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The Secrets We Carry
A shared past isn't always enough to move forward.
For Caitlin, Hope, Ensley, and Rebecca, their much-awaited girls’ week is a chance to reconnect, unwind, drink too much wine, laugh until dawn—and pretend they haven’t changed since they graduated from college ten years ago.
However, the happy reunion takes an unexpected turn when Rebecca fails to arrive.
Initial worries quickly expose lingering disappointments, and when she finally shows up two days later with an enigmatic stranger and a troubling attitude, her arrival does little to ease the unsettled atmosphere.
Gradually, tensions rise despite efforts to restore the easygoing vibe of past gatherings.
When unexpected events and the disclosure of a shocking secret further disturb the fragile balance among the friends, each woman must Can their friendship adapt to change, or are the cracks too deep to mend?
The Secrets We Carry is a compelling story about the enduring power of friendship and the courage to embrace change.
For Caitlin, Hope, Ensley, and Rebecca, their much-awaited girls’ week is a chance to reconnect, unwind, drink too much wine, laugh until dawn—and pretend they haven’t changed since they graduated from college ten years ago.
However, the happy reunion takes an unexpected turn when Rebecca fails to arrive.
Initial worries quickly expose lingering disappointments, and when she finally shows up two days later with an enigmatic stranger and a troubling attitude, her arrival does little to ease the unsettled atmosphere.
Gradually, tensions rise despite efforts to restore the easygoing vibe of past gatherings.
When unexpected events and the disclosure of a shocking secret further disturb the fragile balance among the friends, each woman must Can their friendship adapt to change, or are the cracks too deep to mend?
The Secrets We Carry is a compelling story about the enduring power of friendship and the courage to embrace change.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
About the author
Annette G. Anders
27 books104 followersAnnette G. Anders grew up in Germany but has called New England her home for almost three decades. An avid reader, she had always dreamed of writing a book but didn't realize that dream until she was in her mid-fifties.
Her novels explore questions about relationships, long-harbored dreams, and deep-rooted insecurities, sending her protagonists on emotional journeys of personal growth. Each story is inspired by everyday people, and Annette isn’t shy about letting her characters show their flaws, which makes them relatable and real.
Annette's books have won multiple awards and recognition for outstanding fiction and literary excellence. When she isn’t working, Annette enjoys meeting friends for lunch, reading, gardening, and traveling.
Stay in touch with Annette by visiting her website www.AnnetteGAnders.com and following her on social media:
Facebook: Annette G. Anders, Author
Instagram: AnnetteG.Anders
Goodreads: Annette G. Anders
BookBub: Annette G. Anders
Her novels explore questions about relationships, long-harbored dreams, and deep-rooted insecurities, sending her protagonists on emotional journeys of personal growth. Each story is inspired by everyday people, and Annette isn’t shy about letting her characters show their flaws, which makes them relatable and real.
Annette's books have won multiple awards and recognition for outstanding fiction and literary excellence. When she isn’t working, Annette enjoys meeting friends for lunch, reading, gardening, and traveling.
Stay in touch with Annette by visiting her website www.AnnetteGAnders.com and following her on social media:
Facebook: Annette G. Anders, Author
Instagram: AnnetteG.Anders
Goodreads: Annette G. Anders
BookBub: Annette G. Anders
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 6, 2026
I was drawn in immediately to this beautifully written story of four women who gather each year for a girls' get-together in the Berkshires. It is Book 1 of Soul Sisters, a new series featuring Caitlin, Hope, Ensley, and Rebecca, who have known each other since college.
The author writes in an effortless, almost hypnotic style that pulls the reader in from page one. She creates sympathetic characters who seem so real they could be our own long-term friends.
Book 1 focuses on Rebecca, who arrives late with a handsome stranger in tow. By her arrival, we have also been introduced to the other three women in snapshots that capture our attention and make us want to know more about each one.
The summer solstice beckons as they draw near, and the rainy gray atmosphere as the women arrive belies the longest day of the summer, suggesting that things are not quite what they seem, the theme woven throughout The Secrets We Carry.
To say more would spoil this tale perfect for lovers of women's fiction that grips the heart and captures the imagination, giving us blessed respite when real life gets too real. I loved it and can't wait for the whole series to unfold! Highly recommended!
Big thanks to author Annette G. Anders for the review copy; opinions are mine.
The author writes in an effortless, almost hypnotic style that pulls the reader in from page one. She creates sympathetic characters who seem so real they could be our own long-term friends.
Book 1 focuses on Rebecca, who arrives late with a handsome stranger in tow. By her arrival, we have also been introduced to the other three women in snapshots that capture our attention and make us want to know more about each one.
The summer solstice beckons as they draw near, and the rainy gray atmosphere as the women arrive belies the longest day of the summer, suggesting that things are not quite what they seem, the theme woven throughout The Secrets We Carry.
