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Secrets Between Friends

‘A warm, sensitive story about the power of female friendship . . . and the joy of second chances’ Lucy Diamond

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About this listen

 The extraordinary new contemporary novel, set in Ireland, Italy and France, from the bestselling author of The Honeymoon Affair and The Missing Wife.
Ailie, Sybil and Rua can take care of themselves. But when they form an unexpected friendship, they discover new perspectives on old problems.

Ailie is recently widowed, and struggling. At least she can cut ties with her toxic Italian in-laws. Except her teenage daughter is joining them in Trieste. Should Ailie follow, and confront the family who can't forgive her?

Sybil has learned to be happy alone. But her younger sister, Tansy, thinks Sybil needs to find a man before it's too late. And she has the perfect candidate. Can Sybil cope with Tansy interfering - again?

Twice Rua has faced the worst, and twice she's started over. All that matters now is protecting her daughter. Yet she's kept the full story from her. Is it time to trust Brontë with the truth?

An intriguing and sparkling story about women discovering their strength - and loving life.

Love for Secrets Between Friends:

'A warm, sensitive story about the power of female friendship, finding hope amidst the toughest times and the joy of second chances' LUCY DIAMOND

'A poignant, heartwarming read of women supporting and empowering each other through difficult times' PATRICIA SCANLAN

'A heartfelt, well-paced story, full of love and hope and wisdom' NORRIE CLARK©2026 Sheila O'Flanagan (P)2026 Headline Publishing Group Limited Family Life Genre Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature Friendship Heartfelt Italy

Critic reviews

'A warm, sensitive story about the power of female friendship, finding hope amidst the toughest times and the joy of second chances' (Lucy Diamond)
'Powerful, inspiring, wise, written by an author with a real handle on the fabulousness of women's friendship. I devoured it' (Milly Johnson)
A poignant, heartwarming read of women supporting and empowering each other through difficult times (Patricia Scanlan)
'Witty, moving and fully relatable'
'A great read, a trio of effortlessly interwoven storylines peopled with authentic and likeable characters, and a testament to the resilience of female friendship'
'A heartfelt, well-paced story, full of love and hope and wisdom' (Norie Clark)
'I've read every single one of Sheila's books since the first one. Her stories are always beautiful and thoughtfully written, each one a heart-warming page-turner. This one is no exception' (Carole Matthews)
All stars
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Lovely book from start to finish Narrator very good too, the perfect choice for this story

Secrets between friends

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I really enjoyed the book, a bit older characters from most of Sheila O’Flanagan, but it made it really good book.
But I really struggled with the “accents” that were made, it really didn’t add anything to the book, and made it less enjoyable. But the plot is great.

Great book, didn’t like the reader

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Good stories, different characters and I really hope that there will be a sequence. It felt unfinished. Great narration!

I really enjoyed it

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Not one of her better books and I thought ending a bit lame! Sorry Sheila, I usually enjoy your books!

Enjoyable enough!

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