Cave of Secrets

"I have counted the days until you would return to my waiting arms, my insistent kisses. But now I know you never will..." On a rainy hike by Loch Lomond, Eve Waldman stumbles upon a perfectly preserved journal in a hidden cave. The time-worn lettering details the illicit affair of two Jewish lovers that sent a shiver of shame through a Scottish family — and echoes down the bloodlines. Born of Highland aristocracy, Mac Monteith prefers to spend his days behind the bar of the family pub, rather than live the life his parents desired for him. Then Eve walks through the door, stirring more than Mac's long-dormant heart. When Eve traces the cave documents to the Monteith line, scandals and secrets spill out from all sides. Eve remains committed to the truth, but when being truthful means hurting the man she loves, she is forced to make a bigger choice: righting the wrongs of the past, or building the future she's yearned for. A contemporary romance with hints of magical realism, Cave of Secrets is about family heritage, intergenerational trauma, and finding the courage to be honest with ourselves — and those who love us. Cave of Secrets was a Bronze Medalist in the 2025 IPPY Award for multicultural fiction, a 2025 Finalist in the American Fiction Awards in Romance, a 2024 Finalist in the Reader's Choice Book Awards for Romance and a 2024 Finalist in the FOREWORD INDIES Award for Romance & LGBTQ+ Fiction. Cave of Secrets transports readers on a timeless journey to Scotland while weaving a captivating tale of love, identity, and legacy. Lynne Golodner highlights family history and expectations that eventually force her characters to make difficult choices. Sprinkled with secrets and a touch of magical realism, this novel is a must-read. Merle R. Saferstein, author of Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vols. l and ll A masterful blend of suspense, romance, and self-discovery, CAVE OF SECRETS is the tale of an intrepid young archivist's pursuit of history, unveiling a secret love affair and a powerful family's hidden Jewish roots. Golodner's gorgeous prose and skillful narration will bring you to the edge of your seat, yearning for the next revelation. A must-read for anyone craving a story that explores the layers of identity and the enduring power of love. Lisa Williamson Rosenberg, author of Embers on the Wind Tackling the topics of antisemitism and homophobia,Cave of Secrets, is an engaging, thought-provoking read, illustrating the power of courage to unveil past secrets, make tough choices, and live an authentic life against all odds. Golodner exquisitely crafts a layered story full of heart, wisdom, hard truths, and explores the journey of self-discovery and the deep need for human connection. A touching tale of love, loss, and the fortitude to pave a new path forward. Annie Cathryn, multi-award winning author of The Friendship Breakup What begins as a journey to unravel the history of a romance story reveals deep secrets that a family has tried to hide for decades. CAVE OF SECRETS not only addresses forbidden love of the past but also brings to light the struggles of love and relationships today along with the search for acceptance by one's family and the outside world. Lynne Golodner's writing encompasses the feelings and emotions of each character in a way that allows you to empathize with each of them. Michelle Glogovac, award-winning author of How To Get On Podcasts