To say more would spoil this tale perfect for lovers of women's fiction that grips the heart and captures the imagination, giving us blessed respite when real life gets too real. I loved it and can't wait for the whole series to unfold! Highly recommended!
Big thanks to author Annette G. Anders for the review copy; opinions are mine.
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July 4, 2026I absolutely loved this book! It follows four college friends who gather for what is supposed to be a fun, relaxing reunion filled with laughs. Instead, it becomes anything but. All four women are harboring their own secrets, and they quickly realize they aren't the same people they were ten years ago.
The tension escalates when Rebecca shows up two days late to the rental house—and to make matters worse, she brings a mysterious stranger with her. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I deeply connected with Rebecca's tendency to handle everything on her own instead of asking for help. It was a powerful reminder that it's okay to be vulnerable and that we don't need to hide our struggles.
As the story progresses, the friends begin to uncover what has really been happening with Rebecca over the past two years. I would love to go into more detail, but I don't want to give anything away—you'll have to find out for yourself!
It was a fast, gripping read, and since this is only book one in the series, I cannot wait to dive into the rest, when they do come out.
The tension escalates when Rebecca shows up two days late to the rental house—and to make matters worse, she brings a mysterious stranger with her. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I deeply connected with Rebecca's tendency to handle everything on her own instead of asking for help. It was a powerful reminder that it's okay to be vulnerable and that we don't need to hide our struggles.
As the story progresses, the friends begin to uncover what has really been happening with Rebecca over the past two years. I would love to go into more detail, but I don't want to give anything away—you'll have to find out for yourself!
It was a fast, gripping read, and since this is only book one in the series, I cannot wait to dive into the rest, when they do come out.
July 15, 2026
I just finished The Secrets We Carry. I loved it! There was a girl's trip planned, but only 3 or the 4 showed up. I found it intriguing that we knew where the 4th girl was, but the other characters didn't. The others thought they knew why she didn't show, but we're all so wrong! I'm really looking forward to reading the other books and to continue their stories..
July 30, 2026
I have loved every book written by Annette G. Anders and I loved The Secrets We Carry!!! The bond these girls carry, share, and discover , carry secrets that they never imagined! It was a very touching story and I loved every chapter!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Four College Friends, Caitlin, Hope, Ensley, and Rebecca, have a girls weekend for the last 10 years to reconnect, unwind, laugh in attempts to keep things the same. Rebecca once again has failed to show up, the same as 2 years ago. When Rebecca does show up this year 2 days late, she arrives with a man that obviously she has spent the last 2 days with. The rest of the girls feel like she has changed but they can't tell why or how. Rebecca has a secret that puts a lot of tension between everyone. This is a wonderful read with wonderful characters. This is an emotional read that will make you wonder if the girls can once again reconnect and move forward. This was very enjoyable and I am looking forward to the series to learn more about each of them. Thank you Annette G. Anders for the ARC for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a beautifully written and thought-provoking story about four friends who, during their annual girls’ week, begin to realize they may not be as close as they once believed. That discovery unsettles not only their faith in one another, but also their understanding of themselves.
The story weaves in elements of mysticism and otherworldly belief in a way that feels natural to the plot rather than forced, adding depth and atmosphere to the emotional unraveling at the center of the book.
There was a lot happening, and I did not always like every character, but that complexity kept me engaged. I am curious to see how each woman’s story continues to develop as the series progresses.
The story weaves in elements of mysticism and otherworldly belief in a way that feels natural to the plot rather than forced, adding depth and atmosphere to the emotional unraveling at the center of the book.
There was a lot happening, and I did not always like every character, but that complexity kept me engaged. I am curious to see how each woman’s story continues to develop as the series progresses.
July 3, 2026
This engaging book included elements of mysticism, secrets and reconnection. As four college friends meet for their 10th annual solstice reunion at a creepy, isolated property, we learn about each of the characters and try to figure out why Rebecca hadn't been at the last couple reunions. What was her relationship with the male friend who decided to drive her? Was she going to make it to the reunion? The secret Rebecca had been carrying was definitely a surprise and brought in some complex personal situations to examine. I'm looking forward to reading the next books about the other college friends and in finding out how Rebecca and Riven's lives proceed.
July 30, 2026
I was hooked on this author, Annette G. Anders, from her Colors of Happiness series, so when she created The Soul Sisters series, I jumped right in with the first book.
The Secrets We Carry is a treasure trove of mysteries, seances, chemistry, wishful thinking, and plot twists that will leave readers breathless, and able to relate to all the characters, from learning to accept their shortcomings to offering and accepting forgiveness.
Fall in love with The Secrets We Carry from the very first page.
The Secrets We Carry is a treasure trove of mysteries, seances, chemistry, wishful thinking, and plot twists that will leave readers breathless, and able to relate to all the characters, from learning to accept their shortcomings to offering and accepting forgiveness.
Fall in love with The Secrets We Carry from the very first page.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews