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The Secret Between Us
Nothing will break this mother-daughter bond. Not even the truth.
Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party when their car hits a man running in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah sends her home before the police arrive, determined to shoulder the blame for the accident. Her decision then turns into a deception that takes on a life of its own and threatens the special bond between mother and daughter.
The Secret Between Us is an unforgettable story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the terrible consequences of a lie gone wrong. Once again, Barbara Delinksy has delivered a riveting study of family and a superbly crafted novel, perfectly targeted to reading groups and fans of provocative fiction.
Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party when their car hits a man running in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah sends her home before the police arrive, determined to shoulder the blame for the accident. Her decision then turns into a deception that takes on a life of its own and threatens the special bond between mother and daughter.
The Secret Between Us is an unforgettable story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the terrible consequences of a lie gone wrong. Once again, Barbara Delinksy has delivered a riveting study of family and a superbly crafted novel, perfectly targeted to reading groups and fans of provocative fiction.
343 pages, Hardcover
First published January 22, 2008
492 people are currently reading
9374 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
307 books4,356 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 914 reviews
September 23, 2023
This was my first book by Barbara Delinksy and it was an interesting read! Grace and her mother are involved in a car wreck on the way home one night in the rain. They hit someone. Grace was driving—but her mother Debra takes the blame. The consequences and twists and turns go from there. I liked the way this one not only examined the accident, but also the interpersonal relationships within Grace/Debra’s family, and also the victim’s family. An interesting read that went in some unexpected directions! 4/5 stars.
Trigger Warnings:
Trigger Warnings:
October 27, 2019
3.5 stars
A poignant story that delves into an interesting dilemma. As a parent, the need to protect one’s offspring is strong, but what happens when moral ethics are at odds with this biological need? Not My Daughter was an interesting look at how one family manages this predicament. The writing was strong and the story encapsulated the emotional impact. And although I didn’t really like the main character Debra, I understood what made her tick and empathized with her difficult decision. The ending was probably the weakest aspect of the story for me in that it felt forced and unrealistic. However, it is a thought-provoking read if you’re in the mood for women’s fiction.
A poignant story that delves into an interesting dilemma. As a parent, the need to protect one’s offspring is strong, but what happens when moral ethics are at odds with this biological need? Not My Daughter was an interesting look at how one family manages this predicament. The writing was strong and the story encapsulated the emotional impact. And although I didn’t really like the main character Debra, I understood what made her tick and empathized with her difficult decision. The ending was probably the weakest aspect of the story for me in that it felt forced and unrealistic. However, it is a thought-provoking read if you’re in the mood for women’s fiction.
March 26, 2008
The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinksy is truthfully painful. A good novel but with so much guilt that you really start to feel like it's you in the story. It's a can't put down book til the end so that you can see if things come out for better or worse.
Deborah Monroe is mom, daughter, sister, ex-wife, and prominent town doctor to a quiet little town in New England. Highly respected and loved, independent, honest to a fault has her life upturned by one little incident. Oh, is it little or bigger than she thinks.
Grace Monroe is a loving, athletic, brilliant, devoted teen who knows right from wrong but the one little unfortunate incident throws her into such an emotional turmoil that you sit and wonder how your own child would react to the same thing happening to her. The entire town knows this teen as truthfully honest and reliable almost to perfection which sets Grace up for emotional pain that is unimaginable.
The story brings into question what lengths we would go to as a parent in order to protect our children. It also questions our ability to handle one crisis following another as an adult especially in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. Can secrets truly be hidden in such a small community. Will one little deception tear a family apart not only from themselves but from all prying eyes. Can one selfish person willing cause so much emotional pain and break the trust that has been here for generations. So many questions with too few answers.
The author is brilliant with the actual storyline. With living in Massachusetts myself I can actually visualize all the areas that the author takes us to. Even though this is fiction it could also be someone's real life story. It's something we say can't possibly happen to us but in all reality, "It only takes one time", and it could very well come to pass.
