Our Little Secret

by Claudia Carroll

’An emotional rollercoaster’ IRISH INDEPENDENT ‘Claudia Carroll is a master of creating a great story’ FABULOUS MAGAZINE Sarah Keyes has the perfect life. A high-flying job in a law firm, a beautiful daughter and a house to die for. So how does she find herself looking in through the kitchen window while another woman enjoys it all? When Sarah takes pity on a struggling young graduate who can’t get a job, she thinks she’s doing the right thing. She’s being kind, generous and helpful to others, as she always is. But as Sarah allows the younger woman into her home, her law firm and even her family, is there more to this pretty youngster than meets the eye? And how can Sarah reclaim the life she has built? A sensational, page-turning read, perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Patricia Scanlan.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

416 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2018

About the author

Claudia was born in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, the College of Music and of the Gaiety School of Acting. Since then she has worked extensively as an actress on the Irish stage, but is probably best known for her role as TV’s Nicola Prendergast in the long running Dublin soap opera, ‘Fair City.’

Reviews

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is my belief living in the world of today — No good deed goes unpunished.

And this book too follows the same theme. 3 main ladies Sarah, a lawyer, who had a good life with a stable job and an okay relationship with ex-husband. Darcy, her teenage daughter who is still in a stage of rebellion, shoplifts, ditches school, hates mom. Liz, her best friend who is a voice of sanity in the insane world.

AND ENTER LAUREN

Sarah meets Lauren at a nail bar, a woman who does nails and says she is a lawyer, and who smiles a lot. One sob story and Sarah invites Lauren into her life, into her home, and into her office. And soon it is Lauren living her life, with Sarah viewing it from outside.

This is my first book by author Claudia Carroll and I expected a cute family drama with secrets and emotions, maybe an affair or two. And instead I got a sinister creeper of a babe in Lauren.

Claudia did a fabulous job in showing Lauren as a friendly, smiling parasite which wraps its poisonous tentacles around the life giving tree, slowly sucking the sap inside, till the tree is a husk and it dies. And that's who Lauren is — oily and slimy (I only wanted to read an easy feel good book, and I chose this) And the rest of the ladies are shown as the helpless, unrealized victims, who could only get entangled in the web the black widow laid, realizing the trap far too late. Liz is sensible, tries warning Sarah. But in her need to do good, Sarah heeds it not and loses everything in the process.

How did that happen? Is that the end of everything for Sarah?

Claudia Caroll is an amazing author, I was going to read the book just for half an hour till I got sucked into the story till the end. Creepy Lauren pulled me in too, and I had to read the whole book to know if she gets her dues. Does she???

As I said, no good deed goes unpunished!!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Avon Books UK, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUR LITTLE SECRET by Claudia Carroll is most certainly the best book ever from this author!!! Compelling, addictive, and completely entertaining, OUR LITTLE SECRET is everything you want in a great novel and more, and this would make the perfect tv drama.

Sarah Keyes adores her career and works very hard both in her law firm and volunteering as free legal aid. The only thing more important to her is her beautiful teenage daughter, Darcy. But ever since the separation from her husband, Darcy has been pulling away from her and giving her attitude at every turn, but Sarah will keep working hard and being kind and open-hearted because that is just who she is. So when she accidentally meets Lauren, a bright and considerate young woman who yearns to work in law, Sarah takes her under her wing and goes above and beyond to become her friend and confidant. Everything finally seems to be back on track as Lauren slots perfectly into her life, but when something seems to be too good to be true, it often is and Sarah's life soon takes a drastic turn ...

Thanks to the Beast from the East storm, I was lucky enough to have plenty of reading time which was perfect timing because as soon as I started OUR LITTLE SECRET there was no way I was putting it down until the very end. I loved the fresh plot and the characters were riveting. I particularly loved Sarah's best friend Liz, who I completely related with, and I found myself shouting at Sarah in exactly the same way that Liz was too. The plot is dynamic and disturbingly possible which made it all the better. With plenty of ups and downs, this story of secrecy, family, and friendship really is superb and I highly recommend OUR LITTLE SECRET by Claudia Carroll to fiction fans everywhere.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

