Secrets Between Friends

by Sheila O'Flanagan

Coming in 2026: the extraordinary new contemporary novel, set in Ireland, Italy and France, from the bestselling author of The Honeymoon Affair and The Missing Wife.

Ailie, Sybil and Rua can take care of themselves. But when they form an unexpected friendship, they discover new perspectives on old problems.

Ailie is recently widowed, and struggling. At least she can cut ties with her toxic Italian in-laws. Except her teenage daughter is joining them in Trieste. Should Ailie follow, and confront the family who can't forgive her?

Sybil has learned to be happy alone. But her younger sister, Tansy, thinks Sybil needs to find a man before it's too late. And she has the perfect candidate. Can Sybil cope with Tansy interfering - again?

Twice Rua has faced the worst, and twice she's started over. All that matters now is protecting her daughter. Yet she's kept the full story from her. Is it time to trust Brontë with the truth?

An intriguing and sparkling story about women discovering their strength - and loving life.

Genres: Fiction

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.

As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.

I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.

I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.

But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.

I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.

And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.

When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:

* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last

I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.

I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Reviews

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Between Friends by Sheila O’Flanagan (March 26th, 2026 with Headline Review) is described as ‘an intriguing and sparkling story about women discovering their strength – and loving life.'

Three women meet accidently, resulting in an unanticipated, but welcome, friendship in this gorgeous new book from Sheila O’Flanagan. An author with a large fan base, and for all the right reasons, O’Flanagan’s work is affecting and kind, connecting with many readers. In her latest novel, the focus is on three women of different ages who all share a common denominator, they are all at different stages of grief.

Ailie, Sybil and Rua are all facing uphill struggles in their lives as they contemplate moving forward without their life-partners. Sybil, the eldest of the three, is quite forthright about what she likes and doesn’t like, which frustrates her younger sister, Tansy. Convinced that Sybil is moving toward a lonely life, Tansy’s attempts at matchmaking cause much strife between the siblings. Sybil has no children and is happy with her choices and the independence it provides her with. She worked as a professional all her life supporting her husband as his business took off, finally nursing him through illness. Financially secure, Sybil considers herself to be content, until she meets Ailie and Rua. Sybil hasn’t had many female friendships and suddenly realises the difference this companionship makes to her daily life.

Ailie has recently suffered a great loss with the very sudden death of her husband Giorgio Marchetti. Throughout their marriage he kept her at a distance from his family in Italy, but now, following his death, Ailie is forced to accept that she will have to communicate with them. Flavia, her daughter, wants a closer relationship with her Italian cousins and intends travelling to Trieste to work in the Marchetti business. Ailie is struggling to deal with her grief and Flavia’s wishes, unsure of how to decide without Giorgio by her side. Her meeting with Rua and Sybil could not have come at a better time as she struggles to move through her days.

Rua has been forced to make life-altering adjustments more than once. Her daughter, Brontë, is spreading her wings, about to embark on her own adventure, but Rua is struggling to release her. Having suffered more than her fair share of pain, she fears for what the future may hold for Brontë. As the years passed by, she had been able to protect her daughter from her own personal anguish but now, with Brontë asking questions about her earlier life, Rua is faced with a dilemma. Rua and Sybil come along just at the right time providing her with the much needed company and listening ears.

The friendship develops slowly over coffee, lunches and a few drinks, with each of the women finding unexpected solace. They start to trust each other more and, as the months pass, they each reveal little snippets about their past and their hopes for the future. In a beautiful developing manner, these three wonderful women discover more about themselves and what they are capable of. Their bond strengthens as they laugh, cry and support each other when needed. Taking the reader from Ireland to France and Italy, Sheila O’Flanagan gently steers the course of the narrative around challenging obstacles and emotional moments. Sybil, Rua and Ailie’s chance encounter is a life-saving moment for all three as they navigate through the twists and turns of life. Grief is a very individual experience and, alongside other emotive themes, Sheila O’Flanagan writes with great sensitivity and a gentle hand.

The women’s three different stories are all seamlessly woven together in this compassionate and touching tale. A contemporary novel about female friendship and how empowering its support can be, Secrets Between Friends is one that will resonate with many. Uplifting and affecting.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ailie, Sybil and Rua all know what it means to lose a beloved partner, and to have to learn to navigate a new chapter in their lives. Ailie, recently widowed, is struggling, but trying to keep going for the sake of her daughter Flavia, whilst dealing with troublesome Italian in-laws. Sybil is settled in her single life, but younger sister Tansy will keep interfering, sure Sybil must be in need of a man after five years of widowhood. And Rua, who has had to start over twice, is keeping secrets from her daughter Bronte, and certain she will never love anyone as much as her late wife, Lilou.

One fateful day, the three women meet outside a concert venue, after Sybil is run down by a careless youth on an e-bike. Uncharacteristically for all three, they decide to go for a drink to recover from the ordeal, and a connection sparks between them...

This lovely story unfurls through the voices of the three women, with snippets from Flavia and Bronte, and journeys between Ireland, Italy and France. As their friendship grows, the 'Merry Widows' reveal their stories - Ailie telling of her fresh grief at the loss of her Italian husband Georgio, and the difficult state of affairs with his family, who never accepted her; Sybil recounting her life with tech-genius Theo, which took her around the world, and the unwelcome efforts of Tansy to marry her off; and Rua, whose life has shrunk since the loss of her French wife, and who has no idea how to broach a difficult subject with her daughter.

Lashing of golden moments, steeped in laughter (Turkey Teeth Burt was quite something) and tears ensue as the women support each other through their trials and tribulations, and learn to open up their hearts to new experiences. There are some particularly beautiful episodes in Italy, where Sybil helps Ailie tackle her difficult in-laws; in France, when Sybil and Ailie are at Rua's side as she finds closure; and at Rua's childhood home, when Bronte forces a painful confrontation.

O'Flanagan's women are a joy. Steadfast Sybil was my favourite, but it was a treat to spend time with them all as they learned how to come to terms with the heart-ache of their individual losses and learned to write their own sequels. Themes of complicated families, marriage, motherhood, unbearable grief, and generational trauma are handled with sensitivity, and I found myself mopping up tears throughout.

Absolutely wonderful storytelling about female friendship and second chances kept me absorbed from the first page to the last. I really did not want to say goodbye to Sybil, Ailie and Rua. and would love to know what happens to them next, if you ever have a follow-up novel in mind Ms O'Flanagan?

[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a poignant read: a story which follows Ailie, Sybil and Rua, as they each try to build a new life after losing their loved ones.

The three widows meet accidentally, and soon realise what they have in common. They become an emotional support for each other as they traverse the tough times, but are also there to bring moments of joy to each other too. They’re different ages, and at different points in their careers, but I loved the friendship they developed and the care they showed each other.

I liked all three women, but I wasn’t as keen on Tansy, Sybil’s sister, who tried far too hard to find a partner for Sybil, much to Sybil’s dismay. I also felt that a few characters declared their love rather prematurely - especially Burt who was unbelievably single-minded in his pursuit of one of the ladies.

The narrative is told from all three POVs and moves from the present to the past seamlessly. I enjoyed getting to know the three women, their families, and their partners who are with them no more; but Rua’s story was particularly tough to read, and trigger warnings should be checked.

A lot of the story was set in Ireland, where the ladies are now living, but it also visits Italy and France which were great backdrops for the story, and an opportunity to meet further friends and family who were living there. It’s a beautiful story of finding new friendships a bit later in life, coping with the myriad of emotions which encompass your life when a loved one passes, and realising that it’s ok to feel happiness again.


I was sent a proof copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming and at times moving story about 3 Irish widows who come together by chance after an accident.
Sybil, slightly older than the other 2, in her sixties and alone for 5 years, Rua who lives with her 20 year old daughter and Allie who is struggling after her recent bereavement along with her daughter Flavia.
All have problems to overcome- Allie her husband’s difficult Italian family who resent her, Rua events from her past that weigh heavily on her present and Sybil who avoids friendship and attempts by her sister to matchmake- fearing moving on.
What should have been a sad tale was actually quite uplifting as the three women become incredibly supportive friends to each other in a short time. It really explored the importance of female friendships.
As well as Ireland, the book is set in Italy and France, both places playing significant roles in helping the characters accept that life must continue and perhaps 2nd chances should be accepted.
I liked all 3 protagonists, they were well rounded and believable, struggling to hold it together in difficult circumstances.
Having read some of this author’s earlier books I was excited to read “Secrets Between Friends” and found it a moving and life affirming read which I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgally for the ARC!

Shelia writes from the heart. There isn't a book of her's that hasn't made me feel an array of emotions and Secrets Between Friends didn't disappoint.

3 very different women thrown together whilst navigating the loss of a husband or wife. This story explores bereavement thats raw, but the comfort they find in each other is beautiful. It also sensitively discusses rape, handled poorly due to the small town era, the impact on the victim, child and the family that thought the secret was buried (I really did hope there would be some vengeance for that horrid man but in hindsight it was managed with grace).

I loved the daughters Flavia and Brontè, Marco too, he really did step up and put Sophia in her place when the time was right, Nonna was a gem too. Burt lol what a fella, absolute cringe.

And the settings, Ireland, France and Italy beautifully described and throw in a cruise, delicious foods, cocktails, what more could you ask for.

Another 5* read full of love and kindness, sit back and enjoy!

[Pamela Viti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets between friends
Sheila o Flanagan

Thank you NetGalley for the arc

Sheila O Flanagan is an author that you just know when you pick up one of her books that it’s going to be an enjoyable read. I have been a fan of Sheila’s since my college days and once again, this book ticked all my boxes. It’s charming, uplifting, yet emotional at times.

The story evolves around three women who meet one evening by chance. All three women have one thing in common- they are widows. What starts out as a coffee date here and there, results in a friendship with tight, strong bonds.

This story is based in Dublin but it brings us to the Italian and French countryside, where the description of the scenic views and food are amazing!

The three women embark on their own personal journeys, as they encourage and support each other, to move forward after the loss of their spouses. It highlights the greatness and importance of having solid friends.

The book is out this week (26th March) and is a perfect holiday read

Really enjoyable read, 4 stars from me.

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Between Friends is a delightful, if at times emotional, read, a celebration of the power of female friendship and a story of learning how to move on in the face of seemingly insurmountable grief.

Three women - Ailie, Sybil and Rua - meet by chance. Of differing ages, they discover they have something in common as they are all learning to deal with the loss of their spouse and navigate how to move forward in life. What begins as a chance encounter becomes a firm friendship as the "Merry Widows" open up to each other, share their stories and help each other begin to write their next chapter.

All three women are brought beautifully to life as the story moves from Ireland to Italy and France. I was fully invested in each of their stories as they faced their own challenges and dug deep to move forward - and their friendship is central to them finding the courage to do so. O'Flanagan handles some complicated issues with sensitivity and it's a moving read at times - and yet it is ultimately uplifting as all three women begin to find their route to new-found happiness.

[C Fillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a treat to receive a new Shelia O'Flanagan novel and this one did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoy the author's writing style and the way she explores issues important to the modern woman. I like how she writes about strong women facing problems that many of us encounter. A main theme in this story is grief. It has three women of different ages, experiencing the loss of a loved one and how it affected their lives. The author develops the friendship of these women over time in a plausible and satisfying way. A highlight for me was how the women supported each other during challenging times. I highly recommend this book to readers who want a well-written book with fully developed characters and settings. I loved the changing settings from Ireland to Italy and France. A great escape for any time of year. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this wonderful book to read.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book about life from Sheila O'Flanagan. Secrets Between Friends addresses life after the loss of a partner, blended families and every mix of families in between. The three women at the centre of the story have all lost their partners in different circumstances. They meet up totally by chance and become firm friends helping each other through their very different problems. I loved the characters of these women. All had their flaws and all were fixed in their ways to a certain extent but together they grew and blossomed. Beautifully written. I know I can always rely on a Sheila O'Flanagan book for a good read and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three women meet by chance, and discover they're all widows. They're all independent, smart women but a friendship develops and it's a joy to behold.
I loved the fact the friendships spanned the generations. 67 year old Sybil as a heroine to me with her glamour and savviness, and for the fact she had a corporate career. All too often books feature women who work in cute cafes, PR or nursing. Those who handle the often brutal environment of corporate life are sidelined by female writers. Fortunately O'Flanagan came from the finance sector. She isn't sugar coating widowhood. She confronts some realities of life including misogyny and difficult family relationships. A glorious, uplifting read with edge.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully gentle story of three Irish widows which takes us through grief and life after the love-of-your-life.

We journey with these women as they face the emotions and decisions and emptiness they are left with. In many ways it feels the story doesn’t go anywhere, with no big conflict or disruptor, but it also feels that is the point. Surviving ‘Life after’ is enough.

There are three main characters and the focus would change between them mid chapter which was a little confusing but served well to weave their stories more intimately together.

I get the feeling this is one of those stories that will sit quietly in my mind for a while, stirring into my thoughts when prompted by something I hear, read or feel.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three widows unexpectedly meet due to a twist of fate and soon form a tight friendship due to their shared experiences. We then follow the 3 ladies as they navigate their lives while leaning on each other for support.

All 3 female characters were very likeable and had good detailed backstories.

The setting was great and I enjoyed when they were in Italy.


The story shows the true power of friendship and while there are some heartbreaking moments the book is uplifting and shows true strength and courage between the friends.

A beautiful 5 star read which I would recommend

Thanks to NetGalley, Sheila O Flanagan and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Faith Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, disclaimer, I've read many of Sheila's books to date and I've enjoyed everyone of them. This one, her latest is perhaps one of my favorites!
It's the story of three women, Rua, Ailie and Sybil - these are every-woman women - I could see myself and my friends in them, and so they are more relatable. This is a story that brings us down roads you don't expect - there is trauma (very sensitively handled), there is loss, but mostly there are those magic ingredients that we've come to look forward to in Sheila's stories - friendship, love, travel, humour and the reassurance, that these are modern women, well able to handle whatever life throws at them.
I loved it.
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ailie, Rua and Sybil are women in very different circumstances - one a widow who is trying to put her daughter's needs first even as she tries to figure out how to distance a from her difficult Italian in laws; another trying to figure out if she even wants a man in her life, regardless of what her sister is trying to push her into; and the third debating with the she can tell her child the truth about her origins.

This is a charming story about life, the secrets we keep and the people we choose to keep alongside us, and the truths that remind us of who we really are. Thoroughly engaging, it gets 3. 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

chance meeting between 3 ladies leads to friendship.
Sybil, a widow of 5 years who is resisting her sister Tansy's matchmaking. Financially secure and settled she doesn't see the need for a male in her life.
Rua who has moved with her daughter Brontë from France following the death of her wife.
Allie has just buried her husband and both her and her daughter Flavia are both grieving. Complicated by her late husband's Italian family that have never recognised Allie as his second wife or Flavia as a member of the family.
Friendship, loyalty and support are central as the women become closer secrets are told and bonds are strengthened

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite read.
The kindness of strangers blossoms into deep friendships as Sybil, Ailie and Rua meet and become fast friends.
Sometimes the people who can support you the most are the ones that know you the least.
Three ordinary but also extraordinary women all at crossroads in their lives.
I love that from early on in the book you're not only invested in the characters’ lives, they feel like real-life friends.
I read the author's first book when I was in my early 30s and immediately related to her characters and now in my early 60s I find myself still relating to the. I feel they've grown older with me.
Another beautiful read from this very talented author.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the latest novel by one of my favourite authors, Sheila O’Flanagan. She is the master of showcasing women’s friendships in her novels. This novel follows 3 widows who accidentally meet and become friends. Ailie who recently lost her husband suddenly. Sybil who lost her husband 5 years ago and is facing pressure from her sister to start dating. Rua who lost her partner 3 years ago. The women are all in different stages of their grief and all of them also have secrets from their past but their close friendship is helping them navigate the past and to move ahead with their lives. A fabulous read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story revolves round three woman, each navigating the difficult journey of widowhood. They met by chance but soon form a strong friendship, supporting each other as new challenges come their way.

I loved how the book explores female friendships. The shared experiences, worries , secrets and support they each gave each other was so well written.

The writers understanding of life events was evident throughout, I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and cheering them on as they celebrated their pasts while embracing new beginnings.

[Ann Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance encounter sparks a friendship between three women, revealing secrets from their past and touching on sad social issues. Friends are the chosen family we build for ourselves and new friendships in adulthood often have a backstory. Will any secrets catch up with them? How will they confront their past and what will their new friends do to support each other? This uplifting story of three women is filled with strong characters easy to identify with and a realistic plot. Emotional depth and character development are woven throughout.

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book and review it ahead of publication.

This is an ideal holiday read, it's gentle and heartwarming. Following the stories of three widows, and helping each other to move forwards. It's easy to follow each of the characters stories, and get to know them individually.

[Tina Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 widows become friends after meeting due to one of them getting hit by someone on a escooter after a night out. 3 woman in different stages of grief become a support network for each other. Through finding themselves allowing love in traveling. Was such a good read 3 complete strangers become firm friends..

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When three women meet on the off chance after one of them is knocked down by an e scooter and the others help her and make sure that she is ok, a wonderful story of friendship, friends and a lovely bond that they all have together.

[Michelle Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really struggled with this book found it rather dull I didn’t care for it at all wasn’t fussed on finishing it ,if this was my first Sheila o’flanagan book it wouldn’t make me want to pick up another hopefully her next book will be more interesting

[Jodi]

DNF at page 58.
3 person perspective. hard to keep up with who was who. Did not connect with any of the characters. It was hard to get into. I've read many of Sheila's books in the past, I lost energy and care factor with this one

[Alethea Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.5 would be my preferred rating if I could! It was such a pleasant read, the characters and the locations and the storyline- all of it kept me wanting to read more. Not in the “can’t put it down” way though. Definitely recommend when you want a feel-good, low stress book!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved how 3 friends had each other’s backs and encouraged and uplifted each other when needed but also spoke the hard truths when they were needed.
Also a great demonstration of how everyone deals with grief differently.
A must read!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle read following three women who meet through circumstance . They have all lost their partners and together find a way forward .

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Sheila O'Flanagan manages to weave a story around disparate characters, with a lovely undercurrent of her views on the political state of th world.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read.

[Teresa Holgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, one of my favourite authors