The Secrets We Keep

By: Kate Hewitt

Narrated by: Katherine Fenton

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

When Tessa arrives at the little house by the lake with her two children, it is an escape. The rental house may be a bit small – but it’s theirs for the summer. A place to hide…

However, their isolation is disrupted by the family from the big house next door. Three children and their glamorous mother Rebecca – who seems determined to invite Tessa into their lives.

Rebecca, however, is harboring a dark secret. And when it becomes too much for her to bear, Tessa seems to be the only person she can turn to.

But as powerful bonds form between the two families, choices will be made that can never be undone. And as the summer comes to an end, nothing can keep everyone safe. And one family will pay the ultimate price…

A gripping, powerful emotional page turner with a heartbreaking twist, for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emily Bleeker and Diane Chamberlain.

©2018 Kate Hewitt (P)2018 Bookouture

Critic reviews

"Heart-wrenching and captivating…as good as anything Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain have ever written." (Bookish Jottings)

"A highly recommended read, just keep your tissues close by – you’re going to need them!" (Stardust Book Reviews)

Disappointing

The story was line was headed in a good direction, but when the Zoe and Catherine went to the hospital it felt like the situation was rushed and unrealistic. It was not the outcome I expected, which is good in a way, but the way it got there and the final resolution was not realistic at all. Very sad ending!

Also on chapter 35 when Rebecca asks Tessa how Catherine was doing while in the hospital, we learn about her lungs condition, which was precipitated by the author being that Tessa had not actually learned about that. (This was a mistake on the book)

I cried

It took me a long while to finish this book, but it was great. Everything about this book made me want to keep coming back. Little by little I finished it. Worth the listen, probably worth the read!

poignant and makes you think

Narrator was fabulous! Great book and the storyline has me wanting to read and discuss with my book club!

couldn't put it down.

the narrator was phenomenal. It wasn't a voice that you got tired of listening to. The emotion included was spot-on.

The narration was a total distraction from the story

The story line was okay. The narration- horrible. The shrill voice when she was narrating the children, especially Zoey was almost enough for me to stop listening to the book altogether. The only reason I continued to listen was because it was our book club selection. I will not listen to another book narrated by Katherine Fenton

Decent vacation read

The story is twisty enough to be interesting but not overly challenging. Seems predictable but has an unexpected plot twist. it feels a little unfinished, like the author had to finish in X amount of pages so it just kind of wraps up with an ending that doesn't really befit the rest of the book.

Not a spoiler, but the author tells the story from two perspectives, each chapter flipping between the two. The narrator does not distinguish between the two characters very well so if you drift off for a minute you may not realize which character is telling the story at that point.

Too much for me

It was written well, but definitely not the outcome I was expecting. Had hoped for a more positive resolution.

The ending…

It was a slow starter with some twists and turns but has a great ending.

Emotional story that tugs at your heart

This was my first book by Kate Hewitt and it won’t be my last. The characters were realistic, sympathetic and flawed.

The story is told from two points of views; Tessa and Rebecca. Both women form quick stereotyped opinions of each other. But as they become acquainted, they develop a somewhat co-dependent friendship. I was riveted and kept wanting to learn more about them. I also thought the struggles their kids went through were heartfelt and genuine.

When one mother needs the other, the balance of power between the two shifts. Then tragedy strikes and. . . no spoilers. The end is bittersweet, but satisfying.

I already miss Tessa and Rebecca and wonder how they’re doing; the true indicator of well developed characters.

This was the first book I’ve listened to narrated by Catherine Fenton. She did a good job of altering her voice for the two main characters. 

Great read, the end was not what I expected. love

i wish that we heard more on how Charlotte dealth with Catherine dyeing due to a dare that she practically forced her to do.