Another hit from Morgan, I enjoyed this and felt really connect with the story. Thank you netgalley for the earc.!

This is another fantastic, easy to read story by Sarah Morgan. As with all her books there is a wonderful cast of characters who tell the story to us, each taking their turn to tell their side of the story and reveal their own secrets to us.
The story was a wonderful one, celebrating the bonds of family and friendship and exploring how those bonds can be tested and still hold firm if their foundations are strong enough. It was a wonderfully uplifting read and one that left me with a smile on my face as I turned the last page.

I found this book slow to get going but it is well written and the characters have depth. I enjoyed the setting of the Lake District but felt more could have described about the area. As with a lot of books i felt the second half of the book was much more entertaining than the first half and i found i read it quicker. I would recommend this book to people who like books about relationships between people be it family, friends or romantic partners. This book has many things going on on different levels and is not just a romance boy meets girl type of book. It provided situations to make you think how you would react in that scenario so may work well as a book club read.

I really liked this book, it made me think a lot about the friendships I currently have and what I’d be willing to do for each relationship.

I like how the book explored Milly’s building assertiveness post relationship breakdown and coming to terms as being a single mum who also deserves a life too.

I enjoyed getting to know Nicole’s character and seeing how initially she appeared superficial and full of herself but that she really did value all the sacrifices Milly had made for her.

This book is a great reminder of the hard work that goes into sustaining good friendships but the joys that come alongside it.

Also please can we have a shout out for the legend that is Nanna Peg! She’s so proud to be herself and larger than life. I wish I could have her confidence and surety of herself, even at 82. She’s a real star of the book!

I would read this over & again

Sarah Morgan has an uncanny knack for making you want to keep reading her books they are so enjoyable I wish it had gone on forever. Milly and Nicole we’re best friends but their lives went in very different directions Nicole the Hollywood actress and Milly running her own business in the Lake District and Mum to Zoe and they stayed best friends until Milly really needed her now time has passed and Nicole needs her best friend. Can they mend their broken hearts and find their friendship and along the way find themselves and maybe love. A sure fire hit for the summer

Another gem from this talented author. It started a bit slow but it warmed up and draws you in!
Themes include friendship, relationships and parenting. As ever, this author has an easy style that makes you feel you’re part of the story.

A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan is a perfectly delightful contemporary novel that I adored. This is a book about friendship and love and family.
We see that life can be a complicated affair but family should be faithful and provide a cocoon from life. We drop in on a multi-generational female family who all love and support each other. We see that patterns have a habit of repeating down the generations.
Parenting can be hard, especially when our children are grown up and we cannot ‘fix’ life for them. “It’s the hardest thing about being a parent. You can’t fix everything.” And no matter how old your child is “when your child suffers, you suffer too.”
The love within a family provides a secure base for life. We see that not all families provide a foundation of love. “She envied her friend Milly who never had to earn praise or affection.” Love should be freely given but one mother seems unable to have the capacity to love. Her grown up daughter laments “maybe it’s me…Maybe I’m just the kind of person people leave.” All her life “she was determined to be the child her mother would be proud of, but how?” It does seem that there are just some cold fish in the love department. All her life a character tried to earn her mother’s love. The fault lies with the mother and not the daughter.
In contrast her friend Milly’s family have love in abundance. Their love extends to include all, especially a heart crying out for love. She was “desperate for any evidence that I was worth loving.”
We witness characters searching for their identity. “Who was she when she wasn’t being a mother, a grandmother or a daughter?” As the nest is empty, new hobbies need to be sought so that a character can discover just who she is.
We cannot influence how people behave. “However they choose to behave, you can choose to be okay.” We are in control of our response but not the actions of others.
There is a beautiful definition of friendship. “Friendship isn’t transactional… No payment required.” No matter how many years or miles separate, true friendships pick up where they left off.
Characters strive for happiness. Wealth doesn’t bring it. Fame doesn’t bring it. True happiness is found in people and in the simple things of life. “I want what I have.”
The backdrop to the novel is the beautiful Lake District. The freshness of the wild outdoors comes across to the reader.
Whilst there are some serious themes, the tone is light-hearted and very humorous at times. All the characters were wonderful, warm and welcoming.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Secret Escape. I always enjoy Sarah Morgan’s novels.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Firstly, thank you for letting me read A Secret Escspe early. I always adore Sarah Morgans books, she's able to put magic into each and everyone of her books.
I loved the duel POV with the ladies of the book.
In secret escape, we follow Milly who's recently gotten a divorce, however they have a 13 year old Zoe therfore they have to still co-exist.
Nicole needs to escape from her world of being a famous actress, so hides at longest friends home, Milly.

You can't beat a Sarah Morgan novel! This is no exception.

Packed with charming characters, this proves the importance of family and friendship at it's best. A thoroughly enjoyable, light read which is perfect for the summer.

Highly recommend.

Yet another great book by Sarah. Beautifully written book with lovely, friendly characters and setting. This one ticks all the boxes for me and didn't disappoint.

It's always lovely to read a book set in the Lake District, and this one is full of celebrity, drama, forgiveness, and romance. Milly and Nicole were lifelong friends until recently when their relationship fractured. Milly's life revolves around her family and the exclusive resort she manages in the picturesque Lake District. Recently divorced, she still resents Nicole for not supporting her through her heartbreak. Hounded by the press and social media, Hollywood star Nicole reaches out to Milly for help. The storytelling is entertaining and immersive as the two women reconnect and ride out the emotional storm together. I like the female protagonists; they are complex, flawed, and easy to invest in. The new friendships and gentle romance make this an absorbing read full of heart.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

An enjoyable read and a beautiful setting but I found it rather slow paced and very predictable. However it was saved by the likeable male characters of Brendan and Joel, and Nana Peg’s humour. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

This was a really lovely and cosy read following Nicole and Millie navigating their friendship after not talking for some time due to a secret that could break them. I really enjoyed reading about Nicole navigating a normal life away from Hollywood and Millie was a great friend to follow as well. The romance in both storylines were incredibly sweet and I found myself invested in them both.

A Secret Escape is the feel good book of the year for me so far.
Set in the beautiful Lake District at Milly's holiday retreat business, two childhood friends find life too difficult to navigate alone. However Nicole abandoned Milly when she needed her most, so when Nicole calls with desperation in her voice the hurt Milly felt bubbles back to the surface. Can these life long friends find a way through their difficulties and come out the other side together?

This is the first book I have read by Sarah Morgan but it certainly wont be my last.
I really enjoyed the way the book unfolded using chapters written from different characters for, I felt like it built a little tension within a predictable genre

I would definitely recommend this book to any one looking for a lighthearted, uplifting read for on a place, by the pool or to distract yourself from the mundane working week.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ UK for offering this ARC in exchange for my personal thoughts.

A new Sarah Morgan book is always a treat and this is no exception. Milly and Nicole have been best friends since childhood despite life taking them in completely different directions. Milly remained in the Lake District and runs her family's luxury holiday let business. Nicole is a world famous award winning actor based in Hollywood. Following a period of no contact during the lowest point of Milly's life, Nicole reaches out for help. A beautiful story of friendship and how getting what you want isn't always what you need. #netgalley #asecretescape

I love how Sarah Morgan writes portrays her female characters. They are always relatable and always grow emotionally throughout the story. Morgan writes about friendship, sometimes fractured, but having strong bonds nonetheless.

A Secret Escape is an emotionally uplifting book. Milly and Nicole have been best friends since childhood. Nicole is a Hollywood superstar and recently divorced, mum-of-one Milly runs a family business renting out holiday accommodation in the Lake District. They haven't been in touch for over a year, when Nicole, who is need of solace and a place to stay, reaches out to Milly. Both characters are forced to come to terms with their reality and learn to move forward.

Beautiful story about love, friendship and forgiveness. I enjoyed the way Milly and Nicole's relationship was told and how different there lives were. It was great to see Millys confidence grow throughout the story.
Another great read from Sarah.

Milly and Nicole have been friends since they were children.

Many years later Nicole ignores Milly when she gets in contact when she needs her friend after a marriage breakdown. When Nicole needs help she turns to Milly who comes to her aid.

Will they be able to get their friendship back on track

As always Sarah Morgan’s stories are amazing and I have loved all of them, this one included.

‘A Secret Escape’ by Sarah Morgan focuses on childhood friends Milly and Nicole, who became estranged 18 months ago when Nicole unexpectedly cut off contact while Milly was in crisis. Despite this, Milly (and her collection of Lake District holiday lets) are available in Nicole’s hour of need. The novel charts their tentative attempts to rebuild their friendship, and also explores the emotions of Milly’s mother Connie and daughter Zoe. Sarah Morgan always writes relatable female characters and finds warmth in complex relationship dynamics, and this book is no different!

I especially enjoyed how Nicole’s career and yearning for privacy shaped the tale, and loved watching Milly’s confidence grow across her chapters as a romantic connection blossomed between her and a visiting author. My only critique is that I wasn’t fully convinced by the explanation for the central conflict in the book, but I liked the hopefulness of the ending.

This is a perfect summer read, whether you are on a beach, by the lakes… or on your commute yearning to be on holiday! Giving it 3.5 stars.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher HQ via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A lovely story about friendship and forgiveness is the latest theme to this authors new novel.
When Milly needs her forever friend Nichole the most she is ghosted and doesn’t understand why as they have always been so close.
The story begins 18months later with Nichole asking Milly to meet her at the train station as she needs to seek refuge from a scandal that hit the media in her home country America where she is a famous actress.
Milly is so kind hearted and offers her a safe place but finds it difficult to re kindle their relationship especially as secrets are unveiled.
My thanks to Net Galley and Publisher for the ARC of A Secret Escape