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The Secret She Kept
National bestseller ReShonda Tate Billingsley spins an irresistible story of romance and faith that will touch every reader's heart.
Her novel Say Amen, Again won the NAACP Image Award, proving that ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s storytelling “scores a direct hit” (Publishers Weekly), delighting and inspiring with powerful, soul-searching situations and unforgettable characters.
How far will you go to save someone you love and trust when they’ve kept a dangerous secret for years? That’s the question facing Lance Kingston, a successful Houston magazine executive whose recent marriage to beautiful, high-powered attorney Tia Jiles seemed to promise a bright future for both of them. But under the surface, a fierce and frightening storm was brewing. That’s because Tia never revealed to Lance what she and her family have known since Tia was seventeen—she has an illness that takes over her mind, transforming her into a raging, violent woman hell-bent on destruction. Bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia. Or crazy, as Lance’s grandmother continually reminds him. “Crazy leaves clues,” she told him point-blank, and perhaps Lance should have listened. Tia’s mother tries to pray the problem away . . . and Tia’s doctors can’t help her if she won’t do what they advise. Now there’s more than their marriage and Tia’s survival at stake: Tia is pregnant, and Lance will stop at nothing to keep his troubled wife and unborn daughter safe. But at what price?
Her novel Say Amen, Again won the NAACP Image Award, proving that ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s storytelling “scores a direct hit” (Publishers Weekly), delighting and inspiring with powerful, soul-searching situations and unforgettable characters.
How far will you go to save someone you love and trust when they’ve kept a dangerous secret for years? That’s the question facing Lance Kingston, a successful Houston magazine executive whose recent marriage to beautiful, high-powered attorney Tia Jiles seemed to promise a bright future for both of them. But under the surface, a fierce and frightening storm was brewing. That’s because Tia never revealed to Lance what she and her family have known since Tia was seventeen—she has an illness that takes over her mind, transforming her into a raging, violent woman hell-bent on destruction. Bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia. Or crazy, as Lance’s grandmother continually reminds him. “Crazy leaves clues,” she told him point-blank, and perhaps Lance should have listened. Tia’s mother tries to pray the problem away . . . and Tia’s doctors can’t help her if she won’t do what they advise. Now there’s more than their marriage and Tia’s survival at stake: Tia is pregnant, and Lance will stop at nothing to keep his troubled wife and unborn daughter safe. But at what price?
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
62 people are currently reading
1536 people want to read
About the author
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
63 books1,481 followersReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 7, 2012
Really just three and a half. Based on what I know of working with individuals living with bi-polar disorder, Tia's episodes seem a little too far fiction. I think an additional diagnosis would have given the story more truth. At any rate, it was good to see mental illness addressed in our community.
June 11, 2022
I read this book a year ago. But I decided to read it again because the adaptation was going to be on television (TV One on Sun, July 10, 2016). I had to make sure that it was an accurate depiction of what I read.
I must say that they did an excellent job bringing mental illness to light. The author did a fantastic job writing about the stigma that's typically attached to mental illness in the black community. It was great to see the collaboration and that the subject wasn't downplayed. Moreover it was refreshing to be reminded of understanding the genetic predisposition that can be attributed to health issues.
We, as the author had related, have made strides in looking at every aspect of our lives but put see seeking help for mental health as a closet issue. I particularly loved:
1. How the book as well as the movie showed that compliance with medication can help you to live a productive life;
2. Strong willed individuals and loved ones have to grow to understand that masking and hiding does more harm than good and
3. Those affected by any illness can teach us much...we have to be able to "listen" and not just "hear" when they share their world. In the movie, Tia did a fantastic job describing the inner battle.
RTB is one of my most favorite authors. I pray that she continues to write about subjects that touch the human spirit.
I must say that they did an excellent job bringing mental illness to light. The author did a fantastic job writing about the stigma that's typically attached to mental illness in the black community. It was great to see the collaboration and that the subject wasn't downplayed. Moreover it was refreshing to be reminded of understanding the genetic predisposition that can be attributed to health issues.
