I do like Shari Low's books. she writes really well with empathy and her characters are very believable. Completely caught up in the story, thank you.

Ms. Low always knows how to pull the heartstrings and tickle the funny bone. Her emotional and complicated relationships are so genuine and bittersweet while confessions are made and lives are changed.

The story is told from a man’s death bed via phone recording and his wife’s life five years later.

Colm Flynn’s confessions and expressions of love to his family and friends are eye-opening considering his best traits were denial and optimism. His rich humor and honesty made me cry and laugh at the same time as he finally opens up to the people he loves most in the world.

Shauna is Colm’s wife who has been running on autopilot since Colm’s death five years ago. She’s raising their lovely daughter Beth and has become an extended family with Colm’s ex-wife Jess and their twin sons. In addition, Shauna’s BFF Lulu has dumped her husband Dan (Colm’s BFF) for money and fame. There’s even more to this crazy soap opera that I don’t want to give away because it’s fun to just unwrap it all on your own. Let’s just say you can’t put this book down because the twists and turns keep coming.

I love Shauna and her “be Switzerland” stance due to her volatile friends. Her and Lulu’s upbringing by some messed up parents is shocking and it’s good they had each other growing up. Shauna is the calm to Lulu’s compulsiveness. Shauna has the patience of a saint when it comes to Lulu and her self-absorbed bullshit. Can Shauna move on when an old friend returns to London?

Jess, Colm’s ex-wife and budding life coach, is one of my favorites as she unlocks all of the grief and sadness that is keeping Shauna, Dan, and even Jess herself from moving on with their lives. Will Jess finally tell someone the truth about her feelings?

Dan is so kind and so lucky to be out of Lulu’s clutches until secrets come to light among the group. Can he get over Lulu and move on?

Lulu is very unlikeable with her recklessness and her heartless treatment of her ex-husband Dan. She is a serial cheater during their marriage and finally cruelly dumps him for a man with wealth and fame. But did she make the worst mistake of her life?

I love how Colm’s recording seals everything up for everyone’s life as he gives sound advice, confesses his transgressions, and asks his friends and family to be happy.

Yet another beautiful and well-written story about love and difficult situations between friends and family. One of my favorite novels this year.

Thank you to Ms. Low for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

This book should come with a warning - Do not read in public or without a whole new box of tissues if you are prone to ugly crying! This was such an emotional read, that I had to put it down more than once, cry it out, and pick it up again. My heart hurt by the end, but in a good way.

I have read a few of Shari Low's books, and this by far is my favorite. If you like "PS I Love You" vibes then this is the book for you. Full of raw emotion, this tells the story of love, loss, grief, forgiveness, and moving on. The powerful and sentimental writing style had me gripped from beginning to end. The past is entwined with the present beautifully. There isn't anything I can fault about this book.

A highly recommended read, that is hard to put down and could be read in one sitting. Flawlessly five stars!

When I requested this title on NetGalley I was initially drawn in by the title and bright cover. Shari Low was an author I had heard of, but this was the first of her books I had read.

The Story of Our Secrets focuses on a friendship group still coming to terms with the grief of losing their dear husband and friend, Colm. Although five years has passed, lead character Shauna is struggling to move on with so many unanswered questions. As the title suggests, secrets lay heavy within the group but are some too big to come back from?

I really enjoyed The Story of Our Secrets and liked that the author chose to write in double narrative. Each chapter was written in either the perspective of Colm or Shauna, which gave a real sense of life before and after his death.

Besides grief, friendship is a key focus of this book and the challenges they can face when secrets are held. The reactions of characters felt realistic, from outrage to sadness and a sense of hurt. It was interesting, but also sad to learn how much they all relied on Colm for answers and the difficulty of facing truths without him present.

This is the first of Shari Low’s books I have read and certainly won’t be the last.

At first, I thought " Oh, no. Not another P.S. I love you." But this book is so much more than a re-working of that idea. It is a profoundly enjoyable, emotional rollercoaster that has you weeping into a damp hanky one moment then coursing tears of hilarity the next. Shari Low writes with a cryptic eye on human experience and a good lashing of humour. We can all benefit from the insight given to us by this melded family. It is a truly heartwarming book.

Oh my word what a story!. It felt like spending time with my mates at a sad time in our lives!. I laughed, I cried, I shouted agreement and disagreement........ I loved every minute of this book!. Boy can Shari write a beautiful story full of emotion that we all would recognise if we have ever lost anyone in our lives. The emotions are right there to acknowledge and feel. I don't think I've cried over a book that much for ages!!.
You will love this book so buy it!!
Many thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC book for an honest review.
#sharilowbooks, #boldandtonic

Just a tad different from one of my favourite authors – but no less enjoyable!

Colm and Shauna O’Flynn were one of those rare couples; they were meant to be together and their daughter, Beth, was the light of their lives. Then Colm got a terminal diagnosis, and life would never be the same again for either of them. Jess and Shauna are friends and support for each other, despite Jess being Colm’s first wife. Dan was his best mate and is struggling to come to terms with his recent divorce. Colm’s death has left them all trying to do the right thing by him with no idea what he would have wanted – but Colm left a series of video messages for each of them; if only they knew!

I can always rely on Shari Low to life my spirits so it came as a bit of a surprise to discover this wasn’t as hysterically funny as I’m used to . . and yet, her trademark warmth and friendship shines through this novel from beginning to end. This is a bit deeper but there is no doubting who the author is; all the uplifting – and yes, crazy – moments are still there. I ADORED this one. By following both past and present, we learn so much about all of the characters and there is a lot to discover. This is a really meaningful read and not one easily forgotten but it is extremely well plotted and, as always, beautifully written by someone who has a real insight into the harder moments in life. Simply superb, and worthy not only of my recommendation but also all five glowing stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Rachel Gilbey for my spot on this tour; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

Book Review “The Story of our Secrets” by Shari Low
NOVEMBER 2, 2021 ~ NIKIPRESTON

The Story Of Our Secrets

Colm O’Flynn was loved by his close circle of family and friends, however his death came too soon for everyone to make peace with their past.
Shauna, his second wife, adored him. But one night she broke their marriage vows, and didn’t get time to ask Colm’s forgiveness.
Jess was the first Mrs O’Flynn. Her heart is set on someone new, but will the last one night stand she shared with Colm come back to haunt her?
Colm’s best friend, Dan, is recently divorced. Can he take a second shot at happiness if it means betraying the one person who always had his back?
What no-one knows is that somewhere out there Colm left messages that could set them free to start over again.
Can divine intervention help them find Colm’s last wishes before it’s too late to love again?
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3DCKmTa

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

The Story of our Secrets is seemingly a gentle, cosy read that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Although it is and does, it is far far more than that. A brilliantly written book that deals with great friendships, including an ex and current wife. it deals with the huge impact of loss and grief and how this tight knit group deal with all that life throws at them. I was left somewhat emotional but with a smile on my face as well.

The balance between humour and raw emotions is so brilliantly written I felt like I was on Shauna’s sofa watching all the comings and goings. The pace of the book is set just right and the humour lifts you. I laughed out loud at some points and actually shouted out loud “Oh how dare she do that”! For me a book that holds your attention throughout and one that you have an invested interest in the outcome is the best kind of book.

Shari Low is a clever author who can make you cry with laughter and cry with sadness almost at the same time, an almost impossible feat I’m quite sure. Although this is a sequel I in no way felt I had missed anything by not reading the previous book, it works superbly as a stand alone book.

I would strongly recommend this beautiful, emotional rollercoaster of a book to all those who love a romance with a load of ups and downs thrown in. Loved every page, a corker of a book.



Author Bio – Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels, including One Day In Summer, My One Month Marriage, and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.

Social Media Links –

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks/

Twitter https://twitter.com/sharilow

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharilowbooks/

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/ShariLowNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shari-low

A book this sad has no right to be this funny. Shari is a new author to me and after managing to push all my buttons, including my big red one for sarcasm and dry wit, she is now firmly on my author radar.

Colm knows he doesn’t have much time after being given a terminal diagnosis, so while in hospital he decides to make some video messages on his phone for his loved ones. Just a pity he never got round to mentioning this rather important fact.

Fast forward five years and his widow Shauna is on the floor with a glass of Prosecco watching her soapy knickers go round in the washing machine until his first wife Jess visits unannounced and decides to make her and their mutual friend Dan her new pet projects for her psychology dissertation. Poor Dan is a mess due to their other friend Lulu trading him in for a richer version.

Oh this group of friends were just brilliant and totally my sort of people. All completely different but just as important to the group dynamic. However, if you were to twist my arm and make me tell you my favourite it would have to be Lulu. She’s something else, shameless, smart mouthed and a bit of a hussy. But written to be so damn likeable and the verbal sparring between her and Jess was just top notch.

There’s a few mentions in the book of the film P.S I love you. I have both read that book and watched the film and dare I say it but this is actually better. I think the characters are more relatable and the storyline more realistic. I mean come on, we all know men would do a phone video rather than write a soppy letter! We also know they would forget to mention it along with not knowing where their keys and wallets are.

I genuinely loved this book and read it so quickly! It was filled with heart warming moments and laugh out loud statements, as well as dealing with the characters loss and grief throughout.

The characters in this story were brilliant and Shari wrote them with depth and insight. It was so lovely to see the interactions of the people who were as close as family. Even though they may not always have been. All the characters rubbed along so well together (until they didn't - but that's an other part of the story) they were the type of people that I would love to hang out with, I want to join their sessions around the wooden dining table putting the worlds to rights and sparring with each other. I loved that element of the dialogue, it was so quick and witty, it really made me laugh.

Overall this is a book I highly recommend. If you love light hearted humour with emotion and sassy one liners this is a treat for your bookshelf!

Thanks to Netgalley and Rachels random resources for allowing me a copy of this book to review - my full review will be on my website on 14th November.

THE STORY OF OUR SECRETS by SHARI LOW.

Colm O’Flynn is greatly missed by his nearest and dearest. Even as time moves on since his death, his loved ones are struggling to put the pieces back together. They are all carrying their own guilt and secrets.
Colm left messages for everyone on his phone, but didn’t get around to telling anyone that they were there. Can those messages be found before it’s too late for his wife, his ex wife and his best friend to move on and live again.

I love Shari Low’s writing. She always finds a great balance in her books between humour and real heartfelt emotion.

This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It flows at a good pace and keeps your interest throughout.

Full of friendship, family bonds and love.
I finished this book with a sigh of satisfaction … simply a beautiful story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With huge thanks to #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheStoryOfOurSecrets by #ShariLow.

Thank you for sharing this book with me.

I had requested it based on the blurb description which read of love, loss, longing, second love. I was looking forward to investing myself in this emotion. Unfortunately, I found I couldn’t get myself into the read. There was far too much ‘noise’ for my liking. The storyline sounded good but there was way too much dialogue, and it was relentless. At times it felt rushed. It could be that I’m not familiar with this author’s writing style and missed out on the seeming references to an earlier book .

I wish the book and the author much success. Every author puts in a lot of effort which cannot and should not be discredited.

Maybe I just wasn’t the target audience.

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. There are lots of emotions involved which will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. The four friends are certainly a great support for each other during what was a very difficult time in their lives. As the story goes on you come to understand the secrets and why they were kept that way. The main character did have a lot to say so be prepared for long sentences. If you were a fan of PS I Love You then I think you will like this book too. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for letting me read and review this book.

This is a beautifully written story that has managed to make me laugh and make me cry. I really find it amazing that an author can raise a smile while also tripping you with tears.

The story is told in the now (5 years after Colm’s death) by Shauna his wife and also from Colm’s POV 5 years ago when he’s in a hospice, filming the video’s for his nearest and dearest. I loved how the friendship has developed between Shauna and Jess since Colm’s passing, I loved how this book shows you that you feel like the grief is going to last forever. But it doesn’t and you can move on with your life.

I have found out since that there is an earlier book introducing you to these characters, I in no way felt that I missed out by not having read it. So don’t feel this is something that you have to do, if however, you want to learn more about these characters then maybe start with The Story of Our Life.

This book does make reference to PS I Love You, and if you loved that book then I’m sure you will also love this.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.

I read this book, unaware it was a sequel of sorts to The Story of Our life (which at the time of writing this review is in my TBR file). In my opinion, despite this, this can still be read as a stand-alone book.

Moving onto the review, I found this to be a moving story, following the life of a circle of friends, after the death of Shauna's husband, Colm, as his ex-wife Jess, his best friend Dan come face to face with their past, and each of them and Shauna herself revisit their past and come to terms with it.

We go back and forth from 2016, prior to Colm's death and the present day of 2021, as many secrets come to light.

Overall, this is a moving, heartbreaking story about friends and family coming together as they mourn over their shared grief and each with the help of Colm, accept their past to start moving forward.

The Story of Our Secrets takes place five years after the death of Colm O'Flynn. It's told from his widow, Shauna's perspective, who is still reeling from the loss. It follows her and their close-knit group of friends, which includes best friend Dan, ex-wife Jess and Dan's ex-wife Lulu, as they all find their own ways to move on.

Here are just some of the things I liked about The Story of Our Secrets:
- Low's writing style, which reminded me of Paige Toon.
- The flawed characters. None of them was perfect and I always appreciate a book with real and relatable characters. It was a joy to follow their stories and see where they ended up at the end.
- Annie, Shauna's grandmother. Their connection reminded me so much of me and my grandma.
- The flashbacks from Colm as secrets were slowly revealed. I loved that this allowed us to connect with Colm, even after his passing.

The only thing I wanted more from this book was more development in a certain relationship. I'm trying to avoid spoilers, but one character gets her happily ever after with a side character I would have loved to get to know more.

Overall though, if you love tender and moving novels about family and forgiveness, I strongly encourage you to pick up The Story of Our Secrets.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Shari low does it again. I cried. I laughed. I cried some more. Just when you think you have composed yourself after soaked a few 100 tissues, you’ll be reaching for more. I absolutely loved going back to characters I know and adore. This has everything ( and more ) you would want in a book. Amazing.

Oh my word, this book has it all, loss, love, extended family, tears and laughter, I enjoyed every single moment, a wonderful page turner

I always enjoy Shari Low’s books and this is one of her best. It deals with the difficult topic of grief and loss but it is still uplifting due to the beautifully written characters and the authors trademark humour. I would strongly recommend this book but be aware that once you start reading it you won’t want to put it down.

My thanks to #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I loved it and was absorbed from the first page to the last.
How can a novel with a heartbreaking premise also deliver joy love and laughter.. yet another triumph from Shari low an expert at tugging at your emotions.