Secrets from the Past: A Novel

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers her most powrful and emotional novel yet.

At thirty, American photojournalist Serena Stone has already made a name for herself with her unique and dramatic coverage of wars in the Middle East, following in her famous father’s footsteps. But after his unexpected death in France, she has left her job at the renowned photo news agency that he founded, weary of years of dodging bullets and exploding landmines. Leaving the front lines behind, Serena returns to New York where she starts work on a biography of her celebrated father. When Serena discovers that her former lover Zachary North is in trouble overseas, she's forced to leave the safety of her new life, and head back to a place she was trying to escape...and her life will never be the same again. She brings Zac back to health, first in the agency’s bolthole in Venice, and later at her family home in France. It is there that she discovers a shocking secret in the huge photographic archive of her late father’s work. It is a secret that will propel her back to war-torn Libya, risking her life looking for clues that she hopes will piece together the mystery surrounding her parents’ marriage and the part of their life together she never knew about.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Adult, Adult Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Barbara Taylor Bradford was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Reviews

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just fucking terrible. Really, I can't think of one good thing to say about it. The writing was so awful that it actually pained me at times. It was incredibly repetitive and could have been half as long and probably would have been much less torturous that way! And then there's the main character Serena who is so fucking dim witted that I wanted to reach through the pages of the book and strangle her! I nearly abandoned this book countless times and looking back, I really regret not doing so. But apparently I'm a glutton for punishment because by some miracle I actually managed to finish this piece of total fucking garbage. Do yourself a favour, don't ever read this book. Ever.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh...the writing in this book is so bad that it is almost comical. I am only a little more than halfway through and I find myself now laughing at the dialogue. It is so bad it has achieved "camp" status!

I don't know how this made it to print...it is like a poorly written infomercial:

"You know, Sharon, I just can not do the things I simply adore any longer because of this debilitating bone disease."

"I know Marsha, that happened to me too. I had that same debilitating bone disease that afflicted the entire female population of my family, Marsha."

"Oh, Sharon, I had no idea. You are so beautiful and those emeralds bring out the youthful dazzle of of your eyes. It must be a rare disease because nobody in the whole world knows about it nor would they ever guess that it could afflict a person such as yourself."

"Yes, Marsha, it is. I keep it hidden so well, meaning nobody else knows about it but you and my doctor Brad. Please don't tell my boyfriend, Marty, because Marty doesn't know about my rare debilitating bone disease that is not a garden variety osteoporosis that afflicts women by the millions. Osteoporosis can be cured with modern medical treatment and by exercising and practicing good dietary habits when you are young like getting enough vitamin D and calcium. We women should never neglect our bone health whilst we can."

"Oh, Sharon, but ours is a rare bone disease. It is especially tragic for us because we are so rich and beautiful and loved by everybody. Why, Sharon, how can we continue to nuture your rare orchids that are in such demand by all of the world's most elegant dining establishments? They should not be denied access to our gift of beauty."

"Marsha, we can and we will. Our orchids will not be denied to those who appreciate beauty in the world. Beauty is vital in a society marred by the ugliest of wars in the world. Marty must never know and we must never talk about this again. I will call my doctor, Brad D'Oro in Barcelona so that he may see your right away and offer you life-saving treatment for this rare not-osteoporosis debilitating bone disease. Brad will know exactly what to do Marsha because he is the best doctor that I know if in the entire world. My Marty doesn't know and neither will your dearest loving and suave Michael."

Get the idea...who even cares now. It just drones on and on. The entire book over explains everything. It is awful. I can't even tell what the story is about (well, actually I have kind-of figured it out) because it gets lost in detailed minutia.

This is the first and last book I will read by this author. I wonder if I will finish it or not. I find myself reading just to find the bad passages...like a train wreck, you just can't look away.

Note: I finished the book. It wasn't quite as bad as I made it. The writing got better in the last 1/4...almost like it was written by two different people. It's kind-of a funny read in a sense. I'm still only giving it one star.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had never read this author before and I realize that my opinion is in direct opposition to the masses, as the librarian attested that "everyone" loves her books, and that she's sold a gazillion of them. Indeed she even won some award from the Queen of England for her writing accomplishments. That being said, I had to force myself to finish this book. In my opinion, it was poorly written, with stilted dialogue, redundant descriptions (one character was described as "incandescent" at least four times), and a tedious storyline. The author would drop a sentence like "little did she know..." and so I would read on, expecting something dramatic but nope, on we plodded. Having just read Kate Morton, I guess I was expecting a little more finesse and excitement. Barbara Taylor Bradford is, evidently, just not for me.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should break up with this author. No character depth, repetitive, predictable story line, and unrealistic. Having said that, her books are certainly readable. This one centered on a photojournalist who discovers a photo in her dad's archives that reveals a family secret. However, it wasn't too hard for anyone over the age of 20 to figure out the secret. PTSD and a "rare form of osteoporosis" were also story lines. Why not just SAY what kind of osteoporosis? The book was kind of annoying, but I have a soft spot for this author for the many English sagas she wrote many decades ago. I still love the Emma Harte trilogy. I probably should pick it up and reread it instead of her next novel.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Joanne
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Once again Barbara Taylor Bradford writes a contemporary novel with strong women at its core and their men beside them to be there to support them, love them and be there when needed. Secrets From the Past did not disappoint – my interest was captivated from the first page to the last. There was closure through the epilogue but there seemed to be much more story to tell although all the loose ends were tied up neatly and I would love to meet up with Jessica, Cara and Serena again but don’t think we will.

This book had wonderful characters with many layers to each of them as well as many different facets to their relationships based on who was interacting with who. But through it all the love the three Stone sisters had for each other, their deceased parents, Harry, and the men they loved shined through. The scenery was vivid and descriptive whether in Nice, Venice, Tripoli or other locations so much so that I could picture the places in my mind’s eye. There was romance, love, sorrow, heartache, secrets, war, family, friends, loved ones, good food, some laughter and tears throughout.

Bradford has been one of my favorite authors since I read A Woman of Substance back in 1980. Since then I have always looked forward to the release of her next book. If you haven’t read her books before add her to your TBR pile. You’ll be glad you did!

Favorite Quote: …I thought: Secrets. All families must have secrets. It can’t just be ours.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have not read a Barbara Taylor Bradford book in years -- at least ten. And I think it will be at least another ten years until I read another one. All I can say is...really? This book actually got published? It was awful. Not even deserving of one star. The writing was repetitive, stilted, and tedious. I think I deserve a medal just for finishing this book.

[Kelli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very redundant writing. The author would use the same words to describe the same situation by the same, and even different, characters. The "secret from the past" is not brought up until well over half-way through the book, and even then does not become an engaging main plot point. Overall dull, predictable, pedantic writing. The main character should be a woman that women can look up to- being well traveled, and successful in a male-dominated career- however she is dense and dull-witted. I'm sorry, but it takes her traveling all the way to Libya (where she is fully aware that an armed revolution is taking place) to consider the fact that she may be putting herself and unborn child at risk??? She is too annoyingly common and, I use this term derogatorily, SILLY to be a heroine or inspiration to anyone.

[Heather Balog · Rating 2 out of 5]

I threw up a little in my mouth reading the dialogue in this book. The sisters were way too cordial with each other and their memories of their parents were way too perfect. They were a Hollywood family raised with complete ideals and absolutely no vices. Everyone was beautiful, kind and nobody had major character flaws. Even after discovering "the big secret" their view of their dead parents was still unsoiled. Completely unrealistic. The premise sounded promising, especially with the war photojournalism aspect but this book disappointed from beginning to end, falling completely flat with its stiff dialogue an unrealistic, one dimensional characters.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover was the first thing that attracted me to this book. The second thing was the fact that BTB had written it. The third was that the story sounded great. Well, the old saying never judged a book by its cover is soooooo true in this case. The story could have been a terrific tale whit all the interesting characters in the story but none of them were ever fully developed. Most times I wanted to shake them and asked them what they were thinking.
BTB started many different threads of the story but didn't fully explore them. Like PTSD, betrayal and others. I don't want to give anything away but seriously..............you find out a major secret and are okay with that and make excuses?? I sure wouldn't have!
This book also had the feel of a Danielle Steel book. I can't explain it but several times I had to remind myself that I was reading BTB and not DS. I will give this beloved author another chance but this book fell short of her usual high standards.

[Dotty Wright · Rating 1 out of 5]

Knowing how much work it takes to put out a novel, I feel that Ms. Bradford did an admirable job of recording a sequence of events. However, she has done much better in the past and for that reason alone I keep picking up her books to see if the magic happens again, but it just doesn't. Perhaps it is typical of the English to show no emotion, to reveal nothing, but for a reader, that is exactly what this novel does. It states the facts, relates the emotions, but evokes no response from the reader. The only thing I got from reading this book was the realization that PTSD may just be the real reason no war will ever truly be won. If exposure to war can so warp an individual after only a relatively short period of exposure, how can those who are involved in such a life style over a span of generations ever come to a peaceful existance?

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was terrible. Don't even bother trying to read it. I've loved Bradford's books in the past but this one was painful to force myself through. The story was dry and uninteresting through much of the book and didn't begin to change until well into the 200's. The dialogue as it was written was annoying to read! I often try to "listen" to the dialogue as I read and found myself skipping over whole parts because I just couldn't take it anymore. This probably sounds REALLY harsh but if you're a fan of Bradford, don't punish yourself with this book. Go back and reread one of the many other, and better, books.

[Fiona · Rating 1 out of 5]

BTB used to be brilliant story teller but in recent years her books have been predictable, appallingly written and padded out by repetitive description. This one is no different. The basic storyline is good with so many possibilities that are not explored in depth.
I sometimes wonder if she is actually writing them now. I am sad to say that i suspect this is a case of using a well known and highly respected fiction writer to continue to make money.
I read the book but at each stage of it's development I guessed the story lines long before they were revealed. The Emma Harte Books were superb it's just a pity her more recent books have all been so poorly written.

[Lcitera · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book but cannot compare to some of the author's earlier offerings. Plot absolutely transparent...as soon as an episode unfolds, you instinctively know the outcome. Characters not especially interesting and the protagonist really should seek professional help as to her choice of a man. Interesting background info as to life as a photojournalist in today's Middle East conflicts. Not memorable but worth a read.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well kept secrets, enduring love, obsession, betrayal, redemption and the power of the past to control the future fuel this story about photographic war correspondents. Well formed characters and a good plot but the writing is a little on the saccharine side.

[Malarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just an ok novel. Didn’t hate it but then again wasn’t really hooked to the plot.

[Barb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read 65 pages and am done. Normally I would drudge through and finish but I can’t see the book getting any better. The writing is so stiff and technical. I have no interest in continuing. Life is too short!

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 2nd time I read this book and enjoyed it just as much. Barbara Taylor Bradford’s art of creating a story line and keeping the reader’s attention till the end is masterful.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

American journalist Serena Stone has followed in her dad’s footsteps being a front line was photographer. She chooses to leave the front lines when her father dies unexpectedly of a heart attack. Serena finds out her former boyfriend and fellow was photographer, Zac, has returned from the front lines and is struggling with PTSD and is asking for her. In heading to help him she knows that her life will never be the same.

Secrets from the Past is a captivating story in which every character jumps right off the page and becomes real. Serena is the main character but I loved Harry. As Serena’s dad’s best friend since childhood, he has stepped into the role of “father” and protects and nutures Serena and her sisters. I loved that he let Serena live her life, but still managed to guide her in the right direction. He was also the keeper of secrets and knew when it was time to share and when to step back and let things go unsaid.

Zac and Serena’s relationship would be described as true love. The turbulence side of their relationship troubled me. To know that Zac, even before PTSD, has a tendancy to yell and scream at Serena when mad scares me. I understood that they were “it” for each other and truly enjoyed their relationship when it was good and healthy.

This is an emotional book with secrets, betrayal, redemption, and love. You will not be able to put this story down. I highly recommend it

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, in her normal style, includes loads of description of the cities that Serena travels. She also includes extensive detail in description in every scene. Love, anguish, fear, and more; the feelings of Serena were laid out for you to absorb. As one who lives with someone with PTSD, this was somewhat of a difficult read/listen to in parts. The author delves into the behaviors of someone with this condition and how Serena has to deal with Zac and his anger and anxiety issues.

The year 1999 has a special significance in this story and Serena often finds herself finding going back to that year over and over. When the pictures from her father start to get her searching for answers, this comes into play even more.

The book is an interesting story and I really enjoyed listening to it overall. The reader did a great job with the expression of the characters. Listening to a book really makes it come to life! The story flowed well and the author keeps it moving with memories of Serena’s family and interwove these memories, and some forgotten ones, into the storyline and brought it to the ending.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where to start. First of all this book is just barely okay. The plot was so non-existent for much of the book. So much so that at the end of 1/2 the book I thought it was done. The characters are not very deep or even interesting. The main character was a photojournalist who had been to war. Given that she had the maturity of a 14 year old. In fact, I felt the book had been written by a young teen. 'Will he? won't he?' is fine if there's an actual plot that makes it a real question... but there's no question from the beginning what's going to happen. I kept forgetting to put another book in my car which is the only reason I finished listening to this book. It was so forgettable I had to read the back of the box to remember the story just a week after finishing it. Finally, Stina Niesen, the reader, had no inflection to speak of. I will definitely look to make sure she's not the reader for future CDs. I won't be sharing this CD book with friends and family.

[Dezra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think my son summed it up when he said, "If you don't like it, stop reading it!" I kept surfacing from the book to complain about it. I think what bothered me the most was the dialogue. I felt like BTB was using dialogue as an excuse for exposition because it sure wasn't dialogue that real people have. I expected some depth and grit to the story because of the wars and PTSD and the horrors people experience, but it was glossed over and ended being a love story, albeit a badly written love story. It really wasn't a well-conceived or -delivered plot. About halfway through I skimmed through to the end and wasn't surprised by the ending. Too bad, because this is the first BTB I've read and it has left me so unsatisfied that I will not bother with any more of her novels.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 3 out of 5]

The settings in this book are very attractive. Serena, together with her older twin sisters, Jessica and Cara, grew up with their famous parents travelling the world, but their real home was Jardin des Fleurs in Nice, France. After the death of their parents, the girls still kept their Nice house as their main home, along with an apartment in New York. Also involved in the plot is an apartment in Venice and time spent there. An interesting and enjoyable read.

[Beth Cooksey · Rating 1 out of 5]

It showed little understanding of PTSD which greatly annoyed me because BTB should have researched it properly before using it in her book. The whole love covers a multitude of sins could be an argument for lies and dishonesty but the character Pidge/Serena does not come across as real with normal human emotions. To call it a desperate quest to uncover a story from decades earlier is laughable and frankly incorrect.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was surprised by the blandness of this latest Barbara Taylor Bradford novel. Bradford paints all these lovely characters and worldwide settings, but the plot falls in crevice. The range of emotions so poignant in previous novels has taken a vacation. I felt as if I was reading a required book instead of a book for enjoyment. Maybe Bradford has reached the denouement of her writing.

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very good. Her first book A woman of Substance and it's sequels where great reads. There is such a difference in writing that i wonder if it is someone else writing the books now but under her name.

[Jasmine H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad plot but very straightforward. Tells you more than it shows you, and all of the foreshadowing is blatantly shoved in your face. The dialog is stiff but the story itself is okay.

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing, skip read through it, tedious.

[Liz]

Boring, slow-moving. Don't waste your time with this one.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just droned on forever! First book I read from this author and it will be my last!
You could read the last chapter and get the gist of the whole book!
Awful!

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

B O R I N G.