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The Secret Between Us
My husband and I share a secret. How far will I go to keep it?
In the middle of our school’s bustling summer picnic, I watch Harriet walk purposefully toward my husband, Michael. She places her hand on his arm, introducing herself and laughing at something he says. A knot forms in my stomach as I watch them. We’ve been here before. But I can’t just walk away…
Over the next few weeks, I try to keep Harriet from my family. But no matter what I do, she finds a way in. Her daughter and my twin boys become friends, and one night I find Harriet in my kitchen, smiling at my husband as she sips a cocktail. I feel like a stranger in my own home.
That night, when I see her name light up my husband’s phone, I can barely breathe. Because I know this is more than just an affair. She’s in our lives for a different reason. For years, I’ve kept a secret buried deep because I thought I could hold my family together. But now, I’m terrified Harriet is going to reveal it and I will lose everything…
Whatever happens, I can’t let her expose the secrets between me and my husband. But what will I have to do to stop her?
A totally gripping and unputdownable novel that asks how well we know the people we love the most. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional fiction, and for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Susan Lewis.
Readers love Kate
In the middle of our school’s bustling summer picnic, I watch Harriet walk purposefully toward my husband, Michael. She places her hand on his arm, introducing herself and laughing at something he says. A knot forms in my stomach as I watch them. We’ve been here before. But I can’t just walk away…
Over the next few weeks, I try to keep Harriet from my family. But no matter what I do, she finds a way in. Her daughter and my twin boys become friends, and one night I find Harriet in my kitchen, smiling at my husband as she sips a cocktail. I feel like a stranger in my own home.
That night, when I see her name light up my husband’s phone, I can barely breathe. Because I know this is more than just an affair. She’s in our lives for a different reason. For years, I’ve kept a secret buried deep because I thought I could hold my family together. But now, I’m terrified Harriet is going to reveal it and I will lose everything…
Whatever happens, I can’t let her expose the secrets between me and my husband. But what will I have to do to stop her?
A totally gripping and unputdownable novel that asks how well we know the people we love the most. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional fiction, and for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Susan Lewis.
Readers love Kate
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
2437 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
875 books1,692 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 25, 2025
The Secret Between Us written by Kate Hewitt is a powerful and an unforgettable page turner full of secrets, mistrust, health issues, bullying, motherhood, friendship, jealousy, and insecurities. After loving The Last Stars in the Sky the first book I have ever read by this author, Kate has become an auto read author for me, her stories are gripping, powerful, and emotional. The Secret Between Us was no exception, I was instantly hooked from the very beginning all the way until the very last page. I know this is a work of fiction, but I love how Kate writes about real life situations in the most realistic ways, in this book she shows the complexities of motherhood and friendships. I won't lie, I was a bit hesitant to read this book because I thought it wasn't going to be as emotional as her previous books, but boy was I wrong, it was definitely an emotional page turner that left me reading late into the night. I can't recommend this book enough, if you are looking for a book about secrets, friendships, motherhood, and etc, then mark your calendars for July 24th, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on the release of The Secret Between Us written by the wonderful and talented author, Kate Hewitt. I was so surprised by everything that was happening, I just couldn't put this book down. The gasps were gasping. If you are still hesitant to read this book like I was, JUST GO FOR IT!!!!!!!
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOKOUTURE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"💖😭Loving someone who has the whole world at their feet can be exhausting. Frustrating. But as long as you know where you stand, and that they love you back even if it doesn't always feel like it.....well then you can.....manage💖😭".
"💯You can't choose the people you love, or why you love them. You can only do whatever you can to try to get them to love you back💯".
"💔Are you okay?" My heart twists. "A child should never have to ask that question of their parent💔".
"👀🤔Maybe some secrets aren't meant to be kept👀🤔".
"💗💯If you loved me at all, you would support me, and not her💗💯".
"😱Does hearing a juicy secret give someone a thrilling kind of power?😱"
"💕💯Earning someone's approval is NOT the same as being loved💕💯".
Elise Dunnett is the head of the PTA at The Garden School which is a private preschool. Elise is a mom to her two sons, Luke and Lewis who are fraternal twins in the third grade at The Garden School. It took Elise nine years and five failed IVF attempts before she became a mama at the age of forty-one, no matter how hard it was, Elise never gave up, her resilience was so powerful and inspiring. Elise has had a rough life, she was just five years old when she found out about her father's first of many affairs and Elise had to keep too many secrets from her mother. Well Elise's husband, Michael, reminds her of her own father. Elise also suffers from fairly severe OCD. Michael is a neurosurgeon, he and Elise met at an art show. Elise has loved Michael so fiercely, devotedly, and silently for twenty years, but one day at a picnic at the school, Michael meets Harriet and Elise second guesses everything she knew about Michael and their marriage. Michael makes people feel like the center of the world but specifically his world. Their marriage works best when they don't talk about serious things. Michael has been caught flirting, low laughter, and murmured words a numerous amount of times with different women. Well, after this picnic, Elise and Michael better learn how to communicate because their marriage is about to unravel.
Harriet Tierney just moved to New York City from Texas, she's a single mom to her daughter Kyra who is also in the third game, the same age as Michael and Elise's children. Harriet isn't necessarily pretty, but she's somewhat attractive according to Elise Dunnett. Harriet is a pottery artist, and she's nothing like the other mom's at this private school. Allan- Kyra's father works and lived in New York City, but they haven't seen Allan is seven years because they never had a serious relationship and Allan never wanted kids, but he paid for Kyra's tuition, so he could have more time with his daughter because he has a very serious health issue, Allan has ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, meanwhile he has also been an absentee father for eight years. Allan has been keeping his health issues a huge secret from his daughter, but Harriet knew the stats and did a bunch of research before moving to New York City. Harriet just wants more parent friends since she's new, but at this picnic she meets Michael, they are chatting so intimately with each other, which of course Elise notices. Here's where things get wild, Elise thinks Michael and Harriet are having an affair, but you will need to read this book to find out what happens and how things are handled because I don't want to say too much and spoil the book, so please go read this book immediately.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOKOUTURE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"💖😭Loving someone who has the whole world at their feet can be exhausting. Frustrating. But as long as you know where you stand, and that they love you back even if it doesn't always feel like it.....well then you can.....manage💖😭".
"💯You can't choose the people you love, or why you love them. You can only do whatever you can to try to get them to love you back💯".
"💔Are you okay?" My heart twists. "A child should never have to ask that question of their parent💔".
"👀🤔Maybe some secrets aren't meant to be kept👀🤔".
"💗💯If you loved me at all, you would support me, and not her💗💯".
"😱Does hearing a juicy secret give someone a thrilling kind of power?😱"
"💕💯Earning someone's approval is NOT the same as being loved💕💯".
Elise Dunnett is the head of the PTA at The Garden School which is a private preschool. Elise is a mom to her two sons, Luke and Lewis who are fraternal twins in the third grade at The Garden School. It took Elise nine years and five failed IVF attempts before she became a mama at the age of forty-one, no matter how hard it was, Elise never gave up, her resilience was so powerful and inspiring. Elise has had a rough life, she was just five years old when she found out about her father's first of many affairs and Elise had to keep too many secrets from her mother. Well Elise's husband, Michael, reminds her of her own father. Elise also suffers from fairly severe OCD. Michael is a neurosurgeon, he and Elise met at an art show. Elise has loved Michael so fiercely, devotedly, and silently for twenty years, but one day at a picnic at the school, Michael meets Harriet and Elise second guesses everything she knew about Michael and their marriage. Michael makes people feel like the center of the world but specifically his world. Their marriage works best when they don't talk about serious things. Michael has been caught flirting, low laughter, and murmured words a numerous amount of times with different women. Well, after this picnic, Elise and Michael better learn how to communicate because their marriage is about to unravel.
Harriet Tierney just moved to New York City from Texas, she's a single mom to her daughter Kyra who is also in the third game, the same age as Michael and Elise's children. Harriet isn't necessarily pretty, but she's somewhat attractive according to Elise Dunnett. Harriet is a pottery artist, and she's nothing like the other mom's at this private school. Allan- Kyra's father works and lived in New York City, but they haven't seen Allan is seven years because they never had a serious relationship and Allan never wanted kids, but he paid for Kyra's tuition, so he could have more time with his daughter because he has a very serious health issue, Allan has ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, meanwhile he has also been an absentee father for eight years. Allan has been keeping his health issues a huge secret from his daughter, but Harriet knew the stats and did a bunch of research before moving to New York City. Harriet just wants more parent friends since she's new, but at this picnic she meets Michael, they are chatting so intimately with each other, which of course Elise notices. Here's where things get wild, Elise thinks Michael and Harriet are having an affair, but you will need to read this book to find out what happens and how things are handled because I don't want to say too much and spoil the book, so please go read this book immediately.
July 25, 2025
Kate Hewitt has delivered another thought provoking, gripping, moving, dramatic, and captivating book that I read in one day! I did not want to put The Secret Between Us: A powerful, suspenseful and unforgettable page-turner down as I was engrossed in this book about two women, a private school, secrets, bullying, trust/mistrust, jealousy, insecurity, friendship, motherhood, and health issues.
Elise and her doctor husband, Michael, are parents to twins who attend a private school in New York where Elise is very involved. Their marriage, like Elise, looks picture perfect; however, Elise has always suspected that her husband has been unfaithful to her. Harriett and her daughter have moved to New York to be with her daughter's father Allan who has been given a bleak health diagnosis. When Elise sees her husband, Michael speaking to Harriett at a school event, she sees red!
This book is told through the POV of both Elise and Harriett. Elise instantly dislikes Harriett who she suspects is after her husband. Harriett is the new mom at school and prides herself as being an artist. She stands out from the other mothers at the school as she is artsy and doesn't dress to impress. As the women circle around each other the tension mounts. Both are experiencing stress in their lives while trying to be good mothers.
This book has the word 'secret' in the title but for me it all comes down to communication, listening, and honesty. I was glued to the pages and felt for both women. I wanted to pull both aside and have private chats with both - especially Elise! By the end of the book, I also wanted to hug them both.
Kate Hewitt has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I love how she showcases the complexities of relationships and human nature. She deals with real life situations in realistic and relatable ways. I enjoy how her characters have depth and are layered. The Secret Between Us: A powerful, suspenseful and unforgettable page-turner was wonderfully written, well thought out, and riveting!
I can't wait to read what Kate Hewitt writes next!
I had both the book and the audiobook which made for a very enjoyable reading experience!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Elise and her doctor husband, Michael, are parents to twins who attend a private school in New York where Elise is very involved. Their marriage, like Elise, looks picture perfect; however, Elise has always suspected that her husband has been unfaithful to her. Harriett and her daughter have moved to New York to be with her daughter's father Allan who has been given a bleak health diagnosis. When Elise sees her husband, Michael speaking to Harriett at a school event, she sees red!
This book is told through the POV of both Elise and Harriett. Elise instantly dislikes Harriett who she suspects is after her husband. Harriett is the new mom at school and prides herself as being an artist. She stands out from the other mothers at the school as she is artsy and doesn't dress to impress. As the women circle around each other the tension mounts. Both are experiencing stress in their lives while trying to be good mothers.
This book has the word 'secret' in the title but for me it all comes down to communication, listening, and honesty. I was glued to the pages and felt for both women. I wanted to pull both aside and have private chats with both - especially Elise! By the end of the book, I also wanted to hug them both.
Kate Hewitt has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I love how she showcases the complexities of relationships and human nature. She deals with real life situations in realistic and relatable ways. I enjoy how her characters have depth and are layered. The Secret Between Us: A powerful, suspenseful and unforgettable page-turner was wonderfully written, well thought out, and riveting!
I can't wait to read what Kate Hewitt writes next!
I had both the book and the audiobook which made for a very enjoyable reading experience!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 23, 2025
the setup…
Elise Dunnett is a married mother of 8-year old twins Lewis and Luke and husband Michael is a highly successful neurosurgeon practicing in Manhattan. She’s devoted to her family and is head of the PTA at The Garden School, the children’s private school. Elise has a carefully crafted image and resists participating in the standard Mom gossip. Enter Harriet Tierney, the single mother of daughter Kyra. She’s an artist who recently moved to New York from Austin and has more of a bohemian style. Harriet and Michael are pretty chummy at the school’s social the day before the start of the semester and it puts Elise on edge. Her hyper vigilance is noticed by Harriet who wasn’t flirting…initially…and stokes the fire. But she’s moved there to be with her child’s father Allan who has a serious health crisis.
the heart of the story…
What starts as something rather innocuous morphs into some really bad behavior. It’s clear early on that Elise is tightly wound, fitting beautifully into a Stepford wife stereotype. Where she departs from that is her unwillingness to engage in the catty behavior and gossip of many of the other mothers…until she feels threatened. Harriet isn't part of that world and has Kyra in the school solely at Allan’s request. She takes some pleasure in rattling the perfect Elise. Under different circumstances, these women might have been friends. Making matters worse, their children become friends and get swept up into this nonsense.
the narration…
Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell captured the essences of their characters perfectly. I felt Elise’s neuroses and Harriet’s nonchalance throughout. It was a fine performance.
the bottom line…
To be clear, this is not a mystery or thriller as the synopsis insinuates. No matter, I was fascinated by the unnecessary trauma these women inflicted upon each other, fueled by the mean gossip by deeply insecure women who find it necessary to strike first before the spotlight comes their way. But it’s the tragedy of how it affected their family relationships and children because it got serious. I feel certain this sad state of affairs is not unique and is a cautionary tale.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Elise Dunnett is a married mother of 8-year old twins Lewis and Luke and husband Michael is a highly successful neurosurgeon practicing in Manhattan. She’s devoted to her family and is head of the PTA at The Garden School, the children’s private school. Elise has a carefully crafted image and resists participating in the standard Mom gossip. Enter Harriet Tierney, the single mother of daughter Kyra. She’s an artist who recently moved to New York from Austin and has more of a bohemian style. Harriet and Michael are pretty chummy at the school’s social the day before the start of the semester and it puts Elise on edge. Her hyper vigilance is noticed by Harriet who wasn’t flirting…initially…and stokes the fire. But she’s moved there to be with her child’s father Allan who has a serious health crisis.
the heart of the story…
What starts as something rather innocuous morphs into some really bad behavior. It’s clear early on that Elise is tightly wound, fitting beautifully into a Stepford wife stereotype. Where she departs from that is her unwillingness to engage in the catty behavior and gossip of many of the other mothers…until she feels threatened. Harriet isn't part of that world and has Kyra in the school solely at Allan’s request. She takes some pleasure in rattling the perfect Elise. Under different circumstances, these women might have been friends. Making matters worse, their children become friends and get swept up into this nonsense.
the narration…
Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell captured the essences of their characters perfectly. I felt Elise’s neuroses and Harriet’s nonchalance throughout. It was a fine performance.
the bottom line…
To be clear, this is not a mystery or thriller as the synopsis insinuates. No matter, I was fascinated by the unnecessary trauma these women inflicted upon each other, fueled by the mean gossip by deeply insecure women who find it necessary to strike first before the spotlight comes their way. But it’s the tragedy of how it affected their family relationships and children because it got serious. I feel certain this sad state of affairs is not unique and is a cautionary tale.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 16, 2025
The main secret in "The Secret Between Us" was the book's genre.
The publisher's blurb positions this book as "A powerful, suspenseful and unforgettable page-turner".
Therefore, I was under the impression that this was a pacey, suspenseful thriller.
Instead, this domestic drama featured endless melodrama and lacked the suspense I was seeking.
Pacing was painfully S-L-O-W, and characterizations were waaaay too introspective.
TW: Dementia, ALS.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell.
Although I applaud the publisher for casting two narrators for the book's two protagonists, both narrators had very similar voices and were indistinguishable from each other.
At times, it was difficult to determine who was saying what.
Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was not the right reader for this book, and I urge readers to read other reviews.
August 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Secret Between Us by Kate Hewitt. This is my third book by this author. I really enjoyed this one as well. It was a book about secret, health, trust, bullying, friendship, status in a community, gossip, rumours and family. It was a very emotional read. This domestic drama was well planned out and kept me wanting to keep reading. The story was told from two different points of view so the reader could gain valuable insights. This was written very well as all her books seem to be. I would definitely recommend this book to others if you like Women's Fiction, or Domestic Dramas. I gave this book a 4 star rating. Go ahead and give it a try. You will love it. #NetGalley #Bookouture #KateHewitt
July 19, 2025
Another new to me author, who’s name was very familiar and I’m yet again surprised to realise this is the first time I’ve read from her.
Before I began to review, I had to go back and check the genre for this title, the synopsis definitely makes it sound like a thriller, in which case it would’ve been a massive disappointment, but it rightfully sits in the women’s fiction bracket. Therefore on me a little bit that I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I’d hoped. The synopsis also makes it hard not to spoiler.
Essentially, a domestic drama with a message, that pulls on the heart strings.
The narration on this vas really nice, although again I had to check the details I didn’t realise that there were 2 separate narrators.
I think all round, I did enjoy this title, it’s really well written and the storyline is good, and my own expectations let me down.
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧
Before I began to review, I had to go back and check the genre for this title, the synopsis definitely makes it sound like a thriller, in which case it would’ve been a massive disappointment, but it rightfully sits in the women’s fiction bracket. Therefore on me a little bit that I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I’d hoped. The synopsis also makes it hard not to spoiler.
Essentially, a domestic drama with a message, that pulls on the heart strings.
The narration on this vas really nice, although again I had to check the details I didn’t realise that there were 2 separate narrators.
I think all round, I did enjoy this title, it’s really well written and the storyline is good, and my own expectations let me down.
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧
July 21, 2025
The cover and title of this book imply that the story has some element of mystery. It does not. The ‘secret’ is not much of a secret. Hopefully knowing this upfront will help this book reach the right audience. There is not much in the way of plot and no big reveal. It’s really more of a slice of life story and that’s okay if that is your expectation. Madeline Pell did a good job with the narration.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
There’s no question this was a fast paced, emotionally dramatic play on school yard politics and secrets. “The Secret Between Us” was a gripping story about two moms who clash over a hidden secret. This one had me guessing until the very end.
This story followed Elise and her neurosurgeon husband Michael. They appeared to have a perfect life. But they were bound by a deep, dark secret that Elise had kept buried for years. The book built tension as Elise weighed how far she’d go—and what she’d sacrifice—to protect her family from exposure. She was relentless and determined. It was fun to watch her story play out.
Aside from being entertained by Elise and her flawed persona, I favored the alternating perspectives between Elise’s tense, emotionally controlled personality and Harriet’s initially charming and approachable personality. The multiple point of views offered glimpses into their motivations and inner turmoil, which in turn, added to the intrigue of the collective narrative. I also greatly favored the fast paced, dramatic storyline. The themes were also quite engaging. Themes such as marital trust, parental rivalry and the consequences of buried truths were addressed. All of these themes were common to the psychological mystery thriller genre. That said, I regret to say that there wasn’t any particular element that made this story stand out. “The Secret Between Us” blended in with other psychological mystery thriller. Moreover, there was a vast amount of superficial dialogue and cattiness. Most I could have done without. But fortunately, the fast pacing combined with the flawed characters and school politics, I was mostly entertained. Overall, I’d recommend “The Secret Between Us “ for fans of women’s fiction, domestic drama, and psychological mystery thriller books.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
There’s no question this was a fast paced, emotionally dramatic play on school yard politics and secrets. “The Secret Between Us” was a gripping story about two moms who clash over a hidden secret. This one had me guessing until the very end.
This story followed Elise and her neurosurgeon husband Michael. They appeared to have a perfect life. But they were bound by a deep, dark secret that Elise had kept buried for years. The book built tension as Elise weighed how far she’d go—and what she’d sacrifice—to protect her family from exposure. She was relentless and determined. It was fun to watch her story play out.
Aside from being entertained by Elise and her flawed persona, I favored the alternating perspectives between Elise’s tense, emotionally controlled personality and Harriet’s initially charming and approachable personality. The multiple point of views offered glimpses into their motivations and inner turmoil, which in turn, added to the intrigue of the collective narrative. I also greatly favored the fast paced, dramatic storyline. The themes were also quite engaging. Themes such as marital trust, parental rivalry and the consequences of buried truths were addressed. All of these themes were common to the psychological mystery thriller genre. That said, I regret to say that there wasn’t any particular element that made this story stand out. “The Secret Between Us” blended in with other psychological mystery thriller. Moreover, there was a vast amount of superficial dialogue and cattiness. Most I could have done without. But fortunately, the fast pacing combined with the flawed characters and school politics, I was mostly entertained. Overall, I’d recommend “The Secret Between Us “ for fans of women’s fiction, domestic drama, and psychological mystery thriller books.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2025
As someone who went to private school, the rumor mill and the perfect mom facade couldn't have been more spot on. I had friends who had moms just like Elise. I didn't really care for her character, but with much character development over the course of the book ( albeit very slowly), I was able to begin to sympathize with her.
I honestly can't say that I loved Harriet either. She was honestly a bit petty. It doesn't take a genius to know what her interactions with Micheal looked like to outsiders.
I loved this story overall but my God the characters were frustrating! So many of the issues could have been resolved if the adults in this book simply acted like adults. Has no one ever heard of open communication in a relationship?! But I suppose that would have made for a quick and boring story and I'm not afraid to admit, I do like a bit of drama.
I read and listened to this book. I do have to say that the narration for the audiobook was absolutely fantastic. She did a phenomenal job bringing all the characters to life.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I honestly can't say that I loved Harriet either. She was honestly a bit petty. It doesn't take a genius to know what her interactions with Micheal looked like to outsiders.
I loved this story overall but my God the characters were frustrating! So many of the issues could have been resolved if the adults in this book simply acted like adults. Has no one ever heard of open communication in a relationship?! But I suppose that would have made for a quick and boring story and I'm not afraid to admit, I do like a bit of drama.
I read and listened to this book. I do have to say that the narration for the audiobook was absolutely fantastic. She did a phenomenal job bringing all the characters to life.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2025
I went into this expecting an "unforgettable page- turner" so I was expecting a fast paced suspense filled thrill ride. What ! got was a slow paced family drama that was more about character introspection than anything. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, I just would have liked to know that going in.
Two moms from different worlds meet and dont care for each other when their kids start going to school together. Each of them has their own issues and secrets and their meeting sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately mutually benefits them both, much to their surprise. The atmosphere of the elite private school helps to elevate the drama and the cliquey parents with all their differences help to move the plot line along.
If you need a story about secrets and lies, friendships and motherhood, this may be the book for you. Be warned there are some mental health triggers.
Two moms from different worlds meet and dont care for each other when their kids start going to school together. Each of them has their own issues and secrets and their meeting sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately mutually benefits them both, much to their surprise. The atmosphere of the elite private school helps to elevate the drama and the cliquey parents with all their differences help to move the plot line along.
