We Both Have Secrets

by Emma Robinson, Tamsin Kennard (Narrator)

Clutching my husband's note in my trembling hands, my world shatters. All I can focus on are four little words with the power to change You deserve the truth.

When my long-lost friend Lucy invites us to her Spanish villa, I jump at the chance for my husband Robert and me to have some time together. Our daughters have flown the nest, and it's a chance for us to reconnect.

But when we arrive, Robert slowly pulls away from me. His conversation is muted, and he refuses to meet my eye at dinner. When I see him chatting to Lucy's grown-up daughter, I know something strange is going on…

Then one morning, I find a crumpled note in his bedside What I'm about to say is going to blow our lives apart. But I can't hide it any longer. And I'm terrified you won't ever forgive me…

In that moment, I feel sure our marriage is over. My husband has been keeping a devastating secret. But if I confront him, I will have to reveal something terrible of my own. And once my secret is out, will my family ever forgive me for what I did?

A totally binge-worthy and heart-wrenching read about family secrets and how far we will go to protect those we love the most. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty, and Diane Chamberlain.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

Audible Audio

First published June 18, 2025

About the author

Emma 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.

Reviews

[Lara Fresco · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5 ⭐️
Que reviravolta este livro teve! Achava que ia ser uma coisa e foi outra completamente ao lado 😅
Gostei por isso!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. College secrets carried over into adult life. Good message about college drinking and the spiking of female drinks.

[Cucabooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Não foi um livro que me impressionou, de todo. Acho que estava à espera de mais, talvez de outro tipo de enredo e de reviravoltas diferentes, tendo em conta o título do livro. No fundo, a narrativa gira sobretudo em torno de dramas/problemas familiares.

Foi uma leitura bastante rápida, uma vez que a escrita é bastante fluida e existe sempre alguma expectativa sobre o que poderá acontecer a seguir.

Ainda assim, é um livro que entretém e que acaba por cumprir a sua função.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often mention, in my reviews, how important secrets are to a story. Well! This book is very open about the subject of SECRETS by including the fact(s) in the title. I couldn't wait to get into it.

The main characters are Ellen and her husband, Richard. They have recently become empty nesters. Right from the beginning, there is a subtle overtone of unease. Ellen is somewhat neurotic and paranoid of everything. Richard is aloof and seemingly detached from the relationship. Trouble!

So, all the trouble (each secret)comes to a head, one at a time. The secrets weren't exactly what I was expecting, but they kept me turning the pages. Conversely, some events were predictable. But, it all kept me engaged, waiting to see how everything resolved itself.

The ending is satisfying. This book is entertaining, easy to read. Some of the drama is a little over the top, reminiscent of a soap opera.

My rating is 3.5 stars, rounding it up to a four.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
We Both Have Secrets is a touching, moving and engaging read with a surprise or two.
Emma Robinson is a new author for me and I will definitely read more from her.
Ellen and Robert are off to Malaga for a three day holiday.
Staying with a college friend Lucy and her husband Joe, even though they haven’t seen them in decades.
Their two daughters Abigail and Grace are having their own issues and love melodrama.
But Robert is reluctant to go and his attitude is distant and cold.
Ellen begins to worry when a note from Robert is found.
He is hiding a secret but what he doesn’t know is so is Ellen……
I’m usually one for the great selection of psychological thrillers from Bookouture but this time I went with a women’s fiction title and a new author.
I really enjoyed this book.
A emotional family saga with secrets and soul.
I read in one sitting and very much liked the story.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk and Bookouture for the chance to review this book.

Secrets carried throughout their lives. Family and lost friends are reunited in this story about consequences and the effects of long-held misunderstandings.

Ellen and Lucy are the main protagonists, hiding the truth in plain sight. Robert, unwittingly, is the anchor that holds friendships and family together.

All through this story, I found myself wishing it would turn out OK. (No Spoilers!)
It isn't a gripping or exciting read, but once invested, it is hard not to finish and find out the ending.
The characters are pleasant enough to make them likeable, and the story rubs along nicely.
It's an enjoyable, easy read suitable for escaping the daily grind. I read this whilst on holiday, with lots of time to waste.

[Jill Lendahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for an Emotional Read with Layers

I almost stopped reading. The book felt like it was written as two stories. In the first act, Ellen is insecure in her marriage, suspicious of her husband. I felt no depth. The second act, however, had more depth and it felt as though the characters were developed a bit more so I actually started to care. Without giving away anything, I’ll just say the story was intriguing enough, but the lack of depth had me feeling as though I could put it down and stop reading. I should preface this by saying I feel like I’ve been in a reading slump lately so maybe it’s just me!

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off fantastically, namely with a confession. The only question is: who wants to confess something, and what is the secret this person is carrying?

This is the kind of beginning that immediately makes you sit up straight. A confession is often synonymous with pain, both for yourself and for the person to whom you're finally going to be honest.

When you feel something is going on with your partner, you start reading into everything and imagining all sorts of worst-case scenarios. You assume the worst and suspect them of all kinds of things. And precisely because you're only seeing what you want to see, you end up drawing the wrong conclusions.

The couple does indeed have secrets from each other, but I find they have a different “weight.” Personally, I think Ellen kept something hidden out of shame and selfishness, and multiple people were involved and hurt by it, whereas Robert kept his secret more to protect his loved ones. Ellen also seems to be better at keeping secrets, while with Robert you can tell something is going on by his behavior.

Just like Ellen, I was completely wrong :) and I was also shocked when Robert revealed what he had been going through.

I thought it was a very beautiful and emotional story, and it shows again that sometimes something serious needs to happen to bring people (back) together or closer.

I was glued to the book because it was so gripping, and it really moved me.

At the end, karma came into play for a moment, and I couldn’t think anything else but: “Go, girls!” ;)

Great story and definitely 5 stars

Thank you

[Sandra Melo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Emma Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a reading slump for quite a while and just not been able to focus on reading for very long, but boy oh boy…..this book certainly brought me back out of my slump as it only took me 2 days to read!
I love Emma Robinson’s books and yet again, Emma has written a fabulous book with such relatable, likeable and believable characters!
Thoroughly enjoyed this story and I have loved, finally….not being able to put a book down again!

[Kerrie Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen and Robert have been together since meeting in freshers week at university. Ellen found herself pregnant shortly before graduation and Robert stood by her and married shortly after they now have two girls who are both grown up their youngest Emily is just about to head off to university. Grace is finding this a difficult time empty nest syndrome feeling often felt by mum’s when their children move out.
Her and Robert have had a happy marriage, but she’s often wondered whether he would still married her. Had she not been pregnant? She’s now beginning to doubt the life they’ve built together. She feels like he’s pulling away and she wants to rekindle their marriage

As they drop their youngest daughter off at university, they are met by the daughter of their old friend Lucy.
Lucy and Ellen were best friends. They went around together as a group with Robert and a few other students. However, they drifted apart when Ellen became pregnant and motherhood and young family life got in the way.
After speaking to Lucy for the first time in many years, Lucy invites them to her holiday home in Spain to spend some time getting to know each other again. Ellen is keen to go but Robert was very reluctant on the plane there Alan begins to wonder what is bothering Robert Does he still love her?

Shortly after arriving, at Lucy‘s Villa Ellen begins to suspect something more is going on Robert and Lucy spend time together and she feels excluded. Are they having an affair?

Lucy’s eldest daughter who is only a year younger than Robert and Ellen’s daughter turns up unexpectedly at the villa and Robert is shocked to see her. This throws Elleninto even more doubt. How does Robert know Charlotte? Where have they met before she suddenly sees them spending time together and feels once again excluded? What secrets are they keeping from her? Is Robert having an affair with Lucy or with Charlotte?


We follow Ellen Robert Lucy and their girls as Ellen discovers exactly what Robert has been hiding. As they navigate the future will their family survive what other secrets are still being kept and will be secrets break their family apart?

I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters at times. I felt frustrated with Ellen but I could understand her actions and reactions. I enjoyed how the story evolved and how the secrets were revealed.

Emma has done a fantastic job writing her characters and bringing them to life for us readers

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional rollercoaster for all the characters and will keep the reader guessing.

When Ellen and Robert wave goodbye to their second daughter at university, it’s time for them to enjoy some time alone. After reconnecting with old friend Lucy, the pair fly off on holiday to unwind. But is everything as it seems? Robert doesn’t seem to want to spend quality time with Ellen and everyone is behaving suspiciously. Just what secrets are being kept??

With lots of twists and turns you will think you have it all sorted, but as ever, this author throws in some curveballs! I definitely didn’t see the one twist coming but may have figured out some things.

I really liked how everything weaved together, how you get to know all the characters, how you may make a judgment about them, but you find that changes as you read on.

It’s lovely and descriptive as I’ve come to expect from this author, you can easily visualise all the characters and where they are.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t need as many tissues this time as previous books and didn’t feel quite as emotional at the end, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

All in all a fast paced, quick read that will have you reading into the night, just finishing that one more chapter…….!

[Kim Heilijgers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Het boek voelt zo voorspelbaar, maar oh boy ik had het mis. Steeds gebeurt er een nieuw laagje waardoor ik mijn aandacht bij het boek kon houden.

Het verhaal gaat over Ellen, een vrouw van midden 40 die op jonge leeftijd moeder is geworden van 2 dochters: Grace & Abigail.
Grace is 25 en werkt in London, terwijl Abigail net 18 is en begint met studeren aan de universiteit.
Dezelfde universiteit waar haar moeder en vader (Robert) hebben gestudeerd.
Abigail komt hier Emily tegen de dochter van een oude vriendin van haar ouders (Lucy).

Lucy nodigt Ellen en haar man Robert uit om op bezoek te komen in haar huis in Malaga.
Vanaf moment dat ze aankomen in Malaga voel je dat er iets speelt tussen Lucy en Robert. En dat voel Ellen ook.
Maar wat is er aan de hand en wie spreekt de waarheid?

Om daar achter te komen moet je dit moet gaan lezen.

De schrijfstijl is erg fijn, je leest het makkelijk weg en de locatie waar je bent wordt goed omschreven. Dit is een verhaal wat je op je 30ste leuk vindt maar ook als je 60 bent!

[Mavra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhh, this started off as an interesting read and seems to have a lot of suspense and drama initially with all the secrets that was assumed then FMC and her husband would have, but as the secrets were revealed it was kind of underwhelming to me. I was expecting a lot more drama and secrets and lies. They didn’t land the way was hoping they would. Also, I am not sure why they made the FMC seem so out of touch with technology. She’s not even that old and just because she became a mother so young, and now has daughters in their 20s, does not mean she has to seem so out of touch with using a phone etc. haha. I just found that kind of odd. I felt like they made her really in her head with all of the secrets she assumed and also kept. Overall, it was interesting, but it was hard to get attached to the characters as it lacked some depth. By the time you did get more insight, the story was over. Overall, this could be a quick read, but not anything too deep or twisty.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Once I began reading I did not put this down until it was done. I definitely wanted there to be a happy ending for the characters.

The "secret" was a bit underwhelming for me which impacted my rating. So even though I enjoyed the story the buildup did not match the twist. And parts felt a bit contrived. However, overall the story was sweet and cute. The dialogue was very authentic and I found myself chuckling in parts because it felt very realistic.

This was my first book written by this author but I will definitely read more of her work.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Ambos Temos Segredos de Emma Robinson — leitura viciante do início ao fim, cheia de segredos familiares e suspeitas constantes.
Desconfiei de alguns detalhes e acertei.
O final foi satisfatório, embora estivesse à espera de uma reviravolta maior que acabou por não acontecer. Ainda assim, uma ótima escolha para quem quer um thriller envolvente e fácil de devorar.

[Taylor✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5♥️

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Jenniferleest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik mocht dit boek vooruitlezen van Oceaan. Mijn review volgt snel!

Review binnenkort op: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/

[Shaye Baine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, and not what you would think!

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen and Robert have been together since university days, twenty five years later they have two daughters, Grace and Abigail who have both flown the nest with Abigail recently going to university and Ellen and Robert now have the time to rekindle their own dreams of travelling, so when old uni friend Lucy invites them to her villa in Malaga for a long weekend with her husband Joe, they decide to take her up on it, even though they lost touch in their final year, but Ellen thinks it will be a chance to spend some time with Robert who has been a bit distant recently. Sadly, it's not the romantic getaway she hoped for as he distances himself even more over the coming days and, when she discovers a note from him she believes the worst, but he's not the only one with a secret and hers could potentially blow their world apart.

We Both Have Secrets is the the latest domestic drama by Robinson, set between Malaga in Spain and the UK and told across multiple timelines throughout. This is a fast paced rollercoaster read which, in true Robinson style, deals with some very complex subjects sympathetically and with dignity. Both Ellen and Robert are hiding major secrets which could change their lives, for different reasons, once they are finally revealed, and it was clear that they were both trying to protect their family by keeping quiet. This author has created a story with realistic, relatable characters which will tug at your heartstrings, leaving me in tears time and again, its a tale of friendships and deep rooted love that had me gripped throughout and Robinson, one of my go to authors, has smashed it out of the park AGAIN!

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.

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, when I read the part where the actual secret comes out I was quite surprised as to what it was, let’s put it this way it wasn’t what I had in mind, I really enjoyed this book, started reading it on Friday and has finished it on Tuesday one of those books you don’t want to end.

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept up in this unputdownable read about family secrets. I had suspicions as I flipped through the pages. Surprises greeted me in ways I didn’t imagine. This work of #womensfiction is a great book with secrets that will have you engaged throughout.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novel we meet Ellen and Robert, a couple of empty nesters whose youngest daughter has left to go to university. They have the time and money now to have the adventures they didn't have when they were younger but Ellen feels Robert is keeping something from her and when she finds a note from him her suspicions go into overdrive. But she can hardly complain because she also has kept a secret from Robert one that could completely ruin their marriage.
Emma Robinson has written yet another fabulous book. She takes every day real life dilemmas and creates relatable characters to deal with the outcomes.
It's a heartwarming read with love and friendship throughout the pages.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

One marriage. Two lies. But which one will tear us apart.
Full of family secret's.
Ellen and Richard and both their daughters Grace and Abigail have flew the nest, now it's time to re- kindle their own flame.
A week off work they get invited out from Lucy to her villa in Malaga for three nights it's been a long time since Lucy and Ellen have seen each other going way back to their teen years.
Something is not right how does Lucy know so much about her husband?
This page turner is a story of kept secrets as you read become a shock into the story.
I loved it.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotional story about the damage secrets can cause even in the most secure and happiest of relationships and Emma Robinson always writes the type of book that makes the reader cry one minute and then smile, this is why I enjoy her books.. This is another 5 star read

[Shelby · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book at all. The main character annoyed me. All she did was think badly of herself and questioned every single thing she said or did. Only at the end was she able to redeem herself and put her family first.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Charlotte Griggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was difficult to review. Because I liked the storyline but it wasn't very well written. It almost feels like you're reading a teenagers diary that's hiding all these secrets. I also didn't really like any of the characters either which is a pretty big deal in a book.

Let's start with Robert: It's unclear on whether he loves his wife or not. Heck, it's not all that clear during the memories of their college days. The only glimpse of Robert we really get is the side where he's pushing his wife away and burying himself into his work. I was 100% backing Ellen up because this man was acting shady as f*ck. Then, they have this beautiful opportunity to visit Spain and he's completely disinterested?! THEN, the way he's all buddy buddy with Lucy and giggling and whispering with her behind Ellen's back. I mean, what is a wife supposed to think because I was absolutely thinking the SAME thing as her. It's just wild to me how you can claim to love someone so much and hide something so serious from them.

We'll go to Ellen next: Though I was siding with her and felt bad for her this woman is an absolute push over. because there's NO way I will let a man brush my feelings aside the way Robert kept doing all the while acting shady. She also never once confronted Lucy who was ALL over Robert. Practically drooling. Also, Ellen must also be very blind because it was very obvious Lucy wanted Robert when they were teenagers. Let's not forget though how Ellen kept the secret that Robert's daughter very well might not be his.

Now Lucy: I'll say it. She's a b*tch and a sh*t friend. She was so jealous of Ellen as teenagers that she allowed her "friend" to get raped. But also sleeps with that very man. Then, YEARS down the road, she is still very obviously pining over Robert and flirting with him right in front of Ellen. Yes, they became "close" due to Robert seeking out her daughter for his heart condition (which was all so shady) but it was TOO close.

Lastly, Joe: He was the most normal of them all. I almost felt bad for him for being in the middle of all this if the man acted like he cared more. Cared more about his work than his family.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Buckle up Emma Robinson Fan’s as the goddess of tearjerkers is back to take you on another emotional rollercoaster ride! We Both Have Secrets had me reaching for the tissues as the tears escaped my eyes for this one. If you like emotionally driven books with a lot of family drama, a little bit of mystery, and a lot of heart then this book is for you.

Emma wants to dedicate this book to Nina and thanks her for her unwavering support.

The graphics department did a beautiful job for the cover of We Both Have Secrets!

Emma had my heart in my chest and scrambling for the tissues in the very first line of the prologue! I swear she knows what to say to trigger me to set off the waterworks! Then again that is one reason I love her books. She writes important stories that need to be written with a lot of heart and soul that will touch your heart in more ways than one. This is just one of the many that hit me harder than normal.

Robert was keeping many painful deep secrets from his wife and children that would leave them heartbroken if they found out. Many of the aspects of the story were especially painful for me to read. I usually devour her books in one sitting but this one I had to read over a few days. A few things in the book hit closer to home this time around.