Do You Want to Know a Secret?

by Claudia Carroll

Vicky Harper is not getting any younger. She's still hopelessly single and having to face up to the unpalatable fact that the last time she had a relationship with that highly elusive species, the decent single man, was well before Phantom of the Opera hit Broadway. So, having discovered an ancient book which says you can have anything you want from the Universe. and that all you have to do is ask, she decides to give it a whirl. She might as well - she's tried just about everything else and this seems so easy; all she has to do is focus on thinking her wildest fantasies into reality. Kind of like Pollyanna, except with a magic 8 ball, a mortgage and a lot of vodka. So, along with her two beyond fabulous best friends Vicky decides to put '-The Law of Attraction' into action. Trouble is, '-The Law of Attraction' doesn't come with an instruction manual and soon Vicky realizes that you have to be very, very, careful what you wish for.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy, Love, Contemporary Romance

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

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

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the last book I read was a dark thriller, Do you want to know a secret? was the perfect tonic to that This is a light hearted, amusing chick lit book. It may be slightly predictable but I really didn't care, as the humour involved was so enjoyable to read.

Having relooked at the blurb for this book, I don't think it does it justice, as I found Vicky's best friends Barbara and Laura were the stars of the book, and possibly more entertaining than Vicky herself, but really without all three ladies getting the equal amount of story that they do, this would be a disappointing story,

Vicky is unlucky in love, but has a successful business, Barbara attracts men, like flies to honey, but she can barely get a job as an actress anywhere, and Laura, is a single mum to four children, used to be a lawyer, but now is struggling to stay at home with the children, and her finances are a bit of a mess.

The girls, after hearing about the book Laws of Attraction, decide to project manage the area of each others lives that is lacking, and the bulk of this book, is the outcomes, of allowing your friends to help you out in areas where you are weak.

Laura's story was my favourite, as the way she describes what her various kids are up to , must be familiar to most parents, and just hilarious in her ancecdotes. Equally amusing were the scenes where Barbara meets someone she idolises, and some of the men that Vicky meets (although I think it could be a bit obvious who the front runner in her affections was).

I'm a huge fan of Claudia Carroll's books, and although some of her more recent books are better than this (as she has progressed as a writer), I still loved Do You Want to Know a Secret?

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of thouse books I though would be good. But, oh well.. (I do love irish writers, it was modern, chick-lit, easy read but..)

The theme itself was OK. Could have been so much more interesting. The characters were quite good`ish. But it was so predictable. So, Laura`s and Barbara`s stories I did like. But Vicky`s.. I knew she would end up with Daniel from the moment they met. It annoyed me so much the way she kept referring her dates (Eager-Eddy) Tom, no Tim, no Tom. Once, fine. Two times, OK. But throughout the entire book, come-on!

Vicky was just so desperate. There was no chemistry between her and Daniel. They met some times, talked a few times. Then slept together and she was already madly in love? And he expected they were a couple? Where did that come from? I personally would like to get to know someone a little better.

The style of writing was enjoyable, mostly. But the way the story dragged through the book and was so very rushed within the last ten/twenty pages (give or take). I do not like when the characters don`t even know each other that well and are instantly in love. Attracted I would understand.

[Jane Woodcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a slow start for me, but eventually did get into it. After my usual genres, eg, crime, thriller, suspense, was a nice cheerful break. Witty, and I'm sure a lot of women can relate to this story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so easy to read an funny too its all about the law of attraction an how it can go sooo right and sooo wrong and the power of positive thinking, Great read i would highly recommend it to any chicklit fan's out there, go get it! :)

[Fluffychick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior chick-lit...silly set up, but sympathetic female characters and a highly unlikely (but we all want one!) love interest.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another easy reading chick-lit. A pretty predictable plot and not particularly challenging, but an easy summer read.

[Sharron · Rating 1 out of 5]

pants, dire, drivel

[Rickus Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Full review over here: https://rickusbookshelf.wordpress.com...

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t finish this. I love a good romance read and I found the premise interesting as manifestation has become such a big thing in recent times.l also love an older read , and this is 2009 so not ancient but you can tell it’s not quite your tiktok era. But it was just so boring! No substance to it. I find with these novels you need a key love interest to root for quite quickly and this was slowwww.

[Kersty Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very funny book. The story revolves around 3 friends with very different personalities. Each wants an aspect of life another has n learn to appreciate what they have: A perfect husband, a dream home, a wonderful career. The characters are full of life n fun. An ideal book to read when you're feeling under the weather n want to cheer yourself up.

[Tiina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, because it was so positive!
I liked the main character, she did not give up easily. Oh gosh, the dates she had!
Plus, I am a firm believer on our thoughts having an effect on what will happen.

[Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this book.
Took a bit of time to get into but was good. Towards the end I was so into it I was getting anxious with the will they wont they I hope they will. Only thing preventing a 5 star from me was that it wound up a little too quick.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny!

[EssexReader92 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favourite book of mine. Gripping reading and one that can easily been demolished in one sitting

[Stella Stenroos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had just read The Secret, before this, which is heavily referred to, here..

The beginning was a bit syrupy-perky, but it got better, and ended up being very entertaining!

[Gözde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerçekten bu kitap hakkında uzun zamandır söylemek istediğim çok şey var. Çünkü bu benim en sevdiğim kitaplardan biri, hatta en sevdiğim kitap. Kolay olması, düşük puan alması veya az kişi tarafından okunmuş olması benim için hiç önemli değil. Vicky karakterinde kendimi bulmuş gibi hissettim. Başarısız ilişkilerden falan söz etmiyorum. Vicky' nin arkadaş grubundan ve düşüncelerinden söz ediyorum. Geleceği ve yaşantısı hakkında o kadar endişe ediyorki asıl hayatı kaçırıyor aslında. Asla doğruyu bulamayacağını düşünüp daha başlamadan kaybediyor. Kendini hep olmayacak durumlarda ve yanlış anlaşılmalarla boğulurken buluyor. İşte aynı ben. Bir PR şirketi olması da tabi beni daha lisedeyken bile etkilemeyi başarmıştı, o sıralar hayallerimi süsleyen şey buydu. Üç arkadaşın farklı alanlarda sıkıntıları falan çok cici ama keşke hep sadece Vicky' nin hikayesi olsaydı. Şaka şaka Laura ve Barbara' nında hikayeleri güzeldi, komiklerdi. "The Law of Attraction" falan ve sonunda kim ne derse desin işe yaradı. Hatta Vicky kendini yırttı yırttı ama arkadaşlarını dinlemese böyle bir son asla olmazdı. <3 Mutlu sonlu kitapları sevmiyorum genelde ama bu kitaba bayılıyorum. Kolay okunması da cabası, bir günden kısa bir sürede biter.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the back of this book I was a little unsure about it, I still bought it though because I have read other books by Claudia Carroll.
I'm glad I went against my better judgement as I loved this book.
It's about three best friends who decided to help each other out with some aspect of their lives which isn't going so great, with the power of positive thinking.
Vicky helps Barbara with her career as an actress, by using her PR skills, Barbara help Vicky with her love life, by using her dating skills and Barbara & Vicky team up to help Laura with both her life and her career.
Ha-ha, I love it! This is the first book that I've read that is quite like this, so to me it's very unique.

Read it, you'll enjoy it!

[Read With Tarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story Description:

Vicky Harper is quite successful in her career. She runs her own PR Company but one thing she can’t quite master is the art of l’amour. She’s fed up of being single & she really wants to change that. One day, her friend Barbara gives her a book based on “The Law of Attraction” & Vicky decides to test it out. But the thing is, “The Law of Attraction” doesn’t exactly come with an instruction manual & Vicky soon realizes that you have to be very, very careful what you wish for….

My Thoughts:

It took me a while to get into it but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. It’s perfect for a lazy summer’s day read.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vicky Harper is single and it's been a long time since she had a date with that elusive species - the decent single man so she decides to put the laws of attraction into action. All she has to focus on is thinking her wildest fantasies into reality. A bit like Pollyanna except with a magic 8 ball, a mortgage and a lot of vodka... so along with her two beyond fabulous best friends they vow to project manage each other's lives with hilarious consequences

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real feel good kind of book about three 30+ women who aren't having much luck at the moment. They make a pact to help each other out in the area where they are lacking and the results are just so funny! I particularly liked the nicknames like Eager Eddie (who just wouldn't get the message and turned into a stalker) and Ex-Files.

[Sio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very amusing book that's a nice light read. I love the take on the whole "law of attraction", something I hear a lot about these days in one form or another. Whether it's true I can't say as I haven't really put any of it into practice. LOL!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

light, entertaining easy read.

[Rebecca Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this...you get what wish for!

[Jeanette]

really funny book. recomend it to a couple of my girl friends!!

[Tonielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really entertaining read, one to pass around to friends.

[Hannah Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, chick lit it at it's best when it is written by an Irish writer.

This book has the perfect combination of romance and humour and is a great book!!!

[Ciara Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 .
Good laugh, good ending, enjoyed the book.

[Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What an amazing book, I loved every second of it & would definitely highly recommend it! Sometimes you read a book & it stays with you, this is definitely one of those books for me!

[Lisa]

Excelllent read, really enjoyed this!! A happy ending too :o)

[Kiraz çiftçibaşı · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a perfect summer book.