We, as the author had related, have made strides in looking at every aspect of our lives but put see seeking help for mental health as a closet issue. I particularly loved:
1. How the book as well as the movie showed that compliance with medication can help you to live a productive life;
2. Strong willed individuals and loved ones have to grow to understand that masking and hiding does more harm than good and
3. Those affected by any illness can teach us much...we have to be able to "listen" and not just "hear" when they share their world. In the movie, Tia did a fantastic job describing the inner battle.
RTB is one of my most favorite authors. I pray that she continues to write about subjects that touch the human spirit.
July 24, 2016
This is a really good book and very different then what Im used to. I love that it brings about the very touchy subject of mental disease and the lengths one family would go to hide it. Very well written and I love the fact that it was available on audible
September 3, 2012
Tia Jiles clocked the most billable hours at her law firm as a respected, high-powered attorney. She also volunteered for her charitable organization, Pay It Forward, as well as performed pro bono work in her spare time. In short, she was a workaholic, so she didn’t have time to pursue a relationship. This is the story she told in order to hold onto The Secret She Kept.
Lance Kingston couldn’t believe that such a beautiful woman was still on the market. Being a successful businessman himself, and the CEO of Epiphany magazine, he respected Tia’s work ethic and wanted nothing more than to make her his wife. Especially because she seemed to possess all the qualities his ex-girlfriend, Crystal, lacked—the most important being faithfulness.
Tia was reluctant to fall in love with Lance, as all of her other relationships ended in heartbreak. But there was something about him that made her throw precaution to the wind and they began a whirlwind love affair. Within six months, to his family’s chagrin and Tia’s mother’s relief, they were engaged and married.
After the nuptials, their “happily ever after” soon faded as Tia’s façade began to crumble and The Secret She Kept came to light. Lance couldn’t understand what was wrong with his new wife, but after seeing his mother abandoned by his own father, he vowed to stay by her side no matter what. But when Tia finally confesses that she is mentally ill and the strange behavior and mood swings escalate, and both his freedom and future are threatened, Lance must make a hard decision.
The Secret She Kept is a heartfelt and realistic look at the damaging effects of mental illness on those who suffer from it and the ones who bear the burden along with them. From the secrecy of having it, to the denial of dealing with it and ultimately the point of no return when you have to decide if you are going to be a person living with mental illness, or a person that is simply mentally ill.
The Secret She Kept is an entertaining and riveting story that is also very educational. From Tia’s eccentric mental episodes to Lance’s reactions and retaliations, I couldn’t put the book down. The characters were so real and their beliefs and convictions were so genuine, I felt like I was a part of the family, rooting for Tia to get better and the couple to finally have a happily ever after, after all. It’s definitely a must-read and one to add to the shelf of those who love a drama-filled story full of suspense and jaw-dropping occurrences.
Lance Kingston couldn’t believe that such a beautiful woman was still on the market. Being a successful businessman himself, and the CEO of Epiphany magazine, he respected Tia’s work ethic and wanted nothing more than to make her his wife. Especially because she seemed to possess all the qualities his ex-girlfriend, Crystal, lacked—the most important being faithfulness.
Tia was reluctant to fall in love with Lance, as all of her other relationships ended in heartbreak. But there was something about him that made her throw precaution to the wind and they began a whirlwind love affair. Within six months, to his family’s chagrin and Tia’s mother’s relief, they were engaged and married.
After the nuptials, their “happily ever after” soon faded as Tia’s façade began to crumble and The Secret She Kept came to light. Lance couldn’t understand what was wrong with his new wife, but after seeing his mother abandoned by his own father, he vowed to stay by her side no matter what. But when Tia finally confesses that she is mentally ill and the strange behavior and mood swings escalate, and both his freedom and future are threatened, Lance must make a hard decision.
The Secret She Kept is a heartfelt and realistic look at the damaging effects of mental illness on those who suffer from it and the ones who bear the burden along with them. From the secrecy of having it, to the denial of dealing with it and ultimately the point of no return when you have to decide if you are going to be a person living with mental illness, or a person that is simply mentally ill.
The Secret She Kept is an entertaining and riveting story that is also very educational. From Tia’s eccentric mental episodes to Lance’s reactions and retaliations, I couldn’t put the book down. The characters were so real and their beliefs and convictions were so genuine, I felt like I was a part of the family, rooting for Tia to get better and the couple to finally have a happily ever after, after all. It’s definitely a must-read and one to add to the shelf of those who love a drama-filled story full of suspense and jaw-dropping occurrences.
July 18, 2012
When I heard the author read an excerpt of this book at a conference, I immediately went out and purchased a copy of my own. I was hooked from the beginning and even went online and purchased the ebook version of the book so I could read in the dark. It was that engaging.
This book is sad and hilarious all at the same time. I can say this because as I laughed at the situations in the book, the reality is that I have lived the life fictitious Lance lived. It helped me to know that my family isn’t the only one who’s had to deal with that family member that everyone tip toes around.
The story, albeit fiction, is someone’s reality. I love how the author told the story in a way that was relatable, entertaining, and educational. I wanted to grab Virginia and shake her out of her fantasy world, high-five Uncle Leo, and hug Lance. I so wanted Tia to do the right thing from the beginning and it pained me to read the things she did. I found myself laughing out loud and then feeling guilty for laughing. The book took me through all kinds of changes because I’m so closely connected to a Tia in my own family.
There are so many teachable moments that can come from reading this book and I’m going to suggest it to my book club. Great job!
This book is sad and hilarious all at the same time. I can say this because as I laughed at the situations in the book, the reality is that I have lived the life fictitious Lance lived. It helped me to know that my family isn’t the only one who’s had to deal with that family member that everyone tip toes around.
The story, albeit fiction, is someone’s reality. I love how the author told the story in a way that was relatable, entertaining, and educational. I wanted to grab Virginia and shake her out of her fantasy world, high-five Uncle Leo, and hug Lance. I so wanted Tia to do the right thing from the beginning and it pained me to read the things she did. I found myself laughing out loud and then feeling guilty for laughing. The book took me through all kinds of changes because I’m so closely connected to a Tia in my own family.
There are so many teachable moments that can come from reading this book and I’m going to suggest it to my book club. Great job!
March 2, 2017
Ok so at first I was like hmmm do I really ant to read this. Later when I witness Tis's first episode, I knew that this was going to be a good book. Besides the writing of this book being good, this was a great way to talk about a topic that most black families see as taboo. Mental illness, being black and saying that you have a mental illness is just like saying a curse word to an elder. It's just not heard of. So many people of color deal with anxiety, and depression, but it has never been a well talked about topic in the black community. This book opens the discussion to mental illness, seeing a psychiatrist and even a psychologist. And it gives others a slight glimpse of what black people have to deal with even within their own families with trying to get help with any type of mental stress. We all have a mother, aunt, or grandma like Virginia that thinks that prayer will cast depression or a mental illness out. But people fail to understand that prayers can be answered in many forms, in Tia's case it was in the form of Cheryl.
Thank you ReShonda for being light into the darkness that can sometimes overcome all of us. Thank you for bringing light to how thrown away the subject of mental illness in the black community is.
Thank you ReShonda for being light into the darkness that can sometimes overcome all of us. Thank you for bringing light to how thrown away the subject of mental illness in the black community is.
August 15, 2013
Talk about eye opening! It definitely shed some light on mental disorders, especially on the bi-polar disease. I admired Lance, felt for Tia immensely and wanted to slap a little sense into Tia's mother. These colorful characters will pull you in and make you feel like you're there. This was my first listen by this author but it won't be the last.
November 17, 2016
Excellent book
Once again ReShonda has written an amazing story. We in the African-American population tend to hide behind secrets instead of talking about it. This was truly an eye opening read.
Once again ReShonda has written an amazing story. We in the African-American population tend to hide behind secrets instead of talking about it. This was truly an eye opening read.
June 22, 2016
The Secret She Kept has been on my bookshelf since the end of April, but on my TBR list for much longer than that. In preparation for the TV movie debut (July 10th on TV One - make sure to watch it!), I finally stopped procrastinating and got to reading! And I am so glad that I did! I regret that it took me this long. Having read it in less than 24 hours, needless to say, it was an exceptional novel. But, I have come to expect nothing less from RTB!
Tia Jiles is a beautiful, successful, attorney on the road to partnership at her firm. She does pro bono work for the disenfranchised, and is the creator of the Pay It Forward charitable organization. But all that glitters on the outside isn't gold on the inside. Since her teenage years, she and her family have held the secret that she suffers from a mental illness. Mostly managing to keep her "spells" at bay, she is convinced by her mother that she doesn't need to divulge her information to anyone - including her fiance, Lance Kingston.
Lance, who runs a successful mainstream magazine, thinks he has hit the jackpot when he finally convinces Tia to go to dinner with him. After a whirlwind courtship, they are engaged and then married at the county courthouse, much to the chagrin of his mother, grandmother, and ex-fiance, Crystal. When Tia starts to have jealous, and rage-filled outbursts, Lance is bewildered and frustrated with not knowing what sets her off or how to handle her. When months pass and nothing seems to change, he questions if can he live his life in such a manner, and if he even wants to.
Mrs. Billingsley did a phenomenal job of addressing an issue which oftentimes has a negative stigma attached, and she was able to do so by adding a bit of humor to the story without taking away the seriousness at hand. Wait til you read about those tulips! With spunky characters like Uncle Leo and Lance's grandmother to name a couple, and a highly unpredictable storyline, the author was able to take a subject very sensitive in nature and craft a well-developed and informative novel. By not only addressing mental illness, but as a direct correlation, also addressing commitment, loyalty, and open/honest communication in relationships, this novel has many takeaways for the reader. As always, Mrs. Billingsley has delivered a powerful and effective novel. Now, I really can't wait for the movie!
Tia Jiles is a beautiful, successful, attorney on the road to partnership at her firm. She does pro bono work for the disenfranchised, and is the creator of the Pay It Forward charitable organization. But all that glitters on the outside isn't gold on the inside. Since her teenage years, she and her family have held the secret that she suffers from a mental illness. Mostly managing to keep her "spells" at bay, she is convinced by her mother that she doesn't need to divulge her information to anyone - including her fiance, Lance Kingston.
Lance, who runs a successful mainstream magazine, thinks he has hit the jackpot when he finally convinces Tia to go to dinner with him. After a whirlwind courtship, they are engaged and then married at the county courthouse, much to the chagrin of his mother, grandmother, and ex-fiance, Crystal. When Tia starts to have jealous, and rage-filled outbursts, Lance is bewildered and frustrated with not knowing what sets her off or how to handle her. When months pass and nothing seems to change, he questions if can he live his life in such a manner, and if he even wants to.
Mrs. Billingsley did a phenomenal job of addressing an issue which oftentimes has a negative stigma attached, and she was able to do so by adding a bit of humor to the story without taking away the seriousness at hand. Wait til you read about those tulips! With spunky characters like Uncle Leo and Lance's grandmother to name a couple, and a highly unpredictable storyline, the author was able to take a subject very sensitive in nature and craft a well-developed and informative novel. By not only addressing mental illness, but as a direct correlation, also addressing commitment, loyalty, and open/honest communication in relationships, this novel has many takeaways for the reader. As always, Mrs. Billingsley has delivered a powerful and effective novel. Now, I really can't wait for the movie!
February 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. As a myself I caught on right away. For me, some of the scenarios were pretty extreme, but I guess I could see them happening as a new mother. I identified with some parts of the main character and that makes this book near and dear to my heart.
This book is about a woman named Tia. It's obvious that something is off about Tia but her new husband doesn't know what it is. Things start happening and Tia's husband, Lance is utterly confused. His wife's family is scared to open up to him so he's left to find out everything on his own...before it's too late.
This book is about a woman named Tia. It's obvious that something is off about Tia but her new husband doesn't know what it is. Things start happening and Tia's husband, Lance is utterly confused. His wife's family is scared to open up to him so he's left to find out everything on his own...before it's too late.
August 8, 2016
The author did a great job in writing this novel. This novel speaks of mental illness. From the authors point of view it gave a lot of insights on what a person with a mental illness goes through, how the family is affected and how people who don't really understand the illness can act. It is so important that we continue to educate ourselves about this disease. Great job again to Reshonda Tate Billingsley.
March 21, 2014
This book really gets it right about mental illness. I gained much respect for partners of the patients for their ability to love "in sickness and in health." Thanks Reshonda for painting such a vivid illustration of people living with bipolar and other diseases of the mind. Even the mother whose denial caused so much more pain with her not wanting to "put their business in the street was perfect. I love love love this title and will definitely book talk it to others.
May 5, 2015
A MUST READ!!!
I found the Secret She Kept to be both entertaining and educational. I was totally captivated from the very beginning. The author did an excellent job in bringing forth the challenges in dealing with this illness, but also what the marriage vows really mean.
This was the first book that I read from this author but I'm sold. You have definitely been added to my reading list. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I found the Secret She Kept to be both entertaining and educational. I was totally captivated from the very beginning. The author did an excellent job in bringing forth the challenges in dealing with this illness, but also what the marriage vows really mean.
This was the first book that I read from this author but I'm sold. You have definitely been added to my reading list. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
August 18, 2012
Quick read. Great job of tackling mental illness and the myriad of issues/challenges in the African American community, but society in general in addressing the crisis. Realistic on so many levels. There could have been a bit more character development but overall - good job. The book club questions are excellent and thought provoking.
September 9, 2012
Pretty good read. Tia really needed help. I dont know how Lance stayed w/her through all her crazy spells, of plastic flowers, purple walls, getting arrested, walking two miles pregnant in heels to want to buy crack, smh! This book was crazy! but had a very good mesage. I applaud ReShonda for this book! Great Job!
August 6, 2012
Really good insight into the taboo subject of mental illness. It was a blessing to read.
December 6, 2021
Oh my Goodness, I am utterly speechless. This book was phenomenal. Excellent characters skills that dealt with reality of mental illness in a compassionate, unpredictable, often verbally voliently ways. I never fully understood the depth of mental disorders until I read this amazingly story detailing the facts about it.
Lance Kingston continuously resurrance his wife, Tia, and everyone who loves her, that he will forever fight for her, their baby and everyone they love, together!
As always, I highly recommend this book and I am exciting looking forward to reading all other books by Ms. Billingsley.
Lance Kingston continuously resurrance his wife, Tia, and everyone who loves her, that he will forever fight for her, their baby and everyone they love, together!
As always, I highly recommend this book and I am exciting looking forward to reading all other books by Ms. Billingsley.
February 17, 2015
ReShonda Tate Billingsley is one of my favorite authors, primarily because of the time she takes to craft such memorable characters. Anytime you finish a book and it leaves you wanting more, that's a great book. I found the topic of mental illness an interesting topic. The characters really went through it. You can tell that ReShonda took care to do her research. This wasn't a stereotypical story. By writing about the stigma we as Christians attach to mental illness, she helps to pull the veil off and encourage those who are in the midst of this to seek professional help. I truly enjoyed this book.
July 6, 2013
"Crazy leaves clues." Truer words have never been written. I laughed because I recognized each and every character. I cried because the struggle is real. The Secret She Kept does a wonderful job depicting mental illness and the attitudes towards treating it within the African American community. Our mothers are our first ally, and despite shortcomings, they truly want the best. What a awkward position to be put in- your mothers adamant opinion or what you really know is best for you. RTB never disappoints!
July 11, 2016
Reshonda has done it again!! Excellent love story about mental illness and it's stigma.
April 23, 2015
The was an awesome book. Very informative lesson on bipolar disorder and the struggles one who suffers with it goes through. Definitely was an emotional roller coaster. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2025
Great Reading, brings a new perspective to mental illness and those with loved ones who suffer from the same.
January 24, 2017
This book was really good. Mrs. Billingsley did an excellent job addressing mental illness. Mental illness is a topic that people often run from. One persons struggle can bless someone else.
February 5, 2017
She seemed fine then all of a sudden..Wooo big change. Bipolar syndrome is serious.
September 1, 2020
Society holds negative attitudes towards mental health, and these attitudes are a stigma that affects many people on both the interpersonal (e.g., blame, name calling) and institutional levels (e.g. discrimination in terms of employment). The stigma faced by a mental illness can in turn intensify psychological symptoms and decrease treatment and recovery, thereby jeopardizing the mental health of an individual. With the worldwide prevalence of mental illness, stigma has become a major public health concern. Governments and advocacy groups have undertaken efforts to combat the stigma of mental illness and scholars have sought to find ways to measure and develop mental illness attitudes. However, the stigma of mental illness seems to intensify.
Mental disease affects everybody, somehow. You may know somebody who has it, or you may deal with it yourself. This book by ReShonda Tate Billingsley explores how mental illness can affect so many individuals, families, and friends. I really like this book and would recommend it to all my goodread friends. We need to stop the stigma of Mental illness.
Mental disease affects everybody, somehow. You may know somebody who has it, or you may deal with it yourself. This book by ReShonda Tate Billingsley explores how mental illness can affect so many individuals, families, and friends. I really like this book and would recommend it to all my goodread friends. We need to stop the stigma of Mental illness.
September 30, 2016
In The Secret She Kept, ReShonda Tate Billingsley tackles the sensitive subject of mental illness within the African-American family. With fully developed characters and realistic dialogue, readers will walk away with a better understanding of what it means to be bipolar, being labeled “crazy” and how one can control this mental disease. In addition, readers will see how love, understanding, getting the appropriate help and devotion can all triumph in the end.
In this novel, Tia Jiles is a beautiful, savvy and successful lawyer who catches the eye of Lance Kingston, a successful Houston magazine executive who recently broke up with his girlfriend who cheated on him. Lance and Tia have a whirlwind romance, they get married and then she starts acting “crazy” (bursting into violent spells, hearing voices, being disoriented, etc.). He didn’t see any of this coming because Tia never revealed to him that since the age of seventeen she had an illness that takes over her mind. Tia could manage her illness if she followed what the doctors say and take her medication. But she’s easily swayed by her mother who would try to pray the problem away.
So, when Tia tells Lance she is pregnant, he becomes fearful and starts calling everyone including Tia’s mother to tackle and find a solution to get his wife back on track. His love for Tia and his strength is what pulled him and his family through it all. I have to say I applaud him because there were times when I thought he was going to throw in the towel. But he stuck in there even when Tia called the police on him during one of her episodes. One thing I wasn’t thrilled about was Tia’s mother ignoring or rather making excuses for Tia’s mental issues when Tia clearly needed medical attention. Nevertheless, it was a good read!
Of note, this was novel was made into a TV movie which debuted in July 2016 on TV One. I will definitely try to catch it when it airs again.
Some of my favorite lines:
Tia closed her eyes to drown out the voices warring in her head. Finally, she opened her eyes and said, “Are you sure you want to do this?
“I’ve never been more sure of anything. Why, you’re not?”
“No, I am. I…I just want to make sure. I mean, what…if you get with me and things aren’t everything that they seem?” She knew she was losing her nerve. She was being a coward.
“Oh, I’m expecting that. I know you women change when you get married,” he joked, finally smiling.
“I’m serious, Lance. What if you get with me and things aren’t everything that they seem?”
“I’m in it for the long haul, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
I’m in it for the long haul. Those were the exact words Gavin said…right before she told him. But she also knew what they all said when they realized her aura of perfection was just an illusion.
In this novel, Tia Jiles is a beautiful, savvy and successful lawyer who catches the eye of Lance Kingston, a successful Houston magazine executive who recently broke up with his girlfriend who cheated on him. Lance and Tia have a whirlwind romance, they get married and then she starts acting “crazy” (bursting into violent spells, hearing voices, being disoriented, etc.). He didn’t see any of this coming because Tia never revealed to him that since the age of seventeen she had an illness that takes over her mind. Tia could manage her illness if she followed what the doctors say and take her medication. But she’s easily swayed by her mother who would try to pray the problem away.
So, when Tia tells Lance she is pregnant, he becomes fearful and starts calling everyone including Tia’s mother to tackle and find a solution to get his wife back on track. His love for Tia and his strength is what pulled him and his family through it all. I have to say I applaud him because there were times when I thought he was going to throw in the towel. But he stuck in there even when Tia called the police on him during one of her episodes. One thing I wasn’t thrilled about was Tia’s mother ignoring or rather making excuses for Tia’s mental issues when Tia clearly needed medical attention. Nevertheless, it was a good read!
Of note, this was novel was made into a TV movie which debuted in July 2016 on TV One. I will definitely try to catch it when it airs again.
Some of my favorite lines:
Tia closed her eyes to drown out the voices warring in her head. Finally, she opened her eyes and said, “Are you sure you want to do this?
“I’ve never been more sure of anything. Why, you’re not?”
“No, I am. I…I just want to make sure. I mean, what…if you get with me and things aren’t everything that they seem?” She knew she was losing her nerve. She was being a coward.
“Oh, I’m expecting that. I know you women change when you get married,” he joked, finally smiling.
“I’m serious, Lance. What if you get with me and things aren’t everything that they seem?”
“I’m in it for the long haul, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
I’m in it for the long haul. Those were the exact words Gavin said…right before she told him. But she also knew what they all said when they realized her aura of perfection was just an illusion.
October 2, 2012
When I went to my basket where I keep my unread books a couple of days ago and decided to go ahead and read 'The Secret She Kept', I honestly didn't expect to really get all that into it. When I had read the summary description, it didn't really grab me. Can't really say why. But I respect Mrs. Billingsley's work (or is it Tate Billingsley?), so I went ahead and dived in.
It wasn't long before I had forgotten about my initial skepticism. A couple of chapters in, I was hooked. And I think part of the appeal was that it was something different than I'm used to reading, as far as subject matter. Sure it was a novel, sure it was fiction, sure it was humorous at times, but it was centered around mental illness, more specifically, bipolar disorder. There are also sub-issues like deception, faith, intuition, commitment and loyalty, etc. that all just tie in together into one cleverly and even expertly-weaved tale. It was interesting reading about a character with a mental illness, and I learned some things about bipolar disorder that I didn't know, and I appreciated that. There is such an unfortunate and damaging stigma that comes with mental illness, namely with treating mental illness, and as showcased in the book, a lot of the negative backlash can come from those closest to you. It's my hope (as I'm sure it was the author's, as well) that this story opens people's eyes and minds some more to what having a mental illness is really all about. And anytime you can learn something as well as be entertained, well, what more can you ask for?
When I get to the point where I don't want to put the book down, where I just must keep reading, where I won't move for hours on end until I'm done, that's a good book for me and one that I'll pick up and read more than once. Not to mention, wishing I could meet a steadfast man like Lance Kingston. I read the book in less than two days, and it's been a while since a book has captured me like that. It's a much-welcome change of pace and I'm actually grateful for it. The standards have been raised again. :)
It wasn't long before I had forgotten about my initial skepticism. A couple of chapters in, I was hooked. And I think part of the appeal was that it was something different than I'm used to reading, as far as subject matter. Sure it was a novel, sure it was fiction, sure it was humorous at times, but it was centered around mental illness, more specifically, bipolar disorder. There are also sub-issues like deception, faith, intuition, commitment and loyalty, etc. that all just tie in together into one cleverly and even expertly-weaved tale. It was interesting reading about a character with a mental illness, and I learned some things about bipolar disorder that I didn't know, and I appreciated that. There is such an unfortunate and damaging stigma that comes with mental illness, namely with treating mental illness, and as showcased in the book, a lot of the negative backlash can come from those closest to you. It's my hope (as I'm sure it was the author's, as well) that this story opens people's eyes and minds some more to what having a mental illness is really all about. And anytime you can learn something as well as be entertained, well, what more can you ask for?
When I get to the point where I don't want to put the book down, where I just must keep reading, where I won't move for hours on end until I'm done, that's a good book for me and one that I'll pick up and read more than once. Not to mention, wishing I could meet a steadfast man like Lance Kingston. I read the book in less than two days, and it's been a while since a book has captured me like that. It's a much-welcome change of pace and I'm actually grateful for it. The standards have been raised again. :)
May 8, 2013
After reading the synopsis I had an idea of what this book would be about. After reading this book I feel as though I now know a lot more about the illness known as Bipolar Disorder.
In The Secret She Kept we are introduced to Ms. Tia Jiles a beautiful and successful attorney. Tia is also a person who believes in giving back to the community and does so by providing free legal services to them. With all of these attributes why isn't she a Mrs. instead of a Ms? According to Tia she doesn't have time for relationships.
We are also introduced to successful Lance Kingston. Lance is marriage minded but due to circumstances beyond his control he ended what he thought was a relationship on the way to marriage.
Lance encounters Tia at a function and he is immediately smitten by her. Lance is not one to give up on what he wants and he wants Tia. After constantly being pursued she eventually gives in and goes on a date with him and the rest is history.
After a whirlwind romance and a rush to the altar Lance begins to see things in Tia he never saw before. Tia exhibits drastic mood swings and extremely erratic behavior. Lance eventually learns Tia is suffering from a mental illness that she neglected to inform him of. After learning this Lance has to make some life altering decisions. But now that he's married to Tia he also to make decisions that are also in her best interest.
After reading The Secret She Kept I walked away feeling as though I had learned something. I had a clearer understanding of the effects of Bipolar Disorder on the family as well as the person who is suffering with the mental illness. I realized this illness is very real and very, very, serious.
I would recommend anyone looking for a powerful read to please pick up The Secret She Kept because you won't be disappointed.
In The Secret She Kept we are introduced to Ms. Tia Jiles a beautiful and successful attorney. Tia is also a person who believes in giving back to the community and does so by providing free legal services to them. With all of these attributes why isn't she a Mrs. instead of a Ms? According to Tia she doesn't have time for relationships.
We are also introduced to successful Lance Kingston. Lance is marriage minded but due to circumstances beyond his control he ended what he thought was a relationship on the way to marriage.
Lance encounters Tia at a function and he is immediately smitten by her. Lance is not one to give up on what he wants and he wants Tia. After constantly being pursued she eventually gives in and goes on a date with him and the rest is history.
After a whirlwind romance and a rush to the altar Lance begins to see things in Tia he never saw before. Tia exhibits drastic mood swings and extremely erratic behavior. Lance eventually learns Tia is suffering from a mental illness that she neglected to inform him of. After learning this Lance has to make some life altering decisions. But now that he's married to Tia he also to make decisions that are also in her best interest.
After reading The Secret She Kept I walked away feeling as though I had learned something. I had a clearer understanding of the effects of Bipolar Disorder on the family as well as the person who is suffering with the mental illness. I realized this illness is very real and very, very, serious.
I would recommend anyone looking for a powerful read to please pick up The Secret She Kept because you won't be disappointed.
February 14, 2025
Really good story about a couple trying to keep their marriage together while one is dealing with a mental disorder.
January 25, 2013
What would you do if you thought you met the woman of your dreams only to marry her in 6 months and discover there is something very wrong. This is exactly the position Lance Kingston finds himself in after removing himself from a relationship where his ex-girlfriend Crystal cheated on him after dating 3 years, he just wants a woman who will be faithful with beauty and brains in comes Tia Jiles, supposedly the perfect cure for what ails Lance only to marry her and find out looks can be so deceiving. Tia suffers from a mental disorder known as Bipolar disorder and her family has known this for years but never wanted to reveal this stating that God will cleanse her body from this disease per her mother Virginia. This just lets you know that whatever is kept secret will ultimately come to light just when you don't want it to. I really enjoyed this book to the fullest. Once again ReShonda has written a book that will really take you on a roller coaster of a ride. The style in which she writes and introduces the characters is phenomenal and I enjoyed every part of this book. I am glad at the end the secret was finally dealt with and thus a happy ending but at one point I didn't know if all of the characters would make it out alive. You will not be disappointed with this one thus I award it a 5 star rating.
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