The Secret Life of Winnie Cox

Sharon Maas

‘This is a beautiful, mesmerising work of fiction that makes you think about the past and the history of slavery… Sharon Maas is an author to look out for with regards to historical, romantic fiction.’ Krafti Reader

1910, Guyana. A time of racial tension and poverty. A time where forbidden love must remain a secret.


Winnie Cox lives a privileged life of dances and dresses on her father’s sugar cane plantation. Life is sweet in the kingdom of sugar and Winnie along with her sister Johanna, have neither worries nor responsibilities, they are birds of paradise, protected from the poverty in the world around them.

But everything can change in a heartbeat…

When Winnie falls in love with George Quint, the black post-office boy, from the other side, she soon finds herself slipping into a double life. And as she withdraws from her family, she discovers a shocking secret about those whom are closest to her. Now, more than ever, Winnie is determined to prove her love for George, whatever price she must pay and however tragic the consequences might be.

A breath-taking love story of two people fighting to be together, in a world determined to break them apart.

I absolutely love Sharon Maas writing style– you can just picture the setting and the relationships between the characters in such a vivid world.’Bookworms and Shutterbugs

‘Superb book about love in a different age against all the odds. Brilliant.’ Baatty about Books

Intriguing and compelling …a page-turner that had me drawn into a previously unexplored world. An emotional drama’ Natalie-Meg Evans

This rich story grabbed me from the start! It is powerful, fulfilling, thought-provoking and a whole lot more. Definitely a must read! Totally engrossing!Great Historical Fiction Review Blog

‘A beautifully written book – one which transports you to the place it is set in. The plot, the twist, the setting, everything was perfect.’ Any Excuse to Read

‘I hope many people will pick up this book and see just what magnificent writing and storytelling abilities Sharon has. Right from the outset the writing in this book is beyond beautiful and resonates such a chord. A deeply satisfying read of love, loss and determination.Shaz’s Book Blog

A beautifully written story of love against all the odds.Portobello Book Blog

A beautifully written story of forbidden love…I fell in love with Winnie … the book is written with sensitivity and heart-aching honesty’ The Bookshelf Blog

Acclaim for Sharon Maas:


A terrific writer.’ Barbara Erskine

A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents, reminiscent of Andrea Levy.’ Katie Fforde

‘Beautifully and cleverly written. A wondrous, spellbinding story which grips you from the first to the last page… I can’t recall when I last enjoyed a book so much.’ Lesley Pearse

An authentic reflection of a world full of sadness, joy and surprise.The Observer

A beautiful story about tragic love and ultimately about forgiveness… with powerful messages about love, life and learning to let things go in order to be happy.’ Life With Joy

‘Rich in detail and emotion and has the most beautiful and real description of loss I have ever read.’ Shaz’s Book blog

‘Wow what a very touching story that was filled with super characters and important real-life issues…AJ Book Review Club

‘If you are fond of family dramas that span generations, continents, and cultures, you will find this to be a worthwhile read. I found the shift in attitudes toward gender and ethnicity across generations and cultures to be particularly interesting.’ janetursel.com

More From the Series: The Quint Chronicles