Secrets
Posted on 31 January 2009 by Freya North
This, my 10th novel, gave me the chance to set another book in my beloved North East. Pillow Talk won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award whilst I was writing Secrets. Often, the title only comes right at the end. The working title for this novel was ‘Runaway Home‘ – which (secretly) I still prefer. It was time for a new cover-look for this novel – and I fought hard for something totally different to what I’ve had before and what’s ‘out there’. Having worked as a picture-researcher when I was a struggling unpublished author, I chose covers for other people’s novels. I became very good at it – and also rather opinionated. I am my publishers’ worst nightmare – but my finicky perfectionism is, I feel, worth it in the long run. This is also the first novel when I’ve featured a dog, a child and a house as characters in their own right. And worked hard to combat whimsy. In the name of research, I also had to cross over the top of the Transporter Bridge, 160′ over the River Tees – facing my vertigo head-on to do my characters justice. How many romantic interludes in contemporary fiction have been set in Middlesbrough, I wonder…
May 19th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Hiya,
I’ve just finished reading this book and what can i say!! i loved it so much i couldn’t put it down until i finished every last page. It’s such an amazing book that ive carried on and bought two more books to sink into and i can’t wait to start the next one. Im glad to have discovered your work and will definately be recommending you
Thanks
May 20th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
thank you so much!
July 7th, 2011 at 10:53 am
A Christmas present from my brother – Secrets was the first of your books that I read. I absolutely fell in love with it! Ever since, I have read Pillow Talk, Sally and Chloe, and I don’t think I’ve ever loved characters in books as much as I love these women!
I also intend to travel to the place mentioned in your books, to see what they might have in store for me (as they did the characters)! Thank you for your fantastic writing – it really draws you in and gives you a lot to think about. And makes you fall in love with all the characters : )
July 7th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Thanks, Lara! That’s everso flattering. I’m doing an event in Saltburn-by-the-Sea on 17th August. If you can’t make it, I really hope you’ll manage some time up in the region – you won’t be disappointed! All the best FN
August 3rd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
I read secrets recently after a string of recommendations, it was a really lovely read! I was wandering if you have ever considered a follow up as I just adored the characters! It really is a charming read and appeals to all ages, me my mum and my grandmother have all read and enjoyed it xxx
August 24th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Thanks Jade – I’m chuffed my books are so cross-generational! I’d LOVE a pic of you, your Ma and your Grandmother all together with my books – will you email me one? Fx
September 29th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Hi Freya,
I was born in Saltburn (now living down south) and grew up in Middlesbrough so it’s really lovely to read a positive story about the area. I’m only 1/3 of the way through Secrets but it’s already making me homesick!
I love your books and especially like the piece at the back of them where you take the time to answer questions and give some background to the area/reasons for placing the book where you do.
Keep up the good work!
Lisa
January 8th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
I CANNOT put down Secrets… I am so enthralled my fiancé is regretting purchasing me my Kindle for Christmas… However, I don’t know why I’m surprised after reading Love Rules a few years ago and adoring it just as much…
Truly love your style of writing – you truly create such magical, intense stories…
I’m onto Pillow Talk soon after I finish Secrets…
THANK-YOU FN.
All the way from Oz, Cassie X
April 15th, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Hullo Cassie in Oz! Thanks for contacting me – and I’m so chuffed you enjoyed Secrets! Did you know my ‘backlist’ (the first 6 novels Sally, Chloe, Polly, Cat, Fen and Pip) will be available for the first time as downloads this summer? And my new novel, Rumours too? I don’t have a kindlywindly thingy – I’m a paperback gal, myself! All the best, Freya x
April 15th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Hey Lisa – thanks so much! I LOVE the NorthEast – it’s my spiritual home! I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed the stories so much. Did you try Pillow Talk – that’s all set around Stokesley and Great Ayton! All the best – and blow a kiss to the Transporter for me! Freya