My Lies, Your Lies

I really enjoyed it the plot was amazing no way would I have ever guessed what was going to happen, the second half of the book was especially exciting not knowing how it would turn out I never knew what an actual ghost writer was, but I do now. I felt so sorry for the people involved it brought tears to my eyes such love and devotion which could never be, so so sad. Just want to say thank you to Harper Collins Publishers for the opportunity to read such a brilliant book.

I always look forward to a Susan Lewis book, knowing full well to clear my diary as once you start, you won’t be able to put it down.

When Joely’s husband Callum leaves her for her best friend Martha, she is glad to be given a writing assignment in Devon, so she get away from London. She has been asked to be a ghost writer for established author F.M Donahue who wants to tell her story to Joely who can try and rewrite it in a style Mrs Donahue fans will be expecting.

Mrs Freda Donahue is a strange character. Preferring her own company, why does she need a ghost writer and why did she pick Joely? The story she is telling is of a school girl who is in love with her teacher. Freda seems keen to put the blame on the schoolgirl but was she the innocent party taken advantage of?

The story is told over 2 timelines. In 1968 we meet a schoolgirl who falls for her music teacher, she persuades her mother to let her have piano lessons so that she can be alone with him. They begin a passionate affair that must be kept secret but has disastrous consequences when he tries to end things.

As the story progresses, Joely discovers the subject is very close to home and there is a reason why she was chosen to write this.

This had me captivated from the beginning and kept me in its grasp long after finishing this amazing book. Even when I reluctantly put this down I was still thinking about the characters!!

Beautifully written, I love the way Susan Lewis explores her characters emotions, bringing them to life.

I would definitely recommend this. I would go as far as to say this is the best book I’ve read this year and I did not want it to end, oh my what an ending. Will we be reading about Joely again?

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

Utterly amazing!! I was captured within the story and I never knew what twist was next. I cannot wait for the next book by this amazing author. Brilliantly written!

Wow this is a powerful book on your emotions, i guess a book of two halves even though the first is longer than the second. There is one big twist that will rock you completely because it's not what you expect but it will then turn you upside down.
Well that was the brief summary that tells you nothing apart from a clue that if you choose to get this book and i really highly recommend you do, then you are in for a rollercoaster of a ride. The two main characters are Joely and Freda. Joely is Mum to Holly and has very recently separated from her husband Callum who had moved in with Joely's now ex best friend (ouch)., She is a ghost writer and is assigned a job with the strange old lady called Freda. Freda wants a ghost writer to help with putting right what she believes needs correcting before she gets any older as seems fair. But Freda isn't the easiest of people to work with and when Joely turns up to start her assignment away from others in a remote venue that host no signal for her phone it isn't the best start to her assignment or introduction to Freda especially when.she then discovers her host is away for the night. She is then not expected back till late the following day she has a empty house to her self which is just weird i feel it's safe to say.
The following morning she get up to find her host Freda chatting to Brenda her home help and great cook they are enjoying breakfast. They soon get started on Freda's story and well you can see what happens for yourself because it would be wrong or sad for you not to read it for yourself.
As i said earlier at the beginning of my review there is one major twist along with several smaller ones but this takes our story to a whole new level and one powerful thriller that is clever and well written but just one sentence lead you to a whole new level and that's how i feel best to describe it. I say this because it affected my whole experience and has left me with so much to mule over and takes the book from a memorable one to one that has had a judge impact leaving me unable to get it out of my head. I guess it has given me a challenger that i could tell you about but then it won't have the same impact and it would ruin the book for you. I love this book and really think you will enjoy it and won't forget it once you've read it, you may very well want to read it again however it hits you I'm sure Susan Lewis is an author you will be looking out for in the future.like I am doing.

Wow, wow, wow! I've been struggling lately to find a book that grabs my attention and keeps it throughout the whole book... Susan Lewis has done just that with this story full of intriguing characters and unpredicted plot twists.

Whilst the style of writing is unusual, it is descriptive and captivating and I couldn't put this book down.

Highly recommended read!

