The Secrets She Kept (Fairham Island)

I thought the book was very enjoyable, but on with it. Get to the point and move. Could have been cut down by 50-100 pages..the twist at the end was great..Nice job. I will continue to read this author.

Oh my goodness, how Brenda Novak can weave a story. This is the second book in this series about siblings, and I loved the first book, The Secret Sister, but in truth, this may be better than the first. I loved how involved it was, and the cast of characters in it: the siblings, Rocki, Keith, and Maisey, the spouses and children, and then let's throw in a mother's lover and his family. And let's make sure each character is important to the story in his own right! That's what makes this book a great read at least to me. This book centers around Keith, and although there is a romance involved, this book has so much more to it. I like that it is considered Women's Fiction, rather than a romance, but it truly is just a great story, with so many twists and turns to it, I was riveted to the end. Thanks so much to Ms. Novak for allowing me to read this book for an honest review. I have loved every book of hers I have ever read, and think she improves with each book. Thanks for writing, Brenda!

I bought this book because of all the rave reviews, but decided I should read the first in the series, The Secret Sister, for the background. I was not a fan of that book or the author's writing style. Maisey and Rafe seemed to go at it like rabbits every few pages, and the description of their love making was laughable: "Feeling strangely gratified that he was already trembling and breathless, she ran her fingers over his arousal." (Eye roll.)

I should have realized after slogging through the first book that I wouldn't particularly like the sequel. It was also completely unnecessary to read the first book in order to understand what was taking place in the second book, because references to the family background were provided. In The Secrets She Kept, the author had Keith and Nancy jumping into bed every few pages. I'm no prude, but this was just way too much. WAY too much! This author clearly has many faithful fans...I'm just not one of them.