief and I would have liked to have read more about the situation with Mark and his anti social behaviour. It would have added a little more depth.
Overall an enjoyable, if not too taxing. Fashion lovers will probably connect more to the story than I did.
September 5, 2013
Coco’s Secret is the first book I have read by author Niamh Green and after reading this one it won’t be my last.
Coco Swan bids on an auction lot and finds a rare gem at the bottom of the box, a genuine Chanel handbag. Coco is momentarily unsure what to do with the bag, her mum had always wanted Coco to have her very own Chanel bag, but when she finds a hidden letter inside she has second thoughts about keeping it and decides to try and find out more about the owner.
I loved the mystery surrounding this storyline, all the way through you never knew if Coco would solve her little mystery and this is what kept me gripped. Coco was a very down to earth, loveable character and it was great to see such a homely woman push herself out of her comfort zone to follow the trail, along the way she begins to live her life rather than just plodding along with every day routines. The supporting characters in this book were all a great addition to this book, both Cat and Ruth provided a little entertainment. The romance in this book was teasingly short but it meant the storyline really focused on the history of the bag and its owner rather than being overshadowed by romance. I enjoyed the supporting characters storylines, they brought a nice little addition to a what was already a great storyline.
I did feel as though the ending was a little rushed, I think an extra chapter or two would have been great just to see how certain things panned out I know we have all got an imagination so we can make up our own Happy Ever After but I just think this would of finished off what is a fantastic book perfectly.
I think this is a heart-warming, easy read with a nice air of mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get my hands on more of this authors work.
Coco Swan bids on an auction lot and finds a rare gem at the bottom of the box, a genuine Chanel handbag. Coco is momentarily unsure what to do with the bag, her mum had always wanted Coco to have her very own Chanel bag, but when she finds a hidden letter inside she has second thoughts about keeping it and decides to try and find out more about the owner.
I loved the mystery surrounding this storyline, all the way through you never knew if Coco would solve her little mystery and this is what kept me gripped. Coco was a very down to earth, loveable character and it was great to see such a homely woman push herself out of her comfort zone to follow the trail, along the way she begins to live her life rather than just plodding along with every day routines. The supporting characters in this book were all a great addition to this book, both Cat and Ruth provided a little entertainment. The romance in this book was teasingly short but it meant the storyline really focused on the history of the bag and its owner rather than being overshadowed by romance. I enjoyed the supporting characters storylines, they brought a nice little addition to a what was already a great storyline.
I did feel as though the ending was a little rushed, I think an extra chapter or two would have been great just to see how certain things panned out I know we have all got an imagination so we can make up our own Happy Ever After but I just think this would of finished off what is a fantastic book perfectly.
I think this is a heart-warming, easy read with a nice air of mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get my hands on more of this authors work.
October 30, 2015
Niamh Greene starts the book with a little intro featuring Coco’s Mum and her time in Paris. It’s a brief introduction but enough to get a feel for this free spirited woman. Fast forward and the story begins with the adult Coco, working in her hometown at her family’s Antique store. Within the matter of a few chapters Coco’s grandmother Ruth had stolen my heart. As a widow herself she has become an outspoken and up to date grandmother who insists Coco call her by her Christian name as it’s “less ageing”!
As the two of them attend an auction Coco manages to snag a lot whereby she uncovers a box containing a very valuable bag by her namesake Coco Chanel. This leads to Coco wondering about the owner, and the contents that were hidden inside the bag. The synopsis I know sounds kind of ‘wishy-washy’ but in all honesty that couldn’t be further from the truth.
What unfolds is a story of a young woman desperately trying to gain confidence in both the world and herself. I couldn’t help but get carried away with the mystery of it all, and whether or not the intended recipient would ever get what the bag held. As the story continues Coco becomes more brace and in turn meets more and more people that add to the layers of the story. The story was wonderful but the characters were what made it for me, especially Ruth and Coco. Two wonderful women ;who you just can’t help but hope for the best for them. The ending was a little predictable but not a disappointment in any way, shape or form. Overall it was a fantastic book that transported me just where I wanted to be on the recent cold, wet ands windy days. The perfect escapist book!
As the two of them attend an auction Coco manages to snag a lot whereby she uncovers a box containing a very valuable bag by her namesake Coco Chanel. This leads to Coco wondering about the owner, and the contents that were hidden inside the bag. The synopsis I know sounds kind of ‘wishy-washy’ but in all honesty that couldn’t be further from the truth.
