This is the emotional story of two families. After a terrible car crash the two families meet in the hospital, at first not sure how they are connected to the crash.

It is heartbreaking to imagine what these two families are going through. I tried to see both sides and understand their reasoning. I’m glad the story ended the way it did. My favorite character was Aidan because of the strength he showed. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, family focused read.

This book was sent to me electronically for review by Netgalley. The author has woven a story of family intrigue that is difficult to put down. Death and sadness...children and parents...couples and their connections...mystery...hope...despair...so many themes run through this story. The characters are likable, most of the time. Some of them are just not easy to like...try this one.

4.5★s

A Mother’s Secret is the sixth novel by Irish author, Caroline Finnerty. Out of the blue, mother of three Rowan Whelan contacts her friend (and sometime lover) from college days, James O’Herlihy, suggesting they meet up: she wants to chat about something. James is puzzled: they haven’t seen each other since his wedding three years earlier. With her three-year-old daughter in the car, she collects him for a drive to the beach, but before she can reveal what she wants to talk about, they are involved in a serious traffic accident.

The reader’s first guess about what Rowan intended to reveal is likely correct, but her further intentions are not apparent. It’s the aftermath for the survivors that form the bulk of the story. Aiden Whelan already has to cope with his grief, worry for his injured daughter and the grief of his sons and their extended family.

Before she learns of her husband’s accident, GP Helena O’Herlihy is dealing with fertility issues, potential marital breakdown and forced leave from work. Both Helena and Aiden are baffled as to why James and Rowan were together. Until James regains consciousness, when they are both in for a shock.

A devastating betrayal and an upsetting secret are eventually revealed. From there, characters who should know better make unethical choices, act in a disappointingly selfish manner and fail to consider the happiness and welfare of the one central to the dilemma they face. After much anguish, people come to their senses and remember to be kind, although the resolution is perhaps a little neater than is realistic.

In hindsight: “Helena had always thought that secrets were better off aired, but now she realised that some secrets were better off not being discovered. They could cause too much heartache and pain. Sometimes you were better off not knowing the truth. It was kinder that way.” A moving and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Boldwood Books

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for an advance copy of this book. An emotional moving story.. I enjoyed the writing style of this title, the story felt very real. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gripping, emotional and so beautifully written all rolled into one, what a fantastic book I cannot speak highly enough about it.

All the characters were portrayed so well I just loved every page, I couldn't stop reading it and thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read this five star book which I can thoroughly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, the authors style of writing was exactly on point. A perfect mix of emotion, real characters and a story that kept you hooked till the end. I definitely recommend this book based on a
young mother, with a secret, involved in a road traffic accident with her young daughter one morning. In the car with her is her old childhood boyfriend. Why is he there . Her husband's life is set to be derailed as he questions everything about his wife and their life together. A true page turner.

I really enjoyed this book it was well written with great charcater development resulting in relatable and endearing characters and an emotive storyline. This book was both heartwrenching and heartbreaking, I couldnt put it down and read it in one sitting, then afterwards I had a small cry. this book is so thought provoking and really lets you appreciate what you have. I loved it.

Wow what an emotional read, I absolutely love Caroline's style of writing, they're so real to life that make such a powerful read. I absolutely loved this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for an ARC.
Wow! An extremely emotional read, about marriage, relationships, being a parent and family love. As Aiden reels from his wife's death, he starts to ask questions which uncover secrets and more questions rather than answers. His life is split apart and he is left bereft. A story to make you appreciate what you've got and hug them tightly.

A Mother's Secret by Caroline Finnerty is a heartwrenching read about the potential capacity of a single secret to escalate, forever changing the lives of all it reaches.

When Rowan is killed in an horrific car crash, an accident that her young daughter Milly survives, her husband must not only deal with the reality of his loss, but find answers to questions that loom large following Rowan's untimely demise. Just who is the man who was in the car with his family, and what is his connection to his wife and child? With Rowan gone, Aiden finds his world tipped on its axis as he tries to come to grips with some truly shocking revelations.

I read this one in a single, breathless binge. Recommended. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.