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The Secret Ever Keeps
High adventure and chick lit combine as billionaire tycoon Jake Eastland nears the end of a long life of shady dealings, lost love, and failed relationships, and is given one final chance to atone. Themes of greed, lust, guilt, family karma, and the power of forgiveness play out as a granddaughter arrives whose relationship with Jake could change everything for both of them. This sprawling epic adventure of feuding families, prohibition rum-runners, and present-day treasure hunters is equally thrilling and heart-warming.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 6, 2007
I read The Secret Ever Keeps in both draft and final form. Art's book is fabulous. You feel that you're in Oswego Bay, your heart in your
mouth, learning things you never knew and desperate to find out what
will happen to these wonderful characters. It has mystery, lots of action, and a yummy marine adventure too. There's even a love story and to show you just how well Art Tirrell writes, here's one of my favorite passages:
"His pulse hammered. He swam toward the pillars as fast as he could.
Don't lose her. Don't lose her
[snip]
"When he caught his breath, he tied her line to his harness ring and began to reel her in. Even now, while they drifted out of control in the cold bowels of Lake Ontario, he knew she represented his salvation. He was not saving her; it was the other way around."
Irresistible! Don't miss it.
mouth, learning things you never knew and desperate to find out what
will happen to these wonderful characters. It has mystery, lots of action, and a yummy marine adventure too. There's even a love story and to show you just how well Art Tirrell writes, here's one of my favorite passages:
"His pulse hammered. He swam toward the pillars as fast as he could.
Don't lose her. Don't lose her
[snip]
"When he caught his breath, he tied her line to his harness ring and began to reel her in. Even now, while they drifted out of control in the cold bowels of Lake Ontario, he knew she represented his salvation. He was not saving her; it was the other way around."
Irresistible! Don't miss it.
February 10, 2008
This is my first Art Tirrell novel. From what I have read so far, it won't be my last. As soon as I am done posting, I am getting back to it and won't finish until I am done. Kudos, Mr. Tirrell.
October 9, 2007
The Secret Ever Keeps
Great story! Loved the flashbacks sequences!
Art Tirrell’s The Secret Ever Keeps is a modern Cinderella story, with a rum-running, sunken treasure twist. On the shores of Lake Ontario, Laurel Kingsford discovers that there is more to her family’s past. There is a secret that has laid buried, one that is yearning to be revealed.
While searching for a treasure buried far beneath the sea, she uncovers a conspiracy, a passionate new love, a jealous and formidable rival, more family than she wants, and riches beyond her dreams. But of course, something—or someone—wants to spoil her plans at happiness and they will go to any length to take her breath away—permanently.
The Secret Ever Keeps is a tantalizing read. Fast-paced, sexy and sensationally plotted, it will keep you guessing and cheering on the heroine until the explosive and satisfying ending.
I have given this novel 5 stars because it deserves it! The story is awesome and it is believable and well-researched. Great work! I look forward to Art’s next novel.
~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author of Whale Song and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
Great story! Loved the flashbacks sequences!
Art Tirrell’s The Secret Ever Keeps is a modern Cinderella story, with a rum-running, sunken treasure twist. On the shores of Lake Ontario, Laurel Kingsford discovers that there is more to her family’s past. There is a secret that has laid buried, one that is yearning to be revealed.
While searching for a treasure buried far beneath the sea, she uncovers a conspiracy, a passionate new love, a jealous and formidable rival, more family than she wants, and riches beyond her dreams. But of course, something—or someone—wants to spoil her plans at happiness and they will go to any length to take her breath away—permanently.
The Secret Ever Keeps is a tantalizing read. Fast-paced, sexy and sensationally plotted, it will keep you guessing and cheering on the heroine until the explosive and satisfying ending.
I have given this novel 5 stars because it deserves it! The story is awesome and it is believable and well-researched. Great work! I look forward to Art’s next novel.
~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author of Whale Song and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
September 7, 2007
There are many meanings hidden in the word `Secret' in the title. On one level, the secret is simply a matter of what's buried beneath the stormy surface of Lake Ontario. If that were the only secret, what we would have here would be a swashbuckling, sexy adventure romp.
But there's a great deal more: hidden beneath this well-paced, neatly written action tale is a story of deeply submerged family secrets, shame and mis-guided altruism.
As the story progresses, we are lured from the action by the deepening personal relationships. The suspense becomes less about what's happening below the water and more about what's going on with the characters.
There are layers in the plot too. It zigzags back and forth betweer the present and Prohibition-era America and in and out of three generations of two entangled families.
If you are a fan of Michneresque sagas that span decades and are willing to read one that burrows a little bit deeper, The Secret Ever Keeps is pergect for you.
But there's a great deal more: hidden beneath this well-paced, neatly written action tale is a story of deeply submerged family secrets, shame and mis-guided altruism.
As the story progresses, we are lured from the action by the deepening personal relationships. The suspense becomes less about what's happening below the water and more about what's going on with the characters.
There are layers in the plot too. It zigzags back and forth betweer the present and Prohibition-era America and in and out of three generations of two entangled families.
If you are a fan of Michneresque sagas that span decades and are willing to read one that burrows a little bit deeper, The Secret Ever Keeps is pergect for you.
October 6, 2007
Art's novel is grounded solidly in the world he inhabits and the events and action read as if one were there. Laurel and Jake could almost be old friends that one rediscovers in the novel.
I've learned about boats and sailing from Art before, but in 'Secret' I was immersed in the world of Lake Ontario, it's history and its storms. I now have a clearer picture of underwater exploration, the Coastguard, boat handling, and even bootlegging liquor -- should that become an employment interest sometime in the future.
The story of Jake's past and Laurel's future intertwine as the plot unfolds -- a great read that one shouldn't miss.
I've learned about boats and sailing from Art before, but in 'Secret' I was immersed in the world of Lake Ontario, it's history and its storms. I now have a clearer picture of underwater exploration, the Coastguard, boat handling, and even bootlegging liquor -- should that become an employment interest sometime in the future.
The story of Jake's past and Laurel's future intertwine as the plot unfolds -- a great read that one shouldn't miss.
February 28, 2008
Art Tirrell sets his debut novel on the shores and waters of Lake Ontario. At the center of the Secret is Jake Eastland, a former bootlegger, and his search for treasures of the present and past. Eastland enlists Laurel Kingsford in a search for bootlegged whiskey lost in the depths of Lake Ontario. That's just part of the story. Unbeknownst to Laurel, Eastland is her estranged grandfather. Therein lies the real story, as Eastland gradually reveals to the reader his history and why he brought Laurel into it. Eastland has a rather unsavory past, which Tirrell presents in forthright manner. Reconciling past and present lies at the heart of this historical adventure.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews