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Secrets at the Beach House
Welcome to the Chapel House, an old oceanfront mansion where a group of close friends share their hopes and dreams - and where love is sometimes an unexpected guest.
Recovering from her recent divorce, Kit Sheridan finds a safe haven in the grand Jersey shore mansion. But her stay there soon becomes complicated when she falls for Cole Perelle, a young doctor staying at the beach house. Working in the public relations team at the hospital brings her into constant contact with him both at home and at work.
Cole, however, has set his heart on another. Estelle's beauty and high-flying ways are difficult to compete with, but as secrets from the past come to the surface, the lives of the Chapel House residents are about to change forever.
Secrets at the Beach House was first published in 1989 by Diane Chamberlain as Private Relations, this updated edition contains an added epilogue joining the characters 25 years later to complete this enduring tale of love and friendship.
Recovering from her recent divorce, Kit Sheridan finds a safe haven in the grand Jersey shore mansion. But her stay there soon becomes complicated when she falls for Cole Perelle, a young doctor staying at the beach house. Working in the public relations team at the hospital brings her into constant contact with him both at home and at work.
Cole, however, has set his heart on another. Estelle's beauty and high-flying ways are difficult to compete with, but as secrets from the past come to the surface, the lives of the Chapel House residents are about to change forever.
Secrets at the Beach House was first published in 1989 by Diane Chamberlain as Private Relations, this updated edition contains an added epilogue joining the characters 25 years later to complete this enduring tale of love and friendship.
483 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
346 people are currently reading
2101 people want to read
About the author
Diane Chamberlain
80 books15.1k followersDiane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 28 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 21, 2017
I am just one of those readers that likes an author so much that I have to read all their books. Private Relations is an early book from Diane Chamberlain and it is packed with a lot of drama. Our central characters, Kit and Cole, go through so much in their own lives and together that my head was beginning to hurt. So much turmoil that I am really glad that Chamberlain improved pacing and unfolding of events in her later books. I would add that it was also written in the 80's and a few of the ideas were a bit outdated. When a character announces a pregnancy to their parents, the expectant grandfather says that he cannot love a child that was created so haphazardly ( one night stand). In the words of a student, "That's just stupid!"
In terms of characters, I never really liked Cole,the whole "I need to save everyone" got old fast. On the other hand, I really liked Kit. Secondary characters like Rennie and Janni were really enjoyable too. All in all, it was great to see an author's early works but I would recommend new readers to start with The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes or The Midwife's Confession.
In terms of characters, I never really liked Cole,the whole "I need to save everyone" got old fast. On the other hand, I really liked Kit. Secondary characters like Rennie and Janni were really enjoyable too. All in all, it was great to see an author's early works but I would recommend new readers to start with The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes or The Midwife's Confession.
September 10, 2021
I was so disappointed in this book. I love Diane Chamberlain normally. This book had too much sex, less developed characters and a weaker storyline than any of her other books I’ve read. If I had read this one first, I wouldn’t have read any others. I would have missed out on so much because all of her other books are 4 and 5 stars for me.
July 7, 2014
Was delighted to find Diane Chamberlain’s PRIVATE RELATIONS, 25TH Anniversary Edition, re-release in e-book format. I have read 21 of Diane’s books, a huge fan--one of my favorite authors! (there only two remaining I have not read which are older—have purchased them, and currently sitting in my e-reader to read--The Courage Tree and Fire and Rain, which I missed along the way.)
Ironically, Private Relations, is Chamberlain’s first book, and have just finished reading an ARC of her latest, upcoming book #23 The Silent Sister (coming Oct 7, 2014)—which is a 5 Star read, and one you will not want to miss—Would recommend pre-ordering!
Wow, what a journey, and your fans thank you for giving up your career for full time writing years ago, as a bestselling author! Many engaging, complex, inspiring and satisfying books in between. Of course, her social work, most definitely offered her much insight for her bestselling books.
Fans of Diane will appreciate her personal note at the beginning of PRIVATE RELATIONS, as she was working as a hospital social worker when she began writing this book as a hobby. Gradually, her hobby became an obsession. She describes her journey with Private Relations, and editing process, as it went on to win the RITA award for Best Single Title Contemporary Romance of 1989-a great accomplishment for a new writer. Boy, has she come a long way--Congrats!
