Secrets

Michelli Family #1

by Kristen Heitzmann

Lance Michelli is on a quest to discover the secrets his grandmother cannot tell. What happened all those years ago, and what is it she so desperately needs him to find? The old villa in Sonoma holds the answers, but it is now owned by a young woman who neither knows nor cares about his mission. But Rese Barret is a force to contend with, and her own impending storm could sweep him up as their sparring creates a fierce and uncomfortable attraction.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Contemporary, Christian Romance

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Kristen Heitzmann is the award winning author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical series. An artist and musician, she'll also be found hiking the Rocky Mountain trails.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I thought I'd give a try, but it just didn't do anything for me. I didn't have any concerns about the writing, I just didn't ever click with the characters. I didn't hate it, but I didn't feel much of anything for it at all. In a word, it was "meh".

I think I picked it up because it was an Audible recommendation. Needless to say, I won't be listening to Audible recs any more. On the upside, I'm one book closer to my goal of finishing every book I have on my Audible shelf.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was the right kind of book for my state of mind this week. I've read others' reviews where they criticize the author for her use of faith and scripture quotes, but I found it not only to be refreshing in this politically correct world but handled in a believable manner. Yes, there are Catholic men who value their faith and aren't afraid to practice it. I enjoyed the unfolding mystery and the characters. I'll definitely be reading more by this author.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets is a book full of mystery that builds on a previous series, "The Diamond of the Rockies". Lance Michelli has been sent on a mission by his bedridden Grandmother, to discover the secrets of her past and right the wrongs that will not let her rest. His path leads to a woman named Rese Barret, who is struggling with her own secrets. From start to finish this book will hold your attention and leave you searching for the sequel. Kristen Heitzmann does a wonderful job creating characters and story lines with depth and fullness.

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just reread this after a few years, trying to remember if it was worth keeping. I remember why I kept it, but I don't think it's worth it anymore. It has some sigh-worthy romance moments, but argh the guy irritates me! He's absolutely pushy and controlling, and with a woman he knows doesn't want to be controlled. And she bugs me, too. Does no one get any counseling in books? She needed it! Horrible trauma in her past, and she was not dealing with it. And for being Miss Stoic and In Control, she sure swooned quick for the controlling hunk and let him get away with playing on her emotions. "You don't want to do something? Here, let me kiss you till you're breathless and then you won't care!"

And oh my gosh he is such a liar!!!

Ugh. I love you, Kristen Heitzmann, but these aren't some of your best characters.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Secrets was free and has been on my kindle since 2012. To be honest I only moved it up my reading list as it fit a reading challenging. But surprisingly I really enjoyed it!

The mystery element was ok and kept me guessing from beginning to end.

But my favourite part of this story was the character development. I loved Lance, Reece and star! They were beautifully written. I loved how Lance and Reece made each other better people.

This is my first book Kristen Heitzmann and I’m looking forward to book two in this series in the near future.

I also listened to the accompanied audiobook performed by Katherine Kellgren who I give 4.5 Stars for an engaging performance. The Jamaican accent was a classic LOL!

Recommended for all Christian mystery fans :)

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational! What a great book with mystery, suspense, romance and Christian values. This story had me hooked from the epilogue! It's a well written and developed plot with well defined characters. I love that both of the main characters are searching to discover themselves while also seeking a meaningful relationship with God. Twists, turns and SECRETS...looking forward to seeing where this goes...

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance and Rese are well-developed and likable characters. They bring out the best in each other, although they try to fight the attraction and avoid a relationship because both have secrets. Lance's faith is as much a part of him as his love for cooking and his desire to help women in trouble (which has gotten him in trouble a few times). The book is a touching and sometimes funny romance mixed with mystery and Rese's faith journey.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh... a book that earned awards and deserved them, Secrets is a great beginning to what looks to be an equally good series. No perfect people here. One family remains torn apart by mental illness, another by two wrongful deaths spanning two generations. Every character's own burdens creates no small measure of drama. At the same time, it doesn't get too grim or depressing. There was just enough suspense in the mystery of the secrets to puzzle my mind and keep me turning pages, and just enough romance to make me smile, laugh, and soothe the heart. Finally, there were real applications of Scriptural truth that helped to heal these wounded people in a very authentic way. Not the kind of magical "once you say the conversion prayer, everything in your life will go right" thing that comes up in so much Christian fiction, but even those who knew Christ and lived as believers needed to go back to, just like in real life. Bravo.

[Noninuna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 5 stars for 2nd read.

I enjoyed everything in it this time around. The friendship between Rese & Star, Lance with Rico & Chaz. The slow but interesting romance between leads especially emotional support they showed each other. The neighbour. The family mystery. Everything! Hope to start the second book soon!
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4.5 🌟

From page 1, I flew thru it. However, around 70%, it started to became heavy & preachy. I'm not saying it's bad. I was glad to read some perspective on life & religion because I know I need some even tho I'm not christian. Overall, this book was an enjoyable ride.

I love the humor, the romance & the characters. I especially adore Star.

"Who're you?"
"Lance's fairy godmother. You must be the wicked stepsister."

[Robin Patchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting. I couldn't put this book down, and I'd purchased the sequel before I finished it, just to make sure I wouldn't have to wait. Both the hero and heroine are so flawed and real, I found myself wanting to pray for them. It makes me sad they don't exist in real life. I'll be reading more from Kristen Heitzmann.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my very favorite of all of Kristen Heitzmann's books. There is always a mystery, a romance, and one or more characters come unto the Lord. They always make for a great read!

This book, in particular, shines because of the banter between the two main characters. It had me giggling in the tub!

Looking for a good time that will leave you feeling good about life and longing to be better than you are? This is it!! (And the two more in the series are an added bonus.) :)

[Bridgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the next book in this series! Especially loved it because the man could cook and he was Catholic, and a good-lookin' Italian! Although I must say.....reading the cooking scenes made me really hungry for some of his food. Too bad he doesn't exist. :(

[Melanie Pietrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I've never read anything where religion was so openly talked about by the characters. This was an extremely well written book with romance and suspense that it left me wanting to read more. The characters each have their own dark secrets that they draw out of each other and work through. It's not like BAM find Christ and your all better. There is pain and tears and betrayal all mixed up in this that makes it so real that you want to just smack Rese upside the head at times or yell at Lance for being so stupid and not coming clean sooner... like I said, it's a great read!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange that I am reading a religious book I know. This one raised some really interesting questions about life and what one really wants out of it. I appreciate how you aren't rolled over with religion but it's there and it drives the characters in interesting ways. Heitzmann interweaves a good story with her personal message about salvation and God in a non-invasive way.

[Lisa Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved the indepth characterization of Rese and Lance. Their sizzling, albeit reluctant, chemistry. The soul-searching, faith-challenging questions. The angst, the pain, the loss, the suffering, the place of all comfort and security.

This is why I love Kristen Heitzmann novels—the raw honesty, the courage to examine the uncomfortable.

[Jan Mcclung-short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I had a hard time getting to where I enjoyed the character Rese Barret, but that was just because she was so damaged and hard to read. Lance Michelli, the main man in the book is care free and lives life to the fullest and he describes Rese as an onion with all the layers. You keep peeling and you finally get a soft sweet onion with less fire. Lance is easy to like, easy on the eyes, and easy to be around. He tells a good tale, doesn't really lie, but just doesn' t tell everything, what you would basically call a white lie. He keeps his mission a secret and it isn't revealed until the end of the book to Rese. He is a musician traveling with his best friends around the country, playing music, writing songs, and breaking girls hearts unintentionally when his grandmother has a stroke and asks him to search out answers for her. He falls in love easy bringing him and his family heartache. He has a deep faith in Jesus and lets his faith guide his life. His faith is deep and overfills where it leaks out. Others are drawn to him and his personality. He is like the Bible song we sang as kids where you can't hide your light (faith and trust in Jesus) under the basket. The light leaks out guiding others to him whether he wants them to or not.

Rese is a carpenter by trade who is with her father when he dies in a tragic work accident. Rese is drenched in his blood; and feels responsible for not being able to save him. She thinks she hides her pain well: she keeps to herself. Not talking, not trusting anyone now that her dad has died and wanting to do something that doesn't rely on her carpentry skills daily while working with her fathers crew. She has one friend who is as warped as she is: she wanders in and out of Rese's life. They are childhood friends who bonded to shelter each other from the severely dysfunctional family members and cruel school children in their lives.

Lance answers Rese's sign in the window for a cook in her new career running a bed and breakfast/inn in the Sonoma wine valley. He will cook and basically run the inn while she renovates the inn...or that's the plan. Lance doesn't tell the real reason that he wants to be able the cook only at this inn. Rese doesn't tell the real reason she began her new career. The attraction is there and strange things begin to happen at the inn and to them.

The twists and turns along with the other characters kept me reading this book. I didn't like Rese at all until I began to discover what she had survived. What a strong woman/child she had to be to cope with the obstacles in her childhood and life up until now whenbeverything began to cave in on her. She has no faith in anyone but herself, until her body begins to tell her she has to deal with her past. She can't sleep. She only eats what is there and requires no effort. She doesn't do conversations. Her career choice is slapping her around making her question how she is going to survive and be successfull in this job. Being a perfectionist, leaves her no choice but to face her past or to live in the past. Lance isn't allowing her to not face her past. She cannot trust anyone so why does she trust him. This book is like a wild ride in a fast car, the radio up loud, and you have had a couple drinks.

[Grace Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who wants to pick up this book, keep in mind that it is not a crime drama. I thought it was more a contemporary romance. That doesn't mean that there isn't a subplot of murder and whatnots. But it's not the main plot, so there.

I ended up really liking this one. It was really long, to say the least. But I really enjoyed characters like Lance and Evvy. Rese got on my nerves a lot, but I did end up liking her later on.

Lance was just super sweet and the way he tried to help everyone be happy, made me happy. I love how he cares for his family. I mean the whole reason why this book happens is because of the quest he goes on for his grandmother who is ill at the time. I mean, this was a huge plus for me.

Evvy was kinda the one who kept the book on point with the Christian aspect. Which was okay, but I just loved her personality. LIKE I LOVE HER, OKAY?!?

I really like how the author written up the almost ghost story, without having spooks. It was fun, and I liked it.

I also really like how this book represents mental health.

What I Didn't Like:

Lance.... I know that I said that I loved him... That's not entirely true. You see, there was this scene of where Rese was telling Lance about this time where these two men violated her, including one of the guys giving her a French kiss. Then Lance kisses her to show her that not all kisses are bad. LANCE!!! You would think that with a personality like what Rese has that she would slap Lance or something for kissing her, nope, she doesn't, which goes against her character. I just think it was the wrong timing for Lance to kiss Rese and that Rese was not acting herself in this scene.

There were a few other times that Lance annoyed me. I mostly loved him, but there were times I really wished Lance would just stop.

And Rese.... Her personality rubbed me the wrong way at times. She was just so mean to Lance. She did grow on me, but still....

Content in Book:

1. Touching a woman in a non-nice manner, French kissing when one does not want to.

2. Kissing.

3. Mentions of having sex to get information, it doesn't happen.

4. Mentions of abuse.

5. Mentions of murder.

6. A skeleton.

7. People dying from heart attacks and old age.

8. Alcohol beverages.

9. Mental health. (A drug baby (who is grown up), schizophrenia (hallucinations, trying to kill someone with gas, creepy sayings, etc.)).

Will I Continue with the Series?

Yep! I am curious to see what happens with Lance after he tells his grandmother the news.

Who Would I Recommend This Book Too:

Those who want a contemporary romance that has a side of crime drama. Those who want a book that represents mental health.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-seven-year-old Lance Michelli and his Nonna have a deep connection in Secrets, Book one of Kristen Heitzmann's Michelli Family Series. That's why when Nonna has a stroke and can no longer talk, Lance is still able to understand something of what she wants. It has to do with righting a family wrong--a mission that takes him eventually from New York to Sonoma California and the estate that the family once owned.

Twenty-four-year-old Rese Barrett has recently bought that property and is renovating it as only this female protege of a construction-company-owning-father knows how. She is going to turn it into a B&B--her last renovation project ever. Though her deep love for working with wood hasn't lessened, it's too painful to continue in the line of work that so brutally snatched her dad.

Lance manages to convince Rese to hire him on as a cook, entertainer (he's also a musician), and jack-of-all trades in helping to finish the reno. With full run of the property, he unearths all kinds of family-related baggage but not before his relationship with Rese develops way beyond what he planned.

For her part, Rese is a tough nut to crack, but once charmer Lance has her in his spell, she becomes an unwitting temptress, challenging Lance's Christian standards on more than one occasion.

The book is beautifully written. The characters are complex and loveable despite their faults. Lance struggles with his Christian faith in a believable way but is a truly warm, caring guy, even though the fallout from his lack of limits in some areas (there is a lot of kissing and other touching) seems to surprise him.

The questions still unanswered at the end of Secrets make the description of Unforgotten (Book 2 in the series) awfully inviting: "Unforgotten returns ... to the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx where Nonna Antonia hopes to find peace. Instead she learns that what she thought she knew was only a shadow of the truth..."

Secrets was a free Kindle download. As of this writing, it's still free, so go and check it out!

[Daphne Self · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book very trying and difficult to read. From the stereotype of a Bronx raised Italian man (leather vest, white t-shirt, and earring) to the unfeminine attributes given to a female construction worker, from no character growth (ARC) to slow progression of the plot and redundancy of the narrative.

It took a few chapters to realize that there was a dog with the character and that he was still in Sonoma. The transition from one setting to another was abrupt. The author tried hard to show the tension between the two characters, but it came across as stilted and jarring narrative, and quite disjointed. The repetition of Rese being a carpenter and her love for it, and Lance being a chef and his love for cooking, irritated me.

I felt that a vital part of the book, the letters of "Nonna's", should have been read by the lead character well before the tenth chapter. Secondary characters were suddenly brought forth without warning, and anywhere from midway of the novel to the end.

If not for the author trying to build suspense and causing the storyline progression to be too slow and character development nonexistent, this would have been a very good story. The idea was there, but the production was lacking. "Secrets" is labeled as Christian fiction, but the religious aspect was forced and heavy-handed.

This will not keep me from reading the author's other works, but it will make me seriously peruse her novels before purchasing.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book a LOT. It dealt with so many themes, but all were woven so intricately together...very impressed with the writing abilities of this author, Kristen Heitzmann. This was the first book of hers that I had read. It will NOT be the last, as this book is the first of a trilogy and I've already purchased the second one. The main character of this story, Rese, is a very strong, independent woman, who has learned the hard way, to stand on her own two feet. Like many of us, she'd built up walls to shut others out, thinking that by letting others get close to her, it somehow made her weak. Through a series of events, she opens her heart to friendship, love and faith and sees just how important all three of those play in her daily life. In just 423 pages, she experiences joy, happiness, success, sadness, sorrow, grief and loss. She discovers a history with Christ she had shut out and ultimately opens up to Him and realizes how much she's missed in life by not accepting His gift of salvation and unconditional love. You won't be able to put this book down. It's an incredible read.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm between 3 and 4 stars, so will give this book a 3.5 star rating.

The story had a slow start, building up to the intrigue and mystery, and it took me a while to get use to the writing style, but once I got into it I enjoyed the banter between Rese and Lance. The mystery around Lance's Nonna Antonia was slow building, with a fast ending, but felt unfinished at the end, which was probably the aim as this was part of a series and the story continues in book 2. I was left with, really that's the ending, but then want to read the next book to see if there is more to the mystery, so the writer was definitely successful to get readers to want to continue the story.

I liked Lance's character. He had real struggles, with his emotions, with the choices he made and temptations after recently committing to God. the interaction between him and Rese was fun to read. Rese's story really grabbed at my heart. I loved Evvy's character and Star's was a bit crazy and sometimes confusing.

Recommended for people who likes to read series and loves mystery/intrigue.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad to say, I did not like this book almost at all. The whole story would have been so much better if Lance wouldn't have tried to pursue Rese, knowing she wasn't a believer and he was. There is a reason the Bible says to not be "unequally yoked with unbelievers". He struggles with his physical attraction towards her not wanting it to go farther and she doesn't understand that because she isn't a Christian, so she ends up so confused multiple times. I felt so bad for her! His solution to her reacting to trauma in her life is to just kiss her. That really made me mad. 🤣 She needed therapy, not his lips.

The best part of the story was all the descriptions of food with Lance being a chef. Loved those parts.

But then the ending made me feel like I went through that entire story for nothing. It didn't feel like there were any lessons learned or anything. I doubt I will continue the series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars, I LOVED this book. The character development was fabulous, the drama just enough for me, and the Christian setting satisfying; while God's influence is there, it's subtle enough that any readers should still enjoy it. The fullness of relief is obviously only available with God's influence in the solutions.

It is set in modern day, but with historical mysteries ancient and more recent to be solved. I appreciated the struggle of characters trying to rise above self and weaknesses, and dysfunctional family issues, and I loved the determination for chastity, and even (maybe especially) their finding that God is really the only true and lasting source of help.

It's moderately long, and it took me a long time to read, betwixt all my other reads, but I was always so glad to get back to it!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lance Michelli sets out on a journey for his grandmother (a recent stroke victim), but he's not sure what he's looking for. He's led to her childhood home, which is being renovated into a bed and breakfast by Rese (Theresa) Barrett. She hiring for the b&b, and Lance jumps at the opportunity to have access to the house.

Although they don't hit it off initially, they are just what each other needs. But, Lance hasn't been forthcoming about why he's really there. Will his secrets keep him from the truth he's looking for?

This was an enjoyable mystery, although sometimes I felt the story was dragging. But, in hindsight, that could have been a reaction to the parts that were depressing (some of the details from the past were hard to read).

[Jalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me about a week to read and I really enjoyed it. it was not cliche like a lot of Christian romances are ... well maybe in some ways it was but the majority was original enough to cover for it. the beginning 25% or so did kinda seem to move slowly but once the story got going I was hooked till the end. The author did an incredible job of making the characters and their struggles and secrets seem real. I could identify with Lance more at first, then later with Rese, and at the end I was rooting for both of them! However I was a bit disappointed to reach the end and Lance still hadn't figured everything out about what happened to his ancestors. I'm glad there's a sequel though and I'll definitely read more books by Kristen Heitzmann!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series, you will want to read them all. Sweet, funny, romantic and mysterious. Loved all of Kristen's books that I have read. They are all winners!

[Lorelei Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I originally read the book because the author's last name was very similar to my maiden name BUT I loved the book so much I read and fell in love with the rest of her books!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not a favorite of mine.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was definitely intriguing, and kept me engaged. I mixed listening and physical reading with this one. The narrator was good, if not heavy on the mouth sounds 🤣
Several things bugged me about Lance (forcefully kissing Rese, taking her on the motorcycle when she repeatedly didn’t want to) but otherwise the characters were good. There was a lot going on, plot-wise. Almost too much. But the family story mixed with a little mystery and faith ended up being a good read.
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Shop my shelves #6

[Esther · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend lent me a box of books and this series was in it. I thought I would give it a try. I wasn't blown away. There was nothing bad, it just wasn't great. It took me way too long to get into it.

I don't plan to read the rest of the series at this time. I am just going to pretend that Lance & Rese live happily ever after running the Inn.