Kerry has spent her life holding everyone else together. But when the best friend who ghosted her twenty years ago suddenly returns to destroy her business, the past threatens to pull everything apart.
Theo Langley must decide who to trust.
As his mother fights to protect livelihoods and legacies, teenager Theo is confronted by a stranger who shakes his world to its foundations and threatens the people he cares about most.
Lauren Bauer is keeping a secret.
Sixteen-year-old Lauren feels trapped in the claustrophobic seaside town of Saltreach. Longing for a fresh start, she sets a plan in motion – but its ripple effects could push both families to breaking point.
Amidst a maze of lies, loyalties, and hidden agendas, betrayal threatens to destroy everything Kerry, Theo, and the entire Saltreach community hold dear.
A gripping and emotionally charged family drama that will appeal to readers of Adele Parks and Liane Moriarty.
I love love loved this book by Emer. It is a well written book that deals with so many of life's big issues. But in an everyday way!
I couldn't put it down! It's a story with a gentle beginning that engages the reader, then delivers a thriller story.
Right from the first page I felt I'd been brought straight into the lives of the people of Saltreach, it was lovely getting to know the characters and their stories.
All the characters and situations Emer wrires about are relatable to real life!
My favourite character was Kerry, a strong woman, a mom, a wife, a hard worker, a business woman. Juggling life. The way we all do. Emers writing style made me feel like I was in the room with Kerry, i found i could relate to her situation and emotions.
I loved the variety of characters- all of who added something different to this story. Some characters are kind, some menacing, some vulnerable.
Emers book is so well written, it takes you by surprise in parts. One short sentence and the readers view is totally changed. I particularly loved the little 'lightbulb' moments when the reader is delivered a perfectly written sentence of clarity at exactly the right moment that sends the story in a particular direction.
Throughout the book the story lines gradually come together. Tension builds so well that you don't notice time slipping by as you read on! And I loved the thrilling finale.
I'm only sad it's over! Already looking forward to the next Saltreach book!
I was lucky enough to be an advanced reader of this debut novel by Emer Rohan, and what a brilliant debut.
Between You and Me is a great read. The tension builds and builds and just when you think nothing else can possibly go wrong for the main character, Kerry, the worst thing happens to her family. Unimaginable suffering for her children, but also the Mum, and all Mums everywhere reading this will be completely gripped until the story ends. Brilliantly written, no melodrama, just writing it as it might have happened, like a punch in your gut. And you are left with a fervent hope that nothing like that will ever happen to you.
There is a wide cast of characters in this novel, all carrying secrets or problems of their own. From someone who hates his body to another teenager who posts photos on a website for money; from the boy who can’t believe his luck when the prettiest girl in the year seems to want to be his girlfriend, to the middle-aged man who is worrying about how to pay the next bill – it’s all there, in a crisp but very readable prose. Every reader will no doubt have their own favourite character, but they are all well written and introduced at pace. Finally, with a strong sense of place, set in a small town by the sea, and the 21st century problem of a family firm being at risk of a takeover by a large multinational company, this is very much a novel for today. I can’t recommend it enough.
I was so delighted to receive an advance copy of this book to read and review. This is a thought provoking, engaging, fast paced read with drama from beginning to end, which I would not hesitate to recommend. The story and characters are very relatable . The mother Kerry’s story of a woman torn between work and family life is a tale borne true time and again in our modern world. The story line will bring to life the real worries modern mothers and parents have in a generation full of technology. The characters are brought to life through the exhibition of a mix of emotions, often in a single page… Lauren will drive you to rage and frustration before you find yourself having the deepest empathy for her as her story unfolds. The book creates a wonderful sense of place with the easily envisioned “Saltreach” seaside location. The story builds steadily throughout the book, taking some unexpected twists along the way, I dare say many won’t have the will power to put it down as it winds its way to its finale. A breath-taking read!!
I was gratefully gifted an ARC of this book from the author and have decided to leave a review after reading it.
I absolutely loved the premise of this book when I first read what it was about and it didn't disappoint! Everything about it pulled me in.
The characters were like your family and it was like you were part of everyone's lives and secrets. Each character has their own chapter, which if you've read books like this previously can take you a beat to get into until you know everyone, but then you're all set and fully invested.
I loved the atmosphere, tension, build up, this book had it all! I absolutely love a good thriller/drama and this one had me wanting more and more and more.
Absolutely stunning debut novel from Emer Rohan who could find herself as a staple when looking for a thriller to recommend to someone. Well done Emer, I'm already a fan and can't wait to read more
A web of tangled lies and family drama unfolds in this brilliant debut from Emer Rohan.
Between You & Me certainly brought the drama, and the pace never seems to falter from beginning to end. Initially, when I realised there were going to be multiple POVs, I felt a little daunted about trying to keep track of everything ~ but I really didn’t need to worry. You quickly get to grips with the characters, their relationships, and, of course, their secrets.
I especially enjoyed that the story centres around Kerry, who I think many readers will find incredibly relatable. A working mother spinning all the plates, navigating the teenage years while also caring for an elderly relative ~ everything is happening for Kerry, and those plates are spinning fast and hard.
Overall, if you enjoy fast-paced drama that explores the darker side of family dynamics, then this book is definitely for you.
Drama, secrets, and simmering family tension — this story had me hooked from the start. I was incredibly lucky to receive an advanced copy of Emer Rohan’s debut novel and it certainly did not disappoint. I felt completely immersed in the lives of these characters and couldn’t look away as the drama unfolded. Beautifully written and deeply compelling. I’m already excited to see what she does next.
This is an excellent debut by Emer Rohan. She has created a vivid setting and community of characters in the fictional seaside town of Saltreach, where it seems everyone has a secret. The novel is really well constructed and builds to a drama-packed and page-turning final third. I look forward to returning to Saltreach for more inter-generational drama in the future.
A fantastic read—I couldn’t put this book down. The characters are so real and relatable and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. The story hooks you from the very beginning, and the twists and turns keep you fully engaged right through to the final pages.
This was a gripping read, full of heart. I felt completely immersed in the family dynamics, broken friendships and teen tribulations of Saltreach, and rooted for every character throughout. Looking forward to seeing what Emer writes next!
For transparency, I was provided with a free Arc copy.
I found this book captivating It was a little slow to start but after a couple of chapters I was hooked The twists and turns kept me reading this book in no time Thanks for great read
This is such a brilliant read, I really couldn’t put it down! Emotions run high with real connection with the characters. A roller coaster of discovery with every page you turn.