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The Riviera Secret
The captivating new novel from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Steele is a spellbinding book club read set in the glittering French Riviera, sweeping from the Roaring Twenties through to the dangerous days leading up to the outbreak of war.
Nestled into the pine-dusted coastline of the Cap d'Antibes is the dazzling white Château Violette. When British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere, his young Jewish wife Daisy and their four-year-old son move into the château in the summer of 1938, their home becomes a beacon for the glamorous expat set - rife with gossip about the Windsors, and everyone in denial about the grumblings across the border in Italy and northern Europe.
But as Germany tightens its grip on Europe, Daisy discovers the château holds a dark past that could threaten her future. While she unravels the tragic secrets of the previous mistresses of Château Violette, war begins to rage across the continent, and soon, no one is safe - least of all Daisy...
Nestled into the pine-dusted coastline of the Cap d'Antibes is the dazzling white Château Violette. When British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere, his young Jewish wife Daisy and their four-year-old son move into the château in the summer of 1938, their home becomes a beacon for the glamorous expat set - rife with gossip about the Windsors, and everyone in denial about the grumblings across the border in Italy and northern Europe.
But as Germany tightens its grip on Europe, Daisy discovers the château holds a dark past that could threaten her future. While she unravels the tragic secrets of the previous mistresses of Château Violette, war begins to rage across the continent, and soon, no one is safe - least of all Daisy...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
22 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Steele
20 books31 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 9, 2026
French Riviera, 1938. British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere, his wife Daisy and their four year-old son Milo move into Château Violette on the coastline of Cap d'Antibes for the summer and despite the unease around another war starting.
The area is famous for being the playground for the rich and famous, with its crystal clear water and stunning views, casino’s and nightclubs, and even Winston and Clementine Churchill and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor stay here.
Daisy has been having trouble with her health, she lost a baby a year ago, her mental state declined, she spent time in a clinic and they hope her husband’s working holiday and a change of scenery will help her body and mind heal.
The château has a sad past, the first owner a dancer from the 1920’s was gifted the land from her fiancée, she designed the magnificent white house on the cliff and ever since the inhabitants have had terrible luck.
Daisy finds she can’t settle and feels like someone is watching her, she hears haunting music at night and can't sleep, Milo is behaving badly and grown attached to his nanny and she worries she’s losing her mind and her child?
The story has a dual time line, it set in the 1920’s, late 1930’s and in 1945 and just after the end of World War Two.
I received a copy of The Riviera Secret by Sarah Steele from NetGalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review. The main character Daisy is fragile, not sure who she can trust and as everyone slowly leaves it gets worse, because she’s half Jewish and nowhere is safe.
A historical mystery, full of lots of twist and turns and many I didn’t see coming, set in a beautiful house with a tragic history and it will have you wondering what's real and true facts, or is it all pure fiction and will keep you guessing until the end.
Five stars from me, I highly recommend The Riviera Secret and I’m keen to read other books by Ms Steele.
The area is famous for being the playground for the rich and famous, with its crystal clear water and stunning views, casino’s and nightclubs, and even Winston and Clementine Churchill and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor stay here.
Daisy has been having trouble with her health, she lost a baby a year ago, her mental state declined, she spent time in a clinic and they hope her husband’s working holiday and a change of scenery will help her body and mind heal.
The château has a sad past, the first owner a dancer from the 1920’s was gifted the land from her fiancée, she designed the magnificent white house on the cliff and ever since the inhabitants have had terrible luck.
Daisy finds she can’t settle and feels like someone is watching her, she hears haunting music at night and can't sleep, Milo is behaving badly and grown attached to his nanny and she worries she’s losing her mind and her child?
The story has a dual time line, it set in the 1920’s, late 1930’s and in 1945 and just after the end of World War Two.
I received a copy of The Riviera Secret by Sarah Steele from NetGalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review. The main character Daisy is fragile, not sure who she can trust and as everyone slowly leaves it gets worse, because she’s half Jewish and nowhere is safe.
A historical mystery, full of lots of twist and turns and many I didn’t see coming, set in a beautiful house with a tragic history and it will have you wondering what's real and true facts, or is it all pure fiction and will keep you guessing until the end.