Divorced and lonely, Kit returned east from Seattle to join her old college crowd in a rented beach house for the summer. She meets Cole, and her life turned around, filling her with a new vitality. But Cole had a secret that could destroy their tender new relationship.
Every fan will want to add this Anniversary Edition to their e-book collection, as Diane kept the story the same and changed a few present day thoughts, as well as added an epilogue to let you know what happened to the characters (Janni and Kit) when returning to the coastal The Chapel House, a ten bedroom old oceanfront mansion—where a group of close friends shared their hopes and dreams, and many memories!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
Ironically, Private Relations, is Chamberlain’s first book, and have just finished reading an ARC of her latest, upcoming book #23 The Silent Sister (coming Oct 7, 2014)—which is a 5 Star read, and one you will not want to miss—Would recommend pre-ordering!
Wow, what a journey, and your fans thank you for giving up your career for full time writing years ago, as a bestselling author! Many engaging, complex, inspiring and satisfying books in between. Of course, her social work, most definitely offered her much insight for her bestselling books.
Fans of Diane will appreciate her personal note at the beginning of PRIVATE RELATIONS, as she was working as a hospital social worker when she began writing this book as a hobby. Gradually, her hobby became an obsession. She describes her journey with Private Relations, and editing process, as it went on to win the RITA award for Best Single Title Contemporary Romance of 1989-a great accomplishment for a new writer. Boy, has she come a long way--Congrats!
Divorced and lonely, Kit returned east from Seattle to join her old college crowd in a rented beach house for the summer. She meets Cole, and her life turned around, filling her with a new vitality. But Cole had a secret that could destroy their tender new relationship.
Every fan will want to add this Anniversary Edition to their e-book collection, as Diane kept the story the same and changed a few present day thoughts, as well as added an epilogue to let you know what happened to the characters (Janni and Kit) when returning to the coastal The Chapel House, a ten bedroom old oceanfront mansion—where a group of close friends shared their hopes and dreams, and many memories!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
September 29, 2014
One of the first that Chamberlain wrote and while it was readable, she didn't hit her stride until a few books later. SECRET LIVES remains my favorite.
October 9, 2018
Originally published under the title “Private Relations” in 1989, Chamberlains debut has been re released with a new title, new cover art and an epilogue. I’m a big fan of this author, I must have read about twenty of her books to date. Although this story didn’t rock my literary world, it was interesting enough to keep the pages turning.
It’s intriguing to see how the authors writing style has developed over the years, you can see definite promise within this book but it’s not on par with her later releases.
Like her later works, this story touches on difficult and controversial issues and is full of tenderness, love and friendship. By late eighties standards, I’m sure this was deemed a fairy racy book. Nowadays, in our Fifty Shades generation, it’s merely lukewarm.
A sweet page turner, perfect for fans of contemporary women’s fiction.
It’s intriguing to see how the authors writing style has developed over the years, you can see definite promise within this book but it’s not on par with her later releases.
Like her later works, this story touches on difficult and controversial issues and is full of tenderness, love and friendship. By late eighties standards, I’m sure this was deemed a fairy racy book. Nowadays, in our Fifty Shades generation, it’s merely lukewarm.
A sweet page turner, perfect for fans of contemporary women’s fiction.
December 11, 2023
Always enjoy Diane Chamberlain ... want to read through her list or as much as I can in the next year! This was surprisingly good for her first book! 4.5/B+
December 24, 2015
An adult fairytale
Although I am not a big fan of romance novels, I always enjoy Diane Chamberlain. This is the story of five young adults who share a magnificent house on a barrier island in New Jersey. I call the story an adult fairytale because life at Chapel House is too good to be true. It is unrealistic to imagine a married couple, two physicians, an architect and a public relations specialist wedded to a gigantic house, filled with huge rooms and treasures. This is communal living at its finest, with five people joined at the hip! No arguments about whose food belongs to whom, household chores or yard work at Chapel House; in fact, no disagreements to speak of.
Ah, but covert lovers spice up the story. Cole, an obstetrician in charge of groundbreaking in vitro surgery and Kit, a public relations specialist at the same hospital, have an instant attraction after Kit moves to Chapel House. All the residents see that they are in love, but, although they are confidants and best friends, they dilly-dally around until the last few chapters.
I see why Diane Chamberlain won an award for her debut novel. She is a good writer. Her words preceding the story fascinated me. From social worker to prolific bestsellers she went. For wannabe writers like me, her personal story was inspiring. She has garnered a huge following, and I am sure that I am not her only fan who normally does not read this genre. Kudos to Diane Chamberlain for a successful twenty-five years!
Although I am not a big fan of romance novels, I always enjoy Diane Chamberlain. This is the story of five young adults who share a magnificent house on a barrier island in New Jersey. I call the story an adult fairytale because life at Chapel House is too good to be true. It is unrealistic to imagine a married couple, two physicians, an architect and a public relations specialist wedded to a gigantic house, filled with huge rooms and treasures. This is communal living at its finest, with five people joined at the hip! No arguments about whose food belongs to whom, household chores or yard work at Chapel House; in fact, no disagreements to speak of.
Ah, but covert lovers spice up the story. Cole, an obstetrician in charge of groundbreaking in vitro surgery and Kit, a public relations specialist at the same hospital, have an instant attraction after Kit moves to Chapel House. All the residents see that they are in love, but, although they are confidants and best friends, they dilly-dally around until the last few chapters.
I see why Diane Chamberlain won an award for her debut novel. She is a good writer. Her words preceding the story fascinated me. From social worker to prolific bestsellers she went. For wannabe writers like me, her personal story was inspiring. She has garnered a huge following, and I am sure that I am not her only fan who normally does not read this genre. Kudos to Diane Chamberlain for a successful twenty-five years!
July 10, 2023
Diane Chamberlain is one of my favourite authors. I have read pretty much everything she has written and almost all of her books have been 4 or 5 stars for me.
I was in WHSmith a few weeks ago and saw this. I'd never heard of it so had to buy it! (I follow her on socials so knew she wasn't releasing a new one)
Anyway, it turns out it was published in the US in 1989 under a different title (private relations) and has only recently been released in the UK under this name and cover. I was so excited!!
I hate it. 😒 In my opinion, the whole book was just a bit too try hard. The main characters are dull and almost unlikeable. The dynamic between the 2 main characters is just horrible. There were a few times it looked like a juicy storyline was starting and then it just went flat. Massive topics crop up and are just dealt with and over in a couple of pages. It's just all over the place! Lawsuits, teenage rape, fostering, pregnancy complications, baby loss, depression, accidents, death, abuse by nurses, the list goes on and on!!
Far too much was taken on and it just all fell completely flat.
I adore this author and I feel I owedit to her to finish it. But I wish I'd never picked it up.
I appreciate that it was her first novel so her writing has obviously improved massively since. I am so so disappointed.
I was in WHSmith a few weeks ago and saw this. I'd never heard of it so had to buy it! (I follow her on socials so knew she wasn't releasing a new one)
Anyway, it turns out it was published in the US in 1989 under a different title (private relations) and has only recently been released in the UK under this name and cover. I was so excited!!
I hate it. 😒 In my opinion, the whole book was just a bit too try hard. The main characters are dull and almost unlikeable. The dynamic between the 2 main characters is just horrible. There were a few times it looked like a juicy storyline was starting and then it just went flat. Massive topics crop up and are just dealt with and over in a couple of pages. It's just all over the place! Lawsuits, teenage rape, fostering, pregnancy complications, baby loss, depression, accidents, death, abuse by nurses, the list goes on and on!!
Far too much was taken on and it just all fell completely flat.
I adore this author and I feel I owedit to her to finish it. But I wish I'd never picked it up.
I appreciate that it was her first novel so her writing has obviously improved massively since. I am so so disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2015
Diane Chamberlain is one of my favourite author's so I was happy to have the opportunity to read her very first novel. I'm happy that she decided to re-publish it and the epilogue at the end was a lovely addition. I didn't enjoy this as much as some of her other novels. Her style has evolved though the years and she is a fantastic writer.
October 2, 2019
Obviously one of D.C's first books. No comparison to her later novels most of which I've loved. Far too Mills & Boon in my opinion and far too long with not much of a storyline that goes nowhere fast. Found myself scan reading the latter half.
May 25, 2015
Glad she got better!
Love her other books. This one had too many stories going on. Glad she improved. Still look forward to reading more of her!
Love her other books. This one had too many stories going on. Glad she improved. Still look forward to reading more of her!
March 8, 2018
(narrator: Karen White)
I love finding new authors ... I am new to Diane .. found this in my Audible - Romance Package section ... was totally immediately pulled in ...I think Karen White is a new favorite narrator ... her voice is just lovely. I love the cover ... another reason I was pulled in. I look forward to seeing what else Diane does write ... my TBR list is huge ... but I will find the time ... Must read. Loved it!! ( ;
I love finding new authors ... I am new to Diane .. found this in my Audible - Romance Package section ... was totally immediately pulled in ...I think Karen White is a new favorite narrator ... her voice is just lovely. I love the cover ... another reason I was pulled in. I look forward to seeing what else Diane does write ... my TBR list is huge ... but I will find the time ... Must read. Loved it!! ( ;
April 19, 2025
A story full of characters with no boundaries and no respect for their own or others’ relationships. The whole thing was blatantly misogynistic and had no development which was a shame because I enjoyed the writing!
January 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Was a great read on the iPad while on the treadmill. Made me walk longer since I was very interested in the story.
September 6, 2025
always guaranteed a good read when you pick up one of Diane's books. this was no different. Great absorbing read
June 28, 2019
Love all her books. Easy read with love, heartbreak and relationships of 4 friends living at a beach house. Read it you won’t be disappointed.
August 7, 2023
Urghhhhhh is how I felt about this book! I normally really enjoy Diane's books but this one was awful. Under developed characters and a poor storyline.
Save your time and don't bother reading!
Save your time and don't bother reading!
September 21, 2022
A great read. It didn't take long before I felt I knew the characters and wanted to know how their stories would pan out. Am easy read which dealt with some difficult subjects very well.
May 20, 2025
I've about read all of Diane Chamberlain's novels and she is one of my favorite authors. This was her first and I could tell it. She has come a long way! I'm glad she now doesn't use such explicit sexual descriptions and either writes historical fiction or has some medical theme. This was still a good book, but had too many characters that didn't add to the plot.
February 1, 2018
As a fan of Diane's books, I am in the process of reading all of her books to include her earliest books & her latest ones. Private Relations is this authors first ever book that she published and having read the reviews prior to me reading the book, I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy it given all of the mixed views of this book. Well I needn't have worried as I absolutely loved the book.
The story was detailed and so very well written throughout, I even learnt a few things. I fell in love with majority of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them & seeing how they changed/developed throughout the storyline.
I loved the newly added epilogue at conclusion of the book, which I understand was not in the book when it was first published. It got added later when book was republished. The epilogue truly adds something extra special to the story I thought.
Thank you Diane for another truly heartfelt and emotional read. Your books really are a treat to read.
The story was detailed and so very well written throughout, I even learnt a few things. I fell in love with majority of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them & seeing how they changed/developed throughout the storyline.
I loved the newly added epilogue at conclusion of the book, which I understand was not in the book when it was first published. It got added later when book was republished. The epilogue truly adds something extra special to the story I thought.
Thank you Diane for another truly heartfelt and emotional read. Your books really are a treat to read.
September 8, 2015
Way too much drama for one book. , almost like she couldn't decide which tragedy should come next. Good epilogue though.
November 22, 2015
book was ok...
not the diane im used to though so felt disappointed
not the diane im used to though so felt disappointed
March 24, 2019
I loved this book! I would have liked to hear more about Estelle and I think it ended quite suddenly. An excellent read!
May 5, 2023
It hurts to give it only 2 stars as I love Diane Chamberlain.. I just didn’t like this one.
February 6, 2019
This is Diane Chamberlain's first book... and it shows. The writing style is nowhere near as gripping as her later novels. There seems to be a lot of characters all with their own mini storyline but some are barely explored. There's not really a main plot other than a romance and it's lacking the Chamberlain twist at the end.
It was a good solid read which I did enjoy (more than Reflection, which I think has been my least favourite Diane Chamberlain to date.)
The added epilogue which covers the characters lives 25 years later which was written by Chamberlain 25 years later and added in, feels forced and all the new characters are introduced in really forced ways ('"and the guy over there is Hannah's fiance, Jordan. Then those four girls sunbathing are Aidan and Thomas's girlfriends, and Elizabeth, Janni and Jay's daughter and... I'm honestly not sure who the fourth one is" She laughed. "Kids multiply around here. That guy body surfing out there is Janni and Jay's son Derek"'. Bearing in mind the character being told all this does actually know these people exist... It just seems a bit too obvious)
It was a good solid read which I did enjoy (more than Reflection, which I think has been my least favourite Diane Chamberlain to date.)
The added epilogue which covers the characters lives 25 years later which was written by Chamberlain 25 years later and added in, feels forced and all the new characters are introduced in really forced ways ('"and the guy over there is Hannah's fiance, Jordan. Then those four girls sunbathing are Aidan and Thomas's girlfriends, and Elizabeth, Janni and Jay's daughter and... I'm honestly not sure who the fourth one is" She laughed. "Kids multiply around here. That guy body surfing out there is Janni and Jay's son Derek"'. Bearing in mind the character being told all this does actually know these people exist... It just seems a bit too obvious)
October 7, 2018
I think this might be the first time that I haven’t absolutely loved a book by this author. Im putting it down to the fact that it was her first novel. I liked it by the end but it really took a while for me to warm to these characters, I was pretty repelled by them at first! I just didn’t GET their over the top, touchy feely relationships, waaaaaay too close. I mean, I love my friends but sheeesh, nah. It was just too much. Maybe it’s because I’m British hahaha, I don’t know, I just didn’t get it. I even found myself taking sides with psychobitchfromhellEstelle a little in the beginning there! I did grow to like them eventually and I was happy with how it all turned out but it most certainly took a while. I spent a good three quarters of the story seeing Cole as an arrogant creep and apart from his obvious good looks, I just couldn’t understand why all these women fell head over heels in love with him. Anyway, I sound like I’m totally trashing it, which is unfair actually because it’s not a bad read, just not my favourite.
January 8, 2023
I just finished reading Private Relations by Diane Chamberlain. She’s a favorite of mine. Once again she doesn’t disappoint. I read it in one setting. It’s her first book. It’s set in an old oceanfront mansion called Chapel House. A group of best friends live here together and share their lives, dreams, disappointments, accomplishments, love, and loss. Cole is an obstetrician who is working to get a grant for a fetal surgery unit/team and equipment. Kit is his new PR person. They’re both residents of Chapel House and work at Blair Hospital. Cole has a complicated relationship with Estelle (doesn’t live with them). Other residents all have things in common. Kit is a wonderful character with deep feelings. Cole puts his patients and friends first. Things spiral with Estelle, Kit, and Cole. This is a beautiful story about friendship, love, compassion and families. I don’t want to give up anything but it’s a must read.
December 8, 2021
Listening to this Diane Chamberlain story confused me. It wasn't much more than (a very long) love story and the timeframe it was set in didn't make sense. It wasn't until the afterward where they fast-forwarded 25 years that it made sense- the story had no cell phones, less advanced medical knowledge, more sexism, etc. This novel was written in 2014 and some of the excuses that I've used for her earlier works just don't cut it now. People who are overweight can be happy. No one should be talked into having sex. Children out of wedlock aren't unusual. I noticed DC's new book is called historical fiction (my favorite genre) but I wonder if she knows these things are now part of our history not our present.
February 9, 2025
This book had me hooked in the beginning, but unfortunately, it lost its way for me in the second half. The pivotal moment was a confrontation between Cole and Kit, which left me with a negative impression of Cole that he never recovered from. His actions felt inconsistent with someone who supposedly loved Kit so deeply, and ultimately came across as emotionally manipulative.
While Diane Chamberlain is a master of character development, and this being her debut novel is impressive, it didn't resonate with me in the same way as her later works. It's worth noting that this book, despite being 35 years old, still explores some sensitive themes. Therefore, I would strongly suggest trigger warnings for sexual assault, rape, abortion, and pregnancy loss.
While Diane Chamberlain is a master of character development, and this being her debut novel is impressive, it didn't resonate with me in the same way as her later works. It's worth noting that this book, despite being 35 years old, still explores some sensitive themes. Therefore, I would strongly suggest trigger warnings for sexual assault, rape, abortion, and pregnancy loss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews