letting you into a Secret…
Posted on 20 January 2009 by Freya North
Well, most of you know that my new novel, Secrets, is set in a sea-side town in the North East of England and features a bridge-builder and a runaway… but many of you have been saying ‘yes yes Freya, but what’s the book ABOUT?’ Well, the easiest way for me to tell you more is to give you a sneak preview of the ‘blurb’ on the back cover! So here it is, a world exclusive, just for you…
“They drive each other crazy.
And they both have something to hide.
But we all have our secrets.
It’s just some are bigger than others…
Joe has a beautiful house, a great job, no commitments – and he likes it like that. All he needs is a quiet house-sitter for his rambling old place by the sea. When Tess turns up on his doorstep, he’s not sure she’s right for the job. Where has she come from in such a hurry? Her past is a blank and she’s a bit of an enigma. But there’s something about her – even though sparks fly every time they meet.
And it looks like she’s here to stay…”
Well, I hope that’s whetted your appetite! The publication date for the UK is May 5th – though it’ll be available as a special edition at the airports from February… I’ll be letting you see the cover shortly (another world exclusive, folks) and I’ll be telling you more about the book too… Hopefully without revealing too many ‘secrets’ and giving the entire plot away in the process. But you know me, I’m such a blabbermouth….so watch this space!
Tags | Secrets
March 14th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hi Freya
I’ve just finished reading your new book Secrets and just wanted to write and say that, as with all your other books, i loved it!
I was at Heathrow airport on the 15th Feb in WHSmiths, looking for a book to take away with me. So i’m walking around and not finding anything that really takes my fancy when what do i spot… Secrets! At first i thought my eyes were deceiving me, as i didn’t know you had a new book out (i apologise i do not visit your website regularly) but no they weren’t!!! I was excited to say the least!! I think i embarassed my other half by screaming across the shop that i had found a new Freya!!
Tess is just such a loveable character and you have made me want to visit Saltburn-by-Sea with your wonderful descriptions! I couldn’t put Secrets down, every time i did i found myself having to go back to it, no matter what else i should have been doing like putting on some suncream, which i didn’t so had a few days looking like rudolph the red nosed reindeer! It was so worth it though!!
Thanks for another fantastic book Freya, i can’t wait for your next one!
Marie x
March 14th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Marie, thanks so much for this – I’m thrilled you enjoyed Secrets. Really thrilled. Sorry about the sunburnt nose though…. Welcome to the website too.
March 16th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
omg a new novel,,,i cant wait as with the others it will be unmissable and thoroughly enjoyable.well done ooooh any ideas on the story of django and fen,cat and pips mum?xxx
March 19th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I loved this book!
I’m an avid reader of your books (I became hooked when someone left a copy of Cat at work and I adopted it, once I started reading it I couldn’t stop). I’ve read all the books you’ve written and usually don’t do anything else for several days until I have finished them, but like Marie-Claire I was at Heathrow airport on March 2nd waiting for a flight to Washington when I discovered this new release. Needless to say I completed the whole thing in the 8hour flight! – plus about half an hour in departures – Thank you so much for keeping me entertained and yet again a stunning novel to keep on my shelves.
xx
March 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
hi
really enjoying your new novel Secrets but much to my horror i got as far as page 422 and then it went back to page 23 and continued to page 54 and then it goes to page 455. I am devastated got very confused. Going back to the shop where i bought it tomorrow hopefully they will have another copy as only a small book shop in dublin. Freya you are the best keep up the good work. dxx
March 19th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Dorothy, I have emailed you directly. This is dreadful news – really dreadful as this problem surfaced a month ago and I was assured all the dodgy copies were off the shelves. I have asked my editor to contact you directly.
Dear readers – if any of you have experienced the same problem, please please will you contact me?
Freya x
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Hey,
I was soo excited about the new book that I just had to go to Edinburgh airport this weekend and buy it! Even though I wasn’t flying anywhere! Have exams this week so can’t read it yet but role on the weekend when I will have my nose in the book aaalll weekend!
S xxx
March 24th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
No…………. just airports, i am now looking for an excuse (and money) to fly out somewhere just to get my hands on it.
I WANT ONE.
April 20th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I have just this second finished ‘Secrets’ and felt compelled to send you an immediate message of thanks, I lurved it! What a great book. I now this minute feel a very strong urge to go and buy another one of your books!
May 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I have just finished secrets and what a great book. Once again i was totally captivated from the start. I couldn’t wait to find out if Tess and Joe got together, thankfully the perfect ending for them.I have read all your books and my favourite still has to be Cat- i avidly watch the Tour each year and have been lucky to be in France most summers to watch all the action. Nothing quite like a few hundred guys in tight lycra!!I cannot wait until the next book, keep up with fabulous work. x
May 19th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Just had to say how much I loved this book – it took me two days to read and I have been re-reading sections ever since!! It’s one of those book you cannot put down and don’t ever want to end.
I was my first book of yours and it has inspired me to read the others.
May 21st, 2009 at 7:01 pm
My sister has just phoned me to say she’s bought me Secrets! (I think she was just check I didn’t have it already, we have one or two duplicates on our bookshelves because we both love Freya!)
Can’t wait, I’m clearing my weekend to just sit with chocolate and other goodies!
Yay!
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 am
I have just 5 minutes ago finished reading secrets for the second time in 3 days. I felt that i had to let you know what an amazing author i think you are. I feel like i am in the book and the way you describe places and people makes me feel that i am there myself. I truly wish that your books were never ending as i always feel at a loss after finishing one of your books, i often find myself wondering what the characters would be doing now, it may sound mad to some (including my partner) but i truly feel swept away by your stories and they take me to such a happy place in my mind.
I want to tell you that i think you are amazingly talented and i hope that you keep writing for many many years.
My much loved copy of secrets will now be passed on to my mum. I am 19 and she is 50 and we are both great fans of your work.
Keep up the good work!
May 25th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I finished reading Secrets on the train to Colchester yesterday and let me tell you I did not once look up to see the lovely Essex landscape go by!
I was so engrossed by the characters and setting that I will be visiting Saltburn in the near future…your books always make me giggle and smile and engage my imagination so much so that the characters are nearly real to me…thank you for writing such wonderful and well drawn out characters!
June 8th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Hi Freya….Just bought my copy of ‘Secrets’ and can’t wait to get home from work to start reading. I’ve been hooked on your novels since I bought ‘Love Rules’. I proceeded to go on and read it twice inside a week…then the same thing happened with ‘cat’, ‘Home Truths’ and ‘Pillow Talk’!! I can’t get enough of your stories and never tire of reading them. Well done on yet another successful book. Can’t wait for the next one!!
June 11th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Have just finished reading secrets , i couldn’t put the book down. Your books have got me through so much , i nursed my husband for 8 yrs with cancer , he passed away 3 yrs ago . You have researched so much and done a good job,well done on that.
I have laughed , cried , felt the characters pain , in secrets i felt like Lisa and Tamsin her best friends , im always the one to give advice.
If i feel lonely i always reread your books , you can read them over an over again , they are brilliant , cant wait for the next book.
June 13th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Hi Freya and other fans..
I finished reading my new copy of Secrets yesterday and loved it. I could sink right into it. I got back into your books after starting to read them when I was leant a copy of Cat- I think- by my housmate at uni. I therefore read them in a random order, first reading Cat, Chloe, Fen and Pip. I remember buying Love Rules and have it somewhere to read, and have read Home Truths after to getting to know the McCabes’. So now I’ve read Secrets i’m going back to Sally and Polly, followed by Pillow talk! I have it all planned as I’m going for a short trip to the Isles of Scilly for my birthday soon (only from Cornwall though so not far- I loved your depictions of it in Chloe by the way, was so exicted to see Cornwall in there!) then off to Egypt for a big holiday that my boyfriend and I have always wanted to do. I am officially hooked on your books after not reading them for a while, and now a few years since finishing uni I can afford my own shiny new copies. So thanks, and looking forward to your 11th!
June 13th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Yet another fantastic Freya North book! I finished it earlier in the week and I couldn’t put it down. I was desperate to read it; tried reading it in bed but husband kept telling me to turn the light off “just a couple of more pages” I pleaded but it didn’t work!
I’ve read many of your books and they’ve all been captivating and never wanted them to end. Any possibility Tess and Joe could return as they were great characters?
Can’t wait for the next book.
June 14th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I’ve just finished reading Secrets. I read a review in a Sunday magazine whilst sitting in a hospital with my dad for nine hours, and thought I’ve got to read that! I ordered it online and was unable to put it down, although I don’t really have time to read novels. It’s the first Freya North novel I’ve read as, after years of rearing kids and retraining, I’ve only recently rediscovered the joy of a good book! Whereas usually reading has been reserved for bedtime, I found every opportunity I could to sneak in a few pages of Secrets. It evoked every emotion in me and even contained my favourite word ‘discombobulated’ – thanks Freya! Obviously I’m looking forward to reading many more – perhaps my next will be ‘Polly’.
June 14th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Just wanted to let ppl know my embarassing momentg with this wonderfull book!!!! My fella bought me this book as 1 of my prezzies for our anniversary- as he knows im a big freya fan!!!! but Ive had essays due in at uni, so I was really excited to finally get them finished so I could read it. I started reading it on the bus and as im reading this MASSIVE grin is coming on my face….. as I recognised the places she was talking about!!!!! (I had to do a placement there the other year, on I could have sworn the road were Joe lives!!!! either that or i recognised the name of teh road) so ppl kinda looked at me funny lol!!!! he he
thanks for a fantastic book!!!!!!!!! xx
June 17th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
What a book!! loved each page, i want it to continue all about the life of Joe and Tess!! I love the way you capture feelings and emotions it really makes you build a ‘relationship’ with the characters! looking forward to the next one
xxx
June 24th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
What a book! I’m stunned – not normally my kind of book but having read ‘pillow talk’ which was free with Cosmo, I had to get another! Can’t wait to get the next.
Thanks for converting me! x
June 25th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
OMG – what an absolutely stunning book, picked it up and was sucked in from the moment I read the back cover! I finished this within a day and a half as I just couldn’t put it down, I was always itching to read “just a little more” even my husband got fed up of me having my nose in the book. I was extremely disappointed to get to the end and I was on this website to find a follow up on what happened once the book ended and I was soooo disappointed that I couldn’t. Although having said that I can use my imagination and I think a good book just keeps you wanting more! This book was sexy, romantic and had me wanting to be Tess – made my life seem boring once I had finished reading! Well done Freya I am now going to buy more of your books as this was my first – Thank you!!
July 7th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Hi Freya
I had not read any of your books before and whilst on holiday my friend lent me Secrets to read and I absolutely loved it! The characters are so loveable and the story is really interesting I couldn’t put it down, it normally takes me ages to read a book but I read this one really quickly as it had me wanting to know more! I have since been out and bought Pillow Talk and intend to buy love rules! I will most definitely be keeping an eye out for your next thrilling read whenever that might be…?
Many thanks and congratulations, from your new fan
Nikki
July 11th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Hi Freya
Thought you might like to know that your books are loved in Australia too – I was given this book as a gift for my birthday a week ago and I’ve already finished it – loved it!
This is the first of your books that I have read but it certainly won’t be the last!
July 12th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I just read “Secret’s” one of the first books of your’s i have read, and it was brilliant! It was a real feel good book and i burried myself in it for 2 days and just couldnt put it down! As soon as i finished the book i was straight into town and bought “Pillow talk” which was also fabulous, keep up the good work..Im not sure which one of your books to buy next!:D
xx
July 17th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I just wanted to say how i enjoyed reading secrets.
I havent read any of your books before but certainly will be from now on. Thks.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:13 am
I have just finished your new book ‘Secrets’ about 5 minutes ago and i have to say it is the best book i have ever read. I was captivated at page 1 and really grew to love the characters. it is the 1st book of yours that i have read and like many of the other girls on here i will be going out to buy many many more
Thankyou for such a good read, would love to read about their wedding and whether they have kids of their own and even a mate for wolf
July 31st, 2009 at 5:34 am
Dear Freya,
Am reading Secrets n can’t seem 2 put it down! I read in between any spare time I have (trains, office, n my 2 young sons!) Though this is the 1st time I’m reading one of your books, I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of them
You’ve done a great job 
Keep it coming!!!
xoxoxx frm Singapore
August 4th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
hi Freya
Tara here from Ireland…..Secrets is the second book ive read of yours and i love it. Pillow talk took me 3 days to read i would have finished it sooner but my 3year old son had enough of mammy behind a book lol….i think secrets is fab..
i am awaiting my delivery of home truths and love rules… the post man thinks im crazy cant wait to get my hands on them
on a more personal note…the books have grabed me out of a bad time in my life right now, i laugh out loud again thanks to you and your books
sincere gratitude
tara x
(Galway – west coast of Ireland)
August 5th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Loved The Book Secrets! Could Not Put It Down!
August 5th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Hi Freya
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed and adored Secrets. I read Pillow Talk when it came with an issue of Cosmo and from the second I finished it I looked up your website to discover your other titles.
I bought Secrets from the airport last week and I finished it within two days. I have to say I was quite sad to finish it, I kept hoping the story would go on. As with Pillow Talk I fell in love with the characters by the first few chapters. I am also planning to visit Yorkshire as the places you have described have truly fascinated me.
You have really inspired me to continue with my own writing, and I am now off to hastily purchase your other titles.
Thank you so much for the amazing read!
August 5th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Hello Freya,
or check for your books online!
I finished reading Secrets a couple of days ago but the book is trapped in my head and I can’t let it go! It was also very difficult to let it down my hands and is even more difficult to start reading another book!
I got this book while on vacation in London and I regret that I did not get the rest of your books from the shelf! I am from Jordan and we do not have your books here yet, so I guess I will have to wait for my next trip to London to pack my bag with your books
Thank you for writing such a book … it surely conveys a very substantial lesson for everyone to learn from.
Best Wishes,
Nadine
Jordan
August 17th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Hi Freya
I’ve only read Pillow Talk and Secrets but I have to say I absolutely loved both. Pillow Talk (officially my favourite book) because of the tanzanite story line which is my favourite stone and my birth stone and Secrets because of the way you described the scenery and the relationship between Tess and Joe. I have to add that you described Joe in a way that I pictured Gerard Butler whom I think would be perfect to play Joe if this should ever be a movie. lol
These two books have made me feel emotions for characters like no other book really had.
I’m really really looking forward to your next book. Wish you could visit Cape Town, South Africa for a book signing.
Best wishes
Yumnaah
August 19th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I love this book. I bought it as I wanted something “light” to read while I was in hospital. The idea was to read it after my op while i recovered. Unfortunatly, I started it before I went to theatre and had actually finished it before they came for me!!! I was very sad when the book ended. I loved it so much I actually persuaded my partner to read it and he really enjoyed it! Now I’m back on my feet I will be heading to the bookshop to buy the rest of your books
) x
August 21st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Hi, this is the first of your books that I have read and I am thoroughly enjoying it. It was bought for my sister-in-law to take to Afghanistan with her but she read it before she left and I said I would have a read and I have barely been able to put it down. I haven’t finished yet and I am very annoyed that work is getting in the way of my reading it!! Now I fear I may be hooked and will have to go out and by all your books! Thanks for a great read so far, I’m looking forward to more.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
OMG!!! i have just finished reading your new book FREYA NORTH – SECRECTS and may i say i loved all off it. My favourite character is Tess she such a strong woman and i loved every part of her.
Can’t wait to read your new books. once again really loved your book.
August 31st, 2009 at 11:44 am
wow i finished secrets last week and i honestly want to move to saltburn!! a beautiful read i cant wait to read again….
i was at a friends house yesterday and noticed a book resting on her shelf pounced on it when i realised it was Pillow talk! im now half way through and want some Tanzanite!!>”christ was there ever a time (not) to go easy on exclamation marks”
September 9th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
hi freya just like to say i reallyn enjoyed your book,couldn’t put it down and felt i was in saltburn to. i now would like to visit saltburn and see all the wounderfull places you discribe.
cant wait to read more of your books
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Just had to say: fantastic! I loved the book Secrets and I hope I’ll find all your books in stores in Norway aswell. Me and my class was in England for a week and when we were on the underground my eyes looked up at a poster of your book. I found it interesting, and when we were leaving England to hed home to Norway, I happened to find your book at the airport. I am loving your book and hopefully i can read the others too.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Hi Freya I have just finished reading your book Secrets,it brought back memories for me of home. I was born in Saltburn Maternity hospital in 1959,but our home was in Redcar. My family all came from Middlesbrough and Redcar + the surrounding areas, We left Yorkshire for London in 1963, but still went home for holidays,I keep telling my sons wife that one day I will take her up North so she can see where I came from ( she was born in Essex) theres nothing quite like going swimming in Redcar baths or walking along the prom or having an ice in Reas Ice Cream Parlour my maiden name was Rea(my aunt had a big house on Granville Terrace)my mum used to tell us how the Polish airmen were stationed in Redcar during the war and how my Grandfather found a whale washed up on the beach. Thank you for your wonderful books and the memories they evoked.
Sandra anne Cooper
November 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Freya… Must be the best novel i’ve read. The way you created these lovely, compelling characters and yet given them such modesty and grace, it’s true talent on your behalf. I adored little Emmeline and Tess and couldn’t fault the way you portrayed them. – A great read! xxx
January 9th, 2010 at 8:30 am
hi Freya. just read your book SECRETS.fantastic.cont put it down.when is the next one out?
January 19th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
TO THE BEST AUTHOR IN THE WORLD: I <3 YOOOUUUU;***
you have inspired me soo much. the first book i read written by you was pillow talk, and wow… so original, so true.. so peacful. But when i read secrets, its like reading about myself. your characters and their love life is very much like mine. you not only gave me hope and positive energy, you gave me something beyond your intentions. what you gave me is the knowlegde of how to act, think, also react in situations where Tess had to go through. You made me more aware of my actions and personality. Thank you so much.
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Just finished reading Secrets. Absolutely loved it, could not put it down once started.
Thank you for bringing to my attention again the fabulous area I live in. We tend to take it for granted, can’t wait for the summer weather and picnics in the Valley Gardens again.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Freya…. I’m afraid i simply can’t take anymore!
Please let us know when we can expect the new book, as i have re-read all your others so much they’re falling apart.
Thank you for taking me away on so many great heart pounding adventures Lisa xxx
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Freya,
I just want to let you know how much I loved Secrets. I visited Saltburn this weekend with friends, and it was just how I’d imagined in the book. What a fantastic place!
Keep up the good work.
Lucy x
April 14th, 2010 at 1:51 am
Hi Freya
I’ve just finished reading Secrets and absolutely loved it. I got totally absorbed in it, I could visualise all of it and so want to visit Saltburn-by-the-Sea and live in a house like The Resolution. This is the first book I’ve read of yours a friend passed it on to me and I can’t wait to read more of your books. Regards Jane
May 27th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Hey Freya,
Am from India. Am sorry to say that I havent read any of ur books yet. I just started with ‘Home truths’ and came to know who Cat, Pip and Fen are. Just wanted to know which was the first among ‘Home Truths’, ‘Cat’, ‘Pip’ and ‘Fen’. Are they kindof series??
June 4th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
This is my first Freya North novel, and it certainly won’t be the last. When I read a book it has to grab me, right from the very start. This one certainly did just that. I absolutely loved it. Was gutted when I came to the end , I didn’t want to put it down.
Thankyou Freya x
July 26th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
I have just finished readint this brilliant book, & I have to say this is my favourite read, ever.
I loved the charactors, Tess & Joe where brilliant together aswell as apart too.
Lovedit lovedit lovedit!
Going to read your other books shortly.
July 26th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Hi Freya,
Having read your brilliant book ‘Secrets’, I became mesmorised by the characters, the intrigue and their surrounding area, so much so that I wierdly fell in love with Saltburn-by-the-Sea and plan to visit when I can for a little holiday. This is the first of your books I’ve read and now own another three…. now I wonder where else you will unwittingly be sending me!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:57 am
I just want to say that I absolutley loved Secrets!
This book is without a doubt my favourite read to date. Thankyou Freya!
I found through reading I was so captivated with the story that it actually dictated my moods. For a week I was happy and bubbly and in love, and then the next day was angry and sad and hurt. This book certainly took me in!
The most devistating part about reading it is that now I have finished. I find myself wishing I hadnt read it yet, so I could read it again!
I can’t wait to discover your other books Freya. thankyou again for writing such a great book!
August 1st, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I have read all of your books Freya & loved them all & to say I’m only half way through Secrets, I must say out of all of them, this one has me most captivated hehe, I can’t wait to finish reading it & find out what happens to Tess & Joe
Keep up the excellent work & I look forward to your next book 
October 2nd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Dear Freya,
I am new to your work, but am so glad I picked up secrets
It was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in ages. I’ve just finished love rules as well. I am fast becoming addicited to your work as are my friends.
March 8th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Freya, what an amazing book! Im near to finishing Secrets and I wish it would not end
You are truely talented. I will be reading your other books after I have finished with this one…
April 1st, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Am I the only man that reads your books? Am I allowed to comment? I’ve read them all except “Chances” and they’re all great but “Secrets” was my favourite. I too was disappointed that things didn’t work out ideally in “Love Rules” but if you knew for certain how a book would end then why would you read it?
I love your writing, love the characters, love your books. Please keep them coming.
Roger
April 2nd, 2011 at 8:15 am
Hullo Roger – one of my many male readers…but one of the few who brave the public forum of the comments facility on my website! Thanks so much – I’m delighted you enjoy my work. Interesting re: Love Rules – of all my books, that one sparked the most mail in the ‘should they/ shouldn’t they’ stakes! But, as a writer, my responsibility is to my characters’ personalities…and therefore, I had to enable them to act in a way that was realistic…at the expense of a conventional ending. I’d like to revisit that posse one day… watch this space! Thanks again, Roger. Freya
August 29th, 2011 at 4:49 am
Hi Freya, just wanted to say congrats on this book. I read it about 18 months ago, have managed to misplace it… and really want to read it again… one of the most enjoyable books I have read…. real warmth, love, laughter, bit of a uptake of breathe at times… ha ha ha. Well done and thank you. Will read some of your other books but don’t know if you will top this one and I am going to buy this so I can read it all over again and tell my friends about it.
December 28th, 2011 at 12:53 am
First book of yours I have actually read, to be honest I wasn’t expecting much just grabbed the first book which looked alright from the bookshelf to take on nightshift to pass the time if I got bored. But Oh My God! What a fantastic read! First book I have ever finished in the space of 2 days and I kid you not! Could not put it down. I actually think I love Joe as much as Tess does ha! (Got him pegged as a silver fox ;P)
Could not have been more impressed with any book and going out tomorrow to get ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Love Rules’ and I hope I have as much fun with them as I did with this book! Definitely going to pass this book on
April 15th, 2012 at 9:44 pm
I am really flattered – thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed Pillow Talk and Love Rules too – the latter was a VERY peculiar book to research! All the best Freya
April 15th, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Hey Yvette – I’m BEYOND flattered! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know… Hope you’ll love Rumours too – it’s out this June! Freya