Five stars from me, I highly recommend The Riviera Secret and I’m keen to read other books by Ms Steele.
January 17, 2026
The Riviera Secret
by Sarah Steele
Set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s through to the onset of World War II, "The Riviera Secret" intricately weaves a tale centred around the breathtaking Château Violette, perched along the idyllic French Riviera. The story begins in the summer of 1938 when British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere and his young Jewish wife, Daisy, take residence in the château, seeking a refuge from the increasingly oppressive political climate in Europe.
As the shadow of Germany's expansion looms over the continent, Daisy becomes intrigued by the enigmatic history of the château. Her curiosity leads her to unearth a series of dark and unsettling tales about its former inhabitants. Among these is the original owner, Violette, a woman whose tragic story resonates deeply with Daisy, bringing to light the château’s connection to a hidden past that could jeopardise her own future.
With its foundations deeply rooted in historical events, this novel is a compelling mystery that masterfully explores the complexities of the human experience. The fast-paced narrative is enriched with thorough research, adding layers of authenticity to the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. As secrets are unveiled one by one, you are left guessing until the very end, with the tension building to a gripping conclusion.
Overall, *The Riviera Secret* is a captivating read, brimming with suspense, mystery, and the allure of the glamorous yet perilous French Riviera.
by Sarah Steele
Set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s through to the onset of World War II, "The Riviera Secret" intricately weaves a tale centred around the breathtaking Château Violette, perched along the idyllic French Riviera. The story begins in the summer of 1938 when British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere and his young Jewish wife, Daisy, take residence in the château, seeking a refuge from the increasingly oppressive political climate in Europe.
As the shadow of Germany's expansion looms over the continent, Daisy becomes intrigued by the enigmatic history of the château. Her curiosity leads her to unearth a series of dark and unsettling tales about its former inhabitants. Among these is the original owner, Violette, a woman whose tragic story resonates deeply with Daisy, bringing to light the château’s connection to a hidden past that could jeopardise her own future.
With its foundations deeply rooted in historical events, this novel is a compelling mystery that masterfully explores the complexities of the human experience. The fast-paced narrative is enriched with thorough research, adding layers of authenticity to the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. As secrets are unveiled one by one, you are left guessing until the very end, with the tension building to a gripping conclusion.
Overall, *The Riviera Secret* is a captivating read, brimming with suspense, mystery, and the allure of the glamorous yet perilous French Riviera.
January 20, 2026
This is my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be my last.
It tells the story of the inhabitants of Chateau Violette on the French Riviera and the time frame is the 1920s and 30s, the war years and the period afterwards .
The main two protagonists are Violette, a dancer who has the house built and Daisy, a young mother who comes to live in the house just before the Second World War.
As the secrets of the house are revealed there are many twists and turns. The reader is left wondering how it is all going to end. The several time period shifts take a bit of getting used to but once it all becomes clear the plot is easy to follow and extremely gripping.
If you like historical novels which also contain a mystery this is definitely the book for you.
My favourite character was Daisy who manages to overcome a tragedy and eventually, through extreme perseverance, solves some of the mystery of Violette.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
It tells the story of the inhabitants of Chateau Violette on the French Riviera and the time frame is the 1920s and 30s, the war years and the period afterwards .
The main two protagonists are Violette, a dancer who has the house built and Daisy, a young mother who comes to live in the house just before the Second World War.
As the secrets of the house are revealed there are many twists and turns. The reader is left wondering how it is all going to end. The several time period shifts take a bit of getting used to but once it all becomes clear the plot is easy to follow and extremely gripping.
If you like historical novels which also contain a mystery this is definitely the book for you.
My favourite character was Daisy who manages to overcome a tragedy and eventually, through extreme perseverance, solves some of the mystery of Violette.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
December 28, 2025
The last book I'll read for 2025. And I went out on a high. "The Riviera Secret" by Sarah Steele is a stunning twisting thriller mystery set on the glitzy French Riviera.
Daisy lives in Chateau Violette leading up to World War 2, which is fast approaching from literally down the road, across the Italian border. She is plagued by lethargy and headaches. And is sure there is a spirit of some sort humming a lullaby and even visibly appearing in the chateau grounds.