[Helen Leecy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm, I usually love Claudia Carroll’s books, but this one I’m afraid wasn’t her best. It took me ages to get into it (hence the long time to read it compared to the pace I had been reading lately!)
The typos throughout were just frustrating, and to be honest, an author of her calibre shouldn’t have such errors as surely she should have proper proofreaders and copyeditors before the book goes to print!?!
Fortunately, the story did pick up a little as it went on, and I did want to find out what Lauren’s Machiavellian plan was, but even the punchline to this felt a little lacklustre. The same with the court case for the bride suing the hotel for her ruined wedding. The best Carroll could come up with was that she had the bill posted under her door at 5 a.m after a few general wedding day hiccups??
The story just seemed lazy compared to her usual funny writing I was very disappointed! I think the best thing about it was that the book didn’t just end. Usually, you are invested in the characters, and then the ending seems rushed. This doesn’t happen here as the ‘witch’ is defeated, and then there are a few more chapters still following the main characters, so you feel you are getting to know what happens afterwards.

Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com

[Lainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 416

Publisher - Avon

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

A sparkling story about what happens when you let someone into your life… but they turn out to want more than you’d bargained for!

Sarah Dee has the perfect life. A high-flying job in a law firm, a beautiful daughter and a house to die for. So how does she find herself looking in through the kitchen window while another woman enjoys it all?
When Sarah takes pity on a struggling young graduate who can’t get a job, she thinks she’s doing the right thing. She’s being kind, generous and helpful to others, as she always is. But as Sarah allows the younger woman into her home, her law firm and even her family, is there more to this pretty youngster than meets the eye? And could this be a good deed that goes further than expected?
Claudia Carroll does it again with a sparkling new novel about what happens when your life becomes up for grabs…


My Review

Sarah is stressed out, working in a busy law firm, separated from her husband with a resentful teenage daughter. When she comes across Lauren in a beauty salon, Sarah see's herself in the young woman and does what she can to get her into the business. A strong friendship ensues and Lauren is perfect, hardworking, loyal, driven and Sarah can't believe her luck in finding someone so perfect. But is Lauren as good as she appears or is there more than meets the eye to miss Lauren?

I wasn't too sure what exactly to expect from this book, you know something isn't quite right but you can't put your finger on it. We are introduced into Sarah's life, job, demands, hassles, financial issues since the separation with her husband, making her very human and readers can relate.

There is a tense build up, suspense, each page dripping another wee bit of information. The chapters flip between viewpoints of Sarah, her daughter Darcy and her best friend Liz over a period of months just before meeting Lauren and their encounters and view points. It certainly engages the reader as you want to know just what exactly is going on, I thought it would go completely different. This was my first time reading this author, I would read her other books as I do enjoy her writing style even if I would have preferred a different outcome for the story. 3.5 stars for me this time, thanks to the publisher for introducing me to a new author.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just SO GOOD! I couldn’t actually put it down, and things at home and in work just didn’t get done 😂 amazing piece of writing!

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Our Little Secret" Sarah Keyes, the main character, loves her job, and she indeed works very hard not only in her law firm, but also volunteering as a free legal aid. She's currently divorced and now living only with her teenage daughter Darcy. One day, Sarah meets Lauren, a very bright girl working in a nail salon - Lauren is young, clever and studied hard for her law degree and her background history breaks Sarah's heart, so she decides to do her best to help this girl. Lauren herself very easily and seamlessly slots into Sarah's life and everything seems perfect. But is it really...?

To be honest, judging the book by the cover, I was expecting something else - some kind of a romance, a vintage read, and what I've got was a brilliant, dynamic and modern story, an emotional roller - coaster ride. It was compelling, and truly addictive, with the right dose of drama and humour. It was a book written in a brilliant, chatty style. This novel was a little different to other Claudia Carroll's offers - it was somehow more mature, touching upon some heavier issues, but at the same time light and uplifting. It was tense but not like you'd expect from thriller or mystery, oh no, it was much lighter in tone but it was also somehow sinister.

The characters and the story were so easily brought to life, they just came alive on the pages. Sarah was a great character but let's be honest, she should have known better, right? She was too naive and too caring for my liking in some aspects and well, the reality came and bit her strong. Of course it was not her fault that she was taken for granted, I just only couldn't stop thinking that yes, she should have known better! The fact that she's rushed so much into the new friendship, believing in everything that was told and offering help right and left was a little too unbelievable - would you open your heart, wallet and house to a stranger? However, when she realises what's going on, I adored to see the change in her and that she feared nothing to reclaim her happy and trouble - free life.
I can't express how annoying Lauren's character was, from the very beginning, always there, always knowing better, always with a smile. Arrrrghh! She was this kind of person that would do anything, at whatever cost, to achieve her goals, and the more I read, the more I disliked her. Really. This whole sweetness, the do - gooder, oh no, it was not for me, I wasn't buying it. However, she was really brilliantly pictured, and Claudia Carroll has captured all the main attributes that makes a toxic character toxic, and how well Lauren was able to spot all the vulnerable points of her victims.

The story is told in alternative chapters, from Sarah, Darcy and Sarah's best friend Liz points of view. I really liked their takes on things happening, the different takes, as we were able to see things Sarah wasn't able to see. Liz was a great character, she saw things as they really were and there was no beating around the bush with her, and I really liked her no - nonsense approach in all aspects of her life. She was a great and supportive friend of Sarah. There was a small element of romance in the book as well and it was a great addition in my opinion. It didn't feel rushed and it developed in a natural way - it just seemed realistic. Yes, it was a little surprising but it worked well in this part of the story.

So this book. Really. It made me feel so, so angry! Probably all of us know such Lauren - characters. While reading the novel I knew that some of the characters are right about her, and it made me so angry that it took Sarah so long to notice all the signs. I had a feeling that I can't relax in Lauren's company, that I can't trust her, that she's sucking off all the positive vibrations from the vicinity and I couldn't believe that Sarah can't see this. Really, guys, be prepared to be completely lost in this story. It was thought - provoking and it will lead you on to ask questions, to make you think, while exploring the darker, heavier side of friendship. "Our Little Secret" was fast - paced and complex story about gaining control and staying in control, about getting your life on the right path again, about using and about being used, with riveting characters and interesting plot, full of secrets and lies. Highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking someone under your wing. We have all done it. With the best of intentions, we see someone who may be down on their luck, and draw them closer into our fold.
But often there is a downside to this approach and Claudia Carroll explores the darker side of befriending a stranger in Our Little Secret.
Sarah Keyes has a comfortable life. She spends her days balancing her demanding job in a small law firm with her role as a mother to her teenage daughter, Darcy. Recently separated, she has no time for romance.

When she encounters a young law graduate, Lauren, she thinks nothing of giving the girl a helping hand. Before long, her protege has a post in Sarah's law firm and has inserted herself into Sarah's life, especially with Darcy. They seem to get on fantastically so Sarah is surprised to learn that her daughter is not happy Lauren is moving into their spare room. "Looking back, I should have seen the signs. Because they were all there, only I chose to ignore them," Sarah muses.
Meanwhile, in the workplace, Lauren is making her mark. She conveniently seems to be in the right place at the right time and is a huge hit with the partners. Sarah's life is slowly crumbling around her and she thinks she knows who is responsible. But how does she prove it or, indeed, gain back control?

In her 14th novel, Claudia Carroll dips into domestic noir. Sarah is a frustratingly naive victim, who ignores all the warning signs, while Lauren takes advantage of this.
Darcy is used as a pawn in Lauren's game with a secret being the bait: "I won't tell if you don't," was all Lauren would say. Because who knows?" she says casually. "Maybe someday I'll need you to repay the favour for me."

This sinister tale is a modern-day version of the Bette Davis film, All About Eve, showing how trust can be abused and kindness can be dangerous.

[Rhona · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very good, yet I finished it. Three main complaints: overuse of the word “babes”, unrealistic boardroom showdown dialogue (completely unprofessional and not how it would go down), and an overall sense of twee in tone, word choices and description. Also, marketed as semi-suspenseful when the climax was so ho-hum. Do not recommend unless it’s a library lend and you are desperate.

[GUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book but could figure it out as to what was going to happen before it actually did.

Still enjoyed it but what a psycho bitch! With friends like Lauren who needs enemies!

My 30th book of this year! The most ever!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Little Secret is the 14th novel from Claudia Carroll who had been a very successful actress here in Ireland for many years before she turned her hand to writing. I have loved Claudia's books right from her debut He Loves Me Not, He Loves Me many years ago and it's equally as good follow up-The Last of the Great Romantics. It's stuck in my head for all this time for its laugh out loud moments and great story line. Over the course of writing so many books the feel and tone of Claudia's books has changed and matured as has her writing style.

With this latest book even from the very brief prologue I could sense the author had gone in a completely new direction. There was a sinister underlying tone throughout which I thought really brought the story to life. At no time could you relax and take everything at face value and it kept the reader on their toes guessing the final outcome. Yet at the same time it didn't stray into mystery/thriller territory which wouldn't have been too realistic considering some of the love stories Claudia has written in the past. It would have ventured too far too soon into unfamiliar territory for her readers used to a romance story with a slight twist. Myself I loved this change of direction and tone and would love to see more of it in future books. I adored this book from start to finish and read it within a couple of hours and cursed the outside distractions that got in the way of me reading this book in one fell swoop.

This new book has a theme of focusing on people who are kind and agreeing and who will bend over backwards for you in an effort to please in any way they can. They do anything that is required without thanks. Then there comes that shocking, hurtful realisation point that you've been used. Your caring nature and generosity has been completely taken for granted and you find yourself left hurt, bewildered and helpless. We've all been there in that situation at one time or another or maybe even more than once in our lives and I think that's why I identified so much with what was going on in this story. OK maybe not to the extent that our main character Sarah Keyes experiences but there are certainly remnants here that I thought yes the same happened to me and by god does it hurt when you come to your senses and see what has been happening to you similar to the way Sarah feels when she uncovers the truth. Within this story the author explores this very issue when Sarah Keyes' life comes crashing down around her on both a personal and professional level. Not only does she realise that she has been played/used in a major way but things have gone more than that little bit too far and as the story develops we observe Sarah as she battles to reclaim the once happy life she had led. Although that in itself is not without problems but they are not insurmountable.

Sarah meets a character Lauren Cunnigham through strange circumstances I must admit and said character comes across as charm personified. It all seemed too good to be true as it was evident Sarah rushed into developing this relationship and offering so much help. I suppose part of her felt such sympathy for the story Lauren had told her and as her kindness and caring nature came to the fore Sarah felt the least she could was help in any way possible. Maybe Sarah should have been focusing more on her job as a lawyer and looking after daughter Darcy who herself was having problems at school and dealing with her parents separation instead of focusing more or less on a virtual stranger? But there does come that point when you think hey hold on a minute in this friendship/relationship it's me doing everything all the toing and froing, the offering of support and providing opportunities. It's all take, take and nothing neither emotionally or physically is given in return. It becomes so draining and when that ultimate realisation hits as to what has been ongoing right under your nose it feels like a heavy burden has been lifted from your shoulders. The only problem for Sarah once this realisation hits it only becomes ever so cumbersome as Lauren has woven a fine web that Sarah has become ensnared in to the point she wonders will normality ever return?

Claudia has written a powerful story one in which I became completely lost in. She has taken the theme of being used and brought it several steps forward to a terrifying point where Sarah feels all control is lost on her life and Lauren is waiting there with a smile on her face to step into her position. She will do this at whatever cost and the more I read the more I despised Lauren who at first seemed so sweet and a do gooder but in fact beneath that veil there was so much else going on. The story is told in alternative chapters from Sarah and Darcy's point of view and I think this really helped shaped the story. It would have been to one sided if we had only heard from Sarah. I liked Darcy's take on things and how she too was sucked in by Lauren.

Through reading Darcy's chapters we were privy to things Sarah hadn't witnessed and we also got to explore how she was dealing with life in general - being a teenager, coping with exams and peer pressure not to mention coming to terms that her parents separation was permanent. Darcy was a typical teenager and I could see why she fell for Lauren's charms. She probably felt left out by her mother considering how busy Sarah was with her job and juggling to keep the household going at the same time. In a way Lauren saw both Sarah and Darcy's vulnerable points and she played on them in a big way. Before the reader knew it Lauren was living at their house and working as an intern in the office Sarah works in. One would think this really wouldn't happen in real life but then on reflection you do read of stories like this in the paper or on the net where something similar has happened. You do question god was the person just so gullible but I think if you are not in the best place emotionally and someone preys on that you kind of just follow along for the ride. It doesn't appear at the time to be too good to be true. It's only when you can manage to take a step back that you understand what has been happening. It also takes an outside force to make you come to your senses and in this case Sarah's best friend Liz was that person. Liz was a brilliant character and every so often chapters from her perspective cropped up and I thoroughly enjoyed them. She was a no nonsense person and in spite of the fog clouding Sarah's judgement Liz was the one who could see exactly what was going on and in no way was she going to take things lying down. She was supportive of Sarah but their period of estrangement was realistic but when push came to shove Liz took the bull by the horns and was determined for the truth to out to preserve everyone's sanity.

I suppose I haven't mentioned much about Lauren and the way she was. There was only one chapter written from her perspective quite later on in the story and I was glad this was the case as such a brilliant picture had been built up of her through the other characters eyes. The reader is left questioning many times if placed in the same situation would they have acted the same way Sarah did? I'm not even sure at this point what my answer would be. A brief mention re Sarah's ex husband Tom I felt he was a little wimpy and gullible more so than Sarah and I could see how things wouldn't have worked out for the pair. There is a little romance slipped into this book and that is my only minor complaint that I felt it was all too rushed and maybe slightly out of place. If it had been absent it would have in no way have detracted from this superb read.

Our Little Secret is a brilliant, riveting book and without doubt it is the best thing that Claudia Carroll has ever written and that is in no way meant to take away from all of her previous books. The characters and story came alive on the page within the first few chapters and never let go until the final pages. It is such an absorbing story that provides plenty of food for thought and in my mind would be ideal for a book club. Long time fans of Claudia's writing will adore this book it provided everything you would want from a good read and much more. New readers will also love this too and I hope people won't be put off by the cover and think this is another average 'chick lit' read because it is not that in any sense and between the covers an intense, emotional roller-coaster of a story is waiting to be devoured.

[Beth Granger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Al igual que cualquier película de TV de tarde de domingo, presenta intrigas algo manidas y personajes ligeramente sobreidealizados. Aún así por la forma ágil de escribirlo no resulta para nada aburrido.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a definite case of don't judge a book by its cover. I expected a light story about women's friendships and family life but this was so much darker than that. Sarah is a successful lawyer who takes young Lauren under her wing. Lauren is a law graduate who has been struggling to get a foot on the job ladder and has been working in a nail salon to make ends meet. With Sarah's help, she gets a job as an intern in the firm where Sarah works and soon makes herself indispensable. Before long, she has her made herself almost a part of the family, befriending Sarah's daughter Darcy, moving into the spare room and even becoming friendly with Sarah's ex-husband Tom. It seems she can do no wrong. The only person who thinks she is too good to be true is Sarah's friend Liz.

As this wasn't quite what I was expecting, it did take me a short while to settle into the story but that is more a reflection on me than on the book. Once I had understood more about what the book was about though, I was hooked and eagerly reading to find out just what Lauren would get up to next! From the beginning she seemed to be a lovely girl but almost too lovely, almost too perfect. Of course, the reader is helped to come to that conclusion from the prologue and asides from the various narrators in the book - "If I knew then, what I know now", that kind of thing. It was actually scary quite how easily  and quickly Lauren managed to inveigle herself into Sarah's life. And it was unnervingly plausible too. Sarah was a lovely character but perhaps a bit too trusting, a bit too willing to help other people out without checking out if what she was being told was the truth. She was so busy of course with her work, her legal aid work and coping with a stroppy teenager, that I could understand why she gratefully accepted the friendship and help Lauren seemed to be offering. I found Darcy, Sarah's daughter, quite irritating at times but then that is perhaps a sign of how well Claudia Carroll has written the teenage character!

There's a definite air of something sinister throughout the book, making me feel very uneasy as I began to realise just to what extent Sarah was being manipulated by Lauren. A much darker tale than the cover would suggest, this book is a real cautionary tale of being careful who you trust and let into your life.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and had me reading into the early hours for just one more chapter!

I did initially take a while to get lost in the story but once I did I flew through the pages. The main character Sarah Keyes a lawyer is reeling from the breakdown of her marriage to Tom and trying to maintain a friendship with him for the sake of their teenage daughter Darcy. Sarah’s best friend Liz is her rock and is always looking out for her but things change when Sarah innocently meets Lauren a law graduate who is working in a beauty salon and befriends her.

The main thread of the story is how Sarah’s caring and generosity is used by Lauren for her own advantage. Sarah takes Lauren under her wing, feeling sorry for her only to realise that she has been used.

Darcy has her own teenage problems, trying to be cool, dealing with her parents separation with rose coloured glasses and not initially understanding why they have broken up.

Liz has always been Sarah’s supporter and is first to realise Lauren is maybe not all she seems.

Sarah helps Lauren get a job at her law firm, lets her share her home and is initially happy to have such a good fiend who seems to be charming and helpful and everyone seems to love her. It doesn’t take long for her true character to show through as little cracks appear.

