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  • It Started with a Secret

  • The unmissable Sunday Times bestseller from author of MAYBE THIS TIME
  • By: Jill Mansell
  • Narrated by: Katherine Press
  • Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (256 ratings)

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It Started with a Secret cover art

It Started with a Secret

By: Jill Mansell
Narrated by: Katherine Press
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Publisher's Summary

It Started with a Secret: the scorching new novel of this summer, from the Sunday Times best-selling author.

The trouble with secrets is that you can't guess what the consequences will be....

Lainey has lost everything. Luckily one little fib (OK, quite a big fib) helps nail her dream job. Soon she's living in a stunning house by the sea, fending off obsessed fans for a retired - if far-from-retiring - actor and organising his charming but chaotic family. It's definitely worth the challenge of keeping her secret.

At least Lainey isn't looking for love. It's time for a break from all that. And yet...Seth, the actor's grandson, really is rather attractive. There's growing chemistry and a definite connection between them. But how would he react if he knew she hadn't been honest with him?

Lainey's not the only one with a secret, though. Seth has one of his own. And everything's about to start unravelling....

A beautiful Cornish setting, one chaotic family and a woman who's had enough of love. Or has she?

©2020 Jill Mansell (P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Like a little blast of sunshine - uplifting, heartwarming and supremely feelgood." (Sophie Kinsella)

"Gripping and incredibly comforting." (Marian Keyes)

What listeners say about It Started with a Secret

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful as expected!

I always have no doubt I’ll enjoy any book by Jill Mansell, and at times one pops up with storyline and characters that live on in my mind to be brought out and remembered with a smile. This book is one of those, with everything popping into place. Funny, touching and cuddly warm and all set in a beautiful house in a beautiful village. What more could we ask?

Thankyou Jill - from Melbourne Australia. 😘

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heartwarming story

Heartwarming story. I loved the intertwining of individual characters stories and how it all comes together at the end with a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed Katherine Press's narration. Such an engaging tone. Highly recommended book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An easy listening feel good story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A light romance that's easy to listen to. Narrated beautifully. You want to story to continue.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Harmless

Fine bit of harmless escapism. No surprises, quite surface characterisation. Predictable, but no trouble finishing.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

👌

an enjoyable, easy going romantic escape perfect for a day at the beach . .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant, funny, real fairy tale

I loved the narration by Katherine Press, it made this book one that I shall listen to again.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly Enjoyable

The first book I've read from this author. It won't be the last! Brilliantly Narrated.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Ian
  • 26-12-2020

loved it!

Not my usual genre but I thoroughly enjoyed the listen! I didn't want it to end.

The narrator is brilliant!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A light touch

This is a fun story with some interesting characters. The heroine I found unbearable - pushy, self-righteous, annoying and completely lacking in both filters and self awareness. Within a matter of days of getting the job, she has bullied a stranger into a date with her employer which ends in embarrassment - “this is all my fault!” Yes, Lainey - yes, it is. And the self-righteous demands that her employer answers all his fan mail - well, I hope Jill Mansell reads and responds to all her fan mail after making such a big deal of it in this book. This is a bit of a predictable story but that makes it good to listen to as you don’t need to concentrate much. The narration was not to my taste. Everyone will have their own preferences but a very clipped English accent didn’t really suit the more breezy nature of the story for me.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun and entertaining

Great easy listen. Was easy to like the characters and moved along well. Recommend this book.

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