What unfolds is a story of a young woman desperately trying to gain confidence in both the world and herself. I couldn’t help but get carried away with the mystery of it all, and whether or not the intended recipient would ever get what the bag held. As the story continues Coco becomes more brace and in turn meets more and more people that add to the layers of the story. The story was wonderful but the characters were what made it for me, especially Ruth and Coco. Two wonderful women ;who you just can’t help but hope for the best for them. The ending was a little predictable but not a disappointment in any way, shape or form. Overall it was a fantastic book that transported me just where I wanted to be on the recent cold, wet ands windy days. The perfect escapist book!
May 7, 2017
*Received for review.
I'm not completely sure I would have picked this book up if I were faced with an entire bookshelf in a shop, I'm still kind of discovering my favourite types of books to read, but I can honestly say that this is one I'm very glad to have read because it's incredibly charming and thoroughly heartwarming.
Coco is such a relatable and lovely character; she likes to spend time at home, she's imaginative and creative, funny and tries to keep her life as uncomplicated as possible. She's at a point in her life where she's trying to figure things out and throughout I was hoping she would because I found myself wanting the best for her. The supporting characters all bring something to the story, with Coco's Grandmother, Ruth, being my favourite. She is utterly fabulous and I hope as I get older I can be a little like her, feisty and determined not to have to grow old gracefully.
From the very first page I was hooked, I couldn't put it down, so on a particularly rainy afternoon I grabbed a mug of hot chocolate and a blanket and I finished the book in an afternoon. I always felt pretty safe in the knowledge that Coco would solve the mystery, she starts to realise she shares more in common with her late Mother that she thought, but I didn't expect to tear up slightly when things begin to unfold. I think this is a testament to both the story and to Niamh Greene's writing, it's a thoroughly lovely read that I would recommend if you're looking for a book that will make you smile.
I'm not completely sure I would have picked this book up if I were faced with an entire bookshelf in a shop, I'm still kind of discovering my favourite types of books to read, but I can honestly say that this is one I'm very glad to have read because it's incredibly charming and thoroughly heartwarming.
Coco is such a relatable and lovely character; she likes to spend time at home, she's imaginative and creative, funny and tries to keep her life as uncomplicated as possible. She's at a point in her life where she's trying to figure things out and throughout I was hoping she would because I found myself wanting the best for her. The supporting characters all bring something to the story, with Coco's Grandmother, Ruth, being my favourite. She is utterly fabulous and I hope as I get older I can be a little like her, feisty and determined not to have to grow old gracefully.
From the very first page I was hooked, I couldn't put it down, so on a particularly rainy afternoon I grabbed a mug of hot chocolate and a blanket and I finished the book in an afternoon. I always felt pretty safe in the knowledge that Coco would solve the mystery, she starts to realise she shares more in common with her late Mother that she thought, but I didn't expect to tear up slightly when things begin to unfold. I think this is a testament to both the story and to Niamh Greene's writing, it's a thoroughly lovely read that I would recommend if you're looking for a book that will make you smile.
September 17, 2013
I’d read A Message To Your Heart by Niamh Greene and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading Coco’s Secret and discovering a new story. I really love the cover of Coco’s Secret in particular, it is beautiful and only made me more keen to get started!
Coco Swan was named after the famous Coco Chanel, and she lives an ordinary life working in a family antique shop. After winning an auction lot, Coco finds a genuine Coco Chanel bag in a box of odds and ends, and a Chanel bag is something her later mother has always wanted her to have. But when Coco finds a letter within the bag, she decides to set off on a journey to piece together the story behind it all….
I loved Coco as a character, I warmed to her straight away, and most of all I understood her. I liked her love for antiques, her personality shone from the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I spent with her. I particularly loved her journey of self-discovery, and I enjoyed watching her grow as a person as I read about her quest to discover more about the bag and the letter.
I loved the excitement in the story as Coco began to explore not only where the bag might have come from, but areas of her own life too, and I found the letter to be particularly interesting – I always wanted to read on to discover more about it!
Exploring family, love, friendship, secrets and mystery – Coco’s Secret is a wonderful story that I am already looking forward to re-reading!
Coco Swan was named after the famous Coco Chanel, and she lives an ordinary life working in a family antique shop. After winning an auction lot, Coco finds a genuine Coco Chanel bag in a box of odds and ends, and a Chanel bag is something her later mother has always wanted her to have. But when Coco finds a letter within the bag, she decides to set off on a journey to piece together the story behind it all….
