The Secrets We Keep

By: Mia Hayes

Narrated by: E.L. Beckett

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Sometimes, the people who seem the happiest have the most to hide.

But it's imperative Elizabeth put on a brave face. So when she's not going to Costco or day drinking with her best friend, she's trying to create a new, drama-free life in the suburbs. 

And it seems to work - until an anonymous gossip blog begins spilling the women of Waterford's darkest secrets.

Now, the blurred conversations and blank spots in Elizabeth's mind give way to panic and anxiety. If her secrets - like a hospitalization for bipolar disorder and a suicide attempt - don't stay buried, she faces social shunning.

Because after all, life in Waterford must look Instagram perfect at all times.

With her mental health in tatters and her marriage on the brink of imploding, Elizabeth fights to protect her family, her reputation, and her sanity.

A delicious mix of gossip and darker narrative, The Secrets We Keep is a brilliant look at life in the social media age, friendship, and the stigma of mental illness.

©2018 Dawn Rae Miller (P)2018 Dawn Rae Miller

Please do not read if you have mental illness

The book does tell a perfect story on how most people live their lives. Moms trying to keep up with other mom and making sure their kids are the best. Put if you have have been cheated on repeatedly and suffer from any type of mental issues. Don’t read! it will put you in a bad place. I had to take breaks from listening.

This Would Likely Be Better To Read, Not Listen To

My advice is to listen to the sample and really understand that all 12 hours of reading will be in this voice, before you decide whether to buy it or not. I'm 1/4 of the way through the book right now and I just have to return it. The narrator is awful. EVERYthing is read in "Bitch Brigade"-like tones, not just the ladies voices. When I heard her husband Jason's voice read in that Valley Girl way, I pronounced myself done with this audiobook. Every single character has the very same inflections. It's really rough to listen to. I think the premise of the book sounds interesting and I would like to know what happens, so I plan to pick up the eBook or paperback once some time has passed.

Honest, Entertaining, and well read.

I was intrigued by the many facets of the characters. Well written, well read. I can't wait to read/hear more from these two. Hoping there will be a sequel? Dealing with being bipolar, trying to be everything she thinks everyone wants her to be, with some twists and turns in the storyline. Very cool!

Absolutely the best!

First-the narrator is phenomenal! I enjoyed listening to her the whole way through. Second- the story is awesome- lots of twists and turns, things I didn't expect. I would have liked to see it end differently with the main character. I cant say how or I will give the story away! But-it was still great to listen to! And finally- I couldn't put it down. I listened every chance I got! Even took the long way home a few times to listen longer!

Secrets, secrets and more secrets..

Elizabeth and her family flee to the suburbs of Waterford after her husband has an affair with a co-worker. The trauma of her unfaithful husband triggered a bipolar disorder, which Elizabeth wants to keep hidden from her new “Bitch Brigade “friends. The women seem to spend their days shopping, drinking, working out and gossiping, yet each one of them has secrets. Someone who is close to the “Bitch Brigade” is writing a blog and letting out these secrets one blog at a time.. I really loved this audio book and dreaded it when my twice daily commute to work was over. The story, characters and secrets all kept me riveted. The narrator is probably one of the best that I have listened to so far. Want more….
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Bi-Polar 2 listen

The Secrets we Keep is a great mental health awareness book that deals with Bi-Polar 2 and suicide. I thought the storyline was well written and was surprised with the ending. The narration was great! E.L. Beckett gave the various characters distinctive voices which I enjoyed. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I would listen to more books by this author and narrator.

Outstanding

This audio was fascinating. It gives you some definite pause on societal pressures of the rich. The story revolves around a group of women, The Bitch Brigade who run the small community of Waterford. Elizabeth is the main character and is told from her POV. She is recovering, surviving her cheating husband Jason. There is some information in this book that is quite old fashioned about Bi-Polar disorder and the medications and actions of the psychologist. I found the subject matter very interesting and full of surprises. Weaved through the story are the snarky remarks coming from an anonymous blog writer who outs everyone in this Bitch Brigade, telling all their secrets. It has some sad realities and interesting characters. If you like a little humor with the realities of life... you'll enjoy this.

Secrets, Truths & Living! Great Story & Listen!🎧

A well told story that contains interesting characters and storylines. The author, Mia Hayes, creates and presents life in suburbia through the eyes of Elizabeth, the main character. The setting is an affluent community called Waterford, where there are clicks and with clicks comes lot of drama. Reminded me of a cross between “Desperate Housewives” & “The Stepford Wives” gone mean girls. Elizabeth’s mental health plays a large part in the story and Mia Hayes does a great job with it, she keeps it real. The book was addictive, the story drew me in and kept me thinking and rolling my eyes quite often. I loved the title “Bitch Brigade”, so fitting. Also loved “Surviving the Suburbs” blog and the ending. WTG Elizabeth!! Mia Hayes, thank you for this great story.

I listen to the audio version, E.L. Beckett does a wonderful job narrating the story and bringing the characters to life. She performed the voices of all the different characters, switching back & forth effortlessly keeping the story in a perfect flow Thank you for the great listen.

 "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review." 

horrible!

valley girl central. very silly story made up by a bunch of stupid drama that is better suited for high school. don't waste your time or credit... definitely not worth it!

Great surprise ending!

I liked it a lot. I did not like Sarah from the beginning and was relieved she left so soon. I feel like I have learnt more about the depression side of bipolar disorder but little of the manic side. Loved, loved , loved that Elizabeth was the blogger. I would more from this author.

Don’t waste a credit

Borrow from the library instead if you have to.
Didn’t feel anything for the main character- and everyone around her was horrible. If Unreliable narrators and obvious gaslighting are your thing go ahead.