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Devlin Sisters #2
The Secrets Sisters Keep
Sometimes the most painful secrets are best shared…
Julie, mum of four boisterous sons, is about to see life changing in ways she never expected. When her loving husband is swept up by a whirlwind turn of fortune, she finds herself looking to the past for the company and comfort she so needs.
Single mother and successful career woman Louise’s perfectly ordered world is about to change for ever. She would do anything for her gifted little girl. But is she ready to accept that there are some things she can’t control, in order to face the challenges ahead and help her daughter?
Younger sister Sophie has worked hard to rebuild her life since her divorce. But when her ex husband starts seeing someone new, it feels like her greatest fears have come true.
The three sisters all have painful secrets. Sharing the bad as well as the good, they’re about to support each other more than ever before.
The Secrets Sisters Keep is a moving story of family, friendship and second chances.
Julie, mum of four boisterous sons, is about to see life changing in ways she never expected. When her loving husband is swept up by a whirlwind turn of fortune, she finds herself looking to the past for the company and comfort she so needs.
Single mother and successful career woman Louise’s perfectly ordered world is about to change for ever. She would do anything for her gifted little girl. But is she ready to accept that there are some things she can’t control, in order to face the challenges ahead and help her daughter?
Younger sister Sophie has worked hard to rebuild her life since her divorce. But when her ex husband starts seeing someone new, it feels like her greatest fears have come true.
The three sisters all have painful secrets. Sharing the bad as well as the good, they’re about to support each other more than ever before.
The Secrets Sisters Keep is a moving story of family, friendship and second chances.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
545 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
About the author
Sinéad Moriarty
31 books496 followersSinéad was born and raised in Dublin where she grew up surrounded by books. Her mother is an author of children’s books. Growing up, Sinead says she was inspired by watching her mother writing at the kitchen table and then being published. From that moment on, her childhood dream was to write a novel.
After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.
After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.
Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.
Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.
Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.
After university, she went to live in Paris and then London. It was at the age of thirty, while working as a journalist in London that she began to write creatively in her spare time – after work, at lunch times … and, truth be told, during work hours.
After a couple of years toying with ideas, she joined a creative writing group and began to write The Baby Trail. The bitter-sweet comedy of a couple struggling to conceive hit a nerve in publishing circles. It was snapped up by Penguin Publishing in the UK and Ireland and has, to date, been translated into twenty languages.
Since writing The Baby Trail, Sinead has moved back to Dublin where she lives with her husband, two sons and baby girl.
Her second book A Perfect Match has been published worldwide. The US version of A Perfect Match is called The Right Fit. Her third novel – From Here to Maternity – is the third installment of the Emma Hamilton series. Her fourth book – In My Sister’s Shoes – is about two sisters who help save each other. Her fifth book has been published under two different titles: Whose Life Is It Anyway? in Ireland and Keeping it in the Family in the UK.
Her sixth book, Pieces of my Heart, about a family dealing with a terrible crisis, went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her seventh book – Me and My Sisters – went straight in at number 1 in the Irish charts and was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
Her most recent novel Mad About You is the fourth novel in the Emma Hamilton Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 11, 2017
I have three brothers but I always yearned for sisters, and the sisters here, Julie, Louise and Sophie are exactly the sort of sisters I craved. I loved them all! We have three sisters who are close and would do anything for each other, yet each is holding secrets from the others because they either do not want to burden anyone or do not want to face up to what is happening in their lives.
Julie and her rough and tumble family have always struggled financially. Since coming into a huge inheritance which has made life so much easier, things should finally be looking good. But Julie hates the fact that her husband has a new found obsession with golf and finance, meaning that she hardly sees him anymore.
Divorced Sophie is getting by, although she agonises over her daughter Jess’s relationship with her ex husband’s new girlfriend Pippa. At 42 years old she doesn’t want to face a future alone and is looking for love.
Louise would seem to have it all. Single by choice and mother to four year old Chloe, she is an extremely successful lawyer. Chloe is the love of her life and Louise is determined to nurture her to be successful so that she will never have to be dependent on anyone. But her family is concerned about Chloe and Louise cannot or will not understand why.
It is a read that is funny, witty and heartwarming at the same time with characters you can identify with. My favourite was Louise and my heart went completely out to her as she finally decided to face the truth about Chloe.
This is a wonderful story about the bond between sisters and is highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Julie and her rough and tumble family have always struggled financially. Since coming into a huge inheritance which has made life so much easier, things should finally be looking good. But Julie hates the fact that her husband has a new found obsession with golf and finance, meaning that she hardly sees him anymore.
Divorced Sophie is getting by, although she agonises over her daughter Jess’s relationship with her ex husband’s new girlfriend Pippa. At 42 years old she doesn’t want to face a future alone and is looking for love.
Louise would seem to have it all. Single by choice and mother to four year old Chloe, she is an extremely successful lawyer. Chloe is the love of her life and Louise is determined to nurture her to be successful so that she will never have to be dependent on anyone. But her family is concerned about Chloe and Louise cannot or will not understand why.
It is a read that is funny, witty and heartwarming at the same time with characters you can identify with. My favourite was Louise and my heart went completely out to her as she finally decided to face the truth about Chloe.
This is a wonderful story about the bond between sisters and is highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
May 26, 2014
4.5 stars
This book is the proof! Sinead Moriarty is now my go-to author when I want chick-lit featuring vivacious characters that I love to spend time with. Her humour and sparkle never fail to entertain and amuse me.
First Line of The Secrets Sisters Keep:
“Once upon a time there were three sisters, and a brother who went to work naked....”
My Thoughts on The Secrets Sisters Keep:
A few pages in to this book, a little bell clanged in my brain and I realised these characters were very familiar and that was the first time that I realised that this was book 2 in a series. And even better I had loved book 1 (Me and My Sisters) but don’t worry this book works fine as a standalone also.
What I love about this book is how it balances being hilarious and full of laugh out loud moments, with lots of serious issues. The issues covered are relevant to contemporary life and are more than likely something you will have experienced or seen your friends experience. The sisters have to cope with being stuck in a rut, the difficulty of trying to make friends as you get older, going back to work after raising kids, coping with step families, a husband working abroad, the diagnosis of a child with special needs and lots more.
And that all sounds like this is a drama-fest but it’s not. It’s just a very realistic portrait of a modern family and what they endure without even those who love them most knowing ever suspecting. The book is also very witty in Sinead’s trademark style so it never gets too heavy but it does make you reflect on what the characters are going through.
The book is very character driven and all the sisters have chapters from their point of view. They are all very different. These zany, loveable women drive each other crazy at times but they also support each other fiercely. Just as sisters should. Sophie, Louise and Julie are each strong in their own way but are not without their failings which makes them realistically well rounded. They argue together, cry together and hug together and if you’ve ever had a sister you will recognise that relationship that no other can replicate.
Overall, I think this is my favourite of series by Sinead even though The Baby Trail series will always be close to my heart. I love how the characters in The Secrets Sisters Keep are that bit older and how much I can connect to them. They made me guffaw, they jerked at my heartstrings and were a pleasure to spend a few hours with.
Who should read The Secrets Sisters Keep?
I’d strongly recommend this to all those who like their chick-lits flooded with humour and endearing characters. If you are a fan of Sheila O’Flanagan, Claudia Carroll or Sophie Kinsella then I’d recommend giving this one a go.
This book is the proof! Sinead Moriarty is now my go-to author when I want chick-lit featuring vivacious characters that I love to spend time with. Her humour and sparkle never fail to entertain and amuse me.
First Line of The Secrets Sisters Keep:
“Once upon a time there were three sisters, and a brother who went to work naked....”
My Thoughts on The Secrets Sisters Keep:
A few pages in to this book, a little bell clanged in my brain and I realised these characters were very familiar and that was the first time that I realised that this was book 2 in a series. And even better I had loved book 1 (Me and My Sisters) but don’t worry this book works fine as a standalone also.