The chateau has a history of glamourous owners and wild parties (even a pet cheetah walking on a lead like a dog)! But all these occupants meet tragic endings....car crash, plunging to their deaths or becoming a crazy addict. While captivated by their individual life stories, I was also enthralled by their mental and physical spiral. Were they experiencing the same paranormal events as Daisy?
The original owner of the chateau, Violette, changed her name and recreated herself several times over her life. Of Jewish descent, she struggled in early life but worked hard and married a catch who could spend large amounts on her dream home. The chateau is a testament to the pairs love...with many personal touches. I guess you could say, the physical building is one of the main characters, providing continuity and the place that is so loved it grips its owner with an iron fist.
A fascinating read. Thought-provoking and moving, because one woman would do anything to hang on to her destiny. Thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Steele and Headline Publishing Group for my copy.
November 14, 2025
A most enjoyable, captivating read. The storyline was excellent and piece by piece the mystery surrounding the Chalet Violetta is unearthed, revealing the disturbing lives of previous occupants. Ms Steele has bought out the very best of characters in this era of WW2; the rich, spoilt and famous elite of the Riviera. Impulsive reading from start to the climax at the end, when the troubled Daisy discovers the truth. It’s fast paced, well researched and based upon historical facts, which makes it especially interesting. Loved it and look forward to being swept away by Ms Steel’s next novel.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline publishers for this ARC for review.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline publishers for this ARC for review.
December 31, 2025
Set from the 1920's to the 1940's the book follows two women... and Chateau Violette.
Chateau Violette was built by a young French winegrower for himself and his fiancee Violette, however the day before the wedding he is blackmailed by a former friend of Violette and is killed in a road accident.
Lord Harry Castlemere and his young Jewish wife Daisy move to Chateau Violette when he is posted to the South of France as a Trade Envoy just before the start of WWII.
Mysteries surround Violette - she is presumed drowned after a female body was washed up on the coast just days after the death of her fiance.
An interesting glimpse into the lives of society in the South of France
Chateau Violette was built by a young French winegrower for himself and his fiancee Violette, however the day before the wedding he is blackmailed by a former friend of Violette and is killed in a road accident.
Lord Harry Castlemere and his young Jewish wife Daisy move to Chateau Violette when he is posted to the South of France as a Trade Envoy just before the start of WWII.
Mysteries surround Violette - she is presumed drowned after a female body was washed up on the coast just days after the death of her fiance.
An interesting glimpse into the lives of society in the South of France
January 15, 2026
Another fascinating book by Sarah Steele!
Sweeping multi-timelines, from the roaring 1920s up to the start of WW2. All revolving around the beautiful Château Violette in the French Riviera. As Daisy and her family move in and begin to learn the Château's history, what is uncovered is a disturbing tale after tale of the Château's previous occupants, including the original owner, Violette.
Mystery, suspense, and romance; the story kept me guessing. I was a bit disappointed or left wanting more by Daisy's reaction to uncovering the truth, but the overall story kept my rating up.
Sweeping multi-timelines, from the roaring 1920s up to the start of WW2. All revolving around the beautiful Château Violette in the French Riviera. As Daisy and her family move in and begin to learn the Château's history, what is uncovered is a disturbing tale after tale of the Château's previous occupants, including the original owner, Violette.
Mystery, suspense, and romance; the story kept me guessing. I was a bit disappointed or left wanting more by Daisy's reaction to uncovering the truth, but the overall story kept my rating up.
March 4, 2026
It was an intriguing story The bouncing back and forth in dates It was confusing
It's about a chateau Owned by 4 different people In their stories Involving strange goings on. With the stories of the 4 different people and the timelines bouncing back and forth I had a hard time keeping up with it. I thought I had the ending figured . I thought I had the ending figured out and it turned out totally different. It is a good read
It's about a chateau Owned by 4 different people In their stories Involving strange goings on. With the stories of the 4 different people and the timelines bouncing back and forth I had a hard time keeping up with it. I thought I had the ending figured . I thought I had the ending figured out and it turned out totally different. It is a good read
November 27, 2025
A gripping pre-WWII story. Told in very believable words with characters to match. A wonderful story that will stay with you. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews