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Secrets: A Suspense Novel
SURVIVAL Samantha’s monsters aren't under the bed; they’re the people she calls Mom and Dad. ESCAPE She makes it out alive, her sanity barely intact. LIES She creates a new past that fools everyone, including herself. HOPE A life filled with love and security teeters on its base of lies. SECRETS When it all comes crumbling down, will Samantha make it out alive?
- GenresPsychological Thriller
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2012
22 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Darcia Helle
30 books737 followersDusty corners of the mind intrigue me.
I'm an armchair explorer; book in one hand, mug of tea in the other.
Connect on Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/DarciaHelle
I'm an armchair explorer; book in one hand, mug of tea in the other.
Connect on Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/DarciaHelle
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 3, 2012
Secrets is a cross between a horror and a tragic romantic thriller. The story starts with a young woman having a series of flashbacks to a past she's tried hard to forget. The recollections threaten to destroy her new life, her marriage, and her sanity.
Her job and her looks make protagonist, Samantha, the envy of some and the target of others. Her beauty masks the ugliest of secrets. A photo shoot with a male model creates a reaction in Samantha she struggles to explain, one that has everyone asking questions. As those around her demand answers, her secrets become harder to hide, yet concealing may them lead to her destruction.
The characters are well developed, lovable and loathsome. The plot line is shocking. The writing is crisp and exciting and the story moves fast.
Darcia Helle is one of my favorite authors.
Her job and her looks make protagonist, Samantha, the envy of some and the target of others. Her beauty masks the ugliest of secrets. A photo shoot with a male model creates a reaction in Samantha she struggles to explain, one that has everyone asking questions. As those around her demand answers, her secrets become harder to hide, yet concealing may them lead to her destruction.
The characters are well developed, lovable and loathsome. The plot line is shocking. The writing is crisp and exciting and the story moves fast.
Darcia Helle is one of my favorite authors.
September 25, 2012
Superb!
I won a copy of this book and I was immensely glad I did - it was fantastic. It's extremely well-written and so fast-paced that it was almost mind-blowing, to coin a phrase. The characters are wonderful - both good and bad - and I couldn't wait to see what happened.
Secrets is a true testament to the saying that an easy to read book is difficult to write - a truly amazing talent.
There are many things I'd like to say about it, but I never give spoilers, however, I will say the storyline will have you on the edge of your seat, and that it certainly deals with how secrets can both save lives in the beginning but will destroy them in the end, if we don't take them by the scruff of the neck and shake them loose.
Highly recommended.
I won a copy of this book and I was immensely glad I did - it was fantastic. It's extremely well-written and so fast-paced that it was almost mind-blowing, to coin a phrase. The characters are wonderful - both good and bad - and I couldn't wait to see what happened.
Secrets is a true testament to the saying that an easy to read book is difficult to write - a truly amazing talent.
There are many things I'd like to say about it, but I never give spoilers, however, I will say the storyline will have you on the edge of your seat, and that it certainly deals with how secrets can both save lives in the beginning but will destroy them in the end, if we don't take them by the scruff of the neck and shake them loose.
Highly recommended.
August 24, 2015
On the run: Secrets by Darcia Helle
This author is one of the best for describing violence in her books, I can only imagine the research she has done. Samantha grew up in a house full of unbelievable conditions. She had no one to trust, her father has done horrible things to her, her mother turned her back to her, so didn't her brother. When she had the chance to leave, she fled for her life, she never looked back. Samantha had to make a new life, become a different person, she even believed in the person she's portraying. She met Jeff and married well. Can she keep her secrets? Will her family leave her alone? Download a copy to find out, you'll love this book. The characters seem so real, I fell for Sam and Jeff. This story has a surprise at the ending that blew me away.
This author is one of the best for describing violence in her books, I can only imagine the research she has done. Samantha grew up in a house full of unbelievable conditions. She had no one to trust, her father has done horrible things to her, her mother turned her back to her, so didn't her brother. When she had the chance to leave, she fled for her life, she never looked back. Samantha had to make a new life, become a different person, she even believed in the person she's portraying. She met Jeff and married well. Can she keep her secrets? Will her family leave her alone? Download a copy to find out, you'll love this book. The characters seem so real, I fell for Sam and Jeff. This story has a surprise at the ending that blew me away.
October 11, 2020
Secrets is a heart wrenching story of abuse of all kinds and how trying to suppress without dealing with the actual abuse can only come back to harm you even more. Sam has managed to make a good life for herself despite her past until the past comes back to claim her again. Will her Secrets destroy everything she loves and has worked so hard to get?
October 15, 2020
Omg!
I was so hooked on this book. I had such a hard time putting it down. This is the first book in a long time that has made me cry during the bad parts. I was riveted right till the end.
I was so hooked on this book. I had such a hard time putting it down. This is the first book in a long time that has made me cry during the bad parts. I was riveted right till the end.
March 28, 2013
I received a copy of "Secrets" by Darcia Helle to read on my Kindle, in exchange for an honest review.
I am sure this was not an easy book to write, and definately not an easy book to read.This is a book that deals with the issue of child abuse and its consequences. I admire Darcia Helle for writing Secrets.It was a very emotional read...but a story that needs to be told.
Samantha Reardon has endured a family life no human being should have to endure. She was severely abused as a child.Her father, mother and brother are monsters, dysfunctional in the highest sense.
Samantha was a successful model married to Jeff,an executive at the largest advertising firm in Boston,who came from a wealthy family.Samantha could not confide in Jeff, about her painful past. She covered it with lies, and told him her parents had been killed in a tragic accident. The memories were so painful, and the nightmares wouldn't stop.No one understood her depression, when she was alone.
This was a fast paced novel to read, and I won't give away the storyline, to spoil it from others.It was a excellent read by a very talented author.Don't miss out on this one!
Secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you...
I am sure this was not an easy book to write, and definately not an easy book to read.This is a book that deals with the issue of child abuse and its consequences. I admire Darcia Helle for writing Secrets.It was a very emotional read...but a story that needs to be told.
Samantha Reardon has endured a family life no human being should have to endure. She was severely abused as a child.Her father, mother and brother are monsters, dysfunctional in the highest sense.
Samantha was a successful model married to Jeff,an executive at the largest advertising firm in Boston,who came from a wealthy family.Samantha could not confide in Jeff, about her painful past. She covered it with lies, and told him her parents had been killed in a tragic accident. The memories were so painful, and the nightmares wouldn't stop.No one understood her depression, when she was alone.
This was a fast paced novel to read, and I won't give away the storyline, to spoil it from others.It was a excellent read by a very talented author.Don't miss out on this one!
Secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you...
June 17, 2014
Secrets by Darcia Helle is a taut psychological thriller that will you keep you reading late into the night. Samantha appears to have the perfect life, being a rich model with a successful husband. But she has a horrible secret that she is keeping to herself about her past. Will the secret be revealed and ruin her marriage and her life? This fast-paced thriller will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, horror and survival.
The writing style flows easily and the writing is intense and thought provoking. So many emotions are experienced while reading the book and at times I found myself holding my breath.
The characters are very real and you could feel the emotions that were being experienced by the characters throughout the entire story.
This is the second book of read by Darcia Helle. The two books could not be more different. secrets is a dark psychological thriller, Into the Light (the other book that I’ve read by this author) is a light ghost mystery. It amazes me that Darcia can write both types of books equally well. That, to me, is the sign of a great author. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller and those who like emotional reads. I can’t wait to read another one of Darcia Helle’s books.
The writing style flows easily and the writing is intense and thought provoking. So many emotions are experienced while reading the book and at times I found myself holding my breath.
The characters are very real and you could feel the emotions that were being experienced by the characters throughout the entire story.
This is the second book of read by Darcia Helle. The two books could not be more different. secrets is a dark psychological thriller, Into the Light (the other book that I’ve read by this author) is a light ghost mystery. It amazes me that Darcia can write both types of books equally well. That, to me, is the sign of a great author. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller and those who like emotional reads. I can’t wait to read another one of Darcia Helle’s books.
April 26, 2013
Samantha has a secret, and it's not very pleasant. In this novel, Darcia Helle explores the psychology behind secrets and keeping secrets, and the effects it can have on the mind and on relationships.
Samantha is a rich, successful model, and is married to a rich, successful businessman. But her past has come back to haunt her in a relentless fashion. Will she be forced to reveal the dark secret she has kept since her childhood? Somehow it seems that the weight of the memories she has tried so hard to suppress has become unbearable.
Helle has a talent for suspenseful writing, and this novel contains scenes that will have you biting your nails, frowning, worrying, and praying for a happy ending. As with all of her novels, this is an entertaining read containing vivid description, realistic characters and a wonderfully intricate and well spun storyline. If you like to really live a book through the eyes of the characters, you need to read Darcia Helle's novels. 'Secrets' is the latest in a long line of exceptional suspense thrillers from this gifted author. A must read.
Samantha is a rich, successful model, and is married to a rich, successful businessman. But her past has come back to haunt her in a relentless fashion. Will she be forced to reveal the dark secret she has kept since her childhood? Somehow it seems that the weight of the memories she has tried so hard to suppress has become unbearable.
Helle has a talent for suspenseful writing, and this novel contains scenes that will have you biting your nails, frowning, worrying, and praying for a happy ending. As with all of her novels, this is an entertaining read containing vivid description, realistic characters and a wonderfully intricate and well spun storyline. If you like to really live a book through the eyes of the characters, you need to read Darcia Helle's novels. 'Secrets' is the latest in a long line of exceptional suspense thrillers from this gifted author. A must read.
March 13, 2013
4.5/5
This book is actually kind of psycopath-ish. I have no idea what it would be to be in the character's shoes. It was definitively draining my emotion to really feel her. Can you imagine the whole family members are crazy? Like literally crazy? The writing of the story is actually quite straight forward, straight to the point, of course you will not get the whole picture first, but that's the beauty of reading an unpredictable twist story. The characters are realistic though quite unbelievably mean. Now I know why secrets are so important to Samantha. What to tell if the past of your life will be a threat towards your future? Yeah, it sounds too unrealistic, but I don't think it's impossible to not to happen to anyone. A fiction could be from a real life story, don't you think? I'm quite impressed with Samantha of how she could bear all the burden of her secrets, even more when her secrets are near to be exposed. It was very intriguing that every page I turn to made me feel nervous. This is my first book of Darcia Helle and very impressed. The book is really recommended.
This book is actually kind of psycopath-ish. I have no idea what it would be to be in the character's shoes. It was definitively draining my emotion to really feel her. Can you imagine the whole family members are crazy? Like literally crazy? The writing of the story is actually quite straight forward, straight to the point, of course you will not get the whole picture first, but that's the beauty of reading an unpredictable twist story. The characters are realistic though quite unbelievably mean. Now I know why secrets are so important to Samantha. What to tell if the past of your life will be a threat towards your future? Yeah, it sounds too unrealistic, but I don't think it's impossible to not to happen to anyone. A fiction could be from a real life story, don't you think? I'm quite impressed with Samantha of how she could bear all the burden of her secrets, even more when her secrets are near to be exposed. It was very intriguing that every page I turn to made me feel nervous. This is my first book of Darcia Helle and very impressed. The book is really recommended.
March 16, 2013
‘This life was all about image. And, sadly, Samantha realized that’s all her life had ever been built around. An image.’ – Secrets
It’s so easy to get drawn in to Samantha’s plight, and feel sympathetic toward everything that she has gone through. This is an enlightening book that could awaken many people to the horrors that can go on inside seemingly normal families. From the outside you’d never guess that a successful star like Sam had such a gruesome past, or that it haunts her still.
Jon is about as creepy as they come. His obsession with getting back at Samantha made me terrified for her. The scariest part about it was that it had all the elements for a 48 Hours newscast. It may be fiction but everything about it could actually happen…
If you enjoy watching or reading life-like news stories like Dateline, this book is just for you! It had me biting my knuckles at every turn and wanting to cry along with Samantha at all she has to endure.
5/5 Crescents
~Elora
It’s so easy to get drawn in to Samantha’s plight, and feel sympathetic toward everything that she has gone through. This is an enlightening book that could awaken many people to the horrors that can go on inside seemingly normal families. From the outside you’d never guess that a successful star like Sam had such a gruesome past, or that it haunts her still.
Jon is about as creepy as they come. His obsession with getting back at Samantha made me terrified for her. The scariest part about it was that it had all the elements for a 48 Hours newscast. It may be fiction but everything about it could actually happen…
If you enjoy watching or reading life-like news stories like Dateline, this book is just for you! It had me biting my knuckles at every turn and wanting to cry along with Samantha at all she has to endure.
5/5 Crescents
~Elora
November 5, 2012
Literary Courage
I admire Darcia Helle for writing Secrets. The novel drained me emotionally, so it’s hard to imagine how anyone could write it. Some reviewers might write how it’s not technically perfect, or that some events are contrived, but I don’t care, the relentless power of the writing and the brave treatment of the macabre theme obliterates nitpicking. Samantha Reardon has endured a family life no human being should have to endure. Her father, mother and brother are beyond dysfunctional; they are demonic, primeval. Who wouldn’t carry terrible secrets, embedded in one’s brain? Then Samantha has a mother-in-law who is no better. Brace yourself, readers, for what lies in these pages: a story that needs telling told by a courageous writer.
I admire Darcia Helle for writing Secrets. The novel drained me emotionally, so it’s hard to imagine how anyone could write it. Some reviewers might write how it’s not technically perfect, or that some events are contrived, but I don’t care, the relentless power of the writing and the brave treatment of the macabre theme obliterates nitpicking. Samantha Reardon has endured a family life no human being should have to endure. Her father, mother and brother are beyond dysfunctional; they are demonic, primeval. Who wouldn’t carry terrible secrets, embedded in one’s brain? Then Samantha has a mother-in-law who is no better. Brace yourself, readers, for what lies in these pages: a story that needs telling told by a courageous writer.
April 2, 2014
Secrets by Darcia Helle
Samantha is a beautiful married woman who seems to have it all. But under all that beauty hides secrets. Secrets that haunt her and won't let go. As her lies build, her past is there haunting her. Will she be able to over come her inner demons, or will they consume her? And what happens when lies are your only hope of happiness?
A fast paced psychological tale, that grabs you into the story and won't let you go until the last page. I Highly recommend to those who love psychological/dramatic/gripping/page-turners
Samantha is a beautiful married woman who seems to have it all. But under all that beauty hides secrets. Secrets that haunt her and won't let go. As her lies build, her past is there haunting her. Will she be able to over come her inner demons, or will they consume her? And what happens when lies are your only hope of happiness?
A fast paced psychological tale, that grabs you into the story and won't let you go until the last page. I Highly recommend to those who love psychological/dramatic/gripping/page-turners
March 31, 2014
I recieved a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Samantha is a rich successful model, married to a rich successful man. But she has a secret and now her past has come back to haunt her in a relentless fashion. Will she have to reveal the dark secret she has kept since childhood? A truly exceptional read. I look forward to reading more books by Darcia Helle
September 17, 2012
What can i say....... Darcia does it again !!
Totally loved this book, i would advise anyone who reads this to read it in a room on your own as i was kicked out of my living room for all the *gasp* and OMG's so you have been warned lol.
Totally loved this book, i would advise anyone who reads this to read it in a room on your own as i was kicked out of my living room for all the *gasp* and OMG's so you have been warned lol.
November 4, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Darcia Helle's writing style is appealing and enjoyable. Even though I don't read many suspenseful novels, I'm always willing to read one of Darcia's because I know I'll enjoy it.
January 11, 2019
‘Secrets’ is a that can’t really happen goodread. An unbearable family life with a sexually abusive father and a mother that rejects with hate causes total blocked memories and a fabricated family. A can’t put it down, disturbing story with a shocking end.
September 17, 2012
What can I say, I read this book in a day. Had me gripped from the beginning. Would highly recommend this to everyone x
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews