Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

Lovely story by Ella Carey. Really well written, and loved the historical setting. Very easy to read, and would highly recommend.

takes you back in time with its absorbing and caring writing and one of those books that makes you almost miss the plot because of its beautiful writing.
Wroth the read!

Before I get too far ahead of myself, I want to note that I’m in the minority when it comes to Ella Carey’s Secret Shores. The majority of readers who’ve picked it up absolutely loved it and while I completely respect their admiration, I have to confess I struggled with this piece beginning to end.

Forgive me for saying so, but I couldn’t stand the 1980s half of this narrative. I assume that Tess was meant to read as strong and independently-minded woman, but I found her petulant histrionics nothing short of absurd. Her antics grated my nerves so badly that I nearly chucked the novel outright and probably would have if not for the merit I found in the 1940s storyline.

Rebecca is a more artistic soul and I found myself intrigued by her drive. Where Tess is brash and self-centered, Rebecca is subtle, genuine, and creative. She hones her talents despite lack of support or respect and ultimately commands both through sheer determination and sacrifice. She is honey to Tess’ vinegar and I thought the challenges she overcame all the more powerful for it.

I found Carey’s depiction of Australia’s modernist art movement interesting but couldn’t help feeling it pale next to B.A. Shapiro’s handling of the abstract impressionists in The Muralist. I liked what Cary put together but I thought she could have gone deeper into the style, techniques, and ideology of the artists.

From other reviews, it is clear that Carey’s highly descriptive prose appeals to many, but the text struck me as over the top and killed the pacing. I stuck it out to the end, but the last-minute plot twist was highly coincidental and required a complete and inexplicable reversal of Tess’ character to pull off. It didn’t work in my eyes and left me at a bit of a loss.

I love that so many have enjoyed this piece, but when all is said and done, my tastes proved ill-suited to this particular narrative and I admit I'd have difficulty recommending it forward.

I wasn't sure if I would like this book based on the description, but I LOVED it. I thought both the past and present (though present is 1987 in this case) parts were done well, and I really liked the love story in the past section. I did hope the present section was a bit more developed, especially at the end, but overall, it was an interesting read.

Secret Shores by Ella Carey, I listened to this book with my Kindle, it is a light easy enjoyable read, one that doesn’t require a lot of thinking. I would almost consider it a chick flick book. I was hoping it would have a little bit more historical information, but all and all it was written very well and I did enjoy it. Ms. Carey has a wonderful ability to go between the past and present. We move between 1987 and the late 1940’s. I never really warmed up to Tess until the end, she was not a sweet person you could bond with, but James on the other hand, was a nice guy. The main love story revolves around the love between Rebecca and Edward, the only thing that would have made the book better, was if we would have been allowed to read the manuscript, instead of having Tess tell us of how wonderful it was.
I will definitely be reading the Paris Time Capsule series by this same author. I give this one 4****’s.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I read this in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
A beautifully written book about so many thing; art, love, family expectation and honesty.

Quick read. Well developed characters and I enjoyed reading it.

Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC for my Kindle,w
A love story and more with 2 time lines- 1940's (the past) and 1980's (the present).
True love makes sacrifices that are selfless but at the same time places family as the main priority. The only negative thing I would have to say about the book was that I thought the ending was rushed and would have liked to know more about the restoration of the family home and if the "happy couple" gets married and lives together during their last years.

Wonderful story!!!!! Highly recommend! I loved how it was written. Getting to experience the free thinkers of post wwii makes me want to learn more about that time period.

Ella Carey has a wonderful gift of telling stories of the past but then bringing it forward into modern times and taking me on a journey that is incredibly special!

It feels special because the characters, Rebecca and Tess, are so wonderfully crafted that I felt I was privileged to be on their journey with them.

Emotional, descriptive, strong characters, adventure and a side of love, I loved this wonderful tale!

This is a excellent book of historical fiction. The timeline is 1940's and all that involves to the 1980's. The protagonist is a editor looking for her next hit book. She finds the story in a amazing mystery from the 1940's. I loved the well crafted story and the seamless transition from two timelines. The author has a masterful way of bringing the two timelines together and holding the reader enthralled. The characters are powerful and interesting. I look forward to the next book by this fine author .

This is the first book from this author that I've read. While I don't often read books taking place in two different time, I did enjoy this one. The book was interesting. I liked learning more about Rebecca. I do have some parts of the plot that I didn't much care for, but this book was definitely worth the read.

My Thoughts

“Take life one day at a time. It is the only way we can control our lives at times of indomitable grief.”

I have been looking forward to reading an Ella Carey book, and I was not disappointed - coming along at a time in my life when I really needed to read some of its contained wisdom. Being a huge fan of historical fiction and dual timelines, I was enthralled with this tale. ‘Secret Shores’ starts in Australian 1946 (just after WWII and all the ramifications of that) and then in 1987 with a clear link between the two timelines, only varying locations.

“The Heide circle were young moderns, trying to forge a new life out of the shatters of war. It was all-encompassing, you know, what they did, their rejection of the Establishment. From the way they lived, to the way they loved, freely, to the way they approached marriage, modernism went to the very core of themselves.”

This is a complex and intriguing tale of the modernist movement post WWII (you will be running to Google actual people) and how they attempt to break with traditions. You really get a feel for each of the characters especially the love story between Rebecca and Edward. The switch between timelines is smooth and meeting Edward in 1987 provides the opportunity for a retrospective reflection and a lesson in how to not only move on, but also, learn from lessons of the past.

“...perhaps it was equally important to look to the past, to not replicate the mistakes that people such as Edward’s family and their class had made, because the bubble would burst in the end.”

As is often the case, one story is slightly stronger, and although the link between the two is strong and well executed - the present love story between Tess and James feels at times a little contrived. Her paranoia and hostility begin to grate, but do not let that deter you from what is a well thought out story and plot evolution. When Tess discovers that the book she is editing is about the love Edward still harbours for Rebecca, thus begins a journey of self discovery for each of the characters.

Reading the novel along with Tess is a clever way to reveal facts from the past, whilst also securing new and personal insights through one-to-one discussions. It’s also interesting to see a small parallel between both relationships - past and present. The plot twist at the end of the book is well done and provides the perfect conclusion.

Overall this is a most interesting and worthwhile read - a moving tale, with complex characters and a compelling storyline that will keep you engaged until the very end.

“He had no desire to take himself back to those secret shores that he had sworn he would never revisit. That period of his life was too difficult, too frightening.”



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

This was a book that I found tricky to review. The premise of the story was an unusual one; a tale set in two different times and various countries. The part of the book set in post war Australia with the advent of "modernism" in art I found quite interesting.
However, I'm afraid I found most of the story a little lacking in style and tone. In particular, the conversations between the characters (both modern day and from the past) seemed rather contrived and very unrealistic in their content.
I'm sorry to leave a negative review but felt it important to give an honest assessment.

Secret Shores is a glorious book. Ella Carey takes us on a journey through the eighties publishing world in New York, the Australian post war modernist movement, romantic Rome and the inner world of her characters through intelligent and enthralling prose.

 Our protagonist, Tess Miller finds her editing career floundering when she’s given a new assignment working with an old and obscure poet Edward Russell. His story of Rebecca Swift, an artist of yesteryear, is compelling, but there’s something else that captures Tess. Could the searing and tragic romance of which he writes be true wonders Tess? In a bid to garner publicity she goes on a quest to explore the true story, and ends up both rekindling an old romance and finding a new one herself.

 The past and present are carefully intertwined, and both described with acute detail. It’s elegantly written and the themes of art, authenticity, generational conflict and love are delicately explored, but at the same time a captivating plot keeps the compulsive pace. Poignant moments are frequent, but never overused or overwrought, and there’s plenty of dramatic twists to hook you in further.

Secret Shores is Carey’s third novel, The House by the Lake, From a Paris Balcony and Paris Time Capsule all being bestsellers. It's out now on Lake Union Publishing.

Following the life of Rebecca Swift, Secret Shores takes readers through this tragic story of a life lived with pain.
Split between two timelines, we follow Rebecca in 1946, as an artist, modern and forward thinking. She falls in love, but as often is the case, the path of true love does not run smoothly.

We also meet 1987's version of Rebecca. She's a widow and just starting to create again.

Ella Carey writes in full description. We feel like we are with Rebecca in both timelines. We feel her hurt and pain.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rebecca Swift is a young artist who is part of the modernist movement in 1946 - when she meets Edward Russell it is love at first sight, but Edward is from a very different background to her - part of the Australian aristocracy ........ will she ever be accepted by her family or is tragedy waiting!

Tess Miller is an editor in New York who is distraught because her most famous editor that she has nurtured for the last 3 years has been handed on a plate to the new boy James........and to add insult to injury she has been lumbered with an unknown ancient Australian poet, Edward Russell, who has not written anything for years!

Once Tess starts to receive the manuscripts from Edward however she starts to feel differently and soon realises that the love story is actually his autobiography - his wife is now dead and he has never forgotten his first love Rebecca - but can Tess get him to open up and admit that it is a true story, especially once she starts to uncover long hidden secrets

Another great book by Ella Carey - I loved all of her Paris series and this one did not disappoint either - the two timeframes worked well with the stories alternating between 1946 and 1987 and the book had plenty to keep your interest

I'm sad to say that this book just couldn't hold my attention. I enjoyed the premise of the novel, but I found that the first few chapters couldn't keep my attention enough to get me excited about reading on.

I spent some time thinking about this book before writing this review and have decided to give it 3 stars due to a couple of things. First, I never really got into any of the characters. Other reviewers have loved this book, so it was difficult for me to be the only one who couldn't get it. But it's true and I promise an honest review, so there it is. Secondly, while I liked the plot, I found it confusing in places. The character of Edward Russell was amazing. He is an old school gentleman and I found him endearing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.