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The Secrets She Carried
When a young woman returns to North Carolina after a thirty-year absence, she finds that the once grand tobacco plantation she called home holds more secrets than she ever imagined.
Though Peak Plantation has been in her family for generations, Leslie Nichols can’t wait to rid herself of the farm left to her by her estranged grandmother Maggie—and with it the disturbing memories of her mother’s death, her father’s disgrace, and her unhappy childhood. But Leslie isn’t the only one with a claim to Peak.
Jay Davenport, Peak’s reclusive caretaker, has his own reasons for holding onto the land bequeathed to him by Leslie’s grandmother. Before she died, Maggie hinted at a terrible secret surrounding Adele Laveau, a lady’s maid who came to Peak during the 1930s and died under mysterious circumstances. Jay is haunted by Maggie’s story, yet the truth eludes him—until Leslie uncovers a cryptically marked grave on the property.
As they delve into the mystery of Adele’s death, Leslie and Jay discover shocking secrets that extend deep into the roots of Leslie’s family tree—secrets that have the power to alter her life forever.
Though Peak Plantation has been in her family for generations, Leslie Nichols can’t wait to rid herself of the farm left to her by her estranged grandmother Maggie—and with it the disturbing memories of her mother’s death, her father’s disgrace, and her unhappy childhood. But Leslie isn’t the only one with a claim to Peak.
Jay Davenport, Peak’s reclusive caretaker, has his own reasons for holding onto the land bequeathed to him by Leslie’s grandmother. Before she died, Maggie hinted at a terrible secret surrounding Adele Laveau, a lady’s maid who came to Peak during the 1930s and died under mysterious circumstances. Jay is haunted by Maggie’s story, yet the truth eludes him—until Leslie uncovers a cryptically marked grave on the property.
As they delve into the mystery of Adele’s death, Leslie and Jay discover shocking secrets that extend deep into the roots of Leslie’s family tree—secrets that have the power to alter her life forever.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
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5231 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Davis
9 books4,640 followersAuthor of The Secrets She Carried, The Wishing Tide, Summer at Hideaway Key, Love, Alice. (Penguin/Berkley) When Never Comes (Lake Union) The Last of the Moon Girls (Lake Union) The Keeper of Happy Endings (Lake Union) The Echo of Old Books (Lake Union) Every Precious and Fragile Thing (Lake Union)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
March 20, 2015
4.5 Stars
A very well written, totally absorbing tale set in the dual time lines of 2013 and the 1930's. I could hardly believe this is Barbara Davis’ first book as she weaves a gripping family saga enveloping the choices and secrets buried in the past. A definite page turner as new information from the past is slowly revealed and the puzzle is finally solved.
While there is a love story, the mystery surrounding Peak Plantation’s inhabitants kept me fully invested from beginning to end. An emotional, poignant tale with shocking twist and turns. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author.
Thanks again, Jilly, for leading me to this one:)!
A very well written, totally absorbing tale set in the dual time lines of 2013 and the 1930's. I could hardly believe this is Barbara Davis’ first book as she weaves a gripping family saga enveloping the choices and secrets buried in the past. A definite page turner as new information from the past is slowly revealed and the puzzle is finally solved.
While there is a love story, the mystery surrounding Peak Plantation’s inhabitants kept me fully invested from beginning to end. An emotional, poignant tale with shocking twist and turns. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author.
Thanks again, Jilly, for leading me to this one:)!
June 28, 2018
Three and a half stars
Out of a job and with bills piling up, Leslie decides maybe she does need to go and investigate the inheritance of Peak Plantation, the lawyer notified her about almost twelve months ago. She is running out of time. If she does nothing before the twelve months is up the Planation will go to another. Despite not wanting to return after 30 years away, Leslie feels she has no choice. Especially when her father Jimmy has located her and been pestering her again. She cannot forgive him for what he did to her mother. The memories of that day are too painful and that is why she has stayed away so long from Peak Plantation. But, now it is time to go back, even if only to dispose of the property. But when she returns she is in for a couple of shocks. One is the presence of Jay Davenport, the caretaker. But it seems he is more than that now. And the tobacco plantation has been ripped out and it is now a vineyard. Leslie also finds herself drawn into uncovering the secret regarding Adele Laveau, who came to Peak many years earlier as a lady’s maid to Susanne. The secrets she uncovers have a huge impact on what Leslie believes about her family and events from the past.
The story is told from the present day with Leslie but also from the 1930s and 1940s with Adele, the lady’s maid. The novel deals with race issues in the South and the attitudes of those times. I found this to be quite an enjoyable read and liked the way both stories emerged. The setting and the characters were well drawn. However, I was never fully convinced about the love interest. And Henry, owner along with Susanne, of Peak Plantation in that early time was in many ways spineless. He allowed himself to be manipulated too easily.
This is a debut novel and the way it was written was engaging, if a bit predictable. It was an entertaining, easy read and it will be interesting to see what this author writes next.
Out of a job and with bills piling up, Leslie decides maybe she does need to go and investigate the inheritance of Peak Plantation, the lawyer notified her about almost twelve months ago. She is running out of time. If she does nothing before the twelve months is up the Planation will go to another. Despite not wanting to return after 30 years away, Leslie feels she has no choice. Especially when her father Jimmy has located her and been pestering her again. She cannot forgive him for what he did to her mother. The memories of that day are too painful and that is why she has stayed away so long from Peak Plantation. But, now it is time to go back, even if only to dispose of the property. But when she returns she is in for a couple of shocks. One is the presence of Jay Davenport, the caretaker. But it seems he is more than that now. And the tobacco plantation has been ripped out and it is now a vineyard. Leslie also finds herself drawn into uncovering the secret regarding Adele Laveau, who came to Peak many years earlier as a lady’s maid to Susanne. The secrets she uncovers have a huge impact on what Leslie believes about her family and events from the past.
The story is told from the present day with Leslie but also from the 1930s and 1940s with Adele, the lady’s maid. The novel deals with race issues in the South and the attitudes of those times. I found this to be quite an enjoyable read and liked the way both stories emerged. The setting and the characters were well drawn. However, I was never fully convinced about the love interest. And Henry, owner along with Susanne, of Peak Plantation in that early time was in many ways spineless. He allowed himself to be manipulated too easily.
This is a debut novel and the way it was written was engaging, if a bit predictable. It was an entertaining, easy read and it will be interesting to see what this author writes next.
June 30, 2025
The Secrets She Carried by Barbara Davis the lives of the characters are full of old wounds, family secrets, and the weight of the past. I loved how the author wove together the stories of Leslie, who’s running from heartbreak, and Miss Annie, the keeper of long-hidden truths. The Southern setting felt so vivid, almost like a character itself. There were moments that broke my heart and others that gave me hope. This book really made me think about how much the past shapes who we are—and how forgiveness can change everything. If you like stories about family, mystery, and second chances, I definitely recommend this one.
January 7, 2014
Why am I supposed to believe that the historical romance in this book was...well, romantic?
Henry made me want to run over him with his own damn pickup truck. He was a big old limp, saggy, wuss. How was I supposed to believe that he was the love of anyone's life? He wasn't nice and gentle, he was weak, weak, WEAK.
It didn't take me any time to figure out the two BIG secrets.
Henry made me want to run over him with his own damn pickup truck. He was a big old limp, saggy, wuss. How was I supposed to believe that he was the love of anyone's life? He wasn't nice and gentle, he was weak, weak, WEAK.
It didn't take me any time to figure out the two BIG secrets.
September 9, 2016
4 1/2 stars
Recommended by Jill
Leslie Nichols cant wait to finally be rid of Peak Plantation,the stately family home left to her by her estranged grandmother Maggie. the Plantation doesn't hold good memories for Leslie, and she wants nothing to do with it. But her estrangement from her grandmother came at a price as she now is not the only one with a claim to Peak Plantation. Jay Davenport the caretaker of the property,still wants to hold onto the land bequeathed to him. Before her death Maggie hinted at a secret involving Adele Laveau,a lady's maid who came to Peak Plantation during the Great Depression and died under mysterious circumstances. While at Peak, Leslie uncovers a cryptically marked grave on the property prompting her and Jay to team up and try to solve the mystery surrounding Adele's death. And as they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover shocking secrets that go so far back into Leslie's family tree that they have the power to forever alter her life. What a beautifully written novel that tells a tale of epic romance,that lasts through the decades and centuries. The story centers on a Plantation home in small town North Carolina and many love stories unfold as the story progresses through past and present. The author did a wonderful job with this and I never once felt lost in either time period. It's a beautiful story of hidden secrets,once thought long buried and they are slowly revealed to the reader. Nicely done and thanks for the recommend from Goodreads friend Jill. And I highly recommend to those who love a past/present theme.
Recommended by Jill
Leslie Nichols cant wait to finally be rid of Peak Plantation,the stately family home left to her by her estranged grandmother Maggie. the Plantation doesn't hold good memories for Leslie, and she wants nothing to do with it. But her estrangement from her grandmother came at a price as she now is not the only one with a claim to Peak Plantation. Jay Davenport the caretaker of the property,still wants to hold onto the land bequeathed to him. Before her death Maggie hinted at a secret involving Adele Laveau,a lady's maid who came to Peak Plantation during the Great Depression and died under mysterious circumstances. While at Peak, Leslie uncovers a cryptically marked grave on the property prompting her and Jay to team up and try to solve the mystery surrounding Adele's death. And as they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover shocking secrets that go so far back into Leslie's family tree that they have the power to forever alter her life. What a beautifully written novel that tells a tale of epic romance,that lasts through the decades and centuries. The story centers on a Plantation home in small town North Carolina and many love stories unfold as the story progresses through past and present. The author did a wonderful job with this and I never once felt lost in either time period. It's a beautiful story of hidden secrets,once thought long buried and they are slowly revealed to the reader. Nicely done and thanks for the recommend from Goodreads friend Jill. And I highly recommend to those who love a past/present theme.
October 4, 2014
2/5 for characters; 2/5 for originality; 2/5 for writing style; 3/5 for plotting and maintaining interest (hey, usually I start books like this and skip to the last chapter and decide it wouldn't have been worth it); 1/5 for making sense and/or having a point; 1/5 for the inclusion of a character writing a novel about the story in the story; but bonus points for including a novelist character and for producing feel-good fuzzies.
The main disappointment is that the romance at the center of the book isn't palpable. When falling in love just suddenly happens for no other reason than the characters being lonely and attractive, it doesn't seem like the grand passion that the back of the book makes you expect.
Also, the appearance of Leslie's dad into the storyline drags the latter down and the book became a lot less tolerable with him in it.
Am I going to look for other novels like this one? No.
The main disappointment is that the romance at the center of the book isn't palpable. When falling in love just suddenly happens for no other reason than the characters being lonely and attractive, it doesn't seem like the grand passion that the back of the book makes you expect.
Also, the appearance of Leslie's dad into the storyline drags the latter down and the book became a lot less tolerable with him in it.
Am I going to look for other novels like this one? No.
October 5, 2014
I felt like the author had too many story lines going on. It felt like she couldn't decide whether it should be a mystery or a romance. Not that that is a bad thing! But the mystery just fell a little flat, and the romance sappy and predictable.
The mystery wasn't too difficult to figure out. Jumping back and forth between past and present flowed smoothly, but then when it came to the present it felt as if just didn't gel. It was just too fragmented, as if the main character, Leslie, had absorbed what we as the reader had just read.
Leslie, for being almost 40, was quite immature in her behavior. I get so sick of so-called "adult" women acting like middle-schoolers. "I don't want to listen.". "You looked at another woman." I'm going to stomp off now and pout. GROW UP.
I think with some serious editing it could have been a good story.
The mystery wasn't too difficult to figure out. Jumping back and forth between past and present flowed smoothly, but then when it came to the present it felt as if just didn't gel. It was just too fragmented, as if the main character, Leslie, had absorbed what we as the reader had just read.
Leslie, for being almost 40, was quite immature in her behavior. I get so sick of so-called "adult" women acting like middle-schoolers. "I don't want to listen.". "You looked at another woman." I'm going to stomp off now and pout. GROW UP.
I think with some serious editing it could have been a good story.
June 15, 2013
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of THE SECRETS SHE CARRIED from Ms. Davis' publisher. A beautifully crafted page-turner with many twists, this stunning novel has a simple theme: no matter how far you run, you can’t escape your past (or your family). Part contemporary women’s fiction, part historical novel, the plot moves seamlessly back and forth in time to unlock family secrets that bind four generations of women. Add a mysterious death, love that defies the grave, and the legacy of redemption, and this novel has it all. A stunning read from the first page to the last sentence.
July 18, 2013
Very well written. The past is interwoven with the present.. And Adele comes to life in these pages . This is a must read
April 20, 2015
I have a new favorite author! One of many, but definitely a great one. The author delivers a slow to develop, but interesting, story caught between the present and the past. Her characters all lived for me and the storyline was beautiful!
July 14, 2022
"The heart wants what it wants, you see, and eternity is much to long for regrets."
I loved the love story between Henry and Adele. Every family has history and Leslie was starting to find out more about hers once she moved into her Grandma's house. It's part genealogy, part love story past and present. A great fast read.
I loved the love story between Henry and Adele. Every family has history and Leslie was starting to find out more about hers once she moved into her Grandma's house. It's part genealogy, part love story past and present. A great fast read.
October 21, 2022
"The Secrets She Carried" - written by Barbara Davis and published in 2013 by Penguin Random House. This dual time period novel spans the period from the 1940s to 2013, taking place at a southern once tobacco and now winery plantation. I really enjoyed the back and forth, and the teasing out of familial relationships, some hidden for all that time. A nice romance rounds out the story, but a sour note at the end was a disappointment - the resolution of a major plot line is handled as an afterthought, not revealed and fleshed out as it should have been. Otherwise it was an engaging book and I would certainly read more of Davis' work.
October 18, 2020
This book has been in my shelf for a long time and I’m sorry it took me this long to get to it! A compelling dual-narrative of love and secrets in the South, this was a spectacular debut that launched the successful career of Barbara Davis.
May 21, 2014
Leslie has lost her job in New York City and is struggling to make ends meet. When she receives a call from a lawyer informing her time is almost up for her to claim her inheritance from her grandmother, she packs up and heads south. Peak Plantation has been in the family for several generations, and is home to many secrets. Leslie left at 8 years old following the death of her mother, and has not been back since. Upon arrival, Leslie discovers her grandmother, Maggie, has willed half of her estate to Jay. Jay cared for Maggie in her final years and has been establishing a winery on the property. He and Leslie clash and both have a lot of past baggage. Paralleling Leslie's story is Adele, mistress to Henry, Leslie's great-grandfather. As Adele's secrets are revealed and an understanding of what she endured for love, the story often takes you by surprise. Redemption is found for Leslie and Jay as they reconcile with their past hurts and risk opening themselves to one another.
February 11, 2016
The main character was obnoxious, the secondary characters were dull and the secrets weren't very mysterious.
September 16, 2018
I could not really put my finger on what was missing in this novel. I am still not sure. But I knew it was something when I fell asleep (not the first time), and did not rewind so to say. Instead I went forward and did not feel I had missed much. That is when I do know that something is missing for me. And I do not know what!
Maybe it was that it was two parts? I felt like the Adele story could have been a really good and tragic book. But now we had to read about Leslie too, and sure her part could have been good too, but maybe without the Adele bits. I never got Leslie's obsession and why Jay did not help her more.
And the end was the final nail in the coffin. There was still one road not taken and instead we got a haha, what a good book that would be. No, I want to see how that turned out!
So we have two stories that just do not flow well together...I guess. And maybe I did not take to Leslie. Adele I got.
Only ok from my point of view.
Narrator
I did like her, but maybe her voice was too smooth. I do listen a lot in the dark after all. She had suh a pleasant voice and she did make the book better.
Maybe it was that it was two parts? I felt like the Adele story could have been a really good and tragic book. But now we had to read about Leslie too, and sure her part could have been good too, but maybe without the Adele bits. I never got Leslie's obsession and why Jay did not help her more.
And the end was the final nail in the coffin. There was still one road not taken and instead we got a haha, what a good book that would be. No, I want to see how that turned out!
So we have two stories that just do not flow well together...I guess. And maybe I did not take to Leslie. Adele I got.
Only ok from my point of view.
Narrator
I did like her, but maybe her voice was too smooth. I do listen a lot in the dark after all. She had suh a pleasant voice and she did make the book better.
September 12, 2017
The five stars tells you how I felt about this book, a story that fluctuates between two generations. It's hard to believe this was her first novel. It's part historical as well as contemporary and is a family saga at the same time it's a mystery. As far as I'm concerned it had it all and I loved it.
December 31, 2022
This was an easy read. Some of the mysteries I was able to anticipate/unravel as the story went along, but there were still some surprises. Historical fiction with mystery and family drama. All of the characters were shown with flaws and shortcomings, so no one person was portrayed as the victim. Not ‘great literature’ but i would recommend it.
April 3, 2021
This book was interesting. It has a good mystery, but it definitely was not my favorite.
January 21, 2024
Dual timeline story set in North Carolina… enjoyed this an audiobook. First book by this author and will look for more.
February 4, 2025
Kept my attention, but too many threads that wrapped up quickly at the end.
May 14, 2025
great title for this book. Fast read.
May 27, 2025
*audiobook* great mystery and intrigue. It definitely has a twist at the end I didn’t see coming and I enjoyed the characters even if I didn’t love the premise. Kept me hooked!
May 31, 2025
Easy engaging listen
June 16, 2022
The interwoven stories past and present along with regret and redemption resolving all into the heart wants what the heart wants. Intriguing and heart wrenching. Powerful story.
December 4, 2013
Book Review- The Secrets She Carried by Barbara Davis
This was a fascinating story that combined the past with the present. The author takes the story of Adele and Henry and intertwined the story of Jay and Leslie. It all takes place on the Peak plantation in Gavin, North Carolina. Gavin is the family name of Henry as his family was the founders of the town. Leslie grew up in Gavin at the Peak plantation living with her grandmother Maggie, Henry’s daughter. Leslie left the plantation when she was eight after her mother’s death. She witnessed her mother’s death and believes that her father killed her. She is running from the ghosts that live there. She hasn’t been back in thirty years. Her grandmother has recently died, about a year ago, and Leslie has inherited the plantation. She has very little time left to claim it. When her father is paroled from jail and comes looking for her again, she decides to head to North Carolina and away from him.
When she arrives she is confronted by Jay Davenport who was Maggie’s handyman and companion for the last parts of her life. He is disgusted with Leslie and isn’t afraid to express it. He doesn’t understand why she never came back, not even for her grandmother’s funeral. He doesn’t think she deserves anything that Maggie left her. He doesn’t realize the ghosts that chase her. Plus he has his own plans for the plantation and worries that Leslie will ruin everything that he and Maggie had had planned.
Once Leslie decides she will stay for awhile and help Jay with his plan for the plantation, she discovers the unnamed grave that lies on Henry’s ridge. When she finds other things which form more questions in her mind, the search is on to figure out who is buried in the grave. As she investigates, she gets closer to some major family secrets that Maggie wants to be known. She tried to tell Jay at one time but was unable to complete the story. Leslie begins to unravel the mystery and they learn the story of her great grandfather Henry and his love for Adele. The story is heart breaking, but needs to be known. Jay and Leslie work together. Their feelings for each other grow as they unearth the truth.
The ride is bumpy and full of turmoil. Leslie has to deal with her father and the ghost of her mother and Jay has to deal with his own issues of his ex-wife and his writing career. They found their way to each other, but will they be able to survive the secrets and the betrayals that occur in the present and the past.
I really liked this story. The author did a great job of revealing the past and twisting the story around the main characters present story. I found the journey from past to present and back an interesting way in which the author presented the story. Adele was my favorite character. She made mistakes but loved deeply and the author revealed her tremendous strength in the end. I had a suspicion as to what Adele really gave up for her love of Henry and I was right. It was sad that it occurred but knowing the times and the secret Adele had herself explained why she had to do what she did.
Leslie’s obsession to discover the truth ignited the reader’s same obsession. I wanted to know what happened and if a happy ending was possible for those involved. Parts of the story I could guess before it happened, but others were a surprise. This story fascinated me and it was a fabulous read. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This was a fascinating story that combined the past with the present. The author takes the story of Adele and Henry and intertwined the story of Jay and Leslie. It all takes place on the Peak plantation in Gavin, North Carolina. Gavin is the family name of Henry as his family was the founders of the town. Leslie grew up in Gavin at the Peak plantation living with her grandmother Maggie, Henry’s daughter. Leslie left the plantation when she was eight after her mother’s death. She witnessed her mother’s death and believes that her father killed her. She is running from the ghosts that live there. She hasn’t been back in thirty years. Her grandmother has recently died, about a year ago, and Leslie has inherited the plantation. She has very little time left to claim it. When her father is paroled from jail and comes looking for her again, she decides to head to North Carolina and away from him.
When she arrives she is confronted by Jay Davenport who was Maggie’s handyman and companion for the last parts of her life. He is disgusted with Leslie and isn’t afraid to express it. He doesn’t understand why she never came back, not even for her grandmother’s funeral. He doesn’t think she deserves anything that Maggie left her. He doesn’t realize the ghosts that chase her. Plus he has his own plans for the plantation and worries that Leslie will ruin everything that he and Maggie had had planned.
Once Leslie decides she will stay for awhile and help Jay with his plan for the plantation, she discovers the unnamed grave that lies on Henry’s ridge. When she finds other things which form more questions in her mind, the search is on to figure out who is buried in the grave. As she investigates, she gets closer to some major family secrets that Maggie wants to be known. She tried to tell Jay at one time but was unable to complete the story. Leslie begins to unravel the mystery and they learn the story of her great grandfather Henry and his love for Adele. The story is heart breaking, but needs to be known. Jay and Leslie work together. Their feelings for each other grow as they unearth the truth.
The ride is bumpy and full of turmoil. Leslie has to deal with her father and the ghost of her mother and Jay has to deal with his own issues of his ex-wife and his writing career. They found their way to each other, but will they be able to survive the secrets and the betrayals that occur in the present and the past.
I really liked this story. The author did a great job of revealing the past and twisting the story around the main characters present story. I found the journey from past to present and back an interesting way in which the author presented the story. Adele was my favorite character. She made mistakes but loved deeply and the author revealed her tremendous strength in the end. I had a suspicion as to what Adele really gave up for her love of Henry and I was right. It was sad that it occurred but knowing the times and the secret Adele had herself explained why she had to do what she did.
Leslie’s obsession to discover the truth ignited the reader’s same obsession. I wanted to know what happened and if a happy ending was possible for those involved. Parts of the story I could guess before it happened, but others were a surprise. This story fascinated me and it was a fabulous read. I give it a 5 out of 5.
July 7, 2017
Subtle, very subtle. That was my overriding feeling about "The Secrets She Carried." I always had a sense something was "off" about Adele [the early chapter with Adele's mother sending her away hinted of mystery and portent] and that did turn out to be so. However, it was subtly done, so good on Barbara Davis.
What was not subtle however, was the telegraphed romance between Leslie and Jay. Couldn't you just smell it coming from a mile away? On this point, Davis didn't go a good job conveying the slow building romance between the two. I never got the sense they were really falling in love with each other as people, but rather, than circumstances (proximity and working together) had them attracted to each other. Or maybe it was just too subtle for me to detect? ;-)
I marveled at how Davis was able to convey bookish prose in the Epilogue. The tone was so markedly different, it seemed obvious Jay was reading from a book (which he was). Contrast that with the rest of "The Secrets She Carried". Davis deftly uses a different "voice" as it were, and for me, this was perhaps the most brilliant thing about the novel.
The novel explores race and attitudes to race in Southern society and I felt it did that well enough. It was heavy handed or overly preachy. But, I also felt those most vulnerable (i.e. Negroes) in Great Depression America would have suffered a lot more than they did. On this point, I thought Davis shied away too much on showing how the men Henry hired to work the farm could have suffered for Henry's actions. But again...subtle. Maybe that's what the author was striving for on this point as well.
Other than praising the novel for its subtlety, there isn't much more for me to praise. I didn't connect with any of the characters. Neither Adele nor Leslie were full fledged characters to me. They seemed unreal - Adele because she basically fell in love too fast, without truly knowing Henry, and Leslie because it seemed crazy she'd stay away from a beloved grandmother just because of events with her father and mother. The background motivations of both women didn't come through as authentic.
Even Jay doesn't escape this criticism since I couldn't believe a man would let a bitter divorce essentially rule his actions so long afterwards.
Maggie was the character I most wanted to read about, and was sorry she didn't really have a voice in the book. We saw her too much through others' eyes, and what we did get wasn't an in-depth portrait.
Ultimately, this was a somewhat interesting novel, but I doubt it will stay with me for too long.
What was not subtle however, was the telegraphed romance between Leslie and Jay. Couldn't you just smell it coming from a mile away? On this point, Davis didn't go a good job conveying the slow building romance between the two. I never got the sense they were really falling in love with each other as people, but rather, than circumstances (proximity and working together) had them attracted to each other. Or maybe it was just too subtle for me to detect? ;-)
I marveled at how Davis was able to convey bookish prose in the Epilogue. The tone was so markedly different, it seemed obvious Jay was reading from a book (which he was). Contrast that with the rest of "The Secrets She Carried". Davis deftly uses a different "voice" as it were, and for me, this was perhaps the most brilliant thing about the novel.
The novel explores race and attitudes to race in Southern society and I felt it did that well enough. It was heavy handed or overly preachy. But, I also felt those most vulnerable (i.e. Negroes) in Great Depression America would have suffered a lot more than they did. On this point, I thought Davis shied away too much on showing how the men Henry hired to work the farm could have suffered for Henry's actions. But again...subtle. Maybe that's what the author was striving for on this point as well.
Other than praising the novel for its subtlety, there isn't much more for me to praise. I didn't connect with any of the characters. Neither Adele nor Leslie were full fledged characters to me. They seemed unreal - Adele because she basically fell in love too fast, without truly knowing Henry, and Leslie because it seemed crazy she'd stay away from a beloved grandmother just because of events with her father and mother. The background motivations of both women didn't come through as authentic.
Even Jay doesn't escape this criticism since I couldn't believe a man would let a bitter divorce essentially rule his actions so long afterwards.
Maggie was the character I most wanted to read about, and was sorry she didn't really have a voice in the book. We saw her too much through others' eyes, and what we did get wasn't an in-depth portrait.
Ultimately, this was a somewhat interesting novel, but I doubt it will stay with me for too long.
February 8, 2015
Full review on Two Classy Chics
This book contains a story that is told from 3 different perspectives. Adele, the ladies maid that started working at the plantation in the 1930′s; Leslie, the granddaughter of the plantation owner, Maggie and Jay, a friend and confidante of Maggie. The story is a wonderful tale of family history, romance and drama that surrounds the plantation known as Peak.
The author weaves a beautifully crafted historic tale of a family that spans many decades. Reading the story from different perspectives is an interesting way to read the truth of what happened in the past and then read how the truth is discovered in present day by the heiress of the plantation, Leslie. The book tells a love story from the past and then you follow along as Leslie and Jay find their feelings grow. So you actually experience watching two romances bloom along with the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I loved the authors perspective of the storyline and while some of the story is expected, there are many unexpected twists that keeps you reading this late into the night. This is a great book for a first novel from the author and leaves me wanting to read more from her in the future. Anyone that loves contemporary fiction, historical fiction and a touch of romance too will enjoy this book. It crosses many genres and it is one I recommend with pleasure!
This book contains a story that is told from 3 different perspectives. Adele, the ladies maid that started working at the plantation in the 1930′s; Leslie, the granddaughter of the plantation owner, Maggie and Jay, a friend and confidante of Maggie. The story is a wonderful tale of family history, romance and drama that surrounds the plantation known as Peak.
The author weaves a beautifully crafted historic tale of a family that spans many decades. Reading the story from different perspectives is an interesting way to read the truth of what happened in the past and then read how the truth is discovered in present day by the heiress of the plantation, Leslie. The book tells a love story from the past and then you follow along as Leslie and Jay find their feelings grow. So you actually experience watching two romances bloom along with the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I loved the authors perspective of the storyline and while some of the story is expected, there are many unexpected twists that keeps you reading this late into the night. This is a great book for a first novel from the author and leaves me wanting to read more from her in the future. Anyone that loves contemporary fiction, historical fiction and a touch of romance too will enjoy this book. It crosses many genres and it is one I recommend with pleasure!
August 12, 2014
Quite honestly, the first chapter of this book is probably the most gripping chapter I have ever read in any book.
Leslie Nichols leaves her affluent life up north and returns to her deceased grandmother's home in agricultural eastern North Carolina. Leaving the tried and true crops of the south, tobacco and cotton, the farm is now a vinery runner by Jay Davenport.
Jay and Leslie spend quite a bit of time being belligerent to each other. Spotted throughout the book are glimpses from the past shared from the grave by Adlele Laveau. I loved the mystery behind Adele's life and the fascinating tragedy of her death. The characters were real and well developed. There was one story line that needs to be another book.
In many ways, this book reminded me of "Jane Eyre". There is a crazy woman her keeps herself confined to her room. There is a husband in a bad marriage who falls in love with his hired help. There is a huge fire.
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It was a joy to read. One of my barometers for measure how much I like a book is simple: How much do I think about the book after I read it? The plot and characters of this book are still with me, like a warm hug.
Leslie Nichols leaves her affluent life up north and returns to her deceased grandmother's home in agricultural eastern North Carolina. Leaving the tried and true crops of the south, tobacco and cotton, the farm is now a vinery runner by Jay Davenport.
Jay and Leslie spend quite a bit of time being belligerent to each other. Spotted throughout the book are glimpses from the past shared from the grave by Adlele Laveau. I loved the mystery behind Adele's life and the fascinating tragedy of her death. The characters were real and well developed. There was one story line that needs to be another book.
In many ways, this book reminded me of "Jane Eyre". There is a crazy woman her keeps herself confined to her room. There is a husband in a bad marriage who falls in love with his hired help. There is a huge fire.
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book. It was a joy to read. One of my barometers for measure how much I like a book is simple: How much do I think about the book after I read it? The plot and characters of this book are still with me, like a warm hug.
September 26, 2013
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of THE SECRETS SHE CARRIED ... I felt immediately drawn in to each of the characters and where their stories were headed and I loved that feeling of anticipation of how each of those stories would intersect across generations and societal barriers. I found myself thinking about the characters throughout the day and wanting to rush through whatever was on my schedule so I could get back to reading.
I finished The Secrets She Carried this morning at 2:27 am in a puddle of tears. I can not remember the last time a book made me cry. Adele Laveau and Leslie Nicholl will linger with me for a long time to come and have made me think not only of my own journey but the journey of the women in my family that came before me. What were the secrets they carried that I don't know about and what decisions did they make because the heart wants what the heart wants?
This is a great read and has my heartfelt 5 star recommendation. I can't wait for the next book from Barbara Davis and will be first in line to get it.
I finished The Secrets She Carried this morning at 2:27 am in a puddle of tears. I can not remember the last time a book made me cry. Adele Laveau and Leslie Nicholl will linger with me for a long time to come and have made me think not only of my own journey but the journey of the women in my family that came before me. What were the secrets they carried that I don't know about and what decisions did they make because the heart wants what the heart wants?
This is a great read and has my heartfelt 5 star recommendation. I can't wait for the next book from Barbara Davis and will be first in line to get it.
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