What I love about this book is how it balances being hilarious and full of laugh out loud moments, with lots of serious issues. The issues covered are relevant to contemporary life and are more than likely something you will have experienced or seen your friends experience. The sisters have to cope with being stuck in a rut, the difficulty of trying to make friends as you get older, going back to work after raising kids, coping with step families, a husband working abroad, the diagnosis of a child with special needs and lots more.
And that all sounds like this is a drama-fest but it’s not. It’s just a very realistic portrait of a modern family and what they endure without even those who love them most knowing ever suspecting. The book is also very witty in Sinead’s trademark style so it never gets too heavy but it does make you reflect on what the characters are going through.
The book is very character driven and all the sisters have chapters from their point of view. They are all very different. These zany, loveable women drive each other crazy at times but they also support each other fiercely. Just as sisters should. Sophie, Louise and Julie are each strong in their own way but are not without their failings which makes them realistically well rounded. They argue together, cry together and hug together and if you’ve ever had a sister you will recognise that relationship that no other can replicate.
Overall, I think this is my favourite of series by Sinead even though The Baby Trail series will always be close to my heart. I love how the characters in The Secrets Sisters Keep are that bit older and how much I can connect to them. They made me guffaw, they jerked at my heartstrings and were a pleasure to spend a few hours with.
Who should read The Secrets Sisters Keep?
I’d strongly recommend this to all those who like their chick-lits flooded with humour and endearing characters. If you are a fan of Sheila O’Flanagan, Claudia Carroll or Sophie Kinsella then I’d recommend giving this one a go.
September 7, 2014
I received an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
I don't often venture into the world of chick-lit authors and books these days, but just for once I was super glad that I did. What a fabulous book! I had so much fun reading this book, I laughed out loud, I spoke to the book, I yelled at the characters, it is a book that lifts the spirits.
I was surprised at the depth of content in the book, the characters are very well written and stand out as very real and tangible. You can form opinions of each character because enough is given of them to form such an opinion, they are not background characters, even though there is a lot of them.
In a nutshell this book is about three sisters, all in different stages of their lives, it's about the relationships between the three sisters but also their further relationships with their families, and people in the wider world. There are some VERY funny moments in this book, I did truly laugh out loud. If you are a wife and/or a mother and middle aged (like me) you will relate hilariously to some thoughts and scenes.
It's a lighthearted book yet still tackles some very real life and family issues as it goes alone, we go on the journey of each happy moment, each crisis and each unexpected turn. I can't express a particular part of this book that I felt was very well written as it will be a spoiler, but it's relating to the character of Clara, one of the children, the story surrounding Clara and her mother was VERY well presented, positive and obviously researched. (As someone in the know)
I think this book offers a touch more depth than some chick-lit I have read over many years and is an enjoyable read, I read it in one evening, with a cup of tea (or two) and just let myself be taken along with the words and the story. Pure escapism. Brilliant.
I don't often venture into the world of chick-lit authors and books these days, but just for once I was super glad that I did. What a fabulous book! I had so much fun reading this book, I laughed out loud, I spoke to the book, I yelled at the characters, it is a book that lifts the spirits.
I was surprised at the depth of content in the book, the characters are very well written and stand out as very real and tangible. You can form opinions of each character because enough is given of them to form such an opinion, they are not background characters, even though there is a lot of them.
In a nutshell this book is about three sisters, all in different stages of their lives, it's about the relationships between the three sisters but also their further relationships with their families, and people in the wider world. There are some VERY funny moments in this book, I did truly laugh out loud. If you are a wife and/or a mother and middle aged (like me) you will relate hilariously to some thoughts and scenes.
It's a lighthearted book yet still tackles some very real life and family issues as it goes alone, we go on the journey of each happy moment, each crisis and each unexpected turn. I can't express a particular part of this book that I felt was very well written as it will be a spoiler, but it's relating to the character of Clara, one of the children, the story surrounding Clara and her mother was VERY well presented, positive and obviously researched. (As someone in the know)
I think this book offers a touch more depth than some chick-lit I have read over many years and is an enjoyable read, I read it in one evening, with a cup of tea (or two) and just let myself be taken along with the words and the story. Pure escapism. Brilliant.
November 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this read. I found it to be a refreshing entertaining read with a great storyline.
This story revolves around 3 sisters.
Julie mum of four boys has always struggled financially but all that changes when her husband receives some unexpected inheritance. Can it bring her happiness?
Louise is a single mum of four year old Clara. I’m not gonna say much except to say well done to the author on dealing with the subject.
Sophie is now a single mum after her husband leaves her for someone younger.
Is secrets better kept quiet or shared?
Another great author I can stalk. I was brought up with Irish authors and I’m glad to find another one to follow.
This story revolves around 3 sisters.
Julie mum of four boys has always struggled financially but all that changes when her husband receives some unexpected inheritance. Can it bring her happiness?
Louise is a single mum of four year old Clara. I’m not gonna say much except to say well done to the author on dealing with the subject.
Sophie is now a single mum after her husband leaves her for someone younger.
Is secrets better kept quiet or shared?
Another great author I can stalk. I was brought up with Irish authors and I’m glad to find another one to follow.
September 8, 2014
I received this lovely book from Penguin Books (UK) via Net galley to read and review.
I have to say, this is what I myself term a 'chatty read' a lovely lot of dialogue, plenty of things going on, the author is ever so good at narration, you simply envision the person putting the cup on the side, or wiping down the table. Its not over done, its just 'slipped' in and registers in your brain without you realizing you are acting the scenes out in your head. Very clever.
We have Julie.
Julie has a husband Harry, her four children of which three are triplets boys.
What would you do if you inherited some money? You would move up market right? and put your children in a "good" private school.
Not everything is in your control though, Julie finds being 'in the money' brings its own problems and adversities. Snob, pompous Mummies. Hair not out of place, make up perfecto, and nails done. No one pops to take their children to school in the morning dressed in jogging pants and a T-shirt! Without trying, Julie just doesn't fit in and keeps her friendship of old handy to chat to and moan.
Harry is always worried about money, no, not lack of it, but investing it, doing the right things for the future........working and then off to play golf leaving Julie with a lot of time on her hands.
So Julie eventually joins up for some classes. I had so much fun reading this book. I am a middle aged woman, and she really is funny without trying.
Even getting involved in her exercise classes and yoga had me in fits of laughter.
My favorite scene in when Julie returns home to see Gloria, her cleaning lady laid out on the sofa, she has pulled her back! Julie makes HER a cup of tea "Oh and darling can I have a biscuit or two with that" LOVED IT.
She puts up with Gloria as she's always been good with the boys.
Laura, Sophie. Her two sisters.
Laura and Sophie are as different as chalk and cheese.
One is now on her own as her husband left her for a younger model
The other has no need of a relationship, just sex and fun.
There is so much entertainment in this read, its a story all of its own and will captivate you, pull you into the family and make you feel a part of it. I know I did.
Sometimes we feel we can go alone, but it turns out....we can't.
The secrets sisters keep. What's your secret?
June 26, 2014
Really enjoyed this book, I hadn't read any of the others in the series but it really didn't matter this could have been a stand alone. I liked the range of characters and how different they were from each other making it easy to find one that you can relate to. I also liked the storylines of each character with many of them touching on the reality of many people. I recommend!!!
December 11, 2017
I loved this heartwarming tale of families and the bonds between siblings. Sinead Moriarty writes so beautifully and from the heart. Did not want this book to end. loved every member of this big, bustling, wonderful family but Julie is my favourite.
August 14, 2014
I'm on such a good roll with the books lately! The Secrets Sisters Keep has entertained me wonderfully and kept me awake in the night, I so wanted to know how it's going to end! It was my first Sinead's book, I really have no idea what took me so long to read her novels, I guess there is no explanation to that. I am for sure going to befriend myself with her work. And as far as I know this book is the continuation of Me and My Sisters, and although you can for sure read it as a stand - alone novel, I'm going to purchase this book asap.
The Secrets Sisters Keep is about Devlin's family, and precisely about the three sisters. Julie, mum of four boys (triplets alarm!), has always struggled for money and wished for more financial independence. Then her husband very unexpectedly comes to big money - and we really talk BIG money - as a result of inheritance. They move to a bigger house, the boys go to much better school but is Julie really happier now? When she in fact misses her neighbour Marian and her own husband, who is now only thinking about making more money.
Louise is a lawyer and a control freak. She is a single mother of a four - year - old Clara and thinks that she has everything under control. She finds fullfillment in her job, is in fact a brilliant lawyer who takes no consideration and is absolutely in love with her daughter who she - and the whole family - thinks is a genius. Clara can recite the names of all the birds in the world, doesn't like noise and playing with other children and can do maths that even adults can have problems with. But then it happens that perhaps Clara is not genius, that perhaps there is something more to that? Is Louise going to accept this fact? Is she going to let her family help her or is she going to dissociate herself from closest ones?
Sophie lives with her daughter Jess after her marriage went bonkers and can't come to terms that: she's getting older (she used to be a model), she's alone (she loves to be a part of a couple) while her ex - husband has found a new partner who is much younger, much more beautiful (at least, Sophie thinks so) and Jess finds her much more cool. Is Sophie going to be able to fight her demons?
Apart the sisters, there are some other characters in the book, which I found - all of them, without exception! - brilliant. The girls' youngest brother Gavin, their parents, Marion, all the children with the triplets on top, even the school's mums were colourful, vivid and felt so very realistic, like 3 D characters that I could touch and feel.
I have loved all of the sisters, although I think Julie was the closest to my heart. She had my favourite kind of dry - humour sense and she had to deal with many things, starting with the triplets, coming to terms with the mothers at school and ending with feeling totally alone but still having a big heart and feeling for everybody around her. And I think you can't do wrong when you have four boys under 10. In my opinion she was so strong, trying to cope alone with everything that she's responsible for now: new boys' school, new house, husband feeling as if he were new as well, and with the feelings of loneliness. I loved her interaction with her friend Marian, Marian herself was HILARIOUS, she has brightened the book with her ideas and with her banter.
Louise seemed to be the coldest one of the sisters but deep inside she only needed some love. Hard businesswoman, she was like a teddy bear at home with her daughter Clara. She didn't want to see the truth about Clara, well, which mother would like to see it? Yes, she behaved like Ice Queen, even towards Clara, especially when her daughter didn't do what she was expected to do, and even if she was only 4 - year - old but I think I get Louise, I know where this all self - control and this whole regimentation came from. I even liked her when she behaved like a bitch towards her co - worker but to be honest, Louise was also right in that matter.
And Sophie, who can't come to terms that her ex - husband started a new family with a woman 20 years younger than she is, with a woman that her daughter worships and who makes Sophie feel so old, so unwanted and so ugly.
Each of the sisters has so many problems, and each of them feels she must come to terms with those problems alone. I have really felt for all of them and they couldn't do wrong for me, I have rooted for them and would protect all like a lioness. I kept my fingers crossed for them and for their children, it just felt as if I'm a part of their family. It was all so realistic and so honest, there was nothing fake in this book, and this everything felt so familiar, all the situations could happen any time to me or to my family. Those are situations that we all must cope with, we all had difficulties trying to make new friends, coping with step families, raising a child alone, diagnosis of a child with special needs, financial problems, self - underestimating and much, much more. All the characters were brilliantly written and their stories kept me hooked, I loved to see how they're dealing with all the problems and how - finally - they decide that it's time for the others to know their secrets because there is - in fact - nothing better than a sister or two.
What had made them so realistic and likeable is the fact that they are not perfect. They have their strong points, but also the weak ones. They argue with each other but they love each other very much, just like sisters do. This relationship is not pushy, is not over the top and just sounds so very realistic.
Each chapter was told from each sister's point of view in the first person but each of them was titled with the name so no confusion here, although at the beginning I was a little afraid how it's going to work and how it's going to be when all three sisters are going to cast in a chapter. But no worries on this front, everything is clear and no confusions here.
While the book deals with some important issues, it also has a lot of humour and some of the scenes made me laugh out loud, especially those with Gavin and his mum. It balances the humour and the serious moments wonderfully, and even the sad things are written in a very approachable, nice way.
It also deals with situations that ring a bell, that you can relate to, it is brutally honest about the reality and everyday life and family issues. It shows how people closest to themselves deal with crisis, and how it's sometimes really easier to trust people other than you family, although the family in fact would do anything to help you. The family, that usually drives you crazy but supports you without a word, no matter what comes.
It may sound as if it is a sad, tear - jerking book but it actually isn't like this. Yes, it has some sad moments, but in fact it's a portrait of a modern, typical family, its way to cope with common, everyday problems, and this all written with a lot of feeling, a lot of heart, in a light, engaging way. I personally loved this book. well written, with many brilliant characters, complex characters who were developing all the time and not only going in circles, with a brilliant pace and with a perfect mix of all elements that I'm looking for in a book. A rare gem, a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
The Secrets Sisters Keep is about Devlin's family, and precisely about the three sisters. Julie, mum of four boys (triplets alarm!), has always struggled for money and wished for more financial independence. Then her husband very unexpectedly comes to big money - and we really talk BIG money - as a result of inheritance. They move to a bigger house, the boys go to much better school but is Julie really happier now? When she in fact misses her neighbour Marian and her own husband, who is now only thinking about making more money.
Louise is a lawyer and a control freak. She is a single mother of a four - year - old Clara and thinks that she has everything under control. She finds fullfillment in her job, is in fact a brilliant lawyer who takes no consideration and is absolutely in love with her daughter who she - and the whole family - thinks is a genius. Clara can recite the names of all the birds in the world, doesn't like noise and playing with other children and can do maths that even adults can have problems with. But then it happens that perhaps Clara is not genius, that perhaps there is something more to that? Is Louise going to accept this fact? Is she going to let her family help her or is she going to dissociate herself from closest ones?
Sophie lives with her daughter Jess after her marriage went bonkers and can't come to terms that: she's getting older (she used to be a model), she's alone (she loves to be a part of a couple) while her ex - husband has found a new partner who is much younger, much more beautiful (at least, Sophie thinks so) and Jess finds her much more cool. Is Sophie going to be able to fight her demons?
Apart the sisters, there are some other characters in the book, which I found - all of them, without exception! - brilliant. The girls' youngest brother Gavin, their parents, Marion, all the children with the triplets on top, even the school's mums were colourful, vivid and felt so very realistic, like 3 D characters that I could touch and feel.
I have loved all of the sisters, although I think Julie was the closest to my heart. She had my favourite kind of dry - humour sense and she had to deal with many things, starting with the triplets, coming to terms with the mothers at school and ending with feeling totally alone but still having a big heart and feeling for everybody around her. And I think you can't do wrong when you have four boys under 10. In my opinion she was so strong, trying to cope alone with everything that she's responsible for now: new boys' school, new house, husband feeling as if he were new as well, and with the feelings of loneliness. I loved her interaction with her friend Marian, Marian herself was HILARIOUS, she has brightened the book with her ideas and with her banter.
Louise seemed to be the coldest one of the sisters but deep inside she only needed some love. Hard businesswoman, she was like a teddy bear at home with her daughter Clara. She didn't want to see the truth about Clara, well, which mother would like to see it? Yes, she behaved like Ice Queen, even towards Clara, especially when her daughter didn't do what she was expected to do, and even if she was only 4 - year - old but I think I get Louise, I know where this all self - control and this whole regimentation came from. I even liked her when she behaved like a bitch towards her co - worker but to be honest, Louise was also right in that matter.
And Sophie, who can't come to terms that her ex - husband started a new family with a woman 20 years younger than she is, with a woman that her daughter worships and who makes Sophie feel so old, so unwanted and so ugly.
Each of the sisters has so many problems, and each of them feels she must come to terms with those problems alone. I have really felt for all of them and they couldn't do wrong for me, I have rooted for them and would protect all like a lioness. I kept my fingers crossed for them and for their children, it just felt as if I'm a part of their family. It was all so realistic and so honest, there was nothing fake in this book, and this everything felt so familiar, all the situations could happen any time to me or to my family. Those are situations that we all must cope with, we all had difficulties trying to make new friends, coping with step families, raising a child alone, diagnosis of a child with special needs, financial problems, self - underestimating and much, much more. All the characters were brilliantly written and their stories kept me hooked, I loved to see how they're dealing with all the problems and how - finally - they decide that it's time for the others to know their secrets because there is - in fact - nothing better than a sister or two.
What had made them so realistic and likeable is the fact that they are not perfect. They have their strong points, but also the weak ones. They argue with each other but they love each other very much, just like sisters do. This relationship is not pushy, is not over the top and just sounds so very realistic.
Each chapter was told from each sister's point of view in the first person but each of them was titled with the name so no confusion here, although at the beginning I was a little afraid how it's going to work and how it's going to be when all three sisters are going to cast in a chapter. But no worries on this front, everything is clear and no confusions here.
While the book deals with some important issues, it also has a lot of humour and some of the scenes made me laugh out loud, especially those with Gavin and his mum. It balances the humour and the serious moments wonderfully, and even the sad things are written in a very approachable, nice way.
It also deals with situations that ring a bell, that you can relate to, it is brutally honest about the reality and everyday life and family issues. It shows how people closest to themselves deal with crisis, and how it's sometimes really easier to trust people other than you family, although the family in fact would do anything to help you. The family, that usually drives you crazy but supports you without a word, no matter what comes.
It may sound as if it is a sad, tear - jerking book but it actually isn't like this. Yes, it has some sad moments, but in fact it's a portrait of a modern, typical family, its way to cope with common, everyday problems, and this all written with a lot of feeling, a lot of heart, in a light, engaging way. I personally loved this book. well written, with many brilliant characters, complex characters who were developing all the time and not only going in circles, with a brilliant pace and with a perfect mix of all elements that I'm looking for in a book. A rare gem, a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
March 7, 2017
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
The Secrets Sisters Keep is the delightful second book in the Devlin Sisters series. Five years have passed since we first met Julie, Louise, and Sophie in Me and My Sisters, and things have changed quite a bit in their lives.
Julie—frazzled mother of four whose family has always struggled financially—finds her life turned upside down when her husband is the recipient of a large inheritance. They’ve moved into a fancy house, enrolled the triplets in a fancy school, and their money woes are a thing of the past. Life is good… except Harry is consumed with making investments and playing golf with his new friends, none of the mothers at the triplets’ new school are very friendly, and Julie feels lonely and unable to fit in.
Louise always seems to be completely in control and able to handle anything. But an incident at Clara’s school causes Louise to be confronted with something she feels unable to handle, leaving her frightened and unsure of what to do.
Sophie is divorced and doing her best to move on with her life, but it’s not easy when her ex-husband falls in love with a much younger woman, Pippa. It’s made worse when her daughter, Jess, seems to love everything about Pippa and is constantly telling Sophie how great she is. Unable to find a new love of her own, Sophie feels more alone than ever.
Once again, Moriarty delivers a story so good, you won’t want to put it down. All the characters we came to know and love in the first book are back again, with a few new ones. As unpredictable and funny as Marian—Julie’s friend—was in the first book, she was even more so in this one, and it was lots of fun getting to read more about her.
The character I enjoyed reading about most, apart from the sisters, was Louise’s daughter, Clara. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that she’s a significant piece of the story. The plot surrounding Clara was beautifully written. I felt great empathy for Louise and completely understood how she was feeling concerning Clara. The book as a whole is wonderful, but the story about Clara was simply outstanding.
Add this one to your summer reading list, folks! I think you’ll be happy you did.
The Secrets Sisters Keep is the delightful second book in the Devlin Sisters series. Five years have passed since we first met Julie, Louise, and Sophie in Me and My Sisters, and things have changed quite a bit in their lives.
Julie—frazzled mother of four whose family has always struggled financially—finds her life turned upside down when her husband is the recipient of a large inheritance. They’ve moved into a fancy house, enrolled the triplets in a fancy school, and their money woes are a thing of the past. Life is good… except Harry is consumed with making investments and playing golf with his new friends, none of the mothers at the triplets’ new school are very friendly, and Julie feels lonely and unable to fit in.
Louise always seems to be completely in control and able to handle anything. But an incident at Clara’s school causes Louise to be confronted with something she feels unable to handle, leaving her frightened and unsure of what to do.
Sophie is divorced and doing her best to move on with her life, but it’s not easy when her ex-husband falls in love with a much younger woman, Pippa. It’s made worse when her daughter, Jess, seems to love everything about Pippa and is constantly telling Sophie how great she is. Unable to find a new love of her own, Sophie feels more alone than ever.
Once again, Moriarty delivers a story so good, you won’t want to put it down. All the characters we came to know and love in the first book are back again, with a few new ones. As unpredictable and funny as Marian—Julie’s friend—was in the first book, she was even more so in this one, and it was lots of fun getting to read more about her.
The character I enjoyed reading about most, apart from the sisters, was Louise’s daughter, Clara. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that she’s a significant piece of the story. The plot surrounding Clara was beautifully written. I felt great empathy for Louise and completely understood how she was feeling concerning Clara. The book as a whole is wonderful, but the story about Clara was simply outstanding.
Add this one to your summer reading list, folks! I think you’ll be happy you did.
December 11, 2017
This was a lovely book about a group of sisters who are all facing different stresses in every day life. Julie should be living the dream after coming into an inheritance and living in a beautiful house. She has trouble with the new mums at the school gate and misses her old friends. Her boys are very lively and cause no end of mishaps.
Sophie's ex husband has just met a new girlfriend who has 'wowed' her little girl and she's feeling down.
Louise has the 'perfect' little unit with her daughter Clara who is a child progedy- but everyone around her fears that she may need a little extra support to be able to mix socially.
The storyline around Aspergers was very well researched and dealt with sensitively. You can empathise with the mum struggling to accept that there may be a problem- but she soon takes on her 'mummy tiger' role and you know that she's going to be the best advocate her daughter could ever ask for.
It's a lovely book about friendships, family and relationships- and the heartbreak that can come with those. It's very easy to lose yourself in and you will want to keep turning the pages, ignoring things like bedtime or mealtimes!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie's ex husband has just met a new girlfriend who has 'wowed' her little girl and she's feeling down.
Louise has the 'perfect' little unit with her daughter Clara who is a child progedy- but everyone around her fears that she may need a little extra support to be able to mix socially.
The storyline around Aspergers was very well researched and dealt with sensitively. You can empathise with the mum struggling to accept that there may be a problem- but she soon takes on her 'mummy tiger' role and you know that she's going to be the best advocate her daughter could ever ask for.
It's a lovely book about friendships, family and relationships- and the heartbreak that can come with those. It's very easy to lose yourself in and you will want to keep turning the pages, ignoring things like bedtime or mealtimes!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2014
A fabulous story about 3 sister's who look like they have perfect lives, but underneath it all, life is brewing a few shocking circumstances. I thought i recognized the characters and sure enough we have met these lovely sisters in 'Me & My Sisters'. But this is also a fantastic stand alone book as well as a perfect follow up. Sinead has the ability to write about serious life felt issues while keeping the book light enough to have you smiling along with the characters. Loved this book and hope there is a follow up to see how they are getting on soon.
April 14, 2017
This is book 2 in the Devlin Sisters series. The sisters (and their brother) are finally settling into their new roles. Louise has to face reality about her daughter. She knows that Clara is brilliant, but it is possible that she's not quite like the other children? Louise deals with denial and anger before she is able to face reality for the good of her daughter. Sophie is struggling with her new life as a single mother and isn't finding the dating world to be very kind to a woman in her forties. Julie and Harry are also adapting to a new kind of life. They've come into a ton of money from an inheritance and life should be grand. But, somehow, they are struggling. The sisters, once again, come together to tackle their hardships. They find out that they are stronger than they ever thought they could be.
In my opinion, this book was much better than the first. The character development was stronger and I felt much more attached to the characters. Perhaps this was because I got to know them in book 1. The hardships in this book were also a bit more deep and difficult to tackle. This book reached out and involved more of the family members in the story and I loved the added depth. I highly recommend it in the chick lit genre. I do, however, recommend reading book 1 first.
I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley.com, to Bookouture, and to Sinead Moriarty.
In my opinion, this book was much better than the first. The character development was stronger and I felt much more attached to the characters. Perhaps this was because I got to know them in book 1. The hardships in this book were also a bit more deep and difficult to tackle. This book reached out and involved more of the family members in the story and I loved the added depth. I highly recommend it in the chick lit genre. I do, however, recommend reading book 1 first.
I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley.com, to Bookouture, and to Sinead Moriarty.
June 14, 2020
Take three sisters living very different lives, all trying to hold themselves together without revealing their inner struggles lest they seem weak to the other women. Sinéad Moriarty fleshes out the families to allow us inside. As we turn the pages, we criticize some actions, applaud others and cheer the women on to reach their true selves, salvage what they can, and sometimes we laugh out loud in the process. I loved Gavin, the only brother who occupies a central role while appearing to merely lurk, and while largely ignored by his sisters, he too shows his true colours in the mire of relationships.
The mother of all four characters gently dips in and out of the story with nuggets of wisdom I could attribute to my own mother and I could see this happening in real life.
Sinéad's depiction of little Clara and her Mum is spot-on for the issue at hand, and this delicate subject is dealt with in a lovely way between the siblings, while having its own fragile moments too.
Families!
The mother of all four characters gently dips in and out of the story with nuggets of wisdom I could attribute to my own mother and I could see this happening in real life.
Sinéad's depiction of little Clara and her Mum is spot-on for the issue at hand, and this delicate subject is dealt with in a lovely way between the siblings, while having its own fragile moments too.
Families!
May 29, 2018
4.5 My second read from this author and I'm still impressed by her way of writing. Although I hadn't read any of the others in this series (I didnt realise it was one) it really didn't matter as it could easily be a stand alone. I loved the range of characters and how different they were from each other. Overall a lovely read
July 30, 2014
“Once upon a time there were three sisters, and a brother who went to work naked’’ – and so begins another fabulous, funny and heart-warming novel from Sinead Moriarty. The Secrets Sisters Keep follows the three Devlin sisters in their early forties as they cope with all that life has to throw at them with a great supporting cast who provide plenty of laugh out loud moments. The scene where Mammy Devlin discovers where Gavin (the baby of the family) has been working was priceless and made me laugh out loud. Typical Irish Mammy reaction and also Irish Daddy saying ‘I’m staying out of it- I’ve heard that often myself over the years. Several pages in something clicked and I realised we had met these characters before in ‘Me and My Sisters’ but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Each chapter is told from a different sister’s point of view which was great as the reader got a unique insight as to what each sister was feeling and experiencing throughout the novel
Each sister is at a different stage in their life and is trying to cope with various upheavals and issues within their own individual relationships. Julie is a stay at home mum to triplets – Luke, Leo and Liam and younger son Tom –who was just so sweet and adorable a real mummy’s boy. Julie’s fortunes have changed since her husband Harry inherited a significant amount of money. No longer living in a small house, struggling to pay bills, keep food on the table and raise a young family. Julie now finds herself in a huge mansion with everything she could possibly wish for .But having money does not necessarily make you happy. Julie feels unfulfilled in her life, taken for granted by her children , ignored by her husband and left far behind on the scrapheap when it comes to finding a job. So Julie goes in search of some excitement in her life(I’ll say no more).Julie’s old neighbour Marian is a pure tonic in this book and has some of the best lines, a no nonsense woman who says it like it is and what she gets up to is pure comedy gold.
Sophie is a single mother to Jess , she is doing her best but is well supported by her ex Jack who has now found a new partner Pippa. The problem arises when Sophie begins to feel side-lined by Jess as Pippa is younger, more glamorous and all around more fun. How can Sophie compete for her daughter’s affections when a younger model has more to offer? Sophie feels worthless and that she needs a total change and so embarks upon a quest to make her feel more worthwhile and wanted but what cost will she pay and why does she feel the need to keep everything a secret from her sisters?
Louise is a single mum to Clara, an exceptionally bright and able child who craves attention to detail and a strict and regimented timetable. I won’t spoil it by saying what happens with Louise and Clara but Sinead has obviously done extensive research into the topic and wrote about it so well. Being a primary school teacher it was interesting to read a parent’s take on the issue and how they deal with it as I have only ever seen it form the teacher’s point of view. Louise’s life changing problem only served to highlight a problem shared is a problem halved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, Sinead has not written a light fluffy chick-lit novel but a book that deals with many relevant issues for our lives today and provides plenty to think about making me realise the true value of a sister and how they cannot be taken for granted. She strikes just the right balance between humour and dealing with serious problems. The Secrets Sisters Keep was engaging, interesting and full of the wit and sparkle I have come to love and enjoy in Sinead’s books.
Each sister is at a different stage in their life and is trying to cope with various upheavals and issues within their own individual relationships. Julie is a stay at home mum to triplets – Luke, Leo and Liam and younger son Tom –who was just so sweet and adorable a real mummy’s boy. Julie’s fortunes have changed since her husband Harry inherited a significant amount of money. No longer living in a small house, struggling to pay bills, keep food on the table and raise a young family. Julie now finds herself in a huge mansion with everything she could possibly wish for .But having money does not necessarily make you happy. Julie feels unfulfilled in her life, taken for granted by her children , ignored by her husband and left far behind on the scrapheap when it comes to finding a job. So Julie goes in search of some excitement in her life(I’ll say no more).Julie’s old neighbour Marian is a pure tonic in this book and has some of the best lines, a no nonsense woman who says it like it is and what she gets up to is pure comedy gold.
Sophie is a single mother to Jess , she is doing her best but is well supported by her ex Jack who has now found a new partner Pippa. The problem arises when Sophie begins to feel side-lined by Jess as Pippa is younger, more glamorous and all around more fun. How can Sophie compete for her daughter’s affections when a younger model has more to offer? Sophie feels worthless and that she needs a total change and so embarks upon a quest to make her feel more worthwhile and wanted but what cost will she pay and why does she feel the need to keep everything a secret from her sisters?
Louise is a single mum to Clara, an exceptionally bright and able child who craves attention to detail and a strict and regimented timetable. I won’t spoil it by saying what happens with Louise and Clara but Sinead has obviously done extensive research into the topic and wrote about it so well. Being a primary school teacher it was interesting to read a parent’s take on the issue and how they deal with it as I have only ever seen it form the teacher’s point of view. Louise’s life changing problem only served to highlight a problem shared is a problem halved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, Sinead has not written a light fluffy chick-lit novel but a book that deals with many relevant issues for our lives today and provides plenty to think about making me realise the true value of a sister and how they cannot be taken for granted. She strikes just the right balance between humour and dealing with serious problems. The Secrets Sisters Keep was engaging, interesting and full of the wit and sparkle I have come to love and enjoy in Sinead’s books.
December 11, 2017
Julie, Louise and Sophie are sisters, but they're also friends.
Julie is a stay-at-home mother. She and her husband have four sons and they have a chaotic household. Especially their triplets are quite a handful. There's always in trouble, but they're also great kids and Julie loves them with all her heart. Her youngest son is the complete opposite, he's a lot easier to handle. Julie always thought life would be better when they'd have more money, but now that they are rich because of an inheritance she finds it lonely and difficult. She doesn't fit in with the other rich mothers at her sons' school and her husband is never home anymore, because he's too busy investing his money. Julie needs change, but will she look for it in the right places?
Louise is a successful lawyer who has a fantastic career. She has the perfect life. She likes being single and doesn't need a partner to be happy. She has a sweet daughter who is everything to her. Combining her job with being a mother is easy, she has everything under control. She thinks her daughter is a little genius, she's brilliant and she's also incredibly sweet. Louise can give her daughter everything she missed in her own childhood, she understands her so well. She's the perfect mother of the perfect little girl. Are things really going that well though or is there something going on that she doesn't see?
Sophie is lonely. Her daughter favors her ex-husband's new love. Sophie isn't the cool mother any longer and her daughter isn't very nice to her. She constantly has to fight the influence the new girlfriend has on her daughter's life. Sophie misses having a husband and she's insecure about her looks. She used to be a model and she was always gorgeous, but she can no longer compete with women who are younger and prettier and that makes her feel inadequate. Sophie knows that the girlfriend isn't as wonderful and friendly as she appears to be and she's afraid her daughter will get hurt. What about Sophie though, will she be able to handle more heartbreak and how far will she go to fix herself so she will look pretty again?
Julie, Louise and Sophie have completely different personalities. They are sisters, but they all have their own characteristics. They have their good and bad sides and Sinéad Moriarty describes them in an honest and open way. I love books about sisters and really enjoyed The Secrets Sisters Keep. It's a great story about love, loss and facing your problems. The sisters are going through difficult phases and they will come out stronger because they have each other. I liked that idea a lot. It's what makes this book so great, the strength is in the bond Julie, Louise and Sophie have with each other.
I think Sinéad Moriarty describes complex emotional situations in an understanding and respectful way. Each sister's story is moving and fascinating at the same time. I liked the switch between the sisters and every chapter is fantastic. The writing is beautiful and I could feel both the sadness and the joy. I got frustrated when something went wrong and I was happy when things were going right. I love it when a book makes me feel so many different things. The Secrets Sisters Keep is an amazing story and I highly recommend it.
Julie is a stay-at-home mother. She and her husband have four sons and they have a chaotic household. Especially their triplets are quite a handful. There's always in trouble, but they're also great kids and Julie loves them with all her heart. Her youngest son is the complete opposite, he's a lot easier to handle. Julie always thought life would be better when they'd have more money, but now that they are rich because of an inheritance she finds it lonely and difficult. She doesn't fit in with the other rich mothers at her sons' school and her husband is never home anymore, because he's too busy investing his money. Julie needs change, but will she look for it in the right places?
Louise is a successful lawyer who has a fantastic career. She has the perfect life. She likes being single and doesn't need a partner to be happy. She has a sweet daughter who is everything to her. Combining her job with being a mother is easy, she has everything under control. She thinks her daughter is a little genius, she's brilliant and she's also incredibly sweet. Louise can give her daughter everything she missed in her own childhood, she understands her so well. She's the perfect mother of the perfect little girl. Are things really going that well though or is there something going on that she doesn't see?
Sophie is lonely. Her daughter favors her ex-husband's new love. Sophie isn't the cool mother any longer and her daughter isn't very nice to her. She constantly has to fight the influence the new girlfriend has on her daughter's life. Sophie misses having a husband and she's insecure about her looks. She used to be a model and she was always gorgeous, but she can no longer compete with women who are younger and prettier and that makes her feel inadequate. Sophie knows that the girlfriend isn't as wonderful and friendly as she appears to be and she's afraid her daughter will get hurt. What about Sophie though, will she be able to handle more heartbreak and how far will she go to fix herself so she will look pretty again?
Julie, Louise and Sophie have completely different personalities. They are sisters, but they all have their own characteristics. They have their good and bad sides and Sinéad Moriarty describes them in an honest and open way. I love books about sisters and really enjoyed The Secrets Sisters Keep. It's a great story about love, loss and facing your problems. The sisters are going through difficult phases and they will come out stronger because they have each other. I liked that idea a lot. It's what makes this book so great, the strength is in the bond Julie, Louise and Sophie have with each other.
I think Sinéad Moriarty describes complex emotional situations in an understanding and respectful way. Each sister's story is moving and fascinating at the same time. I liked the switch between the sisters and every chapter is fantastic. The writing is beautiful and I could feel both the sadness and the joy. I got frustrated when something went wrong and I was happy when things were going right. I love it when a book makes me feel so many different things. The Secrets Sisters Keep is an amazing story and I highly recommend it.
November 28, 2014
Once again pretty damn close to perfection for a chick lit read. This is a follow on from Me and My Sisters that I read only a few short weeks ago. I very rarely read books from the same author close together it's a weird thing of mine that prevents me from over dosing on a particular author or genre but sometimes I do make allowances and with Ms Moriarty there is no need to worry about her writing style ever becoming tiresome. She is a genius. If all chick lit books read like hers I'd read a heck of a lot more of them.
We meet up with the Devlin sisters around four years on from where we left them at the end of the previous book. There are a few major changes, mainly Julie and her family have inherited huge money and have gone from struggling to pay bills to sending their kids to the best private school in the country. Also Sophie and her husband have split up and he is now shacked up with a twenty year old TV presenter much to Sophie's utter horror and shame. Louise is pretty much still the same but Clara has grown into a very withdrawn, quiet but extremely intelligent four year old.
They all go through major ups and downs in this book and because Moriarty is such a good writer you feel these ups and downs along with them. It's been a long time since a book made me laugh out loud or get choked up and cry but this one did both. The humor is once again spot on and I especially love the Irishness to it!
The only teeny tiny flaw is that as was the story with the last instalment it's a tad predictable. Maybe because I know someone that has Aspergers I saw it coming more easily but I could see that Clara clearly had issues not normal for a four year old nearly immediately. The whole situation with Pippa and Jess was very easy to see coming too but to be honest I don't think that the author was really trying to hide many of these things. I actually think that she likes the readers to have it figured out before she reveals it in the book. I don't know why I think that I just do.
I love Sinead Moriarty. She has surpassed my old favourite Irish author Cecelia Ahern to become my number one and I don't see it changing any time soon.
We meet up with the Devlin sisters around four years on from where we left them at the end of the previous book. There are a few major changes, mainly Julie and her family have inherited huge money and have gone from struggling to pay bills to sending their kids to the best private school in the country. Also Sophie and her husband have split up and he is now shacked up with a twenty year old TV presenter much to Sophie's utter horror and shame. Louise is pretty much still the same but Clara has grown into a very withdrawn, quiet but extremely intelligent four year old.
They all go through major ups and downs in this book and because Moriarty is such a good writer you feel these ups and downs along with them. It's been a long time since a book made me laugh out loud or get choked up and cry but this one did both. The humor is once again spot on and I especially love the Irishness to it!
The only teeny tiny flaw is that as was the story with the last instalment it's a tad predictable. Maybe because I know someone that has Aspergers I saw it coming more easily but I could see that Clara clearly had issues not normal for a four year old nearly immediately. The whole situation with Pippa and Jess was very easy to see coming too but to be honest I don't think that the author was really trying to hide many of these things. I actually think that she likes the readers to have it figured out before she reveals it in the book. I don't know why I think that I just do.
I love Sinead Moriarty. She has surpassed my old favourite Irish author Cecelia Ahern to become my number one and I don't see it changing any time soon.
December 11, 2017
I’m always drawn to books about secrets. So, it’s no surprise I was tempted into reading The Secrets Sisters Keep by Sinéad Moriarty.
The novel, Moriarty’s tenth, follows a pivotal period in the lives of three sisters: Julie, Louise and Sophie. I was expecting a cleverly hidden secret to lead to an explosive ending but, contrary to the book’s title, the sisters aren’t really keeping secrets from each other. They’re hiding their issues and opinions beneath façades instead. However, once my expectations were realigned, I was able to enjoy the story for what it is: An exploration of relationships showing how siblings can know each other better than they know themselves.
The story is told from three points of view and, as each character has a similar voice, I repeatedly lost track of them for around the first fifty pages. This is compounded further by the large cast of side characters accompanying them. There may be a reason for my initial disorientation though. There’s no evidence on the jacket but The Secrets Sisters Keep is, in fact, a sequel. I stuck with it though and found the sisters eventually become differentiated by their issues. However, despite the breadth of insight three perspectives give, I felt, even by the end, I lacked a deep understanding of the sisters.
Description throughout the novel is rather light, with an “amazing gold necklace” and “nude stiletto court shoes” the height of visual characterisation. Much space is instead taken up by the volume of domestic issues, which weigh down the novel, taking it to almost 400 pages and a rushed finale. I felt it would have been pacier if distractions were trimmed out, placing more trust in the core issues and characters with are enough in themselves. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Louise, the most controlling sister, as her blind spots are, at times, entertaining.
Read the full Literary Lightbox book review here: www.literarylightbox.com/secrets-sist...
The novel, Moriarty’s tenth, follows a pivotal period in the lives of three sisters: Julie, Louise and Sophie. I was expecting a cleverly hidden secret to lead to an explosive ending but, contrary to the book’s title, the sisters aren’t really keeping secrets from each other. They’re hiding their issues and opinions beneath façades instead. However, once my expectations were realigned, I was able to enjoy the story for what it is: An exploration of relationships showing how siblings can know each other better than they know themselves.
The story is told from three points of view and, as each character has a similar voice, I repeatedly lost track of them for around the first fifty pages. This is compounded further by the large cast of side characters accompanying them. There may be a reason for my initial disorientation though. There’s no evidence on the jacket but The Secrets Sisters Keep is, in fact, a sequel. I stuck with it though and found the sisters eventually become differentiated by their issues. However, despite the breadth of insight three perspectives give, I felt, even by the end, I lacked a deep understanding of the sisters.
Description throughout the novel is rather light, with an “amazing gold necklace” and “nude stiletto court shoes” the height of visual characterisation. Much space is instead taken up by the volume of domestic issues, which weigh down the novel, taking it to almost 400 pages and a rushed finale. I felt it would have been pacier if distractions were trimmed out, placing more trust in the core issues and characters with are enough in themselves. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Louise, the most controlling sister, as her blind spots are, at times, entertaining.
Read the full Literary Lightbox book review here: www.literarylightbox.com/secrets-sist...
July 27, 2016
Another great book from Sinead Moriarty. This one is about three sisters who are very different from each other but yet each finds themselves in the middle of a personal crisis at the same time.
Julie, mother of four boys under 10, who is a stay at home mom and wishing there were more to her life. Due to a large inheritance she and her husband are in a new huge house and her triplets are in a new posh school. Her husband is tangled up with his job and investing the inheritance so he’s not around much. She can’t seem to make friends with the mothers at the school or her neighbors and is beginning to feel lost and lonely in this new life.
Sophie, divorced and bitter, is raising a 9-1/2 year old who acts like a rebellious 16 year old. She has gone from top model to part owner of a modeling agency after Jack lost everything they had in bad investments which ended in their divorce. Her ex’s girlfriend is 20 years younger than her and beautiful, something she was when Jack married her but now she feels faded and old and lonely and resentful of her daughter’s adoration of Jack’s girlfriend.
Louise, never married but raising a 4 year old daughter who is smart but different with her need for regimentation in her life or she quickly slips into a tantrum. Louise is busy being a top lawyer in her firm so she leads a very controlled life of work and home with Clara and not much time for anything else.
Each of these women feels they have to face their problems alone. So many secrets and no one to talk to until the sudden fatal secret of one of them brings them together.
Really, really well written and with wonderful character development. The story moved along smoothly and as sad as parts of it were there were also some lighter moments that had me laughing. This book was such a pleasure to read.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
Julie, mother of four boys under 10, who is a stay at home mom and wishing there were more to her life. Due to a large inheritance she and her husband are in a new huge house and her triplets are in a new posh school. Her husband is tangled up with his job and investing the inheritance so he’s not around much. She can’t seem to make friends with the mothers at the school or her neighbors and is beginning to feel lost and lonely in this new life.
Sophie, divorced and bitter, is raising a 9-1/2 year old who acts like a rebellious 16 year old. She has gone from top model to part owner of a modeling agency after Jack lost everything they had in bad investments which ended in their divorce. Her ex’s girlfriend is 20 years younger than her and beautiful, something she was when Jack married her but now she feels faded and old and lonely and resentful of her daughter’s adoration of Jack’s girlfriend.
Louise, never married but raising a 4 year old daughter who is smart but different with her need for regimentation in her life or she quickly slips into a tantrum. Louise is busy being a top lawyer in her firm so she leads a very controlled life of work and home with Clara and not much time for anything else.
Each of these women feels they have to face their problems alone. So many secrets and no one to talk to until the sudden fatal secret of one of them brings them together.
Really, really well written and with wonderful character development. The story moved along smoothly and as sad as parts of it were there were also some lighter moments that had me laughing. This book was such a pleasure to read.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
December 24, 2014
I was lucky to receive a advanced review copy of this from www.lovereading.com
Sisters should always be able to rely on each other and it is no different for sisters Julie, Louise and Sophie Devlin. However, there are some things that sisters just cannot share.
Julie and her husband have just inherited a life changing amount of money. Julie knows that this amount of money will change her life – from a life of budgeting to a life of private schools and big houses but she is only beginning to realise that money does not bring happiness.
Former model Sophie is now a career woman and single mother. Although she is successful at work she is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that her ex-husband has recently started dating a much younger woman. This only adds to Sophie’s fears that men only want younger women and that she will be left on the shelf.
Louise is a single mother by choice. A high flying lawyer in a prestigious law firm failure is never an option. She is bringing her 4 year old daughter Clara up to have the same aspirations as her but when things go wrong will she be able to cope as she has always done?
The sisters want to fight their battles alone but maybe they need to realise that sometimes you need to share your secrets with your sisters…..
This was an excellent book. I loved the way that the story was told through the eyes of each sister. The characters were strong and by the end of the book I felt that I knew each sister personally because their personality shined through the text. It has its funny moments but also very moving moments. A book written the way they should be written.
Sisters should always be able to rely on each other and it is no different for sisters Julie, Louise and Sophie Devlin. However, there are some things that sisters just cannot share.
Julie and her husband have just inherited a life changing amount of money. Julie knows that this amount of money will change her life – from a life of budgeting to a life of private schools and big houses but she is only beginning to realise that money does not bring happiness.
Former model Sophie is now a career woman and single mother. Although she is successful at work she is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that her ex-husband has recently started dating a much younger woman. This only adds to Sophie’s fears that men only want younger women and that she will be left on the shelf.
Louise is a single mother by choice. A high flying lawyer in a prestigious law firm failure is never an option. She is bringing her 4 year old daughter Clara up to have the same aspirations as her but when things go wrong will she be able to cope as she has always done?
The sisters want to fight their battles alone but maybe they need to realise that sometimes you need to share your secrets with your sisters…..
This was an excellent book. I loved the way that the story was told through the eyes of each sister. The characters were strong and by the end of the book I felt that I knew each sister personally because their personality shined through the text. It has its funny moments but also very moving moments. A book written the way they should be written.
July 4, 2016
The Secrets Sisters Keep tells the tale of the Devlin sisters - Julie, Louise and Sophie - and the challenges they are facing in life. The book drew me in quickly and reminded me of my the relationship that I am lucky enough to have with my own sister.
Wonderfully warm with the perfect mix of emotion and make you laugh out loud humour, I was totally immersed in the lives of Julie, Louise and Sophie and they felt like old friends. They are three very different characters but I could relate to each of them and liked them all. They each have their own difficulties which they try to cope with alone, but when push comes to shove they end up supporting and relying on each other. Sinead has captured the bond between them perfectly, with all the ups and downs you would expect from a sibling relationship.
I was really moved by Louise’s story. I don’t want to give anything away but will say that Sinead has obviously researched the issues raised and has written about Louise and her daughter, Clara, with insight, sensitivity and empathy.
The challenges the sister’s are facing are sad, but this book is also very funny with touches of fantastic Irish humour. The opening of the book had me really laughing and compelled me to read more. The humour draws you to the characters and makes them more three dimensional and human.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sinead has achieved the perfect mix of realistic drama and wicked humour and created a family that are believable and likeable that you feel you would love to be a part of. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Sinead Moriarty, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Wonderfully warm with the perfect mix of emotion and make you laugh out loud humour, I was totally immersed in the lives of Julie, Louise and Sophie and they felt like old friends. They are three very different characters but I could relate to each of them and liked them all. They each have their own difficulties which they try to cope with alone, but when push comes to shove they end up supporting and relying on each other. Sinead has captured the bond between them perfectly, with all the ups and downs you would expect from a sibling relationship.