I related to Sarah’s character personally and was willing her along to see through Lauren but I do understand how she was duped by such a manipulative character.

Liz was such a strong character a true friend and I thought it was very real how she wanted to give Sarah advise which initially threatened their friendship.

I loved Sarah and Dacy’s Relationship which was explored very well , having had teenagers myself I understand the thin line between being their mother but also their friend and the love you have for them.

Sarah’s recent separation and heartache was central to the story and her relationship with Tom was admirable. The need to move on was explored beautifully and handled sensitivity in the story.

The author explored many different relationship issues magnificently and I could relate to so much of the book due to the great storytelling. It had many twists and turns and had me holding my breath at times.

I could not recommend this book more and the great ending was to me the icing on the cake. I will be looking out for more of Claudia's books.

[Hina Tabassum Khatri · Rating 2 out of 5]

To begin with the book was very dry. I'd pick it up, read a couple of paragraphs and fall asleep. Also, the typo and grammatical errors weren't helping.

After around a 100.pages, I had to take a break from this book because rather than enjoyment of thrill, the proofreading and editing errors were angering me too much.

A week or so later, I resolved to try and ignore as much of the errors as possible and concentrate on the story.

The story picked up around page 200 and then I wanted to know how it all comes to a close. That was what I was invested in.

The only reason I was able to finish the second half of the book in one day is all thanks to having nothing to do that day.

I don't think I will be picking anything by this author ever again.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing and found this to be a quick read. The story was set in Ireland and I liked the dialect. My only complaint was that there wasn’t as much of a twist as I had hoped for in the end. It left me feeling a bit underwhelmed but still an enjoyable read along the way.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from @carrollclaudia and a masterclass in how to shaft someone!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a confession to make. Even though I have several of Claudia’s books on my mountainous ‘TBR’ (to be read) pile, I haven’t actually read one. Oops. I read the synopsis for ‘Our Little Secret’ and I was immediately intrigued. So it was with some excitement that I opened the front cover and I had high hopes for ‘Our Little Secret’. I was not to be disappointed as I loved it but more about that in a bit.
I really felt for the character of Sarah Keyes. She has recently separated from her husband and lives with her 16 year old daughter in a house, which is stretching Sarah’s finances somewhat as she is finding it difficult to afford it on her salary. Sarah is a high powered lawyer with a Dublin firm. Sarah has a heart and a conscience. As well as her day to day work with Sloan Curtis law firm, she also deals with legal aid cases in Mountjoy Jail. Every once in a while she treats herself to a little pampering session and gets her nails done. It’s whilst she is having a manicure that she meets ‘Lauren’, who is working at the beauty salon part time. Sarah is a sucker for a hard luck story and listens to Lauren’s tales of woe about her background, her education, her lack of a life, her flat share with undesirables, her lack of opportunities in the legal profession and so on and so forth. Sarah is such a kind person that she tries to help Lauren and it isn’t long until Lauren has managed to wheedle her way into Sarah’s household, Sarah’s social life, Sarah’s home life and Sarah’s law firm. Sarah sees allowing Lauren to move into her home as a win win situation all round because Lauren has a safe roof over her head and Lauren’s rent can also help pay the mortgage. Lauren is a funny old fish and I was suspicious of her from the start but that’s just me suspecting everybody and believing nobody. Is Lauren really who she seems to be? What are her motives? What is Lauren up to? Has she told lies about her background? Will Sarah see through Lauren before it’s too late? How will the situation be resolved? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
I have to say that I can’t really put into words how much I enjoyed reading ‘Our Little Secret’ as I won’t be able to do it justice. The book and the story absolutely blew my socks off. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t help but be drawn into the story and before you know it, you become so addicted to the story that you can’t wait for your next fix. I loved how realistic the different characters were. I have been in Liz’s (Sarah’s best friend) position where you have a gut feeling about somebody and it is as if you are the only one to be able to see somebody for what they really are and what their motives are but nobody wants to or is willing to listen to you. It becomes so frustrating when nobody believes you and you end up looking like the bad guy. There were several times when I literally felt my fists start to clench and I started shouting out at the book because I couldn’t believe that Sarah was being so blinkered and I couldn’t believe that Lauren was getting away with so much. I enjoyed the writing style and the story so much that I began to ‘live’ the story and I could imagine the action playing out in front of me. I then had to remind myself that this book was a work of fiction and not real. Reading ‘Our Little Secret’ was like being on a very scary rollercoaster/ ghost train sort of ride with lots of surprises, twists, turns and moments where you want to get off but because you need to know how it ends, you have to persevere. I found it quite scary to read about the ease with which somebody can worm their way into somebody’s life, turn everyone against them and then take over so to speak. This is the sort of book that messes with your head and it will certainly stay fresh in my mind for a very long time to come.
In short I absolutely, totally and utterly, flipping well LOVED reading ‘Our Little Secret’ and I can’t wait to read what comes next from this hugely talented author. Here’s hoping I don’t have too long to wait but in the meantime, I will go and find as many of Claudia’s books as I can and make reading them one of my top priorities. I would have no hesitation in recommending this author or her books to anybody and everybody. As I alluded to above this book messed with my head and will stay fresh in my memory for a long time to come. ‘Our Little Secret’ has to be one of my top reads for 2018. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*. I just wish that I could have awarded it more stars as it really is a brilliant book.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight. I have always loved the witty way in which Claudia Carroll writes. She creates these funny women who are easy to love and puts them into settings we can recognise, but throws so much at them. We get to see how they handle everything that is thrown at them and then some.

I expected this book to be a typical saga about women whose lives are interconnected and various things that happen to them, but this book was so much darker than I was expecting it to be (serves me right for not reading the synopsis!) Let me tell you though, Claudia Carroll can definitely do darker. She weaves some serious webs of deceit and intrigue in this novel and it was a joy to watch the characters try and unravel them.

Sarah is a great character to read about. She is the kind of person we all want to be. She is good at what she does, she has an amicable relationship with her ex-husband and her daughter loves her. She is also the kind of person who will go out of her way to help people, even if that means putting herself out. Obviously we get to see her suffer the consequences of that in this novel. Daughter Darcy is also a really interesting character to read about. She is at that stage where not everybody takes things she says seriously and she is stuck in a kind of middle ground because of that. She is a very impressionable character and it was a joy to watch her develop in this novel!

And then of course we have Lauren, the girl with more sides to her than we can possibly imagine. I loved reading about the many facets of this character and she really does add so much intrigue to this story and ties the whole thing together.

Every moment of this novel was believable and it was refreshing to have something a little darker that still has a family at heart and the humour that we have come to expect from this author.

I listened to the audiobook of this novel and it was very well narrated, I highly recommend that format!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah is inexplicably drawn to the young beauty therapist who is doing her manicure and shellac nail varnish in a slightly rundown nail bar. When she finds out that Lauren is a young law graduate who is struggling to find a decent job, Sarah decides to do something to help her. Using her influence at her own law firm, Sarah decides to take Lauren under her wing, and even introduces Lauren to her friends and family.

Told from the differing points of view of Sarah, her teenage daughter, Darcy, and Sarah's best friend, Liz, what gradually unfolds is a suspenseful story which looks at the way people can be used and manipulated, and of how even the kindest of intentions can go disastrously wrong. The multiple story strands are well developed and I especially enjoyed trying to work out more about Lauren and the reasons why she acted in the way she did.

Our Little Secret is my first novel by this author. I liked her contemporary writing style and will look forward to reading more of her books.

[Lesley Milburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I couldn't put it down and it was very easy to read, I had to only give it a 3 as I could not believe how stupid the main character was. I cannot believe anyone with any intelligence could literally let a complete stranger into the life and give her everything and not see how manipulative she was.

I loved the characters though and there was something about it that made me warm to the main character as she was just so lovely but terribly gullible. I felt she had a great relationship with her daughter and could see her slipping from her and clearly believed that having Lauren move in would help with things.

The plot was very predictable and I guessed all along what Lauren was upto. She had literally planned everything to precision to steal Sarah life and take everything from her.

If this book had not been so predictable then I would have given it a higher rating but I did enjoy the characters and the easy read. I would read the author again.

[Sharmila · Rating 2 out of 5]

The three stars are given in the hope that at least the plot of this story is good

I'm only halfway through this book and I'm already tired of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the story itself - albeit predictable - is a good one.

But the writing style is so irritating. So repetitive. The use of the word 'hissing' is abused throughout. The author really needs to expand her vocabulary. And it feels like an immature 12-year old wrote this. I got so tired of reading the two words 'Madam Lauren'. Although the two older women in the book are lawyers, they are depicted to seem like two airheads.

I'll torture myself by reading the book to the end. But never again am I going to read another Claudia Carroll book again.

Update: Plot was poor. Hence rating changed to 2 stars. Claudia could have done so much with this plot but she didn't. Towards the end I was just skimming through the pages so that I could end my misery sooner.

[Emily Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an addictive book, but I was disappointed with the ending. I feel like I have too many unanswered questions. Like, what was Lauren’s motive? Why did she feel the need to move in with Sarah? What happened with her relationship with her mother? I feel like the book revolves around Lauren’s behaviour with no acknowledgement or reasoning behind it, really. I was reading quickly through it thinking I’d come across some crazy twists or turns and it wasn’t even that exciting in the end. Like…cool so she wanted a job and she did what she did to get it. Nothing too crazy other than her lies upon lies. I have so many unanswered questions

Rating it a 3 due to the addictive-ness and that’s about it.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found I couldn't put it down. I wasn't expecting the dark and sinister theme which ran throughout the story.

I was quickly drawn into the book and was hooked into the story. It was absorbing and compelling.

I liked how the story was told in alternating chapters from both Sarah and Darcey's viewpoints - I felt this really added to the tale and kept the tension. The story was plausible and it was scary how quickly Lauren managed to manipulate Sarah.

Highly recommended. I will definitely reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read other books by Claudia Carroll and I didn't enjoy 'Our Little Secret' as much as her older work. That said, it kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. I thought the characterization was good, and that the ending was fitting. There is very little in the way of romance in this story, but just enough I think. My problem with this story was that I didn't think the antagonist went far enough. The story began so promising, but then went lacklustre. Carroll could have gone a bit further, but it's still a good read.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah Keyes is separated from her husband, shares her home with her 16-year-old daughter, has a demanding job as a lawyer and provides legal aid to residents of Mount Joy in her spare time. She's under pressure, financially and time-wise. When she has a rare treat in the beauticians she befriends the manicurist, Lauren, who tells a tale of woe and the events that unfold from this friendship have a detrimental effect on not only Lauren, but her family, friends, and workplace. 

I really enjoyed Our Little Secret, it was a nice easy read, I wanted to throttle Lauren and give Sarah a good shake from time to time! 

[Melissa Cunning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Lauren’s character was definitely a little manipulative and maniacal. But I guess I just didn’t get all the answers I needed. Why did she get Sarah in her sights? I did like the PI, Mal though. He was an interesting add. Too bad we only met him toward the end. I would have liked to see more of him.

Overall this was a solid read. It just might have needed a little more flare and originality. It had a bit more of a repetitive theme like we’ve seen in a million Lifetime movies before.

PS: A little more proofreading please! The editing in this book really left something to be desired! It was frustrating!

[Laraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Claudia Carroll is a new author to me and I enjoyed this book. We meet Sarah, a lawyer, whose life becomes very complicated when she separates from her husband. Her teenage daughter seems to hate her. Then Sarah meets Lauren and takes her under hew wing, helping her get a job and even giving her a home. But seemingly perfect Lauren appears to want Sarah's life and if Sarah thought her life was complicated before, she has a big surprise coming. A good read

[poetology · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly loved this book. I picked it up and based on the quick summary and the questionable book cover I decided to try it. Sarah reminds me that there’s a lot of “Lauren’s” in the world but it’s up to us to learn from our mistakes of being too trusting. I couldn’t stop reading. I was totally into it especially by the time the plot started to reveille itself. So happy I got to read this! I didn’t get bored at anytime. Great read.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably closer to 2.5. I did enjoy reading this book which the rating doesn't really show. However, I "pulled it apart" as I went. Why was someone as intelligent as Sarah in her work life so gormless and hopeless elsewhere. Lauren was so transparent it wasn't true. Clearly, apart from being a pathological liar, she was actually very able and knew what she was doing so why hadn't she got a job on her own merits. The whole thing was not very plausible.

[Susan Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant 5 star story. It's modern fiction at its best. Single parent Sarah befriends Lauren who is 24. Lauren works as a beautician even though she is a qualified lawyer. Sarah coincidently is also a lawyer and she manages to help Lauren get a job in her firm. Sarah's teenage daughter, Darcy, loves Lauren and is happy when her mum lets Lauren move in. But is Lauren as wonderful as she seems? Liz, Sarah's, best friend of 20 years doesn't think so. Read on!