Common Secrets
28th June, 2026
On the surface, Bramley Common appears to be an ideal village, but you never know what’s going on behind your neighbours’ front doors…
Three friends are facing heartache in their closest relationships, with a nest of secrets that threaten to explode.
There’s Jo, who lost her husband early but is stunned to learn things about him that will change her forever. Nicki, who has a turbulent relationship with her husband; the longer she has been with him, the less she knows about him. And Lucy, unhappily married and tempted by a TV actor filming on location.
The village is facing the threat of unwelcome local development, which could split the Common apart. On top of everything, the village is rumoured to have a ghost.
One year, three women and an onslaught of dilemmas. Can their friendships help them to survive? Or perhaps even to thrive?
Why I decided to write Common Secrets
I always love a story that has several layers – like Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, where the reader gradually discovers the real world that lies underneath the daily school run. Common Secrets is set in an apparently idyllic village, but none of us ever know what’s going on behind our neighbour’s front doors. As we meet and get to know Jo, Lucy and Nicki, we begin to understand the tough challenges they are having to confront in their daily lives. We share their relationship heartache, but we also experience their fun and joy at finding love again. During the most difficult dilemmas that each of them faces, we see how they support each other, demonstrating the strength and positivity of female friendships. There’s an underlying positive message of strength with vulnerability and kindness – and not being afraid to be yourself.
