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Secrets #1
A Weekend Getaway
Bethany Morris always puts everyone else’s needs first. That's why when she got pregnant in college, she shouldered the burden alone. She had the baby in secret and placed it for adoption. Sixteen years later, she’s patiently waiting for her live-in boyfriend to propose and wondering if she’s missed her one chance at motherhood.
Life gets complicated when she runs into the baby’s father and realizes the chemistry’s still there. At first, Bethany and Parker relive the good, old days, but then he reveals that he has the same disease that took his father’s life. Does Bethany owe it to Parker to tell him that he has a child? Should she track down the daughter she’s never known just to give her bad news?
Risking the comfortable life she’s built for herself, Bethany embarks on a cross-country road trip to face her past and find the daughter she never forgot.
Life gets complicated when she runs into the baby’s father and realizes the chemistry’s still there. At first, Bethany and Parker relive the good, old days, but then he reveals that he has the same disease that took his father’s life. Does Bethany owe it to Parker to tell him that he has a child? Should she track down the daughter she’s never known just to give her bad news?
Risking the comfortable life she’s built for herself, Bethany embarks on a cross-country road trip to face her past and find the daughter she never forgot.
300 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2014
282 people are currently reading
2369 people want to read
About the author
Karen Lenfestey
17 books86 followersKaren Lenfestey, a Midwest Writer’s Fellowship winner, writes “happy endings with a twist.”
Karen has a bachelor's degree in advertising from Purdue University and a master's degree in counseling from its rival school, Indiana University. (Please don't ask her to choose favorites!) During the week, she advises students, on the weekends, she writes and on vacations, she loves to travel.
She is active on Goodreads and Facebook and she loves to hear from readers on her website, www.karensnovels.com.
Karen has a bachelor's degree in advertising from Purdue University and a master's degree in counseling from its rival school, Indiana University. (Please don't ask her to choose favorites!) During the week, she advises students, on the weekends, she writes and on vacations, she loves to travel.
She is active on Goodreads and Facebook and she loves to hear from readers on her website, www.karensnovels.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 29, 2014
We follow Bethany Morris through a difficult part of her life where nothing goes as planned. Reunited with a long lost love and the child she selflessly gave up sixteen years ago to the reality of the life she is living today. We watch at the main character is forced to make tough decisions that will affect the rest of her life.
Lenfestey has nailed her characters flawlessly. Her ability to write Bethany as someone I was able to relate to from page one is a quality I love in an author. The story had enough depth to keep me committed to the end with plans for book two.
The only thing I didn't quite agree with or understand is the title of the book. A Weekend Getaway is about so much more than a "weekend". I would have liked to see Lenfestey found a title more appropriate to the intense story.
Lenfestey has nailed her characters flawlessly. Her ability to write Bethany as someone I was able to relate to from page one is a quality I love in an author. The story had enough depth to keep me committed to the end with plans for book two.
The only thing I didn't quite agree with or understand is the title of the book. A Weekend Getaway is about so much more than a "weekend". I would have liked to see Lenfestey found a title more appropriate to the intense story.
February 4, 2017
Wasn't keen on this. I was getting bored with it so packed it in at 27%.....it all seemed a little too farfetched and the characters not very believable to me.
I find it hard to believe that anyone in charge of adoption papers would ever let the woman-on-the-street come in and burrow through them !!
She wrote road blocked which totally baffled me in the context it was written till I realised she meant roadblocked. It reads very differently that way. We're to take on board that a three year old had a tantrum (and she'd resided with her for a few months) and Beth was clueless. I'm pretty sure she'd have seen that nonsense before that occurrence !!
I was bored with her repeating the fact that she had a middle-management job, too.
I liked the cover a lot-that was eye-catching.
I find it hard to believe that anyone in charge of adoption papers would ever let the woman-on-the-street come in and burrow through them !!
She wrote road blocked which totally baffled me in the context it was written till I realised she meant roadblocked. It reads very differently that way. We're to take on board that a three year old had a tantrum (and she'd resided with her for a few months) and Beth was clueless. I'm pretty sure she'd have seen that nonsense before that occurrence !!
I was bored with her repeating the fact that she had a middle-management job, too.
I liked the cover a lot-that was eye-catching.
April 26, 2016
I really liked this book. I'm not usually the one for chick lit but this one I found that I couldn't put down. I'm definitely going to have to get the second in this series.
December 25, 2014
A Weekend Getaway
Secret Series Book 1
By: Karen Lenfestey
Kindle – 295 pages
I received this book for an honest review of the book from the Author.
Life is full of surprises and secrets. Bethany Morris was easy to relate to, I enjoyed the characters. When your life deals you a hand that you are not ready for, you are forced to deal with them. Bethany is faced with the life choices she made sixteen years ago.
Karen wrote with ease and brought the characters to life, you want to root for Bethany to get her happy ending. I am definitely ready to read Book 2 open the rest of the story. You definitely will want to pick up this book and a cup of hot cocoa.
Rating 4 Stars
Synopsis:
Bethany Morris always puts everyone else’s needs first. That’s why when she got pregnant in college, she had the baby in secret and placed it for adoption. Sixteen years later, she patiently waits for her live-in boyfriend to propose and wonders if she missed her one chance at motherhood.
Life gets complicated when she runs into the baby’s father, Parker, and he reveals that he has the same disease that took his father’s life. Does Bethany owe it to Parker to tell him that he has a child? Should she track down the daughter she’s never known just to give her bad news?
Risking the comfortable life she’s built for herself, Bethany embarks on a journey to face her past. Along the way, she realizes she’s not the selfless person she thought she was.
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Secret Series Book 1
By: Karen Lenfestey
Kindle – 295 pages
I received this book for an honest review of the book from the Author.
Life is full of surprises and secrets. Bethany Morris was easy to relate to, I enjoyed the characters. When your life deals you a hand that you are not ready for, you are forced to deal with them. Bethany is faced with the life choices she made sixteen years ago.
Karen wrote with ease and brought the characters to life, you want to root for Bethany to get her happy ending. I am definitely ready to read Book 2 open the rest of the story. You definitely will want to pick up this book and a cup of hot cocoa.
Rating 4 Stars
Synopsis:
Bethany Morris always puts everyone else’s needs first. That’s why when she got pregnant in college, she had the baby in secret and placed it for adoption. Sixteen years later, she patiently waits for her live-in boyfriend to propose and wonders if she missed her one chance at motherhood.
Life gets complicated when she runs into the baby’s father, Parker, and he reveals that he has the same disease that took his father’s life. Does Bethany owe it to Parker to tell him that he has a child? Should she track down the daughter she’s never known just to give her bad news?
Risking the comfortable life she’s built for herself, Bethany embarks on a journey to face her past. Along the way, she realizes she’s not the selfless person she thought she was.
Follow me:
http://heathersbooksbooksnmore.blogsp...
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BooksBooksnMore
Twitter:
@BooksBooksnMore
September 3, 2014
A weekend getaway sounds like a good time.And there are two in this book. Neither of them would qualify for that status in my opinion.The first is a college club reunion. The second is an awkward meeting of birth parents and the daughter they created sixteen years earlier.Both weekends start out with promise but end painfully.
There is a lot of struggle and heartache in this story. Bethany is caught in an unhappy web of her own making. She is the queen of "If only...". But she soldiers on, believing down deep that she is only getting what she deserves.
Parker. Good looking, tiger by the tail kind of guy.Blessed with a super sized work ethic he has climbed to the summit of success. Money, lots of it is what makes his world go around.He knows that money can't really buy happiness, but he sure gives it a go.
There is a host of secondary characters integral to the story. And a few of them set my teeth on edge. We won't go there.
Don't be put off this story. It is a very accurate portrayal of unintended consequences and what happens when people forgo taking responsibility for their lives. And when people decide to step up to the plate,positive change is inevitable.
Many thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. There is a sequel, and I have started it.
There is a lot of struggle and heartache in this story. Bethany is caught in an unhappy web of her own making. She is the queen of "If only...". But she soldiers on, believing down deep that she is only getting what she deserves.
Parker. Good looking, tiger by the tail kind of guy.Blessed with a super sized work ethic he has climbed to the summit of success. Money, lots of it is what makes his world go around.He knows that money can't really buy happiness, but he sure gives it a go.
There is a host of secondary characters integral to the story. And a few of them set my teeth on edge. We won't go there.
Don't be put off this story. It is a very accurate portrayal of unintended consequences and what happens when people forgo taking responsibility for their lives. And when people decide to step up to the plate,positive change is inevitable.
Many thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. There is a sequel, and I have started it.
August 11, 2015
Review posted first on my blog.
Lenfestey did an amazing job with characterization in this book. Beth, whose hardships and suffering make her a lovable and relatable main character; Drew, the live-in boyfriend, who just can't take the hint; Missy, Drew's horrible and selfish sister who often takes advantage of Beth's big heart; Parker, the hunky boy Beth had a crush on since college; Ivy, Beth's college roommate who is as selfish and self-centered as Missy; and Sarah, the supermom and down-to-earth friend who's always been there for Beth.
The characters were really what kept the story going for me. They all seemed so real, flawed and fascinating that I wanted to know more. I also love that this was a story about second chances and facing the past.
As much as I enjoyed it, I had a hard time staying focused. It wasn't one of those stories that sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. It wasn't one of those stories that I wanted to devour in one sitting.
Thank you to Keren Lenfestey for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Lenfestey did an amazing job with characterization in this book. Beth, whose hardships and suffering make her a lovable and relatable main character; Drew, the live-in boyfriend, who just can't take the hint; Missy, Drew's horrible and selfish sister who often takes advantage of Beth's big heart; Parker, the hunky boy Beth had a crush on since college; Ivy, Beth's college roommate who is as selfish and self-centered as Missy; and Sarah, the supermom and down-to-earth friend who's always been there for Beth.
The characters were really what kept the story going for me. They all seemed so real, flawed and fascinating that I wanted to know more. I also love that this was a story about second chances and facing the past.
As much as I enjoyed it, I had a hard time staying focused. It wasn't one of those stories that sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. It wasn't one of those stories that I wanted to devour in one sitting.
Thank you to Keren Lenfestey for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2015
A love/hate relationship
The first half of this book, I hated it. I thought the storyline was so far fetched that I had to make myself continue reading the book. The next 1/4 of the book I wanted to see what happened to Bethany and Parker. The last 1/4 of the book, I couldn't put it down and considered reading the next in the series. I still think the storyline was a little unbelievable but I fell in love with the characters. I have 4 or 5 books on my Kindle to read now but I may come back to this author and read some more of hers.
The first half of this book, I hated it. I thought the storyline was so far fetched that I had to make myself continue reading the book. The next 1/4 of the book I wanted to see what happened to Bethany and Parker. The last 1/4 of the book, I couldn't put it down and considered reading the next in the series. I still think the storyline was a little unbelievable but I fell in love with the characters. I have 4 or 5 books on my Kindle to read now but I may come back to this author and read some more of hers.
October 22, 2016
Bethany gives up a child for adoption when she got pregnant in college, thinking what she did was for the best. Then years later, she finds out the biological father is terminally ill and she struggles with coming forward with the truth and then the aftermath of what many feel as lies and betrayal. While some of the character's feelings felt legitimate, others did not. At times, it felt very repetitive. And at others, it felt like the actions were rushed. I like the story itself but not necessarily the writer's style.
June 25, 2017
As I was reading this book, it started to feel familiar to a book I read before but I knew I hadn't read this one. The mystery was cleared up at the end of the book when I found that the main character's story continues in the next book--it was that one that I read.
The story was all right. The characters were somewhat believable and the circumstances they were in were believable but some of the details didn't feel right. I was expecting a bit more uplifting of a story based on the title and cover photo.
The story was all right. The characters were somewhat believable and the circumstances they were in were believable but some of the details didn't feel right. I was expecting a bit more uplifting of a story based on the title and cover photo.
March 15, 2015
I love when stories tackle the subject of past decisions coming up to have real time consequences! There is something compelling about seeing how the past does affect our future and to see how each character works out the kinks makes for a very interesting to read. There are interesting and engaging characters and a story that keeps along at a good pace. You find yourself rooting for them all to find the peace that they all, in their own right, deserve!
4.0 stars
4.0 stars
April 30, 2016
I do not have so much to say about this book. It's not my kind of book. It's a story about this woman who has this teenage girl and struggles to get her life back. I'm so against many things that this book preaches so my review may not be very valuable to people who are interested in topics like this. I felt the story was dragged on too long and quite some repetitions. I'm unhappy I read this to be honest.
April 7, 2016
A mid-thirties woman´s past comes home to roost as she attends a reunion of a college club and finds her one-night stand and father of the daughter she gave up for adoption 16 years ago is still attractive and attracted to her, but he is also a victim of Huntington´s Disease. So, does she contact her daughter to let her know? And does she tell him about their daughter? Lots of angst, but well enough written to make me download the next in the series.
January 6, 2017
This book was a cute girlie love story. I like women characters who have strength. Initially, I thought Bethany was strong. But as the book progressed it showed how weak and mousey she was. Although, She does stand up for herself towards the end of the book. The book was enjoyable and very easy reading. There are two books following this one. I took a look at book 2. Possibly I might read it in the future.
September 8, 2021
On the fence about this one
This book had its sweet and teary moments, but overall not entirely enjoyable. I forced myself to finish reading this book, as I hate to leave things undone, but it certainly was difficult. I don't think I'll get the sequel. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't a great one either.
This book had its sweet and teary moments, but overall not entirely enjoyable. I forced myself to finish reading this book, as I hate to leave things undone, but it certainly was difficult. I don't think I'll get the sequel. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't a great one either.
March 26, 2024
This was a book that had been on my kindle for far too long. It is the first of three books and I think that's why I've left it for so long - I wanted to read all three one after the other. This started really slowly and I'll admit I almost gave up with it. But I'm glad I didn't. It was a rollercoaster of a read but I am interested to know what happens next with these characters.
September 18, 2014
I loved the story about Beth and Parker. Beth got pregnant by Parker and he does not know he has a child. I loved the characters and the story about trying to become a family. I am the reading the second book in the series to see what happens.
April 30, 2015
I was asked to read this book from the author. It is a great story of regret then learning to forgive yourself and live the life you want. Beth had a baby at sixteen and this book is about her secret finally coming out. Excellent book can't wait to read the second book!
June 23, 2016
Amazing book.. all emotions in place... and well written
December 8, 2018
Interesting story but don't authors have editors? The grammatical errors, especially toward the end of the book are distracting.
June 11, 2024
free ebook
her friend in college married the guy she liked
she is now living with her boyfriend and his little niece but things are not going well. she keeps dumping money into his house to fix it up and taking care of the child but she wants children of her own and to get married. he is a jerk and didnt want to go to her reunion where she has to make a speech. he says he has to stay home to fix a leaky toilet but as she keeps calling he never answers the land line
the guy her friend married tells her the marriage is not going well and he wished he married her instead. his wife is cheating on him but he doesnt know. she had him take her to a bar to give the wife time to get the guy out of the room (she didnt know she saw him)
her friend is a jerk too
her x boyfriend tells the reunion he has huntingtons which is hereditary and she had a baby by him but didnt tell him as he was with her friend (who he later married) by then. now he wants to kill himself and he wishes he had a kid
she needs to tell the adoptive parents , her daughter is 16 now
the adoption agency closed down and the bldg burned but she found the records in the basement of the church across the street. shes afraid to call the parents
her x boyfriends wife calls her and begs her to come talk to the husband so she agrees so she can tell him about his daughter to make him feel better and so he can call and tell her about the huntingtons
she told the birth-father about his daughter and he got mad, now he wants to sue her
her boss at work stole her idea for spray vitamins
her boyfriend is now taking on his sisters 3rd child and doesnt want to marry her or have a child with her
her daughter called her, she wanted to tell the girls mother about the huntingtons but she hung up on her
the daughter invited them to see her art show and they both were on the plane that couldnt take off due to snow. they drove together. his wife shows up and tells her about his disease and mom and daughter rightly freak out. they leave
her boss keeps calling and telling her to come back but she doesnt and gets fired. her boyfriend calls, they fight and break up. her daughter doesnt want anything more to do with her. she takes the dad with her to get tested.
she ends up moving in with the father of her kid, getting a promotion at work. he is getting divorced. their daughter does not have huntingtons
it has another book after this i hope i can find it
her friend in college married the guy she liked
she is now living with her boyfriend and his little niece but things are not going well. she keeps dumping money into his house to fix it up and taking care of the child but she wants children of her own and to get married. he is a jerk and didnt want to go to her reunion where she has to make a speech. he says he has to stay home to fix a leaky toilet but as she keeps calling he never answers the land line
the guy her friend married tells her the marriage is not going well and he wished he married her instead. his wife is cheating on him but he doesnt know. she had him take her to a bar to give the wife time to get the guy out of the room (she didnt know she saw him)
her friend is a jerk too
her x boyfriend tells the reunion he has huntingtons which is hereditary and she had a baby by him but didnt tell him as he was with her friend (who he later married) by then. now he wants to kill himself and he wishes he had a kid
she needs to tell the adoptive parents , her daughter is 16 now
the adoption agency closed down and the bldg burned but she found the records in the basement of the church across the street. shes afraid to call the parents
her x boyfriends wife calls her and begs her to come talk to the husband so she agrees so she can tell him about his daughter to make him feel better and so he can call and tell her about the huntingtons
she told the birth-father about his daughter and he got mad, now he wants to sue her
her boss at work stole her idea for spray vitamins
her boyfriend is now taking on his sisters 3rd child and doesnt want to marry her or have a child with her
her daughter called her, she wanted to tell the girls mother about the huntingtons but she hung up on her
the daughter invited them to see her art show and they both were on the plane that couldnt take off due to snow. they drove together. his wife shows up and tells her about his disease and mom and daughter rightly freak out. they leave
her boss keeps calling and telling her to come back but she doesnt and gets fired. her boyfriend calls, they fight and break up. her daughter doesnt want anything more to do with her. she takes the dad with her to get tested.
she ends up moving in with the father of her kid, getting a promotion at work. he is getting divorced. their daughter does not have huntingtons
it has another book after this i hope i can find it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
I absolutely loved this book. The author did an amazing job making characters relatable, some likable and some not so much. I was able to empathize with Beth's situation, yet see Parker's side as well.
There's only one disappointment for me and that was the ending.
SPOILER ALERT...
I wish Beth would have not ended up with either man. Neither were good for/ to her. She came into her own in this book and became stronger. I wish she'd have ended the book single and striking out on a new life.
I absolutely loved this book. The author did an amazing job making characters relatable, some likable and some not so much. I was able to empathize with Beth's situation, yet see Parker's side as well.
There's only one disappointment for me and that was the ending.
SPOILER ALERT...
I wish Beth would have not ended up with either man. Neither were good for/ to her. She came into her own in this book and became stronger. I wish she'd have ended the book single and striking out on a new life.
May 5, 2018
A Weekend Getaway (Secrets Series Book 1)
The love story of Beth. All her life Beth has give everything to everyone but herself. She love with Free and help him take care of his niece, Emma into his sister return. When he learn that Beth give up her baby at birth they have a fight and she move out. Beth tell Parker that they had a baby girl and now he is during her? Can life get any worth for her? Great story of love lost and found.
The love story of Beth. All her life Beth has give everything to everyone but herself. She love with Free and help him take care of his niece, Emma into his sister return. When he learn that Beth give up her baby at birth they have a fight and she move out. Beth tell Parker that they had a baby girl and now he is during her? Can life get any worth for her? Great story of love lost and found.
November 4, 2018
AWeejend Getaway
Beautiful story. Mistakes made in the past caught up. Doing what is best out of love. I fell in love with with the main characters. There was heartache and happiness. I felt sorry and hurt, as if I knew the characters personally. I highly recommend this book.
First book that I have read by Karen Lenfestey. Anxious to read the next book in this series.
Beautiful story. Mistakes made in the past caught up. Doing what is best out of love. I fell in love with with the main characters. There was heartache and happiness. I felt sorry and hurt, as if I knew the characters personally. I highly recommend this book.
First book that I have read by Karen Lenfestey. Anxious to read the next book in this series.
January 27, 2018
This book surprised me!
I wasn’t so sure I would love this book, but I did. I enjoyed it from the very beginning and it only intensified throughout the book. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the feelings that came with reading it, and can’t wait to look into the other books in this series.
I wasn’t so sure I would love this book, but I did. I enjoyed it from the very beginning and it only intensified throughout the book. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the feelings that came with reading it, and can’t wait to look into the other books in this series.
May 9, 2018
This is the story of Bethany who is forced to confront the daughter that she gave up for adoption 16 years ago. It is her big secret. She is not in a good place in her personal life (although she thinks she is). A weekend get away at a college reunion starts a string of events that lead to the secret coming out and ultimately her meeting with her daughter.
It is a good story although a little repetitive.
It is a good story although a little repetitive.
August 24, 2017
Nice light read
The angst of Beth, the main character, is endearing and frustrating at the same time. I kept wanting her to discover her worthiness. In the end, a good book I would probably read again.
The angst of Beth, the main character, is endearing and frustrating at the same time. I kept wanting her to discover her worthiness. In the end, a good book I would probably read again.
February 2, 2018
Surprising!.
An unknown author for me. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm glad it's part of a trilogy. I look forward to reading the next book and will definitely follow this author.
An unknown author for me. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm glad it's part of a trilogy. I look forward to reading the next book and will definitely follow this author.
April 25, 2019
A Pedestrian Effort
The issues in this story are very close to me, but I felt it was too trite. It might appeal to romance lovers, but I prefer these issues addressed at a deeper level.
The issues in this story are very close to me, but I felt it was too trite. It might appeal to romance lovers, but I prefer these issues addressed at a deeper level.
October 3, 2019
A weekend getaway
After reading another book by Ms Lenfestey I thought i would give this book a go. Unfortunately it was very similar in topic but the most off putting for me was you could taste the disapproval Ms Lenfestey has for mothers who aren't maternal.
After reading another book by Ms Lenfestey I thought i would give this book a go. Unfortunately it was very similar in topic but the most off putting for me was you could taste the disapproval Ms Lenfestey has for mothers who aren't maternal.
February 25, 2017
Almost made me cry - so moving.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews