Rae's Reviews > His First Wife's Secret

Emma Robinson’s novels have been on my to-be-read pile for too long, so when I saw her latest release, His First Wife’s Secret described as a powerful and emotionally gripping drama, it had to be my next read.

When Pete dies suddenly, his second wife, Emily, is distraught. But she isn’t the only grieving widow, as his first wife, Caroline must also come to terms with the loss. Alone and pregnant, with baby Dylan, Emily turns to Caroline for help and the two women grow close. But what secrets has Caroline kept hidden? And can their fledgling friendship survive when truths are revealed.

His First Wife’s Secret is a beautifully written, heart-tugging read. Every single character rang true. Even the unusual friendship between a first and second wife seemed entirely plausible. There are enough twists and turns to keep the plot interesting, but it’s the riveting emotional journey that both women experience that is central to the novel. Although His First Wife’s Secret deals with tragic events, it is lifted by hope, humour and warmth. Themes including friendship, motherhood, divorce and grief, are sensitively explored. The good news is that Emma Robinson also has a backlist to enjoy. One for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult, Catherine Miller and Kelly Rimmer.