Another fantastic read by Susan lewis! A book full of intrigue, deception, betrayal and surprises!
Brilliant characters particularly Freda an eccentric rather odd author, familiar faces such as andee, her mother and husband and joely the main character!A really unusual storyline that reads so well, you really don’t want to put it down or for it to end! Based in deepest darkest Devon you can really feel as if you are there with the descriptions of Freda’s house its location and the surrounding area!
Ultimately it demonstrates the power of love and family ties that bind us! A fantastic read that will stay with me!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

This was a beautifully written family drama by the incredibly talented Susan Lewis. The book was extremely emotional and beautifully depicted. Kudos!

At stages in this book, I couldn't put it down, a fan of Susan Lewis, I was looking forward to reading this book and it didn't disappoint.

WOW!!!!!!!! Susan Leiwis’ books really never disappoint and this one was just fab. This is the story of Joely who has got a job as a ghostwriter for someone who wants to write a memoir. She goes to live with her and the story begins to unravel as told by the reclusive and eccentric Freda. As the plot thickens it becomes apparent their lives are linked. i really did not see any of the twists and turns in this book coming, butmit was absolutely riveting, and I would absolutely highly recommend. .

Absolutely brilliant. A serious page turner that I could not put down. Now it is finished I want to read it all again. I confess I shed a few tears too.

Wow. An amazing book from a brilliant author. So many twists on each page that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Such a good read. The story centres around an elderly lady who’s beloved brother was imprisoned in their youth and she wants to make the person who put him there, pay for it.
Like all of this authors books, it is beautifully written and each character appears to have threads of their own story running through it.
You will find love, tenderness, revenge, jealousy and every other emotion in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t want to put it down. I certainly want to know more of what happened to them all after a moving conclusion.
I particularly liked the old lady in the story. She loved her brother so much and is a strong and feisty character but with a softness at her centre.

Absolutely amazing I had no idea what was comping next each page really kept you on ur toes. Devoured far to quickly.

After a bit of a slow start, I was totally gripped and loved the way the characters and story line twisted and turned and had me completely enthralled right up until the last page.
Susan Lewis has, once again, written a great, thrilling and gripping best seller!
Susan Lewis is a fantastic story teller.
Thank you netgalley and Harpercollins.

Wow another fabulous read by Susan Lewis.
I found it a bit difficult to get into at first but when I did that was it - it was so full of surprises and intrigue, with interesting characters.
I found myself a bit like Joely jumping to conclusions as what was coming next, but always getting it wrong.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable book

My Lies, Your Lies by Susan Lewis a five-star read that will lie to you. Susan Lewis always tells us a great story, but this time she told a great story, the intrigue, the mystery and twists will keep you guessing and wondering if you know left from right. Keep going with this story if like me the first chunk feels a little draggy and droll like, do not give up. As it just gets better and better till boom, you have been reading for hours without a drink or anything to eat and you finish feeling wrung out and wondering where you are. If you enjoy a good story, and great writing then pick this one up.

Wow!!!! Susan Lewis certainly does not disappoint!! What a story!! I had no idea at first, what was going to happen and why, but that's what a fantastic author's intentions are all about isn't it??!! This book had me on the edge of my seat!! This was a totally unusual, imaginative, unique story!! It is brilliant, I loved it, I just couldn't put it down!!

I love books by Susan Lewis so was very appreciative to receive an advance copy of this. It wasn’t quite what I’d expected but yet again it was brilliant to read, it has the same wow factor of all her other books and the writing style just draws you in and keeps you hooked.

Each time a new book by Susan Lewis comes along I say this is her best yet. This one is definitely her best. My thanks to netgalley and harperfiction for advanced copy.
Joely’s husband Callum has left her and moved in with her best friend and their teenaged daughter Holly has gone with him. To get away from London devastated Joely accepts a job as a ghost writer for the eccentric author Freda M Donahue in North Devon. Freda tells her story to Joely who rewrites it in the style of the author. The story is told in the present day but takes us back periodically to 1968 and a 15 year old girl falling in love with her music teacher with whom she begins a secret, passionate affair. As the story unfolds shocking secrets and lies begin to emerge and Joely discovers the reason she was chosen to be the ghost writer. Susan Lewis breathes life into her characters and you almost feel that you know them. I couldn’t put this book down and the story will stay with me. I’m already looking forward to reading it again. Highly recommend!

Found this a bit slow to start with. I was so glad I continued to read as it didn’t disappoint. Lots of twists and turns in the story line that leaves you guessing what happens next. Thank you netgalley for this early read


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A really great read again from this author When Jolie and her husband start having problems with their relationship and he moves on to her best friend she desides to take a job away writing the memoirs for a client but all is not as it seems and when she realises where the story is going things take a dramatic turn There's fabulous characters and plenty of twists which will keep you wanting more as the story reaches its conclusion A fabulous novel

This is the second Susan Lewis book I've read and it did not dissapoint!
Young love, reflection, family secrets.
Joely is a ghost writer and has taken a very unusual assignment. Older client who wants her to write a memoir.
Too late, Joely realises she's closer to the story than she knew.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Tissues perhaps required, I needed them.
Absolutely recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am an avid Susan Lewis reader, having devoured every book over the past few years and once again Susan didn't disappoint!

This will work it's way deep into your brain and will sit there for quite a while after!

Susan always tells an amazing story, her writing style grabs you from the first paragraph and draws you in and 'My Lies, Your Lies' had me in a vice like grip. Full of suspense, intrigue, lots of twists and turns, it will have you on the edge of your seat constantly guessing what comes next.

Now I'll be totally honest, the first few chapters were a bit slow going (compared to previous novels) BUT stick with it, you will not be disappointed.

Susan always has a way of bringing in the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and put together with deceit, betrayal, lies and likeable and eccentric characters, this book has my full 5*

Many thanks to netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

Susan Lewis is such a brilliant writer, that I knew I'd love this straight away. Brilliantly written, with mystery and twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end

This is one of the best books I have read. Joely, a ghost writer, is employed by Freda an older lady who lives in a large house on her own. Freda was told a lie about her brother and she sets out to clear his name. This book was very well written and pulled me in from the beginning and kept me hooked to the very end. You know you are reading something special when you never want it to end and the end was very touching.

I love reading Susan Lewis books. She always tells us a great story, but this time she told fabulous story, the twists and turns, mystery, will keep you guessing and wondering if you know left from right. Persevere with this story, do not give up., it just gets better and better till boom, you have been reading for hours without a drink or anything to eat. You will not be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book so much. It has a really great plot, superb main characters and I read it in one sitting. I would highly recommend this book.

Couldn't put this book down I was highly engrossed from start to finish it had me on the edge of my seat throughout.

I voluntarily read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts are mine

Wow - just really loved this
Very unpredictable story - kept me on the edge of my seat - really unputdownable (is that a word?)

The action builds in a great way as you go through the book - perfect
so glad I was able to read this

This is Susan Lewis at her scintillating best! Ghostwriter, Joeley, is given a commission to write a memoir for a reclusive writer Freda . It comes at a time when her private life is in turmoil as her husband has left her to live with her best friend Martha . To add to her pain, daughter, Holly has moved in with them leaving Joeley bereft and distressed. She gladly accepts the commission, shrouded though it is in secrecy. She's not allowed to tell anyone where she is or anything about the memoir. There begins a journey which will see her uncovering her own family's secrets and which also sees her in danger for her own life. The denouement is as unexpected as it is thrilling! It was also wonderful to renew our acquaintance with Andee - like catching up with an old friend! I felt quite bereft saying goodbye to these wonderful characters and hope, like Andee, we will meet up with them again. More please,- soon!

I love reading Susan Lewis books and this didn't disappoint me
The book hinges around Joely and her split from her husband which leads to her getting a new job to be a ghost writer for a recluse. This book is full of twist and turns.
Wow what a book! Read it

What a sensation! I adored this novel. It was phenomenal, the first half especially. Wow! Reminded me somewhat of Great Expectations for a while and that was such a treat. I was so intrigued to find out how the story would unfold! I lost sleep, hehe. It was fabulous - all about heartbreak and pain and the ways in which it can manifest itself years or even decades later. Ah! It was great. I would have never picked this up by looking at the cover alone so it was a treat to delve into this and enjoy it as thoroughly as I did. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for several hours of great fun!

This book had a slightly different feel to it compared to Susan Lewis’s other novels, however it is no less brilliant. The story is written across two time lines and 8 really enjoyed this approach where you found out more about the central characters across both time lines as the story progressed. You definitely do not see the major twist coming and you really do feel like you are in Joely’s shoes when it is revealed. You wouldn’t have been able to guess the twist, although I did have a feeling the the older timeline about the 15 year old wasn’t quite how Freda made it seem. Highly ,y recommend this book, Susan Lewis is an excellent author and this is another well written book by her, I look forward to her next release.

At first, I didn't think I could get on with this book, but my faith in Susan Lewis made me hang on in there and I'm very glad I did. what a cracking book.

Reeling from the death of her father and her husband's affair with her ex-best friend Joely leaps at the chance to take a job in Devon., she doesn't know what she is walking into?

We revert back to the 1960s when she was just a teenager at boarding school. making this a fascinatingly good read with an excellent plot and a few twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seats this is a thoroughly good book.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity. xx

This was one of those books that made me stay up way too late reading, I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and included sections of the memoir the protagonist was helping to write.

I did feel the need to suspend believe at one point, firstly when a 15 year old was left behind and secondly because of the house guest left home alone during the same period, but the whole point of fiction is to escape to another situation and the tension that added was worth it.

I like the way there are many different stories running through this book. I have added more books by this author to my wish list already!

Having loved every one of Susan' Lewis's books I couldn't wait to get started on this, her latest novel,. and what a wonderful experience it turned out to be (as is always the case with Susan's books). The story set in the mid 60's and present day was brilliantly plotted. I especially enjoyed the connection to the 60's period and the music and general 'feel' for that era brought back many happy memories as I would have been the same age as the lead character at that time. The illicit affair of a 15 year old schoolgirl and her teacher was the main focus of the book the effects of which changed the lives of so many other people over the years. Joely, a ghost writer employed by Freda, an eccentric old lady, to write her memoirs was newly separated from her cheating husband and moved into Freda's rambling old house to transcribe her story.. The strange mystique of the house, the forbidding and eccentric attitude of Freda, the fact that there was no phone signal nor WiFi all added to a feeling of unease and later, a heart pounding experience involving Joely. The novel had so many twists, turns and surprises which I never saw coming and which had me gripped and often on the edge of my seat as I furiously turned pages and read long into the night to find out how it all concluded. The book did have a very satisfactory conclusion and my perceptions of certain characters were completely altered by the end. I highly recommend this fabulous book to anyone who enjoys a really riveting story of deceit, secrets, mystery, love and forgiveness. However, I do recommend that you set aside plenty of time as you won't want to put it down once you start. My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for pre-release copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Wow. An amazing book from a brilliant author. So many twists on each page that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Joely accepts an assignment in Devon to ghost write a memoir for the famous reclusive author she knows as Freda . After the death of her father and the breakdown of her marriage to Callum coupled with an awkward relationship with her teenage daughter , Joely is keen to escape London for a while. Freda is keen to right a wrong that happened forty years ago and has haunted her ever since. Cleverly written, using two timelines of present day and the events in the memoir of 1968 ,this is a gripping emotional dark read that will stay with you long after the twisty turner conclusion.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher HarperCollins UK for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great psychological thriller; atmospheric, with sinister twists and turns, and heart-stopping moments of fear, together with great characters and dialogue.

Joely, still grieving for her father who died 18 months before, and accepting her husband Callum leaving her for her best friend (with 15yr-old Holly their daughter) two weeks previously, accepts an assignment to ghost write a memoire with established author Freda Donahoe. Travelling to Devon by train Joely stays overnight with her friend Andee who then drives her over Exmoor to impressive and secluded Dimmett House. Only Joely's mother, Marianne, and Andee know where she is and who she is working for.

Freda is in her seventies, eccentric and reclusive. She has a story to tell as a means of righting a wrong that occurred 40 years before. Lots of people lied and they had to be exposed.

Told between 2 timelines - Freda's story in 1968 and present day. The memoire is of the actions and feelings of a 15yr-old schoolgirl, her all-encompassing crush on, and subsequent traumatic love affair with her 25yr-old music teacher. As Freda's story unfolds through her dictation and dialogue with Joely, Joely constantly tries to second-guess who the characters really are, especially after Freda opens up about her own family. But...…..how could she get it all so wrong?

Joely's isolated, very rarely able to get a phone or WiFi signal without walking onto the moors or into Lynton or Lynmouth and, after a devastating revelation from Freda, becomes scared for her life and her own family.

Freda plays mind games and has just one purpose in life, to expose the lies of the past which become entangled in Joely's present. Lots of twists you don't see coming and a major one which sends the reader spinning.

PS. never try to second-guess an author!

Another brilliant book from Susan Lewis.

This was a great book that dealt with mystery and intrigue, secrets and lies, friendships and fallouts. All the characters were great and despite myself, I loved Freda and her funny old ways.

The book spans two different timelines, but these are easy to follow, and several relationships with their problems easy to understand and empathise with.

I could see this being made into a film with Judi Dench playing Freda and Helen Mirren as Marianne. What a combination for a great feud.

The song and classical music references in it were enjoyable too, and placed you in the moment with Freda and David, especially Young a Girl.

The subject matter was at times uncomfortable but nevertheless I really loved the story.

This book is a complete blinder. Loved it. Had to stop all activities to get back to reading it, it was that good.
The plot, the location and the characters were brilliant. I now want to revisit the Valley of the Rocks, having not been there for many years. Have enjoyed Susan Lewis books before so knew it would be good, but this one was incredible. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to reading this

I have always loved Susan Lewis books and she is one of my go to authors when I am in a reading slump.

When I got the email saying that I had been accepted for this novel, I immediately downloaded it and set off reading

The book is full of twists and turns.

The storyline is unique.

Susan writes beautifully, leaving her readers not quite wanting the book to end, but also needing to know what happens.

Great book!

An absolutely thrilling read! Joely has been asked to ghost write an eccentric old lady's story that appears to relate to her life as a 15 year old school girl who is infatuated with her teacher and has an affair with him. However all is not as it seems! I got to about 40% in and was wondering where the story was going when suddenly it all turned into such a tense and gripping read that I stayed up reading until past 4am, I simply couldn't put the book down! So many secrets and lies unfold as the novel progresses, it certainly keeps you on your toes.

Thoroughly recommend this book and as always Susan Lewis hasn't disappointed.

thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review

Wow, is this a dysfunctional family or what! The novel is written in two time frames - 1968-9 and current day. It deals with the repercussions of a teenage affair and is told with Susan Lewis's usual flair. Freda's house near the Valley of Rocks is very atmospheric and the characters are sympathetically described.
A great read.

Bereavement, adultery and betrayal feature at the start of this book. Welcoming the opportunity to get away and be a ghost writer for Freda a recluse with a 40 year old secret that needs telling. There are many things to uncover as new characters are introduced along the way. A gripping book.

Really,, this is sensational .. really disturbing in a way that propelled me to read on .. parallel stories from past and a woman using ghost writer to write up her memoirs .. it's a little long winded, and I did (slightly) worry about coincidence .. same woman involved!! .. but I set that aside as minor issue just to get on with it. A grooming issue in past resurrected .. great exploration too of male malfeasance, perhaps irritating its being taken out on a woman in first instance. I don't want to give it away but this is clever, ambitious and talented author who I've never read before but will in future. Wow

This is a very unusual, imaginative and unique novel. Susan Lewis has a writing style that draws you in and keeps you hooked. Lots of twists and turns in the storyline and well drawn characters.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.