Milly and Nicole has been friends since childhood, where they were very close. But when Milly finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with a younger woman. Nicole is no where to be seen. Milly needed her friend in one of the biggest stages of her life, but Nicole didn’t answer Milly’s calls or text.
Milly decides to get on with her life as owner of a holiday home business in the Lake district, with her teenage daughter Zoe. Nicole is a famous actress and lives in America. So, when Milly gets a call from Nicole saying that she needs a place to stay. Milly hesitates but then Glady tells her she can stay. She hopes that maybe they can be friends again.
You can’t go wrong with a Sarah Morgan book. I hadn’t read the blurb, but I wasn’t disappointed with this heart felt read. This story is about friendships, divorce and new beginnings and it was a fantastic read from start to finish. 5 stars from me.

Milly and Nicole were childhood best friends.
Now adults, Milly runs an upmarket holiday location in the UK and Nicole is a famous Hollywood actress.
Their friendship had hit a bump in the road due to Nicole not replying when Milly was going through the worst time in her life. Out of the blue Milly receives a request for help from Nicole. Is she prepared to let bygones be bygones?
A lovely story of female friendships and family life, with a splash of romance thrown in.

This is a wonderful book and one that I truly enjoyed reading. As with all this author’s works there was a thrush and raw emotion in the writing and the characters seemed so real that they felt like friends I was cheering on.

Millie and Nicole have been friends since childhood but now lead very different lives. Nicole is a film star and Millie is a busy single mum, recently divorced from her husband with whom she can’t forgive for leaving her for a younger woman. Their friendship has suffered for reasons they have not shared with each other, but a huge event in Nicole’s life brings her home to the only person she can trust, Millie.

The story is one as old as time; love, loss, hurt and the power of family and friendship. The story is so well crafted that it ends far too soon and keeps the reader wanting to know more.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another author that is fast becoming one of my favourites. This book had laughter and sadness and everything in between.

Nichole and Milly are childhood friends. Nichole became a film star and lives in America and Milly runs a upmarket cabin resort in the lake district. Milly has a young teenage daughter and is now a single parent since her husband left her for a younger women.

Milly has been devastated since her husband left her mainly because at the same time Nichole ghosted her just as Milly needed her the most and she has no idea why.
Out of the blue Milly receives a text from Nicole asking if she could come and stay with her for a while as she has no one else to turn to but she has to keep it a secret,no one must know she's in England.

This was such a good story and I couldn't bear to put it down. I loved the characters.
I really felt sorry for Milly's mum Connie who couldn't get on with her own life for worrying about her mother,her daughter ,and her granddaughter. Her mother, Nana Peg is hilarious and I loved her thinking that as she was old she could say what she wanted and do what she wanted and people would just blame old age.

The book also portrayed that film stars ect don't always have an easy life,they may have money but not always the freedom to be private and do exactly what they like.
This is a story of friendship and kindness, just the kind of story I like to take me away from all the badness going on in the world.
I never read the blurb on a book by Sarah Morgan as I know it's always going to be a good read.

I really enjoyed this book. The friendship, new beginnings after divorce, family, romance and friendship. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan a NetGalley review. Milly and Nicole have been friends since they were children however over recent months Nicole hasn’t been in contact with Millie and Millie has no idea why. However the story begins when Milly receives a call from Nicole for help and Millie drops everything. I love a Sarah Morgan read, they are easy page turners great reads for summer and Christmas normally, but sadly this missed the spot. I expected a certain amount a predictability but this book was so much more than predicable and not in a good way either. The best words I can find to describe this book is ok and nice, it was incredibly bland right down to its storyline and characters. Milly and Nicole are both good characters who live very different lives but are both very strong and independent women and despite their different lives are experiencing their own struggles. However even though I didn’t expect any big surprises or huge twists or turns, this book for me personally gave nothing surprising away and sadly (I hate writing this about an author I’ve always enjoyed) one of the worst books I’ve read by this author. What happens was always going to happen from the very beginning , from the very first page you knew where this book would take you and even though there are secrets revealed along the way, they aren’t wow moments and that’s what was missing, the I don’t see that coming moments . I couldn’t wait for this book to come to an end, an easy read that was made into a difficult read because of its blandness and at times just sadly boring. I don’t write this review lightly but I do write it honestly, I hate not liking what an authors written as I can only imagine what goes into writing it however this is just my opinion, this book just wasn’t for me and it won’t stop reading books by this author in the future. This is published in the 22nd May 2025 and for me it’s sadly ⭐️⭐️.

Another fantastic read by Sarah Morgan.
Milly receives a phone call from her best friend Nicole. She needs somewhere to lie low for a while. Although Milly responds to Nicole's wishes, she is reluctant as Nicole has not been in touch for eighteen months.
Milly has had a tough time after her divorce from Richard. Bringing up her daughter Zoe and running her business, where was Nicole when she needed her?
This was a story of tested relationships, trust, and honesty. Can they get their relationship back to how it was before?
This is set in the Lake District, which is a beautiful part of the country, and I found myself wishing I could stay there.
There is romance in the air for a couple of the characters and a budding friendship for another.
I loved Nanna Peg, such an acerbic tongue.Very funny.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in return for an honest review.

A Sarah Morgan book is a real treat to me and this one is no different! Milly is our main character and she lives with her young daughter, thinking often of her estranged friend Nicole. Out of the blue Nicole asks her for help - does she do it? Should she do it? This book is the story of their friendship and the story of their exciting summer together.

A masterful piece of writing! The author is a wonderful of tales that tug at the heart and this, her summer offering, is a perfect read for the coming summer, or any day come to that. Two friends who've drifted apart are brought back together and have to find new ways to love each other again. Sarah Morgan is easily one of my favourite authors and everything she does best, came together in this book. More please! My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the reading copy.

Another fantastic story from Sarah. Her books always deliver and I can never wait to dive into one immediately. This story had everything sadness, happiness and perfect escapism. I enjoyed every page. The relationship between the two women was intriguing and I wanted to find out what happens next. Highly recommend this book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

From the very first page, A Secret Escape had me hooked. It’s an easy read, yet it delves into important themes of self-worth, family, friendship, and personal growth in a meaningful way. The characters felt real and relatable, and I found myself truly invested in their journeys.

This was my first book by Sarah Morgan, and it certainly won’t be my last. Her storytelling is engaging, heartfelt, and uplifting. If you’re looking for a feel-good read with depth, this one is definitely worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

I was sucked in from the first few pages and the book hasn't left me alone until I got to the end. It was hard to be parted from this story and I was thoroughly enjoying every second of it.

At the heart of it its a story about female friendship, but it also features multiple generations of Milly's family with occasional chapters from their points of view, and there are even some new "friendships" to be discovered.

This is the story of Milly and Nicole - Milly who runs a gorgeous holiday retreat in the Lakes and Nicole who is a world famous actress, and until recently they had been the very closest of friends. But when Nicole reaches out to Milly for help, Milly isn't sure but agrees anyway.

And I loved getting to know their respective stories, as well as enjoying seeing interactions with Zoe, Milly's daughter, and Connie, her mum and Nanna Peg, who is Connie's mum and a real live wire in her 80s! Milly has such a close relationship with all the females of her family, whereas the more you hear about Nicole's mum and her childhood, the more you feel for Nicole.

There is just something about this author that always draws me in, and leaves me unable to put a book down. I was totally gripped and loved all the various storylines.

Sarah Morgan is a queen among authors, she is an auto read author for me, and this is another wonderful example of her work. I absolutely adored the setting, the characters, the hints of romance, Joel, and the lemon chicken sounded good too!

If you are looking for an all around gorgeous book to devour this summer, then this is for you. Oh and the cover is stunning too!

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Escape for summer with Sarah Morgan's A Secret Escape, a heartwarming and uplifting novel about friendship, forgiveness, and love.

Childhood friends Milly and Nicole had always been inseparable, more like sisters than friends. So when Nicole suddenly dropped out of contact two years ago, Milly was left hurt and confused. She buried the pain and moved forward with her life, but the memory of her lost friend lingered.

Now, Nicole is back, desperately asking Milly for help. She needs somewhere private to hide, and the only place she can turn to is Milly's holiday home business in the Lake District. Despite her reservations, Milly can’t turn away her old friend and agrees to let her stay.

As the two women spend the summer together, old wounds begin to heal and their friendship starts to mend. Meanwhile, Milly finds herself caught up in the possibility of a new romance. But just as things seem to be falling into place, Nicole drops a bombshell that threatens to shatter everything.

Can Milly and Nicole’s bond survive this summer, or will their fragile friendship break under the strain of a long-buried secret?

This charming and breezy read is perfect for a summer holiday. Sarah Morgan crafts a simple yet delightful romance, making it the ideal book to enjoy by the pool or on the beach. With themes of loyalty, love, and second chances, A Secret Escape is a refreshing and feel-good novel that will leave you smiling.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Another fabulous read from Sarah Morgan.
Millie and Nicole are childhood friends and always thought they would be there for eachother…. Until they’re not.
Nicole runs a family holiday business and Nicole is a Hollywood actress living very different life’s until a phonecall late one night changes everything.
A story of friendship and loyalty and how easily it can be broken.
I loved this book and enjoyed every page.
Thank You NetGalley for an ARC of this lovely book.

I am a huge fan of Sarah Morgan and I love her books – they are full of warmth, always have a great storyline, with engaging characters and a large sprinkle of magic. I thoroughly enjoyed her last book, The Summer Swap, and was so very pleased and excited to be able to read an advanced copy of A Secret Escape – thank you!

The two main characters in the book are Milly and Nicole. Milly and Nicole, once inseparable childhood friends, who experienced a falling out a few years ago and have not spoken since. Nicole works in a very high-pressured job as a renowned international film star. and has always struggled with her work-life balance. Milly owns a holiday home business in the Lake District and when Nicole, after two years of no communication, got in touch asking for help, she let Nicole stay at one of her rental holiday homes.

Milly was taken by surprise and felt a whirlwind of emotions when she unexpectedly heard from Nicole, leaving her uncertain about how to respond. However, despite her reservations, Milly couldn't deny how much she had missed Nicole and their friendship and deep bond they once shared. So, Milly saw this as a potential path to reconciliation, but the decision wasn't easy. She felt uncertain about where it might lead and unsure of the outcome. Milly was aware it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to give it a go.

Nicole, struggling with personal and work challenges, needed a place to stay. She had been grappling with the emotional fallout of a deeply painful divorce and was relentlessly being pursued by the Media. By reaching out to Milly, she showed her genuine wish to repair the connections they once had. She also believed the Lake District was the perfect place to rest and help her understand a way forward. She missed Milly greatly and wanted to try and rebuild their friendship.

Over the summer, Milly and Nicole reconnect and get to know each other again. Their journey is full of ups and downs, with many twists and turns. They revisit old memories, many of which are painful memories from their past, uncover secrets, and learn to trust each other – slowly but surely. Despite the challenges, their bond grows stronger as they face life's storms together.

Milly and Nicole both need to confront their past and come to terms with the reasons behind their estrangement, navigating through the pain and misunderstandings that occurred. This book demonstrates that even long-broken friendships can be mended over time, by revisiting cherished memories and forging a new path forward together. This wonderful book beautifully explores themes of friendship, family, love, self-discovery, and fresh beginnings. To move forward, we need to embrace change, creating opportunities for our own personal growth and make new experiences.

The novel spans multiple generations of women. I adored Milly and Nicole, but the delightful Nanna Peg truly stole my heart – she was just brilliant and made me laugh immensely! Such a great character.

I highly recommend A Secret Escape and give it a massive 5 stars. Once again, Sarah Morgan has delivered another brilliant book – thank you!

I would like to end with an inspiring quote from Catherine Pulsifer: “Every day is a chance to begin again. Don't focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations." - Catherine Pulsifer

Thank you very much HarperCollins Publishers UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

I did enjoy this multi-generation story from Sarah Morgan. Set in the Lake District, the storyline flowed really well, and I quickly became involved with the characters. This is a story about friendship and how easily it can be broken but also repaired. It is about love, family and new beginnings too.

I loved the characters, especially Molly and Nicole. Even the less likeable characters redeemed themselves in the end.

It was an enjoyable, easy read, although maybe it isn't one of her best stories. However, I would highly recommend it as an easy summer read.

Can Sarah Morgan ever write a bad book? I loved her newest book featuring Milly and Nicole. It's a gorgeous book about friendship set in one of the world's most gorgeous places, the British's Cotswolds. I loved seeing their journey of how it started at a train station to the end. Like always Sarah manages to keep you hooked in this beautifully written summer release and I'm looking forward to her Christmas one.

Book Review: A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan's A Secret Escape is a beautifully crafted novel that delivers a perfect blend of friendship, forgiveness, and fresh starts, set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District. Known for her ability to create heartwarming and immersive stories, Morgan once again proves why she is a master of feel-good fiction.

The story follows childhood friends Milly and Nicole, whose once-close bond has been fractured by unexplained silence. When Nicole suddenly calls, desperate for a safe place to hide, Milly reluctantly offers her refuge at her holiday home business. What follows is a summer filled with tentative reconnections, buried emotions, and new possibilities, including a budding romance for Milly.

Morgan excels at creating complex, relatable characters. Milly’s cautious kindness and Nicole’s vulnerability make their reunion both touching and realistic. The novel delves into the complexities of long-term friendships—how misunderstandings and unspoken hurts can fester over time, but also how love and loyalty can bring healing.

The setting of the Lake District adds a layer of tranquility to the story, with its serene landscapes mirroring the slow unraveling of secrets and the rebuilding of trust. Morgan’s vivid descriptions make the holiday home feel like a true escape, not just for Nicole, but for readers as well.

One of the strengths of A Secret Escape is its balance of lighthearted summer vibes with deeper emotional moments. The narrative isn’t just about rediscovering friendship but also about self-discovery, as both women confront the past and consider their futures. The romantic subplot adds a charming touch without overshadowing the central theme of friendship.

Morgan keeps the story engaging with well-timed twists, including a bombshell revelation that puts Milly and Nicole’s fragile reconnection to the test. The tension and resolution are handled with warmth and sensitivity, leaving readers with a satisfying and hopeful ending.

For fans of uplifting women’s fiction and those who enjoy stories about the enduring power of friendship, A Secret Escape is a must-read. It is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to reconnect with those who knew you all along. Morgan’s storytelling is a perfect companion for a sunny day, offering both comfort and inspiration.

You can't go wrong with a Sarah Morgan book. This one did not disappoint. Another excellent book.

It was a very powerful story about family and friendships. Milly and Nicole are both exceptional characters. However you couldn't beat Nanna Peg!

It expresses how important it is to focus on the now and to be grateful for what you have to live a contented and happy life. There are a lot of positive statements to take from this book.

Thank you very much to Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy.