Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced read!

This was a book with many highs and lows. We follow Colm, a husband/father who quickly passed away after a deadly diagnosis leaving behind his children and best friends. Shauna, his current wife, has struggled since his passing trying to do everything for their daughter Beth. It has been five years since he passed and she has yet to date or move on. With the help of her friends, who are also intertwined to Colm, and going through their own life crisis, unite forces for a little support. We bounce back and forth from Colm, recording videos to his loved ones during his final days, and Shauna who is trying to keep her friends together and upset that she never had closure from Colm. Many secrets come to life as the friend group works through their feeling and struggles. This book really unites all the characters and brings the story full circle with a positive ending.

I was a trifle apprehensive about reading this book, Shari’s last one – One Summer Sunrise – almost broke me. I must admit that I got a little cocky and thought I’d got away with just a couple of sniffles, alas, no! The Story of Our Secrets builds to a tear-soaked conclusion that would challenge even the coldest of hearts.
As the synopsis explains, this is an ensemble cast which centres around 2 main characters, Shauna and Colm. Following a dual timeline, the reader learns about the build-up to Colm’s death and the aftermath for those who mourn him. This story is handled in such a way, that I was sucked in and oblivious to the tears that would follow. The sparring between the friends introduces some much-needed comedy with Jess and Lu earning the awards for best slanging matches.
There are plenty of surprises for the friends as they explore their memories of Colm and of their friendships which have become intertwined with each other’s lives. This is a group of friends who have evolved to become more like an extended family as they’ve navigated their ways through some harsh situations and made mistakes along the way.
I loved the dual timeline and felt myself hoping that they would find the messages before their entire lives became so fractured that they wouldn’t be able to find their way back together.
For me, Jess was the stand-out character in the book. Colm’s second wife has built up strong friendships, but still feels the weakness from her life-choices. Her relationship with her daughter is beautiful as are her memories of her Gran, Annie. Memories made sweeter, for me, as my darling Nana was also feisty and called Annie!
I loved this book and would highly recommend it. Just remember that you will need tissues on hand.

What a story - tears throughout! Shauna, Colm, Dan, LuLu, Jess, the children....all so good! Shauna and LuLu's parents - what horrible examples of married life/parenting. It was obvious from the beginning of the book the Shauna never had found Colm's videos so I was wondering in what manner they would become known...just at the time they were needed most, of course! Despite this book, I know that fidelity does exist.

Set in South West London and mainly written around Colm O'Flynn who is dying from cancer, leaving video messages for those he loves and the consequences for those he leaves behind, being two wives, a best friend and his daughter, I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The book is light hearted and jokey, around a terribly tragic mess.
This one is not for me
Thank you for the opportunity to read early NetGalley and Boldwood books.

The Story of our Secrets by Shari Low
Pub Date 2nd Nov 2021
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 a divine intervention help them find Colm’s last wishes before it’s too late to love again?
Another great read from Shari Low.
The story is well-written, poignant and emotional.
The characters are well described, and I liked how you can imagine each person and relate to them.
I am happy to recommend this book.
I want to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Shari Low for a pre=publication copy to review.

Be warned you will need tissues!!!

This is a beautifully written story about family and friends who have lost someone far too young. It dealt with the intimacies of life, friendships and relationships. I would highly recommend it!

The latest Novel by best selling author Shari Low is a book about friendship, loss and new adventures when the past is finally dared to be left behind. The story begins with Colm, a forty something who is the anchor of this story and with it his wife Shauna (who, equally narrates throughout pockets of the book), his best friend Dan, and his ex wife Jess. This isn’t giving away too much away, when I say that after Colm's death his video diaries exposing the secrets of their intertwined pasts is somehow lost, and with it his family and friends seem to be trapped by their own secrets, that they are still yet to tell each other after his passing.

When I started to read this book and was introduced to Colm on his death bed, I actually put it back down again for a few days before picking it back up. I just didn’t want to think about the loss of someone with cancer in this way. So please take this as a trigger warning, that this book touches on loss and may not be for everyone. But if you’re ok to continue and find out what I thought, as although I had a rocky start with this one, I did go the whole hog and read it all the way through!

Well this book starts off sad and with the realisation that the anchor character Colm dies within the first few pages. But although you are reminded of his loss throughout, you are easily preoccupied with the remaining characters of the book that are all inextricably linked to Colm throughout. First you hear of Shauna, Colm’s recent widow and mother of their young daughter Beth. Within the story of Shauna you are introduced to Dan, who was Colm’s best friend who happens to be recently separated from Shauna’s best friend Lulu. Finally, we have Jess who is unbelievably good friends with the whole group and also happens to be Colm’s first wife (and ex!).

Through the novel you see how they make an unusual dynamic but somehow you learn how their relationships works together, but also how since Colm’s death they have been holding onto the past and are in a place where things are ready to evolve, and for their friendship network to be updated. As they begin to explore their options through the book, you learn that perhaps at they are going to create tension and upset along the way. But thats what keeps you reading, and adds to the suspense of this book.

I would describe this as a romantic drama, that has a few laughs along the way. The characters are well portrayed and easy to imagine when they are described within the novel. I love how you can picture each person, and connect with them individually. I was drawn to Shauna and always wanted her path to improve and for her to be happy - you’ll have to read the book to find out if this was the case. All in all I would recommend this book and I am glad to know that Shari Low has written many more, and not all from the same series, which is nice to know about an author as you sometimes want to meet different character, but still want to assurance that you will enjoy the book. So finding a good writer is key.

So, this will be a really difficult review for me to write as I just didn’t enjoy this. That is hard for me to say, as Colm’s story in ‘The Story of our Life’ really hit me in the feels and had tears tripping down my face for the majority of it. I think that may have even been the first Shari Low book I had ever read, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I also still remember it, which is a big thing for me as I have a memory like a sieve when it comes to most books. However, that one has stuck with me over the past couple of years!
This book is set five years later and shows us the aftermath of Colm dying and how his wife, family and friends have been coping without him and with their grief. Even though it was nice to see these characters again, I’m not sure this story was necessary (which is why this review is difficult for me).
I just didn’t feel the raw emotion that I am used to from Low. There were the usual one-liners of humour, but they didn’t make me laugh out loud like I normally would. I just felt like I had to get through the book as the deadline for its release was fast approaching.
After reading some of the other reviews, I know I am in the minority with this view, and I’m sorry that I just wasn’t feeling it. I just felt like the story was a bit flat, and most of it could have been covered in a few chapters of another book with other more interesting characters. We are only getting Shauna’s point of view, interspersed with Colm from 2016, and I think it may have played out better if we could have heard from Jess, Lulu and Dan as well. It might have given it a little more depth having their voices first hand.
I’m afraid I found this a little boring and unnecessary. I usually rush off to tell my mother-in-law when Shari Low has a new book coming out. I know she has read Colm’s story too, but I’m not sure whether to recommend this to her or not. I’ll probably let her know it exists and let her make her own mind up.
So, for me, I’m afraid this was just a bit of a none-book, and I’m gutted I didn’t enjoy it the way the author had intended.

Thank you NetGalley for the free copy of The Story of Our Secrets by Shari Low. I loved everything about this book. Shauna, Dan, Lulu and Jess are four close friends all entwined together by Shauna's deceased husband, Colm. Each character has their own strong personality that made the story entertaining. Also, each person has their own conflict going on. It was a fast read with a happy ending for everyone. I would most definitely recommend this book and read anything else by this author.

This is one of Shari Low's best books in this readers opinion!!!!!!!!!!! Her signature way of taking any situation and filling it with humor but yet just enough seriousness makes for jolly good, entertaining reading. I highly recommend this book.

I received an E-ARC copy of ‘The Story of Our Secrets’ by Shari Low through Netgalley when I signed up to the book tour through Rach’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books. I have just finished reading and I must admit I’m very emotional, this is an amazing book. Wow!!!

Colm O’Flynn is in a hospice, he has come to realise he may not be around for much longer and decides to record messages for all his loved ones on his phone.

Five years later and his wife Shauna is still coming to terms with Colm’s death and is stuck in her grief. She has a great set of friends around her, and they all help to provide her and her daughter, Beth with a friendship like family.

Over the years though things change, and events occurred start to become in between their relationship. Shauna is stuck in the middle not wanting to lose anyone else that she loves.

Can the friendship be saved? Will Shauna come to terms with her grief and start to think about moving on?

This book goes between the narration of Shauna and the scenes where Colm is filming his farewell videos.

The whole way through I went through a mixture of emotions, one minute I would be heartbroken and close to tears and the next laughing and smiling. My heart hasn’t hurt that much in a while.

The characters were really relatable, and I could feel every emotion felt by them. I have been through the emotions of loss through a break down in a marriage and the grief of losing a partner, you feel you are going to be stuck with them feelings forever. This book shows you that this doesn’t have to be the case and has an uplifting thread though out all the heartbreak.

The friendship the characters have is lovely but is also genuine with the little ups and downs that life throw in the way. It shows how friends can really pick you up and help you through.

Overall, a heart-breaking but uplifting book about grief and the strength of friendship.

Wow, what a book!

I love Shari Low expertise in writing and I had very high expectations for this book and not also I wasn't disappointed at all, but The Story of Our Secrets also exceeded them.
I finished it in two sittings, since it is really one of those unputdownable ones, then I had to take a couple of days off reading anything else (all the characters were overwhelmingly still in my mind) and also had to wait to write a review, because I was afraid I couldn't do it justice. I'm still not sure I can, to be honest.

It's a beautiful book, and it is beautifully written: Sharis's prose has that something that catches and hooks you in, it is hilarious yet moving, makes you laugh and cry, sharp and easy to read, but poignant and sentimental.

I couldn't recommend this book more, and I would have given more stars if possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn't read any books by Shari before so I went in with no expectations, came away wanting to read more.

Her writing style is one that slowly draws you in but with each page I felt more and more invested in the characters and where there story would lead them. I guess you could say that I was completely addicted.

Ultimately, this is the story of Colm and his second wife Shauna.

But we also get (a much needed) insight into the supporting character's lives too. I'd love to see a spin-off involving some of them.

There are two narrators.

First we have Colm, through the videos he's recording before he sadly passes away which you'll know from reading the blurb. And then we have narration Shauna in the present day, five years after Colm's death and it is clear to see that although she is getting on with her life, she isn't necessarily truly living it to its fullest.

With the help of lots of dialogue, we delve into both past and present. I love how we are provided with a full picture. Every scene, every person is well defined.

Talking of people. There are are cast of supporting roles, each one bringing something to the tale. There's Dan, Colm's best friend. Jess, Colm's ex-wife. And Lulu, Dan's ex-wife and Shauna's best friends. Their friendship's are at times complicated but their interactions always came across a real, honest.

I loved how Jess and Shauna managed to form a bond. Not just because they both had children with Colm but because they have a genuine connection. This is a blended family that simply fits together as one.

The conversations between all of the characters gave the story a boost of humour and happiness. A bit of banter and sarcasm amongst building emotions meant that although the over all atmosphere of the story was a sad one, there was light amongst the darkness.

The Story of Our Secrets, although centred around grief, is actually a tale about hope and forgiveness. Dealing with some difficult subjects, as past and present intertwine Shari presents us with something beautifully meaningful.

I'll happily admit that I shed a few tears when reading.

Contemporary fiction that shows that it's ok to be sad, to feel sad and that there is no time limit for your emotions. Highly recommended.

This book made me laugh & cry! What a whirlwind of emotions in one book. Colm, Shauna's husband dies of a brain tumour. That line in it self makes you think that this book is going to be a barrel of laughs, do I continue? The marriage, friendships & family are all part of the journey of the grief, joy of memories & heartache of loosing someone you love.
I just couldn't put it down & devoured this book in two sittings. Enjoy this journey into their lives.

What an absolutely gorgeous and emotional book the author has created with Thre Story of Our Secrets. When Colm is diagnosed with a brain tumour, he doesn't sit and discuss the practical things about life after his death with his wife Shauna. He has never discussed anything important that would involve emtions. Shauna is not the only person he left behind, there is his daughter Beth, his ex-wife Jess and their twin sons, and also his business partner and best mate Dan.

This is an emotional roller coaster as I gradually got to know the people that are important in the life of Shauna. She is good friends with Jess, the ex-wife and both of their families fit together as one. Trying to cope with grief and also the anger of not knowing what to do for the best, Shauna is struggling, Dan is also struggling as is Jess. These three need to move on, but they are finding it difficult. Life is not the same with Colm.

While this story is obviously sad at times, there is also a lot of good happy things going on in it. The biggest feeling that came through for me was that very tentative thread of hope and wanting the characters to move forward in their lives. And did the author make these characters go through it or what!!! SHe didn't give them an easy route and this made the story so much the better. Nothing about life is particularly easy and before any of the characters can move forward they have to face some truths, and also hear some secrets.

This is a fabulous book to snuggle up and read. It had me with watery eyes with several of the scenes, but also feeling that it was time for the next step. The author has created some amazing characters and with them comes some fabulous dramatics and drama. The storyline is one that fans of romance and contemporary fiction will really enjoy. I adored this book and I would definitely recommend it.

What a beautifully written book, I was hooked from the first page. It was funny, and sad all at the same time and very fascinating. I just couldn’t put it down. So glad I decided to ask for the book and I will be looking forward to reading more by this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I’ve read Shari Low’s book previous and was really looking forward to reading this.

She pulled at my heartstrings and I cried as well as laughed. The way she’s able to write such a touching story which makes you feel a lot of emotions all at the same time.

The characters were lovely and I enjoyed reading about them, felt as though I knew them, they were relatable. Although some I hated, and others made me laugh.

A beautiful book and it was written beautifully too, it really had you hooked into the characters lives.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Tears and laughter form the basis of this great novel by Shari. She has the ability to place you smack bang in the middle of the story so you feel you're living the lives of the characters.
5 years after the death of Colm, his nearest and dearest are still struggling with moving on. In this time, between his friends, there have been divorces, remarriage but above all they all feel his loss greatly and find it difficult to move on.
Back before he died Colm made videos on his phone for his wife, children and friends but until his wife Shauna finds the phone they're all blindly going through the motions.
I loved the friendship they all had with each other and despite the ups and downs they were all there to support each other. By the end of the book I wanted to be in their gang, drinking gin and tonics and eating Chinese.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

This was a funny, easy read about a group of friends and family, in a very messy relationship with each other.

The plot is interesting with the promise of emotions, reminiscence and new beginnings, but the flow of the events feels so very unlikely. Who becomes best friends with her late husband's ex-wife? Who invites her ex-husband to her wedding just a few weeks after they broke up because she had cheated on him? Men go to the gym five times a week, women do yoga every day plus run 5k every morning (yeah, sure) but they are fine with having beer, wine, chocolate and chips for dinner.

Dialogues and characters are hilarious, and puns got me giggle quite a lot - I just wish there were more serious talk and less joking around.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this Advance Review Copy.

I absolutely loved this! What a fantastic plot, beautifully written, intertwining the relationships between the characters in such an ingenious and realistic way. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.