If you need a story about secrets and lies, friendships and motherhood, this may be the book for you. Be warned there are some mental health triggers.
July 23, 2025
So I’m gonna go there once again…
Last 3 books I read featured an: Eloise, Ellie and now… Elise! Strange, no??
OK…on to my review.
Elise and Michael are married… for a long time. As usual for married couples, there are secrets they share… But one of them that only Elise knows is that Michael is a cheater… not once or twice, but it seems… all the time. But what can she do? He supports her and their twin boys. He’s well respected in the community. And, he’s a well known neurosurgeon!
Elise is always the talk of the school where the boys go. Well put together. Beautiful. Well-toned. The best of clothes, etc. And, of course, wealthy…
So when she meets the new woman and her daughter at their school, and the woman is much younger and beautiful too, she knows she needs to watch her. Michael will be drawn to her…
And so it begins…
She decides that she will NOT make it easy for this woman, Harriett. Actually, she will do everything in her power to agitate her! 😮
As Elise starts preparing for one of the schools fundraising events, naturally she’s in charge, she decides to invite everyone to her home… including Harriett. And when she and Michael start talking ALONE in the kitchen, well, Elise just knows….
This was not AT ALL what I expected, so for that alone, kudos to the author!!
Instead, we learn about grown women who are bullies, very emotional, click-y, and who obviously each have their own problems in life to deal with.
Additionally, to name a few triggers, there are several life-threatening events… including: a mugging, someone choking (almost to death), and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Again, it did not go where I expected it to go, and I enjoyed that!!
#TheSecretBetweenUs by @KateHewitt and narrated nicely by @LisaRostWelling and @MadelinePell.
4 big, bullying, sometimes scary and yet sometimes lovely 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON JULY 24, 2025!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Last 3 books I read featured an: Eloise, Ellie and now… Elise! Strange, no??
OK…on to my review.
Elise and Michael are married… for a long time. As usual for married couples, there are secrets they share… But one of them that only Elise knows is that Michael is a cheater… not once or twice, but it seems… all the time. But what can she do? He supports her and their twin boys. He’s well respected in the community. And, he’s a well known neurosurgeon!
Elise is always the talk of the school where the boys go. Well put together. Beautiful. Well-toned. The best of clothes, etc. And, of course, wealthy…
So when she meets the new woman and her daughter at their school, and the woman is much younger and beautiful too, she knows she needs to watch her. Michael will be drawn to her…
And so it begins…
She decides that she will NOT make it easy for this woman, Harriett. Actually, she will do everything in her power to agitate her! 😮
As Elise starts preparing for one of the schools fundraising events, naturally she’s in charge, she decides to invite everyone to her home… including Harriett. And when she and Michael start talking ALONE in the kitchen, well, Elise just knows….
This was not AT ALL what I expected, so for that alone, kudos to the author!!
Instead, we learn about grown women who are bullies, very emotional, click-y, and who obviously each have their own problems in life to deal with.
Additionally, to name a few triggers, there are several life-threatening events… including: a mugging, someone choking (almost to death), and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Again, it did not go where I expected it to go, and I enjoyed that!!
#TheSecretBetweenUs by @KateHewitt and narrated nicely by @LisaRostWelling and @MadelinePell.
4 big, bullying, sometimes scary and yet sometimes lovely 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!!
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON JULY 24, 2025!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
August 3, 2025
Despite its length this is a thought provoking story told from the pov of two female characters . Both of whom have secrets. The narration is high quality and engaging with clear distinctions between the characters. At its heart despite the difficult issues in this story its all about relationships and our own perspective . The reader was thrown red herrings before the true secret was revealed. True to life the situations were realistic and told in a delicate but realisitic way. The children were given their role in the story and as it took a while to discover i found myself accepting the red herrings. The ebst thing was when it was reveled to the listener, i experienced both pity for the character and also a sence of get with the program and tell the truth. I found myself warning to the wife pov as her story was explored more towards the ened. It was a sad story but also heart warning. The characters were well narrated and developed. Thank you netgallery, publisher , author and narrator for this heart wrenching yety warning story. perfect for a long evening
July 29, 2025
I think this book is suffering from a mismatch with the description and what it really is. The title and description make it seem like it will be a psychological thriller. It is definitely not that. It’s more domestic drama.
Once reframed that way the book is ok. It was slow at first but then got to a point where I did want to keep reading.
I found neither of the female characters particularly likeable. I wanted them both to grow up and act their age. Both had heavy back stories that were contributing to their bad behavior.
Overall, if you like domestic dramas this one is interesting. There is lots of illness discussed but there is also a theme of the redemptive power of honesty and communication.
Once reframed that way the book is ok. It was slow at first but then got to a point where I did want to keep reading.
I found neither of the female characters particularly likeable. I wanted them both to grow up and act their age. Both had heavy back stories that were contributing to their bad behavior.
Overall, if you like domestic dramas this one is interesting. There is lots of illness discussed but there is also a theme of the redemptive power of honesty and communication.
August 31, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been eyeing of books by Kate Hewitt at Bookouture for a while now and I can now say I’ve read my first.
The Secret Between Us is a standard book.
It’s wasn’t bad it was just mediocre.
There’s a build up of tension until the truth comes out and because of this I persevered to the finish.
Elise and Michael lead a privileged life.
Successful careers, twin boys and a beautiful home.
Her children go to an entitled school.
Then the arrival of Harriet and her daughter changes everything….
Playground politics, secrets, lies, family dynamics, jealousy and an abundance of emotions.
There’s not much that stands out and it just goes about its business.
I will pick up another book by this author.
I’ve been eyeing of books by Kate Hewitt at Bookouture for a while now and I can now say I’ve read my first.
The Secret Between Us is a standard book.
It’s wasn’t bad it was just mediocre.
There’s a build up of tension until the truth comes out and because of this I persevered to the finish.
Elise and Michael lead a privileged life.
Successful careers, twin boys and a beautiful home.
Her children go to an entitled school.
Then the arrival of Harriet and her daughter changes everything….
Playground politics, secrets, lies, family dynamics, jealousy and an abundance of emotions.
There’s not much that stands out and it just goes about its business.
I will pick up another book by this author.
July 24, 2025
Everyone has secrets. Some are little and some not so much. In this story we meet a group of wealthy, entitled people for whom secrets are currency. The setting is the elite private schools of NYC, the cast consists of judgmental, well dressed, well coiffed people each with their own issues and who seem to relish anyone else's weakness. Basically, a group of adult bullies who never dealt with their own childhood traumas or mental health issues. Everyone has flaws and yet rather than deal with them, share with their partners and or friends, they hold them so closely that they almost choke on them. It took until the very end for any of them to have any self reflection and deal with reality. Not an easy listen based on the people, but a good wrap up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 1, 2025
So for me this was like a Sunday afternoon movie.
Nothing really happens it just follows the story of two moms and a point in time when their two paths cross. Each has their own issues going on and the story touches on both and how their meeting sets in motion a sequence of events which eventually benefits both.
For me it was too long and drawn out without any great reveal.
The audiobook narrative was great and probably the o my reason I finished the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the arc
Nothing really happens it just follows the story of two moms and a point in time when their two paths cross. Each has their own issues going on and the story touches on both and how their meeting sets in motion a sequence of events which eventually benefits both.
For me it was too long and drawn out without any great reveal.
The audiobook narrative was great and probably the o my reason I finished the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the arc
July 29, 2025
Thank you to Bookouture Audio, the author and NetGalley for an LRC in return for an honest review
Perfect Lives v Private Mess OR Dysfunctional Housewives
The narrative unfolds as a dual point-of-view domestic drama, told alternately from the perspectives of Elise and Harriett, two mothers whose lives intersect at an elite New York private school. The fast pace kept me totally engaged throughout. The narrators were both a good fit for the story and their performance added depth to an already solid narrative; but - as countless other readers have commented on - both Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell had very similar voices, so it was a bit tricky to keep track of which one of them was speaking.
This book very much falls into the Women’s Fiction category, which is initially surprising, as both the blurb and cover art suggest jaw-dropping twists or psychological suspense, whereas the reality is more emotional than explosive. The story's power lies in its nuanced portrayal of fractured relationships, unspoken resentments and the desperate need to maintain appearances.
The book cover quote is totally misleading -
There is no dark, high-stakes secret that could tear families apart, If this was what you were expecting then you will be bitterly disappointed. Instead, what you do get is a layered, character-driven exploration of motherhood, marriage and the masks we wear. If you enjoyed Desperate Housewives, you’ll likely find echoes here: performative parenting, gossip-fuelled social circles, and plenty of dysfunction bubbling under the surface.
Elise herself is a difficult but compelling character: emotionally distant, insecure and increasingly isolated from a social group that thrives on superficiality and whispered judgment. Harriett, by contrast, brings a different kind of chaos — less cold, but no less guarded. Their uneasy dynamic fuels the novel’s central tension, which unfolds through their dual POVs.
I appreciated the way OCD was handled - it is more often than not solely focused on obsessive cleaning or portrayed for comic effect. In this instance though, Kate Hewitt handles the subject with more care, highlighting compulsive behaviours and rigid thinking patterns without sensationalising or stigmatising. Speaking from personal experience, OCD is more about compulsions - having to do things a certain number of times or in a specific way. it’s about feeling trapped by your own rituals and anxieties. Everyone with OCD is NOT neurotic!
The plot isn't over-complicated, and that works in its favour. There’s clarity in the storytelling and by the end, I felt the emotional payoff was satisfying — even without the earth shattering twist the title might hint at.
This was my first Kate Hewitt book and I’d definitely read more from this author. If you enjoy domestic fiction that explores the messy realities behind seemingly perfect lives, The Secret Between Us is definitely worth a listen.
#TheSecretBetweenUs #NetGalley
Perfect Lives v Private Mess OR Dysfunctional Housewives
The narrative unfolds as a dual point-of-view domestic drama, told alternately from the perspectives of Elise and Harriett, two mothers whose lives intersect at an elite New York private school. The fast pace kept me totally engaged throughout. The narrators were both a good fit for the story and their performance added depth to an already solid narrative; but - as countless other readers have commented on - both Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell had very similar voices, so it was a bit tricky to keep track of which one of them was speaking.
This book very much falls into the Women’s Fiction category, which is initially surprising, as both the blurb and cover art suggest jaw-dropping twists or psychological suspense, whereas the reality is more emotional than explosive. The story's power lies in its nuanced portrayal of fractured relationships, unspoken resentments and the desperate need to maintain appearances.
The book cover quote is totally misleading -
"What will I forgive for the sake of my family?"
There is no dark, high-stakes secret that could tear families apart, If this was what you were expecting then you will be bitterly disappointed. Instead, what you do get is a layered, character-driven exploration of motherhood, marriage and the masks we wear. If you enjoyed Desperate Housewives, you’ll likely find echoes here: performative parenting, gossip-fuelled social circles, and plenty of dysfunction bubbling under the surface.
Elise herself is a difficult but compelling character: emotionally distant, insecure and increasingly isolated from a social group that thrives on superficiality and whispered judgment. Harriett, by contrast, brings a different kind of chaos — less cold, but no less guarded. Their uneasy dynamic fuels the novel’s central tension, which unfolds through their dual POVs.
I appreciated the way OCD was handled - it is more often than not solely focused on obsessive cleaning or portrayed for comic effect. In this instance though, Kate Hewitt handles the subject with more care, highlighting compulsive behaviours and rigid thinking patterns without sensationalising or stigmatising. Speaking from personal experience, OCD is more about compulsions - having to do things a certain number of times or in a specific way. it’s about feeling trapped by your own rituals and anxieties. Everyone with OCD is NOT neurotic!
The plot isn't over-complicated, and that works in its favour. There’s clarity in the storytelling and by the end, I felt the emotional payoff was satisfying — even without the earth shattering twist the title might hint at.
This was my first Kate Hewitt book and I’d definitely read more from this author. If you enjoy domestic fiction that explores the messy realities behind seemingly perfect lives, The Secret Between Us is definitely worth a listen.
#TheSecretBetweenUs #NetGalley
July 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded up for touching on physical and mental illness related topics
Pull up a chair and grab some snacks because these drama mamas are sure to give you something to talk about. 🍟🍿🍾
Before diving into the story, I need to mention that the marketing on this one can be misleading. It is styled very much like a thriller, but it is NOT. The cover, title, even the way it's described oozes suspenseful thriller-ish vibes, until you read it. This is technically listed as women's fiction which is a better fit. After reading this I'd also say that the title is misleading. 🤷🏻♀️I guess The Lack of Communication Between Us doesn't have quite the same ring to it.
Harriet has recently moved back to New York and has enrolled her eight-year-old daughter in The Garden School which takes a more inclusive, artistic, gentle approach to learning. She catches the ire of Elise when she spots Harriet being chatted up by Micheal her neurosurgeon husband. Elise has long suspected Micheal of infidelity and sees this exchange between he and Harriet as another bump in the road. Sure that Micheal's charm has ensnared yet another woman, the claws come out.
Adults Behaving Badly
Heavy on the catty tactics but so very real if you have experience with this sort of thing. Elise goes out of her way to belittle Harriet and make her feel left out at school functions. Harriet has a level of pettiness that she could win an award for. Of course, the more mud is slung the more the gossip mill churns. Micheal is his own can of worms. ✋🏻I wasn't excusing this guy for a second. He gets no pass from me. They all need soooo much therapy. Their children are in the same class, and I was wondering how long until things would boil over. The kids read as younger than third grade to me. The middle does drag some, but the beginning and ending are tighter and hold things together.
The author takes things to a deeper place by fully fleshing out these characters. She shows them warts and all. Their flaws, unresolved issues, stressors, health issues, fears, and uncertainties. And how despite being very different people both of these moms love their children. Showing the why behind the behavior gives the novel a dose of humanity. That's where the novel flexed strong wings and made me care. The smooth conversational writing made it easier to engage with this type of story.
May the mean mommies we know become marvelous mamas!!!🥂(😉maybe)
Grab this if you love a delicious dose of drama!
Content Warning
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
bullying
blood
OCD
ALS
dementia
infidelity
Thank you to Bookouture for providing an ARC via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pull up a chair and grab some snacks because these drama mamas are sure to give you something to talk about. 🍟🍿🍾
Before diving into the story, I need to mention that the marketing on this one can be misleading. It is styled very much like a thriller, but it is NOT. The cover, title, even the way it's described oozes suspenseful thriller-ish vibes, until you read it. This is technically listed as women's fiction which is a better fit. After reading this I'd also say that the title is misleading. 🤷🏻♀️I guess The Lack of Communication Between Us doesn't have quite the same ring to it.
Harriet has recently moved back to New York and has enrolled her eight-year-old daughter in The Garden School which takes a more inclusive, artistic, gentle approach to learning. She catches the ire of Elise when she spots Harriet being chatted up by Micheal her neurosurgeon husband. Elise has long suspected Micheal of infidelity and sees this exchange between he and Harriet as another bump in the road. Sure that Micheal's charm has ensnared yet another woman, the claws come out.
Adults Behaving Badly
Heavy on the catty tactics but so very real if you have experience with this sort of thing. Elise goes out of her way to belittle Harriet and make her feel left out at school functions. Harriet has a level of pettiness that she could win an award for. Of course, the more mud is slung the more the gossip mill churns. Micheal is his own can of worms. ✋🏻I wasn't excusing this guy for a second. He gets no pass from me. They all need soooo much therapy. Their children are in the same class, and I was wondering how long until things would boil over. The kids read as younger than third grade to me. The middle does drag some, but the beginning and ending are tighter and hold things together.
The author takes things to a deeper place by fully fleshing out these characters. She shows them warts and all. Their flaws, unresolved issues, stressors, health issues, fears, and uncertainties. And how despite being very different people both of these moms love their children. Showing the why behind the behavior gives the novel a dose of humanity. That's where the novel flexed strong wings and made me care. The smooth conversational writing made it easier to engage with this type of story.
May the mean mommies we know become marvelous mamas!!!🥂(😉maybe)
Grab this if you love a delicious dose of drama!
Content Warning
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
bullying
blood
OCD
ALS
dementia
infidelity
Thank you to Bookouture for providing an ARC via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2025
read if you like:
🎓 private school drama
🤷🏻♀️ infidelity
🩺 physical and mental health challenges
summary:
Kate Hewitt is a must read for me, and when I saw she had a new book coming out, I rushed to request it! While it isn’t my all time favorite of hers, it makes you think and pulls at your heart strings as only she can.
It follows two moms — Harriet, mother of Kyra, who recently moved to NYC with her daughter to move in with her daughter’s father, Allan, in an effort for them to grow closer, and Elise, mother of Lewis and Luke, who leads the PTO at The Garden School while married to her attractive, neurosurgeon husband, Michael. When Kyra starts attending The Garden School, Harriet meets Michael, and finds herself drawn to his approachable attitude and easygoing demeanor. Elise, on the other hand, immediately suspects that something is off with her husband’s relationship with the new woman. As the school year begins, Elise and Harriet find themselves at odds, with both of them hiding their feelings — and their true intentions — from each other. When their kids become friends, their relationship comes to a head — and they both realize their lives may be changed forever.
It’s hard to say much more without spoiling the plot, but there is a lot going on in this book — health issues, bullying, accused infidelity, misunderstood intentions….its just a lot. With all of these storylines overlapping, it starts to get hard to figure out whose side you’re on and whose actions you agree with. I also found myself struggling to like either Harriet or Elise as characters — they both are a little conniving, a little backstabby and neither makes an effort to find common ground with the other. Just when you think you’ve started to grasp the threads of the story, another curveball hits you and resets everything you think you know.
This all being said, it is a quick read, and with everything going on, it’s hard to put down, and it forces you to question who someone really is behind closed doors.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and if you love a good emotional tearjerker, check this out when it releases on July 24!
🎓 private school drama
🤷🏻♀️ infidelity
🩺 physical and mental health challenges
summary:
Kate Hewitt is a must read for me, and when I saw she had a new book coming out, I rushed to request it! While it isn’t my all time favorite of hers, it makes you think and pulls at your heart strings as only she can.
It follows two moms — Harriet, mother of Kyra, who recently moved to NYC with her daughter to move in with her daughter’s father, Allan, in an effort for them to grow closer, and Elise, mother of Lewis and Luke, who leads the PTO at The Garden School while married to her attractive, neurosurgeon husband, Michael. When Kyra starts attending The Garden School, Harriet meets Michael, and finds herself drawn to his approachable attitude and easygoing demeanor. Elise, on the other hand, immediately suspects that something is off with her husband’s relationship with the new woman. As the school year begins, Elise and Harriet find themselves at odds, with both of them hiding their feelings — and their true intentions — from each other. When their kids become friends, their relationship comes to a head — and they both realize their lives may be changed forever.
It’s hard to say much more without spoiling the plot, but there is a lot going on in this book — health issues, bullying, accused infidelity, misunderstood intentions….its just a lot. With all of these storylines overlapping, it starts to get hard to figure out whose side you’re on and whose actions you agree with. I also found myself struggling to like either Harriet or Elise as characters — they both are a little conniving, a little backstabby and neither makes an effort to find common ground with the other. Just when you think you’ve started to grasp the threads of the story, another curveball hits you and resets everything you think you know.
This all being said, it is a quick read, and with everything going on, it’s hard to put down, and it forces you to question who someone really is behind closed doors.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and if you love a good emotional tearjerker, check this out when it releases on July 24!
September 4, 2025
The Secret Between Us by Kate Hewitt, when the book starts we hear two mom’s talking about the new mom Gretchen whose daughter just started at the Manhattan private day school where they believe they rule the roost. Elise tries not to say too much because she has secrets of her own she’s trying to keep hidden. New mom Gretchen has moved to New York because her daughter Kyra‘s father is ill and she wants her to know Alan before he passes away. it isn’t until Elise sees Gretchen with her hand on Michael’s arm that at least decides to go over and introduce herself. Michael and Elise have been married almost 2 decades and they have twin boys Louis and Lucas and she strides daily to be the perfect wife and mother due to things from her childhood her biggest fear is her husband cheating on her Gretchen and Michael start up a friendship for Michael it is mainly due to Alan‘s illness and wanting to help Gretchen out but at Elise thinks it’s much much more and views Gretchen as the enemy. so when they’re at a school function and Elise starts choking Gretchen saves her life but at the same time her stomach perforates and the lease blames Gretchen and even wants to file a lawsuit. Michael is at his wits in trying to tell Elise he hasn’t cheated on her but by the time Elise gets the memo it may just be too late. There is way more in this book than what I put in this review I didn’t think I was going to like this book but wind it up loving it. I thought in the end everything came together and they acted like adults and I just thought the ending was beautiful it was a great ending for everyone involved despite the tragedy that befalls Michael and Elise. I also didn’t like Gretchen at first but the more I got to know her the more I absolutely did love her. this was a really good book it isn’t a thriller like you think of domestic thrillers but it is still truly a great great read. #NetGalley, #Bookouchur, #BlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #TheSecretBetweenUs, #KateHewitt,
May 26, 2025
As soon as the story begins, I was already able to draw a few conclusions. On the one hand, I had the feeling that the rumor mill would be running wild here, and on the other hand, that things were getting a little too cozy between Michael and Harriet.
The three main characters are Harriet, Michael, and Elise. The story is told from the perspectives of the two women.
Harriet is a bit of an outsider in the sense that she stands out among the other women. She’s different and wants to be different, and that doesn’t exactly make her popular. However, she knows exactly what she’s doing—and that might just backfire on her.
Michael isn’t entirely innocent either. He could have been more honest earlier on, but it also seemed like he didn’t really care much about being caught. I don’t find him very respectful towards his wife.
Then there’s Elise, Michael’s wife. She was manipulated into keeping things secret in order to keep the peace. Now she thinks she sees the same signs again, and that’s why she continues down the same path. Is that justified in this case or not?
It’s often the case that you fall into a pattern where you can no longer distinguish between what’s important and what’s not. Sometimes something serious needs to happen to wake people up and make them see what they were on the verge of losing.
Sometimes that means staying and adapting to the situation, and sometimes it means turning your life completely around.
Communication is a key word here—something that wasn’t used enough. It could have prevented or solved many problems more quickly, but then again, this would have been a very short and boring book. ;)
Luckily for us, the author spoiled us with a beautifully written and heartbreaking story.
I had just expected a different, maybe slightly stronger ending, but nevertheless I’m happy to give it 4 stars.
Thank you
The three main characters are Harriet, Michael, and Elise. The story is told from the perspectives of the two women.
Harriet is a bit of an outsider in the sense that she stands out among the other women. She’s different and wants to be different, and that doesn’t exactly make her popular. However, she knows exactly what she’s doing—and that might just backfire on her.
Michael isn’t entirely innocent either. He could have been more honest earlier on, but it also seemed like he didn’t really care much about being caught. I don’t find him very respectful towards his wife.
Then there’s Elise, Michael’s wife. She was manipulated into keeping things secret in order to keep the peace. Now she thinks she sees the same signs again, and that’s why she continues down the same path. Is that justified in this case or not?
It’s often the case that you fall into a pattern where you can no longer distinguish between what’s important and what’s not. Sometimes something serious needs to happen to wake people up and make them see what they were on the verge of losing.
Sometimes that means staying and adapting to the situation, and sometimes it means turning your life completely around.
Communication is a key word here—something that wasn’t used enough. It could have prevented or solved many problems more quickly, but then again, this would have been a very short and boring book. ;)
Luckily for us, the author spoiled us with a beautifully written and heartbreaking story.
I had just expected a different, maybe slightly stronger ending, but nevertheless I’m happy to give it 4 stars.
Thank you
July 5, 2025
Harriet has arrived from Texas and is now living in New York close to her daughter Kyra’s father, Allan, who is terminally ill. Allan has paid for Kyra to be enrolled in a local private school, but it’s clear from day one that Harriet’s not considered ‘one of the moms’ and is often the subject of ridicule and derision. One of the mothers, Elise, has an added concern, as it appears, during a school picnic, Harriet has struck up a friendship with her husband Michael. Having had suspicions over the years about her husband’s infidelity, this behaviour is concerning. Becoming friends with Lewis, one of Elise’s twins, brings Harriet into closer contact with Michael, and gives Elise even more cause for concern.
Written from Harriet and Elise’s viewpoints, it shows how suspicions without any substance of truth and fuelled by a gossiping and sometimes quite malicious group of mothers, can influence and be responsible for so much damage. Both Harriet and Elise have their flaws, Elise, who has worked hard to achieve her perfect life being easy prey to the opinions and whispered words of some of the more mischief making mothers. Although I had an instant dislike for Elise, finding her at times intolerant and self-absorbed, deeper into the book I discovered the reasons for this. It didn’t however, stop the lives of two families slowly unravelling, and causing so much harm.
It's a great emotional read; one of those books that makes you want to lock yourself away until you have finished it. Recommended.
I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Secret Between Us in exchange for an honest review.
Written from Harriet and Elise’s viewpoints, it shows how suspicions without any substance of truth and fuelled by a gossiping and sometimes quite malicious group of mothers, can influence and be responsible for so much damage. Both Harriet and Elise have their flaws, Elise, who has worked hard to achieve her perfect life being easy prey to the opinions and whispered words of some of the more mischief making mothers. Although I had an instant dislike for Elise, finding her at times intolerant and self-absorbed, deeper into the book I discovered the reasons for this. It didn’t however, stop the lives of two families slowly unravelling, and causing so much harm.
It's a great emotional read; one of those books that makes you want to lock yourself away until you have finished it. Recommended.
I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Secret Between Us in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2025
The Secret Between Us by Kate Hewitt is a complicated rendition of a relationship between two women who really don’t know one another. They are both moms of kids at the same school. One is beautiful, polished, and a leader; the other is less than ordinary, but she loves her kid. Harriet does not dress like the other women; she is “shabby,” but for some reason Elise is drawn to her and invites her to join the gala committee. That is not Harriet’s thing at all but she is willing to try. At Elise’s home she spends much of her time in the kitchen with Elise’s husband, Michael. Elise assumes one thing, the reality is much different. Michael is a neurosurgeon; Harriet’s present roommate, the father of her daughter, has been diagnosed with ALS. She is looking for support. Because of what Elise saw in her parents’ marriage, she makes assumptions. Everything goes wrong, almost immediately.
This is a complex story, full of past traumas and incorrect assumptions. This school that is so touted is full of gossipers and they make everything worse. People get hurt. Literally. It is so sad. The characters are terrific; they play their parts just as they should, never caring about anyone but themselves. The plot is complex and draws the reader in, full of curiosity about where this is all going. It is a very emotional book and one has to appreciate how well Hewitt handles it all. She is such a proficient author, she skips from genre to genre so one hardly knows what to expect then opening a book. Worthwhile read.
I was invited to read The Secret Between Us by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #TheSecretBetweenUs
This is a complex story, full of past traumas and incorrect assumptions. This school that is so touted is full of gossipers and they make everything worse. People get hurt. Literally. It is so sad. The characters are terrific; they play their parts just as they should, never caring about anyone but themselves. The plot is complex and draws the reader in, full of curiosity about where this is all going. It is a very emotional book and one has to appreciate how well Hewitt handles it all. She is such a proficient author, she skips from genre to genre so one hardly knows what to expect then opening a book. Worthwhile read.
I was invited to read The Secret Between Us by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #TheSecretBetweenUs
August 1, 2025
The Secret Between Us is about two women and their families. Elise is 49 and married to Michael, who is a neurosurgeon, and they have twin sons Lewis and Luke aged eight. She always seems like a woman in charge, knowing what to do and when, always looking immaculate and as though she has the perfect life. But there seems to be something strange going on in her marriage.
Her children go to The Garden School and at their annual preschool picnic, the new woman Harriet Tierney is there. She is mum to Kyra (8), new to the school and new to New York City. Elise sees Michael talking to her, standing close by, and begins to worry if something is going on, if her husband has a connection with Harriet.
The novel is told from the viewpoints of Elise and Harriet. Straight away, I preferred Harriet. She’s an artist into pottery and painting. She dresses unconventionally, which the ‘in crowd’ of mums think is weird, but I like people who stay true to what they want to wear and don’t conform to other views.
Harriet has moved to New York to live with Allan (58) who is Kyra’s dad. They haven’t seen Allan for seven years previously, but now they are living together. Allan is paying the fees for Kyra to go to The Garden School.
Obviously I’m not going to tell you what happens, but plenty does and the two women’s lives become interlinked. You also get to see their relationships with their fathers, which I found interesting, as you begin to understand what makes the women tick and how previous experiences have got them to where they are now.
The characters are beautifully drawn and the story is well-plotted with enough surprises to keep you wanting to read more.
Her children go to The Garden School and at their annual preschool picnic, the new woman Harriet Tierney is there. She is mum to Kyra (8), new to the school and new to New York City. Elise sees Michael talking to her, standing close by, and begins to worry if something is going on, if her husband has a connection with Harriet.
The novel is told from the viewpoints of Elise and Harriet. Straight away, I preferred Harriet. She’s an artist into pottery and painting. She dresses unconventionally, which the ‘in crowd’ of mums think is weird, but I like people who stay true to what they want to wear and don’t conform to other views.
Harriet has moved to New York to live with Allan (58) who is Kyra’s dad. They haven’t seen Allan for seven years previously, but now they are living together. Allan is paying the fees for Kyra to go to The Garden School.
Obviously I’m not going to tell you what happens, but plenty does and the two women’s lives become interlinked. You also get to see their relationships with their fathers, which I found interesting, as you begin to understand what makes the women tick and how previous experiences have got them to where they are now.
The characters are beautifully drawn and the story is well-plotted with enough surprises to keep you wanting to read more.
August 2, 2025
‼️Out Now ‼️ I must apologise profusely to Author Kate Hewitt, for being late with my reviews - sorry 🙏🏽 😍 At our school’s bustling summer picnic, I watch single mom Harriet walk purposefully toward my husband, Michael. She places a hand on his arm, introducing herself and laughing at something he says. A knot forms in my stomach as I watch. I know what’s coming. I’ve been here before. But I can’t walk away…
Over the next few weeks, I try to keep Harriet from my family. But no matter what I do, she finds a way in. Our children become friends, she comes to coffee dates with the other parents, and one night I find her in my kitchen, smiling at my husband as she sips a cocktail. I’m becoming a stranger in my own home.
That night, when I see a message from her light up on my husband’s phone, I can barely breathe. I know this is more than an affair. She’s in our lives for a different reason. For years, I’ve kept a secret buried deep because I thought I could hold my family together. But now I’m terrified Harriet is going to reveal it, and I will lose everything…. 📚📚 This book showed relatable school mums dynamics! Especially when a mum is becoming very familiar with one of the others husband! Strange behaviour between them causes all sorts of problems. There are too many secrets!! #followback #instagram #followers #myself #love #thesecretbetweenus #katehewitt #bookouture #netgalley #bookstagramshaz
Over the next few weeks, I try to keep Harriet from my family. But no matter what I do, she finds a way in. Our children become friends, she comes to coffee dates with the other parents, and one night I find her in my kitchen, smiling at my husband as she sips a cocktail. I’m becoming a stranger in my own home.
That night, when I see a message from her light up on my husband’s phone, I can barely breathe. I know this is more than an affair. She’s in our lives for a different reason. For years, I’ve kept a secret buried deep because I thought I could hold my family together. But now I’m terrified Harriet is going to reveal it, and I will lose everything…. 📚📚 This book showed relatable school mums dynamics! Especially when a mum is becoming very familiar with one of the others husband! Strange behaviour between them causes all sorts of problems. There are too many secrets!! #followback #instagram #followers #myself #love #thesecretbetweenus #katehewitt #bookouture #netgalley #bookstagramshaz
July 24, 2025
This was a decent domestic thriller. After thinking about this book for a few days I actually edited my review as I liked it more than I thought that I did. You know when a book sticks with you? I think my biggest challenge was the description of the book doesn’t match the reality of the prose. I enjoyed the story over all but I enjoy more suspense thrillers over domestic. If you’re looking for a true suspense thriller, this isn’t the book for you.
I consumed the audiobook and it had narrators Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell who both did a great job with the duel POV novel. The only hiccup is that they sound very similar so it was good that the chapters were clearly marked with who was speaking.
The plot is filled with messy family dynamics and touches on the social order of the wealthy which adds another layer to the story. I loved the perfect descriptions of “friendships” (particularly in NYC and the education culture) as well as motherhood.
The book comes out July 24th and I suggest either the physical or audiobook with equal opinion.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Bookouture Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
July 23, 2025
Title: The Secrets Between Us
Author: Kate Hewitt
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Lisa Rost-Walling and Madeline Pell
Publisher: Bookouture Audio and Hachette UK
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: July 24, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Pages: 348
This book is told from the POV of Elise and Harriett.
Elise and her husband, Michael Dunned a physician with twin sons Luke and Lewis– have what looks like a perfect marriage.
The boys attend “The Garden School” which is a private school in New York where Harriett Tierney’s daughter Kyra attends. TGS is not a highly selective private school but chosen for being second best!!!!
Harriett is an artist who recently moved to New York from Texas to be close to Kyra’s father, Allan, who has ALS which is a terminal illness.
Elise is a very insecure person and fears Michael is unfaithful with Harriett. She believe this because she sees them together but her fear comes from the fact that her father was unfaithful to her mother – it seems her mother wasn’t aware but Elise was thus making her suspicious of her own husband.
Story started out a slow burn ‘soap opera’~ I hung in there. Glad I did because as the story continued things got far more interesting.
I ended up enjoying it far more than I once expected!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 24, 2025.
Author: Kate Hewitt
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Lisa Rost-Walling and Madeline Pell
Publisher: Bookouture Audio and Hachette UK
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: July 24, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Pages: 348
This book is told from the POV of Elise and Harriett.
Elise and her husband, Michael Dunned a physician with twin sons Luke and Lewis– have what looks like a perfect marriage.
The boys attend “The Garden School” which is a private school in New York where Harriett Tierney’s daughter Kyra attends. TGS is not a highly selective private school but chosen for being second best!!!!
Harriett is an artist who recently moved to New York from Texas to be close to Kyra’s father, Allan, who has ALS which is a terminal illness.
Elise is a very insecure person and fears Michael is unfaithful with Harriett. She believe this because she sees them together but her fear comes from the fact that her father was unfaithful to her mother – it seems her mother wasn’t aware but Elise was thus making her suspicious of her own husband.
Story started out a slow burn ‘soap opera’~ I hung in there. Glad I did because as the story continued things got far more interesting.
I ended up enjoying it far more than I once expected!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 24, 2025.
July 26, 2025
The Secret Between Us explores how well we know the people we love the most. I found it compulsive reading because of Kate Hewitt's engaging style of storytelling. Her way of describing emotional reactions to everyday, down-to-earth situations gave me plenty to think about. I did not predict how the complex interplay of relationships between bohemian Harriet, ultra-formal Elise and charming Michael would eventually play out, but I enjoyed trying.
Harriet and Elise are thrown together when Harriet's daughter joins the expensive private school attended by Elise's twin sons. Elise is securely married to a handsome surgeon and Harriet is caring for her daughter's father, who is terminally ill. There are no prizes for guessing who has the most influence with the PTA when the novel opens, but the balance of power shifts when Harriet and Michael form a risky friendship.
The three children also have relationship issues which at first appear to reflect what their parents are going through., but develop in a separate and fascinating manner.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy emotional fiction by authors like Jodi Picault. I was given a copy in return for an honest review.
Harriet and Elise are thrown together when Harriet's daughter joins the expensive private school attended by Elise's twin sons. Elise is securely married to a handsome surgeon and Harriet is caring for her daughter's father, who is terminally ill. There are no prizes for guessing who has the most influence with the PTA when the novel opens, but the balance of power shifts when Harriet and Michael form a risky friendship.
The three children also have relationship issues which at first appear to reflect what their parents are going through., but develop in a separate and fascinating manner.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy emotional fiction by authors like Jodi Picault. I was given a copy in return for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
📆 single, linear timeline
👀 dual POV.
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Maybe this is all we can do - find the happiness and the peace within the sorrow and the brokenness, and let it be enough."
I started reading this thinking it was going to be a fast-paced psychological thriller, which is entirely my fault for not reading the blurb between applying for the tour and actually reading the book. But despite that, I just could not put this down. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" as I was desperate to know what secrets were being hidden.
I can’t pretend that I have any idea what life is like for the wealthy New Yorkers portrayed in 'The Secret Between Us', it's a life that seems to be the polar opposite to my own. And whilst on the face of it, it seems idyllic, I'm not actually sure it's so great. Hewitt has written characters that I completely believe in, they were exactly as I imagine the mega rich to be. Bitchy, holier than thou and kind of annoying.
But this book also had a depth that I wasn't expecting, the messages around blame, and how we often apportion it incorrectly, really made me think, and I love a book that does that.
This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
👀 dual POV.
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Maybe this is all we can do - find the happiness and the peace within the sorrow and the brokenness, and let it be enough."
I started reading this thinking it was going to be a fast-paced psychological thriller, which is entirely my fault for not reading the blurb between applying for the tour and actually reading the book. But despite that, I just could not put this down. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" as I was desperate to know what secrets were being hidden.
I can’t pretend that I have any idea what life is like for the wealthy New Yorkers portrayed in 'The Secret Between Us', it's a life that seems to be the polar opposite to my own. And whilst on the face of it, it seems idyllic, I'm not actually sure it's so great. Hewitt has written characters that I completely believe in, they were exactly as I imagine the mega rich to be. Bitchy, holier than thou and kind of annoying.
But this book also had a depth that I wasn't expecting, the messages around blame, and how we often apportion it incorrectly, really made me think, and I love a book that does that.
This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
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