I was really moved by Louise’s story. I don’t want to give anything away but will say that Sinead has obviously researched the issues raised and has written about Louise and her daughter, Clara, with insight, sensitivity and empathy.
The challenges the sister’s are facing are sad, but this book is also very funny with touches of fantastic Irish humour. The opening of the book had me really laughing and compelled me to read more. The humour draws you to the characters and makes them more three dimensional and human.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sinead has achieved the perfect mix of realistic drama and wicked humour and created a family that are believable and likeable that you feel you would love to be a part of. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Sinead Moriarty, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 12, 2014
NOTE: Received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I finished this a few days ago, but wanted to think about the review for a bit. This is the 2nd book that I've read by this author and I will definitely keep reading more. Her books are easy to read and relate to because she writes about real life problems and situations. You will laugh, cry and get angry with all of the people in this family!
THE SECRETS SISTERS KEEP was a little more complex than the other that I read only because each chapter was written in the "voice" of each sister (there are 3) and for me, it could get a little confusing trying to figure out who was talking at a given time. Sometimes I had to go back to the chapter heading to find out which sister it was. Halfway into the book though, I became so involved in the sisters' lives that I knew exactly who was "talking." There is Louise, extremely independent and a control freak; Sophie, middle sister and former model, mother of one 9 year old girl; Julie, a newly wealthy stay-at-home mom of triplets and one younger son; and last but not least the youngest member of this wonderful, large Irish family is Gavin - "baby" brother and at "30 something", still trying to find out where he belongs. As the title implies, yes, they all have secrets, some that they choose to share with each other and some that they don't. It's the secrets that they choose not to share that bring this wonderful big family together and the book to a close. It's a great read- perfect for the beach or a rainy day!
I finished this a few days ago, but wanted to think about the review for a bit. This is the 2nd book that I've read by this author and I will definitely keep reading more. Her books are easy to read and relate to because she writes about real life problems and situations. You will laugh, cry and get angry with all of the people in this family!
THE SECRETS SISTERS KEEP was a little more complex than the other that I read only because each chapter was written in the "voice" of each sister (there are 3) and for me, it could get a little confusing trying to figure out who was talking at a given time. Sometimes I had to go back to the chapter heading to find out which sister it was. Halfway into the book though, I became so involved in the sisters' lives that I knew exactly who was "talking." There is Louise, extremely independent and a control freak; Sophie, middle sister and former model, mother of one 9 year old girl; Julie, a newly wealthy stay-at-home mom of triplets and one younger son; and last but not least the youngest member of this wonderful, large Irish family is Gavin - "baby" brother and at "30 something", still trying to find out where he belongs. As the title implies, yes, they all have secrets, some that they choose to share with each other and some that they don't. It's the secrets that they choose not to share that bring this wonderful big family together and the book to a close. It's a great read- perfect for the beach or a rainy day!
February 7, 2017
I received a free copy of this book.
This was the second book I read by the author. I really liked the first one I read (Mad About You) and expected quite a lot from this book. I wasn't disappointed.
The story is about three sisters and their family. They lead quite different lives and the story is told from all of their point of views at a certain time. I was a little curious how this will work out in the beginning as I feared it would confuse me but it turned out okay.
Their characters were very well-written - especially the main characters. I was really interested in their stories. I like to get to know more about the life in different families and how to deal with certain topics.
The family as a whole was quite fun to read. They may not always have the best approach to certain problems but I thought of them as a warm-hearted.
One of the sister's stories was in the beginning quite similar to the one in Mad About You. Her kids started out at a new school and she has to sort out her life as it has recently changed a lot. I was interested in how she would deal with the situation but the other stories were great as-well.
The book also dealt with the topic of mental illnesses which intrigued me a lot. In my opinion this is important and difficult topic and a family has to go through certain stages. I liked how the book dealt with the topic.
The ending of book was maybe a little to much of a happy-ending for me but it doesn't bother me a lot.
I would recommend the book to a friend who loves well-written contemporary women's literature.
This was the second book I read by the author. I really liked the first one I read (Mad About You) and expected quite a lot from this book. I wasn't disappointed.
The story is about three sisters and their family. They lead quite different lives and the story is told from all of their point of views at a certain time. I was a little curious how this will work out in the beginning as I feared it would confuse me but it turned out okay.
Their characters were very well-written - especially the main characters. I was really interested in their stories. I like to get to know more about the life in different families and how to deal with certain topics.
The family as a whole was quite fun to read. They may not always have the best approach to certain problems but I thought of them as a warm-hearted.
One of the sister's stories was in the beginning quite similar to the one in Mad About You. Her kids started out at a new school and she has to sort out her life as it has recently changed a lot. I was interested in how she would deal with the situation but the other stories were great as-well.
The book also dealt with the topic of mental illnesses which intrigued me a lot. In my opinion this is important and difficult topic and a family has to go through certain stages. I liked how the book dealt with the topic.
The ending of book was maybe a little to much of a happy-ending for me but it doesn't bother me a lot.
I would recommend the book to a friend who loves well-written contemporary women's literature.
December 11, 2017
I'll say up front that I ordered this by mistake - I thought it was by one of my fave authors, Liane Moriarty - obviously got that wrong. So it wasn't what I was expecting, which means I was bound to be disappointed, and I have to say I was.
The story is of three sisters, and it's told in alternating first person. This is the main thing that didn't work for me. There was a lot of dialogue, and when you're in first person, I always question why the narrator would remember so much of it verbatim. Plus, there wasn't really much of a 'voice' difference between the three, so I kept having to remind myself which sister's head I was in.
The story was okay, but it wasn't exactly about sisters keeping secrets, and honestly, the kind of domestic issues it was most concerned with didn't really pull me in. Overall, I didn't really enjoy it. It was okay - but as I said, I went in with all the wrong expectations, so I'm not the best person to judge.
The story is of three sisters, and it's told in alternating first person. This is the main thing that didn't work for me. There was a lot of dialogue, and when you're in first person, I always question why the narrator would remember so much of it verbatim. Plus, there wasn't really much of a 'voice' difference between the three, so I kept having to remind myself which sister's head I was in.
The story was okay, but it wasn't exactly about sisters keeping secrets, and honestly, the kind of domestic issues it was most concerned with didn't really pull me in. Overall, I didn't really enjoy it. It was okay - but as I said, I went in with all the wrong expectations, so I'm not the best person to judge.
June 21, 2016
A rollicking fun read in the style of Sophie Kinsella and Jane Green, The Secrets Sisters Keep was a book I enjoyed from start to finish. Family dynamics and sister relationships in general, with all their complexities, were found here in spades, along with the examination of the turns marriages can take.
This is a great summer read. I was always happy to pick it up and keep reading along!
Thanks for the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
This is a great summer read. I was always happy to pick it up and keep reading along!
Thanks for the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
December 11, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had read Me and My Sisters and it was great to see what was now happening in the lives of Julie, the mum with the crazy boys, Louise, the single mum with the demanding job, and Sophie, who was still making her way back from losing all of her money and her lavish lifestyle. I highly recommend starting with Me and My Sisters, however this book can be read as a stand alone. Great read and I look forward to reading more books about this great family.
August 22, 2014
The special bond between sisters are described in such an unique way with the emphasis on knowing the good, the bad and the ugly about each other. Put a caring, ok, spoiled brother in the mix of this busy family experiencing real life with all its ups and downs with kids of all ages and total different personalities and needs and you have a crazy experience which left you wondering about your own life and relationships. A must read!
February 10, 2023
I don't usually read chick books but there are authors out there that I keep note of and one of them is Sinead Moriarty. I found this book to be refreshing and heartwarming. It wasn't just the sisters and their family there is a brother who plays a big part in their lives as well. The Secrets Sisters Keep is a carry on from Me and My Sisters although it can be read on it's own.
December 11, 2017
Follow up to Me and My Sisters. Nice enough wee chick-lit read. Might not have bothered but I had got both books from library so decided to stay with the story. Holiday reading, but quite funny in bits
May 2, 2016
really enjoyed
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