Jane Sims

Common Secrets book cover

Common Secrets

On the surface, Bramley Common appears to be an ideal village, but you never know what’s going on behind your neighbours’ front doors…

Three friends are facing heartache in their closest relationships, with a nest of secrets that threaten to explode. 

There’s Jo, who lost her husband early but is stunned to learn things about him that will change her forever. Nicki, who has a turbulent relationship with her husband; the longer she has been with him, the less she knows about him. And Lucy, unhappily married and tempted by a TV actor filming on location. 

The village is facing the threat of unwelcome local development, which could split the Common apart. On top of everything, the village is rumoured to have a ghost.

One year, three women and an onslaught of dilemmas. Can their friendships help them to survive? Or perhaps even to thrive?

Common Secrets book cover 3D

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Common Secrets is available for international distribution.

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Why I decided to Write

Common Secrets

Book and coffee on a blanket

"I always love a story that has several layers – like Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, where the reader gradually discovers the real world that lies underneath the daily school run."

Common Secrets is set in an apparently idyllic village, but none of us ever know what’s going on behind our neighbour’s front doors. As we meet and get to know Jo, Lucy and Nicki, we begin to understand the tough challenges they are having to confront in their daily lives. We share their relationship heartache, but we also experience their fun and joy at finding love again. During the most difficult dilemmas that each of them faces, we see how they support each other, demonstrating the strength and positivity of female friendships. There’s an underlying positive message of strength with vulnerability and kindness – and not being afraid to be yourself.

Reviews

A really enjoyable read - I liked how the lives of three very different women become intertwined, and subsequently how they support each other. I love a book which has different story strands which weave together, with a little sprinkle of magic too!

Clare Burgess

A fabulous novel which I was unable to put down! Wonderful storyline and great characters.I just didn’t want it to end…

Monica Halliday

A story set in a lovely village but there are secrets and things are not always what they seem.  Interesting characters and good storylines that make this the ideal book to take on holiday to enjoy from your sun lounger to bedtime reading.

Jan Pashley

Common Secrets is a page turner whose plot weaves in and out of people’s lives, producing a tapestry of possibilities. Take Common Secrets away with you this summer and you’ll be eagerly awaiting Jane Sims next offering.

Sharon Torres

Compelling characters and an intriguing plot... Common Secrets is an exceptionally good read. I found myself totally immersed in the story. Here's hoping for a sequel with even more secrets to discover!

Alison Grange

Get in Touch

Jane would love to hear from readers, book clubs, reviewers and anyone who enjoys stories about secrets, friendships, romance and life’s unexpected turning points.

Use the form below to send a message, ask a question, or get in touch about events, reviews or book-related enquiries.