I loved Coco as a character, I warmed to her straight away, and most of all I understood her. I liked her love for antiques, her personality shone from the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I spent with her. I particularly loved her journey of self-discovery, and I enjoyed watching her grow as a person as I read about her quest to discover more about the bag and the letter.
I loved the excitement in the story as Coco began to explore not only where the bag might have come from, but areas of her own life too, and I found the letter to be particularly interesting – I always wanted to read on to discover more about it!
Exploring family, love, friendship, secrets and mystery – Coco’s Secret is a wonderful story that I am already looking forward to re-reading!
May 3, 2015
Buuueno, pues decidí leerme este libro porque me llamó mucho la atención el título. De primeras pensé que sería un libro que hablaría sobre la vida de Coco Chanel y demás pero al final resultó que no. "El secreto de Coco" es un libro que me ha entretenido bastante ya que es una historia un poco fuera de lo común (eso de encontrarte un bolso de "Chanel" en una subasta, que esconde una carta de una madre a su hijo perdido, etc...) y la verdad, me ha gustado mucho. En mi opinión, los personajes, la protagonista sobre todo (Coco), tienen mucha frescura y están bastante adaptados en los tiempos en los que andamos (sobre todo la abuela "Ruth"). Esta vez creo que me han gustado bastante todos los personajes (Coco, su amiga y su familia, la abuela, el carnicero, la tia-abuela, el novio de Coco, y al final el señor mayor que resulta ser el corresponsal de la carta del bolso). Creo que en general el mensaje de la historia es muy bonito ya que Coco nunca se rinde cuando busca al niño perdido porque ella cree que su madre y la propietaria del bolso no paran de mandarle señales para que no se rinda y siga buscando a pesar de los fracasos. AUNQUE tengo que decir que la primera parte del libro no me gustó porque no me esperaba para nada que la madre de Coco fuera a morir en las primeras 5 páginas.
Por cierto, que la historia esté ambientada en Irlanda, Londres Y París es un gran punto a favor.
Por cierto, que la historia esté ambientada en Irlanda, Londres Y París es un gran punto a favor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2015
Quick Description: Heartwarming tale of a woman’s search for meaning.
Perfect for: lazy weekends
Steam?: minimal
This book was lingering on my book shelf for a while. Its cover gave off signals of a light chick-lit read. So when I picked it up a few days ago, feeling ill and wanting a nice read, I carried on engrossed for many hours. I finished it within a day.
The beginning packs a punch and the sense of sadness remains in the background of the novel. But this isn’t a sob fest. The characters find the courage to move on and embrace the present. There is plenty of mystery that keeps the reader interested, not just involving the bag but also Coco and her family. The two emotional and intense stories start to intertwine, resulting in painful revelations. If you are someone who believes in fate and signs then you would completely understand this novel.
Coco is someone who many can relate to. She is kind, smart, hard-working, but is she too comfortable? She reaches a point in her life when she starts getting reality check-outs from her friends and family. Is she living life the fullest? Is she in denial about some things?
Whilst there is romance, the novel is more about Coco’s love for herself, her family and of life. The quest of the bag leads her to some unresolved issues of her past, making comical turns and reaching heart-warming moments- proof that a Chanel bag has powers (when can I get my hands on one??).
Perfect for: lazy weekends
Steam?: minimal
This book was lingering on my book shelf for a while. Its cover gave off signals of a light chick-lit read. So when I picked it up a few days ago, feeling ill and wanting a nice read, I carried on engrossed for many hours. I finished it within a day.
The beginning packs a punch and the sense of sadness remains in the background of the novel. But this isn’t a sob fest. The characters find the courage to move on and embrace the present. There is plenty of mystery that keeps the reader interested, not just involving the bag but also Coco and her family. The two emotional and intense stories start to intertwine, resulting in painful revelations. If you are someone who believes in fate and signs then you would completely understand this novel.
Coco is someone who many can relate to. She is kind, smart, hard-working, but is she too comfortable? She reaches a point in her life when she starts getting reality check-outs from her friends and family. Is she living life the fullest? Is she in denial about some things?
Whilst there is romance, the novel is more about Coco’s love for herself, her family and of life. The quest of the bag leads her to some unresolved issues of her past, making comical turns and reaching heart-warming moments- proof that a Chanel bag has powers (when can I get my hands on one??).
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