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Her Secret Life
I thought I could trust my mother. But everything I thought I knew was a lie…
It’s been a year since my husband died. A whole year that I’ve had to play the grieving widow. But the truth is that he destroyed my life. He’s the reason I haven’t spoken to my mother or sisters in years. Now, I’m finally free to tell them the truth…. But as I approach my childhood home for the first time in twenty years, my heart drops at the sight of police tape, and it shatters when I’m told my mother’s body has been recovered from the lake behind the house. I’m too late.
Desperate for answers, my sisters and I search her house. But something isn’t right. Her clothes are missing and everything is covered in a thick layer of dust. Our mother hasn’t lived here for months. Then we’re told we’ve inherited a house we never knew existed. Is that where she’s been hiding, all this time?
We’re certain this house is the key to revealing why our mother died. But when we finally unearth the truth, everything we thought we knew about our past comes crashing down. Because my mother’s secret goes much deeper than my own…
But will it drive me and my sisters apart forever? Or does it have the power to finally heal our rift?
Fans of Liane Moriarty, Laura Dave and Diane Chamberlain will adore this completely gripping page-turner about how the people closest to us can have the most shocking of secrets.
It’s been a year since my husband died. A whole year that I’ve had to play the grieving widow. But the truth is that he destroyed my life. He’s the reason I haven’t spoken to my mother or sisters in years. Now, I’m finally free to tell them the truth…. But as I approach my childhood home for the first time in twenty years, my heart drops at the sight of police tape, and it shatters when I’m told my mother’s body has been recovered from the lake behind the house. I’m too late.
Desperate for answers, my sisters and I search her house. But something isn’t right. Her clothes are missing and everything is covered in a thick layer of dust. Our mother hasn’t lived here for months. Then we’re told we’ve inherited a house we never knew existed. Is that where she’s been hiding, all this time?
We’re certain this house is the key to revealing why our mother died. But when we finally unearth the truth, everything we thought we knew about our past comes crashing down. Because my mother’s secret goes much deeper than my own…
But will it drive me and my sisters apart forever? Or does it have the power to finally heal our rift?
Fans of Liane Moriarty, Laura Dave and Diane Chamberlain will adore this completely gripping page-turner about how the people closest to us can have the most shocking of secrets.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2024
1820 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Anna E. Collins
10 books424 followersANNA E. COLLINS is a Seattle-area author who writes stories about the lives and loves of women. Once upon a time she was a teacher with a master’s degree in educational psychology. Nowadays, plotting fiction and raising humans are her main pursuits. Find her (and her canine sidekick) on Instagram, @aeccreates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
January 31, 2024
Three sisters, a dysfunctional family. The sisters haven't all been together in years. The estrangement has ended with their mother's death. The women don't even know each other anymore or what to anticipate from each other, they used to be so close once upon a time and have flashbacks of those memories. As they start to unravel the secrets of her mother's life will it bring them closer or drive them further apart? As they start spending more quality time together, they realize the bond of sisterhood is strong and just what they need. Each sister has her strength and weakness, and it becomes apparent as their secrets are revealed. Family secrets, forgiveness and strength in sisterly bonds awaits you. Fast paced plot and well-developed characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2024
This book was fantastic and I was so invested. The alternating viewpoints of each of the sisters added such a depth to the story and really connected me to each character. Each sister was so different from one another and I loved that we got to know them as children and as adults.
Reading the synopsis, I went into this novel expecting a thriller and it definitely wasn't that. Really, it didn't even feel like much of a mystery to me. Sure, the sisters' mom passed away and they uncovered some unexpected truths about her past, but those revelations were slow to unfold on the page but felt obvious to me as the reader. This in no way took away from the book as it felt so genuine and authentic. It was eye opening and enlightening to think about how little we know of our parents outside of their roles in our lives and I love that this novel explored that.
For as much as the novel was centered around the characters, the plot was excellently executed as well. The pacing was perfect and the story flowed really naturally.
This was my first novel by Collins and definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy.
Reading the synopsis, I went into this novel expecting a thriller and it definitely wasn't that. Really, it didn't even feel like much of a mystery to me. Sure, the sisters' mom passed away and they uncovered some unexpected truths about her past, but those revelations were slow to unfold on the page but felt obvious to me as the reader. This in no way took away from the book as it felt so genuine and authentic. It was eye opening and enlightening to think about how little we know of our parents outside of their roles in our lives and I love that this novel explored that.
For as much as the novel was centered around the characters, the plot was excellently executed as well. The pacing was perfect and the story flowed really naturally.
This was my first novel by Collins and definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy.
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February 1, 2024A "completely gripping page turner" it read. Shocking secrets, it read. Well, it didn't have any of those attributes. And I was so excited to be invited on a tour for the novel. Unfortunately, it was boring. It wasn't even a page turner, and it's certainly not a thriller by any means. It reads more like a women's fiction and even at that, nothing really earth shattering or heartwrenching occurs even at 54% I just gave up after that point for a DNF. I'm not leaving a star rating since I was supposed to participate in a book tour. And rather than sour the celebratory nature of book tours, I'll just say the book wasn't for me.
I was invited to read a DRC for a booktour from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions herein are completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts.
I was invited to read a DRC for a booktour from Bookouture through NetGalley. The opinions herein are completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts.
February 2, 2024
Every family is complicated and bubbling under the surface are secrets and lies that bind together. This is a story about 3 sisters and their search for the truth and rediscovering what makes them family. This begins after their mother is found dead and they come back together..
The characters are well written and rheir arcs are well define so you do care about them all individually and together. Although this is a novel the characters within are so true to life it feels more like a general novel than a mystery. Its the relationships that make the characters
It took a while for the secrets to be revealed but the pacing is good and the development of characters makes this a solid 4 atar read.. i would recommended this to anyone who likes strong well written characters pov stories.
Thanks to netgallery and publisher and author
The characters are well written and rheir arcs are well define so you do care about them all individually and together. Although this is a novel the characters within are so true to life it feels more like a general novel than a mystery. Its the relationships that make the characters
It took a while for the secrets to be revealed but the pacing is good and the development of characters makes this a solid 4 atar read.. i would recommended this to anyone who likes strong well written characters pov stories.
Thanks to netgallery and publisher and author
November 25, 2025
4 📖 Kindle
A Twisty Christy Pick for TPP Book Club
A mother's final decision reunites three estranged sisters, each desperately in need of a life reset. Alison is a workaholic perfectionist with a neglected husband; Leah is a widow with a daughter, stuck in the hole of a life her husband vacated a year ago; and Jillian is a star pilot, seemingly living the high life, except for the unsettling thoughts she harbors and the one elusive dream she still secretly chases.
Forced to deal with both their present and past issues, the trio confront their mother's role in their life paths and discover the truth of her life along the way. Her Secret Life discusses the secrets we conceal from those who should be closest to us, including ourselves. In shedding light on those dark corners, the sisters find there is hope to be found in holding on to one another.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The description implied more mystery and intrigue to me, so while it wasn't what I was expecting, it held my attention and earned my investment in the characters. I did pretty easily pick up where the book was headed, but it was well written and a good read.
A Twisty Christy Pick for TPP Book Club
A mother's final decision reunites three estranged sisters, each desperately in need of a life reset. Alison is a workaholic perfectionist with a neglected husband; Leah is a widow with a daughter, stuck in the hole of a life her husband vacated a year ago; and Jillian is a star pilot, seemingly living the high life, except for the unsettling thoughts she harbors and the one elusive dream she still secretly chases.
Forced to deal with both their present and past issues, the trio confront their mother's role in their life paths and discover the truth of her life along the way. Her Secret Life discusses the secrets we conceal from those who should be closest to us, including ourselves. In shedding light on those dark corners, the sisters find there is hope to be found in holding on to one another.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The description implied more mystery and intrigue to me, so while it wasn't what I was expecting, it held my attention and earned my investment in the characters. I did pretty easily pick up where the book was headed, but it was well written and a good read.
December 27, 2023
3 sisters, one mother, they each have their own lives. Some have secrets they've kept for so long. I really loved how it all ended for them all ! Specially for one of the characters !
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for an honest review. I thought this book was alright. I don't really remember anything that stood out in this book but I did enjoy it. I tandem read this with KU because I am not used to audiobooks yet. I did think the narrator did a good job and will listen to more by them!
February 25, 2024
I am so glad that I chose to read this book. The 3 generation of women in this book hold so many secrets. Allison, Leah and Jillian, 3 more or less estranged sisters are forced to reunite when their mother Mariam is found dead. They found out a lot about each other that they didn’t know and a lot about their mother also. Leah’s daughter Hannah also has her own suffering to contend with during this story. I don’t know if I would be able to keep the kind of secrets that they kept from each other. It seems to me that they all led very lonely lives. I found myself in tears by the end.
Laura Lefkow’s narration was fantastic. I listened to the majority of this one because the narration was so good.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC & ALCs of this book.
Laura Lefkow’s narration was fantastic. I listened to the majority of this one because the narration was so good.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC & ALCs of this book.
March 8, 2024
There is a lot of build up to a mild secret in my opinion. Yes each woman has their own secrets going on but none of them are super super intense, the mystery just didn’t hold too well in this one. I did, however, like that the women were able to “find” themselves a little more. I love characters that do that.
🌀Synopsis
When their mom dies their sisters return to their old home. Only, something isn’t quite right. This can’t be the same house because everything is dusty and the clothes are gone. Plus, why would their mother have been found in a lake.
The more the sisters dig into the details of their mother, the more they find out about her and about themselves. They are able to open up to each other in ways they haven’t before and they start to figure out what they really want in life. On top of all that they find out their mother owned another home…with another woman.
🌀Synopsis
When their mom dies their sisters return to their old home. Only, something isn’t quite right. This can’t be the same house because everything is dusty and the clothes are gone. Plus, why would their mother have been found in a lake.
The more the sisters dig into the details of their mother, the more they find out about her and about themselves. They are able to open up to each other in ways they haven’t before and they start to figure out what they really want in life. On top of all that they find out their mother owned another home…with another woman.
February 1, 2024
The Blurb :
It’s been a year since my husband died. A whole year that I’ve had to play the grieving widow. But the truth is that he destroyed my life. He’s the reason I haven’t spoken to my mother or sisters in years. Now, I’m finally free to tell them the truth… But as I approach my childhood home for the first time in twenty years, my heart drops at the sight of police tape, and it shatters when I’m told my mother’s body has been recovered from the lake behind the house. I’m too late.
Desperate for answers, my sisters and I search her house. But something isn’t right. Her clothes are missing and everything is covered in a thick layer of dust. Our mother hasn’t lived here for months. Then we’re told we’ve inherited a house we never knew existed. Is that where she’s been hiding, all this time?
We’re certain this house is the key to revealing why our mother died. But when we finally unearth the truth, everything we thought we knew about our past comes crashing down. Because my mother’s secret goes much deeper than my own…
My Thoughts :
Here we meet 3 very different sisters, Alison is the eldest, married with no children and works as a realtor, next we have Leah, a librarian who has recently been widowed. She hasnt been home to Seattle in over 20 years, and lastly Jillian, working as a pilot, who is Single, bisexual and living in New York.
None of the sisters are very close, but when their mum suddenly dies and her body is found in a lake, they all have to come back together as there is some mystery surrounding their mums death, or is there?!.
The 3 sisters are thrown together and need to unearth many unanswered questions especially when they find out they have inherited a cottage from their mum that none of them knew about.
As the story progress’s we learn about each of the sisters and of their childhood together.
It also takes us on a journey as to what has happened to them and where they are all at in this point of their lives.
Their mum held some secrets, which they are all about to find out about and it seems that none of them really knew their mum atall.
This is a story about heartbreak, family, love and forgiveness. Anna E Collins keeps the reader interested throughout and has a lot of empathy for her written Characters.
I really enjoyed how the Author put this story together.
Looking forward to more from Anna E Collins in the future.
It’s been a year since my husband died. A whole year that I’ve had to play the grieving widow. But the truth is that he destroyed my life. He’s the reason I haven’t spoken to my mother or sisters in years. Now, I’m finally free to tell them the truth… But as I approach my childhood home for the first time in twenty years, my heart drops at the sight of police tape, and it shatters when I’m told my mother’s body has been recovered from the lake behind the house. I’m too late.
Desperate for answers, my sisters and I search her house. But something isn’t right. Her clothes are missing and everything is covered in a thick layer of dust. Our mother hasn’t lived here for months. Then we’re told we’ve inherited a house we never knew existed. Is that where she’s been hiding, all this time?
We’re certain this house is the key to revealing why our mother died. But when we finally unearth the truth, everything we thought we knew about our past comes crashing down. Because my mother’s secret goes much deeper than my own…
My Thoughts :
Here we meet 3 very different sisters, Alison is the eldest, married with no children and works as a realtor, next we have Leah, a librarian who has recently been widowed. She hasnt been home to Seattle in over 20 years, and lastly Jillian, working as a pilot, who is Single, bisexual and living in New York.
None of the sisters are very close, but when their mum suddenly dies and her body is found in a lake, they all have to come back together as there is some mystery surrounding their mums death, or is there?!.
The 3 sisters are thrown together and need to unearth many unanswered questions especially when they find out they have inherited a cottage from their mum that none of them knew about.
As the story progress’s we learn about each of the sisters and of their childhood together.
It also takes us on a journey as to what has happened to them and where they are all at in this point of their lives.
Their mum held some secrets, which they are all about to find out about and it seems that none of them really knew their mum atall.
This is a story about heartbreak, family, love and forgiveness. Anna E Collins keeps the reader interested throughout and has a lot of empathy for her written Characters.
I really enjoyed how the Author put this story together.
Looking forward to more from Anna E Collins in the future.
February 7, 2024
Leah, a widowed librarian, Allison an overachieving relator and Jillian and Airline Transport Pilot are all products of a dysfunctional family. They have all succeeded in their own way through life but have grown apart and do not often communicate. However when three sisters lose their mother to suicide they must come together to grieve and discover how such a thing could ever have happened. Going through their mothers things they discover that they did not know their mother at all and that she held many secrets from them. As the sisters dig deeper they discover that yes, their mother did have a second secret life they knew nothing about and as they learn more they come to have a better understanding and relationship with each other. I really enjoyed this novel, it was full of surprises and I enjoyed learning along with the sisters what their mother Marion was really like. It's also full of hope for family healing. The narrator was excellent and did a great job with all the different characters voices. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for a chance to read/listen to this ARC version of this novel. I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for a chance to read/listen to this ARC version of this novel. I really enjoyed it.
March 7, 2024
Her Secret Life by Anna E. Collins and narrated by Laurel Lefkow was a brilliant gripping
story that will have you gripped from the beginning till the very end.
Three sisters, Alison who is the eldest, she is married with no children and works as a realtor. Leah, who is a librarian and has recently been widowed. She hasn't been home to Seattle in over 20 years, The youngest is Jillian, she is working as a pilot, and Single, bisexual and living in New York. They are not close and haven't spoken in years to each other. Just another dysfunctional family. Things are about to change their mum suddenly dies and her body is found in a lake, they all have to return home and there is some mystery surrounding their mums death.........But, what is it?
Their mum has many secrets and all three sisters have to be strong to learn more about their mother. This book was excellent and full of twists and turns throughout.
I highly recommend this book and the narrator Laurel Lefkow was excellent.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
story that will have you gripped from the beginning till the very end.
Three sisters, Alison who is the eldest, she is married with no children and works as a realtor. Leah, who is a librarian and has recently been widowed. She hasn't been home to Seattle in over 20 years, The youngest is Jillian, she is working as a pilot, and Single, bisexual and living in New York. They are not close and haven't spoken in years to each other. Just another dysfunctional family. Things are about to change their mum suddenly dies and her body is found in a lake, they all have to return home and there is some mystery surrounding their mums death.........But, what is it?
Their mum has many secrets and all three sisters have to be strong to learn more about their mother. This book was excellent and full of twists and turns throughout.
I highly recommend this book and the narrator Laurel Lefkow was excellent.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
January 18, 2024
A captivating story of dysfunctional family relationships, and how one loss can bring everyone together.
Based on the cover I was expecting a mystery/thriller but had I paid attention to the category I would have known it was women’s fiction. Once I adjusted that in my mind I was quickly drawn in.
Told from the viewpoints of the 3 sisters after their mom passed away, it offers a unique viewpoint into each woman’s personal life and their relationships with their mom.
TW of note:suicide, abuse (mental and physical). Even with these dark issues, a very good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Based on the cover I was expecting a mystery/thriller but had I paid attention to the category I would have known it was women’s fiction. Once I adjusted that in my mind I was quickly drawn in.
Told from the viewpoints of the 3 sisters after their mom passed away, it offers a unique viewpoint into each woman’s personal life and their relationships with their mom.
TW of note:suicide, abuse (mental and physical). Even with these dark issues, a very good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2024
What a wonderful story about family dynamics, second chances, loss, abuse, secrets and so much more. Are you thinking….how much more can there be? You definitely need to read Her Secret Life to find out.
A VERY emotionally charged and compelling story that will have you going through many different emotions.
Author Anna E. Collins is a new author to me. I found her writing solid. I was kept engaged throughout the story.
The development of the characters was wonderful.
All in all, a vey moving story that I am still thinking about.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A VERY emotionally charged and compelling story that will have you going through many different emotions.
Author Anna E. Collins is a new author to me. I found her writing solid. I was kept engaged throughout the story.
The development of the characters was wonderful.
All in all, a vey moving story that I am still thinking about.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2024
This book is based around 3 sisters and their mother. It’s full of secrets and lies that was told all across the years. The sisters don’t talk to each other that much, but when their mother is found dead in the lake beside her house they come together. They help each other in grief and rekindle their relationship.
A lovely book which brings family together,
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator easy to follow, she had good accents for each of the sisters. Each chapter was prompted well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
A lovely book which brings family together,
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator easy to follow, she had good accents for each of the sisters. Each chapter was prompted well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
February 10, 2024
I originally thought this book was a thriller but it’s really a book about family dysfunction, sisters, breaking free from toxic relationships and new beginnings!
After years apart, 3 sisters reunite as their mother unexpectedly passes. Each is dealing with life’s messes in their own way. We see how their mothers death pushes them together to confront the past and make way for a bright future.
After years apart, 3 sisters reunite as their mother unexpectedly passes. Each is dealing with life’s messes in their own way. We see how their mothers death pushes them together to confront the past and make way for a bright future.
December 20, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
I was expecting more of a thriller, but this ended up being a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of 5 related women and the family trauma that can reverberate through generations. I felt so badly for Jillian, though I think she felt she got a little closure I thought it was more speculation to help her ease her soul. I thought the part with Catherine was very obvious and was appalled that it took the daughters so long to figure out. Maybe it's hard to see what is staring you in the face when you are so close to it?
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna E. Collins, and Bookoture Audio for my copy of this audiobook
I was expecting more of a thriller, but this ended up being a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of 5 related women and the family trauma that can reverberate through generations. I felt so badly for Jillian, though I think she felt she got a little closure I thought it was more speculation to help her ease her soul. I thought the part with Catherine was very obvious and was appalled that it took the daughters so long to figure out. Maybe it's hard to see what is staring you in the face when you are so close to it?
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna E. Collins, and Bookoture Audio for my copy of this audiobook
January 18, 2024
2.5 stars
There were several things about this book that didn't work for me.
First, based on the description, we are led to believe that this a gripping page-turner about estranged sisters who come together after their mother's death and find out she has been hiding something from us. Well, this is absolutely not what this book is about. It is more women's fiction, nothing happens, and the "secret" is underwhelming and not even revealed until about 60% of the way through. The mother is barely mentioned, this secret is barely mentioned, and even though the title is Her Secret Life--we don't know anything about their mother.
Second, the book is told from the alternating viewpoints of the sisters, Leah, Jillian, and Allison. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was monotone and I honestly could not distinguish between any of the sisters.
Third, this book tells and doesn't show. Using dialogue to drive a story is not my favorite. I did not feel a connection with any of the characters, didn't understand why they were estranged, didn't have a feel for why their relationship was the way it was between them and with their mother.
The ending tries to tie it all up but it was not a cohesive read to me and I would not compare it to Liane Moriarty or Diane Chamberlain as this book is not in the same vein as books by those authors. Maybe if the description was different and/or there were multiple narrators for the audiobook, my rating would be different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There were several things about this book that didn't work for me.
First, based on the description, we are led to believe that this a gripping page-turner about estranged sisters who come together after their mother's death and find out she has been hiding something from us. Well, this is absolutely not what this book is about. It is more women's fiction, nothing happens, and the "secret" is underwhelming and not even revealed until about 60% of the way through. The mother is barely mentioned, this secret is barely mentioned, and even though the title is Her Secret Life--we don't know anything about their mother.
Second, the book is told from the alternating viewpoints of the sisters, Leah, Jillian, and Allison. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was monotone and I honestly could not distinguish between any of the sisters.
Third, this book tells and doesn't show. Using dialogue to drive a story is not my favorite. I did not feel a connection with any of the characters, didn't understand why they were estranged, didn't have a feel for why their relationship was the way it was between them and with their mother.
The ending tries to tie it all up but it was not a cohesive read to me and I would not compare it to Liane Moriarty or Diane Chamberlain as this book is not in the same vein as books by those authors. Maybe if the description was different and/or there were multiple narrators for the audiobook, my rating would be different.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, Anna E. Collins, and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audiobook! A great audiobook listen with narrator Laurel Lefkow. I enjoyed this story and all the heartache and drama it brought along. The story was woven perfectly and I was left satisfied with the outcome!
February 4, 2024
Each chapter told from the perspective of one of the three sisters, struggling with her own battles, as they work together to discover the mystery behind their mom’s life that they never knew. Each woman is flawed, yet so realistic, I felt for each of them & especially identified with Leah, ironically the sister first introduced. This is one of my favorite novels of 2024 so far. A definite five ⭐️ read for me.
Laurel Lefkow does a brilliant narrating this beautiful page turner.
Laurel Lefkow does a brilliant narrating this beautiful page turner.
July 11, 2024
4.5 stars - Good read! I loved the story between the characters and how it evolved through the novel. Lots of surprises
August 31, 2025
This is a great read! Quick page turner. Loved it.
January 7, 2024
First, thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Anna E. Collins for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book about three sisters reuniting for an unfortunate reason. Their relationship is strained but I liked the way the author explained each of their lives and why they had conflict. Their mother's death and what she left behind turned out to be rather mysterious and I loved that aspect of the book. The subject matter of abusive relationships, bisexual partnerships, a troubled marriage, and a budding romance just add to the dynamic flare of this book! Even though I'm not fond of characters holding secrets and who are somewhat deceitful, I would purchase this book for my LFL. #NetGalley #Bookouture #HerSecretLife
I really enjoyed this book about three sisters reuniting for an unfortunate reason. Their relationship is strained but I liked the way the author explained each of their lives and why they had conflict. Their mother's death and what she left behind turned out to be rather mysterious and I loved that aspect of the book. The subject matter of abusive relationships, bisexual partnerships, a troubled marriage, and a budding romance just add to the dynamic flare of this book! Even though I'm not fond of characters holding secrets and who are somewhat deceitful, I would purchase this book for my LFL. #NetGalley #Bookouture #HerSecretLife
January 29, 2024
A realtor, a librarian, and a pilot, all sisters, are abruptly reunited after their mother’s death.
The sisters’ estrangement means there’s lots of catching up. Each sister’s secret and fear is revealed.
Each draws strength from the bonds of sisterhood.
I found Leah’s Story to be the most compelling.
I liked how the sisters really began listening to each other, especially as their mother’s secrets are revealed.
Out of loss there is realization how much more there is to gain.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
The sisters’ estrangement means there’s lots of catching up. Each sister’s secret and fear is revealed.
Each draws strength from the bonds of sisterhood.
I found Leah’s Story to be the most compelling.
I liked how the sisters really began listening to each other, especially as their mother’s secrets are revealed.
Out of loss there is realization how much more there is to gain.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
December 14, 2025
I did NOT expect this to be that good. I certainly did not expect to spend the last chapter crying my eyes out. What even just happened? I binged this whole book in a day I couldn’t stop. It’s midnight and I have work in the morning. Do I regret it l? Of course not. Highly recommend
FYI I wouldn’t really consider this a thriller. More of a family mystery with a side of trauma. Trauma for them and trauma for me 🤠
FYI I wouldn’t really consider this a thriller. More of a family mystery with a side of trauma. Trauma for them and trauma for me 🤠
January 31, 2024
Anna E. Collins' HER SECRET LIFE is a gripping character-driven family drama of three estranged sisters coming together as the past and present collide, unraveling dark, hidden family secrets after the mysterious death of their mother.
Leah, Alison, and Jillian are the Brady sisters (a realtor, a librarian, and a pilot) who have not been in touch for years.
After the death of Leah's husband, she returns to her hometown in the Pacific Northwest to try and make amends with her mother. Leah's abusive husband is why she has not spoken to her mother or sisters in years; now, she can reveal the truth.
However, Leah is shocked upon arrival at her childhood home. There is police tape, and she is told her mother's body has been recovered from the lake behind the house. She was too late. Leah wants answers and calls her sisters. They search the house for clues. It does not appear her mom has been living here with all the dust, and her clothes are missing.
Then, when the will is read, they find they have inherited a cottage they never knew existed. What has their mother been hiding? It appears their mysterious mom had more than one secret.
Did their mom end her own life, and why? She was a good swimmer. Could she have drowned? When they unravel the clues and answers, will the siblings come closer, or will it drive them further apart again?
Told from the three sisters' POVs From past to present, we learn about each of the sisters and the mysterious secrets of their mother. There was so much more to their mom than they knew.
Do their pasts define them?
The novel explores complex dysfunctional family relationships while grappling with grief —a journey to discover the hidden stories of their family. Self-doubt, despair, tragedies, secrets, sacrifice, pride, dreams, hope, love, triumphs and self-discovery.
HER SECRET LIFE is a character-driven complex family drama. I did not find the characters particularly likable; however, I found the mom's character more fascinating and wished we had more from her—I also enjoyed the mom's friend, the beautiful poetry, and the infusions of art.
It is a heartrending redemptive story about the power and complexities of women, friendship, and a family in crisis. The power of love, the meaning of family, and second chances, even when it seems impossible.
Highly charged topics of suicide and abuse (mental and physical). My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more. It is not a suspense thriller but more women's fiction—motherhood, sisterhood, love, grief, connections, loss, forgiveness, hope, and new beginnings.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laurel Lefkow, and while she delivered an engaging performance, I think it would have been better with different distinct voices or multiple narrators for the characters.
While I do not read a lot of women's fiction (preferring thrillers and literary), HER SECRET LIFE would make a good book club pick.
For fans of authors Suzanne Redfearn, Mary Ellen Taylor, Mary Alice Monroe, Pamela Kelley, and Emilie Richards—I would not compare to Diane Chamberlain (favorite), Lianne Moriarty, or Laura Dave, as referenced in the summary.
Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a gifted ARC and ALC review copy for an honest opinion.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 31, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars rounded to 4
Jan Newsletter
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Leah, Alison, and Jillian are the Brady sisters (a realtor, a librarian, and a pilot) who have not been in touch for years.
After the death of Leah's husband, she returns to her hometown in the Pacific Northwest to try and make amends with her mother. Leah's abusive husband is why she has not spoken to her mother or sisters in years; now, she can reveal the truth.
However, Leah is shocked upon arrival at her childhood home. There is police tape, and she is told her mother's body has been recovered from the lake behind the house. She was too late. Leah wants answers and calls her sisters. They search the house for clues. It does not appear her mom has been living here with all the dust, and her clothes are missing.
Then, when the will is read, they find they have inherited a cottage they never knew existed. What has their mother been hiding? It appears their mysterious mom had more than one secret.
Did their mom end her own life, and why? She was a good swimmer. Could she have drowned? When they unravel the clues and answers, will the siblings come closer, or will it drive them further apart again?
Told from the three sisters' POVs From past to present, we learn about each of the sisters and the mysterious secrets of their mother. There was so much more to their mom than they knew.
Do their pasts define them?
The novel explores complex dysfunctional family relationships while grappling with grief —a journey to discover the hidden stories of their family. Self-doubt, despair, tragedies, secrets, sacrifice, pride, dreams, hope, love, triumphs and self-discovery.
HER SECRET LIFE is a character-driven complex family drama. I did not find the characters particularly likable; however, I found the mom's character more fascinating and wished we had more from her—I also enjoyed the mom's friend, the beautiful poetry, and the infusions of art.
It is a heartrending redemptive story about the power and complexities of women, friendship, and a family in crisis. The power of love, the meaning of family, and second chances, even when it seems impossible.
Highly charged topics of suicide and abuse (mental and physical). My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more. It is not a suspense thriller but more women's fiction—motherhood, sisterhood, love, grief, connections, loss, forgiveness, hope, and new beginnings.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laurel Lefkow, and while she delivered an engaging performance, I think it would have been better with different distinct voices or multiple narrators for the characters.
While I do not read a lot of women's fiction (preferring thrillers and literary), HER SECRET LIFE would make a good book club pick.
For fans of authors Suzanne Redfearn, Mary Ellen Taylor, Mary Alice Monroe, Pamela Kelley, and Emilie Richards—I would not compare to Diane Chamberlain (favorite), Lianne Moriarty, or Laura Dave, as referenced in the summary.
Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a gifted ARC and ALC review copy for an honest opinion.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 31, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars rounded to 4
Jan Newsletter
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
February 1, 2024
Soooo.... I just finished "Dear Sister" yesterday....which dealt with sexual abuse and it's aftermath...
And I pick this one up, as it's next due on my NetGalley list...and it's also dealing with sexual abuse...in a different way though. Who would've thought???
#HerSecretLife by #AnnaECollins
I think this is the first I've read by this author, and it was amazing!
We open up with a women, who has been hiding away from her sisters and her mother, for years. Her husband died just one year ago...and she's ready to face her past.
She decides to go to see her mother and surprise her.
BUT, when she arrives, she is the one who is surprised....there's caution tape all around the house that she grew up in. And Police Cars...
WHAT IS GOING ON???
As the pieces all start to come together, the three sisters, who have been estranged for years, all show up to try to get things right...and they find that they share much more than they realized.
And they also realize that their Mother had kept many secrets that they knew nothing about!
Will this tear them further apart? Or, will this be what finally brings them all together?
This one delves into so many pieces of life...and so many that I can identify with, as the sisters are very diverse. And it makes you realize that time is precious...and we need to all do better! With our lives. With our families. With ourselves!!
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me...rounded up to 5.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which was released yesterday, 1/31/24.
My Secret Life by Anna E. Collins. Beautifully narrated by #LaurelLefkow.
Keep up with all my shenanigans on books....
On Goodreads,
On IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr, or on
Facebook book clubs @#BookReviewsWithElaine
On any of these you can see my PRE-views and reviews of all the new and exciting books in my world.
As always, happy reading!! 📚📖
And I pick this one up, as it's next due on my NetGalley list...and it's also dealing with sexual abuse...in a different way though. Who would've thought???
#HerSecretLife by #AnnaECollins
I think this is the first I've read by this author, and it was amazing!
We open up with a women, who has been hiding away from her sisters and her mother, for years. Her husband died just one year ago...and she's ready to face her past.
She decides to go to see her mother and surprise her.
BUT, when she arrives, she is the one who is surprised....there's caution tape all around the house that she grew up in. And Police Cars...
WHAT IS GOING ON???
As the pieces all start to come together, the three sisters, who have been estranged for years, all show up to try to get things right...and they find that they share much more than they realized.
And they also realize that their Mother had kept many secrets that they knew nothing about!
Will this tear them further apart? Or, will this be what finally brings them all together?
This one delves into so many pieces of life...and so many that I can identify with, as the sisters are very diverse. And it makes you realize that time is precious...and we need to all do better! With our lives. With our families. With ourselves!!
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me...rounded up to 5.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which was released yesterday, 1/31/24.
My Secret Life by Anna E. Collins. Beautifully narrated by #LaurelLefkow.
Keep up with all my shenanigans on books....
On Goodreads,
On IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr, or on
Facebook book clubs @#BookReviewsWithElaine
On any of these you can see my PRE-views and reviews of all the new and exciting books in my world.
As always, happy reading!! 📚📖
January 30, 2024
Many thanks to Netgally and Bookouture for an arc of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Leah, Alison and Jillian are three sisters who have fallen out of touch over the years. A year following the death of Leah's husband, she heads back to her hometown to start to make amends with her mother. Unfortunately her mother has been found dead and the result of this is the three sisters being thrown back together and trying to reform a relationship. It's told in three POV - each of the three sisters and alternates between them.
I found this really compelling and real - it highlighted how everyone has their own stressors and drama going on and that you often don't know what is going on with them, even if you are very close. It's very much contemporary fiction not a thriller and I think perhaps the marketing is slightly wrong as from first glance it looks like it'll be a thriller, so I don't think you'd enjoy this going in thinking it's a thriller - The twists aren't shocking, or even that twisty!
I do think this is an excellent book about love, loss, and family dynamics, and I would highly recommend it. I also loved that the ending felt resolved but it didn't try and tie things in a perfect bow, there were still questions and loose ends that weren't tied up by the end.
There is a lot of character growth throughout and I enjoyed how the sisters started leaning on one another by the end.
The audiobook narrator was fine, but it would have been better and easier to follow had there been distinct voice differences between the three POV or even different readers. If you had to pause and restart during a chapter it could take a few minutes to work out who was the narrator.
Leah, Alison and Jillian are three sisters who have fallen out of touch over the years. A year following the death of Leah's husband, she heads back to her hometown to start to make amends with her mother. Unfortunately her mother has been found dead and the result of this is the three sisters being thrown back together and trying to reform a relationship. It's told in three POV - each of the three sisters and alternates between them.
I found this really compelling and real - it highlighted how everyone has their own stressors and drama going on and that you often don't know what is going on with them, even if you are very close. It's very much contemporary fiction not a thriller and I think perhaps the marketing is slightly wrong as from first glance it looks like it'll be a thriller, so I don't think you'd enjoy this going in thinking it's a thriller - The twists aren't shocking, or even that twisty!
I do think this is an excellent book about love, loss, and family dynamics, and I would highly recommend it. I also loved that the ending felt resolved but it didn't try and tie things in a perfect bow, there were still questions and loose ends that weren't tied up by the end.
There is a lot of character growth throughout and I enjoyed how the sisters started leaning on one another by the end.
The audiobook narrator was fine, but it would have been better and easier to follow had there been distinct voice differences between the three POV or even different readers. If you had to pause and restart during a chapter it could take a few minutes to work out who was the narrator.
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