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The Lie She Told: A completely addictive and heartbreaking family drama packed with secrets
‘Natalie, it’s Mum. You need to come home. It’s your father…’ Clutching the phone, my hands shaking, my entire world tilts. For years I’ve run from a family secret which threatened to devastate us all. But with my darling father’s life on the line, I have to face the truth, whatever the cost.
Bursting through the hospital doors, I see my mother and sister waiting in the corridor, worry etched on their faces. Over the years I’ve grown apart from my sister Victoria. She married young and started a family. I chose a different path. I had no choice but to leave so that the rest of my family could be happy.
Gathering at my father’s bedside, I clutch Victoria’s hand like we’re little again. As we start to share our memories of the fun and loving home he created, he leans towards us, uttering words which will turn our world upside ‘You mustn’t blame your mother. It was never her fault.’
Victoria reassures me that it must be the medication, that he doesn’t know what he is saying. But I do. Years ago, I thought our mother had betrayed us in the worst possible way. But looking at the stranger now standing next to her, I know they are part of the lie my parents were so desperate to hide. The lie I ran from. But if I tell the truth, will it destroy our lives forever?
A totally gripping and heartbreaking read about devastating family secrets with the power to change everything you thought you knew. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Kate Hewitt and Diane Chamberlain.
What readers are saying about Emma
‘Have the tissues ready for this!… Really tore at my emotions and shredded them to pieces… Tears in my eyes… When I wasn't reading, I was constantly thinking about it… Heart-wrenching.’ leannebookstagram ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘O.M.G!… I. FELL. IN. LOVE. WITH. THIS. BOOK!!!… A 5-star read that you must put on the top of your TBR list!!… Totally addictive, fast paced, nail biting, suspenseful, mind blowing, heart-wrenching. I couldn’t get enough!!’ Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘5 Stars!!!!… I’m hooked… Excellent!… Reminds me of the writings of Jodi Picoult… I experienced every emotion that exists.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘WOW, WOW, WOW. I absolutely loved this book. It completely blew my mind and I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I finished reading it! I devoured this in one sitting… Magnificent. Prepare to be moved!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… Ooomph this book sure does pack an emotional punch… My eyes simply couldn’t read fast enough… I loooooove this kind of book… Held me tight and didn’t let go… Brilliant.
Bursting through the hospital doors, I see my mother and sister waiting in the corridor, worry etched on their faces. Over the years I’ve grown apart from my sister Victoria. She married young and started a family. I chose a different path. I had no choice but to leave so that the rest of my family could be happy.
Gathering at my father’s bedside, I clutch Victoria’s hand like we’re little again. As we start to share our memories of the fun and loving home he created, he leans towards us, uttering words which will turn our world upside ‘You mustn’t blame your mother. It was never her fault.’
Victoria reassures me that it must be the medication, that he doesn’t know what he is saying. But I do. Years ago, I thought our mother had betrayed us in the worst possible way. But looking at the stranger now standing next to her, I know they are part of the lie my parents were so desperate to hide. The lie I ran from. But if I tell the truth, will it destroy our lives forever?
A totally gripping and heartbreaking read about devastating family secrets with the power to change everything you thought you knew. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Kate Hewitt and Diane Chamberlain.
What readers are saying about Emma
‘Have the tissues ready for this!… Really tore at my emotions and shredded them to pieces… Tears in my eyes… When I wasn't reading, I was constantly thinking about it… Heart-wrenching.’ leannebookstagram ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘O.M.G!… I. FELL. IN. LOVE. WITH. THIS. BOOK!!!… A 5-star read that you must put on the top of your TBR list!!… Totally addictive, fast paced, nail biting, suspenseful, mind blowing, heart-wrenching. I couldn’t get enough!!’ Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘5 Stars!!!!… I’m hooked… Excellent!… Reminds me of the writings of Jodi Picoult… I experienced every emotion that exists.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘WOW, WOW, WOW. I absolutely loved this book. It completely blew my mind and I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I finished reading it! I devoured this in one sitting… Magnificent. Prepare to be moved!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… Ooomph this book sure does pack an emotional punch… My eyes simply couldn’t read fast enough… I loooooove this kind of book… Held me tight and didn’t let go… Brilliant.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
73 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Emma Robinson
26 books273 followersEmma Robinson is a USA Today Bestseller with a passion for stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. Whilst her early novels are humorous; her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming.
Emma currently lives in Essex, England with a husband, two children and a small black dog.
Emma currently lives in Essex, England with a husband, two children and a small black dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 13, 2025
Ahh.. a domestic thriller. When a family has secrets, they always come out.. no matter how much time goes by.
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy.
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy.
January 11, 2026
From the opening pages, The Lie She Told pulled me into its quiet intensity and never let go. Emma Robinson has a remarkable way of writing families—not as they wish to be seen, but as they truly are: layered, fractured, loving, and deeply human. What begins as a return home prompted by a medical crisis slowly transforms into something far more unsettling and emotionally rich.
At the center of the story are sisters Natalie and Victoria, whose lives have unfolded along very different paths. One remained rooted in their hometown, shouldering responsibility and proximity, while the other built a life elsewhere, creating distance that felt protective at the time. That contrast is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. The physical miles between them mirror the emotional space that has grown over years of silence, unresolved hurt, and half-spoken truths.
As the narrative unfolds, Robinson carefully peels back layers of the past. Revelations arrive gradually, each one reframing what came before and challenging long-held assumptions. The tension doesn’t rely on shock value but on emotional weight—the kind that settles in slowly and leaves you questioning how well we can ever truly know the people we love. The story explores how secrets are often born not from malice, but from misguided attempts to protect, and how those choices can echo for generations.
There is also an undercurrent of suspense woven throughout, particularly with the introduction of an unexpected presence that subtly shifts the story’s direction. From that point on, I found it impossible to put the book down. The balance between mystery and emotional depth feels deliberate and restrained, never manipulative, allowing the characters’ inner lives to remain the driving force.
What lingered with me most after finishing was the novel’s meditation on silence—how families sometimes choose it as a form of care, and how damaging that choice can be. Robinson doesn’t offer easy answers, but she does offer compassion. The pain in this story is real, but so is the possibility of healing, even when the truth feels unbearable.
Overall, The Lie She Told is a poignant, absorbing family drama that left a lasting impression. This is a novel that stays with you, not because of a single twist, but because of how honestly it captures the complicated bonds that shape us.
With many thanks to Emma Robinson, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
At the center of the story are sisters Natalie and Victoria, whose lives have unfolded along very different paths. One remained rooted in their hometown, shouldering responsibility and proximity, while the other built a life elsewhere, creating distance that felt protective at the time. That contrast is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. The physical miles between them mirror the emotional space that has grown over years of silence, unresolved hurt, and half-spoken truths.
As the narrative unfolds, Robinson carefully peels back layers of the past. Revelations arrive gradually, each one reframing what came before and challenging long-held assumptions. The tension doesn’t rely on shock value but on emotional weight—the kind that settles in slowly and leaves you questioning how well we can ever truly know the people we love. The story explores how secrets are often born not from malice, but from misguided attempts to protect, and how those choices can echo for generations.
There is also an undercurrent of suspense woven throughout, particularly with the introduction of an unexpected presence that subtly shifts the story’s direction. From that point on, I found it impossible to put the book down. The balance between mystery and emotional depth feels deliberate and restrained, never manipulative, allowing the characters’ inner lives to remain the driving force.
What lingered with me most after finishing was the novel’s meditation on silence—how families sometimes choose it as a form of care, and how damaging that choice can be. Robinson doesn’t offer easy answers, but she does offer compassion. The pain in this story is real, but so is the possibility of healing, even when the truth feels unbearable.
Overall, The Lie She Told is a poignant, absorbing family drama that left a lasting impression. This is a novel that stays with you, not because of a single twist, but because of how honestly it captures the complicated bonds that shape us.
With many thanks to Emma Robinson, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When you pick up a book by Emma Robinson, you know you’re in for an engrossing read, and The Lie She Told is no exception. Centered on the complicated relationship between two sisters, Victoria and Natalie, this story had me reflecting on my own relationships with my sisters. At its heart, this is a novel about family. Love is the foundation, but conflict, miscommunication, and long-buried feelings are never far behind.
The family is shaken when their father, Marcus, is suddenly hospitalized. As the family patriarch lies gravely ill, the sisters are called home to sit at their father’a bedside with their mother. Victoria lives nearby and arrives immediately, while Natalie is thousands of miles away in Munich, forced to make a long and emotional journey home. That physical distance mirrors the emotional space that has quietly grown between them over the years.
But illness isn’t the only strain on this family. Secrets begin to surface. Secrets long held and carefully guarded, thus chipping away at what once seemed like an unbreakable bond. Who has been hiding the truth, and how many secrets are there? With each chapter, more is revealed, and the tension builds in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night. In fact, even the physical distance that separated the family is explored. Emma Robinson expertly peels back each layer, delivering revelations at just the right moments.
What I loved most was the way those reveals were handled. As the family drama unfolds and a stranger is introduced into their lives, the tension spikes immediately. I felt like a nosy neighbor, one who desperately wanted every last detail of what was really going on. Compelling, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down, The Lie She Told is another strong and satisfying read from Emma Robinson and celebrates my tenth read by this author and I have no intention of making this the last.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The family is shaken when their father, Marcus, is suddenly hospitalized. As the family patriarch lies gravely ill, the sisters are called home to sit at their father’a bedside with their mother. Victoria lives nearby and arrives immediately, while Natalie is thousands of miles away in Munich, forced to make a long and emotional journey home. That physical distance mirrors the emotional space that has quietly grown between them over the years.
But illness isn’t the only strain on this family. Secrets begin to surface. Secrets long held and carefully guarded, thus chipping away at what once seemed like an unbreakable bond. Who has been hiding the truth, and how many secrets are there? With each chapter, more is revealed, and the tension builds in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night. In fact, even the physical distance that separated the family is explored. Emma Robinson expertly peels back each layer, delivering revelations at just the right moments.
What I loved most was the way those reveals were handled. As the family drama unfolds and a stranger is introduced into their lives, the tension spikes immediately. I felt like a nosy neighbor, one who desperately wanted every last detail of what was really going on. Compelling, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down, The Lie She Told is another strong and satisfying read from Emma Robinson and celebrates my tenth read by this author and I have no intention of making this the last.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 7, 2025
Receiving a phone call telling you that a family member has been admitted to the hospital with a serious condition turns your entire world upside down. It’s the worry, of course, but especially the uncertainty that eats away at you. Will this person make a full recovery, or will you be forced to say goodbye sooner than you ever expected? All you can do is wait anxiously, while memories—both pleasant and painful—race through your mind.
That alone is already hard enough, and in such moments you desperately need the support of your family, just as they need yours. But not every family works that way. And when you also feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them, everything becomes even more difficult.
This book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. As so often—whether in fiction or real life—trust plays a central role. Sometimes you find yourself caught between two sides of a story, and it’s up to you to decide whom to believe. I find it striking how often the person who speaks first is the one who ends up being believed, while more doubt is cast on the opposite side. Is that fair? Or is it because the innocent person finds it easier to talk, while the other might be struggling with guilt? Or is it simply the more persuasive talker who wins you over? Or do you let yourself be guided by self-interest? Anything is possible—but that doesn’t make it right.
Sometimes you put people on a pedestal, but the higher you place them, the harder they can fall. And then you have to find a way to deal with that. It’s anything but easy, but maybe you’ve been wearing blinders all along?
This is a beautiful story about family relationships being clarified and repaired, about second chances, and about emerging stronger after a difficult period.
As usual, this author has created something wonderful again—never shying away from sensitive topics and making them accessible and discussable. 5 stars.
Thank you
That alone is already hard enough, and in such moments you desperately need the support of your family, just as they need yours. But not every family works that way. And when you also feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them, everything becomes even more difficult.
This book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. As so often—whether in fiction or real life—trust plays a central role. Sometimes you find yourself caught between two sides of a story, and it’s up to you to decide whom to believe. I find it striking how often the person who speaks first is the one who ends up being believed, while more doubt is cast on the opposite side. Is that fair? Or is it because the innocent person finds it easier to talk, while the other might be struggling with guilt? Or is it simply the more persuasive talker who wins you over? Or do you let yourself be guided by self-interest? Anything is possible—but that doesn’t make it right.
Sometimes you put people on a pedestal, but the higher you place them, the harder they can fall. And then you have to find a way to deal with that. It’s anything but easy, but maybe you’ve been wearing blinders all along?
This is a beautiful story about family relationships being clarified and repaired, about second chances, and about emerging stronger after a difficult period.
As usual, this author has created something wonderful again—never shying away from sensitive topics and making them accessible and discussable. 5 stars.
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Lie She Told managed to hook me immediately. Emma Robinson writes family in a real, complicated and very familiar way. After following Victoria and Natalie to their homes as their father is in the hospital, it occurred to me how distance, time, and undisclosed emotions can reform relationships without the knowledge of anyone.
The tension is gradually built up throughout the story. Starting with a family coping with disease we soon realize it is much more multifaceted. Old hurts, secrets and silent grudges begin to surface and each revelation made me doubt what I believed I knew. I appreciated the fact that the book demonstrates that love may coexist with pain, and there are times when the most difficult discussions are those that families will not talk about during a lifetime.
The contrast in the two sisters also appealed to me particularly. One is at home and experiences the burden of a responsibility where the other has created a whole life at some distance. That emotional distance was as mighty as were the physical miles. When secrets are gradually beginning to be revealed, it was heartbreaking and weirdly healing at the same time.
Another element of suspense is the unknown character entering their life and since that moment I did not feel like quitting reading. The emotion and mystery in the story are measured adequately, and it does not sound deceitful or arrogant. At the conclusion I was not only thinking about the characters, but also how families make attempts to find some ways to protect one another, when such protection becomes certain silence.
On the whole, The Lie She Told is an interest, emotional, and gripping movie. It is another good novel by Emma Robinson and it was to remind me of the reason why I always anticipate her books.
arc review from NetGalley
The tension is gradually built up throughout the story. Starting with a family coping with disease we soon realize it is much more multifaceted. Old hurts, secrets and silent grudges begin to surface and each revelation made me doubt what I believed I knew. I appreciated the fact that the book demonstrates that love may coexist with pain, and there are times when the most difficult discussions are those that families will not talk about during a lifetime.
The contrast in the two sisters also appealed to me particularly. One is at home and experiences the burden of a responsibility where the other has created a whole life at some distance. That emotional distance was as mighty as were the physical miles. When secrets are gradually beginning to be revealed, it was heartbreaking and weirdly healing at the same time.
Another element of suspense is the unknown character entering their life and since that moment I did not feel like quitting reading. The emotion and mystery in the story are measured adequately, and it does not sound deceitful or arrogant. At the conclusion I was not only thinking about the characters, but also how families make attempts to find some ways to protect one another, when such protection becomes certain silence.
On the whole, The Lie She Told is an interest, emotional, and gripping movie. It is another good novel by Emma Robinson and it was to remind me of the reason why I always anticipate her books.
arc review from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Lie She Told is a deeply emotional family drama that grips you from the very first page. Emma Robinson weaves a story of secrets, love, and betrayal that feels both intimate and devastating.
At its heart is Natalie, a woman forced to confront the past she thought she had left behind when her father’s health crisis pulls her back home. The tension between her and her sister Victoria is beautifully drawn—two women shaped by different choices, yet bound by shared memories and the weight of their family’s hidden truths. The moment at their father’s bedside, when he utters words that unravel everything Natalie believed, is haunting and sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of trust and forgiveness.
Robinson’s writing shines in the way she captures the fragility of family bonds. The novel is not just about secrets—it’s about the cost of carrying them, the pain of uncovering them, and the possibility of healing even when the truth feels unbearable. It’s heartbreaking, yes, but also tender, reminding us that love can survive even the deepest fractures.
This is a gripping, emotional read that fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will devour. Robinson balances suspense with heart, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page—a reminder that the lies we tell, even to protect, can change everything.
with thanks to Emma Robinson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
At its heart is Natalie, a woman forced to confront the past she thought she had left behind when her father’s health crisis pulls her back home. The tension between her and her sister Victoria is beautifully drawn—two women shaped by different choices, yet bound by shared memories and the weight of their family’s hidden truths. The moment at their father’s bedside, when he utters words that unravel everything Natalie believed, is haunting and sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of trust and forgiveness.
Robinson’s writing shines in the way she captures the fragility of family bonds. The novel is not just about secrets—it’s about the cost of carrying them, the pain of uncovering them, and the possibility of healing even when the truth feels unbearable. It’s heartbreaking, yes, but also tender, reminding us that love can survive even the deepest fractures.
This is a gripping, emotional read that fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will devour. Robinson balances suspense with heart, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page—a reminder that the lies we tell, even to protect, can change everything.
with thanks to Emma Robinson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you with this review.
Happy 2026 everyone!! I am starting out this year on a positive note with one of my favorite authors Emma Robinson and her latest The Lie She Told! She is one of the few authors that I will read anything from!! So when Bookouture or Emma says she is releasing a book I will jump on the tour. All of her books pull on my heartstrings and at times I can be found ugly crying during some scenes. I made sure I stocked up on tissues and cleared my schedule for the day!
The Lie She Told hit closer to home more so than any of the other books I read from her. In Emma’s book Doug (the Dad) has a heart attack and the family comes home to be there for him. My father a year ago became sick and eventually passed. Doug actually said a quote in the book that my Dad said a week before he passed with my sisters and my Mom around us.
My heart went out to the sisters who came home to see their Dad like this. I remember it like it was yesterday when my sisters and my nephew came home to see my Dad. It wasn’t easy.
I could totally relate to the two sisters in this book that were total opposites and also had different relationships with their parents.
The Lies She Told full fledged family drama packed deep routed secrets that will blow you away when all is revealed! This is a must read for your TBR this year!!
Happy 2026 everyone!! I am starting out this year on a positive note with one of my favorite authors Emma Robinson and her latest The Lie She Told! She is one of the few authors that I will read anything from!! So when Bookouture or Emma says she is releasing a book I will jump on the tour. All of her books pull on my heartstrings and at times I can be found ugly crying during some scenes. I made sure I stocked up on tissues and cleared my schedule for the day!
The Lie She Told hit closer to home more so than any of the other books I read from her. In Emma’s book Doug (the Dad) has a heart attack and the family comes home to be there for him. My father a year ago became sick and eventually passed. Doug actually said a quote in the book that my Dad said a week before he passed with my sisters and my Mom around us.
My heart went out to the sisters who came home to see their Dad like this. I remember it like it was yesterday when my sisters and my nephew came home to see my Dad. It wasn’t easy.
I could totally relate to the two sisters in this book that were total opposites and also had different relationships with their parents.
The Lies She Told full fledged family drama packed deep routed secrets that will blow you away when all is revealed! This is a must read for your TBR this year!!
January 9, 2026
This is family drama at its best. Robinson artfully weaves intricate secrets among those in this family, everyone has something to hide! It starts with a scare – Natalie and Victoria’s dad is in the hospital. Their dad was their everything. Their mom was gone a lot when they were children, so he was the parent that did everything for them. Seeing their strong dad in the hospital was not easy. Filled with emotions, their secrets start to seep out.
I didn’t expect every single family member to have a secret that they were hiding, and it felt like maybe more than one secret for some of them too. With these secrets being kept, it kept the family really at arms length with each other. Victoria was never close with her mother, Natalie moved away to another country and she and her sister barely talked. Victoria’s husband, Marcus, and Natalie didn’t get along. There is just a lot going on here. It never felt overwhelming or that that each secret didn’t get its due time. The book was evenly paced for each thing to be fleshed out.
Robinson focuses also on the aftermath – what happens when secrets are revealed. There is hurt, there is sadness, but in the end, they all have to face each other and talk it out. Afterall, they are family. Each of these characters exhibited strength and bravery in their own way. I refuse to spoil a book, so all I’m going to say is that after shedding a tear towards the end, I was extremely proud of these characters finding their way.
I didn’t expect every single family member to have a secret that they were hiding, and it felt like maybe more than one secret for some of them too. With these secrets being kept, it kept the family really at arms length with each other. Victoria was never close with her mother, Natalie moved away to another country and she and her sister barely talked. Victoria’s husband, Marcus, and Natalie didn’t get along. There is just a lot going on here. It never felt overwhelming or that that each secret didn’t get its due time. The book was evenly paced for each thing to be fleshed out.
Robinson focuses also on the aftermath – what happens when secrets are revealed. There is hurt, there is sadness, but in the end, they all have to face each other and talk it out. Afterall, they are family. Each of these characters exhibited strength and bravery in their own way. I refuse to spoil a book, so all I’m going to say is that after shedding a tear towards the end, I was extremely proud of these characters finding their way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fractious and fraught family drama
From the moment you start “The Lie She Told”, your attention is firmly snagged. Secrets abound (yes — plural), and Robinson wastes no time making it clear that every single one of them is going to matter. This is one of those books where you keep reading “just one more chapter” because the need to know becomes mildly obsessive.
What elevates this beyond a straightforward secrets-and-revelations story is Robinson’s focus on the aftermath. It’s not just about what’s hidden, but what happens once the truth is exposed — who buckles, who lashes out, and who quietly unravels. The emotional consequences are messy, uncomfortable, and refreshingly believable.
The writing is compulsively readable — I started this and finished it in a couple of hours — and delivered with an emotional sharpness that feels quietly confident rather than showy. Robinson handles her characters with a keen eye and a steady hand, allowing them to be flawed, frustrating and deeply human, sometimes all at once. It’s the sort of perceptive character work that makes a family drama really sting.
This was my first read by Emma Robinson, but it would almost be rude if it were my last.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of “The Lie She Told” by Emma Robinson.
From the moment you start “The Lie She Told”, your attention is firmly snagged. Secrets abound (yes — plural), and Robinson wastes no time making it clear that every single one of them is going to matter. This is one of those books where you keep reading “just one more chapter” because the need to know becomes mildly obsessive.
What elevates this beyond a straightforward secrets-and-revelations story is Robinson’s focus on the aftermath. It’s not just about what’s hidden, but what happens once the truth is exposed — who buckles, who lashes out, and who quietly unravels. The emotional consequences are messy, uncomfortable, and refreshingly believable.
The writing is compulsively readable — I started this and finished it in a couple of hours — and delivered with an emotional sharpness that feels quietly confident rather than showy. Robinson handles her characters with a keen eye and a steady hand, allowing them to be flawed, frustrating and deeply human, sometimes all at once. It’s the sort of perceptive character work that makes a family drama really sting.
This was my first read by Emma Robinson, but it would almost be rude if it were my last.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of “The Lie She Told” by Emma Robinson.
January 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Lie She Told is the kind of family drama that settles into your chest and refuses to leave quietly. Emma Robinson excels at writing emotionally layered families, the kind where love, resentment, loyalty, and silence all coexist in the same room. From the moment Natalie is pulled back home by her father’s medical crisis, the story feels intimate and heavy in a very real way.
What stood out most for me was the relationship between the sisters. Natalie and Victoria felt painfully authentic, shaped by different choices, distance, and years of unspoken tension. The way Robinson explores how families fracture not just through betrayal, but through avoidance and protection, felt thoughtful and grounded. Secrets here are not just plot devices, they are emotional landmines with long shadows.
This is a slow, deliberate read, but one that rewards patience. The revelations unfold gradually, allowing the emotional weight to build rather than relying on shock. At times, I did wish certain moments lingered a bit longer, especially when big truths finally surfaced, but the overall impact still landed.
Heartbreaking, reflective, and quietly gripping, this is a strong four star read for anyone who enjoys character driven stories about complicated families and the damage done in the name of love.
The Lie She Told is the kind of family drama that settles into your chest and refuses to leave quietly. Emma Robinson excels at writing emotionally layered families, the kind where love, resentment, loyalty, and silence all coexist in the same room. From the moment Natalie is pulled back home by her father’s medical crisis, the story feels intimate and heavy in a very real way.
What stood out most for me was the relationship between the sisters. Natalie and Victoria felt painfully authentic, shaped by different choices, distance, and years of unspoken tension. The way Robinson explores how families fracture not just through betrayal, but through avoidance and protection, felt thoughtful and grounded. Secrets here are not just plot devices, they are emotional landmines with long shadows.
This is a slow, deliberate read, but one that rewards patience. The revelations unfold gradually, allowing the emotional weight to build rather than relying on shock. At times, I did wish certain moments lingered a bit longer, especially when big truths finally surfaced, but the overall impact still landed.
Heartbreaking, reflective, and quietly gripping, this is a strong four star read for anyone who enjoys character driven stories about complicated families and the damage done in the name of love.
January 2, 2026
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC, out January 9th.
The Lie She Told is a layered, emotionally rich story about family, secrets, and the quiet ways we try to protect the people we love—sometimes at a cost.
At its heart are two estranged sisters: Victoria, the responsible one—married, devoted mother to twin boys, the dependable daughter everyone leans on—and Natalie, a free spirit who can’t stay in one place for long and has spent years running from roots and expectations. When their father ends up in hospital, the sisters are forced back into each other’s orbit, confronting their shared past while navigating a present that’s already cracking under the weight of unspoken truths.
Emma Robinson writes family dynamics with real tenderness and honesty—nothing feels exaggerated, nothing feels easy. This is a story about hopes deferred, dreams reshaped, and the impossible choices life throws at us when there’s no “right” answer. It’s raw, heart-wrenching, and deeply human, but also quietly hopeful in the way only real life can be.
If you love emotional family dramas packed with secrets, complicated love, and redemption earned the hard way—this one will stay with you.
✨ Highly recommended.
The Lie She Told is a layered, emotionally rich story about family, secrets, and the quiet ways we try to protect the people we love—sometimes at a cost.
At its heart are two estranged sisters: Victoria, the responsible one—married, devoted mother to twin boys, the dependable daughter everyone leans on—and Natalie, a free spirit who can’t stay in one place for long and has spent years running from roots and expectations. When their father ends up in hospital, the sisters are forced back into each other’s orbit, confronting their shared past while navigating a present that’s already cracking under the weight of unspoken truths.
Emma Robinson writes family dynamics with real tenderness and honesty—nothing feels exaggerated, nothing feels easy. This is a story about hopes deferred, dreams reshaped, and the impossible choices life throws at us when there’s no “right” answer. It’s raw, heart-wrenching, and deeply human, but also quietly hopeful in the way only real life can be.
If you love emotional family dramas packed with secrets, complicated love, and redemption earned the hard way—this one will stay with you.
✨ Highly recommended.
January 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alright, so this book surprised me. I went in thinking it was just going to be another emotional family drama, but The Lie She Told pulled me in way more than I expected. It’s heavy, yeah, but in a realistic way. The kind of story where you can see how small decisions and secrets stack up over time and quietly wreck relationships.
What hit hardest for me was the family dynamic, especially between the sisters. That tension felt real. Not over the top, not dramatic for no reason, just years of unspoken stuff finally bubbling up. I could actually understand where each person was coming from, even when they were wrong, which says a lot about the writing.
The pacing is slow, but it makes sense for this kind of story. You’re meant to sit with the discomfort and the emotions. That said, once everything starts coming together at the end, I wanted it to breathe a little more. After investing in the slow burn, the resolution felt like it wrapped up quicker than it should have.
Overall, this was emotional, well written, and surprisingly gripping. Not an easy read, but a meaningful one. Definitely worth it if you like stories that feel close to real life and don’t shy away from complicated family truths.
Alright, so this book surprised me. I went in thinking it was just going to be another emotional family drama, but The Lie She Told pulled me in way more than I expected. It’s heavy, yeah, but in a realistic way. The kind of story where you can see how small decisions and secrets stack up over time and quietly wreck relationships.
What hit hardest for me was the family dynamic, especially between the sisters. That tension felt real. Not over the top, not dramatic for no reason, just years of unspoken stuff finally bubbling up. I could actually understand where each person was coming from, even when they were wrong, which says a lot about the writing.
The pacing is slow, but it makes sense for this kind of story. You’re meant to sit with the discomfort and the emotions. That said, once everything starts coming together at the end, I wanted it to breathe a little more. After investing in the slow burn, the resolution felt like it wrapped up quicker than it should have.
Overall, this was emotional, well written, and surprisingly gripping. Not an easy read, but a meaningful one. Definitely worth it if you like stories that feel close to real life and don’t shy away from complicated family truths.
December 28, 2025
The Lie She Told by Emma Robinson
This was such a beautifully powerful story about family, forgiveness, and choosing yourself. I loved this story. The plot was engaging and fast-paced, and the characters had delicious arcs that kept me glued to the page.
I liked Victoria. As the eldest in my family, I related to her plight. Always being the one to step up, always having to make decisions, always being responsible. But I also liked Natalie. She was charming, albeit emotional.
Their dynamic was nicely balanced by Alison, who was a brilliant addition to their sisterly mix. This was such a layered story, with so many twists and turns. The way the past smashed into the present and twisted with history to change the future was well done.
Robinson wrote these women so beautifully. The incredible care that went into bringing them to life is obvious. I hated reading the secrets, because boy, were they heavy, but it was lovely to see this family come together and figure out a path forward. This was a brilliantly written book that will capture readers' hearts from page one.
Publication date: January 9, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
This was such a beautifully powerful story about family, forgiveness, and choosing yourself. I loved this story. The plot was engaging and fast-paced, and the characters had delicious arcs that kept me glued to the page.
I liked Victoria. As the eldest in my family, I related to her plight. Always being the one to step up, always having to make decisions, always being responsible. But I also liked Natalie. She was charming, albeit emotional.
Their dynamic was nicely balanced by Alison, who was a brilliant addition to their sisterly mix. This was such a layered story, with so many twists and turns. The way the past smashed into the present and twisted with history to change the future was well done.
Robinson wrote these women so beautifully. The incredible care that went into bringing them to life is obvious. I hated reading the secrets, because boy, were they heavy, but it was lovely to see this family come together and figure out a path forward. This was a brilliantly written book that will capture readers' hearts from page one.
Publication date: January 9, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A ‘normal’ family, Mum, Dad and 2 Sisters ( Victoria and Natalie ) living their lives, a bit of friction between the sisters but nothing that would ‘rock the boat’ too much
Until the boat is then rocked, once, twice, three ( you get the pic ) times and its about to capsize
I enjoyed ( with a bit of trepidation as experienced them ) reading the authors take on especially 2 of the situations that arose and how the family handled the revelation’s that befell them
The author writes really well on family dynamics and even though you have unbreakable love with each other how one wrong word can be seen as a slight and/or upsetting and change the whole realtionship at least for the short term
Loved the nosey neighbour, flushed with excitement at possible new gossip (but also liked the insight as to why she was as she was)
There is nothing to fault in this character family led drama where love and understanding are tested to their full when lives are shattered and secrets no longer exist
Until the boat is then rocked, once, twice, three ( you get the pic ) times and its about to capsize
I enjoyed ( with a bit of trepidation as experienced them ) reading the authors take on especially 2 of the situations that arose and how the family handled the revelation’s that befell them
The author writes really well on family dynamics and even though you have unbreakable love with each other how one wrong word can be seen as a slight and/or upsetting and change the whole realtionship at least for the short term
Loved the nosey neighbour, flushed with excitement at possible new gossip (but also liked the insight as to why she was as she was)
There is nothing to fault in this character family led drama where love and understanding are tested to their full when lives are shattered and secrets no longer exist
December 7, 2025
Natalie rushes home from Germany when she receives a phone call saying her dad has had a heart attack.
Knowing that her sister, Victoria, and Victoria’s husband, Marcus, will be there, doesn’t help her. Natalie doesn’t come home often due to her past. The two sisters aren’t close anymore.
Victoria is a born leader and takes over at the hospital, while their mum lets her.
When their mum acts strangely regarding how their dad got to the hospital, the two sisters feel there are things they aren’t being told.
An intriguing story that spins many webs of deceit and lies. Everything you think you know about the characters in this story quickly takes you in another direction. Many delicious red herrings to make you doubt what you read.
I didn’t find many of the characters likeable to start off with, but they grew on me and I found myself feeling sorry for them by the time I had read the whole story.
The author writes a gripping and at times, emotional story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Knowing that her sister, Victoria, and Victoria’s husband, Marcus, will be there, doesn’t help her. Natalie doesn’t come home often due to her past. The two sisters aren’t close anymore.
Victoria is a born leader and takes over at the hospital, while their mum lets her.
When their mum acts strangely regarding how their dad got to the hospital, the two sisters feel there are things they aren’t being told.
An intriguing story that spins many webs of deceit and lies. Everything you think you know about the characters in this story quickly takes you in another direction. Many delicious red herrings to make you doubt what you read.
I didn’t find many of the characters likeable to start off with, but they grew on me and I found myself feeling sorry for them by the time I had read the whole story.
The author writes a gripping and at times, emotional story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 6, 2025
Wowzers! Emma Robinson, a newer to me author, has catapulted on to my must read authors list. Her poignant writing about family drama, secrets from the past, and lies, is told with so much emotion, you can't help getting caught up in it.
No matter how hard you try to keep past secrets from coming out, they always seem to find a way of rearing their head at the most inopportune time. That's what the Clifton family is dealing with. When Doug suffers a heart attack, his grown daughters, Natalie and Victoria discover a shocking secret both their parents had been keeping. Along the way, they both discover things about themselves that they had been denying for most of their lives.
Once again, Emma Robinson tells a story with grace, warmth, and hope. Her stories are easy to lose yourself in because they are so real and could be about any one of our families. I look forward to Emma's next emotional story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy
No matter how hard you try to keep past secrets from coming out, they always seem to find a way of rearing their head at the most inopportune time. That's what the Clifton family is dealing with. When Doug suffers a heart attack, his grown daughters, Natalie and Victoria discover a shocking secret both their parents had been keeping. Along the way, they both discover things about themselves that they had been denying for most of their lives.
Once again, Emma Robinson tells a story with grace, warmth, and hope. Her stories are easy to lose yourself in because they are so real and could be about any one of our families. I look forward to Emma's next emotional story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Natalie receives a call from her mom saying she's needed home urgently as her dad has been rushed to hospital, so she takes the first available flight from her home in Germany. Not just worried about her dad she's also concerned about seeing her sister Victoria again, they were very close as children but an indiscretion tore them apart and she's been living abroad ever since, with only the occasional strained visit back to see her parents. Gathered round their fathers' bed, united in their concern, they begin to reminisce about their childhood when he opens his eyes and utters something that makes no sense to Victoria, Natalie though is aware of the secret their parents have been hiding all this time, but even she doesn't know the full story and it's about to blow their world apart.
The Lie She Told is the latest domestic drama by Robinson and, true to form, from the first page I was hooked. This is a fast paced tale of secrets, kept with the best of intentions to protect all of the family, but everyone knows what happens when you try to cover up something to protect another, it comes back to bite you, twice as hard. This multi layered story is packed with drama throughout and, as the layers are peeled back, chapter by chapter so are the secrets, and there are so many of them in this book that I was left reeling at each of them. This is a tense and, at times, emotionally charged read from an author that is a master of the dramatic, keeping me turning the pages of every book that she's written and always leaves me feeling quite bereft that I've reached the end, but chomping at the bit waiting to see what she delivers next!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Lie She Told is the latest domestic drama by Robinson and, true to form, from the first page I was hooked. This is a fast paced tale of secrets, kept with the best of intentions to protect all of the family, but everyone knows what happens when you try to cover up something to protect another, it comes back to bite you, twice as hard. This multi layered story is packed with drama throughout and, as the layers are peeled back, chapter by chapter so are the secrets, and there are so many of them in this book that I was left reeling at each of them. This is a tense and, at times, emotionally charged read from an author that is a master of the dramatic, keeping me turning the pages of every book that she's written and always leaves me feeling quite bereft that I've reached the end, but chomping at the bit waiting to see what she delivers next!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
January 11, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Let’s just say, families can be….complicated
Natalie and Victoria are reunited when their father has a heart attack. Both sisters are harboring bad feelings and don’t know how to get past them. Secrets from the past come to light and their relationship is tested to the brink. The entire family has secrets- their mom and dad and even Victoria's husband.
This book had the worst of married life but also had the best. Once the secrets are exposed everyone is able to heal. Clever title- well played Emma Robinson! Loved it! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheLieSheTold #EmmaRobinson #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #FamilyDrama
Let’s just say, families can be….complicated
Natalie and Victoria are reunited when their father has a heart attack. Both sisters are harboring bad feelings and don’t know how to get past them. Secrets from the past come to light and their relationship is tested to the brink. The entire family has secrets- their mom and dad and even Victoria's husband.
This book had the worst of married life but also had the best. Once the secrets are exposed everyone is able to heal. Clever title- well played Emma Robinson! Loved it! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheLieSheTold #EmmaRobinson #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #FamilyDrama
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Natalie and Victoria are sisters, but they could not have chosen more different paths in life. When a family crisis forces them together once again, they will have to face things that they have concealed as well as things that have been concealed from them.
This is an emotional journey into the complex and often contradictory love between siblings, the secrets we protect for the people we love, and the toll that this sometimes takes on the most important relationships a person can have.
Robinson really delivers a winner with this story, which will be especially enjoyed by fans of family dramas and women's fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is an emotional journey into the complex and often contradictory love between siblings, the secrets we protect for the people we love, and the toll that this sometimes takes on the most important relationships a person can have.
Robinson really delivers a winner with this story, which will be especially enjoyed by fans of family dramas and women's fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 1, 2026
A family drama with lots of secrets. I thought this book was excellent. A good strong storyline which unraveled at a steady pace. Well rounded and very real characters. An interesting, at a distance relationship between the two sisters Natalie and Victoria from the start. This all became clear as more of the story was revealed.
I disliked Marcus straight away, but again I felt he was well written. Controlling, narcissistic and wanted Victoria to be less accommodating of him.
I found this a compelling read and I couldn’t put it down.
My first book by this author but certainly not the last.
4.5 stars. Recommended if you like family dramas.
I disliked Marcus straight away, but again I felt he was well written. Controlling, narcissistic and wanted Victoria to be less accommodating of him.
I found this a compelling read and I couldn’t put it down.
My first book by this author but certainly not the last.
4.5 stars. Recommended if you like family dramas.
December 21, 2025
"The Lie She Told" is another fantastic emotional book by Emma with lots of plot twists you will not see coming! Victoria and Natalie are sisters...while Victoria is the martyr wife and stay at home mother to her twins, Natalie travels all around Europe working freelance. However, when a call from their mother comes, about their Dad, they find themselves all together again.. Can the sisters heal their bond? And why were they estranged in the first place? And also, what family secrets do their parents have? It's a must read to find the answers that you won't see coming!!
January 10, 2026
Another great read by Emma Robinson. A domestic thriller full of lots of secrets and lies throughout the story. It didn't take me long to become absorbed in the storyline and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out how everything would unfold. It has a strong well developed storyline and characters that I felt I got to know quickly and could connect with which is always good when it comes to a read. Really enjoyed this one…
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #TheLieSheTold
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #TheLieSheTold
January 13, 2026
This is the sixth book I've read from Robinson and definitely one of my favourites.
I was sold on the prologue alone and knew I wasn't going to be disappointed by what ensued. Secrets, they're never really that are they? They always find a way of coming out and leaving a wake of carnage in their path.
It's very much a character driven drama with no bells and whistles, Robinson tells it as if you were an active participant and not merely an observer.
The sisters and their relationship/rivalry was tangled, but very real and relatable.
Emotional, engaging and extremely enjoyable.
I was sold on the prologue alone and knew I wasn't going to be disappointed by what ensued. Secrets, they're never really that are they? They always find a way of coming out and leaving a wake of carnage in their path.
It's very much a character driven drama with no bells and whistles, Robinson tells it as if you were an active participant and not merely an observer.
The sisters and their relationship/rivalry was tangled, but very real and relatable.
Emotional, engaging and extremely enjoyable.
November 30, 2025
This is one of those books about a normal family who have buried secrets and resentments from years of hiding the truth. When their father has a heart attack the whole family is brought back together and the same old wounds are reopened but when a huge secret about their father is discovered will the sisters be able to come back together and bring peace to the family or are some secrets too big to get over. This book feels honest and real and I love it!
December 8, 2025
When Natalie rushes home after her dad lands in the hospital, the family secret she’s been running from is waiting for her. One cryptic sentence from her father,“Don’t blame your mother", makes her realize everything she thought she knew was wrong. As she digs into the truth, Natalie must decide whether revealing it will finally heal her family… or destroy them for good. Thank you, NetGalley for the early read!!
January 2, 2026
A highly binge-able domestic thriller that pulls you in fast. The story is emotional & tense & unraveling the secrets this family has will keep you guessing. The dynamic within the family is messy but somehow also well balanced. Each member adds to the overall plot development in a clear & necessary way. Overall a really fun, quick, emotional thriller.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a great story about family and the lies we keep and the damage done. Everyone lies in this story bit the reasons why all vary. It makes you think about the lies in your own family and what the consequences could be becaise of them. Mom, Dad, Sister, Husband, Best friend, can you trust anyone to not lie to you?
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this before release!
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this before release!
January 15, 2026
Sure everyone has secrets but it seemed like every other page a character was revealing a new one!
Some of the secrets are hurtful and people get angry but it also is a chance for growth, rejuvenation, and moving forward.
Estranged sisters really get to know each other after many years apart and the parents square up with them too.
The ending is refreshingly open to oppose all past secrets that are no more.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
Some of the secrets are hurtful and people get angry but it also is a chance for growth, rejuvenation, and moving forward.
Estranged sisters really get to know each other after many years apart and the parents square up with them too.
The ending is refreshingly open to oppose all past secrets that are no more.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
January 9, 2026
While Natalie has always been closest to their mum, for Victoria their dad was her first thought.
But when the call comes through that their dad is in hospital both women dash to his side. But old lies and secrets are waiting in
there too. can they ever fix the fractures in the family.
A great five star read, I couldn't put it down.
#NetGalley #Bookouture #TheLieSheTold #Emma Robinson
But when the call comes through that their dad is in hospital both women dash to his side. But old lies and secrets are waiting in
there too. can they ever fix the fractures in the family.
A great five star read, I couldn't put it down.
#NetGalley #Bookouture #TheLieSheTold #Emma Robinson
December 10, 2025
This family drama focused on lies that each told to protect others. When their dad ends up in the hospital with heart issues, Natalie returns home. She hasn't been back home since her sister Victoria didn't believe her when something major happened. Victoria meets up with an old friend who confesses something and their parents have another secret. When people keep secrets to "protect others" it can sometimes cause even more pain. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
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