Deborah Monroe is mom, daughter, sister, ex-wife, and prominent town doctor to a quiet little town in New England. Highly respected and loved, independent, honest to a fault has her life upturned by one little incident. Oh, is it little or bigger than she thinks.
Grace Monroe is a loving, athletic, brilliant, devoted teen who knows right from wrong but the one little unfortunate incident throws her into such an emotional turmoil that you sit and wonder how your own child would react to the same thing happening to her. The entire town knows this teen as truthfully honest and reliable almost to perfection which sets Grace up for emotional pain that is unimaginable.
The story brings into question what lengths we would go to as a parent in order to protect our children. It also questions our ability to handle one crisis following another as an adult especially in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. Can secrets truly be hidden in such a small community. Will one little deception tear a family apart not only from themselves but from all prying eyes. Can one selfish person willing cause so much emotional pain and break the trust that has been here for generations. So many questions with too few answers.
The author is brilliant with the actual storyline. With living in Massachusetts myself I can actually visualize all the areas that the author takes us to. Even though this is fiction it could also be someone's real life story. It's something we say can't possibly happen to us but in all reality, "It only takes one time", and it could very well come to pass.
March 16, 2008
A pleasant surprise. It wasn't challenging reading, but a good story that kept my interest. Would be good for a vacation book or beach book. Similar to Piccoult's style - but much better character development.
I'm not done yet, but enjoying the book. It's easy reading. I got the book from the publisher as part of a buzz campaign through BuzzAgent.com I've been telling people that I know are interested in this genre of books about this book as well as the author. I thought at first that I would find Delinsky's writing stye similar to that of Jodi Piccoult. I've read several of her books and can say that with each one I've been disappointed. Her characters seem to fall flat for me. I didn't find myself liking them or hating them - no connection. Thankfully, I find Delinsky's character development to be much better. There are characters that I like and characters that I don't - what I look for is that they evoke some sort of emotion in me. So far a thumbs up and a star ahead of Piccoult. More to come when I finish.
I'm not done yet, but enjoying the book. It's easy reading. I got the book from the publisher as part of a buzz campaign through BuzzAgent.com I've been telling people that I know are interested in this genre of books about this book as well as the author. I thought at first that I would find Delinsky's writing stye similar to that of Jodi Piccoult. I've read several of her books and can say that with each one I've been disappointed. Her characters seem to fall flat for me. I didn't find myself liking them or hating them - no connection. Thankfully, I find Delinsky's character development to be much better. There are characters that I like and characters that I don't - what I look for is that they evoke some sort of emotion in me. So far a thumbs up and a star ahead of Piccoult. More to come when I finish.
August 9, 2014
Thanks Misty, for a great buddy read! Misty and I tend to like books that make us a weeeee bit crazy and want to yell at the characters (see our last read, The Whole Golden World, for more on that)!!! They don't always do the smartest or most sensible things, these characters. And that's why we love 'em: for the fist-shaking-factor :) Deborah's Dad and her ex-husband were both deplorable, but it was Deborah herself that made me the craziest, because she put up with all their shenanigans and NEVER stood up for herself! This made for an excellent buddy read. Barbara Delinsky's writing is very readable and this went by super fast. Just be prepared to get frustrated with this bunch of characters. If you ever do decide take on this book, it's best done with a like-minded buddy! :)
July 24, 2008
I liked the premise of the book--daughter hits someone with car, mom says she did it. But I found the main character annoying and quite a doormat--I lost all sympathy for her when she showed up at the funeral of the man she hit (and didn't even know) and acted all hurt and surprised when the widow got upset and asked her to leave. Plus there was too much other stuff going on with the son's eyes and the jerk dad and the pregnant sister. Grace just seemed repetitive and I grew tired of her whining about everyone wanting her to be perfect. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. Also, who commits suicide by throwing themselves in front of a car and assuming they will be injured enough to bleed to death? That's ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2009
I have to say I've read better books by Barbara Delinksy. For some reason, although this was a reasonably interesting story, if felt a little overwrought to me, particularly since it only covered a two week span of time. There was just something about going from extreme stress and panic to everything neatly tied up in such a tidy fashion - all in two weeks - that annoyed me. I'm not sorry I read it, but I have come to the conclusion that Delinsky's best work, like that of authors before her (Stephen King comes to mind) was in her earlier writing years. I hope she proves me wrong with subsequent books.
March 5, 2008
Okay. I picked up this book because I was looking for a new author like Jodi Picoult. This book was a quick read but dragged at times. I kept reading because I was intrigued by the topic and the relationships. A daugter kills a man while driving with her mother on a rainy night. The mother does not correct the police when they assume that the mother was driving. Made me wonder if I would do the same. Also, it reminded us how a lie can impact your life and how the truth can set up free.
I could relate to some of the characters. Deborah was trying to be the perfect mother, child, daughter, doctor. We all wear masks for the people around us. Who do not want to disappoint our parents at any age. Parents have expectations of their children. What is the right balance between hope for a child and expectations.
Anger is such a big part of my life when things fail. The mother and daughter are both angry with the father for leaving. Sometimes you just have to let go of anger to get through life.
At the same time I was jealous of her sister who lived her life like she wanted to. She opened a bakery and made it work. She was a success by following her heart.
It was not a great book but I could relate to somethings.
I could relate to some of the characters. Deborah was trying to be the perfect mother, child, daughter, doctor. We all wear masks for the people around us. Who do not want to disappoint our parents at any age. Parents have expectations of their children. What is the right balance between hope for a child and expectations.
Anger is such a big part of my life when things fail. The mother and daughter are both angry with the father for leaving. Sometimes you just have to let go of anger to get through life.
At the same time I was jealous of her sister who lived her life like she wanted to. She opened a bakery and made it work. She was a success by following her heart.
It was not a great book but I could relate to somethings.
August 8, 2014
I found this story very weak and boring. Not worth my time writing a review from scratch, but here’s my response to the synopsis on goodreads… The normal text is what GR had to say and my responses are in bold:
Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party when their car hits a man running in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah sends her home before the police arrive, determined to shoulder the blame for the accident. Her decision then turns into a deception that takes on a life of its own and threatens the special bond between mother and daughter. "Hey, this sounds really good, I think I’m going to enjoy this!"
The Secret Between Us is an unforgettable ("Oops a spelling error, they added 'un'.") story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the terrible consequences of a lie gone wrong. Once again, Barbara Delinsky has delivered a riveting study ("I’m pretty sure that’s an overstatement!") of family and a superbly crafted ("Spelling error #2, corrected to 'crappy'." ) novel, perfectly targeted to fans of provocative fiction. "No comment!!!"
Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party when their car hits a man running in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah sends her home before the police arrive, determined to shoulder the blame for the accident. Her decision then turns into a deception that takes on a life of its own and threatens the special bond between mother and daughter. "Hey, this sounds really good, I think I’m going to enjoy this!"
The Secret Between Us is an unforgettable ("Oops a spelling error, they added 'un'.") story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the terrible consequences of a lie gone wrong. Once again, Barbara Delinsky has delivered a riveting study ("I’m pretty sure that’s an overstatement!") of family and a superbly crafted ("Spelling error #2, corrected to 'crappy'." ) novel, perfectly targeted to fans of provocative fiction. "No comment!!!"
February 20, 2016
Was expecting more from this book and couldn't relate to any of the characters. It seemed to jump around a bit with different story lines. I haven't given up on this author just not one of my favorites by her.
October 15, 2014
I was torn between giving this book 2 or 3 stars. The Secret Between Us seemed to be a decent book at first and moved forward fairly quickly, but the story wrapped up far too neatly and the main characters are too goody-goody. I'm not sure how to describe it, but the daughter is boo-hooing about not being held accountable for what she did wrong and about everyone giving her a pass on all her mistakes. I just find it hard to believe a teenager being this altruistic. The mother, Deborah, is also sickeningly perfect, wanting to make sure she takes care of everyone and everything involved with the accident. She never once appeared concerned about possibly being held accountable for the accident because she was just SO CONCERNED for the wife and family of the man who died. It just felt false. Her only so-called flaw, lying to protect her daughter, still seemed only to portray her as the pure, loving mother. One more issue - I find it VERY hard to believe that the brother of the man who died was so concerned about Deborah. His brother was just hit and killed by her car! It seemed he was only present in the story in order to reveal some of the problems of the man who died.
December 31, 2020
I will give this book an emotional rating of 4, based on how I feel after completing it, though in reality, it is more likely a 3 or 3.5 for most. I devoured this book. It just really spoke to me. Right book at the right time. Deborah is a divorced mom, picking up her 16-year-old daughter from a friend's, the daughter drives them home in the rain, and hits a man with the car. Deborah makes it out like she is driving. The daughter is wrestling with guilt, they are wrangling an investigation, as well as personal feelings from the accident and the divorce, and there is a younger son at home too, as well as a grieving widowed father, and a spunky sister. I grabbed this book on a whim but I am glad that I did. Delinsky's characters really came alive for me, and I loved reading about the mother-daughter relationship.
March 22, 2023
Visai idomi istorija nors jokio ryskaus veiksmo ar itampos
August 14, 2014
3.5 stars. Not one of those "I couldn't put it down" type books, but interesting enough to keep the pages turning.
A teenage daughter is driving the car when they hit a man. The mother doesn't correct the police when they assume it was her behind the wheel. And thus, a lie is born. And the web gets tangled.
The story focuses a lot on relationships. Mother - daughter. Sisters. Father - daughter. Even Doctor and patient. Relationships that are built on trust - and become fragile when trust is betrayed.
A teenage daughter is driving the car when they hit a man. The mother doesn't correct the police when they assume it was her behind the wheel. And thus, a lie is born. And the web gets tangled.
The story focuses a lot on relationships. Mother - daughter. Sisters. Father - daughter. Even Doctor and patient. Relationships that are built on trust - and become fragile when trust is betrayed.
June 27, 2012
Very Good! Makes you stop and think. Just how far would you go for your daughter?
November 13, 2021
I hadn’t read anything by this author in many years, and after reading this contemporary fiction, I remembered why she was one of my favorite authors. In this novel, a car accident starts a chain of events of lies. A girl with her learners permit is driving on a rainy night, with her mother beside her when she hits a pedestrian. The mother, who is a doctor, decides to take responsibility for the accident and lies to the police. The lie becomes more compounded when the victim dies. This is a captivating story about how doing the wrong thing for the right reasons can backfire. The characters all have to determine what their real values are as the story progresses. This was a quick read that was difficult to put down. 4.5/5 stars.
March 25, 2017
Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party when their car hits a man running in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah sends her home before the police arrive, determined to take responsibility for the accident. But that story takes on a life of its own and threatens to damage the whole family.
"The Secret Between Us" is an unforgettable story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the web of deceit that can spiral out of control
"The Secret Between Us" is an unforgettable story about making bad choices for the right reasons and the web of deceit that can spiral out of control
April 3, 2008
This book starts out innocently enough. Deborah, a divorced mother of two picks up her teen-aged daughter, Grace, from a friend's house after what was supposed to be a night of studying. But Deborah is understandably perturbed when she arrives and finds not just three girls studying, but eight kids (4 boys, 4 girls) having what appears to be a fun time (no parents in sight). As the two women drive home on a a rainy night where visibility is nil, they argue about what Deborah's perceives and Grace's lack of honesty about the studying situation.
As they drive along in the dark and rain, they hit pedestrian. As they wait for the police to arrive, and begin to ask questions, the assumption is that Deborah was the one driving the car. Even though Grace was the actually driving (she has her learner's permit), Deborah never corrects the assumption.
As time passes and the investigation into the accident goes on, the lie stands. Grace is bewildered by the deception and begins to act out out of guilt. Deborah is determined that her daughter be protected from any consequences. And the victim of the accident's family pushes for answers and resolutions.
I wanted to like this book. Delinsky is a long time favorite of mine and her writing style is accessible yet sophisticated. She usually tells a good story and understands how to convey with nuance the various perspectives of her many characters. However, I couldn't quite like this one. It almost felt like a slog. What started out as a simple enough premise became quickly mired down in varied and sundry other plots. No sooner are we set up with the aftermath of the accident then we are thrust into Deborah's unresolved issues with her bitter divorce, her issues with her father, her sister's issues with their father, the shadow of her dead mother, her standing in the small town they live in, her best-friend drama, and so on. And those are just Deborah's issues. Grace has a whole slew of problems that are magnified by her guilt and the whole idea of being protected from lies.
this could have been a great goo of soapy goodness or a more deeply emotional examination of relationships and secrets, but it just didn't feel like either. It felt heavy and oppressive. Maybe it was supposed to given the pressure that both Deborah and Grace were under with the investigation of the accident and the lie they were living, but to just didn't gel for me.
As they drive along in the dark and rain, they hit pedestrian. As they wait for the police to arrive, and begin to ask questions, the assumption is that Deborah was the one driving the car. Even though Grace was the actually driving (she has her learner's permit), Deborah never corrects the assumption.
As time passes and the investigation into the accident goes on, the lie stands. Grace is bewildered by the deception and begins to act out out of guilt. Deborah is determined that her daughter be protected from any consequences. And the victim of the accident's family pushes for answers and resolutions.
I wanted to like this book. Delinsky is a long time favorite of mine and her writing style is accessible yet sophisticated. She usually tells a good story and understands how to convey with nuance the various perspectives of her many characters. However, I couldn't quite like this one. It almost felt like a slog. What started out as a simple enough premise became quickly mired down in varied and sundry other plots. No sooner are we set up with the aftermath of the accident then we are thrust into Deborah's unresolved issues with her bitter divorce, her issues with her father, her sister's issues with their father, the shadow of her dead mother, her standing in the small town they live in, her best-friend drama, and so on. And those are just Deborah's issues. Grace has a whole slew of problems that are magnified by her guilt and the whole idea of being protected from lies.
this could have been a great goo of soapy goodness or a more deeply emotional examination of relationships and secrets, but it just didn't feel like either. It felt heavy and oppressive. Maybe it was supposed to given the pressure that both Deborah and Grace were under with the investigation of the accident and the lie they were living, but to just didn't gel for me.
March 1, 2008
"Expectations are a powerful motivational tool"
3.5 stars. The Secret Between Us, a novel by Barbara Delinsky, defines "a fast read." The writing is clearly the effort of a pro and flows from page to page with lots of dialog and little description or prolonged prose. The storytelling is first rate. I was riveted.
The main character, a woman named Barbara, is likeable and believable. She's a divorced mother of two, a small-town doctor. In the opening pages, she and her daughter, Grace, have a terrible accident, when their car hits a pedestrian on a dark, rainy night. The story unfolds from there, when Deborah takes the blame, even though her 15-year-old daughter was behind the wheel. Throughout the police report/investigation, this is the "secret" between them and it causes a myriad of complications. Probably the strongest message coming from these pages is about parent and child relationships, and how expectations can both help and hinder. It certainly made me think about my relevant relationships.
Deborah's sister, Jill, an independent bakery owner and somewhat of family black sheep, is likeable too. As for most of the other characters, I'm afraid I found them not only unlikable, but also contrived. The selfish ex-husband; the patriarchal--even cruel--father; the loopy, grieving widow; the kind-hearted chief of police; the philandering high-powered attorney and his pathetic wife/best friend of the protagonist; the brother of the accident victim, Tom McKenna, walking the tightrope between both sides of the issue; the accident victim himself, Grace's history teacher at the local high school; the visually impaired younger brother; and especially the teenaged daughter, Grace, all seemed to me like paper cutout dolls, with unsurprising words and actions.
All these characters notwithstanding, the story was compelling, truly outlining how a seemingly normal life can change in an instant. Overall I'd say it was worth the read, reminding me of authors like Anita Shreve and Jodi Picoult.
3.5 stars. The Secret Between Us, a novel by Barbara Delinsky, defines "a fast read." The writing is clearly the effort of a pro and flows from page to page with lots of dialog and little description or prolonged prose. The storytelling is first rate. I was riveted.
The main character, a woman named Barbara, is likeable and believable. She's a divorced mother of two, a small-town doctor. In the opening pages, she and her daughter, Grace, have a terrible accident, when their car hits a pedestrian on a dark, rainy night. The story unfolds from there, when Deborah takes the blame, even though her 15-year-old daughter was behind the wheel. Throughout the police report/investigation, this is the "secret" between them and it causes a myriad of complications. Probably the strongest message coming from these pages is about parent and child relationships, and how expectations can both help and hinder. It certainly made me think about my relevant relationships.
Deborah's sister, Jill, an independent bakery owner and somewhat of family black sheep, is likeable too. As for most of the other characters, I'm afraid I found them not only unlikable, but also contrived. The selfish ex-husband; the patriarchal--even cruel--father; the loopy, grieving widow; the kind-hearted chief of police; the philandering high-powered attorney and his pathetic wife/best friend of the protagonist; the brother of the accident victim, Tom McKenna, walking the tightrope between both sides of the issue; the accident victim himself, Grace's history teacher at the local high school; the visually impaired younger brother; and especially the teenaged daughter, Grace, all seemed to me like paper cutout dolls, with unsurprising words and actions.
All these characters notwithstanding, the story was compelling, truly outlining how a seemingly normal life can change in an instant. Overall I'd say it was worth the read, reminding me of authors like Anita Shreve and Jodi Picoult.
January 2, 2010
This book is the story of Deborah Monroe and her daughter, Grace. One night when Grace is driving home with her mother from her friend's house, a man comes hurtling in front of their car. It is raining heavily so visibility is far from good that night, because of this Deborah and Grace don't see the man until it's too late. Deborah, after finding out who the man is and making sure he isn't fatally injured, calls the cops and sends Grace home to take care of her brother, Dylan; which ultimately covers up Grace's involvement, as the driver, in the accident.
I enjoyed this book. I found that The Secret Between Us was a book based on lies and how they can affect people, adding guilt and pain to their lives and affecting their performance in daily tasks. The only thing I had a real problem with, was that I found the ending was tied up too well. Nothing was really left in the balance. Besides that, I really liked the characters. Grace is a teenage girl with wholly believable problems. Deborah, as a doctor, ex-wife, daughter, mother and sister has many problems she has to solve as well. Barbara Delinsky did a really good job on this book!
I enjoyed this book. I found that The Secret Between Us was a book based on lies and how they can affect people, adding guilt and pain to their lives and affecting their performance in daily tasks. The only thing I had a real problem with, was that I found the ending was tied up too well. Nothing was really left in the balance. Besides that, I really liked the characters. Grace is a teenage girl with wholly believable problems. Deborah, as a doctor, ex-wife, daughter, mother and sister has many problems she has to solve as well. Barbara Delinsky did a really good job on this book!
February 12, 2015
As Deborah Monroe and her teenage daughter, Grace, are driving home from a party that Grace attended; the unthinkable happens. Their car is in an accident; striking a man who is running in the dark. Although sixteen-year-old Grace was the one at the wheel, Deborah sends her daughter home before the police arrive, determined to shoulder the blame for the accident herself.
Deborah's rash decision, made in an attempt to protect Grace, quickly takes on a life of its own. Her decision soon morphs into a deception, one that ultimately threatens the special bond between mother and daughter. In The Secret Between Us, Barbara Delinsky explores the limits of personal responsibility - responsibility of a mother to a daughter, of a daughter to a father, and of a husband to a wife.
Once again, Ms. Delinsky has delivered a riveting, superbly crafted family story. This book was absolutely great. I find that Ms. Delinsky is wonderful at creating nuanced family relationships and dramatic plots. I do like reading books that deal with secrets and deceptions, and how such things can detrimentally affect the family dynamics. I give The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky an A+!
Deborah's rash decision, made in an attempt to protect Grace, quickly takes on a life of its own. Her decision soon morphs into a deception, one that ultimately threatens the special bond between mother and daughter. In The Secret Between Us, Barbara Delinsky explores the limits of personal responsibility - responsibility of a mother to a daughter, of a daughter to a father, and of a husband to a wife.
Once again, Ms. Delinsky has delivered a riveting, superbly crafted family story. This book was absolutely great. I find that Ms. Delinsky is wonderful at creating nuanced family relationships and dramatic plots. I do like reading books that deal with secrets and deceptions, and how such things can detrimentally affect the family dynamics. I give The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky an A+!
December 10, 2009
This book was my first introduction to Barbara Delinsky. My mom loaned it to me and said it was so good she lost sleep trying to finish it. Wow was she right. I could not put this book down! Like Jodi Picoult, Delinsky writes about family issues and weaves a compelling drama that pulls you in instantly and hooks you all the way to the end. However, Picoult likes to write about somewhat obscure issues, or highly controversial topics, whereas Delinsky chooses topics that could easily happen to any of us at any given time. (Or at least that's what this one was)
The Secret Between Us is a story about a fateful night when Grace and her mom, Deborah, are driving home in the rain and hit a man. The decisions made that night haunt them for a long time afterward and nearly endanger a rare and special bond b/t this particular mother and daughter. I definitely recommend this book, and not just for the women out there. There is a definite message in this one that even seemingly innocent white lies can quickly snowball into something much bigger.
The Secret Between Us is a story about a fateful night when Grace and her mom, Deborah, are driving home in the rain and hit a man. The decisions made that night haunt them for a long time afterward and nearly endanger a rare and special bond b/t this particular mother and daughter. I definitely recommend this book, and not just for the women out there. There is a definite message in this one that even seemingly innocent white lies can quickly snowball into something much bigger.
March 25, 2017
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot is interesting, the characters are well-developed, and the story is well told.
There are, however, a few things I didn't like much about the book. First, there are sometimes long descriptions that are not always helpful to the story. There are also some details that seemed inconsistent to me. For example, I didn't understand how Deborah knew where Tom lived. It is never said in the book that he gave her his address. In fact, he never even gave her his phone number; she got it from the caller ID. Also, at one point, Deborah is speaking on the phone with John and says she realized she spoke his name, . However, I reread the dialogue, and Deborah not once said his name... I know these are not important details, but there the kind of things that annoy me as a reader.
Nevertheless, this was a great book, and I will not hesitate to read more of Barbara Delinsky's books.
There are, however, a few things I didn't like much about the book. First, there are sometimes long descriptions that are not always helpful to the story. There are also some details that seemed inconsistent to me. For example, I didn't understand how Deborah knew where Tom lived. It is never said in the book that he gave her his address. In fact, he never even gave her his phone number; she got it from the caller ID. Also, at one point, Deborah is speaking on the phone with John and says she realized she spoke his name, . However, I reread the dialogue, and Deborah not once said his name... I know these are not important details, but there the kind of things that annoy me as a reader.
Nevertheless, this was a great book, and I will not hesitate to read more of Barbara Delinsky's books.
January 21, 2020
3.5 STARS
While driving, sixteen-year-old Grace hits and kills her teacher. Her mother Dr Deborah Morton takes the blame throwing Grace into a downward spiral of guilt.
Deborah wants to protect her daughter from pain and consequences, but in doing so, she makes the situation so much worse. As a child psychologist, I’ve seen this situation to a much smaller degree. Protecting kids from consequences is usually more about the parents’ needs than the kids, which is the case in THE SECRET BETWEEN US. Barbara Delinsky shows how Deborah came about perfectionism from her father’s high expectations.
Grace is the hero of the story. Her conscience bothers her and she doesn’t want to lie. She’s more of a parent in the situation than her mom.
Delinsky created a complex family with layers of issues including drinking, divorce, adultery, parenting, visual impairment and grief.
I enjoyed reading THE SECRET BETWEEN US. If not for the very convenient ending, I’d have rated another star.
While driving, sixteen-year-old Grace hits and kills her teacher. Her mother Dr Deborah Morton takes the blame throwing Grace into a downward spiral of guilt.
Deborah wants to protect her daughter from pain and consequences, but in doing so, she makes the situation so much worse. As a child psychologist, I’ve seen this situation to a much smaller degree. Protecting kids from consequences is usually more about the parents’ needs than the kids, which is the case in THE SECRET BETWEEN US. Barbara Delinsky shows how Deborah came about perfectionism from her father’s high expectations.
Grace is the hero of the story. Her conscience bothers her and she doesn’t want to lie. She’s more of a parent in the situation than her mom.
Delinsky created a complex family with layers of issues including drinking, divorce, adultery, parenting, visual impairment and grief.
I enjoyed reading THE SECRET BETWEEN US. If not for the very convenient ending, I’d have rated another star.
July 28, 2010
I'm giving this book two stars because I didn't mind reading it. But when that's the best thing you can say about a book, that's really saying something, isn't it?
Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if the book had stayed focused on the main "secret" of the mother covering for her daughter during a car accident. Instead, pretty much every other character in the book had to have a "secret", too, so the whole deception-eats-away-at-you theme got old real fast. The saccharine-sweet ending bugged me, too. How is it that all of these lies ultimately led to happiness? Life ain't that neat, Delinsky.
Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if the book had stayed focused on the main "secret" of the mother covering for her daughter during a car accident. Instead, pretty much every other character in the book had to have a "secret", too, so the whole deception-eats-away-at-you theme got old real fast. The saccharine-sweet ending bugged me, too. How is it that all of these lies ultimately led to happiness? Life ain't that neat, Delinsky.
March 23, 2009
Much like a Jodi Picoult book. Mother allows daughter with her driving permit, to drive home in the rain. A man runs out in front of the car and is hit. Though not critically injured, he dies two days later because he did not tell caregivers about a drug he had been taking. Complications in the accident investigation ensue since mother sent daughter away from accident scene and neglects to tell police who was really driving. They assume it was the mother and she never corrects them. But guilt only increase their problems. Fast-paced and very readable.
July 13, 2008
This was my first- and most likely last- Barbara Delinsky book. I thought it was very predictable, and a little boring. I felt that the author was trying way too hard to write like Jodi Picoult (who is an amazing writer), but she completely came off like Danielle Steel. It's a shame because I though the plot of the book was really interesting and had so much promise, but it didn't live up to my expectations.
March 17, 2010
I was very disappointed in this book. After finishing Not My Daughter by the same author I thought this would be great. The problem for me was...I did not like the Mom at all. She was a doctor, no less but very dumb. Case in point...she asks her attorney if she should go to the funeral of the man who was killed by her car, attorney says no way...But she goes anyway. Why bother to ask!! Very glad to be finished with it.
March 19, 2008
These days, I'm into quick and entertaining reads. This was neither. I usually enjoy Barbara Delinsky's books, but this one felt like she put as little effort into writing it as I ended up putting into reading it. Characters were stiff and situations contrived and unrealistic. The conclusion, which tried to wrap things up neatly, was quite unbelievable. Delinsky is better than this.
January 31, 2010
A very loooong book that only covers about two weeks in these characters lives....i read that book fast, but only because I wanted to return it back to the library and be done with it. This book was in no way extraordinary and I feel like I can't ever get back the time I spent reading it.
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