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The Secrets Inside
Connie Baltimore has always played by the rules. Get perfect grades. Go to college and graduate school. Build a research career. But when her older sister moves back home—upending their already overworked parents—Connie’s carefully ordered world unravels. Then a charming family friend enters the picture, and suddenly the safe path she’s always followed no longer feels so certain.
As feelings grow and boundaries blur, Connie must face an impossible choice: stay on the road she’s always planned, or risk everything for the unknown.
A poignant coming-of-age novel filled with heart, humor, and tenderness, The Secrets Inside follows Connie as she navigates high school, family drama, and the ache of first love. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and The Fault in Our Stars, this heartfelt journey of self-discovery will stay with you long after the last page.
Delve into The Secrets Inside—a five-star, recommended book by BookLife, Readers' Favorite, & Indies Today!
As feelings grow and boundaries blur, Connie must face an impossible choice: stay on the road she’s always planned, or risk everything for the unknown.
A poignant coming-of-age novel filled with heart, humor, and tenderness, The Secrets Inside follows Connie as she navigates high school, family drama, and the ache of first love. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and The Fault in Our Stars, this heartfelt journey of self-discovery will stay with you long after the last page.
Delve into The Secrets Inside—a five-star, recommended book by BookLife, Readers' Favorite, & Indies Today!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
36 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Tirado-Ryen
3 books21 followersKatherine Tirado-Ryen is a Puerto Rican author of emotionally resonant fiction who writes about people at crossroads—when the life they planned no longer fits, and they’re brave enough to ask what comes next. Her novels explore identity, family, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again, following characters through emotional turning points that challenge who they are and who they want to become.
Her stand-alone novels include Forgetting Me (a BookLife Editor’s Pick), Two Weeks of Summer (a Kirkus “Get It Now” title and Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist), and The Secrets Inside (an Indies Today semi-finalist).
Writing became her lifeline after her son was born three months early, a season that led her back to the page and to a deeper understanding of fear, hope, and resilience. Her nonfiction work has appeared in Pregnancy & Newborn, ¡Hola Arkansas!, the Northwest Arkansas Times, and for Ohio’s WIC program and Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.
She is currently working on a sweeping epic fantasy trilogy set in a matriarchal world shaped by legacy, magic, and fate. When she’s not writing, Katherine lives with her husband and three sons, reads late into the night, and dreams up new worlds fueled by far too much coffee.
For updates on new releases, sneak peeks, or to join her newsletter, visit her website: www.KatherineTiradoRyen.com
Her stand-alone novels include Forgetting Me (a BookLife Editor’s Pick), Two Weeks of Summer (a Kirkus “Get It Now” title and Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist), and The Secrets Inside (an Indies Today semi-finalist).
Writing became her lifeline after her son was born three months early, a season that led her back to the page and to a deeper understanding of fear, hope, and resilience. Her nonfiction work has appeared in Pregnancy & Newborn, ¡Hola Arkansas!, the Northwest Arkansas Times, and for Ohio’s WIC program and Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.
She is currently working on a sweeping epic fantasy trilogy set in a matriarchal world shaped by legacy, magic, and fate. When she’s not writing, Katherine lives with her husband and three sons, reads late into the night, and dreams up new worlds fueled by far too much coffee.
For updates on new releases, sneak peeks, or to join her newsletter, visit her website: www.KatherineTiradoRyen.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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December 27, 2023Compelling narrative with gorgeous writing
The Secrets Inside: A First Love Coming-of-Age Novel by Katherine Tirado-Ryen is a beautifully crafted tale that features a mesmerizing plot with exquisite writing. The story follows Connie Baltimore, a young girl with a meticulously planned life, until her world is turned upside down by her family's dynamics and a charming family friend.
Tirado-Ryen's writing is a true delight for the senses. Her prose is gorgeously descriptive, painting vivid images of the characters and the details of the setting. The way she evokes the emotions and inner turmoil of Connie is both poignant and relatable. The author has a keen eye for detail, creating a world that feels both authentic and enchanting.
The plot unfolds at a great pace, allowing readers to become deeply immersed in Connie's journey of self-discovery and first love. The author skillfully explores the dynamics of family and the unpredictability of life, making the tale a compelling narrative that keeps you turning the pages. I loved the characters and the exquisite writing in this wonderfully plotted coming of age.
The Secrets Inside: A First Love Coming-of-Age Novel by Katherine Tirado-Ryen is a beautifully crafted tale that features a mesmerizing plot with exquisite writing. The story follows Connie Baltimore, a young girl with a meticulously planned life, until her world is turned upside down by her family's dynamics and a charming family friend.
Tirado-Ryen's writing is a true delight for the senses. Her prose is gorgeously descriptive, painting vivid images of the characters and the details of the setting. The way she evokes the emotions and inner turmoil of Connie is both poignant and relatable. The author has a keen eye for detail, creating a world that feels both authentic and enchanting.
The plot unfolds at a great pace, allowing readers to become deeply immersed in Connie's journey of self-discovery and first love. The author skillfully explores the dynamics of family and the unpredictability of life, making the tale a compelling narrative that keeps you turning the pages. I loved the characters and the exquisite writing in this wonderfully plotted coming of age.
November 18, 2023
Realistic conflict and strong plot points
The Secrets Inside: A First Love Coming-of-Age Novel masterfully employs conflict to drive its plot forward, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Katherine Tirado-Ryen skillfully introduces a series of conflicts that test the protagonist, Connie Baltimore, and force her to confront her carefully laid-out plans.
As Connie's family undergoes significant changes, her life takes unexpected turns, and the introduction of a charismatic family friend adds further complexity to her world. The conflicts that arise, whether they stem from family drama or forbidden romance, propel the story into uncharted territory, challenging Connie's decisions and the reader's expectations.
Tirado-Ryen's ability to create and sustain tension is commendable. Each conflict not only adds depth to the characters but also drives the narrative forward, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the resolution of each dilemma. The pacing is expertly handled, ensuring that the story remains engaging and emotionally charged.
The Secrets Inside: A First Love Coming-of-Age Novel masterfully employs conflict to drive its plot forward, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Katherine Tirado-Ryen skillfully introduces a series of conflicts that test the protagonist, Connie Baltimore, and force her to confront her carefully laid-out plans.
As Connie's family undergoes significant changes, her life takes unexpected turns, and the introduction of a charismatic family friend adds further complexity to her world. The conflicts that arise, whether they stem from family drama or forbidden romance, propel the story into uncharted territory, challenging Connie's decisions and the reader's expectations.
Tirado-Ryen's ability to create and sustain tension is commendable. Each conflict not only adds depth to the characters but also drives the narrative forward, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the resolution of each dilemma. The pacing is expertly handled, ensuring that the story remains engaging and emotionally charged.
September 27, 2023
A very, very good book about a girl coming of age. I can't recommend this book enough!! It is very well written. If you are looking for a book that is hard to put down, this is the book. I actually wasn't ready for it to end.
January 26, 2024
Sweet and Sour
Wow!! This romance novel was…. Wow! A wild sweet romantic ride! I loved it ! Book hangover now. Nick and Connie were gold! The perfect forbidden tale. The perfect amount of sour and sweet.
Wow!! This romance novel was…. Wow! A wild sweet romantic ride! I loved it ! Book hangover now. Nick and Connie were gold! The perfect forbidden tale. The perfect amount of sour and sweet.
October 27, 2023
My initial review was written for IndieReader, but was rescinded due to a categorization error. Under the misunderstanding that the book was YA, I was a bit horrified -- Connie is pretty clearly being groomed by Nick, and isolated from her family and peers -- and I think an impressionable young girl reading this book could get an incredibly dangerous idea about relationships with older men being sexy, exciting, and ultimately acceptable. However, older readers who can understand the situation's nuance are in for a propulsive and exciting, albeit sometimes cliche, first-love/coming-of-age story. Readers who understand that Nick's grief is driving him to take advantage of a vulnerable young woman will revel in the relationship's complications as well as the dynamics between the other characters.
Now that I know the book is intended for an adult audience, my only big criticism (aside from overreliance on cliche) is how Dee was treated. That poor girl endured so much in her home life, school life, sex/romantic life, only to tell Connie the truth about her abusive relationship & lose her best friend. Justice for Dee! Also, as other readers have pointed out, the ending felt abrupt and perhaps could have been altered to seem less jarring.
I will be thinking about Connie and this book for a long time. PLEASE, please do not give this book to your teen or even college-aged loved one without having a long conversation with that young person about its themes.
Now that I know the book is intended for an adult audience, my only big criticism (aside from overreliance on cliche) is how Dee was treated. That poor girl endured so much in her home life, school life, sex/romantic life, only to tell Connie the truth about her abusive relationship & lose her best friend. Justice for Dee! Also, as other readers have pointed out, the ending felt abrupt and perhaps could have been altered to seem less jarring.
I will be thinking about Connie and this book for a long time. PLEASE, please do not give this book to your teen or even college-aged loved one without having a long conversation with that young person about its themes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
As an avid reader I found myself in the land of mixed thoughts after reading 'The Secrets Inside' by Katherine Tirado-Ryen.
On one hand I thought the book was well written and the story line flowed extremely well.
On the other hand, I wasn't enthralled with the story line and am slightly bemused at my reaction. Have I gotten so old, that I forget friends I supported who had relationships with older men, have I forgotten that I dated a man (briefly) in my mid 20's who was 15 years older than me?
This book has made me question if I am becoming more judgemental as I age.
Well written, and for me a thought provoking story line.
On one hand I thought the book was well written and the story line flowed extremely well.
On the other hand, I wasn't enthralled with the story line and am slightly bemused at my reaction. Have I gotten so old, that I forget friends I supported who had relationships with older men, have I forgotten that I dated a man (briefly) in my mid 20's who was 15 years older than me?
This book has made me question if I am becoming more judgemental as I age.
Well written, and for me a thought provoking story line.
September 16, 2023
If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance with conflict and turmoil while providing fleshed-out characters and real-life drama then The Secrets Inside could be right up your alley. This is a tale to pull at the heartstrings, a coming of age story which breaks free of the normal mould to offer the reader a new and emotional journey.
excerpt of review for Readers Favorite
excerpt of review for Readers Favorite
January 27, 2025
I love coming of age stories and this did not disappoint. The writing was beautiful with vivid scenes that made it a fully immersive experience. The characters are well developed. I loved the family dynamics. They were both realistic and fascinating. I think I enjoyed them more than the romance.
This was my first book by the author and I look forward to more.
This was my first book by the author and I look forward to more.
December 18, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Secrets Inside.” It was highly entertaining with a solid storyline and well-rounded characters. I loved the fresh take on teen romance that makes the story relatable to readers of all ages. With the author’s clear voice and easy-to-read style, this novel is the perfect choice for a quick vacation read or a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews