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Almost Perfect #1
No Perfect Secret
Anna Nesmith has it all—enchanting looks, a great job, an exquisite home, a husband she should adore. Then Frank Caburn arrives at her door in the midst of a winter storm. He was hatless, dripping wet, and exuding testosterone so thick it could’ve been churned into butter. An internal investigator for the State Department, Caburn insists the questions he has for Anna about her husband, her finances, and her personal life are merely routine.
Anna suspects differently. What she learns over the coming hours, days, and weeks shatters every facet of her well-ordered life. Her confidence plunges, her husband doesn’t come home, her dream job has to be put on hold, and her mother-in-law comes unhinged. All she wants to do is indulge in her misery, but Frank Caburn won’t have it. He has a droll and infuriating sense of humor. He forces laughter from her lips when all she wants is to indulge her misery. Man to the bone, Caburn’s smile could take him from a cocktail hour to a bedroom, but he finds Anna enduring, unassailable, and far too intelligent to be swayed by mere charisma. He wants off the investigation. But his boss is a rock, and his colleague is a hard place, and both have their own agendas. Caburn is on his honor to do the right thing. He knows the secret and is forbidden to reveal it. Yet, he’s promised Anna he will always tell her the truth. He realizes he will have to tread very carefully to gain her trust—and her bed. Coping with one disaster after another, Anna longs to lean on Caburn, absorb his strength, and yes, she wants to release her pent-up passion. She feels like some mad god is urging her to go to bed with the man, enjoy it, and then get on with her life. But that isn’t what the Fates have in mind … .
Anna suspects differently. What she learns over the coming hours, days, and weeks shatters every facet of her well-ordered life. Her confidence plunges, her husband doesn’t come home, her dream job has to be put on hold, and her mother-in-law comes unhinged. All she wants to do is indulge in her misery, but Frank Caburn won’t have it. He has a droll and infuriating sense of humor. He forces laughter from her lips when all she wants is to indulge her misery. Man to the bone, Caburn’s smile could take him from a cocktail hour to a bedroom, but he finds Anna enduring, unassailable, and far too intelligent to be swayed by mere charisma. He wants off the investigation. But his boss is a rock, and his colleague is a hard place, and both have their own agendas. Caburn is on his honor to do the right thing. He knows the secret and is forbidden to reveal it. Yet, he’s promised Anna he will always tell her the truth. He realizes he will have to tread very carefully to gain her trust—and her bed. Coping with one disaster after another, Anna longs to lean on Caburn, absorb his strength, and yes, she wants to release her pent-up passion. She feels like some mad god is urging her to go to bed with the man, enjoy it, and then get on with her life. But that isn’t what the Fates have in mind … .
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
477 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Weger
39 books325 followersI would rather write an obit than my bio, mostly because I'm one of the most boring souls you'll ever meet. I have been to interesting places and met interesting people, but none of it rubbed off on me. Some of those places and some of those people found their way into characters or settings in my romance novels which lends me about an inch of panache--on the table below the salt. With family or solo, I've traveled since I was about eleven. I spent years living abroad in Central America in little jungle villages absorbing the native culture and language. I spent months on off-islands and sailed in the Pacific with a friend until his sloop sank--not with us on it--thank goodness. I spent a New Year's in Montreal, a summer semester in the U.K and a few glorious days in Paris before returning Stateside to finish a degree in history, then it was off to Panama and Costa Rica. While my passport is always handy, I've settled down in Texas to be near my family. Since I'm sitting still, I've plugged in my laptop and started writing again. After an absence of a few years, I've jumped back into the publishing world which has changed dramatically. I love the changes. In the past, category romance novels had a shelf life between yogurt and ice cream, but with the advent of e-books they can live on the Web for years. I'm excited to be publishing my backlist. I'm working on a new novel. I live with a man, a dog, seven feral cats and go to Bingo on Friday night. The most exciting thing that's happened in my life recently is a cow wandered into my yard and ate my garden. See what I mean about being boring?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 28, 2014
I picked this book up when it was free at Choosy BookWorm. I am sometimes leery of reading romance, either it's too sappy or two sexy, but the book description really captured my attention. I was so glad that I overcame my reluctance! The story is populated with the most wonderful characters who make it all work as a story.
From the moment of Anna's first encounter with Frank Coban, a State Department investigator asking about her absent husband, I could see that this story was going to be bitter-sweet. Frank and his counter parts at the State department were a hoot, and the snappy repartee between Frank and Helen kept me in stitches. Then too, there is Mr. Charles, so clever, so funny! And Helen's tenants, and friends, JoJo and Clarence, are both amusing but also provide much needed research into Anna's husband's past. I loved Anna's wonderful ninety-year old neighbor, Lila. What a wonderful character---smart, witty, and generous. And it's nice to see an elderly person portrayed as still interesting.
Yes, this is a love story between two people, but I appreciate the "make 'em wait" style of romance, and this author has done it just right. When the lovers finally are together, the reader can sigh in satisfaction and say, "Now that's romance!"
Expertly written with beautiful passages of hope, understanding and humor. I loved it and I highly recommend reading it.
From the moment of Anna's first encounter with Frank Coban, a State Department investigator asking about her absent husband, I could see that this story was going to be bitter-sweet. Frank and his counter parts at the State department were a hoot, and the snappy repartee between Frank and Helen kept me in stitches. Then too, there is Mr. Charles, so clever, so funny! And Helen's tenants, and friends, JoJo and Clarence, are both amusing but also provide much needed research into Anna's husband's past. I loved Anna's wonderful ninety-year old neighbor, Lila. What a wonderful character---smart, witty, and generous. And it's nice to see an elderly person portrayed as still interesting.
Yes, this is a love story between two people, but I appreciate the "make 'em wait" style of romance, and this author has done it just right. When the lovers finally are together, the reader can sigh in satisfaction and say, "Now that's romance!"
Expertly written with beautiful passages of hope, understanding and humor. I loved it and I highly recommend reading it.
October 9, 2014
When Anna’s husband of ten years, Kevin, dies while overseas on business, it raises some red flags at the State Department. Anna assumes the government is concerned because Kevin is an international courier, but it’s more complicated than that. The story follows Anna as she tries to piece together her life after Kevin’s death.
Although this novel begins as a romance—Frank, the State department investigator assigned to Anna’s case becomes her love interest—it has a lot of depth and nuance. The mystery that surrounds her husband’s demise is revealed slowly, like multiple layers of skin being stripped from an onion. Even when I thought I’d “got it,” a sudden twist started me wondering again whether I had.
Anna and Frank worked well together as a couple—very different people, but their romantic connection never felt forced. Their obvious physical attraction is constantly challenged by their personal qualms about jumping into a relationship under such unfortunate circumstance.
But, for me, a series of colorful side characters made the book special. Although the story line followed the romance between Anna and Frank, these neighbors and acquaintances were so varied, interesting, and complex that they kept me smiling, occasionally cringing, and engaged throughout.
Although this novel begins as a romance—Frank, the State department investigator assigned to Anna’s case becomes her love interest—it has a lot of depth and nuance. The mystery that surrounds her husband’s demise is revealed slowly, like multiple layers of skin being stripped from an onion. Even when I thought I’d “got it,” a sudden twist started me wondering again whether I had.
Anna and Frank worked well together as a couple—very different people, but their romantic connection never felt forced. Their obvious physical attraction is constantly challenged by their personal qualms about jumping into a relationship under such unfortunate circumstance.
But, for me, a series of colorful side characters made the book special. Although the story line followed the romance between Anna and Frank, these neighbors and acquaintances were so varied, interesting, and complex that they kept me smiling, occasionally cringing, and engaged throughout.
October 31, 2014
I didn't want it to end
My reaction to this book is mixed. I kept wanting the book to hurry up and then was glad when it didn't. The hero is human, a good man, compassionate, kind, and honest, NOT an alpha male caricature who treats women poorly and is a self centered jerk. The heroine is no one's doormat, smart, and not an overly dramatic drama queen. These are people I would like to meet. The plot is unusual and, because of that, refreshing. There were a few typos and language error, hardly noticeable. The author has a lovely turn of phrase that had me chuckling aloud more than once. This is a romance and there's sex, but it's low key and nicely done. The supporting characters are a hoot! Bravo!
My reaction to this book is mixed. I kept wanting the book to hurry up and then was glad when it didn't. The hero is human, a good man, compassionate, kind, and honest, NOT an alpha male caricature who treats women poorly and is a self centered jerk. The heroine is no one's doormat, smart, and not an overly dramatic drama queen. These are people I would like to meet. The plot is unusual and, because of that, refreshing. There were a few typos and language error, hardly noticeable. The author has a lovely turn of phrase that had me chuckling aloud more than once. This is a romance and there's sex, but it's low key and nicely done. The supporting characters are a hoot! Bravo!
May 2, 2018
I loved this book. Jackie Weger has a way of writing so vividly that I had trouble putting the book down and when I did, I couldn't wait to get back to the story. Anna Nesmith was in a load of trouble, married to a man who turned out to be everything one detests in a male. No wonder when State Department Frank Caburn comes into her life to tell her the truth about her husband she thought she knew and loved, she has trouble opening the door once again to her heart.
December 8, 2014
Jackie Weger's new novel No Perfect Secret is about a woman, Anne Nesmith, who suddenly realizes that someone very close to her, someone she's shared her life with in the most intimate way possible, is someone she doesn't really know at all.
Anna works in DC as a Senate research assistant at the Library of Congress. Her husband Kevin is a State Department courier who lives his life on airplanes which means Anne lives her life alone. And childless, a condition she desperately wants to change.
One snowy winter's night Frank Caburn, a "Government man," knocks on Anne's door and her entire world crumbles around her. With each passing day she finds herself becoming more entangled in a web of deceit and mystery not of her making. Down is up. Up is down. And everything seems to be inside out.
She also finds herself falling in love with Frank Caburn, which makes Anne question who she really is. Frank seems quite odd, as if he's been snatched out of the 1950s complete with Old Spice aftershave. Who is he really? Why is she so attracted to him?
And then there's the issue of the missing body.
As if this isn't confusing enough, Anne's life is bombarded with a cavalcade of odd-ball characters, including a 90 year old granny who throws one hell of a Christmas party, and an outlaw in-law that wants to kill Anne.
Jackie Weger has spun a skillful and entertaining romance novel. I know I'm not the target audience but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. As Gertrude Stein once said, "A good story is a good story is a good story." If you know someone who is a fan of romance novels, stuff this in their stocking. Highly recommended.
Anna works in DC as a Senate research assistant at the Library of Congress. Her husband Kevin is a State Department courier who lives his life on airplanes which means Anne lives her life alone. And childless, a condition she desperately wants to change.
One snowy winter's night Frank Caburn, a "Government man," knocks on Anne's door and her entire world crumbles around her. With each passing day she finds herself becoming more entangled in a web of deceit and mystery not of her making. Down is up. Up is down. And everything seems to be inside out.
She also finds herself falling in love with Frank Caburn, which makes Anne question who she really is. Frank seems quite odd, as if he's been snatched out of the 1950s complete with Old Spice aftershave. Who is he really? Why is she so attracted to him?
And then there's the issue of the missing body.
As if this isn't confusing enough, Anne's life is bombarded with a cavalcade of odd-ball characters, including a 90 year old granny who throws one hell of a Christmas party, and an outlaw in-law that wants to kill Anne.
Jackie Weger has spun a skillful and entertaining romance novel. I know I'm not the target audience but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. As Gertrude Stein once said, "A good story is a good story is a good story." If you know someone who is a fan of romance novels, stuff this in their stocking. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2015
A story of sweet romance and family problems delivered with mastery
Anna Nesmith is an intelligent woman, who finds herself in a very painful and awkward situation. Agent Frank Caburn barges into her life asking all sorts of questions about her husband, but in the process finds himself more interested in her. The story unfolds with an array of delightful characters, the way only this author can portray them; delightful, but at the same time with lots of attitude, savvy and witty.
Jackie Weger manages to balance skillfully sweet romance with the portrayal of painful and awkward family situations. Her main character, Anna Nesmith, handles herself in the face of untold dismay and devastation like a real hero: with incredible charisma, stoicism and humor. I couldn’t help but admire her through her journey and to fall in love with old-fashioned, charming Frank Caburn alongside her.
This has been a delightful read! I have bought the other two romances in this author’s series as well (No Perfect Destiny, No Perfect Fate) and can’t wait to dig in!
Anna Nesmith is an intelligent woman, who finds herself in a very painful and awkward situation. Agent Frank Caburn barges into her life asking all sorts of questions about her husband, but in the process finds himself more interested in her. The story unfolds with an array of delightful characters, the way only this author can portray them; delightful, but at the same time with lots of attitude, savvy and witty.
Jackie Weger manages to balance skillfully sweet romance with the portrayal of painful and awkward family situations. Her main character, Anna Nesmith, handles herself in the face of untold dismay and devastation like a real hero: with incredible charisma, stoicism and humor. I couldn’t help but admire her through her journey and to fall in love with old-fashioned, charming Frank Caburn alongside her.
This has been a delightful read! I have bought the other two romances in this author’s series as well (No Perfect Destiny, No Perfect Fate) and can’t wait to dig in!
February 9, 2015
This book really grabbed you from the start and was very hard to put down. The story built leaving me in anticipation for what was coming next. It had funny parts, heart wrenching moments(but not tear jerking), and lots of intelluctual jargon. I loved it. The romance was there without being descriptive which I liked. I don't have to have steamy scences but I hate when the scene is totally avoided. And the language was really good. Highly recommend!
December 23, 2015
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. It was kind of all over the place. It just didn't flow for me. The author spent so much time building up what was happening and then tied it up in a matter of pages. What was the purpose of the trip? It could have been eliminated and the ending elongated. What happened there could have happened in DC...during the normal course...instead of having to cut the trip short.
I liked Anna and Frank but not really. Does that make sense? I felt bad for her and, then, glad for her. And Frank seemed like a stand-up guy but...maybe it was the beginning of the book. I don't know. It was just a very weird ride. I found myself reading it to the end because I wanted to find out what happened. Like...what about the flight attendant in NYC? What about the mother-in-law?
I'm glad this was a Kindle Unlimited book because if I'd had to pay for it, #1 - I wouldn't have finished it; and #2 - I would have returned it.
That's all. The end.
I liked Anna and Frank but not really. Does that make sense? I felt bad for her and, then, glad for her. And Frank seemed like a stand-up guy but...maybe it was the beginning of the book. I don't know. It was just a very weird ride. I found myself reading it to the end because I wanted to find out what happened. Like...what about the flight attendant in NYC? What about the mother-in-law?
I'm glad this was a Kindle Unlimited book because if I'd had to pay for it, #1 - I wouldn't have finished it; and #2 - I would have returned it.
That's all. The end.
September 6, 2012
Where has this author been all my life? I loved the characters in this book. I wanted to have tea with Anna, meatloaf with Lila, and I wanted to slap her mother-in-law. I don't know any men like Frank Caburn. He did all the right things at all the wrong times. I kept wanting to move him up a page or back a page so he could get it right. He is an old-fashioned kind of guy, maybe a little GQ around the edges but a man you can depend upon to have your back. I usually skip the sex scenes, (I already know all about sex) but I read the ones in No Perfect Secret because I got caught up in the humor of it.
February 13, 2015
Ann Nesmith believes she has it all. A job she loves. A wonderful husband. A home of her own. But - something still doesn't feel right. And that something is a pack of lies and deceit spun by said husband. After he passes away she finds out the last 10 years were all a lie. As Weger reveals his lies and betrayal you begin to route for Ann and want her to come out on top.
This was a good one. For a woman to go through and learn so much about a life that wasn't real - just wow! Weger wrote a very moving, heart breaking, and touching love story. The feelings and emotions were so real. I could feel her pain and her joy. Great read. Don't pass this one up.
This was a good one. For a woman to go through and learn so much about a life that wasn't real - just wow! Weger wrote a very moving, heart breaking, and touching love story. The feelings and emotions were so real. I could feel her pain and her joy. Great read. Don't pass this one up.
July 10, 2015
A well crafted story that sees Anna's life slowly unravel and fall apart. I really enjoy reading stories with strong and intelligent woman protagonists. This book falls I to that category. It has humour, wit and love. All the characters could be stories of their own. Great individuals that all blend together in this wonderful story of caring and sharing. I will definitely be looking for more Jackie Weger books and recommend her books to my friends.
December 3, 2012
My girlfriend was reading this and I thought it was something like 50 Shades. She liked it so much that she said to check it out. I didn't think I'd like this because it's not my kind of book, but once I started, I couldn't put it down.
October 14, 2012
Great read, makes you want to keep coming back for more. Easily get lost in the characters and the humor is great, catches you off guard sometimes, in a good way.
October 21, 2012
A wonderful romance writer who knows how to bring her characters to life. A must read!
December 25, 2012
Great writing. Great characters. Hard to put book down. Love the author. Will read more books by Jackie Weger.
January 29, 2015
loved it
4.5*
4.5*
Want to read
December 13, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/13/2017)! 💝
November 26, 2025
No Perfect Secret
This was an okay read even if it did start off very slow. I just couldn’t get my head around the State Dept not giving her the full story right from the start. Would have liked the ending drawn out a bit as it seemed rushed. Good banter though.
This was an okay read even if it did start off very slow. I just couldn’t get my head around the State Dept not giving her the full story right from the start. Would have liked the ending drawn out a bit as it seemed rushed. Good banter though.
February 9, 2015
What do you do when you find the last 10 years of your life is a lie, that you were conned, used and I would think is some ways abused? You have the perfect life if only your mother-in-law wouldn’t live with you and of course if you had a child. Just when you think you can have it all your whole world falls apart and you lost it all. Who do you turn to, who can you trust? This book takes you on a journey of people who will have to deal with the fall out of one man lies…..
This was an outstanding read that will blow your mind, it has so much emotion, pain, humor, lies and the list goes on and on. It is a good thing Kevin is dead or I feel sure there would be a long line of people who would want to kill him. His mother needed the demons of hell to suck her soul right out of her. I felt so sorry for the women they deserved so much better.
The author did her job as a writer sucking you right in from page one, and keeping you right where she wanted you. There are characters here you will want to slap, shake, possible kill, along with those you will love. You will want to hold them, give them support and just cheer them on to a better life. This is a book you will not want to put down, you will keep turning the pages to find out what the author has in store for you.
I loved this story the plot is outstanding with mystery, hurt and pain. You will laugh yourself silly with the wonderful characters. These are characters I could easily hang out with share a drink, have a meal with lots of fun. They are everyday people with a wonderful sense of humor that will make you laugh even when you want to cry. This is not typical love story, you don’t have pages and pages of sex but lot of passion where you can fill your mind with good old fashion love. There are a lot of wonderful passion scenes that will give you a peaceful happy feelings.
I have to say there was nothing in this story that I didn’t like, the author does an outstanding job telling a compelling story of losing it all and starting over. Of having a dream and finding that dream is a nightmare. Not knowing where to turn or who to trust and learning to love again. This is one story you do not want to miss, your heart will break for Anna and you will cheer Frank on. You will want to kill Kevin and his mother. The story said she has a problem since 9-11 but really it starts way before that. I tried hard to feel sorry for her, I knew she was conned as well but I just couldn’t. She knew things and hid them, I think she was just a mean old women.
This is the first I have read from this author but it sure will not be the last. You really should pick up this book and let it take you to another place and time. Yes it has painful issues, very believable ones but the author brings humor in just when it needs to be to make it an outstanding read.
This was an outstanding read that will blow your mind, it has so much emotion, pain, humor, lies and the list goes on and on. It is a good thing Kevin is dead or I feel sure there would be a long line of people who would want to kill him. His mother needed the demons of hell to suck her soul right out of her. I felt so sorry for the women they deserved so much better.
The author did her job as a writer sucking you right in from page one, and keeping you right where she wanted you. There are characters here you will want to slap, shake, possible kill, along with those you will love. You will want to hold them, give them support and just cheer them on to a better life. This is a book you will not want to put down, you will keep turning the pages to find out what the author has in store for you.
I loved this story the plot is outstanding with mystery, hurt and pain. You will laugh yourself silly with the wonderful characters. These are characters I could easily hang out with share a drink, have a meal with lots of fun. They are everyday people with a wonderful sense of humor that will make you laugh even when you want to cry. This is not typical love story, you don’t have pages and pages of sex but lot of passion where you can fill your mind with good old fashion love. There are a lot of wonderful passion scenes that will give you a peaceful happy feelings.
I have to say there was nothing in this story that I didn’t like, the author does an outstanding job telling a compelling story of losing it all and starting over. Of having a dream and finding that dream is a nightmare. Not knowing where to turn or who to trust and learning to love again. This is one story you do not want to miss, your heart will break for Anna and you will cheer Frank on. You will want to kill Kevin and his mother. The story said she has a problem since 9-11 but really it starts way before that. I tried hard to feel sorry for her, I knew she was conned as well but I just couldn’t. She knew things and hid them, I think she was just a mean old women.
This is the first I have read from this author but it sure will not be the last. You really should pick up this book and let it take you to another place and time. Yes it has painful issues, very believable ones but the author brings humor in just when it needs to be to make it an outstanding read.
October 21, 2014
No Perfect Secret by Jackie Weger is a 2014 independent publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a deeply absorbing portrayal of a woman, Anna Nesmith who discovers her husband, Kevin, has betrayed her in multiple ways. This book will have you thinking twice about taking anything or anyone at face value. But, one deceitful person shouldn't have everlasting control over your life and you should never give them that power. Anna's journey is touching, and left me feeling warm all over and with a smile on my face.
When Anna learns her husband has been living a double life, his work in the state department makes things even more difficult. When Frank Caburn is assigned to look into this very delicate matter, he never expects to encounter Anna, a strong, beautiful woman trapped in a horrible marriage and about to discover it was all a big lie. Needing to tread carefully, Frank informs Anna a little at a time about her husband's activities. But, this not the only issue. Anna literally has the “mother-in-law from hell”, and then some. Good Lord! Even after all that has been heaped on Anna, she begins to slowly comes back to life finding herself feeling free and ready to shed all the terrible years she spent married to a creep and chained to her mother-in-law's will.
Anna could very well have folded , could have decided all men were like Kevin, could have allowed her anger to turn to bitterness. However, instead she finds Frank is the kind of man she was looking for all along. Frank was absolutely dreamy, just my kind of guy! A confident, attractive man with a good open heart who is willing to go all in to keep Anna safe, happy, and give her the chance of having the family she has always wanted.
This is truly an uplifting story and while the drama is heavy, there are poignant, grab the tissues, moments where Anna thinks of her mother and the support she would have offered. But, this story is not without the trademark Weger humor many of you are familiar with. The secondary characters give the story a lighter tone when it was needed and I especially liked Frank's work partner, Helen.
The story is devoid of immature angst and self absorption and shows how love can and should grow on an emotional level, giving the sensual aspects of the romance more meaning. I really wish there were more stories written like this one.
5 stars!
This is a deeply absorbing portrayal of a woman, Anna Nesmith who discovers her husband, Kevin, has betrayed her in multiple ways. This book will have you thinking twice about taking anything or anyone at face value. But, one deceitful person shouldn't have everlasting control over your life and you should never give them that power. Anna's journey is touching, and left me feeling warm all over and with a smile on my face.
When Anna learns her husband has been living a double life, his work in the state department makes things even more difficult. When Frank Caburn is assigned to look into this very delicate matter, he never expects to encounter Anna, a strong, beautiful woman trapped in a horrible marriage and about to discover it was all a big lie. Needing to tread carefully, Frank informs Anna a little at a time about her husband's activities. But, this not the only issue. Anna literally has the “mother-in-law from hell”, and then some. Good Lord! Even after all that has been heaped on Anna, she begins to slowly comes back to life finding herself feeling free and ready to shed all the terrible years she spent married to a creep and chained to her mother-in-law's will.
Anna could very well have folded , could have decided all men were like Kevin, could have allowed her anger to turn to bitterness. However, instead she finds Frank is the kind of man she was looking for all along. Frank was absolutely dreamy, just my kind of guy! A confident, attractive man with a good open heart who is willing to go all in to keep Anna safe, happy, and give her the chance of having the family she has always wanted.
This is truly an uplifting story and while the drama is heavy, there are poignant, grab the tissues, moments where Anna thinks of her mother and the support she would have offered. But, this story is not without the trademark Weger humor many of you are familiar with. The secondary characters give the story a lighter tone when it was needed and I especially liked Frank's work partner, Helen.
The story is devoid of immature angst and self absorption and shows how love can and should grow on an emotional level, giving the sensual aspects of the romance more meaning. I really wish there were more stories written like this one.
5 stars!
February 6, 2017
I couldn't believe I did it! Finished and loved this book in a day and still wishing to be part of the Caburn family. I must admit, at first I was quite impatient with all the loose ends and mysteries throughout the first few chapters. There were a lot of trivia and what not, I thought the book contained too much information. Then as the story progressed, I got to know the characters and the scenarios had me laughing out loud in no time.
Oh man, finding out about the abominable snowman, I mean Kevin Nesmith actually got me into a whirl. Add his lunatic mom to the equation and my head imploded. I gotta hand it to Anna Elena Nesmith (nee Price) for having a good head on her shoulders, literally. This woman was a machine gun, firing off one trivia after another, gradually educating me about the Mayans and kuru and planners and teas with Scotch and wars and different countries and chicken cordon bleu.. I totally fell in love with her relationship with the people around her outside her marriage. The initially awkward and tense meeting with Frank, the warm kinship between her and feisty Lila, the weird but colorful tandem of Clarence and Jojo, the beautiful friendship from the State Department people (Helen, you're my favorite!), and soon the hilariously casual bantering between Anna and Caburn had me smirking and grinning like a dog at the end of the book.
Jackie Weger is a gem. I found her writing very unique and comfortable and so annoyingly beautiful. No Perfect Secret is such a perfect read! I wouldn't want it any other way. Now let me indulge in Anna's double chocolate fudge cake which she baked and graciously shared after her wedding before Clarence aka Savannah comes back for second helping. Yum!
P.S.
I liked the fact that the characters are aged between 30-40 years and the most interesting one is 90 years old. Love love love these people!
Oh man, finding out about the abominable snowman, I mean Kevin Nesmith actually got me into a whirl. Add his lunatic mom to the equation and my head imploded. I gotta hand it to Anna Elena Nesmith (nee Price) for having a good head on her shoulders, literally. This woman was a machine gun, firing off one trivia after another, gradually educating me about the Mayans and kuru and planners and teas with Scotch and wars and different countries and chicken cordon bleu.. I totally fell in love with her relationship with the people around her outside her marriage. The initially awkward and tense meeting with Frank, the warm kinship between her and feisty Lila, the weird but colorful tandem of Clarence and Jojo, the beautiful friendship from the State Department people (Helen, you're my favorite!), and soon the hilariously casual bantering between Anna and Caburn had me smirking and grinning like a dog at the end of the book.
Jackie Weger is a gem. I found her writing very unique and comfortable and so annoyingly beautiful. No Perfect Secret is such a perfect read! I wouldn't want it any other way. Now let me indulge in Anna's double chocolate fudge cake which she baked and graciously shared after her wedding before Clarence aka Savannah comes back for second helping. Yum!
P.S.
I liked the fact that the characters are aged between 30-40 years and the most interesting one is 90 years old. Love love love these people!
June 13, 2015
Love isn't always what it seems
If you like your love with twists, then this is the book for you.
You will meet Anna. Ordinary woman, ordinary job, ordinary life....or so she thought. Little did she realize that her ordinary life, was not even real. She finds out secret, upon buried secret concerning her husband and mother-in-law. Trust me...once you guess one secret, there will be many to follow. In essence, this will make you question your own existence. But, only do that if Frank will be the one assisting you with the hep of The State Department where he works with Helen and Albert.
You will also meet the best neighbor and friend in the world, Lila, who is 90 years old and tenants of Helens, JoJo and Clarence. Just be ready to fall in love with them all.
I loved this book and as an introduction to Jackie We get, I will definitely read more of her writing. giggle! And just wait until you read her introduction about herself. I really want her to be my friend!
Okay, so off with you. Get this and enjoy. By the way, there's a lot of coffee to drink, alcohol too, great food and watch Frank. He is possessive of chocolate! *wink*
If you like your love with twists, then this is the book for you.
You will meet Anna. Ordinary woman, ordinary job, ordinary life....or so she thought. Little did she realize that her ordinary life, was not even real. She finds out secret, upon buried secret concerning her husband and mother-in-law. Trust me...once you guess one secret, there will be many to follow. In essence, this will make you question your own existence. But, only do that if Frank will be the one assisting you with the hep of The State Department where he works with Helen and Albert.
You will also meet the best neighbor and friend in the world, Lila, who is 90 years old and tenants of Helens, JoJo and Clarence. Just be ready to fall in love with them all.
I loved this book and as an introduction to Jackie We get, I will definitely read more of her writing. giggle! And just wait until you read her introduction about herself. I really want her to be my friend!
Okay, so off with you. Get this and enjoy. By the way, there's a lot of coffee to drink, alcohol too, great food and watch Frank. He is possessive of chocolate! *wink*
October 2, 2014
**4.5 stars*
This was my first story from this author but it won’t be my last!
The premise seems simple. Anna, on the surface, appears to be living a happy, good life. She is happily, if not ecstatically, married and still hopeful they will have the child she’s always longed for. A visit from Frank, a co-worker of her husband’s at the State Department, is the catalyst in unraveling all she thought she knew about her marriage.
I loved this book! The storyline intrigued me but I got so much more. While a gentle romance, the relationship between the main characters seemed always to be simmering as they faced one after another of unwelcome revelations. And those revelations just kept on coming! Anna and Frank were surrounded and supported by funny, loving, friends, neighbours and co-workers that made the story that much richer.
Definitely on my re-read stack.
Review submitted as part of the Lovely Review Team.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first story from this author but it won’t be my last!
The premise seems simple. Anna, on the surface, appears to be living a happy, good life. She is happily, if not ecstatically, married and still hopeful they will have the child she’s always longed for. A visit from Frank, a co-worker of her husband’s at the State Department, is the catalyst in unraveling all she thought she knew about her marriage.
I loved this book! The storyline intrigued me but I got so much more. While a gentle romance, the relationship between the main characters seemed always to be simmering as they faced one after another of unwelcome revelations. And those revelations just kept on coming! Anna and Frank were surrounded and supported by funny, loving, friends, neighbours and co-workers that made the story that much richer.
Definitely on my re-read stack.
Review submitted as part of the Lovely Review Team.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2013
After about 2% on my Kindle, I was convinced that this was just another cheesy romance story, but the author quickly developed it into a well-developed, interesting novel. NO PERFECT SECRET is a story of romance, deception, and new beginnings. Anna is the loving, trusting wife who discovers a horrible secret that destroys everything she believed, and she has to summon her inner strength to go on. This novel is well written, and the characters are well developed. I applaud the author for giving Kevin, Anna's husband, such an interesting profession. Rather than making him a mundane lawyer or doctor, she made him a courier for the State Department, a position which is full of intrigue and, of course, possible illicit activity.
January 31, 2015
What a fun little book! I was really surprised how much I liked it! At first the dialog was a bit confusing with the dual POV mixed in with each other but the more I read the easier it got and blended very nicely. The story was fun and it had some sad parts but between the banter of Frank and Anna there were some laughs. This isn't a normal read for me but it is nice once in awhile to step out of all the other genres that keep my attention and read something sweet and quick. I definitely plan on reading more by this author. The author has a great way of telling a story and it is really well written. I would definitely recommend the book for anyone to read!
March 3, 2015
Here was a story with a colorful collection of characters who all had their own important piece to play. They weren't just there to make the leads look good. They were important to the story in their own right. I like that. Our hero wasn't super CIA/FBI/secret agent man he was flawed and adorable. Our heroine was smart and sassy and did what she needed to do without having to be saved all the time. Our villian was vile and some of the information revealed at the end had the feeling of being a thrown in with no real purpose to the story as it was a come and go type of revelation. All in all a good solid read.
November 3, 2014
Definitely NOT a book to keep secret ... I am telling all my friends about this one!
I love it when I find a book by an author I don't know, and can't put it down until I finish it. Luckily I am retired so it doesn't matter if I stay up all night reading it. This book has a great story, wonderful characters, unexpected situations and lots of heart. It also has loads of humor - -something I hadn't expected. I am now going on an Amazon search and buying some more books by this author and hopefully finding enough that I'll be able to put some on my wish list too.
I love it when I find a book by an author I don't know, and can't put it down until I finish it. Luckily I am retired so it doesn't matter if I stay up all night reading it. This book has a great story, wonderful characters, unexpected situations and lots of heart. It also has loads of humor - -something I hadn't expected. I am now going on an Amazon search and buying some more books by this author and hopefully finding enough that I'll be able to put some on my wish list too.
February 2, 2015
THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN NO PERFECT SECRET BUT FOR ME IT WAS THE PERFECT BOOK. WOW! I LOVED IT, PERFECT BALANCE OF CHARACTERS, STORY LINE AND THE HUMOR WAS HILARIOUS THIS SHOULD BE A MOVIE. I COULD SEE THIS AS I READ AND IMAGINED THE ACTORS THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THE PARTS. IT REMINDED ME OF SOME OF THE QUIRKY MOVIES I LOVE RAISING ARIZONA, BLOOD SIMPLE, BAGHDAD CAFE AND WEEKEND AT BERNEY'S, QUIRKY IS SO-SO GOOD. I HATED FOR THIS TO END, WHAT A GREAT-GREAT BOOK. ;D
August 18, 2013
I have loved, saved, tried to find lost books and keep paperbacks on my shelves written by Jackie Weger. I was thrilled to see this new book written by her and have found it as good as any she has written yet. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well developed plot, interesting characters and good writing.
February 1, 2015
I did not finish this book but it was very well written. It was a lot of the dialogue that I had an issue with. Caburn sounds like a sixty year old man and I just can't be attracted to the character or the idea of him and Anna. This is my only issue with the book. She has wonderful description and the other characters are a joy to read.
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