Secrets Never Told

by Rochelle Alers

From national bestselling author Rochelle Alers comes the powerful story of one woman and the secrets that will forever alter her vision of her family, her marriage, and herself. In one night, Morgana Johnson-Wells takes two hard first, news that her mother has died, then evidence that her husband is having an affair. Fleeing Baltimore to tend to her mother's estate in Salvation, Georgia, Morgana finds comfort in the company of her Uncle Julian and in the diaries her mother left hidden in the attic. Shocked by her mother's most private thoughts and confused about both her illusions of her own childhood and the fate of her marriage, Morgana is drawn to local artist Erick Wilson, with whom she shares the kind of intimacy she and her husband have lost along the way. The connection grows deep, and by the time all of her mother's secrets are revealed, Morgana has a few secrets of her own...secrets of the heart, mind, and body that need never be told.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, African American Romance

291 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Rochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.

Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.

Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.

Reviews

[Sheronda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. The book slept my attention by going back and forth between the past and present. It was easy to figure out what the secret was. I did not care for the ending at all.

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author. This was a pretty good book. I was a little confused at the beginning because of the change in characters, but once I realized that the characters in the beginning, Edward and Randolph were Morgana's parent and grandparent, I understood more. This was different from the romance novels that I usually read, but a welcomed change. Morgana was an educated woman who was married to a successful lawyer. He took her for granted and cheated on her. When she got the news of her mother dieing and then learned of her husband cheating on her within minutes of the news, she fled to where her mother was to handle her affairs, bury her, and determine what to do about her marriage, alone. Morgana uncovered secrets that were truly never told. Great storyline and great title. A book about undieing love and committment. I listened to the audiobook and was engaged the entire time. Good book Rochelle Alers. I enjoyed it. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading romance novels.

[LaRhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good story....keep my attention the entire read. however I didn't like the ending..

[sjoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets Never Told: Revealed

The first chapters of this book were difficult book to follow because of going from past to present, then back again. It is a story of husbands and wives, daughters and mothers and fathers, brothers and lovers. You have betrayals, deceit, anger, love forgiveness and everything in between.

You have Randolph and Katherine who married, separated and got back together, but never reconciled. They never loved nor forgave each other. Morgana is the only child of Randolph and Katherine who is married to Franklin. They separated due to infidelity, however they reconciled because Morgana forgave Franklin because she really loved him. Why do people cheat, often for no apparent reason? Is there any reason to cheat?

Then you have Julian, Randolph's brother, Morgana's uncle and Katherine's best friend. Finally you have Erick who was divorced because his wife cheated. He met and fell in love with Morgana but knew she loved Franklin and would forgive him. He also realized that he deserved a love like theirs and was willing to wait.

In some form, they were all losers but a couple of them ended up as winners. What causes strong, independent women to handle infidelity in different ways, causing hurt or healing to everyone involved? Someone always knows your secrets and they are often revealed to others. I don't understand why Morgana discovered her parents' secrets. She didn't reveal them to others involved but left means for others to discover them in the future. Why?

[Layeshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect that all families have secrets little ones and big ones. Discovering your uncle is actually your father. I’m sure is a pretty common one. It was nice to read this book. However, I didn’t care for the ending. I wanted a little bit more discussion between uncle/father, and niece/daughter. Just to tie the loose ends there overall it was four stars for me still read beautifully.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic example of a love story intertwined with drama. I loved and cried during this one from begining to end.

[Nerissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

He did not redeem himself. No real grovelling. No explanation. No why. No nothing. Yes he was obviously remorseful but it wasn't enough.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more from the ending, such as, reveal the secret. But I guess the title is litetal.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Never Told

This book was published in 2010, but the story could have happened today; it's an excellent read, and I hated to see it end. This was a story that makes you wonder what kind of "secrets never told" are in your own family history. It also makes you realize that no one, no situation is perfect, and that in the blink of an eye, your world can come crashing down. It also teaches you that you don't have to let situations dictate the rest of your life. Morgana could've lamented and not trusted or been forgiving, but she didn't. Instead, she grieved, she suffered, she grew, she forgave, and she moved on.
I highly recommend this book to current Rochelle Alers fans, and to those who have never read any of her work, pick up this book. It's an excellent read!

[Whogotbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This book truly touched me. It explores the deep themes of love, choices, and forgiveness in a way that feels honest and real. Just when I thought love had been lost for good, the story takes an unexpected turn—like a 360—and shows that love can find its way back, even when all seems broken.

What stood out most to me was the message about forgiveness. It’s not about excusing someone else’s actions—it’s about freeing yourself. The story reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, but there’s strength and healing in grace, both for others and for ourselves.

If you’re looking for a read that stirs the heart and makes you reflect on second chances, this one is worth picking up. 💛

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book back in 2017 but I actually didn’t start reading it until early July 2021. But let me tell you I wish I would have read this book when I first got it because it is so incredibly good. The author painted vivid pictures from the characters to the scenery it was just amazing. There are moments where you’re going to be so emotionally drawn to certain characters which makes the book so worth reading. I also really love how this book is very easy to read. The font was a great size and it was easily digestible.

[Reading MochaMom4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was much better than I thought it would be.
I enjoyed the story embedded within the story.
I was completely disappointed that Morgana and her father did not verbally acknowledge their relationship.
The story was engaging and a little predictable but an enjoyable read.

[Queen Coop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story with a great ending. I love how the characters have attended Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU).

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. It depicts how families hold on to secrets and how those secrets have an impact on so much. Love is an interesting thing. You can't always control who your heart connects with.

[Brynsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Never Told

Wow a great page turner read. Glad I found this book. This could actually be a true story. Great job by the author.I always love a happy ending

[Toya Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Excellent character

development. Well written. Great story leaving reader with good memories. Would love to read Eric's story following his journey.

[Carolyn Ginyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I kind of figured out the untold secret it was a good good read!!!!

[Cf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly I enjoyed this book. It was actually a believable outcome to martial issues. But what I loved was the characters were in their thirties and forties. I need more season adult books and a break from twenty year olds.

[Kimberly Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not what I expected. It is a story of secrets from the distant past and the recent discovery of a more recent secret. Mo has suffered a double loss, but finds herself rediscovering her true self. Intriguing and well written are the best ways to describe this book.

[Darlene Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS MADE ME CRY!!!

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book.

[Angie Riddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed this book. Read in three days.