The Secrets We Keep

by Colette Caddle

Four years ago Erin Joyce left Dublin under a cloud and bought a guesthouse in the remote, beautiful village of Dunbarra. The Gatehouse attracts a strange clutch of guests who, once ensconced, never want to leave. There's Hazel, a shy artist, and her sweet, silent daughter Gracie. Sandra, a brash American, wants to know everything about everyone. Then there's wise old easy-going PJ, who's seemingly part of the furniture. But Erin's fragile happiness is thrown off-balance by the arrival of A-list Hollywood actor Sebastian Grey. Erin finds herself drawn to this handsome enigmatic man, who used to walk with a swagger but now prowls the country lanes with haunted eyes. What trauma could have brought about this devastating change? Sebastian isn't the only one in the Gatehouse with a secret. Why is Hazel cast so adrift? Where does PJ go each week without fail, and what really brought Sandra to Dunbarra? As Erin finds herself embroiled in her guests' secrets she starts to ask herself: will she be ready to reveal her own?

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Born, bred and still living in Dublin's fair city...

Reviews

[The Readings of a Busy Mom Riaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good book, one that I don't get bored with easily and keeps me turning the pages right to the very end....and I must say The Secrets We Keep is certainly one of those books. I didn't think it was possible for a book to be written on such simple life matters to be so engaging, there is normally a lack of umph for me in Contemporary Fiction but not with Colette's novel The Secret We Keep, there is just something about the character's lives that wants you to know and need more.

Colette writes her characters well, I was touched by the difference between each individual and the fact that the main story was about Erin and was mostly from her point of view, but there was also little sections from many of the other characters in her life's point as well and that only made it more interesting to know how they where feeling also but never giving away too much information or that you guessed what was wrong or what would happen next...

Erin was a little naive when it came to certain things or should I say a certain someone...although she had the world on a platter ready to do anything for her she gave it all up for a possibility and this infuriated me.... She had Ronan a darling of a gentleman who was affectionate and compassionate giving Erin the space she needed when she needed it and then there was Sebastian a man who could have it all and then some, I certainly wanted to smack him one when I read the truth towards the end I mean 'what the funk he is such a punk' but these characters only added to the great atmosphere in this novel!

Colette Caddle has certainly touched a soft spot with this novel and not only has she thought inside the closet but she leaped outside too, giving me an awesome awestruck ride along the way as I hunt down for the truth behind my many possibilities...I'm also truly smoked away by the ending and I may just tempt myself for her latest release Always On My Mind.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when you're reading a book and you trudge through every page, due to the storyline being weak and characters that seem so impersonal? I think most people can think of one or two books like that. Ok, now think of the other end of the rainbow - where you start a book, get so hooked into the storyline, the characters and the twists and turns of their everyday lives, that before you know it, 400 pages have passed and the novel is all over? "The Secrets We Keep" is one of these. I absolutely loved it!

I found myself at one minute liking Erin, the heroine, and then disliking her, then liking her again. Sebastian, the sultry film-star is very well written - the kind of man you love to hate. Marguerite and Mark are the "perfect couple", whist Hazel is the temperamental artist who seems either to drag her mute daughter, Gracie, around with her or leave her alone in her room whilst she goes sketching. Ronan is the "decent guy", the kind of man every girl aspires to have as a partner. My favourite character was PJ - a real Grandad figure.

I don't want to say too much for fear of giving away the story-line, but I would highly recommend this to any woman who wants a great storyline, to read in front of the fire on a winter's day with a pot of coffee. I would also recommend the other novel of Colette's that I have read "Always on My Mind". These stories are memorable, and definitely worth a re-read time and time again.

If you like Maeve Binchy's style of writing, you'll love this! Well done Colette.

[Colette Middlebrough · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok. Too much fluff, not enough substance for my liking. I wish the author wouldn't have made the protagonist such a weakling. Did maintain my curiosity enough to encourage me to the end.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I picked this book up at our local bookstore for a beach read and am so glad I did! I really enjoyed following the antics of Erin who fell in and out of my favour throughout the book. Surprising storyline with twists that I never saw coming. Thoroughly enjoyed the comforting nature of PJ and the witt/ humour of Mark and his dear friend Ronan. Will definitely look for more of this author's contemporary work.

[Adeline Kam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love reading books that revolve around Guesthouses or Bed & Breakfast. And I enjoyed reading this book. Set in the town of Dunbarra, this story is about the Guesthouse, it's owner and its guests of different personalities. A amazing story, keeps me turning the pages non-stop. An easy to read book, the story just flows.

[Dennis Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyfull

This book was a joy from the beginning to the end featuring very different characters. It seemed like more than one story but it all blended together extremely well. l am looking forward to reading more books by this author I recommend this book.

[Tuesday's Child · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I don't think it is on par with Marian Keyes, but the story is interesting.

[Lisa Mcmaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book. It kept me guessing. I am glad of the outcome and happy ending.

[Mary Geraghty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the, "It could be a novel"😊

All the characters were really well written and because of this the story flowed beautifully. This book will restore your faith in human nature. 🏡👏

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed an easy read set in Ireland.

[Tracy Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the twist. Easy read whilst on holidays.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book so frustrating. The lead character drove me nuts and she didn’t deserve the happy ending she got.

[Stacy Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read. slightly irritating but suspenseful enough to want yo read to know what was going to happen.

[Beata Dobrogoszcz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good enjoyable story about real life, real people and what secrets we try to hide. And as usual as in real life, it comes up no secret remains secret forever. Not over demanding story but great characters made it great holiday reading.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really got into this book. Wasn't one of my favourite books but kept me very intrigued with the characters through to the end. I was hoping Sebastian was going to turn out to be a better man but am glad that things in the end seem to be going to work for Erin and Ronan he seemed like such a great guy.

[The Twins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminded me a lot of a book from Marcia Willett with a similar setup, guesthouse in the English (not Irish) countryside and various guest with their own problems/secrets. Lovely, easy read which will grip you from page 1. Some of the revelations of various secrets are a little bit far fetched and therefore a little bit of a let down for me but overall enjoyed the book.

[Kate Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to visit this village eat the wonderful food stay in Erin's guest house meet the people go out on the lake I want it all. Colette caddle what a wonderful book a masterpiece it was a page turner I couldn't put it down I found myself immersed in the lives of everyone. I shed a few tears but it was worth it thank you Colette keep them coming

[Preet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was something else. It kept me on my toes. There were some twists that totally threw me. I would say I was pleasantly surprised.

[Miffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the cliche ending, this was a lovely tale set in Ireland about a group of (seemingly) strangers at a guesthouse.

[Liz Balaam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book draws you in from the first page with likeable characters and a good story line. I really enjoyed it.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was an okay book, but Im not a fan of when it jumps from one person to another, thats what spoiled it for me.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book... it was a nice change from my usual crime/thriller reads. Gentle reading that made me want to keep reading until the end.

[M. G. A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Step up from a harlequin romance. Easy beach read.

[Agatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book and it has a satisfying ending.

[Paullette Feraud dávila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was GREAT!!!